Total War: WARHAMMER Wiki

The High Elves tech tree consists of technologies that unlock new advantages throughout the game. Research takes place constantly, but the rate at which discoveries occur can be increased by using heroes to spy or building additional research buildings at your settlements.

Tech tree[]


Technologies[]

Tech Prerequisite Cost Effects
Military Advancements I
Research the following items to advance the High Elves' finely-tuned military machine to a higher level altogether.
Spearwall
One of the most impressive, iconic sights of an Elven warhost is the wall of spears, perfectly arranged for maximum effect.
  • Weapon strength: +10% for High Elf Spearmen and Lothern Sea Guard units
Militia Training
All citizens of Ulthuan must join a militia and attend regular training, by order of the Phoenix King.
  • Unit experience: +2 for Spearmen and Archers unit recruits
Naval Discipline
Try and stay in the ship. That's the first lesson and it will keep you alive!
  • Melee defence: +5 for Lothern Sea Guard units
  • Leadership: +5 for Lothern Sea Guard units
Appoint Sea Masters
Those among the Sea Guard who show better-than-average aptitude may find themselves promoted in due course.
  • Unit experience: +2 for Lothern Sea Guard unit recruits
Light Cavalry Barding
Barding of this kind gives the Reavers' mounts extra protection whilst they deliver their devastating charges.
  • Armour: +10 for Ellyrian Reavers units
Horsemasters
It is both the right and duty of Ulthuan's perfect cavalry to repeat the achievements of their glorious ancestors.
  • Recruit rank: +2 for Ellyrian Reavers and Silver Helms unit recruits
Archery Prowess
It takes centuries to become this good, but the Asur have time on their side.
  • Reload time reduction: +15% for Archers and Lothern Sea Guard units
Cartridge Ammunition
Whereby bolts and arrows can be stored for swift access when the ebb and flow of battle demands.
  • Reload time reduction: +15% for Eagle Claw Bolt Thrower units
  • Reload time reduction: +15% for Tiranoc Chariot units
Trumpeters
The cadence of military music enables the maintenance of order and discipline in the fray's desperate, blood-soaked moments.
  • Speed: +5% for Spearmen, Archers and Lothern Sea Guard units
Swiftsense
An eagle's senses match their speed in flight, making them excellent spotters and swift killers.
  • Charge bonus: +10 for Great Eagle units
  • Speed: +5% for Great Eagle units
Military Advancements II
Research the following items to advance the High Elves' finely-tuned military machine to a higher level altogether.
Precise Fletching
The world's best archers require the very best arrows.
  • Ammunition: +20% for Archers, Lothern Sea Guard, Ellyrian Reaver Archers and Tiranoc Chariot units
  • Missile Damage: +10% for Archers, Lothern Sea Guard, Ellyrian Reaver Archers and Chariot units
Martial Law
In times of war, it is best to be prepared for the long haul.
  • Recruitment cost: -10% for Spearmen and Archers units
  • Upkeep: -5% for Spearmen and Archers units
Light Ithilmar Armour
Ithilmar is an unusual substance in that it offers full protection but without the encumbrance of a full suit of plate armour.
  • Armour: +10 for Spearmen, Archers and Lothern Sea Guard units
Recall Colonists
Some of the Asur's coastal colonies have fallen into disrepair and many colonists have maritime skills that could be useful to the Sea Guard at home.
  • Upkeep: -5% for Lothern Sea Guard units
  • Recruitment cost: -10% for Lothern Sea Guard units
Skirmishing Saddles
Being able to control your steed with only your knees frees up the hands for blade, point or bow.
  • Charge bonus: +10 for Ellyrian Reavers units
  • Range: +10% for Ellyrian Reaver Archers units
Harbingers Called
The deadliest part of Ulthuan's armies just got deadlier.
  • Upkeep: -5% for Ellyrian Reavers units
  • Recruitment cost: -10% for Ellyrian Reavers units
Massed Charge
The finest sons of the Ulthuan nobility, acting as one, without hesitation, to bring death to their homeland's enemies.
  • Charge bonus: +10 for Silver Helms units
  • Melee attack: +5 for Silver Helms units
Vows of Fealty
Minor nobles often choose a patron from more prestigious quarters, swearing allegiance to their house.
  • Upkeep: -5% for Silver Helms and Chariot units
  • Recruitment cost: -10% for Silver Helms and Chariot units
Shredding Talons
Yes, they're sharp enough. Be sure not to put your hand anywhere near the end.
  • Melee attack: +5 for Great Eagle units
  • Weapon strength: +10% for Great Eagle units
Annulii Roosts
As many eagles and phoenixes hail from these huge magical mountains, it makes sense to foster new recruits here as early as possible.
