For anyone venturing into the grim darkness of the far future, the 40k Datasheet is an indispensable tool. It's more than just a piece of paper; it's the very essence of your Warhammer 40,000 army, dictating how your warriors fight, how they move, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Understanding the 40k Datasheet is the first and most crucial step to commanding your forces effectively on the tabletop.
Unpacking the Core of Your Army: What is a 40k Datasheet?
At its heart, a 40k Datasheet is a stat block for a specific unit in Warhammer 40,000. Think of it as the individual soldier's record or a vehicle's technical specifications. It details everything you need to know about that unit's performance in the game. This includes its Movement (how far it can advance), Weapon Skill (how accurate it is in close combat), Ballistic Skill (how accurate it is with ranged weapons), Strength and Toughness (how hard it hits and how resilient it is), Wounds (how much damage it can take), Attacks (how many dice it rolls in combat), and Leadership (how it reacts to fear and morale tests). Beyond these core stats, a 40k Datasheet also lists its armour save, special abilities, and the weapons it carries. The 40k Datasheet is the definitive guide to your unit's capabilities.
These datasheets are used in various ways during a game. When it's time to move your unit, you consult its Movement stat. When your unit shoots, you use its Ballistic Skill to determine hits and the weapon's stats to determine damage. In close combat, its Weapon Skill and Strength come into play. Special abilities, unique to each unit, can drastically alter gameplay, from providing defensive bonuses to unleashing devastating attacks. For example, a typical 40k Datasheet might look something like this:
| Unit Name | M | WS | BS | S | T | W | A | Sv |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space Marine Intercessor | 6" | 3+ | 3+ | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3+ |
Furthermore, each 40k Datasheet will list the unit's equipment and any special rules it possesses. These rules are the flavour and tactical depth of the game. They might include things like:
- Astartes Armour: Provides a 3+ save.
- Bolt Rifle: Range 24", Assault 3, Strength 4, AP -1, Damage 1.
- Sergeant: One model in the unit can be equipped with a bolt pistol and chainsword.
- Combat Squads: This unit can be split into two units of 5 models.
Understanding these elements allows for strategic decision-making, such as:
- Knowing when to advance a unit to get into optimal firing range.
- Deciding which targets are best suited for a particular unit's weapons.
- Identifying which special rules can be combined for maximum impact.
- Assessing how many hits a unit can expect to make in close combat.
For a comprehensive overview and to see how these rules are presented in their official format, please refer to the official Warhammer 40,000 rules and codexes. These resources will provide you with the specific 40k Datasheet for every unit available in the game.