The Aeldari – known to longtime players as the Eldar – are one of the most ancient species in the Warhammer 40k galaxy. Once an empire mightier than even the Imperium, the Aeldari are now reduced to a handful of Craftworlds and settlements. They still see it as their mission to protect the galaxy from Chaos, though, and they'll do whatever it takes.
Related: Warhammer 40k: Who Are The Eldar?
The Aeldari are recommended for advanced players, since most of their units have very specific strengths and weaknesses. Played correctly, an Aeldari army can zip around the battlefield, confounding their helpless enemies. Try these kits to get started!
All Warhammer model kits require assembly and come out of the box unpainted. Your models may look different from the ones shown once they're complete.
Guardian Defenders
Guardian Defenders are the most basic Aeldari soldiers. The Aeldari don't have many options for filling out basic requirements in an army roster, so you'll probably see a unit or two of these in most collections.
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Guardian Defenders are about the same stat-wise as Astra Militarum Guardsmen, so their primary role is to hold objectives, soak up fire, and whittle down enemy numbers with their shuriken catapults. Their biggest advantage, though, is their heavy weapon platform, which allows them to punch well above their weight once they've dug in!
Each box set comes with enough parts to build ten Guardian Defenders, plus a single heavy weapon platform that can be equipped with your choice of armament. The soldiers can be equipped with shuriken catapults, or with a handful of more specialized weapons.
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Farseer
The Aeldari have some of the most powerful psykers in all of Warhammer, and the Farseers are the best of the bunch. While they might not have the combat prowess of an Autarch, a Farseer brings a range of devastating psychic powers to the battlefield that few characters – from any faction – can match.
Many armies don't have a lot of tools for handling a strong psyker, so a Farseer can give you a massive advantage in most games. Just be sure to protect them, since you want to keep manifesting the power of the Warp throughout the entire match if possible!
Each kit contains enough parts to build one Aeldari Farseer.
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Fire Dragons
For the most part, Aeldari armies excel at dealing with infantry but can struggle against heavy armor and tanks. That's where the Fire Dragons come in. Armed with fusion guns, they can melt through the plating of even a Land Raider with ease.
Fire Dragons need to be deployed strategically, since they're the most effective up close. Naturally, they'll be a priority target while they're on the way, so protect them as best you can with a blessing from your Far Seer or a unit of Guardians to screen for them.
Each box set contains enough parts to build six Aeldari Fire Dragons, including an Exarch to lead the squad.
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Related: Best T'au Empire Model Kits For Warhammer 40k
Howling Banshees
The Howling Banshees specialize in close combat, and are some of the deadliest melee units in the game. With multiple attacks per model and armor-penetrating power swords, these Aeldari elites can carve up a squad of Space Marines with a single charge.
Howling Banshees often compete for roster space with their heavy-hitting counterpart, the Striking Scorpions. While it's true that the Striking Scorpions can deal damage to unarmored troops more reliably thanks to their higher Strength, the Howling Banshee's ability to ignore enemy armor altogether makes them the winner in our book.
Each kit contains enough parts to build five Howling Banshees, one of whom can optionally be assembled as an Exarch. The Exarch has several additional weapon options to maximize her combat effectiveness.
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Wave Serpent
Aeldari armies tend to have a low model count, and their decidedly average Toughness and Saves mean that keeping your troops alive as long as possible is key to success when playing as them. One key way to protect your infantry is to pack them into armored transports – in the Aeldari's case, the Wave Serpent.
Wave Serpents are among the few hover-transports in Warhammer 40k, adding to the Aeldari's already-impressive mobility. There's very little that can get in the way of this lightning-fast troop carrier as it brings your soldiers to their objectives. It comes lightly armed, letting it defend itself in a pinch, but will likely rely on supporting fire from heavier tanks to make sure it reaches its destination.
Each kit contains enough parts to build one Aeldari Wave Serpent.
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Hemlock Wraithfighter / Crimson Hunter
Aircraft can make or break a game of Warhammer 40k, and the Aeldari have some excellent options for maintaining air superiority. The Hemlock Wraithfighter excels at providing close air support to your troops, mowing down infantry from the sky with each pass over the battlefield. The Crimson Hunter, on the other hand, is the perfect counter to enemy aircraft, ensuring that you won't suffer any strafing or bombing runs of your own.
Each kit contains enough parts to build one Aeldari aircraft, which can be constructed as either a Hemlock Wraithfighter or a Crimson Hunter.
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Windriders
Aeldari jetbike troops – Windriders – can move across the battlefield with frightening ease. You can use them to contest objectives as the game draws to a close, to draw enemy fire while expertly dodging, or to target weak points in the enemy army such as artillery or heroes caught out in the open.
Each kit contains enough parts to build three Aeldari Windriders, each of which can be equipped with a shuriken cannon for attacking infantry or a scatter laser for heavier targets. You can also send a character riding a jetbike to ride along with them, making your Windrider squad as deadly as possible!
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Wraithlord
When most Warhammer players think of the Aeldari, the Wraithlord is often the first model that comes to mind. The cornerstone of the Aeldari arsenal since the faction was first introduced to the game, Wraithlords are an iconic part of 40k lore and history.
Each of these mechanical giants contains the soul of a fallen Aeldari warrior, saved from destruction and given a new body to fight once more. Not only do Wraithlords possess a versatile array of weapon options, but they can hold the line in close combat, going toe-to-toe with monsters like Daemon Princes and coming out on top.
Each kit contains enough parts to build one Wraithlord, with several options for hand weapons as well as wrist- and shoulder-mounted armaments.
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