Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Some quick questions:

I currently play 40K and know nothing about Fantasy but have been looking for a new project as my army building draws to a close on my 40K forces (I have all the models I need for them). So, are Wood Elves a good choice for a Fantasy army? I don't need them to be competitive but at least viable. Also, are they an old army or are they due an update soon? I don't want to play anything that is overpowered or seen as an auto win army as I get that now with my GK and it kind of puts me off them.

Thanks for your help!

They're currently near unwinnable with no new book on the horizon. 8th ed hit them hardest of all by taking the skill out of the game.

Wood Elves are certainly not overpowered and are considered one of the weaker armies out there. It is still possible to win with them though despite what people say.

In terms of an update, they are certainly due for one (along with Bretonnians) but may not get one for a year or so, as the rumour mill suggests Empire and maybe Dwarfs are in the works (despite having newer books!).

If you are still keen to collect them, then GWs current trend is not to update existing plastic kits, so any WE plastics are likely to remain current. Expect new sets for stuff like Treekin and Treemen when the new book finally shows up.

I'm so sorry for you....

Well, Wood Elves really do need an update but it is possible to win games with them. If you're a guy who hates to lose and refuse to learn to play the army properly then I wouldn't suggest it. However, if you like to feel like a pro and need to work for your wins then I would recommend them.

No one is going to say WE are overpowered in the near future. According to the people supplying rumors, we won't be seeing WE updated for at least a year. However, will all the naysayers around to tell you you'll never win there are people that are successful with them.

Check out:

http://asrai.org/
http://www.companyofthedamned.blogspot.com/
http://pointhammered.com/ (one of the hosts plays them)

Bad Dice podcast also did an excellent show on them a few months ago.

http://baddice.co.uk/episode-69-wood-elves/

They are the Tau of WHFB. You need to have finesse to win, but thats the joy I guess...

I saw a Wood Elves player MASSACRE a combined force of Warriors of Chaos and Dark Elves, 2 very powerful armies. It can be done, but damn do you need to work for it and think outside the box. It's NOT a good starter army, but it might not be so bad since you have played 40k a lot, instead of say, starting Wargaming in general. Perhaps start with a more straightforward, user friendly army? High/Dark Elves CAN be that, and still keep the Elf flair. Empire is also a good one, along side Orcs and Goblins.

Hmmm, thanks for your input Dakka. It's disappointing that they are considered so weak by many. Still it's maybe no different to when I started playing WH40K with Daemonhunters - they were weak but you could win with them, just, if you were lucky.

Still if I do decide to get some fantasy stuff, I think I'll stick with them as I just like the look of them the most

What is not being mentioned is that the reason Wood Elves are "not being updated despite being an older book" is that much like the Dark Eldar before them--they are rumored to be getting a complete overhaul of the mechanics of the army.

Yeah, WE are currently not the most powerful list, but the are far from punching bag. They are difficult, mainly because they do not forgive big play mistakes, and they have limited selection of units that a viable in 8th edition.
Also, they are likely to get update in WD and may get a new book on the horizon.
Personally, I would go with an army that is pleasing to you aesthetically. I mean, I have a very powerful horde Skaven army, but I prefer WE because... I like them for being what they are.

My WE have been my first WHFB army and while they had a steep learning curve, I still love playing with them - the difficulty to master makes victories all the sweeter

Then again, I want to do Bretonnians next, so maybe I just enjoy punishing myself xD

I definitely think it would be worth your time to check out Asrai.org. Many sites talk about there is only one way to win with Wood Elves, but there are generals on there that play with very different armies to much success.

I think most of us that play Wood Elves do so due to loving a certain model or two. If that is the case, it is worth checking out if the models that attract you to the army are legit in the current edition.