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.

Hey all,

I'm thinking of starting a new army, but am really torn between Grey Knights and Eldar. I'd like to know more abiut play style of both. Also, which one did the new edition benefit?

I currently play Guard and Necrons, so I'm looking for something different.

Thanks for input!

I'd say proably go eldar as I'm, honestly a little dissappointed with GKs this edition (nothing I can point to as a "THIS IS WHY" set up just.. vaguely dissappointed for some reason)

Both eldar and GK should play pretty differently from Guard and Necrons. As for which one you should go with... that depends on what you like about each option.

I think it's safe to say that the new edition has thus far benefitted GK more than eldar, if only because eldar received some much needed (and a few less needed) nerfs compared to their 7th edition incarnation.

While I am biased, I'd probably point you towards craftworlders. Craftworlders can be played quite a few different ways depending on what you like. Want to be fast and shooty? Try out our vehicles and fast attack aspects. Like psykers? An Ulthwe themed army with farseers and warlocks can be pretty effective. Want specialized ninjas in Iron Man suits? Aspect warriors have your back. Want a small, elite, durable, hard-hitting army that can potentially wreck whatever they shoot at? Take a look at a ghost army with wraith units.

What I've found when playing against my GK friends is that all the units that actually get taken are some variation on "deepstrikes/gate of infinities into your face, spends the rest of the game trying to stab you." They're durable, and they can do threat overload well, but you'd better be a really big fan of the handful of options they have.

So knowing nothing else about you, eldar are more likely to have a playstyle that suits you if only by virtue of having access to more playstyles.

Well, so one thing I had considered with Grey Knights was using them as an allied my Guard army.

So are Grey Knights more melee/psychic/deep striker?

And it seems that Eldar have many play styles. Hmm, tough choice.

GK are almost exclusively melee psychic deep strike,
They are a one-trick you love or hate. I prefer using them as support to antoher imperial army.

Eldar are one of the oldest, widest ranges with plenty of different playstyles and a history of ""good"" ineternal balance (WS / scatterbikes aside). Their units tend to very specialized.

Well, I play both armies and both armies are viable.
GK is a bit mono-dimensional unless you want to mix with another Imperium army.
Eldar has a much different play when compared with Marines. Iyanden, Harlies, and Kabal are all viable options.

GK's have a cheaper upfront dollar cost and a faster painting schedule because the army will invariably be a much smaller model count. However, the range of options is much much smaller, and as others have said the way to play them is "Razorbacks and Stormraven to shoot from the back, everyone else deep strike and punch". I've gotten in 3 games of 8th with my GK's and it has gone extremely well for them, but they are a sledgehammer alpha strike army and that may get boring after a while.

Earth127 wrote:
GK are almost exclusively melee psychic deep strike,
They are a one-trick you love or hate. I prefer using them as support to antoher imperial army.

Eldar are one of the oldest, widest ranges with plenty of different playstyles and a history of ""good"" ineternal balance (WS / scatterbikes aside). Their units tend to very specialized.

Too many people think of the gk as all assault. Gk are actually Jack of all trades and good (not great) at all. They can move with the initial deepstrike and gate of infinity for decent mobility. They are strong psykers with good powers. They are good anti horde shooting and can still damage vehicles alright. They are okay at assault and geared at killing multi wound infantry.

The fact that they contribute in each phase is what makes them fun and good. I frequently pair them with my guard for the command points, long range firepower and staying power since the grey knights struggle in those areas.

It really comes down to aesthetics. They both play completely different, but if you don't like the way your army looks, why bother? Personally, if I were to start another army, it work definitely be Eldar. I really love their look. They use sleak vehicles and their troops are all really neat (I would run tons of Dire Avengers despite their price, I love the way they look!). I don't think I would run much of any Wraith units, just tons of Wave Serpents, Dire Avengers, and artillery.