Unleash the might of the Aeldari (Eldar) with our guide to the new codex in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k: here’s how to play, index changes, PDF, rules, tips, strategies, and review!
Updated February 25th, 2025, by Rob Baer. This post has been updated with the latest Warhammer 40k codex rules and profiles.
The Aeldari are fast, deadly, and downright frustrating for opponents who can’t keep up. If you’re playing them right, your enemies should feel like they’re fighting ghosts—ones armed with shuriken cannons, psychic mastery, and enough speed to stay just out of reach. The Aeldari 10th Edition Codex fine-tunes this faction’s playstyle, making them even more lethal with Fate Dice, Battle Focus, and powerful stratagems.
This guide covers everything you need to dominate the battlefield with Aeldari, from the biggest changes in the codex to the best units and tactics. Need to know how Harlequins, Craftworlds, and Ynnari fit into 10th Edition? Looking for the Aeldari Codex PDF or the best ways to outmaneuver your opponents? It’s all here. Get ready to turn speed, psychic power, and precision firepower into your deadliest weapons.
The Eldar (Aeldari) Faction in 10th Edition
The Aeldari are back in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k, and they’re just as fast, psychic-heavy, and glass-cannon-y as ever. This army isn’t about brute force or durability—it’s about precision, speed, and hitting your opponent where it hurts before they can react.
These space elves have some of the most advanced technology in the game, wielding sleek vehicles, devastating psychic powers, and weapons that can slice through armor like butter. If you’re looking for a faction that rewards smart movement, well-timed attacks, and strategic unit placement, this is where you want to be.
Their Battle Focus ability lets many of their units move after shooting, making them incredibly difficult to pin down. One second, your opponent thinks they have a clear shot; the next, your units have zipped away, laughing in their face. Speed and elusiveness are the name of the game, and the Aeldari play it better than anyone.
How the Aeldari Play in 10th Edition
This army doesn’t trade punches—they hit first and make sure the other guy doesn’t get back up. With a mix of deadly ranged firepower, lightning-fast movement, and unmatched psychic abilities, they control the battlefield through precision rather than brute force.
Of course, this means they’re not built to take hits. Aeldari units are fragile, and if you miscalculate, you’ll watch them evaporate before you get to do anything fun. This army requires careful planning—each unit has a role, and if you use them the wrong way, they won’t last long.
Strengths:
✅ Wild speed and board control
✅ Some of the best psychic powers in the game
✅ Lethal ranged weaponry with high AP
✅ Strong stratagems and unit synergies
Weaknesses:
❌ Fragile—toughness and saves won’t save you from focused fire
❌ Requires careful movement—positioning mistakes get punished
❌ High-skill faction—not forgiving for new players
If you like hit-and-run tactics, psychic supremacy, and wiping out key enemy units before they know what happened, this is the faction for you.
Aeldari 10th Edition Codex & PDF – What’s Inside?
Where to Get the Aeldari Codex
Finding the latest rules for the Aeldari 10th Edition Codex isn’t hard if you know where to look.
Games Workshop’s official site – The physical and digital versions of the codex are available for purchase.
Wahapedia – A fan-favorite site that keeps an up-to-date index of rules, datasheets, and points for free.
Warhammer+ App – Official source for rules updates and digital access.
Local game stores and online retailers– Many will have physical copies and rule breakdowns (see our rundown below)
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If you’re looking for the Aeldari codex PDF, Wahapedia is the go-to spot for free reference material, but if you want the full book with lore, art, and all the extras, Games Workshop’s official version is the way to go.
Major Changes from the Aeldari Index
The shift from the Aeldari Index to the full Aeldari 10th Edition Codex brings some key changes that shake up how the army plays.
Reworked Detachments
Gone are the generic detachments—now, the codex introduces specific army builds that lean into different Aeldari strengths. The Windrider Host, for example, makes jetbikes and fast-moving units even more deadly, while the Seer Council enhances psychic dominance.
Stratagems Overhaul
Stratagems have been streamlined and rebalanced. Some of the older, overpowered combos have been adjusted, and a few new tricks have been added. Expect strong utility stratagems rather than outright game-breaking buffs.
Psychic Powers Updated
Aeldari psykers remain some of the best in the game, but now their powers have clearer roles. Instead of being able to do everything at once, psychic abilities are now more focused—buffing allies, disrupting enemies, or dealing raw damage.
Unit Profiles and Weapon Adjustments
Some units got points reductions, making them more viable, while others got slight nerfs to keep things balanced. Wraith units are tougher, Aspect Warriors hit harder, and shuriken weapons got a slight tweak for consistency.
