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Warhammer is a massive investment, one that can turn players away from trying new models. However there is a way, but it has to be done right.
One of the biggest draws of Warhammer 40K is collecting new models and bringing them to the battlefield. However, 40K is also a huge investment, with many models being quite expensive. This means many players avoid trying out new units, as buying new models comes with the risk of them not fitting the player’s style. However, there is an a way for players to test new options without spending lots of money something that might not get used.
“Counts as” is a simple enough concept to understand, at least in its simplest form. Essentially, it allows players to use other models to represent certain units, giving them a chance to test out new gameplay strategies so they can decide whether the models in question will be worth it.. However, there are certain ways to do this to make it both fun and fair for both players.
One of the most important things to do is to first get the consent of the opponent. While this may seem self-explanatory, both players must know exactly what is happening and why. For instance, informing the opponent what each unit is and what it does is considered polite in most friendly games, and this goes doubly so when using stand-in models. Establishing this fromt he start prevents players from feel cheated by whatever the outcome is. It is also important to maintain a measured response if the other player disagrees and to try and reach a compromise.
Warhammer is played using a points system for units, by which each unit has a points cost, and extras are purchased for more points. Constructing an army list is often as much about getting the most out of the available points as it is about making a functioning list. An important aspect of using “counts as” is to keep a detailed list of the points values of the missing units and their upgrades. Not only will this make life easier while creating the final list, but it will also mean that the opponent can get an idea of what they are facing.
While knowing the points value is important, it is not the only part of the codex players need to focus on. It’s important for players to at least have a basic knowledge of the units they are using, such as the basic stats of each unit, their wargear and their special rules. This not only makes the test play more instructive, but also allows players to keep their opponents informed when necessary. While it isn’t unusual to keep certain detail secret until the unit is engaged in play, making sure you can inform the opponent of the effects and skills promptly helps to keep gameplay fluid.
On the table, models have many details that affect them on the battlefield. One of the most important has to do with unit sizes. For instance, a unit of Space Marines will have fewer troops in it than a unit of Tyranid Gaunts. This is important in gameplay because it affects combat and shooting. Combat has to do with how the troops move into close combat after the initial phase and how many attacks can be allocated. Meanwhile, shooting has to do with different ranges, which determine who can be hit. It is a good rule of thumb to make sure that the “counts as” units have the same number of models in them as the actual unit.
Another important aspect has to do with the model’s size and the base size. Warhammer is full of varied units, some as small as a chicken and others the size of buildings. This variation makes the tabletop an amazing sight to behold and can make even small games visually spectacular. However, these sizes have more of an effect than just aesthetics, and “counts as” models need to be keep that in mind.
Ideally, models should be of a similar height to whatever they are representing. This means that shooting is easier, as cover rules are the same and base sizes mean the correct number of models can engage in combat. If this isn’t possible, it is usually a good idea to know the size of a model and use a tape measure to keep it fair.
“Counts as” is a way for players to explore their hobby and use units — and even armies — that they may not own. When it comes to friendly games, it also gives players the chance to add more variation and test their skills against new models and armies. However, Warhammer battles are, first and foremost, meant to be fun, and an important part of that is keeping fair for both players.
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