In the competitive world of Age of Sigmar (AoS), winning isn't just about rolling dice—it's about understanding the probabilities behind those dice. Whether you are leading a Stormcast Eternal host or a swarm of Skaven, knowing your average damage output is the key to making better tactical decisions.
*Average calculated based on statistical probability (Math-Hammer).
Why Use an AoS Damage Calculator?
Age of Sigmar is a game of resource management and positioning. However, the ultimate resolution of most interactions comes down to the combat phase. By using an AoS damage calculator, you can strip away the "feel" of a unit and look at the hard data. This allows you to answer critical questions like:
- "Can this unit of 10 Liberators actually kill that Monster in one turn?"
- "Is it worth spending a Command Point on All-out Attack or All-out Defense?"
- "How much does that Rend -1 actually improve my damage against a 3+ save?"
Understanding the Math Behind the Dice
The calculation follows a standard probability chain. To find the average damage, we multiply the probability of success at each stage:
- Hits: (Number of Attacks) × ((7 - To Hit Value) / 6)
- Wounds: (Successful Hits) × ((7 - To Wound Value) / 6)
- Unsaved Wounds: (Successful Wounds) × (1 - Probability of Save)
- Total Damage: (Unsaved Wounds) × (Damage Characteristic)
For example, Rend effectively worsens the opponent's save. If they have a 4+ save and you have Rend -1, they now need a 5+ to succeed. Our calculator automatically factors this in, capping the save at 7+ (meaning no save possible).
The Impact of Rend and Damage
In the current meta, Rend is one of the most valuable stats. As many units now have ways to stack save bonuses, high Rend is required to punch through. Similarly, a flat Damage 2 or Damage 3 characteristic is significantly more reliable than Damage D3 or D6, as it reduces the variance in your rolls.
Tips for Maximizing Output
If your damage numbers look low, consider these common buffs found in most Grand Alliances:
- +1 to Hit: Usually the easiest buff to get, significantly increasing the reliability of your "bucket of dice" units.
- Re-rolling 1s: Statistically, re-rolling 1s provides a roughly 16% boost to that specific phase's success rate.
- Mortals on 6s: Abilities that deal Mortal Wounds on a hit roll of 6 bypass the Wound and Save steps entirely, making them incredibly potent against high-armor targets.
Conclusion
While the dice will always have the final say, being prepared with the right information ensures you aren't taking unnecessary risks. Use this tool during your list-building phase to compare units and during your games to decide where to commit your most valuable assets.