Warhammer 40,000 Range Review: Dark Eldar/Drukhari

It's time for another cheeky Range Review and this time we're taking a look at the Dark Eldar! Or the Drukhari. I flip between the two at random, so enjoy that.
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[@BladeLigerV]

“There is very little I don’t like”. Yes. There is also very little.

[@cilliancallaghan9788]

I love playing Drukhari but goddammit I can only rearrange the same Kabalites and Wyches bits so many times

[@X3._.n3]

At least it's more than harlequins

[@Grim67894]

Bruh have you played custodes/thousands sons or quins lol

[@little_hunt3r]

@@X3._.n3 technically harlequins aren't quite their own army, are they? I thought they were elite units to add to your eldar guys

[@X3._.n3]

@@little_hunt3r I mean...they have their own codex

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Dis my jam. Wyches and kabalites are best-ever basic troops. Hellions are sweeeet.

[@triphill9681]

Brent, you my friend are absolutely correct, hellions are the most diverse models that DE have. So much you can do with them. I wish they weren't so pricey because I just like building and painting them. The only thing I like more are the venoms and razor wings.

[@JamesSerapio]

But Brent, these aren't endless waves of 3rd edition Warriors and wyches... 😅

[@te9591]

This is my exact feelings. Troops and hellions look great.

[@colonelcabbage]

Krioth, you should definitely get into Drukhari. The whole range was designed at the same time, and they were made to be bits compatible. All your options for characters are on the unit sprues for example. It means the range is super easy for cool conversions - something I know you're partial to.

[@Xarl-VIII]

Yeah it was the peak of kitbashing where you can use kabalite warrior and wych bits and make a fully customised Archon or a elegant arena succubi

[@drekbleh7081]

8:38 leaked audio of Guilliman talking about yvraine's figure

[@ironbomb6753]

Sleek and curved, yum! 🤗

[@AtheAetheling]

I adore Drukhari. I don't think Lelieth's figure does her justice though, so I can't wait to see the new one fully revealed.

[@SpookyMarine]

She got the scowl treatment.... The dark Eldar are supposed to be indulged in the midst of slaughter so why does she have the scowl of a space marine? Why can’t we have this sadistic smile on any of them for once?

[@Nidhoggrr]

Nothing in the eldar range is heavily armored. They use speed, shields, magic, and holographic projections to NOT GET HIT, which is even better than having armor.

[@craneum123]

I know you said the Khymera don't look like daemons, but funnily enough it is a warp born entity! Beastmasters sleep and enter self induced nightmares which khymera are attracted to and feast off and then the beastmaster quite literally wrestles it out of its nightmare and into realspace? How does that work? Dark eldar thats how.

[@matthewstone1362]

That sounds so cool!!👍

[@drekbleh7081]

35:15 "The lack of armor in...certain places..." Was wondering if you were gonna mention the muscle toned dark elf booty

[@DavieTait]

That style is over for GW , just look at the old Slannesh Daemonettes which were boobs and nipples on show ( in the original metal ones ) but the new ones are all covered up

[@margar9021]

@@DavieTait which is good

[@DavieTait]

@@margar9021 no argument there Marcus , you can make daemons/factions "grim dark" without doing it the way it was done in the 1990's

[@fearisthemindkiller5225]

@@DavieTait Grimdark: Extreme violence, ok. Genocide, fine. O NO, TITS AND ASS! CHANGE IT NOW!

[@boyanpenev9822]

Reminded me of the old d4chan joke about wyches. "Some armies' assault troops wear more armor than a bra with spikes. Some armies are for ******s". Right now, it's mostly Lelith that's carrying the torch (until the new model comes out). Their schtick is that they are gladiatrices, so some of the gear being for show is only to be expected.

[@marcwittkowski5146]

I cannot wrap my head around why they would replace the previous, amazing Archon model with the atrocious new one...

