Today take a look at the basics of how to play Warhammer: The Old World’s High Elf Realms- the noble elves!
The High Elf Realms are one of the core armies in Warhammer the Old World. They are a classic to both Warhammer Fantasy and Fantasy in general. Representing a lineage that goes back to Tolkien, these are noble, magical and often haughty elves from out of the West. A classic race and one of the oldest in the fantasy world, they are one of the major ties to a more traditional fantasy setting and bring a lot of high fantasy elements into the game. This is the Warhammer Fantasy version of the 40K Eldar, and map very closely to them.
So below we will offer some tips on how to play The High Elf Realms and get started with the army.
What Are The High Elf Realms?
The High Elf Realms are arguably the most unified race/nation in the The Old World. Hailing from the Island of Ulthuan, the High Elves were the first race created by the Old Ones. They are one of the primary counters to the forces of Chaos and the most magical race in the Old World (really only beat by the very rare Slann, who are not technically in this game). They weld immense power and once ruled and colonized most of the world.
However they are a race in decline. Losing wars with the Dwarfs (fight me, GW said they lost!) cost them much of their mainland empire. International divisions between the elves lead to the splitting off of the Wood Elves and Dark Elves. Since then a near constant war with the Dark Elves, led by their true king (sue me, GW said this is true also) have sapped their strength.
As a result of all this they have become a more insular and isolated race. Though they still maintain outposts around the world. They have focused inwards in recent years and only now are playing with a return to the heart of the Old World.
High Elves are fast and skilled warriors. They bring a lot of magic and many magical beasts to the table. The various elite units from the Realms act as powerful striking forces. They are bulked out by a core of elf militia, still skilled warriors, but not that deadly. This is an army that can fight in every phase, wielding massive dragons and powerful magics to destroy the enemy.
Why Play The High Elf Realms
Do you like high fantasy and Tolkien? What about crazy dragons, powerful wizards and flying chariots? Do you dream and leading the last remnants of a dying race in a last stand against the encroaching darkness? Or against all odds on a return to glory? Then High Elf Realms might be for you!
High Elf Strengths
- Magic. You get some of the best casters and spells in the game.
- Dragons. They get access to the largest variety of dragons around and have some of the best dragon riders.
- Some of the best infantry in the game.
- A wide list that can fight in every phase of the game.
- Strong Magic Items.
- Overall high movement and I.
High Elf Weaknesses
- Most of the army has S and T3, making them pretty fragile.
- Expensive units.
- Lots of infantry, which struggles to shine in the current state of the game.
- Vulnerability to ranged attacks.
Signature High Elf Rules
- Elven Reflexes – This rule, found on most units, gives them a bonus to initiative on the first round of combat.
- Valour of Ages- Found on many units allows for re-rolls on many panic tests.
- Lileath’s Blessing- allows a once per turn re-roll on a failed casting roll. Found on almost all mages and very powerful.
High Elf Armies of Infamy
- The Chracian Warhost – An army that focuses fast moving light infantry, chariots and skirmishers.
- Sea Guard – An army that focuses on shooting, basic infantry and flying units.
Key High Elf Units
Here are some of the most important High Elf Units for you to know about:
High Elf Lords
Princes and Nobles, these are the best fighting characters you can get in the army. If you want someone to wield a big sword and stab things these are your best best. They’ve got good armor and good access to items. They have access to several mounts and Princes in particular can rider the very powerful Star Dragon. They get Strikes First and are very deadly in combat. A decked out Prince on a Star Dragon is the center piece of many armies and very powerful.
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High Elf Mages
Mages and Archmages, these are your main casters in an High Elf army. They have access to great items, good spells and are some of the best casters around. The lvl 4 Archmage is very good and likely the best dragon riding mage around. You are likely to see these in every army.
Ulthuan Militia
These are core basic High Elf infantry. They come as Spearmen and Archers. Neither of these are very good, though you are more likely to see archers. They are the cheapest troops you get. An upgrade version of them is Lothern Seaguard which combine archers and spears with some better rules, for an extra cost.
Silver Helms 
The medium cavalry of the High Elves. These guy are on the heavier side, but still pretty fast and can be built to be lighter. They are what you will most likely run as core in most serious lists. A very useful unit and one that sees a lot of play.
White Lions/Swordmasters/Phoenix Guard
These three units are your heavy infantry options. They are have slightly different flavors, but do the same thing, hit things kind of hard in combat. Which option you like best will be up to your playstyle, but all struggle in the current meta.
Sisters of Avelorn
Elite skirmishing archers with magical attacks. These are one of the best ranged units around and have a ton of versatility. Large units of them are very meta for the High Elves and they are a flexible and strong unit.
Dragon Princes
Elite heavy cavalry. These guys are tough and pack a real punch with two attacks each. The heaviest hitting non-character unit in the army and very deadly. They can also be a bit hard to control.
Sample High Elf Realms Army
Characters
Prince
– Full plate armour
– Shield
– Bow of Avelorn
– General
– Lion Chariot of Chrace
– Ogre Blade
– Seed of Rebirth
– Dragon Helm
– Chracian Hunter
Mage
– Level 2 Wizard
– On foot
– Silvery Wand
– Ring of Fury
– High Magic
Noble
– Full plate armour
– Shield
– Bow of Avelorn
– Battle Standard Bearer [Banner of Resilience]
– On foot
– Ring of Fury
Core Units
30 Lothern Sea Guard
– Light armour
– Shields
– Veteran
– Sea Master (champion) [Ring of Fury]
– Standard bearer [War Banner]
– Musician
10 Elven Archers
– Longbows
6 Elven Archers [
– Longbows
– Detachment
Special Units
Lion Chariot of Chrace
Tips For Playing High Elf Realms
It’s easy to fall into traps with the High Elves. They have a lot of very cool sounding and looking units. They have a bevy of elite infantry options. However most of these are not very good in the long run. Infantry in particular is very weak in the current game and taking a lot is normally a mistake. It’s very easy to end up with an army that does not have a very high model count and is very fragile. So to win with High Elves you really have to play to their strengths.
Luckily they do have these. Speed, maneuverability and magic are all things you need to rely on. They have good cavalry and decent chariot options. They have very strong wizards and dragon mounted characters. The army also brings some very strong shooting options to the table. Armies built around one or even two dragon mounted characters, backed up with a lot of cav and some shooting have delivered in a number of events.
~And remember, Glory to Phoenix King!
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Abe is that rare thing, an Austin local born and raised here. Though he keeps on moving around, DC, Japan, ETC., he always seems to find his way back eventually. Abe has decades of experience with a wide range of tabletop and RPG games, from historicals, to Star Wars to D&D and 40K. He has been contributing to BOLS since almost the start, back when he worked at and then owned a local gaming store. He used to be big into the competitive Warhammer tournament scene but age has mellowed him and he now appreciates a good casual match. He currently covers 40K tactics and lore, as well as all things Star Wars, with occasional dabbling in other topics. Abe remains in mourning over the loss of WFB to this day.
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