Can Damage Be Reduced to 0 in Warhammer 40k 10th Edition?

Yes, damage in Warhammer 40k 10th Edition can be reduced to 0, but it’s subject to very specific conditions. Rules that modify the damage characteristic of an attack, such as abilities that subtract from the damage value, cannot reduce the damage below 1, unless an ability explicitly sets the damage to 0. So, while straightforward damage reduction stops at 1, certain abilities bypass this restriction.

Understanding Damage Reduction in 10th Edition

The core mechanic of damage in Warhammer 40k involves rolling to hit, rolling to wound, and then the target making saving throws. Failed saving throws result in the target taking damage equal to the Damage (D) characteristic of the attacker’s weapon. If this damage exceeds the target’s Wounds (W) characteristic, the model is destroyed. But what happens when abilities come into play that modify this damage? This is where the nuanced rules of damage reduction come into focus.

The “Minimum 1 Damage” Rule

The crucial aspect to remember is that damage reduction abilities cannot reduce damage below 1, unless the ability specifically states it can set the damage to 0. This rule exists to prevent weapons from becoming entirely ineffective against certain targets with damage reduction abilities. It ensures that nearly every attack, if it penetrates defenses, will inflict at least a single wound.

Exceptions to the Rule: Abilities That Set Damage to 0

There are exceptions. Some abilities, either through specific wording or dedicated rules, can bypass the minimum damage threshold. These abilities will clearly state that they set the damage to 0. These abilities are rare, and are designed to represent exceptional circumstances or defensive technologies that can negate an attack entirely.

Examples of Damage Reduction

• -1 Damage Abilities: Many units and weapons have abilities that reduce the damage of incoming attacks by 1. For example, a unit with an ability that states “Each time this model is allocated an attack, reduce the Damage characteristic of that attack by 1” will indeed reduce the damage. However, if the incoming attack has a Damage characteristic of 1, it will still inflict 1 damage after the reduction.

• Feel No Pain: A Feel No Pain (FNP) roll does not directly reduce damage. Instead, it gives a model a chance to ignore a wound that has already been allocated. For each wound a model with the Feel No Pain ability would lose, the controlling player rolls one D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the number listed at the end of that ability (e.g., FNP 5+), that wound is not lost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does the -1 Damage ability interact with multi-damage weapons?

If a weapon has a Damage characteristic of, say, 3, and the target has a “-1 Damage” ability, the damage is reduced to 2. The minimum damage rule only applies when the reduction would bring the damage below 1.

2. Can a Feel No Pain roll prevent mortal wounds?

Yes, a Feel No Pain roll can be used against mortal wounds, unless the ability inflicting the mortal wounds specifically states otherwise. This makes FNP a valuable defensive tool against mortal wound-heavy armies.

3. If I have multiple -1 Damage abilities, do they stack?

No, -1 Damage abilities do not stack. The rules typically specify that these abilities are capped at reducing damage by a maximum of 1. Adding another -1 Damage ability is pointless.

4. How do Devastating Wounds interact with damage reduction?

Devastating Wounds weapons inflict mortal wounds on a Critical Wound. For each attack made with such a weapon, a Critical Wound inflicts a number of mortal wounds on the target equal to the Damage characteristic of that weapon and the attack sequence ends. Damage reduction does not apply to mortal wounds inflicted by Devastating Wounds.

5. Can I use a Stratagem to further reduce damage?

Some Stratagems might offer additional damage reduction, but these are generally subject to the same “minimum 1 damage” rule. Always read the Stratagem carefully to understand its specific effects.

6. What happens if an attack has a Damage characteristic of 0?

If a weapon or ability has a Damage characteristic of 0, then no wounds are inflicted from that attack, regardless of any damage reduction. These weapons or abilities would generally have some other form of effect rather than dealing damage.

7. Does cover affect damage?

No, cover primarily affects the hit roll or saving throw, not the damage itself. Cover makes it harder to hit or easier to save against an attack but doesn’t change the Damage characteristic.

8. If a weapon has a variable Damage characteristic (e.g., D3), how does -1 Damage apply?

When a weapon has a variable Damage characteristic, you roll the dice and then apply the -1 Damage modifier. The minimum damage rule still applies, so the final damage cannot be reduced below 1 unless there is an ability to specifically set damage to 0.

9. Can I use a Feel No Pain roll against damage from psychic powers?

Yes, unless the psychic power specifically states that Feel No Pain rolls cannot be used against it, you can use Feel No Pain against wounds inflicted by psychic powers.

10. Does the “Minimum 1 Damage” rule apply to vehicles and monsters?

Yes, the “Minimum 1 Damage” rule applies to all model types, including vehicles, monsters, infantry, etc. There are no exceptions based on unit type.

11. How does the Stealth rule affect damage?

The Stealth rule only affects the hit roll, not the damage itself. If every model in your unit has the Stealth ability, then ranged attacks targeting that unit take a minus one to the hit roll. This makes it harder for the attacker to hit, but doesn’t change the Damage characteristic.

12. What is the difference between a wound and a mortal wound?

A wound is damage inflicted through the normal attack sequence, subject to saving throws and potential reduction. A mortal wound bypasses the normal attack sequence and inflicts a direct wound on the target. Feel No Pain rolls can be used against mortal wounds.

13. Are there any armies that are particularly resistant to damage?

Armies with access to numerous Feel No Pain abilities, “-1 Damage” abilities, or high Toughness/Armor Saves are generally more resistant to damage. Some armies may also have unique rules or Stratagems that further enhance their resilience.

14. How important is understanding damage reduction in 40k?

Understanding damage reduction is critical for effective list building and tactical decision-making. Knowing how to mitigate incoming damage can significantly improve your army’s survivability and increase your chances of victory. For more insights into wargaming and strategic thinking, consider exploring resources at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

15. What is the most common mistake players make regarding damage reduction?

The most common mistake is forgetting the “minimum 1 damage” rule. Players often incorrectly assume that a -1 Damage ability can completely negate a weapon with a Damage characteristic of 1. Also, not understanding the difference between damage reduction and ignoring wounds (like FNP) can lead to misplays.

In conclusion, while Warhammer 40k 10th Edition provides avenues for reducing damage, the “minimum 1 damage” rule ensures that attacks remain impactful. Mastering these nuances is key to becoming a more strategic and successful player.