[@triphill9681]

And only give one. Also, Vect isn't even a model choice. Not saying giving him his raider again, but... no no, give me back my supreme HQ choice. Matter of fact, give a couple of Archon choices for the different kabals and covens. Two choices for humunchs and wytches, but one for the leader class.

[@skywatcheradept]

They also replaced a better Haemonculus model with the current ugly one.

[@marcwittkowski5146]

@@skywatcheradept I personally prefer the newer haemonculus, but I like both versions.

[@jaanikaapa6925]

I've said it before: the thing that lets most minis down is the old paintjobs. As for the Lahmian, I think it is pronounced like you would pronounce Lamia. The old East-European vampire. The grotesque and other Drukhari have their garments sown or stapled to their bodies.

[@ironbomb6753]

Yes, DE are masters of the flesh (and other things) many folks dont know it.

[@AeromatterYT]

Can confirm, (unless you're a psychotic warp-dwelling edgelord ofc) double ended swords are kind of redundant. It's as long and clumsy as a spear but without the reach since you can only hold it in the middle. Better to go with a longer handle than 2nd blade you'll never use

[@alasiadarthe001actual9]

That assumes human biology Given that Eldar are more flexible with different joints and are generally faster and more agile than humans do is possible they could make it work But yes it’s less practical than having two swords

[@ironbomb6753]

Its fantasy and needs to be different from blunt humans. I love it!

[@s022850]

They are demi-klaives, he can split them up and dual wield 2 small sword, or use staff configuration at will :)

[@davidbengtsson4964]

If physics work the same as in our world it makes no sense as it totally fucks up the balance

[@KurtKn1sp3l]

Don´t say this to Maul.

[@SinnloserAccount62]

The 5th Edition archon was so much better.

[@lionheart1013]

I agree they look like Dark Lord Sauron, If I ever get back into 40k Im hunting that model down

[@little_hunt3r]

@@lionheart1013 If you don't mind recasters, black market minis sells a pretty damn good recast of the guy

[@Oliolli3]

0:38 "Got plenty of other stuff to get along with" And that's going to stop someone from starting a new project... how, exactly?

[@leinadreign3510]

Ah drukhari! *click* Also the motto of this episode is: "And now to something completely different"

[@ciangrattidge4492]

Monty Python?

[@davidwasilewski]

My main army - I own about 6000 points of Drukhari! Love the figures, the fluff and background and to top it all off - since 8th edition anyway - they always do reasonably well on the tabletop, regardless of the meta. If I could wish for another unit, I’d like a new plastic vehicle kit.

[@dahquim]

You need to stop doing these range reviews, every time my wallet takes a hit.

[@edcoughlan1035]

Spot on, totally agree that the Drukhari have probably the strongest range of models in the 40k universe. My literal only gripe with the entire range is that the Grotesques are a single monopose reisin model that is hilariously overpriced. Personally i'd love to see them sold in groups of 3, as multi-pose plastic kits around the £35 mark, a-la aggressors/inceptors.

[@giuseppedagostino6854]

Ah yes, the nicest of them all

[@Lakefront_Khan]

Oh my babies, my lovey leather clad babies.

[@ironbomb6753]

Thats the skin from the prey species of the Galaxy.

[@colonelcabbage]

Wracks look off because they were originally sculpted for Finecast, not plastic. They were converted to plastic later, but the sculpts weren't changed. They therefore have that slightly weird finest look about them. A bit too 2d in their poses, bit more limited and softer detail. Slightly odd limb joints. The whole range (aside from Drazhar ands the Incubi) are older than you expect: 2010-12 I believe. Its amazing how few models look dated, but some do suffer.

[@TheMadYetti]

DE is an amazing line. They made incredible miniatures which will look good for years. Painting them is a pleasure, and as army they look incredible.

[@bluestormpony]

Being relatively up to date helps a lot most of their minis are 2011 at oldest

[@jhrykkjutku]

The "angular cloth" is actually accurate. They're wearing hakamas. The fabric is folded, like an origami, hence the angularity.

