When a unit with Assault moves to an enemy-occupied battlefield, does it gain the Assault bonus before the move ability resolves, or must the move ability resolve first before combat starts and Assault applies?

Ruling: Move abilities must resolve first before combat can start. The unit does not gain Assault bonuses until after the move ability has resolved and combat begins.

Sequence:

  • Move ability goes on the chain
  • Move ability must resolve (opponents can react with abilities like Gust)
  • Chain becomes empty
  • Combat starts and attacker/defender status is assigned
  • Assault and other combat effects apply

Nuances:

  • Combat cannot start while the chain is not empty
  • Opponents can react to the move ability before Assault bonuses take effect