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Hi All,

Returning player, just picked up the space marines codex along with the Ultramarine supplement and notice there are 2 sets of datacards, one for the codex and one specific to the supplments :S

I've played one game of 8th which was open war no objectives etc, just wondering do I need both sets of datacards? or can I get one or the other? could anyone explain what they are for game wise?

Thanks in advance

You dont need either of them, really as they're just an aid.

They have tactical objectives and are mostly the same for each. The spells and stratagems are different.

They're helpful to stay organized. If you do open war the objectives will be useless.

Don't waste your money on them, I can say that they're pretty much pointless. There's quite a few unofficial ways to get the tactical objectives, Psyker powers, and all that jazz.

Just more stuff to weigh down your gaming bag, when you can get the same stuff on a sheet of paper and use that.

Hell, if need be just use Battlescribe (check it always and make sure it's up to date and matches the Codex and FAQ). I tend to do that, and then print out what I need, and make smaller laminated cards of my own. About the size of a tablet screen, but sure beats flipping through a Codex or draining my phone battery.

You probably don't need both sets, but they can be handy.

I use them just to lay out my stratagems so I actually remember to use them.

They are just a convenience though, and not at all required for anything.

I made the mistake of getting these cards once.

Then I broke down my strategems- some units I don't have or use, some were very situational, some just not something I'd need a card for (like a command point reroll).

Then at the point where I realized that altogether, I had about 15 cards in my hand- I realized a sheet of laminated paper was a better idea.

A sheet works the exact same, but I like to have the cards. I would only need about half of them in any given game too.

They add to the experience and give the game a bit of polish that a laminated sheet doesn't really do for me.

My main army is IG though, and I have about 6k in points, so I generally will get use out of most strategems at some point, just not all in the same game.

 Sentineil wrote:

My main army is IG though, and I have about 6k in points, so I generally will get use out of most strategems at some point, just not all in the same game.

With guard, I can see that. I haven't played my Guard army in like 2 years, it was a hassle dealing with the books.

But then again, I like the sheet for Deathwatch and CSM because it's also got my unit profiles on there. I can filter out things I'm not using and make one specific to my units by squad, and use a wet-erase map pen on there to track any notes or anything.

Thanks all,

final question *if* I wanted data cards would I need to buy the base ones, the space marine ones AND the Ultramarine ones :S so confused lol

Ultramarine doesn't have base ones and vice versa. To get maximum use yes you need both. Otherwise some stratagems evc won't be in cards

The card decks for the factions are good buys.

The Stratagem cards let you show your opponent the relevant rule quickly and efficiently. If they have a question you can hand them the card. Having the cards also enables Maelstrom games. The psychic power cards are also helpful.

It's like $20 to make your games smoother.

Well technically you don't need cards even for maelstrom. But does make it so much easier that lf you play them at all worth just to make your life easier.

Does um have um specic ones?