The Heart of Your Army What Are 40k Datasheets
So, what exactly are 40k Datasheets? In essence, they are your unit's identity card on the tabletop. Each unit in your army, whether it's a hulking Space Marine Dreadnought, a swarming horde of Orks, or an ethereal squad of Eldar Guardians, has its own dedicated datasheet. These sheets are packed with information that dictates everything about that unit's capabilities in the game. Think of them as a detailed instruction manual for your miniatures.Key Information Found on a Datasheet
Within a 40k Datasheet, you'll find a wealth of critical data presented in a clear, organized format. This includes:- Unit Name The specific designation of your unit.
- Points Cost How many points this unit costs to include in your army.
-
Stats
This is perhaps the most important section, detailing the unit's core abilities:
- Movement (M)
- Weapon Skill (WS)
- Ballistic Skill (BS)
- Strength (S)
- Toughness (T)
- Wounds (W)
- Attacks (A)
- Leadership (Ld)
- Save (Sv)
- Abilities Special rules and inherent traits that define the unit's unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Keywords Tags that link units together and enable or disable certain army-wide bonuses or interactions.
- Wargear The weapons and equipment the unit is armed with.
How Datasheets Shape Your Game
The information on a 40k Datasheet is not just for show; it directly influences every decision you make during a game. Your unit's movement stat determines how far they can advance, their Weapon Skill and Ballistic Skill dictate how likely they are to hit their targets, and their Strength and Toughness determine how effectively they can dish out and withstand damage. The strategic deployment and use of units, guided by their datasheets, is the ultimate determinant of victory. For example, understanding that a unit has a high Strength but low Ballistic Skill might tell you it's best suited for close combat rather than long-range shooting. Conversely, a unit with excellent Ballistic Skill and a strong shooting profile will want to maintain distance and capitalize on their ranged firepower.Here's a simplified example of how stats might appear:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| M | 6" |
| WS | 3+ |
| BS | 4+ |
| S | 5 |
| T | 5 |
| W | 2 |
| A | 2 |
| Ld | 8 |
| Sv | 3+ |
This table shows a unit that can move 6 inches, hits on a 3+ in melee and 4+ at range, has a Strength of 5, Toughness of 5, 2 Wounds, 2 Attacks, a Leadership of 8, and a 3+ armor save. Each of these numbers has a direct impact on how the unit performs in battle, from advancing across the board to weathering enemy fire.
Now that you have a foundational understanding of 40k Datasheets, it's time to put this knowledge into practice! Dive into the comprehensive resources available that detail the specific datasheets for your chosen faction.