- Brawling: Experience in the brutal art of pugilism. Covers everything from fighting with bare hands or brass knuckles, through to inflicting devastating blows with a mighty Power Fist.
- One-handed: Extensive training in the use of swords, axes, maces, and other melee weapons that can be used with a single hand.
- Two-handed: Extensive training in the use of larger swords, bigger axes, heavier maces, and other melee weapons that require two hands to use, along with various polearms such as spears and halberds.
While battlefields of the 41st Millennium are often defined by exchanges of horrifically destructive ranged fire, many battles have been won or lost by the actions of brave or reckless soldiers who throw themselves into fierce melee. Away from the battlefield, fights often take place in cramped, dark confines — in dark alleys, cramped maglevs, or barrack blocks where there is neither space nor time to load a rifle or throw a grenade. Sometimes the best option is to stab, strangle, and gouge your way out of (or into) trouble.