Revision 1

The Aeldari are one of four confirmed playable factions in Total War: Warhammer 40,000. They are an ancient xenos civilisation, once among the most powerful in the galaxy, now diminished and fighting a long twilight war for survival. Their culture, technology, and warfare are millennia old and refined to an extraordinary degree, but they can no longer replace their losses the way younger, more numerous species can.

Playstyle

Creative Assembly has confirmed the Aeldari as a fragile but deadly glass cannon faction that rewards careful play. This places them at the more demanding end of the faction spectrum. Their units hit hard and are highly capable, but they cannot absorb punishment the way Space Marines do or replace casualties as readily as the Orks or Astra Militarum. Every engagement carries risk, and players who favour precision and pre-planning will find the Aeldari a rewarding but unforgiving choice.

The glass cannon identity means the Aeldari likely excel at striking at specific weaknesses in an enemy line and then withdrawing before absorbing retaliatory fire. Staying in a prolonged engagement at a disadvantage is far more costly for the Aeldari than for hardier factions. Players will need to think carefully about when and where to commit their forces.

The Waning Race

The Aeldari's identity as a waning civilisation is a confirmed part of their faction description. This theme of decline and careful resource management is likely to inform their campaign mechanics, though specific systems have not been detailed. Each world they hold, each army they field, and each loss they suffer carries a weight it would not have for the younger, more numerous species of the galaxy.

Sub-Factions and Warlords

Renowned Aeldari sub-factions and warlords are referenced as part of the faction system, but no specific Craftworld or named character has been confirmed publicly as of the most recent announcements. Details are expected to be shared later in 2026.