The Aeldari 10th Edition Codex PDF packs in the latest rules, army synergies, and unit improvements, making it a must-have for anyone looking to master the faction. Whether you’re running Craftworlds, Harlequins, or Ynnari, the new codex makes sure you can play the Aeldari at their full potential.
Why Play Aeldari in 10th Edition?
The Aeldari are back in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k, and they bring speed, precision, and some of the best tricks in the game. This isn’t an army that stands still and trades blows—it’s all about hitting fast, hitting hard, and getting out before the enemy knows what happened. If you like controlling the battlefield with movement, overwhelming your opponent with psychic abilities, and dishing out devastating ranged firepower, this is your faction.
Strengths of the Aeldari Codex
High Mobility and Surgical Strikes
Aeldari don’t just move fast—they move in ways that make other armies jealous. Units with Battle Focus can shoot and reposition, jetbikes zip across the battlefield at breakneck speed, and transports like Wave Serpents ensure your troops get exactly where they need to be.
Speed isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. Aeldari use it to control engagement ranges, deny enemy charges, and grab objectives before anyone else can react. This army isn’t about brute force; it’s about striking with precision, eliminating threats, and fading away before retaliation.
Strong Psychic Powers and Stratagem Synergy
Aeldari psychic abilities are some of the strongest in 10th Edition, and they don’t just focus on damage. Farseers manipulate fate itself with abilities that let you control dice rolls, buff your own forces, or cripple enemy units before they even get to act. Shadowseers bring battlefield deception to a new level, making Harlequin units even harder to hit.
Stratagems in the Aeldari 10th Edition Codex are carefully designed to reward smart positioning and planning. Instead of brute-force buffs, they provide tools for movement tricks, defensive boosts, and targeted offensive bursts. Knowing when to use them can make the difference between a win and getting tabled in three turns.
Versatile Unit Options: Craftworlds, Harlequins, and Ynnari
Aeldari aren’t a one-size-fits-all army. Craftworlds specialize in elite infantry and devastating firepower, Harlequins play mind games with their mobility and melee prowess, and Ynnari reward aggressive play with their Strength from Death mechanics.
Want to build a highly mobile gunline that can reposition constantly? Craftworlds have that covered. Prefer lightning-fast melee ambushes? Harlequins are unmatched in close combat. Like an army that gets stronger as your units fall? Ynnari thrive in that environment.
Few factions offer this level of flexibility, letting you tailor your list to your favorite playstyle while keeping a distinct Aeldari flavor.
Weaknesses to Consider
Fragile Units That Require Careful Positioning
For all their speed and firepower, Aeldari units tend to fold like wet paper when caught off guard. Even their toughest units, like Wraithguard, won’t survive prolonged engagements.
If you leave your units exposed, they will be destroyed. The key to success is constant repositioning, using terrain to your advantage, and never standing still long enough for your opponent to land a decisive blow.
Steep Learning Curve for New Players
Aeldari armies reward precision, but that also means mistakes are brutal. Misplacing a unit by an inch can leave it wide open, using the wrong stratagem at the wrong time can cost you a game, and failing to keep up with movement options can leave your army scattered and ineffective.
This army requires a clear battle plan from turn one and rewards players who think several moves ahead. Those who prefer a more straightforward playstyle might find the learning process frustrating.
High Reliance on Synergies and Pre-Planned Moves
Many factions in Warhammer 40k can afford to throw units forward and react to the battlefield as it unfolds. Aeldari do not have that luxury. Their best abilities come from carefully stacked buffs, stratagems, and psychic powers that require planning turns in advance.
A single unit on its own won’t get much done, but when combined with the right support, movement tricks, and abilities, Aeldari units become incredibly deadly. The challenge is making sure everything is in the right place at the right time.
Aeldari 10th Edition Detachment Rules
The Aeldari 10th Edition Codex brings several unique detachments, each offering a different playstyle. Whether you prefer hit-and-run tactics, psychic domination, or unleashing the raw power of Aspect Warriors, there’s a detachment that fits your approach. Understanding these can make or break your game, as Aeldari armies rely on synergy, precision, and speed rather than brute force.
Craftworld Detachment – Battle Focus Mastery
What It Does
Craftworld Aeldari are masters of precision firepower and mobility, striking hard and repositioning before the enemy can retaliate. This detachment enhances Battle Focus, making it a core mechanic for many units.