[@TheNaturalnuke]

‘It looks paper thin, like it would crumple if I shouted at it.’ *Toughness 5 max* Well that checks out.

[@alphaleigpyne]

Did you also like the Dark Eldar Archon model from 2010? There was two head options, armed with the huskblade and soul trap? I like that model too.

[@DaneTheInsane675]

The kabalite Sprues have a lot of great looking heads, infact i ended up having a hard time choosing between them

[@christaylor1672]

What is unfortunate about the Dark Eldar Range is the Court of the Archon, and the Beasts are actually incredibly tedious to actually put in a list, and they aren't that good :/

[@TheSmart-CasualGamer]

There's probably more species variety here than in the Tau Empire, and that feels wrong.

[@blockprime3006]

The two bladed sword is possible and a good weapon but the eldar example has handholds too. Far apart or too close a good two bladed sword would be two double edged swords like a longsword connected from handel to Handel you would then fight similar to a combination of a spear and a longsword. with warhammers technology it is possible but probably the best way to do it is two power swords and the dark eldar version wouldn't be comfortable or practical for more info check out shadiversity and his double bladed sword video

[@ChampionofTerra]

Dark Eldar range is the best one. The only thing I hope for, is that when GW will do plastic Mandrakes, they will not change the design to much.

[@98randomuser]

Shadiversity did a video about double bladed swords. It has its drawbacks but it also has advantages.

[@AtheAetheling]

I believe, and correct me if I am wrong, the Dark Eldar range with its re-release in 2010/11 were amongst the last ranges sculpted by hand before moving on to CAD. The sculpts are of course very beautiful, but you can tell in some ways (the blades being a bit chunky, lack of definition on the Razorwings, etc)

[@andrewcarter1747]

No, they were the first range designed with the current tech GW uses. All the models with notably chunky blades and the like are in failcast. Just shows how huge the update was, compare the Talos kit to the Wraithlord, released only 5 years apart but looks like it was 20.

[@AtheAetheling]

@@andrewcarter1747 in that case the tech was clearly new to them and it shows. A lot of this range is a pain to put together, some of the helms are asymmetrical, etc.

[@stoogemaster7000]

honestly any time I see any of the dark eldar built in the gw advised way I cringe, just about every single model is made for kit bashing

[@telkri]

I would love to see the Grotesque get a rework like Fiends of Slaanesh and come in packs of 3 with extra variations of heads, weapons and extra bits to put on them.

[@ExileDCC]

RIP Duke Sliscus and Baron Sathonyx.

[@jhontompsan365]

"It looks like if you shout at these a bit to loud they will just crumple in the air" Its not just the looks they also play that way :)

[@Alex-cp6mq]

With the Archon a simple head swap (kabalite warriors) and gun arm swap really help him out

[@mojotheaverage]

I'm a sword practitioner and no, double ended swords are not effective. You're as likely to hurt yourself with no actual advantage over a spear or an actual sword. Doesn't mean it doesn't look badass though

[@jimminey-fooking-cricket4903]

The best thing bout the Dark Eldar was the mix and match you could do with the dark elfs.

[@shadedreaver]

Its 1 range but its basically 3 armies + merchs.

[@paulh9293]

Pretty sad that the medusae went away, it was one of my favorite models.

[@batteredwarrior]

It's still available.

[@gergokerekes4550]

well a weapon that has blades on both ends is bad , the handle is short and both blades are long so it is clunky, a spear head on one end and a knife lenght blade on the other can work fine, similar spears were used but for other reasons. two weapons are hard to use fully if they are the same length, but a sword and a parrying dagger for example is real nice. but none of these matter if you have a few decades to work on it.

[@vraska8799]

to answer your question about two swords attached to each other... just use a halberd, don't be stupid. Same goes for dual-wielding swords, just use one and a shield. They are cool in movies and also fun in videogames tho.

[@sleeper6564]

Range review sisters of battle?

[@maxbrandt6]

Very angry, freaky space elves with a penchant for pain, the perfect villains!

