In the grim darkness of the far future, the legendary Space Marines are the Emperor's most devoted and deadly warriors. To command these superhuman soldiers on the battlefield of Warhammer 40,000, you'll need to understand the intricate workings of their "Space Marine Datasheet." This document is more than just a collection of numbers; it's the blueprint for unleashing their full potential.
The Core of Your Crusade: Understanding the Space Marine Datasheet
A Space Marine Datasheet is the essential guide to a specific type of Space Marine unit in Warhammer 40,000. Think of it as the soldier's performance review, combat manual, and equipment manifest all rolled into one. Every datasheet details the unit's statistics, weapons, special abilities, and wargear. Without it, you're essentially sending your valiant warriors into battle blindfolded. Understanding these details is crucial for victory , allowing you to make informed decisions about how to deploy, advance, and engage your enemy.
When you look at a Space Marine Datasheet, you'll find several key components:
- Movement (M): How far the unit can move each turn.
- Weapon Skill (WS): How accurate they are in close combat.
- Ballistic Skill (BS): How accurate they are with their ranged weapons.
- Strength (S): How powerful their attacks are.
- Toughness (T): How resilient they are to damage.
- Wounds (W): How much damage they can sustain before being removed from the battlefield.
- Attacks (A): How many attacks they get in close combat.
- Leadership (Ld): Their ability to rally and fight on.
- Save (Sv): Their inherent armor protection.
Beyond these basic statistics, datasheets also detail the specific weapons each unit carries. For example, a Tactical Marine might have a Boltgun, while an Assault Marine has Chainswords. Each weapon has its own set of rules, such as its Range, Atype, Strength, Armour Penetration (AP), and Damage. Additionally, many units possess special abilities or keywords that grant them unique advantages on the battlefield. These can range from improved combat effectiveness to special defensive capabilities. Here's a simplified example:
| Weapon | Range | Type | S | AP | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boltgun | 24" | Rapid Fire 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Bolt Pistol | 12" | Pistol | 4 | 0 | 1 |
The strategic application of a Space Marine Datasheet involves understanding not just what your unit *can* do, but how it best synergizes with other units in your army and how it counters your opponent's forces. For instance, knowing that a unit has a high Toughness and a good Save means they are excellent for holding objectives or weathering heavy fire. Conversely, a unit with many Attacks and high Strength is ideal for charging into enemy lines. The interplay of these stats and abilities is what transforms a collection of miniatures into a formidable fighting force.
Dive deeper into the specific capabilities of your chosen Space Marine warriors by consulting the official "Space Marine Datasheet" provided with their model kits or found in comprehensive rulebooks and codexes. This is where you'll find the precise details to turn the tide of war.