A mechanism exists within the Warhammer tabletop wargame system to provide a standardized measurement of the relative strength and cost of units and wargear. This mechanism allows players to construct balanced armies for both casual and competitive play. It’s a numeric representation assigned to each unit entry, reflecting its capabilities and relative value on the battlefield. For example, a basic infantry squad might have a cost of 100, while a powerful tank could be valued at 300. Players then assemble an army within an agreed-upon point limit, ensuring a roughly equitable contest.
The application of this cost evaluation system is fundamental to fair gameplay. It prevents one player from fielding an overwhelmingly powerful force against another. Historically, this system evolved to address imbalances arising from the diverse range of units and customization options available. It also serves as a dynamic tool, with adjustments made periodically by the game developers to account for power creep, new rules, and player feedback, thereby maintaining a degree of equilibrium over time. This benefits the playerbase by enabling relatively consistent gameplay whether casual or tournament.