Aeldari (Warhammer 40,000): the faction guide

Aeldari are the ancient, technologically gifted and dwindling elves of Warhammer 40,000, and they suit players who like mobile, precise, skill-based armies. They tend to reward careful positioning and clever use of specialist units over brute force. A good first step is the Codex: Aeldari and a small group of infantry and a character, then growing from there.

What are the Aeldari in Warhammer 40,000?

The Aeldari are an old race whose civilisation fell long before the current age of the setting. Their survivors live in several ways: on vast craftworlds, as roaming Corsairs, as Exodites on distant planets, and as the masked Harlequin performers. Their dark cousins, the Drukhari, are a separate faction with their own range.

That variety is why the range feels so broad. One army can be built around disciplined warriors, spirit-driven constructs, aspect shrine specialists, fast jetbikes or a mix of all of them.

How do Aeldari play?

Aeldari are widely known as a fast, flexible and skilful army. Many units are specialists that do one job very well, so the army rewards players who think about timing, movement and which unit to commit where. Psychic characters, mobile transports and elite infantry all feature heavily.

The other side of that coin is that they are not an army that shrugs off mistakes. If you enjoy outmanoeuvring an opponent rather than trading blows head-on, they are a strong fit. If you prefer a sturdy, forgiving horde, the Astra Militarum guide may suit you better.

Where should I start an Aeldari army?

A sensible first collection is one leader, one or two troop-style units and one specialist unit that you find exciting to paint. These are good first purchases:

• Dire Avengers: disciplined infantry that form a dependable core and are a pleasant first paint job.
• Guardian Defenders: the everyday citizen-soldiers of a craftworld, useful for filling out an army.
• Aeldari Autarch: a battlefield commander who gives your force a clear leader.
• Farseer Skyrunner: a psychic leader on a jetbike, a good fit if you want the army's mystical side.
• Wave Serpent/Falcon: a multipart grav-tank kit that carries troops or acts as a gun platform.

If you are new to the hobby as a whole, the complete Warhammer buying guide explains what else you need beyond the models, and the Warhammer 40,000 guide covers how the game itself works.

Which Aeldari kits are worth knowing?

Infantry and shooting

• Dark Reapers: grim long-range specialists in armour.
• Aeldari Rangers: scouts and snipers who work at the edge of the battlefield.
• Fire Dragons: close-range tank hunters, built to crack heavy targets.
• Warp Spiders: teleporting skirmishers that suit an opportunistic style.
• Swooping Hawks: winged warriors who strike from the air.

Psykers and spirit warriors

• Aeldari Warlocks: psychic support squads that pair well with other infantry.
• Spiritseer: a psyker who ties into the spirit-construct side of the army.
• Wraithguard: constructs housing the souls of the dead, sturdy and distinctive.
• Wraithknight: the large centrepiece kit for players who want a showpiece.
• Avatar of Khaine: a towering embodiment of the war god and an eye-catching centrepiece.

Fast attack and jetbikes

• Windriders: jetbike riders that give the army speed.
• Shining Spears: lance-armed jetbike knights for fast strikes.
• Vyper/Starfang: light, agile skimmers.
• Shroud Runners: mounted scouts for a stealthier approach.

Who are the Phoenix Lords?

Phoenix Lords are legendary warriors, each tied to an Aspect Warrior shrine. They work as characters that lead the matching unit, and they are popular with painters because each has a strong identity. Each one pairs naturally with the squads above:

• Asurmen leads the Dire Avengers.
• Baharroth leads the Swooping Hawks.
• Fuegan leads the Fire Dragons.
• Jain Zar leads the Howling Banshees.
• Lhykhis leads the Warp Spiders.
• Maugan Ra leads the Dark Reapers.

What about Corsairs and Harlequins?

If the craftworld look is not what you want, Corsairs offer a more rogue-like option. Corsair Skyreavers and Corsair Voidreavers give you mercenary infantry, while Prince Yriel and Kharseth are named leaders for such a force.

The Harlequin Troupe is a good choice if you want performers in bright, theatrical colours. For the Drukhari side of the family, Wyches are a gladiatorial kit, though they belong to a different codex.

How do I paint Aeldari?

Aeldari are often painted in a single dominant craftworld colour with contrasting trim. Clean, limited schemes tend to look best, since the sculpts have smooth surfaces and fine detail. Beginners can start with the guide to starting painting, and the Citadel paints guide helps you choose between base, layer, shade and contrast ranges.

If you also want to compare how other armies approach colour, the Blood Angels, Black Templars, Adeptus Mechanicus and Adeptus Custodes guides each cover a distinct look.

Which Aeldari codex should I buy?

The codex holds the army's rules, background and army-building information. Two editions are listed: the standard Codex: Aeldari (English) and the Codex: Aeldari (Hardback). Pick the hardback if you want a sturdier copy for a shelf, and either one if you mainly want the rules for play. Check that the edition matches the current version of the game before buying.

Aeldari FAQ

Are Aeldari good for beginners?

They can be, especially if you start with a small, focused force. They are generally considered a skill-rewarding army, so expect a learning curve around positioning and unit roles. Painting is straightforward because the models have clean shapes.

What is the difference between Aeldari and Drukhari?

Both descend from the same ancient race, but they are separate factions with different models and rules. Aeldari include craftworlds, Corsairs, Harlequins and Exodites, while Drukhari are the dark kin who live in Commorragh.

Can I mix craftworld, Corsair and Harlequin models?

Many collectors do, since they share a visual language and a background. Rules for combining them can change between editions, so check your codex and the current game rules before building.

Which Aeldari box is best for painting practice?

Dire Avengers or Guardian Defenders are good practice, because they are infantry with simple shapes and a limited number of parts. A single character is another good low-pressure way to try a scheme.

Do I need a codex to play Aeldari?

You need access to the current rules for your army, and the codex is the usual way to get them. Buying one also gives you the background and army-building guidance in one place.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer 40,000
• Astra Militarum (Warhammer 40,000)
• Black Templars (Warhammer 40,000)
• Blood Angels (Warhammer 40,000)
• Adeptus Mechanicus (Warhammer 40,000)
• Adeptus Custodes (Warhammer 40,000)
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures