| Basic Unit Tactics |
| HQ- Archon/Dracon... Although the Archon looks tempting with a BS of 6, its true strength lies in assualting. They are allowed one of the strongest retinues in the game, and should be used as such. Whether brought forward under cover of warriors, or in a quick raider, you must ensure survivability as not only an excellent killing machine in close combat, but as a high value unit you don't want to lose because of a wrecked raider, or poor use of cover.. Incubi... The punisher weapon given to Incubi is often underated, especially by those not familiar with Dark Eldar. Incubi and Archon/Dracon form an extremely tough unit, with a few warriors as cannon fodder. Hamonculi... Excellent choice for HQ unit in small point battles, or as a supporting role in larger games. Cheap, effective killing tools that also open up the possibility of a meat wall in grotesques. They do not excel at either assualt nor shooting, but if the opportunity is right, they will cause their own worth in damage quickly. |
| Elites- Grotesques... Tortured slaves of the Hamonculi that love to run into battle and kill people. They are very dumb though and so are best used for a shield wall for advancing troops. They lack a true strength in combat to be taken in large numbers, although when manuevered right, they not only make an interesting looking addition, they can be the saving wall of zombie flesh your army has been lacking. Mandrakes... Pictures Mandrakes as Dark Eldars closest choice to Assasins. They lurk quietly in the shadows, which is a nice benefit (scout rule) when claiming table quarters or providing an assualt support unit. I really like the story of the models, and I enjoy seeing what they do when... IF they make it to combat, but Wyches are a much better choice if combat victory is more on your mind than story. Wyches... An elite close combat fighter, the Wych is a veteran soldier of Commoragh no longer interested in raiding, but now lives a more relaxed lifestyle of gladiatoral matches. Some Archons are lucky enough to find some for a mission here or there, willing to fight again for the right price, and some are known to form entirely new Gladiator Cults of just Wyches. Though low armor values cripple these, preventing these from becoming a true #1 option for troops, many have found sucess using these Wych Cults, mounted entirely in Raiders, and in combat they are second to none. 0-1 Warp Beast Pack... An excellent unit if they get to combat. Weakness? Getting to combat. Ensure they are screened, or that they move behind cover. Know that while they pack a decent punch, they also don't like bullets. Or small rocks. 6+ Sv... |
| Troops- Dark Eldar Warriors... Warriors can be used in two ways. Some prefer small, quick squads of 10 mounted on raiders, while this Tactic will focus on large blocks of 20, similar to that of a horde army. Although they hold a poor Sv of +5, numbers of these cheap models (8 points/Warrior) will allow you to field many of these deadly twisted spirits. Very good support weapons (Splinter Cannon, Dark Lance) allow for versatility and the large numbers allow them to cross an open field or two and still be combat effective. Consider adding a Hamonculi for an added punch when your men reach the front lines. Raider Squad... The most important thing to remember with a Raider Squad is small numbers, low armor. Make quick, decided moves, and always unload your cargo at the most impactual time. Don't keep your warriors a loft in weak macaroni-fragile (both the model and in game...) skimmers for too long, or you will see a sudden loss of multiple squads. These squads are, however, very effective for holding table quarters, capturing objectives, and providing quick support to an area your troops have grown thin in. The lance on the Raider itself also make quick work of most armor. |
| Fast Attack- Hellions... I found these to be quite useful as they are fast and can easily flank the enemy. The models need work, but the abilities do not. Best scenario for these is a boxing role, or support role. Use these quick Hellions to wrap around behind an engaged enemy, to attack from the rear, splitting focus, and allowing for no retreat of the enemy. If it seems they cannot maintain their fight, withdraw them, move them, and wait until you need to chase a unit down. Remember, even a few hellions can keep a squad of 20 running, just stay close enough... Reaver Jetbikes... Useful, though more vulnerable than most bike units given to other armies. Remember to keep cover on them, and to equip them with weapons upgrades, and you will have a mobile killing machine capable of taking out lots of infantry, or even most tanks. |
| Heavy Support- Scourges... Similar to the Marines Devastator Squad, the scourges are known to have 4 heavy weapons per squad. The Splinter Cannon is the most common upgrade, but some are known to carry lances. Lances can be an excellent killing machine, with a battery of four S8 shots making all armor maximum of 12 helps anytime, and now its just another thing in an extremely good army the enemy has to cover for. Splinter Cannons allow for great anti infantry fire (16 shots of S4 hitting on a 3+) and give units like the 10 man blocks of Imperial Guard a real problem before assualting. Ravager... The Ravager is a multi function light armored killing beast. The firepower arsenal on a Ravager is well worth its points, and can deliver either anti infantry or anti tank. This skimmer can also move quickly so as to reestablish bases of fire. Try not to mix weapons, but if you are limited in Ravagers, take one with 2 Disentegrators and 1 lance, to give options. Talos... Golden vs most units in close combat, treat it as a slow moving dreadnaught and hurry it into close combat for an excellent unit choice. Don't take to long to get it in combat. It is a tough unit, but moving at a lightning slow speed of 6" per turn is a sure way to make this big target- a big obstacle. |
![]() |
| The next page will cover tactics our army can use against specific opponents, covering way to stay alive, and ways to kill quickly. Lord Dnigh, webmaster. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |