The Aeldari Corsairs are back in the spotlight, with Games Workshop unveiling a new look at Prince Yriel during its New Year preview event. The update refreshes one of the most iconic Eldar characters and hints at a renewed role for Corsairs on the tabletop—particularly appealing to fans of small-scale skirmish systems like Gangfight.
TL;DR
Games Workshop has revealed a new Prince Yriel miniature alongside updated Aeldari Corsairs.
The preview highlights a more dynamic sculpt and reinforces the Corsairs’ identity as elite space raiders.
The reveal was part of the company’s New Year preview lineup.
The reveal centers on Prince Yriel, the famed Corsair prince of Iyanden, now returning with an updated miniature. The sculpt emphasizes motion and authority, with Yriel posed mid-stride, spear leveled, capturing the aggressive confidence long associated with the character.
Alongside Yriel, the Aeldari Corsairs are positioned once again as a distinct force—neither fully Craftworld nor Drukhari, but something uniquely their own. The preview imagery leans into their role as ruthless void-raiders, with ornate armor details and a visual identity that clearly separates them from standard Eldar infantry.
From a hobby perspective, this refresh lands well. Corsairs have always attracted converters and narrative gamers, and these designs look purpose-built for painters who enjoy sharp edges, layered armor, and character-driven forces.
Why It Matters for Skirmish Gamers
Corsairs naturally fit skirmish-scale play: small, elite crews with strong visual personality and flexible roles. Models like Prince Yriel work cleanly as leaders, heroes, or narrative antagonists in skirmish games, whether adapted for Warhammer-derived systems or more open rulesets like Gangfight. Their pirate aesthetic and mixed wargear make them especially easy to slot into custom crews and campaign play.