The 6 inch blast template represents a physical manifestation of chaos and tactical precision on the tabletop wargaming battlefield. While modern editions of flagship games have gravitated toward abstract dice rolls to resolve area-of-effect (AoE) attacks, the tactile experience of placing a translucent orange disc over a cluster of enemy miniatures remains a cornerstone of systems like The Horus Heresy and various old-school skirmish games. This tool, often referred to as the "Large Blast" marker, is more than just a measurement device; it is a psychological weapon and a logistical hurdle that forces players to rethink troop movements and positioning.

Defining the 6 Inch Blast Template in Wargaming

At its simplest, a 6 inch blast template is a circular tool with a diameter of exactly six inches. In the context of tabletop miniatures, where a standard human-sized infantry model usually sits on a 25mm to 32mm base, a 6 inch circle covers a massive amount of territory. When a heavy weapon, such as a Basilisk’s Earthshaker Cannon or a Vindicator’s Demolisher Cannon, fires its payload, this template is used to determine which models are hit by the resulting explosion.

Unlike the smaller 3 inch "Small Blast" or the teardrop-shaped "Flamer Template," the 6 inch variant is reserved for high-yield ordnance. Its size means that even a poorly aimed shot can still clip the edge of a unit, and a perfectly centered shot can potentially wipe out an entire ten-man squad in a single phase. The physical presence of the template on the board creates an immediate visual clarity that dice-based "D6 hits" systems often lack.

The Historical Evolution of Area of Effect Tools

The journey of the 6 inch blast template began in the early days of Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Fantasy Battle. During the 2nd through 7th editions of these games, templates were the standard for all explosive weaponry. The game relied on a "Scatter" mechanic. A player would nominate a target point, roll a specific "Scatter Die" (which featured arrows and "Hit" symbols), and two standard six-sided dice to determine the direction and distance the shell drifted.

In 2017, with the release of the 8th Edition of Warhammer 40,000, these physical templates were officially retired by Games Workshop. The move was designed to speed up gameplay. Measuring the exact overlap of a plastic disc over twenty models often led to heated debates: "Does this rim touch the base?" or "Is that model partially under the curve?" The replacement was a randomized number of hits (e.g., Heavy D6), which abstracted the blast but removed the spatial element of the game.

However, the 6 inch template did not disappear. It found a permanent home in Warhammer: The Horus Heresy (often called 30k), a system that caters to players who prefer the granularity and "simulationist" feel of older rulesets. For these players, the 6 inch blast template is not a relic; it is an active, vital component of the tactical landscape.

Anatomy of a High Quality Blast Template

Not all templates are created equal. While basic sets are often included in starter boxes, veteran hobbyists usually upgrade to third-party or custom solutions. A standard 6 inch blast template typically features several key markings:

  1. The Center Point: A small hole or crosshair used to align the template with the target model or coordinates.
  2. Directional Arrows: Some templates have integrated arrows to help resolve scatter without needing a separate die, or to indicate "drift" in wind-sensitive scenarios.
  3. Degree Markings: Used in games like BattleTech to determine fire arcs or specific angles of impact.
  4. Transparency: This is arguably the most important feature. A solid template blocks the view of the models beneath it, leading to disputes. Clear acrylic templates, often tinted in neon orange, green, or blue, allow players to see exactly which bases are covered.

How to Calculate Hits Using the Large Blast Template

The resolution of a 6 inch blast is a multi-step process that combines ballistic skill, luck, and spatial awareness.

The Targeting Phase

The firing player selects a target model within the weapon's range and line of sight. The center of the 6 inch template is placed directly over the center of this model's base. In some older rules, you could target a specific point on the ground, though this often incurred penalties.

The Scatter Roll

Unless the weapon has a "Twin-linked" or "Master-crafted" special rule that allows a re-roll, the scatter die is thrown alongside the distance dice.

  • Direct Hit: If the "Hit" symbol appears, the template stays exactly where it was placed.
  • The Drift: If an arrow appears, the template is moved in the direction of the arrow. The distance moved is usually the sum of the distance dice minus the firing model's Ballistic Skill (BS). A high BS represents a veteran gunner who can correct the aim even as the shell drifts.

Resolving Damage

Once the template reaches its final position, any model whose base is even partially under the 6 inch circle is considered hit. In Horus Heresy, the strength of the hit is usually uniform across the template, though some specialized "Airburst" munitions might have a higher strength at the center (the "hole") and lower strength at the periphery.

Tactical Implications for Defenders: Unit Spacing and Coherency

The existence of the 6 inch blast template dictates how infantry must move across the table. If a player bunches their models together to benefit from a character's aura or to fit through a narrow gap, they become "Large Blast Bait."

