Where to start with a dark eldar army

Hi, I've just joined the forum mainly because I'm planning to start a dark eldar army and need some guidance. I think tactics is the best place for this. I've played blood angels and orks and fancied something new to paint and the dark eldar models look amazing. I mainly play against 1 friend who plays skitarii and always beats me (only been playing for a year). Some tactics to beat him and an idea of what to buy would help...

Ok, so I'm going to pick up 2 venoms and a box of warriors to get started. Any tips on load out and what to buy next?

Hi AC, welcome to the forum! I can't give you much advice about playing Skitarii as I've never gone up against them myself, but the best way to build those Warriors is probably as two squads of five guys, with a blaster for one model. When you get another box or some Scourges you can always give blasters to each squad of five. Personally I'm moving away from the blaster toting squads of five as I have plentiful anti-tank elsewhere in my list, but at smaller points levels they're a nice, flexible unit.

For your next purchases, I'd suggest a Succubus and either a Ravager or Reavers. The Succubus is a great model and a pretty nasty combatant. Give her the Armour of Misery and a webway portal and deep strike her somewhere inconveniencing with an escort. And I'd suggest the Ravager or Reavers because anti-infantry is something Dark Eldar do in their sleep, but anti-armour you have to make sure you have in spades. Scourges are also good, and again, are stunning models.

If you're looking for victories, especially over skitarii, I have some bad news for you. Then again you mentioned you play Orks and BA so this should be nothing new.

Tactically we have 1 thing going for us atm, tough as nuts formations with the Haemonculi Covens dex. Look at those and mix and match what you like, it will be a nightmare for his Skitarii to deal with.

If you are into podcasts, we did an entire episode on this topic!
http://www.thedarkcity.net/t13059-splintermind-episode-16-realspace-raiding-for-noobs

Thanks guys, I'll have a look at all of that. Blasters and warriors sounds like what I've been seeing about. Might pick up the start collecting box then to get the warriors and the reavers.

Yup very used to losing! Actually had more luck with the orks than I did with the blood angels. Best formations are always in another book, I'll pick up a copy of that thanks!

Evil space elves, you're the reason I'm here! Almost went khorne but started the pod cast and liked it. Currently only on 5 but I'lll skip to 16 for a listen!

AC_The_Archon wrote:

Evil space elves, you're the reason I'm here! Almost went khorne but started the pod cast and liked it. Currently only on 5 but I'lll skip to 16 for a listen!

NEAT
Funny thing is.....my next army is Khorne I'll never give up DE as my primary army though.

Can't resist the blood thirsters! Listening to the pod cast just now and have purchased my first warriors for some colour experimenting

Well Khorne is just the ultimate skull fetishist.  I'm sure Dark Eldar can appreciate that on some level.  That and enjoying watching your own followers die horribly.  Hmm he hates magic too...  I guess Khorne is just the ultimate wannabe archon.

Anyway the starter box is a great place to begin. Save up all the extra bits and try to get a few demo games with the force. Having units that move 48 inches in a turn is really good fun! Once you've got a feel for some of the units you can get a sense of what other things will appeal to you.

One chaos god trying to claim your soul so you turn to another for help!

I've had a look at the starter box, but I've been hearing rumours that GW will be doing the same as last year and have army bundles that might have more in it for a big discount. Going to hold off and see!