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In my search to gather things together to get into playing this game I came across datacards, and I'd like it if someone could explain to me what exactly they are used for. I'm guessing these are where you draw up your objectives and such? If so, is it imperative to get a stack that pertains to the army you're using? Or would I be able to buy a stack that can be used by anyone?

Also in the realm of warhammer 40k cards, im interested in psychic stuff. Do the "psychic powers" stack on GW's website give everything I could ask for in terms of psychic abilities? or are there some cards I can only get from different packs?

Much appreciation in advance.

ALSO: I've been using these forums to ask a lot of questions in getting this hobby going for me, and I will likely have plenty more questions in the future (trying to be as inquisitive as I can because of the investment required to play this game). I hope that's alright with everyone.

Data cards are just a card form for rules already found in at least one book. If you have all the pertinent rules sources for you to play (BRB, codexs) then you do not need the data cards at all. There is nothing new or unique to the cards.

The only set of cards worth getting are Tactical Objective cards for Maelstrom missions and even then that's only because its easier to use a deck then manage rolling your objectives off the identical table in the rule book.

 CrownAxe wrote:
Data cards are just a card form for rules already found in at least one book. If you have all the pertinent rules sources for you to play (BRB, codexs) then you do not need the data cards at all. There is nothing new or unique to the cards.

The only set of cards worth getting are Tactical Objective cards for Maelstrom missions and even then that's only because its easier to use a deck then manage rolling your objectives off the identical table in the rule book.

Right, could probably save money then not having to purchase those.

You've been answering a good amount of questions i've asked on these forums by the way, and I really appreciate the help, thanks a bunch.

Even if you did really want cards for gameplay, you can use the mtg set editor to make custom ones for yourself. I

The cards are handy - saves you from having to write things down, which you can forget about if you don't keep looking at the sheet during play. Very handy for Psychic buffs and debuffs to be able to place the card on the unit so its obvious to everyone that there's a Psychic power in effect.

If you can remember that the tactical objectives 11-16 are replaced in your codex (if 7th Edition), you don't need the faction cards. Even Tac Obj cards can be rolled for in the main rulebook. But that's a huge hassle and not advised.

Even tho.i have the generic tactical cards ive ordered the SM ones for my new SM army and already have the kdk ones