[@jjkrayenhagen]

One of the best things Relic did with Soulstorm was how well they did the old Dark Eldar models and then GW went and revamped the entire range.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Such an awesome range, with the vehicles, dark eldar, animals and abominations. Some of these models I'm seeing for the first time ever. So many would be nice to paint just to have on the army shelf. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@andreschneider2713]

I absolutely love the new Drazhar and how he’s covered in broken Soul Stones from Eldar

[@craggylotus]

Razorwing Flock "could do with an update" that doesn't make them stupidly expensive models for no reason. Or just buy the AOS Beasts Of Chaos Endless Spells and get your 3 bases for the same price as 2, and get a free half-giant-flaming-bull.

[@Adronwoodland]

I still have the original metal Archon, Incubi and Lelith Hesperax

[@Adronwoodland]

sorry let me correct that the original after the re boot in 2011 i think

[@triphill9681]

The top three crap models in drukhari: Archon, (better to use an incubi base to make a dynamic Archon), razerwing flock (wtf is up not being able to update a flock of bird that they would be able to sale cross franchise), and (I'm going to get flack) the venom, but just the gunner. GW for the love of your precious Emperor, give me upgrade kits for the vehicles with the three different subs and I will gladly give you the ridiculous amount of money you would want. Same with different sculpts of archons

[@connorcmsmith4302]

Shadversity did loads of videos on double bladed weapons

[@lonnakko333]

Finally, waited for you to cover my newest army for a while now Kirioth. Keep 'em coming my dude.

[@danielhuck6312]

The double sword IS possible to be used, just not the way that model has it. Need a longer hilt, and need to be gripping the hilt, and it is VERY difficult to use, but still POSSIBLE. I prefer a good single double edged blade.

[@janrei7292]

One of my favorite things about the D.eldar range is that anything that is humanoid can be mixed and matched. ie: I didnt like the pose and head of the archon also, so I just took some arms from the wyches, and added a head from the Kabalites. Looks way better now. But the best part is, you could literally take the body of of a Kablite or wych, add some more exotic weapons and heads, put them on a bigger base and bam- you made your own leaders. Its all the same scale and the only thing that sets units apart is the "feel". The only thing that is kind of off-putting for me, is that a d.eldar army never really feels like an army. It feels more like a raiding force (which it technically is so....) in contrast with lets say space marines (obviously) or imp. guard. Still it is a great range. Love every model I have put together.

[@Olliebear38]

I wholeheartedly agree on the Archon pose. Whereas I am sure it was intended to be surrounded by a unit or two of Kabalites stood in the middle with a smug grin it is a little boring 😴. I would love Mandrakes to go plastic like their incubi counterparts have. After 4 years of collecting and painting them, Drukhari are a lot of fun 😄 to play also.

[@CAP198462]

I just like how much variety you get. There’s no model fatigue here. I would appreciate an update though, the parachute pants on the alindrachi for example need to go. Im inclined to agree that pronunciation is a challenged with the range, my favourite example is Sslyth. I’ve gone with sleuth as the pronunciation myself.

[@DavieTait]

You have to search for Lelith Hesperax now to find the mini , it doesn't show in the Drukhari listing and doesn't show if you search for Dark Eldar either ( the whole range is still searchable using Dark Eldar just now ) , I would guess the mini will disappear around midnight tonight if they are showing the replacement one tomorrow

[@friendlyneighbourhoodnerd]

I know this is a 40k video, but would you be interested in doing a Warhammer Fantasy range review via Wayback Machine?

[@JamJestKox]

Done HEMA: Single long blade has more utility than two blades conjoined. You have no range and your hands are exposed on the middle of the weapon. Hard to parry with and you trade the reach and blade length for having two blades. You only ever strike with one blade mind it.

[@jacobk1552]

Ofc they look good cuz they need to look good! RESIN IS A BYCH and will only look good on website.

