With the release of the new 8th Edition Codex: Craftworlds, the Eldar are set for a return to the tabletop. Come take a look!
Codex: Craftworlds is a game-changer for the Eldar. You can field any detachment you have and still have the capability to inflict damage and stay flexible on the field. Aside from the Stratagems, Attributes, Warlord Traits, Rune Disciplines, and Relics, it also contains a slew of point cost changes and unit ability changes that have Eldar players weeping tears of joy. Now, our very own Rob Baer will be reviewing the codex in lengthy detail instead of doing a Tips and Tactics session separately.
Here is a sample of our quick and dirty review to give you the lowdown on what you can expect to see with this codex.
For our complete review, be sure to scroll down and press play on the full video below.
Editor’s Note:
Couple of things I misspoke on: Guardians can advance and fire their weapons with no negatives because of battle focus, so with Psychics they are hitting on 2’s. Also Vectored engines requires the vehicle to advance, so great for delivering Eldar, but not for fire platforming.
The Aliatoc warlord trait also makes troops fearless within 3″ (like the Avatar), and there is a stratagem for 2CP that gives Infantry and FLY keyword -1 to hit. So lots of ways to negate shooting at units strategically, and via abilities.
Still reading though the relics & psychic powers and how they can apply to each craftworld’s abilities so leave some though on those in the comments please.
Codex: Craftworlds is a 128-page book that takes the Eldar to whole new level and will definitely shake up the current meta. It will also have players dusting off models that may have been shelved due to the lackluster rules they once had.
The Avatar of Khaine, for example, is back with a vengeance. Great abilities that can be combined with Warlord Traits and a Stratagem make him a force to be reckoned with. Another great change is the amount of units you can field that are not only cheaper but also have access to weapons that can fire multiple shots and/or inflict a high degree of damage.
Guardians can be fielded in squads of 20 for for 8 points each, bubble wrap, and put lots of shots downrange. Support Weapons can be fielded for 30 points each and have a D-Cannon or Vibro Cannon (plus weapon costs = 75 for the D-Cannon).
The Rune Disciplines are another great section for the Eldar that have seen a few additions and changes. For example, in the Runes of Battle, Execututioner: Warp Charge value of 7. If manifested, the nearest enemy unit within 18″ of the Psyker suffers D3 mortal wounds. If a model within the targeted unit is slain as result of this, that unit suffers and additional D3 mortal wounds.
One of the additions to the Runes of Fate is a game changer. Quicken/Restrain: Warp Charge value of 7. If manifested, choose either – Quicken: choose any Craftworld Infantry or Biker unit with 18″ of the Psyker and said unit can move as if it were the Movement Phase. You cannot use Quicken on a single model more than once in a Psychic Phase. Restrain: Choose an enemy unit within 18″ of the Psyker. That unit must cut their Movement speed in half until the next Psychic Phase.
Imagine using Quicken on your Guardians or Howling Banshees to get right up into your enemy’s face before they have time to respond. Rob goes more in-depth and gives you some tips and tactics as to what to look for, what Craftworld attributes are hot, and what you can combo to maximize your Eldar army’s potential in his full review video below.
Codex: Craftworlds: $40
Lost in the vastness of space, the craftworlds float in utter isolation like scattered jewels upon a pall of velvet. Distant from the warmth of sun or planet, their domes gaze into the darkness of empty space. Within them live the survivors of a civilisation abandoned long ago amidst terrifying destruction. These are the Aeldari, a race that is all but extinct, the last remnants of a people whose mere dreams once overturned worlds and quenched suns.
Codex: Craftworlds contains a wealth of background and rules – the definitive book for Craftworld Aeldari collectors. Within this 128-page hardback, you’ll find:
Background
– Remnants of the Fall: the origins of the Craftworld Aeldari, their glittering rise and tragic fall, and the ongoing, desperate struggle for survival that consumes them utterly;
– Organisation of Craftworld warhosts, along with the strategic disposition of Aeldari Craftworlds – this includes a breakdown of the colours, symbols and iconography of the worlds that remain, and the structure of their armies;
– Detailed background and heraldry of the following Craftworlds: Biel-Tan, Ulthwé, Iyanden, Saim-Hann and Alaitoc;
– Wanderers of the Stars: brief profiles of more Craftworlds – Altansar, Il-Kaithe, Lugganath, Iybraesil, Yme-Loc and Mymeara;
– The Doom of the Aeldari: a timeline of significant events both before and after the Fall; presented with the proviso that much knowledge has been lost, this concentrates largely on the Age of Survival with important battles and discoveries listed;
– Background and details on each character, vehicle and unit available to an Aeldari army;
– A showcase of beautifully painted Citadel miniatures, with example armies featuring everything from individual images of models to battle scenes on terrain.Rules
Everything you need to get a Craftworld Aeldari army primed for games of Warhammer 40,000 is in here:
– 46 datasheets containing rules for every Craftworld Aeldari unit and miniature;
– Army abilities reflecting the Craftworld Aeldari’s methods of war on the tabletop,;
– The Forge of Vaul: wargear both ranged and close-combat used by the Craftworld Aeldari;
– Points values for all miniatures, weapons and wargear for use in Matched Play games;
– A Lethal Elegance: rules for Battle-forged armies, including –
– Craftworld Attributes for the following Craftworlds: Biel-Tan, Ulthwé, Iyanden, Saim-Hann, Alaitoc;
– 6 unique Warlord Traits available for any Craftworld Aeldari commander;
– 5 Craftworld-specific Warlord Traits, for the 5 named above;
– 26 Stratagems, with 5 Craftworld-specific;
– Remnants of Glory: a selection of 13 rare weapons and artefacts;
– Rune Disciplines, allowing you to choose between Runes of Battle and Runes of Fate for your models with the Psyker keyword;
– 6 unique Tactical Objectives.
Datacards: Craftworlds: $15
– 13 psychic power cards – 12 from the Runes of Battle and Runes of Fate disciplines, along with Smite;
– 26 Craftworlds Stratagems available to any Battle-forged Craftworlds army as found in Codex: Craftworlds including 5 which are Craftworld-specific, along with 3 Stratagems – Command Re-roll, Counter-Offensive and Insane Bravery – from the Warhammer 40,000 rules, available to any army;
– 36 Tactical Objectives, including the 6 specific Objectives from Codex: Craftworlds.
Codex: Craftworlds is available now online and in local Games Workshop stores. Be sure to press play on our quick and dirty unboxing and review video below for the full review.
For more on the Codex: Craftworlds and all things Warhammer 40k, visit Games Workshop!
About the Author: Juan Lopez
