Spearmen are great in either defensive or offensive roles. Sure, only have a S3 and a 5+ Armor Save, but the ability to fight in three ranks with spears (2 on the charge) means more attacks across the board, and more attacks could mean one or two more dead enemies, which can swing the combat in your favor if it is a prolonging fight (since Elves always strike first, the ability to reduce enemy attacks against you is VITAL). Spearmen therefore, make decently priced anvils that are fairly decent at maintaining 2 or 3 round combat. Offensively, when supported by a Lion or Tiranoc Chariot, these guys can even break tougher infantry. 

 

Filling the roles of Archers and Spearmen, Seaguard are one of the most defensive units in the High Elf list. These guys excel at holding your battle lines or war machines, and defensive armies would do well to try and sneak in a unit of 20 of these guys. Deployed in two ranks, they can volley off some fire at the enemy.  When the fight comes closer to the Seaguard, it's time to switch up tactics and reform the little buggers into a standard 5x4 block, who are just as good as Spearmen at holding a line since these guys also fight in three ranks with Spears. Seaguard though, are allowed to stand and shoot, which again, can prove invaluable if you can negate a rank. A bit pricey, but effective in a defensive list.

 

With a WS of 6, and 2 Str 5 attacks that always strike first, the Swordmasters are more than capable at going toe-to-toe with some of the best units in Warhammer. Only the elite Wardancers of Athel Loren can come close to matching thier power and speed. Just don't forget that they only have a T3 and 5+ save. If left in the open, they are extremely vulnerable to missle fire. However, in close combat, they have few peers.

 

So much better than they used to be, the Phoenix Guard are incredibly durable with heavy armour and a 4+ Ward save. Thier halberds pack a wallop with a S4. They can also go up against some of the best hitters in the enemy force and keep on fighting thanks to thier LD of 9. Get them into combat and stomp lightly armored infantry into the ground, and aim for the fear-causing auto break. Also invaluable against the undead.

 

Akin to the Dark Elf Dark Riders, Ellyrian Reavers can serve an invaluable support role to any High Elf army. With the Movement value of 9, these guys can out charge anything but flyers and Mounted Daemonettes, which becomes a valuable asset against light infantry or enemy Fast Cavalry, as the Reavers can strike fast and at S4. These guys are also ideal for hunting down war machines and lone Mages. But truly, the strength of the Reaver is in general harassment. Threatening flanks, march blocking, and baiting are their forte. Position them an angle in front of an enemy, leaving your foe two options: charge the Reavers or go around them. If the Reavers are charged, they flee and thus force the enemy unit to move forward at an angle. This can, and often does, result in the enemy receiving a flank charge from another unit held in reserve (remember, High Elf units support each other, and giving support to Reavers is no exception). They also have the option for bows, but this option is expensive, and often not worth its salt as Shadow Warriors will handle all your harassing arrow fire needs.