[@captainimperialism4568]

I have no interest in Dark Eldar, but some of these models would be absolutely perfect for Dark Mechanicum

[@azarththekobold]

Hey Kirioth, to answer your question about how feasible a double blade like the ones the Incubi wield are - yes it is plausible and there is the advantage that you are able to make some very fast attacks and blocks when in comparison to a regular sword. The two main issues with such a weapon are the weight, it could get fairly heavy depending on how much material in is the blade, and storage, making it very impractical for those who don't use weapons often (not really a problem for Incubi as they are pretty much always fighting).

[@BBlueu2]

I'm sure modern geek sword fighters can tell you how feasible it is, for a super human Drukhari, to use a fantasy weapon... 😐

[@kevinishki]

The mandrakes could use a little bit of an update so they don't have that old smushed look. They have it the least of all the older models, but they do have that old model look but they have a very cool look. The beast master absolutely needs an update for sure, and I'd buy updated and new beast in a heartbeat. Not a big fan of the ur-gul though idk don't like the skinny golem look. I'd like to see the experiments with other species they have used in the arena. I think the aircraft could use an update they have a 90s batman trying to hard with the curves look I'm not feeling it too much but it's not bad. The wracks I think it's the skirts and the corset and all the pale skin I'm not into. I like the muscle look better for them idk. The hellions look fine but their bodies are a bit thick but I think that's the fit of the kit. Scourge look great and I wish they'd update other eldar wings to be up to that standard. When was the last time kabalites were updated? I feel like they're not at the same standard as space marines. Same with craftworld and harlequins troops among other things of course. I definitely want a new sslyth! Would love to see a new Lelith too. I like the old archon look for sure. Like the codex cover

[@jiado6893]

Darth Maul swords are garbage. Even Kylo's cross guard would be safer (and is at least based on a sword). That said, GW still has to make a Khorne Marine with a double chainsaw.

[@earlgrey2130]

One of the best races in terms of grim, dark lore. But the models are just weird. Half of them hit the nail on the head and looks amazing. And others.. ffs.. they look so silly and outdated. I wish they got rid of all the silly batwings and flying boats with sails bullshit. The rest has soooo much potential.

[@Tremadog102]

I agree with the Archon. I actually prefer the older model holding the pyramid teabag of doom. I think the current pose is a bit off myself.

[@Rallionart]

If you want a good analysis of a two-ended sword, check out Shadiversity's video on the subject.

[@craggylotus]

I reckon a two sword thingy is probably feasible if you're an ancient space elf in the 41st millennium. Or at least more feasible.

[@LoftOfTheUniverse]

Also that's because their vehicles are flimsy and will get destroyed easily. That's why they need minus to hit... which got taken away.

[@localshaman]

I went onto the GW website to see if some of these kits are plastic or resin and i think literally half the kits you showed off here are just gone, not even out of stock etc, just *gone* xD (Which is a shame because i quite fancied some Mandrakes)

[@y-adouradou446]

Not exactly the same between a double laser saber that can be used like a stick, and a double swords with only one razor blade on a side, the rest can be used to hit, but it looks unbalanced at same time... but hey, who cares, looks cool

[@Str8UpBustasGem]

the dark eldar are one of those ranges that I like looking at, but don't want to buy, which is something I can probably say about most of the factions in all of the warhammer ranges, it's sort of an aesthetic thing, I like how they look, especially when other people make them and stuff, but they don't match what I want to own, if you know what I mean.

[@dakotaohayo1082]

The double sword can be used but it does take skill and the weapons of the incubi are not really optimized. There's a channel called shadiversity did a great talk about the same kind of problem with the double sowed of Thanos in endgame

[@jonniesaur]

Yea the double ended blades on a single handle is very viable and doable, for a good swordsman who knows how to use it. A traditional single blade and handle though is in all honesty a more practical and easily used weapon. Its a case of yes, it can be done, but it’s really more for looks and the style of fighting would be drastically different.

