Quick Links

With one of the most varied unit rosters in Total War: Warhammer 3, the Dark Elves have a great selection of chariots, monsters, and heavy infantry units to pick from. Every troop comes with the Murderous Prowess perk that gives them a huge Melee, Charge, Armor Piercing Missile, and Vigor boost for 90 seconds when activated, and some special units have an upgraded version.

Related: Total War: Warhammer 3 - Best Campaign For Beginners

There are some things to keep in mind when picking this faction: cavalry units aren’t very useful unless we’re talking about following routing enemies, and the faction doesn’t have any good mid-game infantry. Don't worry; past that hill, you’ll find some of the best infantry the game has to offer.

Updated on May 5, 2023, by Christopher Argentino: The Dark Elves are a faction that faces constant evolution. Since the first publishing of this article, there have been a couple of additions to its roster. That's why we came back to freshen things up and, most importantly, ensure you know which units you'll need to ensure total domination over every other faction in the game. At the end of the day, it is what Malekith wishes for.

S-Tier

a war hydra and Bloodwrack Shrine Medusae in total war warhammer 3

Black Guard of Naggarond: This halberd infantry unit is the first type you need to unlock when you reach the game's end. They have great armor stats, an amazing armor-piercing halberd, are effective against cavalry, and can hold flanks as few units can in the game. This is enough reason to be an S-tier unit.

Bloodwrack Shrine: Just looking at this masterpiece should get you hyped to use the Dark Elves in battle. This magic chariot isn’t just a behemoth in missile damage and range with 125 range and magic ammo. Thanks to Aura of Agony and Aura of Ardor, it’s going to break down your enemy's defense and leadership while simultaneously boosting your ally's melee attack and leadership when it’s in close-quarters combat.

The Blades of the Blood Queen (Executioners): The Dark Elves' elite regiment, wielding powerful two-handed swords that can cut through enemy formations. Their improved stats, including frenzy, allows them to inflict more damage. While their Guardian trait provides 18 percent physical resistance to nearby Lords or heroes, making them the bodyguard unit you've always dreamed of in a Total War game.

War Hydra: The War Hydra isn’t just a monster unit in the literal sense. It is no doubt one of the best monster units in the game. With Fiery Breath, Scaly Skin, and Regeneration, it’s going to do a lot of damage to your foes. The skill Another Takes its Place gives you a 12 percent bonus per second and can be used up to four times per battle. On top of this, it even has missile resistance. Its only weaknesses are lords, magic, and the Lothern Spear Guard unit.

The Chill of Sontar: In addition to the standard War Hydra, there is also the upgrade you've wanted but never knew you needed. Are you going to turn down an ice-breathing monster able to deal incredible damage to its foes and slow down fast-moving units? You must save up for this one, but it's ultimately worth it.

A-Tier

a cold one dread knight annd a har ganeth in total war warhammer 3

Darkshards (Shields): The upgraded version of Darkshards makes them an amazing early-game archer unit. They’ll be the backbone of your army once you unlock them. The game's version of a Pavese archer, they have missile resistance thanks to their shields (with 55 percent block chance) and can be unlocked with a level one barracks. Plus, they have armor-piercing missiles. The only reason they aren’t S tier is the lower range compared to other elven archers.

Sisters of Slaughter: A unique unit type to the Dark Elves, the Sisters of Slaughter are a whip-type infantry. Yep, they use whips in battle. They can withstand hand-to-hand combat with their melee defense at 58, and by activating Trial of Blade, they have a bonus to melee attack and armor piercing.

Har Ganeth Executioners: They’re called executioners for a reason, they wreck enemy armored units. The best front-line infantry there is for the Dark Elves, and they also have the upgraded Murderous Mastery. You need them in your army.

Cold One Dread Knights: Cavalry isn’t the Dark Elves' forte, but the Dread Knights sure can be helpful. They have both armor and shield, plus they’ve got some decent armor-piercing melee. But Primal Instincts can be a bummer, as they might go on a rampage and stop following orders.

Black Dragon: Dragons sure are fun in Warhammer 3, and we couldn’t leave the Dark Elves dragon out of the mix. With its Noxious Breath, to use pre-fight, not during, it drops enemies like flies. It’s not in S tier because it’s missing out on regeneration, but worry not; any artillery or archers who see it coming will wonder why they showed up on the battlefield.

Scougerunner Chariot: Chariots are your go-to unit if you want something fast in the mix. They outperform cavalry in every aspect when it comes to the Dark Elves. The Scourgerunner Chariot’s 173 armor-piercing missile strength is the main reason to pick some for your army.

Doomfire Warlocks: This magical cavalry unit can be a great addition to your ranks. Casting Soulblight before charging into your enemy is a great way to lower their armor stats. Don’t be scared by the melee defense at 28. They also have a 40 percent Physical Resistance perk

Related: Total War: Warhammer 3 - All Factions Ranked For Single Player Campaign

The Hellebronai (Dreadspears): Highly effective spear-wielding infantry units with superior stats. Compared to standard Dreadspers, they have increased toughness, melee defense, leadership, poison attacks, and charge defense against all. Great to hold a line in times of need.

Sisters of the Singing Doom (Witch Elves): These agile and use their whips to terrorize enemies. They are more powerful than regular Witch Elves, causing fear and terror and making them ideal for flanking enemies. So, having them with your Hellebronai is a great way to flank your enemies and instill fear in the opponent's hearts.

The Bolt-fiends (Darkshards - Shields): The Bolt-fiends is a team of elite Dark Elves crossbowmen skilled in accuracy and shield defense. They can lower the parry chance of shielded units through their Shield Breaker ability. Additionally, their shields offer protection from enemy fire, making them a reliable long-range unit in battles.