Key Rules & Abilities
✅ Rerolls on Battle Focus moves – This means more control over unit positioning, letting you shoot and slip back into cover.
✅ Improved Shuriken weapons – The infamous Bladestorm ability kicks in more often, making basic infantry guns hit way harder than they should.
How to Play It Smart
📌 Use Battle Focus to reposition after attacks – Stay out of enemy charge range while keeping pressure on their lines.
📌 Leverage Guiding Runes for consistent damage – Farseers and Warlocks can buff key units, making sure they land every shot.
Windrider Host – Hit-and-Run Warfare
What It Does
If speed and maneuverability are your thing, this is the detachment to go for. It turns Jetbikes and Vypers into absolute nightmares for opponents who can’t keep up.
Key Rules & Abilities
✅ Boosted movement for Asuryani Mounted units – Faster bikes mean greater board control and the ability to outmaneuver enemy forces.
✅ Rerolls on wound rolls when moving at high speed – If you’re keeping up the momentum, your damage output increases significantly.
How to Play It Smart
📌 Strike fast, reposition, and avoid counterattacks – Never let your opponent pin you down. Hit a priority target and get out before retaliation.
📌 Combine with psychic buffs for lethal effectiveness – Farseers can enhance movement and improve survivability, making your Jetbikes even more slippery.
Aspect Host – The Warriors of Khaine
What It Does
Aspect Warriors are elite fighters trained in specific forms of combat, and this detachment makes them even deadlier. The Avatar of Khaine also becomes a terrifying force on the battlefield.
Key Rules & Abilities
✅ Pick special combat abilities per phase – Adapt to different threats, giving you flexibility in battle.
✅ Stronger melee and ranged profiles – Aspect Warriors already hit hard, but now they hit even harder.
How to Play It Smart
📌 Prioritize alpha strikes with Howling Banshees and Dire Avengers – These units are designed to cripple enemy forces before they get a chance to react.
📌 Use transports for rapid positioning – Wave Serpents and Falcons ensure your Aspect Warriors are always in the right place at the right time.
Seer Council – Psychic Dominance
What It Does
Aeldari Psykers are some of the best in Warhammer 40k, and this detachment takes their abilities to another level. If controlling the battlefield through psychic supremacy is your playstyle, look no further.
Key Rules & Abilities
✅ Access to enhanced Fate Dice mechanics – This lets you rig key rolls and ensure crucial abilities go off as planned.
✅ Psychic units gain durability buffs – Your Seers become much harder to remove, keeping the power flowing.
How to Play It Smart
📌 Control the battlefield with powerful buffs and debuffs – Use Fortune to increase durability, Doom to weaken enemies, and Guide to improve accuracy.
📌 Combine Seers and Wraith units for synergy – Wraithguard and Wraithlords become much harder to kill when supported by a Seer Council.
Devoted of Ynnead – Strength from Death
What It Does
The Ynnari thrive on destruction, gaining power as their own units fall. This detachment rewards aggressive play, allowing you to chain powerful effects as casualties mount.
Key Rules & Abilities
✅ Extra movement after unit losses – Losing models lets you reposition and adapt on the fly.
✅ Fight First mechanics when losing models – This ensures your units get a chance to swing back before being removed.
How to Play It Smart
📌 Sacrifice weaker units to gain momentum – Let cheap infantry take the hit while your more powerful units get buffs.
📌 Focus on counterattacks and surprise maneuvers – When a key unit is destroyed, make sure you’re in position to capitalize on the bonuses.
Ghosts of the Webway – Harlequin Tactics
What It Does
Harlequins are already one of the most mobile factions in Warhammer 40k, and this detachment pushes that even further. They weave through enemy lines, strike fast, and disappear before retaliation.
Key Rules & Abilities
✅ Units can move through enemies – Positioning is never an issue when your models ignore physical space itself.
✅ Buffs for Hit & Run strategies – Harlequins become even harder to pin down, making them one of the most frustrating armies to face.
How to Play It Smart
📌 Use Troupe units for overwhelming melee assaults – Get in, wreck priority targets, and then reposition before your opponent reacts.
📌 Deploy Shadowseers to enhance mobility – Harlequins need careful support, and Shadowseers make sure they stay protected while setting up devastating strikes.
Best Aeldari Units in 10th Edition
The Aeldari 10th Edition Codex is packed with fast, deadly, and specialized units that reward players who can position them well. Unlike armies that rely on brute strength, Aeldari units thrive on speed, precision, and overwhelming firepower. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best infantry, vehicles, and psykers in the Aeldari codex PDF and how to use them effectively.
