The Warhammer Old World: High Elves – The Glorious and the Galled

With Warhammer: The Old World officially resurrecting the setting that so many of us poured our blood, sweat, and Flesh Wash into, one of the biggest questions looming over the community is: How do our favourite factions hold up? Today, we’re talking about the most elegant, infuriating, and undeniably powerful faction of them all—High Elves.

So, welcome my fellow pointy-eared comrade – because yes, the Asur are back, and with them comes all the things we love (and love to hate). But do they stand as proud defenders of Ulthuan, or has Games Workshop’s latest iteration left them feeling more like fading echoes of their former glory? Let’s get into it.

High Elves 101 – Who Are These Glittering Perfectionists?

For the uninitiated, High Elves—also known as the Asur—are Warhammer’s quintessential high fantasy elves. They are noble, beautiful, arrogant, and just a little too fond of ensuring everyone else knows they are the best at everything. Their homeland, Ulthuan, is a paradise of towering spires (thank you GaleForce9! – if you know, you know), mystical waystones, and an alarming number of political backstabbing.

They are the sworn enemies of the Dark Elves (the edgy, eyeliner-heavy side of the family), constantly engaged in a struggle for control of Ulthuan. Meanwhile, they also see themselves as the guardians of the world, fighting Chaos, Greenskins, and, well, basically anyone who doesn’t appreciate the proper use of an Elven longbow. For killing, right … it’s definitely for killing.

High Elves in The Old World – What’s New?

Warhammer: The Old World aims to recapture the feel of classic Warhammer Fantasy while introducing some modern refinements. High Elves, naturally, retain their core identity as a powerful elite army that combines speed, magic, and devastating ranged combat.

1. Units – Sleek, Deadly, and Expensive
High Elf armies are notorious for fielding small but highly skilled forces. The elite nature of the Asur remains intact in The Old World, meaning each model packs a punch but costs a hefty chunk of points. Expect to see iconic units like:

• Spearmen & Archers: The classic core of any High Elf army, these units remain disciplined, deadly, and more than a little smug.
• Swordmasters of Hoeth: The whirlwinds of death are back, slicing through lesser foes with an elegance that makes Bretonnians look like farmhands with sticks.
• Phoenix Guard: Stoic, nearly unkillable, and rocking that ‘silent protector’ aesthetic, these guys are still the ultimate bodyguards.
• Dragon Princes of Caledor: The coolest cavalry in the game? Quite possibly. Fast, heavily armoured, and able to punch through enemy lines like a flaming sword through butter.
• Mages & Archmages: If you like magic, you’ve come to the right place. High Elf spellcasters remain some of the most powerful in the game, wielding High Magic and bending reality like it’s an art form.
• The Seaguard Garrison: To be found in the Arcane Journal, this regiment now buffs the buffed – with a powerlift for Lothern Seaguard and Ship’s Company when taken in this Army of Infamy list!

2. Magic – Still Overpowered?
Magic has always been one of the strongest aspects of High Elf armies, and it looks like The Old World is keeping it that way. High Magic, their signature lore, remains packed with defensive and offensive spells that ensure the Asur stay one step ahead of the enemy. But, more powerful than a Dragon (buy one with a 25% discount from GamingFrome) .. well yes, if it’s a dragon ridden by a Mage!
Expect classic spells like Drain Magic, which messes with your opponent’s spellcasting, and Shield of Saphery, which makes already-hard-to-kill High Elves even harder to kill. Oh, and don’t forget Vaul’s Unmaking, which strips enemy magic items like some kind of magical Australian Border Force Agent.

3. The Eternal Struggle – Are They Still Elitist and Overpriced?
One of the defining elements of High Elf gameplay has always been the tension between their exceptional quality and their sky-high points costs. In The Old World, it looks like this remains the case—fielding an army of High Elves means carefully balancing elite units while trying not to get overwhelmed by sheer numbers.

In other words, you’ll still be paying premium points for a unit of 10 Dragon Princes while the Skaven player across the table drowns you in 120 Clanrats. Classic Warhammer.

High Elf Playstyle – Precision, Patience, and a Smidge of Smugness:

If you love precision and outmanoeuvring your opponents, High Elves are for you. But if you’re the kind of player who likes throwing endless waves of troops into the meat grinder (cough Orcs & Goblins players cough), you might want to look elsewhere.

High Elves demand careful positioning, optimal spell usage, and strategic movement. If you play them well, they’ll dominate the battlefield, striking with pinpoint accuracy and disappearing before the enemy can retaliate. If you play them poorly, you’ll find your army outnumbered and surrounded before you can say “for Ulthuan!”

Pros and Cons of Playing High Elves

Pros:
✔ Devastating ranged and melee attacks
✔ Powerful and flexible magic
✔ Excellent leadership and discipline
✔ Fast and manoeuvrable army with access to elite cavalry and flying units

Cons:
✘ High points cost – every model lost hurts
✘ Can be easily overwhelmed by horde armies
✘ Requires careful planning and positioning
✘ Enemies will absolutely gloat when they crush your 10-man elite unit with a tide of cheap troops

The Verdict – Are High Elves Still Worth Playing?

So, where does this leave the Asur in Warhammer: The Old World? Are they still the noble, elite warriors of legend, or have they become relics of a bygone age?
The answer is… yes, they are worth playing.

High Elves remain one of the most rewarding armies to play, offering a combination of tactical depth, powerful units, and enough arrogance to make even a Dwarf hold his tongue. Their high price tag—both in points and real-world cash—means they aren’t the easiest army to collect and play, but for those who love the challenge, they are second to none.

And let’s be honest—there’s something undeniably satisfying about watching your opponent’s carefully laid plans crumble under a perfectly executed High Elf battle plan.

So, whether you’re a returning veteran or a newcomer eager to wield the power of Ulthuan, the High Elves are ready to take the field once more. Just be prepared to pay the price—both in gold (but less gold from GamingFrome) and in the eternal hatred of Skaven players everywhere.

For Ulthuan!