Slaanesh's Harvesters (Doomfire Warlocks): This upgraded version of the Doomfire Warlocks. They come equipped with two excellent spells, Word of Pain and Soul Stealer. The first makes your opponent's melee damage useless, and Soul Stealer takes the HP from surrounding enemy units. If used wisely, this magic cavalry unit will save the day.

Knights of the Ebon Claw (Dread Knights): Similar to the Dread Knights with heavily-armored cavalry, they have better stats than their predecessors, including the "Murderous Mastery" ability, which allows them to deal more damage. The main difference is they don't go into rampage mode, so you'll always be in control.

B-Tier

dark witch elf and dying Kharibdyss in total war warhammer 3

Reaper Bolt Thrower: A peculiar level one barracks artillery unit, the Reaper Bolt Thrower has both Multi-shot to take out units and Single Shot to go after lords. It’s great until it gets flanked and goes out in a flash.

Black Ark Corsairs (Handbows): These short bow-equipped skirmishers are decent to sow some chaos in the enemy lines. With the Fire While Moving perk, they’ll be great to kit out your enemy.

Darkshards: We’ve already met the shield-wielding Darkshard in the A Tier, but before you can unlock them, you’ll want to train some of the original Darkshard units. That early-game armor-piercing damage is going to be great.

Dark Riders (Repeater Crossbow): Even though the concept of crossbow-mounted cavalry is amazing, the fact that this unit doesn't come with Fire While Moving is a bummer. Not great in melee, but great for taking out slow-moving infantry.

Shades (Greatswords): The only worthy Shades unit in the faction, dealing some hefty armor piercing damage when in melee combat, and great for some unforeseen ambushes on your enemy.

Witch Elves: Dual Dagger infantry can be a great resource if you’re all about flanking your enemies and have a nice 20 percent Physical Resistance. They’re like the less-prepared version of the Sisters of Slaughter - do not try to use them as line infantry. Just don’t.

Feral Manticore: The Manticore is a good flying monster to keep in your midst, even though once it goes into rampage mode, there isn’t much you can do about it. The main reason it’s in B is its missile resistance, which is handy.

Kharibdyss: This monster unit has the Anti-Large perk that is good to have. Plus, with Abyssal Howl, it will decimate your enemy's Leadership. If you’re in any shallow water map, be ready to deploy them.

Related: Total War: Warhammer 3 Daemons Of Chaos Beginner Guide

Cold One Knights: Spear cavalry is usually a winner in Total War games, but Dark Elves don’t really excel when it comes to mounted melee units. The Cold One Knights are decent, though, as they have increased Physical Resistance and higher damage when low on HP.

Cold One Chariots: Even though it’s an upgraded Scourgerunner Chariot, this unit has a lower range and is slower. Its high armor level and good missile strength are the only two things that keep it standing.

Ravagers of Rakarth (Scourgerunner Chariots): This elite Dark Elf chariot is armed with deadly blades, javelins, and improved stats. They use poisonous missile attacks that will slow down your enemies. The poison skirmishers you never knew you wanted.

The Siren of Red Ruin (Bloodwrack Medusa): A Medusa-style monster that is good for you to have on reserve. The Siren has better melee attack and defense stats than the Blood Wreck Medusa, making her more suitable for close combat. But still, don't be sending her amid battle.

The Crows of Khaine (Harpies): A regiment of harpies with decent stats. Just think of the 48 melee defense while effectively harassing enemy missiles and skirmishing with cavalry. Great to send out your chariot units. Because they need to move quickly, they only have 15 armor. It's the price you pay for speed.

Raven Heralds (Repeater Crossbow): The Raven Heralds are elite crossbowmen, capable of firing multiple volleys with their repeater crossbows while flying. Armor-piercing damage is excellent in Total War, but it isn't enough to make them a must-have unit in your roster. But if you're all about harassing your foe, bring some Raven Heralds to your next battle.

C-Tier

dark elves shades and corsairs in total war warhammer 3

Shades: One of the missile infantry units with the longest range at 130, the shades can offer great ambushes thanks to their Stalk perk.

Shades (Dual Weapons): Unfortunately, both melee and missile infantry don’t deal any armor-piercing damage. But can take out loads of non-armor-clad infantry units.

Dreadspears: Nothing special, but still useful to keep in mind while building armies; the Dreadspears are going to be your first line of defense all the way into the mid-game because the Dark Elves don’t have many infantry units. Luckily, they're decent.

Bleakswords: A standard-issue infantry unit that is shielded. If melee is your thing, then you’ll probably rate them higher than we did, but compared to the late-stage infantry, they don’t hold up. High melee attack but low melee defense.

Dark Riders: This is probably the worst unit to grace the list. As fun, as the idea of Shock Cavalry is, the Dark Elves really need to upgrade their stables. Their only utility is running down routing units.

Bloodwrack Medusa: While it has armor-piercing solid missile damage and magical ammunition, it is useless in melee combat due to its lack of armor and melee defense. So, yeah, make sure she's never stuck between melee combatants.

Scourgerunner Chariots: The base form of the Ravagers of Rakarth, they are great to have in the field if you can't afford the Ravagers, but with a wide variety of skirmishers units available, these aren't the best ones you can recruit.

Dark Riders (Shields): The upgraded version of the Dark Riders still isn’t worth your time, considering they're unlocked with a level three building.

Black Ark Corsairs: The standard Corsairs are fun to look at, but they do tend to die like flies once they’re in the range of enemy archers.

Harpies: They’re nothing to write home about, as harpies tend to be in these games, but if you use them on enemy artillery, you might change your mind.

Next: Total War: Warhammer 3 - Beginner Tips