Top Infantry Units
Aeldari infantry aren’t meant to stand toe-to-toe in a slugfest. Instead, they specialize in striking first, hitting hard, and avoiding counterattacks. Each unit fills a specific role, and when used correctly, they can tear through enemy forces before they even get a chance to react.
Dire Avengers – High-Damage Ranged Units
These warriors are the gold standard of Craftworld infantry. Armed with Avenger Shuriken Catapults, they unload a storm of firepower at mid-range, benefiting from the Bladestorm ability, which adds extra armor penetration on high wound rolls.
How to Use Them:
✔️ Keep them behind cover, then push forward to unleash a devastating round of shooting before repositioning.
✔️ Pair them with Farseers for rerolls and psychic buffs.
✔️ Avoid melee combat—they are not built for it.
Striking Scorpions – Deadly Melee Ambushers
Stealthy and lethal, Striking Scorpions excel at surprise attacks and tearing through light-to-medium infantry. Their Scorpion Chainswords hit hard, and Mandiblasters let them deal mortal wounds before combat even begins.
How to Use Them:
✔️ Deploy them out of sight and wait for the right moment to strike.
✔️ Target weaker backline units or enemy support characters.
✔️ Don’t leave them stranded—after they attack, have a plan for extraction or follow-up support.
Howling Banshees – Speedy Charge-Focused Assassins
Howling Banshees are one of the fastest melee threats in the Eldar 10th Edition Codex. Their Banshee Masks prevent enemies from fighting first, ensuring they get the upper hand. Their power swords and sheer number of attacks make them a serious threat to infantry-based armies.
How to Use Them:
✔️ Get them into combat as quickly as possible—they are fragile if caught in the open.
✔️ Use Wave Serpents for rapid deployment.
✔️ Prioritize elite enemy units—they tear through power-armored foes with ease.
Key Vehicles & Heavy Support
Aeldari vehicles are fast, well-armed, and built for specialized roles. Whether it’s delivering troops, melting tanks, or dominating the battlefield, these machines play a vital role in any Aeldari army.
Wave Serpents – Tough Transports with Shield-Based Defense
Few transports in Warhammer 40k are as durable as the Wave Serpent. Its Serpent Shield helps mitigate damage, while its speed and transport capacity make it essential for delivering Aspect Warriors into combat safely.
How to Use It:
✔️ Load it up with Banshees, Scorpions, or Dire Avengers for quick deployment.
✔️ Keep it moving—staying still makes it an easy target.
✔️ Use its defensive capabilities to absorb enemy fire while other units reposition.
Fire Prisms – Long-Range Anti-Armor Firepower
When it comes to taking down enemy tanks, the Fire Prism is one of the best tools in the Aeldari 10th Edition Codex. Its Prism Cannon can fire in either dispersed or focused mode, allowing flexibility in targeting.
How to Use It:
✔️ Keep it at a distance—it’s not meant for close combat.
✔️ Pair it with another Fire Prism to use Linked Fire, letting it reroll hits and wounds.
✔️ Target heavy vehicles and enemy armor before they become a problem.
Wraithknights – Titan-Level Destruction in a Sleek Frame
If a massive, heavily-armed war machine is what you need, the Wraithknight delivers. With options for two Heavy Wraithcannons or a Ghost Glaive, it can handle anything from tanks to hordes of infantry.
How to Use It:
✔️ Pick the right weapons—Wraithcannons for long-range devastation, or Ghost Glaive for close-range melee supremacy.
✔️ Keep it supported—despite its durability, focused fire can bring it down.
✔️ Use it as a distraction—its presence alone forces opponents to rethink their strategy.
Psykers & Support Units
Aeldari Psykers are among the strongest in Warhammer 40k, capable of controlling the battlefield, buffing allies, and crippling enemies before they can act.
Farseers & Warlocks – Psychic Backbone of Aeldari Armies
Farseers shape the battlefield through psychic foresight. They can guide Aeldari units to hit more accurately, weaken enemy defenses, and manipulate dice rolls to turn the tide of battle. Warlocks, while less powerful, provide crucial support with psychic buffs and debuffs.
How to Use Them:
✔️ Keep Farseers near key shooting units to maximize their impact.
✔️ Use Fortune for durability, Guide for accuracy, and Doom to weaken enemies.
✔️ Position Warlocks near melee units for combat-focused buffs.
