In Warhammer 40,000 there are many different types of warriors ranging from the mighty Space Marines to the brutal Orks and deadly Eldar. There are other creatures as well, some small, such as the green-skinned Gretchin, and others as massive as the dreaded Tyranids. To represent these creatures in the game there are nine categories that describe the various aspects of their physical or mental make-up. These are called characteristics.
All characteristics are measured on a scale of 0 to 10. The higher a characteristic the better it is.
- Weapon Skill
Defines how skilled a warrior is in hand-to-hand combat; the higher the score, the more likely they land blows.
- Ballistic Skill
How accurate a warrior is with ranged weapons; the higher the score, the easier it is to hit when shooting.
- Strength
How strong a creature is; determines how hard it hits and how easily it hurts an opponent in hand-to-hand combat.
- Toughness
A creature's ability to resist physical damage and pain; the tougher a creature, the better it survives blows or shots.
- Wounds
How much damage a creature can take before it dies or is too badly hurt to fight on.
- Initiative
How alert and fast-reacting a creature is; in close combat, faster creatures get an edge over slower ones.
- Attacks
The number of attacks a creature makes in close combat; increased by charging or fighting with two weapons.
- Leadership
How courageous, steadfast, and self-controlled a creature is; high-Leadership creatures can inspire others.
- Save
A creature's chance of avoiding harm when struck or shot, usually based on armour worn.
- 0 Level Characteristics
A '0' in a characteristic means a creature has no ability whatsoever in that field.
- Characteristic Profiles
Every creature has a characteristic profile listing its characteristic values, illustrated here with a Dark Eldar vs. Space Marine comparison.
- Units
Models are grouped into units — infantry, vehicles, cavalry, or bikes — which act together as a fighting force.
- Infantry
Unit type covering all squads of foot troops, human or alien; can cross almost any terrain and use cover well.
- Bikes
Unit type covering infantry mounted on machines; move rapidly, gain extra protection, and carry better weapons.
- Vehicles
Unit type covering all war machines; move rapidly on open ground, and lose their crew if destroyed. See the full Vehicles chapter for detailed rules.
- Cavalry
Unit type covering infantry mounted on steeds of any sort; faster into an assault than foot troops.