How to Play Harlequins in Warhammer 40K
Today, let’s take a look at some basics of how to play and get started with Warhammer 40k Harlequins. The prismatic space clowns!
The Harlequins are a sub-faction of Aeldari who follow Cegorach, the Laughing God. Found entirely within Codex: Aeldari, Harlequins can also be used as an army in their own right. On the tabletop, their forces fight with a blur of movement and exacting force.
Below, we offer some tips on how to play the army and get started with the army.
Jump To…
Who Are The Harlequins?
Harlequins date back to the ancient Eldar Empire. They first appeared amid the hedonistic debauchery of the pre-Fall Eldar to perform their ancient mythic dances. These acts sought to remind their people of all that they were throwing away. However, many amongst their audiences reacted with hostility, forcing these early Harlequins to become proficient in combat.
During the Fall of the Eldar, the Laughing God Cegorach managed to escape destruction at the hands of Slaanesh. The followers of Cegorach were hidden safely away within the Webway and survived the disaster intact. As the Eldar are a scattered race, Harlequins constantly tour the domains of their species in their duty to perform.
The dual aspect of their nature serves them well when abroad in the galaxy, as Harlequins are reckoned to be the deadliest combatants of all the Eldar. Their acrobatic and deceptive skills, as well as their unique weapons and equipment, render them such mystifying and terrifying enemies that some of the less-developed races of the galaxy have incorporated them into their mythology as magical spirits or eldritch monsters.
Why Play Harlequins
The Harlequins are fast-moving and hard-hitting. They can move like a blur across the battlefield and perfectly scalpel out an enemy unit. If you like playing with finesse, Harlequins may be the army for you.
Strengths of the Army
- Speed.
- Amazing weapons.
- Great offensive statline.
Weakness of the Army
- An elite army with relatively few bodies.
- Only situational resilience
Harlequins Signature Rules
The army has a number of special rules. But the key ones to remember are:
- Luck of the Laughing God – A Harlequin detachment gains a number of re-rolls per battleground based on the size of the battle.
- Rising Crescendo – This allows Harlequins to Advance and still Charge.
- Pivotal Roles –It is definitely worth it to check out these unique character upgrades to really turn up the power level.
What to Buy
The Harlequins are an independent sub-faction, being a subset of the Aeldari faction found entirely within the main faction Codex. To play the army, all you will need is Codex: Aeldari.
Key Faction Units To Know
The army has a small number of specialized units. Knowing what units to take for a task can be tricky. Here are some suggestions to get you off on the right track.
Troupe Master
The Troupe Master is a potent fighter with a solid aura ability. Everything you would want in a commander.
Solitaire
Taking the role of Slaanesh when the Harlequins perform, this solo act is a devastating single combatant. Wait for that pivotal moment and Blitz.
Troupe
The most basic of Harlequins are still incredibly elite. These units can take a number of specialized weapons and are extremely fast for infantry.
Skyweavers
Great speed, solid shooting, and good combat prowess make Skyweavers an All-Star harassment unit.
Starweaver
The transport option of the Harlequins. Harlequins are incredibly fast on foot, but the Starweaver is even faster. Nowhere is safe for the enemy.
Sample Starter Army
- HQ: Troupe Master. 1 Model. Queen of Shards. They are equipped with: fusion pistol; Harlequin’s caress; plasma grenades. – 115 pts
- Troop: Troupe. Ten Models. Every model is equipped with: shuriken pistol; Harlequin’s kiss; plasma grenades. Two models have a fusion pistol. – 190 pts
- Troop: Troupe. Ten Models. Every model is equipped with: shuriken pistol; Harlequin’s kiss; plasma grenades. Two models have a fusion pistol. – 190 pts
Total: 495 pts.
Now Let’s Do 1,000 Points of Harlequins!
- HQ: Troupe Master. 1 Model. Queen of Shards. They are equipped with: fusion pistol; Harlequin’s caress; plasma grenades. – 115 pts
- Troop: Troupe. Ten Models. Every model is equipped with: shuriken pistol; Harlequin’s kiss; plasma grenades. Two models have a fusion pistol. – 190 pts
- Troop: Troupe. Ten Models. Every model is equipped with: shuriken pistol; Harlequin’s kiss; plasma grenades.Two models have a fusion pistol. – 190 pts
- Troop: Troupe. Five Models. Every model is equipped with: shuriken pistol; Harlequin’s blade; plasma grenades.Two models have a fusion pistol. – 75 pts
- in: Starweaver. 1 Models. A Starweaver is equipped with: 2 shuriken cannons. – 95 pts
- Troop: Troupe. Five Models. Every model is equipped with: shuriken pistol; Harlequin’s kiss; plasma grenades.Two models have a fusion pistol. – 100 pts
- in: Starweaver. 1 Models. A Starweaver is equipped with: 2 shuriken cannons. – 95 pts
- Elites: Solitaire. 1 Model. They are equipped with: Solitaire’s weapons. Prince of Despair – 125 pts
Total: 985 pts.
How to Play Harlequins
Harlequins are a deceptive glass hammer army in that oftentimes, the hammer will strike, but it still will not shatter. Through speed and various debuffs, they are a lot tougher than they look on paper. Though toned down from their previous heights (invulnerable worsened across the board), the murder clowns can still inspire shock and awe when they blitz across the table and engage in ways that still, even now, feel profoundly unfair.
