If you ever encounter a unit of 11+ T6 or T7 targets, you should use the auto bolt rifle.Against units of 6-10 models the auto bolt rifle is better than frag grenades against T4, T6, and T7 targets.The auto bolt rifle is always superior to frag grenades against small units outside of T5 or T8 targets, and better than krak grenades against T7 targets with a save of 4+ or worse.

The viability of the bolt rifle is dependent on the target the krak grenade is always equal to or better than the bolt rifle, but depending on the toughness and save rapid firing may be a better choice.

Blight grenades are perfect for every occasion.

The lasgun is inferior to frag or krak grenades.

The bolter is inferior to frag and krak grenades with the exception of rapid firing against T6 or T7 targets with a single wound.

Krak grenades are less useful against single wound targets.

To emphasize the point these charts do not take into account lost wounds or targets of more than six models.

ThereвЂ™s a lot to parse through here so the major takeaways are below: I also examined the plasma grenade to the shuriken catapult and the plasma grenade was the superior option in every case. The results also indicate that the lasgun, which is categorically worse than the bolter, is going to be inferior to the frag and krak grenade options for every scenario.ДЇor Primaris marines we have two options to examine. First we have the bolter for use against the frag, krak, and plague grenade options. If the resulting value is negative then the grenade is the optimal choice for that combination of parameters. To make a comparison, we subtract the expected value of the grenade attack from the expected value of the gun attack. Note that these expected value charts do not take into account the possibility of wasted wounds the benefit of a krak grenade is lost against a single wound target.ДЄnd we do the same chart for several common weapons fielded by the models which use those grenades. The image below shows the expected value in terms of damage given a hit this allows us to make a comparison between attacks from the same BS. Melta bombs and demolition charges are special cases designed for scenarios where the alternative is a bolter or a lasgun, so instead weвЂ™ll focus on the more common frag, krak, plasma, and blight. The easiest way to compare the output of these weapons to the shot theyвЂ™re replacing is to use the expected value and see which weapon comes out on top.

Skyweavers get star bolas which get D3 shots at S6, AP-3, and 2 damage.

Demolition charges as S8, AP -3, and D3 damage.

Melta bombs are S8, AP -4, and D6 damage.

Plasma grenades have D6 shots at S4 AP-1 and 1D damage.

Archaeotech grenades have the same profile but D3 shots and can only be used once per battle.

Krak grenades get 1 shot at S6, AP -1, D3 damage.

Concussion grenades (which are really cool weapons only used by the Elucidian Starstriders) use the same profile but only get D3 shots.

Blight and frag grenades have D6 shots at a S3, AP 0, 1 damage profile.

With the exception of electrobane, krak, and melta (all single shot attacks) all grenades have the Blast keyword.

In terms of profiles there are a surprisingly limited number of grenade options, with four profiles that are more or less the same and a few extra options added on as notes. So when should they be used? Grenade Comparisons The exception are Primaris Intercessors equipped with an auxiliary grenade launcher, who can fire a frag or krak grenade 30вЂі. Grenades are also inherently close-assault weapons, with ranges that cap out at 12вЂі and are generally around 6вЂі (or 4вЂі for a melta bomb). Whether the weapon be frag, krak, haywire, shock, blight, photon, or plasma you only get one attempt. In terms of the rules grenades are a special type of weapon with a single rule only one model can use a grenade when that unit shoots. TheyвЂ™re often incredibly commonplace, particularly in Space Marine units, but are rarely used. The grenade is a bit of an oddity in 40K. вЂњGuy casually popping smokeвЂќ will never cease to be a hilarious model. This weekвЂ™s article takes a look at the utility of grenades in Warhammer 40K, and at what point (if ever) should you consider tossing one instead of shooting the enemy in the face.

Warhammer 40k grenade launcher