The Two-Inch Gap

Most wargames require models in a unit to remain within 2 inches of one another. To minimize the impact of a 6 inch template, savvy players will maximize this distance. By spacing models exactly 2 inches apart in a "staggered" or "line" formation, a 6 inch blast—which has a 3-inch radius—might only be able to catch 2 or 3 models instead of 10.

Terrain as a Shield

Templates are physical, but the "hits" they represent are 3D. When using a 6 inch template on a multi-level ruin, the rules usually dictate that the template "projects" downward or upward. However, models on different levels might receive cover saves if the center of the blast is blocked by a floor or a wall. Positioning a unit so that they are spread across two different floors of a building is a classic counter-strategy to the 6 inch blast.

Tactical Implications for Attackers: Managing the Risk

For the player firing the 6 inch blast, the primary concern is "Friendly Fire." Because the template can scatter up to 12 inches (or more in some systems), firing at an enemy unit that is currently engaged in close combat with your own troops is incredibly risky.

The "Danger Close" Calculation

Before committing to a 6 inch blast attack, the attacker must measure the distance from the target to their own nearest unit. If the distance is less than the maximum potential scatter, there is a statistical probability of hitting their own men. In competitive play, we often see players forgo firing their most powerful weapons if a "Hit" isn't guaranteed, simply to preserve their frontline.

Maximizing the "Clip"

Sometimes, the goal isn't to hit the center of a unit. If an enemy has a powerful character hidden behind a wall of infantry, an attacker might aim at the edge of the infantry unit, hoping for a scatter that brings the 6 inch template over the character. Since the template is so large, the "catchment area" for unintentional hits is massive.

Why Elevated Templates are a Game Changer

One of the most significant innovations in wargaming accessories is the "Elevated Blast Template." As mentioned in various hobbyist catalogs, these are templates supported by acrylic legs or pegs, usually 3 to 4 inches tall.

In a dense urban battlefield filled with ruins, 3D trees, and large vehicles, laying a flat 6 inch disc on the table is often impossible. You end up knocking over fragile miniatures or balancing the template precariously on a plastic spire. An elevated template solves this by hovering above the models. This allows players to look straight down through the clear acrylic to see exactly which bases are under the radius without disturbing the "narrative" of the battlefield.

The 3D Printing Revolution: Custom 6 Inch Templates

For the modern hobbyist, 3D printing has made the 6 inch blast template more accessible and customizable than ever. Digital repositories like Thingiverse host various STL files for these tools, ranging from simple rings to elaborate "Ice Cream Cone" or "Nuclear Mushroom" themed designs.

Material Considerations

When printing a 6 inch template, material choice is vital:

  • PLA (Polylactic Acid): The easiest to print but opaque. If you print a solid PLA disc, you won't be able to see the models underneath. The solution is to print a "Ring Template"—a 6 inch outer circle connected to a center point by thin spokes.
  • Translucent PETG/PLA: With the right settings (low infill or 100% concentric infill with few walls), you can achieve a semi-transparent effect that mimics factory-made acrylic.
  • Resin (SLA/DLP): Clear resin produces the most professional results. A 6 inch template is quite large for most hobby-grade resin printers, often requiring a large-format printer like an Elegoo Saturn or Anycubic Photon Mono X.

Slicer Settings for Accuracy

Accuracy is non-negotiable. If your "6 inch template" actually prints at 5.8 inches due to plastic shrinkage, you are gaining an unfair disadvantage (or advantage, depending on who is firing).

  1. Calibration: Ensure your printer's X and Y axes are perfectly calibrated using a calibration cross.
  2. Expansion Compensation: In software like OrcaSlicer or Lychee, use "Horizontal Expansion" settings to account for the slight widening of the first few layers.
  3. Flatness: Print the template flat on the bed to ensure the circle remains a perfect geometric shape. Avoid printing at an angle unless your build plate is too small, as this can introduce "stepping" that makes the edges irregular.

Non-Gaming Applications: Woodworking and Crafting

While the gaming community is the primary driver for the "6 inch blast template" query, there are two other notable niches where this terminology appears.

Woodworking: Blast Gate Templates

In industrial dust collection systems, a "blast gate" is a sliding valve that opens or closes vacuum lines to different machines. A 6 inch blast gate template is a guide used to cut the housing for these valves from MDF or plywood. These are purely functional tools and have no relation to the circular AoE markers found in wargames.

