Eldar (Warhammer 40k 4th Edition) - Collectors Guide

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4th Edition Eldar 2005

Seven years after 3rd edition, WH40k 4th edition was released. The game was not as dramatic a depature from the previous incarnation as earlier editions had been, meaning that codices remained valid until they were updated. The only Eldar release at the time was the plastic Wave Serpent troop transport kit. First given rules in 2nd edition, this was the only troop transport for any race that had never been released, and was long overdue. Unfortunately the rules for 4th edition meant that transports were highly ineffective!


4th Edition Cities of Death Releases 2006

The Cities of Death expansion saw a new ruleset for fighting within the confines of a 40k Stalingrad or equivalent. Each race was treated to some splash releases, which for the Eldar comprised a plastic heavy weapons platform and redesigned Rangers. The addition of the new Rangers led to the retirement of the 1991 Eldar Scouts, some of the most venerable models in the entire 40k range.

Rangers


Plastic Heavy Weapons Platform

Intitially released as a stand-alone boxed kit, later re-packaged with Guardians as a 'Codex legal' unit.


4th Edition Codex Eldar Releases 2006

2006 saw the complete overhaul of the Eldar range with the release of the 4th edition codex. A new character in the form of the Autarch was added to the codex, and the main aspects were redesigned to increase the commonality across the range. Eldar weapons and armour was standardised so there were clear visual links between unit types. The new codex also saw the retirement of the Wraithlords and War Walkers - the two oldest kits in the entire 40k range. Although redesigned in 1993, the previous kits had still included elements of the original 1989 releases. The new plastic kits however marked a key updating of the range. The Eldar range also saw it's first limited edition models accompanying the codex release. Bizarrely, although all 40k races had seen a limited edition model, it had taken 17 years for GW to produce one for its 3rd most popular army. Finally, 4th edition saw the revival of the Harlequins who had been omitted from the Eldar range for 8 years. The new models were a giant advance in terms of dynamic posing and captured the essence of the warrior dancers.

A Bonesinger had been a very limited run, but saw a revival in 2018 via GW's 'made to order' program where it was purchasable for two weeks. It was only ever released in metal.

Limited Edition Figures


Commanders

Dire Avengers Boxed Set


Howling Banshees


Fire Dragons


Striking Scorpions


Dark Reapers


Harlequins

War Walker

Wraithlord

4th Edition Apocalypse & Christmas Releases 2007

The Apocalypse expansion was the biggest departure from the ruleset for WH40k. Designed to allow players to field massive armies, points cost became irrelevant! To accompany the expansion release, every army received limited multi-kit deals and boxed sets, with minor additions. The Eldar received an Autarch on a jetbike as part of the Windrider Host, and the multi-race command accessory sprue included in most of the multi-vehicle sets included additional Eldar componants.