Wraithseers – Resilient Support Units with Offensive Capabilities
A Wraithseer is a rare and powerful mix of resilience and psychic ability. It combines the toughness of Wraith constructs with the offensive and utility power of Aeldari Psykers.
How to Use It:
✔️ Pair it with Wraithblades or Wraithguard to provide psychic support.
✔️ Use its D-Cannon for heavy damage.
✔️ Keep it moving with support units—it’s a bulky threat that opponents must respect.
FAQs – Aeldari Codex 10th Edition Questions Answered
Is the Aeldari 10th Edition Codex worth it?
Absolutely. The Aeldari 10th Edition Codex refines how the faction plays, making their speed, psychic dominance, and precision firepower feel more rewarding. Each detachment is tailored to a specific playstyle, so whether it’s jetbike hit-and-run tactics, Aspect Warrior brutality, or devastating psychic supremacy, there’s a strong game plan for every army type.
The codex also brings updated unit profiles, refined Fate Dice mechanics, and more strategic depth. If you already play Aeldari, this book is essential. If you’re thinking of starting, it sets the foundation for one of the most technical yet rewarding factions in Warhammer 40k.
How do Fate Dice work in 10th Edition?
Fate Dice are one of the best mechanics in the game, allowing Aeldari players to bend probability to their will. At the start of the battle, you roll a pool of Fate Dice, which can be substituted for key rolls throughout the game.
What this means in practical terms:
✔️ Need a guaranteed six for a damage roll? Use a Fate Die.
✔️ Want to auto-pass a psychic test? Use a Fate Die.
✔️ Need to save your Wraithknight from a devastating hit? Use a Fate Die.
Since Fate Dice allow you to skip rolling entirely, they remove a lot of the randomness from high-stakes moments. Managing these dice separates great Aeldari players from the ones who get caught off guard.
What are the best Aeldari units right now?
Aeldari have several standout units, depending on the detachment and playstyle. Just keep in mind that the meta is ever-shifting in 10th Edition, so be sure to check the latest Dataslate for changes! Some of the strongest choices include:
✔️ Fire Prisms – Long-range tank killers with Linked Fire, making them one of the best anti-armor options in the game.
✔️ Howling Banshees – Blazing-fast melee assassins that ignore Overwatch and strike before enemies can react.
✔️ Windriders (Jetbikes) – Speedy gun platforms that can harass and reposition effortlessly.
✔️ Farseers – Psychic dominance with powerful buffs, debuffs, and Fate Dice manipulation.
✔️ Wraithknights – Titanic destruction with massive firepower and high durability.
Aeldari don’t win by brute force—they win by outmaneuvering, striking at the perfect moment, and making sure the enemy never gets a chance to fight back.
How do the Harlequins fit into the new codex?
Harlequins are still fast, elusive, and incredibly hard to pin down. They function as a strike force within the larger Aeldari army, bringing high-speed melee, tricky movement abilities, and powerful Shadowseer buffs.
The Ghosts of the Webway detachment gives Harlequins even more tools to outmaneuver and frustrate opponents. Their ability to ignore terrain, fall back and charge, and dodge enemy retaliation makes them one of the most unpredictable units in the codex.
Are the Ynnari viable in Warhammer 40k 10th Edition?
Ynnari are a strong but niche playstyle in the Aeldari 10th Edition Codex. Their Strength from Death mechanic rewards aggressive play by granting extra movement and combat bonuses when units are destroyed.
They work best with combined Craftworld, Harlequin, and Drukhari forces, using their resurrection mechanics and hit-and-run tactics to overwhelm opponents. While they require careful positioning and sacrifice-based strategies, they remain a viable and thematic way to play Aeldari.
Final Thoughts – Mastering the New 40k Aeldari (Eldar) Rules in 10th Edition
The Aeldari 10th Edition Codex brings some of the most exciting mechanics in Warhammer 40k, blending speed, psychic power, and precise firepower into a faction that rewards careful planning and strategic execution.
- Mobility is everything – Aeldari units must be in the right place at the right time, using movement abilities to outmaneuver opponents.
- Psychic dominance – Fate Dice, Farseers, and powerful debuffs make Aeldari one of the strongest armies in the psychic phase.
- Hit first, hit hard – Aeldari don’t survive prolonged fights, so every attack must be decisive.
Whether you prefer Craftworld precision, Harlequin deception, or Ynnari aggression, this codex brings something for every Aeldari player. Master the movement tricks, control the battlefield, and make sure the enemy never knows what hit them.
See the Latest Aeldari New Model Releases Here!
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