Papercraft: Explosion Box Templates

In the world of scrapbooking, an "Explosion Box" is a gift box where the sides fall outward when the lid is removed. A 6 inch template here refers to the square dimensions of the box base. These templates are usually provided as SVG or DXF files for use with digital cutters like a Cricut or Silhouette.

The Psychological Aspect of the Large Blast

There is a unique tension that arises in a game when a player reaches for their 6 inch template. In the Horus Heresy community, the "Medusa" or "Typhon" heavy siege tanks are feared not just for their stats, but for the physical act of the template being placed.

When you use dice to determine hits, the result is a number. When you use a 6 inch template, the result is a visual catastrophe. Seeing a dozen Space Marines—models that a player may have spent weeks painting—suddenly engulfed by a bright orange disc creates a visceral emotional response. It emphasizes the scale of the destruction. It makes the "Grimdark" setting feel real.

Why Modern 40k Players Still Miss the Template

Even though the current edition of Warhammer 40,000 is more streamlined, many veteran players argue that something was lost when templates were removed. The "abstracted" blast rules (where you simply roll a D6 to see how many shots you get) ignore the actual positioning of the models.

Under current rules, a unit spread out across 20 inches of board is just as likely to be hit by a grenade as a unit huddled in a tight circle. The 6 inch blast template rewarded players for tactical movement. It turned the movement phase into a defensive puzzle. By removing the template, the game became faster, but it arguably lost a layer of spatial depth that defined the genre for decades.

How to Maintain and Protect Your Templates

Because a 6 inch template is a large, thin piece of plastic, it is prone to scratching and snapping.

  • Storage: Never toss templates into a bag with metal miniatures. The paint and metal edges will gouge the acrylic. Use a padded folder or a dedicated "template tray" in your army transport case.
  • Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth and a small amount of plastic cleaner (like Novus). Avoid using paper towels, as the wood fibers can create micro-scratches that turn a clear template "cloudy" over time.
  • Marking: If you play at large tournaments, use a permanent marker to write your name or initials in a small corner of the template. 6 inch templates are expensive and easy to accidentally swap with an opponent's.

What is the Future of the 6 Inch Template?

As we look toward the future of tabletop gaming, the 6 inch blast template seems secure in its niche. While mass-market games may continue to prioritize speed and abstraction, the "High-Fidelity" wargaming market—led by The Horus Heresy, Necromunda, and indie skirmish games like Forbidden Psalm—continues to embrace physical tools.

The rise of Augmented Reality (AR) might one day replace the plastic disc with a digital projection, but for now, the tactile satisfaction of centering a 6 inch template on an enemy's prized unit remains one of the greatest joys in the hobby.

Summary of the 6 Inch Blast Template Impact

The 6 inch blast template is a bridge between the mathematical rules of a game and the physical reality of the miniatures on the table. It governs how we move, how we defend, and how we experience the "theatre of war." Whether you are a loyalist defending the walls of Terra or a traitor unleashing orbital bombardment, mastering the use and the defense against this 6 inch circle is the difference between victory and a very short game.

FAQ

What is the difference between a Large Blast and a Small Blast template? In most game systems, a Small Blast template is 3 inches in diameter, while a Large Blast template is 6 inches. The 6 inch template covers four times the surface area of the 3 inch one, making it exponentially more dangerous.

Can I use a 6 inch blast template in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k? No, not officially. The current edition of 40k uses the "Blast" keyword, which grants extra attacks based on the number of models in the target unit, rather than using a physical template. However, you can still use it in Horus Heresy (30k) or casual "Legacy" games of older 40k editions.

Where can I buy a replacement 6 inch template? Companies like Litko Aerosystems specialize in high-quality acrylic templates. You can also find 3D printable files on sites like Thingiverse or Myminifactory if you prefer to make your own.

What happens if the 6 inch template scatters off the table? Usually, the shot is considered a complete miss and is discarded. However, some specific mission rules might allow for "Off-table" impacts to trigger other environmental effects.

Does a 6 inch template hit models inside a transport vehicle? Generally, no. The template hits the vehicle itself. Only if the vehicle is destroyed ("Explodes!") do the occupants potentially take hits, but this is usually resolved using a separate set of rules rather than the initial blast template.

Is the "hole" in the center of the template important? Yes. In many rulesets, the model directly under the center hole takes a higher strength hit or is denied certain types of saving throws. It represents the "Ground Zero" of the explosion.

Can I make a DIY 6 inch template from cardboard? Absolutely. As long as the diameter is exactly 6 inches and the center point is clearly marked, a cardboard template is perfectly functional for casual play. Just ensure it is heavy enough not to blow away if someone sneezes at the table.