Warhammer 40K: Craftworlds Faction Focus
Games Workshop is taking a closer look at the Aeldari in this new Faction Focus. How will they stack-up in the next edition? Let’s find out!
We’ve got a new Faction Focus and this one is taking a look at the ancient enemies of the Necrons – it’s the Craftworld Aeldari’s time to shine. GW has brought in Team USA vet and “tournament master” Matt Schuchman to talk shop. Here are a few things he’s noted about playing Craftworlds in the new edition.
Matt: The best thing for Craftworlds in the new edition is that you only need to include one Detachment to get the most Command points for your army. This not only nets you more Command points than you used to have, but ensures you’re now also on an even footing with other factions that could easily generate more in the past.
We’re starting to see a recurring theme here. A lot of the player GW has brought in have mentioned the rebalancing of CP as a big boon for them. It also seems like they are shifting back towards only playing with one detachment as well. This will enable you to keep the majority of your CPs instead of having to spend them on extra detachments.
Another thing Matt noted was that the new Look Out, Sir rule has very little impact on “most Craftworld players.” That’s because most Craftworlds Characters can easily get within 3″ of a friendly unit thanks to their fleet-footedness or being a Skyrunner.
One challenge he did mention was the change to the points. We know that the majority of units have been adjusted upwardly. And the Craftworlds are going to feel that pinch. The good news is that so will everyone else – it’s going to take some getting used to. Same with the ability to just “cherry-pick” units via multiple detachments. Keep in mind you can still do that but you’ll be paying CP to bring in another detachment. That said, it might not be the worst thing ever especially if you really need that “other” unit from a different Craftworld for you plans to go off.
We did get a look at one of the new Objectives. This one really plays into the Aeldari’s mobility as it rewards you for quickly moving into the different table quarters. Matt advises people to keep these types of objectives in mind so you can “really rack up victory points.” And also don’t forget that many of the Craftworld units will still have the Fly keyword so you’ll be able take advantage of the new terrain rules without them slowing you down too much.
Three Key Units
Matt has three units he’s recommending for players in the new edition. These units play into that speed factor and are all tactically flexible, too.
Shining Spears
They made a bit of a splash back in 8th and look to be worth investing some points in with the next edition. Packing a unit in your lists is still going to be very useful as they fill a lot of combat roles. Bring a Farseer and/or a Warlock along for some added unit buffs and you’ve got a pretty good unit that can get multiple jobs done. And don’t forget that 4+ invulnerable save:
Night Spinner
Yeah – that Night Spinner! Matt reminds folks that the Night Spinner is going to be impacted by the changes to Blast weapons. This fast-moving Aeldari tank will be packing quite a punch in the next edition:
Dire Avengers
The classic infantry of the Craftworlds might just make a return to the tabletop for some players in the next edition. Their ability to be fielded in smaller 5-man units with shimmershield-armed Exarchs makes them a lot more durable than they have any right to be. If you really want to keep them around, load-up on a bunch of them and take their Phoenix Lord Asurmen to give them 4+ invulnerable saves, too! And don’t forget the tricks they picked up in Phoenix Rising either. Avenging Strikes can help them punish your opponents for not taking them out:
Personally, I’m sure there are even more tricks that the Craftworld Aeldari will have in the next edition. We won’t have to wait too much longer to find out either!
What do you think of the Craftworld Aeldari’s odds in the next edition? How about that new Objective, huh?
