The Cornerstone of Combat Warhammer Data Sheet Explained
A Warhammer Data Sheet is essentially the rulebook for a specific unit in your army. Think of it as the character card for your miniature, detailing everything it can do in a game of Warhammer. These sheets are vital for every player, from the newest recruit to the seasoned veteran, as they dictate how your units move, shoot, fight, and survive. Without a firm grasp of your data sheets, you're essentially bringing a beautifully painted army to the battlefield without knowing how to properly command it.
Here's a breakdown of what you'll typically find on a Warhammer Data Sheet:
- Unit Name and Type The clear identification of what the unit is.
- Characteristics The core stats that define the unit's performance.
- Abilities Special rules that grant unique advantages or impose limitations.
- Wargear The weapons and equipment the unit carries.
- Keywords Tags that link units together for certain rules and stratagems.
The information on a data sheet is used constantly throughout a game. Before the game even begins, you'll use them to select your army and determine point costs. During the game, when you need to see how far a unit can move, how accurate its shooting is, or how tough it is in combat, you'll refer to its data sheet. The importance of correctly interpreting and applying these rules cannot be overstated, as it directly influences your success and enjoyment of the game.
Let's look at some common characteristics you'll see:
| Characteristic | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Movement (M) | How many inches the unit can move in the Movement phase. |
| Weapon Skill (WS) | The chance to hit in melee combat. |
| Ballistic Skill (BS) | The chance to hit with shooting attacks. |
| Strength (S) | The power of a unit's attack against its target's Toughness. |
| Toughness (T) | How resistant a unit is to damage. |
| Wounds (W) | How much damage a unit can take before being removed. |
| Attacks (A) | The number of attacks a unit makes in melee. |
| Leadership (Ld) | A unit's morale and resilience against battlefield tests. |
| Save (Sv) | The chance to ignore incoming damage on a successful armor save. |
Understanding these basic stats is the first step. Beyond that, special abilities and wargear can drastically change how a unit plays. For example, a unit with the 'Feel No Pain' ability can ignore some incoming damage, while a unit with a specific weapon might ignore enemy armor saves. These nuances are where strategic depth truly lies, and they are all laid out for you on the data sheet.
To truly master the battlefield, familiarize yourself with the data sheets of your most-used units. The best way to learn is by doing! Take the time to read through the details of your own army's data sheets and the data sheets of your opponents' armies when you have the chance. This dedicated approach will build your confidence and tactical understanding.
Now that you have a foundational understanding, dive into the comprehensive resources available to explore these sheets in even greater detail. The resources mentioned in the next section will be your invaluable companions in mastering every facet of your Warhammer Data Sheets.