Warpstone Flux Star Rating Explained

Since Second Edition, Warpstone Flux has been using a star rating system to describe units within the Horus Heresy (Warhammer 30k). Today, I wanted to say a few words about the rating system.

Firstly, and most importantly: all ratings are subjective.

Secondly, all ratings are subjective.

Thirdly, the first point was so good it needed repeating (see point two). Now go back to point number 1. 

Okay, joking aside, what I want to emphasize is that my long term readers REGULARLY disagree with my ratings, and I am certain that any new reader will also do likewise. This doesn't mean that the ratings are useless, but what it does mean is that there is a balance to be struck and I am ALWAYS OPEN TO FEEDBACK (seriously, I want the blog to be useful to the community). How do I go about achieving that balance then? Well, I try to at least be consistent, and here are my rough parameters:

5/5 Stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️). This means that the unit is excellent! I do not give 5/5 stars lightly, nor do I give them all the time. I only give them to truly outstanding units. In this context, outstanding and excellent mean at least several of the following are true. Well above par stat line. Excellent special rules. Alignment with fluff / background is exceptional. Rule of cool applies (this is where the subjectivity comes in a lot, of course). Potential for game domination, or turning the tide of a game is very high. In some cases, the unit might be "broken" in some manner, shape, or form (or put another way: you don't make friends by fielding this in some circumstances). Arguably, you NEED this unit in your army (cf., Praetors). 

4/5 Stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️). With 4 stars, the points cost of the unit is well worth while. The stat line is above what you might expect for the points. The special rules make them stand out, or perhaps the combination of special rule. There might be strong build flexibility allowing the unit multiple battlefield roles, or without builds they can take on multiple roles easily.  Whilst they are not 5/5 stars, they come very highly recommended and they represent some of the best in the game. You are also likely to come across them in both friendly and tournament play. You need to think that you will be encountering them, or that they are popular. They function well! They might also be very fluffy (which I like, and which will boost their star rating from me since 30k cares more about this than 40k). 

3/5 Stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️). These are average or typical units. If the humble tactical squad is 100 points, then this unit is also worth about the same (i.e., you pay for what you get - but note that I rate the humble tactical squad much higher than this for different reasons). They might not have many, or any special rules. They probably don't even have an invulnerable save most of the time. Their stat line is average, or typical for space marines (etc.). Nothing particularly stands out to me, or quite often: the weaknesses of the unit are offset by their strengths. They're okay. Not brilliant. Not poor. Solid performers. 

2/5 Stars (⭐️⭐️). In some way, these units are sub-par. They are not quite worth their points cost, or they are rare to field on the tabletop because there is some flaw - intentional or not. They might be over-designed or too bespoke. They could be ineffective, or perhaps even cannon fodder (which to be clear: is still useful for quite a number of builds). They probably die quickly and easily, or can be exploited. Or perhaps you only field them because they are fluffy and appropriate. You are still likely to encounter them on the tabletop in friendly games, and fluffy tournament lists. But not all the time. 

1/5 Stars (⭐️). There's something very wrong or bad with this unit. It might not be designed well. The points cost might be horribly high in comparison to its effectiveness. The stat line is terrible. The special rules exhibit major drawbacks for you in the game by making the unit less effective than anything of its ilk should be. No one plays this unit realistically outside of very friendly games, or games where you are just testing out ideas and concepts. They might not even be fluffy (if they were fluffy and just bad, I might give them 1.5 stars or 2 stars). 

0/5 Stars. I honestly don't give this rating much, if at all. If I did, this would signify unplayability. Like a combat monster who can never charge (I'm looking at Night Lords dreadnoughts in second edition shattered legions for this level of silliness and star rating). Make no mistake: if I refuse a star rating, something is terribly wrong to the point of not being able to be played rather than just being bad. 

I often use half stars. I will round up or down to get a whole integer for these to display on the blog, and half stars are therein only mild descriptions (I might as well write 3.5 stars as a 4 star minus, or similar to be honest). 

Caveat Emptor applies. I remain your humble servant, and but a fallible human being.