The shuriken cannon is the heavy-hitting big brother of the Aeldari shuriken catapult. It sprays razor-thin monomolecular discs that tear through armour and flesh alike, making it a staple weapon for Craftworld, Harlequin, and Corsair forces.
What it is and how it works
The shuriken cannon is a heavy class of shuriken weapon used by the Aeldari. It works on the same principle as the smaller shuriken catapult: it launches a cloud of high-speed monomolecular discs that slice through armour as easily as flesh.
Compared to its smaller cousins, the cannon packs a longer ammunition coil, a triple accelerator field, and stabilising gyroscopes. Those extras give it more punch and range, making it a reliable mid-to-heavy infantry and vehicle weapon.
Who can take it
You’ll find shuriken cannons mounted on Guardian grav platforms and a wide range of Aeldari vehicles. Windriders and Vypers use them for fast hit-and-run attacks, while Falcons, Night Spinners, and Wave Serpents can carry them as secondary armament.
Wraithlords and Wraithknights can also take a shuriken cannon or two, giving even the ghostly constructs a way to shred infantry. Guardians and War Walkers can pick them up as well, so almost any Aeldari force can find a home for one.
Variants and related weapons
The best-known variant is the Shrieker Cannon, carried by Harlequin Death Jesters. It fires a special ammunition that can cause additional damage or psychological effects.
Other shuriken weapons in the Aeldari arsenal include the shuriken pistol, shuriken catapult, and Avenger shuriken catapult. The cannon sits at the heavy end of that family, trading rate of fire for stopping power.
- Shuriken pistol: sidearm version
- Shuriken catapult: standard infantry weapon
- Avenger shuriken catapult: used by Dire Avengers
- Shrieker Cannon: Harlequin variant with special ammo
On the tabletop
In the 9th edition Aeldari codex, the shuriken cannon got a significant boost: its damage increased to 2, making it a serious threat to Space Marines and other multi-wound models. It also gained the Shuriken rule, which can improve its armour penetration on a lucky hit.
That update made the cannon a go-to choice for players looking to add flexible, high-damage firepower to their lists. It’s easy to slot into many units, so you’ll see it across a wide range of Aeldari armies.
Key facts
- The shuriken cannon is a heavy shuriken weapon used by the Aeldari.
- It fires monomolecular discs that slice through armour and flesh.
- It features a longer ammo coil, triple accelerator field, and stabilising gyroscopes.
- Common mounts include Guardian platforms, Windriders, Vypers, and many vehicles.
- The Shrieker Cannon is a Harlequin variant with special ammunition.
- In 9th edition, its damage was increased to 2, making it deadlier against elite infantry.
FAQ
What is the shuriken cannon?
It’s a heavy Aeldari weapon that fires monomolecular discs at high speed. It’s larger and more powerful than the standard shuriken catapult.
Which units can take a shuriken cannon?
Guardian grav platforms, Windriders, Vypers, Falcons, Night Spinners, Wave Serpents, Wraithlords, Wraithknights, Guardians, and War Walkers are among the many options.
What’s the difference between a shuriken cannon and a shrieker cannon?
The shrieker cannon is a Harlequin variant used by Death Jesters. It fires special ammunition that can cause extra damage or other effects.