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How should new players kick off their journey with a Drukhari army? We explore Games Workshop’s method and share a seasoned player’s perspective.
A Dark Beginning: The GW Way to Start Your Drukhari Army
If you’ve ever been drawn to the shadowy corners of Warhammer 40K’s universe, the Drukhari beckon with sinister allure. Games Workshop’s official guide on starting a Drukhari army lays out a neat roadmap for newcomers. It begins with a rich dive into the grim lore—the catastrophic birth of Slaanesh, the devastating fracturing of the Aeldari, and the rise of the Drukhari within the twisted city of Commorragh. This foundation is vital for understanding the essence of these Realspace Raiders both on the tabletop and in story.
Next comes the practical start: GW suggests grabbing the new Drukhari Combat Patrol box. Then, they walk you through painting tips before encouraging the purchase of the official Codex. After that, it’s all about unit suggestions—more Kabalite Warriors, Wyches, and Incubi for beginners, scaling up to elite units like Lelith Hesperax, Raiders, and even the Voidraven Bomber.
Finally, the guide points players to delve deeper into lore books and browse the full Drukhari range in the GW store. It’s a polished marketing funnel, no doubt—Games Workshop’s business acumen shining through. But does this approach truly set up new Drukhari commanders for success? I have my doubts.
Why I Disagree: The Codex Should Be Your First Step
Here’s where I respectfully part ways with GW’s suggested starting point. To me, the very first purchase for building a Drukhari army should be the Codex. Why? Because that book is your strategic bible, chock-full of unit rules, in-depth details, and the freedom to explore all the playstyles the Drukhari offer. It lets you decide which dark path your army will walk—something the Combat Patrol box doesn’t really facilitate.
The Combat Patrol’s contents push players toward the Haemonculi Covens playstyle, a niche and arguably less traditional Drukhari route. If that’s your poison, then great! But how do you know if it’s right for you without first immersing yourself in the Codex? It feels a bit like handing someone a recipe for a dish before letting them taste the ingredients.
Where are the bread-and-butter Warriors, the versatile Raiders, or the iconic Venoms? The trusty Archon? Those staples are glaringly absent in this box, yet they’re the usual suspects players gravitate toward when building a classic Drukhari force.
If you can find it, I’d recommend the older 2021 Combat Patrol instead. It leans on the classic Drukhari units and presents a more balanced foundation to build around. I’m fairly certain even GW’s writers realize this, especially when they acknowledge:
“The Combat Patrol gives you a solid starting force based around the haemonculus covens, so the next logical step is to branch out with some Kabalite and wych cult units. Kabalite Warriors are the backbone of many raids, and can lay down a withering hail of firepower with poisoned splinter rifles that specialise in killing infantry – wounding the mighty Custodian Guard as easily as they would a regular Guardsman.”
Why then, does the box lack these “backbone” units? Shouldn’t the quintessential pieces of the army be what new players start with?
Forge Your Own Dark Path: Build the Drukhari Army You Want
If you’ve stuck with me so far, you know my stance: the Combat Patrol as a starting point is a little too narrow. The rest of GW’s advice isn’t bad by any means; it’s solid guidance peppered with marketing flair. The real challenge with Drukhari lies in their breadth of options—units come and go, and the meta shifts constantly. Even after the removal of some units, there’s plenty to mull over.
At the core, Drukhari are a finesse army. They hit hard but fall fast if mishandled. Each unit’s role is critical, and mastery requires patience and practice. It’s a faction that rewards planning and precision, not scattershot purchases.
So, do your homework. Pick the aspect of the Drukhari that excites you. Don’t just buy the Combat Patrol and call it a day—unless you want to endure more pain than you dish out. This is not a beginner’s army; treat it like the lethal, demanding force it is.
The Final Word
Drukhari can be absolutely terrifying on the battlefield when wielded by a knowledgeable player. But wield them without understanding, and they crumble quickly. So, grab that Codex, dig into the lore, and plan your force with intention before buying those sharp blades and venomous rifles.
Do you stand with GW’s path, or will you carve your own sinister route through the shadows of Commorragh?
FAQ
- What’s the best first purchase for a new Drukhari player?
Start with the Codex. It provides the essential rules and helps you decide which units and strategies best fit your playstyle. - Is the new Combat Patrol box a good starter set?
It’s geared towards the Haemonculi Covens playstyle, which isn’t the traditional Drukhari experience. For many, older sets or building from the Codex may be better. - Why are Kabalite Warriors important for a Drukhari army?
They’re considered the backbone of many raids, offering solid firepower and versatility on the battlefield. - Can I build a competitive Drukhari army without the Combat Patrol box?
Absolutely! Many players build successful Drukhari forces by selecting units directly guided by the Codex and their personal preferences. - Are Drukhari easy to play for beginners?
Not really. They’re a glass cannon faction that requires strategic planning and precision. Beginners should be prepared for a learning curve.
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