40k dice calculator

Unleash the Math-Hammer: Mastering 40k Dice Rolls

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war... and dice rolls. Warhammer 40,000 is a game of strategy, tactics, and glorious miniatures, but at its heart lies a deceptively simple system of six-sided dice. Understanding the probabilities behind these rolls can be the difference between victory and defeat. Our 40k Dice Calculator is designed to demystify these mechanics, giving you the edge in your next battle.

Whether you're a seasoned general or a fresh recruit, knowing the expected outcome of your attacks allows for better list building, target prioritization, and tactical decision-making. No more guessing if that unit of Terminators can take down the enemy Knight; now you can calculate it!

How the 40k Dice Calculator Works

This tool simulates the statistical average of your attacks against a target, moving through each phase of the attack sequence:

The Attack Sequence Explained: From Attacks to Damage

• Number of Attacks (A): This is the total number of dice you roll for your unit's attacks.
• To Hit (e.g., 3+): The minimum roll needed on a D6 to score a hit. Our calculator accounts for the rule that a '1' always fails, regardless of modifiers.
• To Wound (e.g., 4+): After hitting, you roll to wound. This is determined by comparing your weapon's Strength (S) to the target's Toughness (T).
  • S is double T: 2+ to wound
  • S is greater than T: 3+ to wound
  • S equals T: 4+ to wound
  • S is less than T: 5+ to wound
  • S is half T or less: 6+ to wound
  Again, a '1' always fails.
• Armour Penetration (AP, e.g., -1): This value reduces the target's save roll. A higher negative number means more penetration.
• Target Save (e.g., 3+): The base save characteristic of the target unit. This is modified by your weapon's AP. The calculator applies the AP, and also accounts for the '1' always fails and '6' always passes (unless the modified save is 7+) rules.
• Feel No Pain (FNP, e.g., 5+ or leave blank): An optional additional save some units possess, allowing them to ignore wounds on a successful roll. If your unit doesn't have FNP, simply leave this field blank.
• Damage Characteristic (per unsaved wound): The amount of damage inflicted by each successful, unsaved wound. For multi-damage weapons, enter the weapon's damage value.

Interpreting Your Results

Once you hit "Calculate Expected Damage," the calculator will provide you with several key metrics:

• Expected Hits: The average number of attacks that will successfully hit the target.
• Expected Wounds: The average number of hits that will successfully wound the target.
• Expected Unsaved Wounds: The average number of wounds that bypass the target's armour and FNP saves. This is the crucial number that dictates how many damage characteristics will be applied.
• Expected Total Damage: The final, average amount of damage you can expect to inflict on the target, taking into account all rolls and the weapon's damage characteristic.

Strategic Applications and Advanced Considerations

This calculator is a powerful tool for theory-crafting and battlefield analysis:

List Building and Unit Selection

Use it to compare the effectiveness of different units or weapon loadouts against common enemy threats. Is it better to bring more attacks with lower AP, or fewer attacks with high AP? The calculator can help you decide.

Target Prioritization

Against which enemy unit will your attacks be most efficient? Sometimes, focusing fire on a less durable but strategically important unit is better than overkilling a heavily armoured one.

Understanding Synergies

While the calculator doesn't directly account for re-rolls or +1/-1 modifiers (though you can manually adjust the "To Hit," "To Wound," and "Target Save" values to simulate these), it provides a baseline to understand the impact of such abilities. For instance, a re-roll 1s to hit ability effectively increases your "Expected Hits."

Limitations

Remember, this calculator provides expected values, which are averages. Dice rolls are inherently random, and individual game outcomes can vary wildly. It's a statistical tool, not a guarantee!

Conclusion

The 40k Dice Calculator is an invaluable asset for any Warhammer 40,000 player looking to deepen their understanding of the game's core mechanics. By leveraging the power of "math-hammer," you can make more informed decisions, build more effective armies, and ultimately, conquer the battlefield with greater confidence. May the Emperor's light guide your dice!