So, You Want to Play Aeldari? Here’s a Aeldari Factions Guide to the Three Paths

So, you want to play the space elves of Warhammer 40k?

Great choice.

They once ruled the galaxy. The Aeldari empire was a wonder of psychic power and perfect artistry, a civilization at its absolute zenith. But their own perfection became their undoing. An unimaginable indulgence of sensation and emotion led to a psychic apocalypse that tore a hole in reality and birthed a Chaos God. Their empire turned to dust in a single, agonizing scream.

The survivors are a scattered, dying race, haunted by the god they created. In their desperation, they fractured, choosing three distinct paths to stave off extinction.

This guide explores three dark paths. It’s a look at the choices a fallen people make when faced with oblivion, showcased with our painted models to give each path its form.

Choosing one of the Aeldari factions is choosing your answer to the apocalypse. Will you walk the rigid Path of Discipline, embrace the vicious Path of Excess, or dance along the secret Path of Mystery?

Your choice defines your army’s soul.

The Path of Discipline: You might be a Craftworld Aeldari Player if…

…you appreciate a tragic, noble history and a disciplined, elite fighting style.

The Asuryani of the Craftworlds are the survivors who fled the catastrophic Fall of their empire. To avoid the mistakes of their ancestors, they live by a rigid code called the “Path,” dedicating themselves to a single craft or role to master their powerful emotions.

On the tabletop, they are a highly specialized force, combining powerful psykers, graceful Aspect Warrior shrines, and advanced grav-tanks to outmaneuver and outwit their foes.

The Path of Excess: You might be a Drukhari Player if…

…you enjoy being the bad guy and love a fast, brutal, high-risk playstyle.

The Drukhari are the Aeldari who remained in the shadowy dimension of the Webway and fully embraced the decadent lifestyle that caused the Fall. They are cruel pirates and raiders who must inflict pain on others to keep their own souls from being consumed by a dark god.

Their armies are lightning-fast and hit incredibly hard, but are as fragile as glass. It’s a faction of kabalite warriors, arena-fighting wyches, and monstrous creations from the Haemonculus Covens.

The Path of Mystery: You might be a Harlequin Player if…

…you love an elite army where every model is a dazzling, acrobatic hero.

The Harlequins serve the Laughing God, Cegorach, and are the mysterious keepers of Aeldari lore. They are warrior-performers whose battles are a deadly dance, moving between their divided cousins in the Craftworlds and Commorragh with impunity.

On the table, they are an army of jesters and killers with unparalleled mobility, potent close-combat attacks, and a whole lot of tricks up their sleeves.

So, Who Are You? Finding Your Place Among the Aeldari

So, the choice is made. The Path has been chosen.

When you choose between the stoic survivors of the Craftworlds, the vicious raiders of Commorragh, or the enigmatic dancers of the Harlequins, you are choosing an identity. You are declaring your answer to the Fall.

Now, it’s time to show the galaxy what that identity looks like. An army that is a true reflection of its lore: painted with the right colors, atmosphere, and detail. This is what makes other players stop and take notice. It’s what makes your army the one everyone talks about after the game.

If you’re ready to give your chosen Path a physical form that will turn heads on the tabletop, we’re here to help. Send us your choice, and let’s build the army that is unmistakably you.

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PS. This is how the Astra Militarum distinguishes the Aeldari:

We think our Aeldari factions guide sorts things out a little better 🙂