  • Upkeep: -5% for Great Eagle and Phoenix units
  • Recruitment cost: -10% for Great Eagle and Phoenix units
Military Advancements III
Research the following items to advance the High Elves' finely-tuned military machine to a higher level altogether.
Drummers
Among the Asur, unflinching, unending war has a distinctive rhythm all its own.
  • Speed: +5% for White Lions of Chrace, Swordmasters of Hoeth and Phoenix Guard units
Mounted Hornblowers
Forward! For Ulthuan! For the Phoenix King! Charrrrrge!
  • Speed: +10% for Chariot units
  • Speed: +5% for Ellyrian Reavers, Silver Helms and Dragon Princes units
Highborn Champions
Those of noble birth have the time to become well practiced in war's terrible arts.
  • Unit experience: +2 for Silver Helms and Chariot unit recruits
Chariot Anthems
The Elves of Tiranoc all know its battle song, a rousing anthem sung by their number since ancient times.
  • Charge bonus: +10 for Chariot units
  • Melee attack: +5 for Chariot units
Heavy Ithilmar Armour
Ithilmar is an unusual substance in that it offers full protection but without the encumbrance of a full suit of plate armour.
  • Armour: +10 for Silver Helms and Dragon Princes units
  • Armour: +10 for Swordmasters of Hoeth, White Lions of Chrace and Phoenix Guard units
Starmetal Blades
Only the very best blades are made from star-metal; only Dwarfen gromril comes close in hardness and strength.
  • Melee attack: +5 for Swordmasters of Hoeth, White Lions of Chrace and Phoenix Guard units
  • Weapon strength: +5% for White Lions of Chrace and Phoenix Guard units
Arcane Studies
When a course takes several centuries to complete, you can be sure that its students know their subject inside and out.
  • Hero recruit rank: +2 for Loremasters of Hoeth and Mages (all provinces)
Magical Infusion
Certain creatures are highly attuned to the Winds of Magic, making them that little bit more sensitive to the benefits of enchantment.
  • Melee defence: +5 for Phoenix units
  • Ward save: +5% for Phoenix units
Broadhead Arrows
Wide, flat-headed arrows are both easy to store and more effective at slicing through massed ranks of the foe than standard designs.
  • Ammunition: +20% for Eagle Claw Bolt Thrower and Tiranoc Chariot units
  • Range: +10% for Eagle Claw Bolt Thrower and Tiranoc Chariot units
From the Shadowlands
Those hailing from Nagarythe are adept fletchers, using raven feathers to create their own lethal designs.
  • Leadership: +10 for Shadow Warriors and Shadow-walker units
  • Reload Time Reduction: +15% for Shadow Warriors and Shadow-walker units
  • Missile resistance: 15% for Shadow Warriors and Shadow-walker units
Military Advancements IV
Research the following items to advance the High Elves' finely-tuned military machine to a higher level altogether.
Fireborn Nature
The hotter it is, the wilder the beast, so intrinsic is fire to their nature.
  • Melee attack: +5 for Phoenix and Dragon units
  • Weapon strength: +10% for Phoenix and Dragon units
Dragon's Bond
Both the song and the singer are crucial if Dragon and rider are to form a bond that lasts a lifetime.
  • Armour: +10 for Dragon units
  • Melee defence: +5 for Dragon units
Obligations of Nobility
Nobility obliges me to recognise the virtue of an exceptional commoner.
  • Charge bonus: +10 for Dragon Princes units
  • Leadership: +10 for embedded Heroes
Friends in High Places
It's not what you know but who.
  • Upkeep: -5% for Swordmasters of Hoeth, White Lions of Chrace, Phoenix Guard and Dragon Princes units
  • Recruitment cost: -10% for Swordmasters of Hoeth, White Lions of Chrace, Phoenix Guard and Dragon Princes units
Wardings of Vaul
The finest suits of armour are forged in the Anvil of Vaul at Caledor, and contain the Smith-God's protection.
  • Melee defence: +5 for Dragon Princes units
  • Ward save: +5% for Dragon Princes units
Blessings of Asuryan
Knowledge of the end informs the individual and guides their actions.
  • Melee defence: +5 for Phoenix Guard units
  • Ward save: +5% for Phoenix Guard units
Elite Champions
Oft times, pride comes afore a fall. Not in this case.
  • Unit experience: +2 for White Lions of Chrace, Swordmaster, Phoenix Guard and Dragon Princes unit recruits
Ancient Lair Warding
The Naggarothi expend much energy and resources in trying to steal Dragon Eggs, prompting their Asur cousins to ward their allies' ancient lairs against infiltration.
