Are datacards essential?

[Axineton]

As in do I need them to play for whatever chapter or army I’m playing as?

 

And what exactly are they for or do they do?

[toaae]

I assume you mean the deck of Psychic Powers, Stratagems and Maelstrom objectives that is released alongside each codex? They are for quick reference. I keep the psychic powers and stratagems my army can use at the table, so I can quickly look for the one I want and reference it without having to pull out my book. For instance, my army has no heavy bolters or missile launchers, so the two stratagems related to those weapons aren't present at the table with me.

If you do play Maelstrom (I do), the objectives deck are worth the cost alone, as they remove the headache of book keeping which objectives you've generated.

 

EDIT: To answer the question in the title, no, you do not need them.

[wildweasel]

 

 

EDIT: To answer the question in the title, no, you do not need them.

 

But they are SUPER handy.

[Axineton]

So the cards are basically reference cards for certain things in the specific codex? i.e. the dark angels datacards reference stuff from the dark angels codex yeah?

[toaae]

Yes. The objectives are also in the main rulebook, just not the 6 specific to that particular army (which are in the codex)

[Axineton]

Yes. The objectives are also in the main rulebook, just not the 6 specific to that particular army (which are in the codex)

Right I got ya cheers mate. I can do without them for now then

[Ishagu]

You *can* do without them.

 

You could also do without pillows on your bed, or anything that isn't boiled rice, or... You get the picture.

 

In the interest of your enjoyment they are a worthwhile investment.

[Wargamer]

Or you can buy some bookmarks for 1% of the cost.

[Rik Lightstar]

I'd say they're probably one of the best value products GW produce. It's the only thing other than the Codex and Rules you can use in EVERY game.

 

Yes you can get book marks, yes you could handwrite them out or print up your own set etc, but for £10 (so cheaper than any unit and almost every single model) they're brilliant.

 

Rik

[wildweasel]

They aren't necessary by any means, but they are super convenient. Sure, you can bookmark the relevant sections of your Codex - but that's one more section to bookmark along with the datasheets you are using, more time to reference, and if you are playing more than one Faction....

The cards let you pull just the Stratagems and psychic powers that are relvant and usable for the game at hand, are quick to reference, and can be placed next to units affected by them as reminders.

[Melete]

$15 USD is a bit expensive for them, but everything GW sells is a bit expensive so I guess that's par for the course.

 

They're pretty great though, they make playing objective games a lot nicer (no looking up tables) and they're a quick reference for stratagems and psychic powers.

[battle captain corpus]

Nope you don't need them at all. But they are handy. Personally I like flicking backwards and forwards through my Dex even mid game as it's how I've always played. But I also have the cards as an extra device. They enhance the experience but are not at all essential. :)

 

BCC

[Raven1]

As in do I need them to play for whatever chapter or army I’m playing as?

 

And what exactly are they for or do they do?

They are a good in game reference, i have them but i mostly use the codex.

 

It is by no means mandatory, a bookmark could can do the sane thing for cheaper.

 

You *can* do without them.

 

You could also do without pillows on your bed

Not like you can do without throw pillows.

[Res Ipsa Loquitur]

Go to any stationery store. Buy a pack of the coloured sticky tabs.

 

They will save you money and much sneering.

[Mileposter]

When used as part of your organization, the Datacards will help you be a better player. They function like flashcards and can help with the quick reference of information on the fly. They will help you keep the stratagems in mind while you are planning your moves and make it to where you have to reference them less and less. They promote compartmentalization when used in conjunction with quick-reference rosters like those offered by Roll Call and Battlescribe.

 

In short, they are an excellent tool for improvement.

[Stoic Raptor]

If you sit there and flip through your book looking for what you want to do, sooner or later you will become That Guy.  If you do it in tournaments, you're slowing down the game.  Technically, you don't even "need" dice - you could use chits in a cup (like we used to do before polyhedral dice were sold).  But if you do that when you're rolling for a unit full of hits, I'll make you drink that cup. :D

 

I find it handy to set out the Stratagems I might want to use, so that they are always at a glance.  Just because you have a bookmark or tab, that's no guarantee you'll remember to use that Auspex Scan when your opponent deepstrikes - but if the card is right there in front of you, it's far easier to make the best use of all the tools you have available.

[Axineton]

I ended up buying some after all the comments in favour of them