David Bridges
In recent years, Games Workshop has taken significant strides to modernize the models of one of Warhammer 40,000‘s most beloved factions: the Aeldari. These elegant, elven aliens have been integral to the tabletop gaming experience for nearly four decades. However, despite the notable enhancements, the Aeldari model line still included several of the oldest miniatures available from Games Workshop. Fortunately, next year promises a monumental transformation that will finally address this issue, ushering in a new era for Aeldari enthusiasts with exciting updates.
During a special preview event leading up to the upcoming Warhammer World Championships, Games Workshop unveiled plans for the revitalization of the Aeldari rulebook, specifically for the highly anticipated 10th edition of Warhammer 40K. Accompanying the revamped rulebook will be an impressive array of new miniatures spotlighting a distinctive aspect of Aeldari culture: the Aspect Warriors. These elite operatives belong to specialized clans, each dedicated to unique martial philosophies, along with their legendary leaders known as the Phoenix Lords, who embody the pinnacle of Aeldari martial prowess.
These units and their heroic leaders are vital to Aeldari lore, often serving as the backbone of any Aeldari army. Yet, players of this faction have faced the frustration of deploying Aspect Warriors using the same models for decades, while witnessing Games Workshop consistently introduce new options for other factions, particularly Space Marines. For much of the past two decades, many key Aeldari models were based on sculpts that had existed for nearly 20 years. Among the oldest were the eight central Aspect Warrior archetypes: the Howling Banshees, Striking Scorpions, Swooping Hawks, Dire Avengers, Warp Spiders, Fire Dragons, Dark Reapers, and Shining Spears. Many of these miniatures were so outdated that they were originally cast in metal or resin, and Games Workshop slowly updated them over the years. Notably, the Howling Banshees received a much-needed overhaul in 2019, replacing models from 2006, while the Dark Reapers and Shining Spears were refreshed during the 2022 line update, replacing models from 2006 and 1999, respectively. This year also saw the Striking Scorpions receive updates through the Kill Team skirmish game, substituting the old models from 2006.
The latest announcements mark a pivotal moment for nearly every Aspect Warrior class, bringing them up to date with contemporary plastic miniature standards. The Fire Dragons, Swooping Hawks, and Warp Spiders are set to receive entirely new plastic multi-part models, replacing metal and resin kits that date back to 2006, 2000, and 1994, respectively. In addition to these core units, Games Workshop also revealed updates for their respective Phoenix Lords—each the elite leaders of their Aspect. Among these are Fuegan, the lord of the Fire Dragons, Baharroth, the Swooping Hawks, and for the very first time in miniature form, Lhykis, the lord of the Warp Spiders, along with the Dire Avenger lord, Asurmen. Notably, aside from Lhykis as a new character, the other miniatures are replacing existing models from 1994.
It’s important to note that Games Workshop has historically charged premium prices for these antiquated miniatures, akin to those for their newer releases, despite their considerable age. Aeldari players have had to endure this while observing other factions regularly receive fresh models and updates. As a lifelong Aeldari player, it’s been a surreal experience to reflect on my journey with Warhammer 40K. Throughout my adult life, I have continued to use miniatures that I first purchased as a child, entering the world of tabletop gaming. The long-awaited changes are finally on the horizon!
Now, at long last, this long-overdue transformation is underway. However, some Aeldari models still show signs of age—particularly among the Aspect Warriors. Asurmen’s Dire Avengers have not seen an update since 2006, and the leader of the Striking Scorpions, Karandras, remains the last unupdated Phoenix Lord, a model that has been around for over 30 years. With new rules expected for the faction in 2025, there is hope that the remaining iconic figures will also receive the modern plastic treatment they deserve. Ideally, these attractive new models will not linger on shelves into the 2060s. After all, in the grim dark future of the 21st century, there must always be fresh plastic soldiers for enthusiasts to acquire.
For more exciting updates from io9, stay tuned for news on the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Daniel Mercer