  • Unit experience: +2 for Great Eagle, Phoenix and Dragon unit recruits
Teachings of Hoeth
There is much to be learned at the Tower of Hoeth, be it history or swordplay.
  • Melee attack: +5 for Lords and embedded Heroes
  • Melee defence: +5 for Lords and Heroes
Strength of Avalorn
The maidens of Avalorn invoke the lands which they protect, and Isha, the Mother, answers.
  • Armor: +10 for Handmaiden heroes
  • Melee Defense: +6 for Handmaiden and Sister of Avalorn units
  • Physical resistance: 5% for Sister of Avalorn and Handmaiden units
Trade Advancements
Research the following items to advance the High Elves' prosperous economy to a higher level altogether.
Call the Great Herds
Many herds of fine Elven steeds roam freely on Ulthuan's wide plains, but can be called to battle when needed.
  • Speed: +5% for Chariot units
  • Speed: +5% for Ellyrian Reavers, Silver Helms and Dragon Princes units
Awakening the Ancient Ones
Only when there is dire need can the most ancient examples be roused from their slumber.
  • Upkeep: -5% for Dragon units
  • Recruitment cost: -10% for Dragon units
Great Weapons
The renowned smiths of Vaul and Hoeth forge greatswords so light and well-balanced they appear to be no lighter than a feather.
  • Weapon strength: +5% for Swordmasters of Hoeth, White Lions of Chrace, Phoenix Guard and Dragon Princes units
Gemsetting
Setting rare gems into jewellery made from precious metals increases their value manyfold.
  • Income from Industry buildings: +10%
Marble Stockpiles
Having a surplus of the finest building materials says something about a society's inherent wealth.
  • Construction cost: -10% for all buildings
Healing Salve
Pain, begone, I will have no more of thee!
  • Casualty replenishment rate: +5%
Hardwood Construction
War machines benefit greatly from solid construction using only the finest materials.
  • Armour: +10 for Chariot units
  • Melee defence: +5 for Chariot units
Eastern Trade Contracts
Those who dare to sail to the far east return with rare luxury goods of which the lesser races can only imagine.
  • Income from trade: +10%
Preserved Seafood
Salting fish ensures it can be transported inland and still be edible by the time it gets there.
  • Income from Ports: +10%
  • Growth: +10
Monthly Festivals
Elves are partial to the arts and enjoy festivals where poets and bards come to entertain the masses.
Extravagant Murals
The play may be the thing, but a pleasant environment does much for the mood of the audience.
  • Income from Entertainment buildings: +10%
Porcelain Kilns
High Elf pottery is produced to a dazzlingly-high standard, as one might expect from a superior race. Naturally, its secrets are closely guarded.
  • Income from Settlements: +10%
Cultural Advancements
Research the following items to advance the High Elves' ancient, glorious culture even further.
Waystone Network
Ulthuan's network of waystones funnel the Winds of Magic towards the Vortex, ensuring tranquillity abounds within its enchanted cloak.
  • Hero action success chance: +5%
  • Campaign movement range: +10%
Upholders of Order
Not everyone understands the true nature of the world's peril. Those who do are more willing to unite against the common enemy.
  • Diplomatic relations: +10 with High Elves and Lizardmen
Court Advisors
Where better for the ambitious individual to learn their craft than at a place of high intrigue and low plots?
  • Hero recruit rank: +2 for Nobles
  • Lord recruit rank: +2
  • Lord recruit rank: +2
Spy Networks
The calm, polite eloquence of the Asur ensures their easier acceptance by other cultures, where they may hear and even influence local intrigue.
  • Diplomatic relations: +5 with all factions
Unite Local Nobility
If only they could stop squabbling amongst themselves, then we would truly be invincible.
  • Construction cost: -15% for High Elf Industry and Resource buildings
  • Construction time: -1 for High Elf Industry and Resource buildings
Maritime Empire
Visibility is important; it not only ensures that you see events unfold, but that you are seen doing so.
  • Construction cost: -15% for Ports
  • Construction time: -1 for Ports
  • All sea regions are made visible to your faction
Rapid Resettlement
Recaptured former colonies require less effort to orientate and acclimatise them to the Asur way.
  • Construction cost: -15% for Province Capital/Settlement buildings
  • Construction time: -1 for Province Capital/Settlement buildings
Pinnacle of Civilisation
Living on our fair isles of Ulthuan, set in the centre of the Great Ocean, we are far removed from the petty squabbles of the lesser races.
  • Construction cost: -15% for High Elf Entertainment, Aristocracy and Embassy buildings
  • Construction time: -1 for High Elf Entertainment, Aristocracy and Embassy buildings