Unlocking Lethal Hits: A Deep Dive into Warhammer 40,000’s Deadly Mechanic
The Lethal Hits rule in Warhammer 40,000 (40k) is a potent weapon ability that simplifies the wound roll. In essence, if an attack with the [LETHAL HITS] ability scores an unmodified hit roll of 6, the attack automatically wounds the target, bypassing the normal wound roll process entirely. This means a natural 6 on the hit roll is not just a successful hit; it’s a guaranteed wound, regardless of the attacking weapon’s Strength or the target’s Toughness. Let’s delve deeper into how this rule functions, its implications, and how it interacts with other mechanics in the game.
Understanding the Core Mechanics of Lethal Hits
The Lethal Hits rule is elegantly simple, yet its impact on the battlefield can be significant. To fully understand its power, consider the typical attack sequence:
- Hit Roll: You roll a D6 (six-sided die) for each attack. An unmodified roll of 6 is always a Critical Hit and is always successful.
- Wound Roll: If the hit is successful, you then roll to wound, comparing the attacking weapon’s Strength to the target’s Toughness.
- Saving Throw: If the wound roll is successful, the defending player makes a saving throw.
- Inflict Damage: If the saving throw fails, the target takes damage.
Lethal Hits short-circuits this process. When triggered by a Critical Hit (unmodified 6 to hit), the wound roll is automatically successful, meaning you skip straight to the saving throw. This is especially advantageous against targets with high Toughness, where achieving a successful wound roll might otherwise be difficult.
Strategic Implications of Lethal Hits
The presence of Lethal Hits on a weapon can significantly alter its tactical value. Units equipped with such weapons become more reliable at inflicting wounds, especially when facing tougher opponents. This can influence target priority, as a unit with Lethal Hits might be better suited to engaging high-Toughness targets compared to a unit relying solely on raw Strength.
Moreover, Lethal Hits introduces an element of statistical probability. While the rule triggers only on a 6, the consistent chance of an automatic wound makes it a valuable asset, particularly in volume of fire scenarios. The more attacks a unit makes, the higher the likelihood of triggering Lethal Hits and guaranteeing some wounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lethal Hits
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that will help you understand the Lethal Hits rule in Warhammer 40,000:
1. Does Lethal Hits trigger Devastating Wounds?
No. Lethal Hits automatically cause a successful wound on a hit roll of 6. Because the wound is automatic, no wound roll occurs, so no rules that are triggered by Critical Wounds (e.g. Devastating Wounds) are triggered.
2. How does Lethal Hits interact with Sustained Hits?
If a weapon has both Lethal Hits and Sustained Hits and it scores a Critical Hit (unmodified 6 to hit), it will cause one automatic wound, and generate one additional hit that must roll to wound as normal.
3. Do Lethal Hits count as 6s to wound?
No. Lethal Hits automatically wound on a to-Hit roll of 6. Devastating Wounds inflict mortal wounds on a to-wound roll of a 6. So if you roll a 6 to-Hit, you normally skip the to-Wound roll.
4. Is a Lethal Hit a Critical Wound?
No. An attack with the [LETHAL HITS] ability scores a Critical Hit and so automatically wounds the target. That attack’s Wound roll is automatically successful – no dice is rolled, and so no rules that are triggered by Critical Wounds (e.g. [DEVASTATING WOUNDS]) are triggered.
5. What is the difference between Lethal Hits and Devastating Wounds?
Lethal Hits automatically wound on a Critical Hit (an unmodified hit roll of 6). Devastating Wounds inflict mortal wounds on a Critical Wound (an unmodified wound roll of 6). They are triggered at different stages of the attack sequence.
6. What is the difference between Lethal Hits and Sustained Hits?
Lethal Hits provides an automatic wound on a hit roll of 6, while Sustained Hits grant additional hit rolls. The effectiveness of each depends on the target’s Toughness and the weapon’s Strength.
7. Can you have both Lethal Hits and Sustained Hits on the same weapon?
Yes, it is possible for a weapon to possess both Lethal Hits and Sustained Hits.
8. Are there any ways to improve the chances of triggering Lethal Hits?
While you can’t directly modify the die roll to trigger Lethal Hits, abilities that grant re-rolls on hit rolls can indirectly increase your chances of rolling a 6.
9. Does Lethal Hits work in melee combat?
Yes, the Lethal Hits rule applies equally to both ranged and melee attacks, provided the weapon or attack in question possesses the ability.
10. Does Lethal Hits ignore invulnerable saves?
No, Lethal Hits only affect the wound roll. The target still gets to make saving throws, including invulnerable saves, as normal.
11. If an attack automatically wounds due to Lethal Hits, can I still use abilities that trigger on a successful wound roll?
No. Since no wound roll is actually made, any abilities that trigger based on the outcome of a wound roll will not activate.
12. Does Lethal Hits apply to mortal wounds?
No, Lethal Hits makes an attack automatically wound, but it doesn’t convert regular wounds into mortal wounds. The Devastating Wounds rule is the one that inflicts mortal wounds.
13. Can the Lethal Hits rule be canceled or negated in any way?
Some abilities or stratagems might exist that could potentially interact with the hit roll, but generally, if a natural 6 is rolled on the hit roll, Lethal Hits will trigger, and the attack will automatically wound.
14. Do characters with the ‘Feel No Pain’ ability still get to use it if they are wounded by a Lethal Hit?
Yes, the “Feel No Pain” ability triggers after a unit suffers damage, regardless of how the wound was inflicted (including from Lethal Hits).
15. Does the Lethal Hits affect vehicle/monster units the same way it affects infantry units?
Yes, Lethal Hits works the same way regardless of the target unit type, provided the target is eligible to be wounded. The Lethal Hits rule is triggered by the Hit roll and not affected by the target’s unit type.
Mastering the Art of Warhammer 40k
Understanding and mastering the Lethal Hits rule is just one step on the path to becoming a skilled Warhammer 40,000 player. By grasping the intricacies of this mechanic and its interactions with other rules, you can gain a competitive edge on the battlefield. And for those interested in exploring the learning potential of games, consider visiting GamesLearningSociety.org to discover how games can enhance education and skill development. The Games Learning Society is an excellent resource for understanding the broader applications of game mechanics in various fields.
Embrace the strategic depth of Warhammer 40,000, and may your dice rolls always be in your favor!