Welcome, aspiring commanders! Stepping into the vast and brutal universe of Warhammer 40,000 can feel overwhelming, especially when you're faced with a mountain of datasheets. But fear not! Understanding these crucial documents is your first step to commanding your forces effectively. This guide will break down exactly how to read 40k datasheets , turning those columns of numbers and jargon into a clear picture of your army's might.
Unpacking the Datasheet: The Core of Your Army
A datasheet is essentially the stat block and special rules for a specific unit in Warhammer 40,000. Think of it as the unit's identity card on the battlefield. It tells you everything you need to know about its capabilities, from how hard it hits to how tough it is. Mastering how to read 40k datasheets means you can make informed decisions about unit placement, target priority, and even which units to bring to the fight in the first place. Without this knowledge, your army is just a collection of models with no strategic direction.
Each datasheet typically contains several key sections:
- Unit Name and Profile: This is your basic identification.
- Stats: These are the numerical values that define the unit's performance. We'll break these down further!
- Wargear: What weapons and equipment the unit is armed with.
- Abilities: Special rules that grant unique advantages or restrictions.
- Keywords: These are crucial for army building and interacting with other rules.
Let's look at a simplified example of unit stats. Imagine a squad of basic soldiers. Their datasheet might show:
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | A | Ld | Sv |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6" | 3+ | 4+ | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6+ |
This table represents Movement (M), Weapon Skill (WS), Ballistic Skill (BS), Strength (S), Toughness (T), Wounds (W), Attacks (A), Leadership (Ld), and Save (Sv). Each of these contributes to how the unit functions. For example, a higher Ballistic Skill means they are more likely to hit their target with their ranged weapons. You'll learn to quickly interpret these values as you gain experience.
To truly excel, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the complete set of Warhammer 40,000 rules, which are available in the core rulebook. This guide provides the foundational understanding for datasheets, but a deeper dive into the main rulebook will unlock the full potential of your army.