[@john-paulfuller-jackson1606]

You are right, the tanks ARE paper thin. Nothing quite as disheartening as your raider getting punched to death by a squad of roided up Primaris

[@bluestormpony]

The most up to date eldar. And owners of the best looking air units in the game

[@blacktemplar5970]

You need to seriously range review LOTR....Some of those minis are awesome

[@Kinggizzardthegreenstuffwizard]

Dark mauls worked cause he used it like a bo staff and because the dude who played him was a insane martial artist and master in staff fighting. Two sword connected will basically never be as good a one two handed sword. Even one sword in each hand isn’t the best idea when you could have a sword and shield instead.

[@matthewstone1362]

Strange how the most unique model (grotesques) only comes in 1 finecast pose.

[@Revjiggs]

I think a double bladed sword can work. You can block and counter with the other blade. Its a bit cubersome though and a dagger would achieve the same thing

[@mattgrandich3977]

Those Khymerae are so cool, love their running pose and that they look like skinless nightmares with lashing appendages.

[@bryleethatcher8760]

Me a guardsman: oh the eldar are here to offer their assistance in our time of need My freind: :) My commissar: :( The dark eldar about to use a murder dildo on all of us: ;)

[@Xarl-VIII]

The double sword is okay in a real fighting view but it would be like using a short double sided hewing spear with restricted hand placement.

[@TheMadYetti]

Old Archon model was so much better. Shame they didnt just switched it to plastic.

[@michael3088]

the double ended sword thing whilst we can romanticize it because it does look badarse it is terribly impractical

[@briancline7349]

Can we ever do a range review for a change that isn’t cheeky and is big instead of little? I mean they almost all have been cheeky and little so let’s have some variety...

[@IshanDeston]

Four armed snake would also fit into Tyranids.. i mean it already is holding a bonesword.

[@mikeybrokie1516]

yeah not a fan of the archon's anime villain pose. the armor is cool with all the designs. put mine to the scalpel and do some green stuff with some bits to make it better.

[@SuperDominic4]

The Haemonculus' skin cloak is better than Fabius Bile's.

[@troabarton69]

Think there's a way to kitbash a Tyranid tentacle onto the Talos model? Maybe an Ogryn chest or arm too?

[@shadedreaver]

I bashed a bunch of stuff for my drukhari just cause a bunch of theyr stuff is finecast

[@RickardLejonhjarta]

Shad has a great video about dualbladed swords kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoKkoZWAZ56EgLM

[@jjsyrena706]

Drazhar, incubi and starter box =25 power.

[@razgrizdefias]

I not not a fan of the waists on the wracks but I can kind of forgive it by thinking that all the guts in the waist have been taken out and put into the spine/backpack

[@felixbillington6151]

So, I’m actually a fan of darthmauls design. Tbh if I was wandering around in a street and got in a sword fight I would almost always take a quarterstaff over a sword. Not being able to hold the staff 3/4 of the way down is a bit of a downside but meh it looks cool. As for double sided swords... there’s a reason you don’t see very many of them in history. The vast majority of the average ‘soldier’ would be using a spear/polearm/long thing with a pointy bit on the end. The nobility or highly trained soldiery would use swords. A double sided sword just isn’t that useful. You stab your friend standing next to you, you can’t use it when going up a staircase. And I would imagine it would take longer to train with than just your average sword. That and the fact steel was expensive. I’m not an expert in historical logistics but I imagine you would rather use that extra steel to give another guy a sword. The Nobel or general a bigger sword. More horse shoes, metal on wheels of carts etc. That being said, it looks awesome

[@batteredwarrior]

Nope, swords were used by pretty much every soldier in the medieval period. They were mainly sidearm (other than large two-handed swords). Knights and nobles used polearms too.

[@blueflame3891]

The double sword does work it just has different uses that a regular single edge blade

[@flapjackboy]

Much prefer the original Urien Rackarth sculpt.

[@henrikandreason7261]

Dark eldar went from on of the worst ranges to one of the absolutely best. Jes Goodwin is a beast.

[@te9591]

I think the drukhari warriors and hellions look amazing.