What is the Blast Rule in 10th Edition?
Warhammer 40,000 (40k) is a tabletop miniatures wargame produced by Games Workshop. The game is set in the grim darkness of the far future, where players compete against each other with armies of miniature models representing a variety of alien species, human settlements, and other factions. The game mechanics involve moving miniatures, attacking each other with a variety of ranged and close combat weapons, and using special abilities to gain an advantage.
In 10th edition, the game received a significant update to its ruleset, introducing new mechanics and clarifications to make the game more streamlined and balanced. Among these changes is the revamped Blast rule. In this article, we will delve into what the Blast rule is, how it works, and its implications on game play.
Understanding the Blast Rule
In 10th edition, a Blast weapon is a special type of ranged weapon that uses a template to determine the area of effect. When an enemy unit is targeted with a Blast weapon, the game rules are modified to account for the weapon’s unique characteristics. The key aspect of the Blast rule is that the weapon does not simply kill a set number of models, but instead, creates a template that affects models within its area of effect.
Blast: The Basics
Here’s a breakdown of the basic principles of the Blast rule:
- Blast Template: The Blast template is a transparent, non-slip circular template used to determine the area of effect.
- Blast Radius: The Blast radius is the distance from the model firing the Blast weapon that the template’s edge is placed. This distance can vary depending on the specific weapon.
- Models within the Template: Any enemy models within the area of effect indicated by the Blast template are affected by the attack.
- Minimum number of Attacks: Models within the template have a minimum of attacks equal to the blast strength +1. (e.g., a Blast D6 weapon minimum of 3 attacks)
Clarifications and Examples
To ensure a smooth understanding of the Blast rule, here are some additional clarifications and examples:
- Multiple Targets: A Blast weapon can only target a single model within the template at a time.
- Models Leaving the Template: If a model leaves the area of effect template while the Blast attack is being resolved, they are no longer affected.
- Multi-Wound Models: Models that have multiple wounds are resolved separately; each wound is treated as a separate instance of the Blast rule.
- Auras and Overlapping: Auras or overlapping models affected by the Blast attack are determined separately for each individual model.
New Blast Weapons
With the release of 10th edition, new Blast weapons were introduced, offering players additional options for managing enemy units on the battlefield.
Table: Blast Weapons Comparison
| Weapon Name | Blast Radius | Blast Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Dakkablast Gun | 12 | 2 |
| Morkanaut WAAAGH! Generator | 18 | 4 |
| Deathwatch Sternguard Squad’s Graviton Blast | 6 | 3 |
The table above showcases some of the Blast weapons available in 10th edition, featuring varying blast radii and strength. Players must carefully choose the right weapon for the specific situation, balancing the need for reliable damage against the risk of models escaping the area of effect.
Conclusions and Tips
To master the Blast rule, players must understand how to accurately place the Blast template and manage models within its area of effect. When using Blast weapons, consider the following tips:
- Accurate Targeting: Ensure your Blast weapons are accurately placed to maximize damage against enemy units.
- Model Counts: Keep track of model counts and adjust your attack strategy accordingly, taking into account models that have left the Blast template.
- Combining Blasts: Combine Blast attacks with other types of attacks to devastating effect against enemy units.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What happens when a model is partly within the template but not fully affected?
- A: The model is not affected at all.
- Q: Can Blast weapons target other Blast templates?
- A: No, each Blast weapon can only target one model per turn.
- Q: What about models with invulnerable saves, how do they interact with the Blast rule?
- A: Such models are protected by their invulnerable save; the Blast rule does not modify their save in any way.
In conclusion, the Blast rule is an essential aspect of the Warhammer 40k game, offering a unique way for ranged weapons to affect large groups of models. By understanding the key principles of the Blast rule, players can leverage this mechanics to gain a decisive advantage on the battlefield.