For newcomers and seasoned commanders alike, understanding Tau Datasheets is crucial to effectively fielding your forces on the tabletop. These datasheets contain all the vital statistics and special rules that define each unit in the Tau army, from the humble Fire Warrior to the mighty battlesuits. Mastering this information is the key to victory, allowing you to maximize your army’s potential and bring the Greater Good to the galaxy.
Decoding the Data: What are Tau Datasheets?
Tau Datasheets are essentially stat cards for each unit in the Tau Empire’s army. They provide a concise summary of a unit’s capabilities, including its movement speed, weapon skill, ballistic skill, strength, toughness, wounds, attacks, leadership, and save. Each characteristic is crucial for determining how your units will perform in combat and is integral for planning your strategy. Knowing these stats inside and out is essential for tactical decision-making during a game. Beyond the stats, datasheets also detail the unit’s wargear, special abilities, and any restrictions on its use. Without a deep understanding of what is on these datasheets, you cannot know what your units are capable of doing.
Datasheets are used during gameplay to resolve actions and calculate outcomes. When a unit shoots, its Ballistic Skill is used in conjunction with the weapon’s profile to determine the hit roll. Similarly, when a unit is attacked, its Toughness and Save are used to determine how resistant it is to damage. The datasheet provides all the necessary information to efficiently resolve these actions. These details are laid out in a specific format, often including a visual representation of the unit and its wargear options. Typically the Datasheets will provide an image of the miniature, and then the statistics underneath. An example of a datasheet entry might look like this:
- Unit Name: XV8 Crisis Battlesuit
- M: 8"
- WS: 5+
- BS: 4+
- S: 5
- T: 5
- W: 6
- A: 2
- Ld: 7
- Sv: 3+
Furthermore, the datasheet will outline all of the different wargear and weapons that each individual unit may be equipped with. Often this information is listed out, with details of points cost for each weapon. For example, this could be the layout:
| Wargear | Description |
|---|---|
| Burst Cannon | Range 18", Strength 5, AP 0, D 1, Assault 6 |
| Plasma Rifle | Range 30", Strength 7, AP -3, D 1, Rapid Fire 1 |
To truly master the art of war with the Tau, you must delve into the intricacies of their datasheets. A good understanding will give you the edge needed on the battlefield!
For a comprehensive collection of Tau Datasheets and to dive deeper into the units of the Tau Empire, consult your codex. It contains the official, up-to-date information you need to command your forces effectively.