The scatter laser is a heavy laser weapon used by the Eldar (Aeldari). It fires from six separate laser chambers, either all at once or in bursts, and it’s one of the most recognisable support weapons in the craftworld arsenal.
What the scatter laser is
It’s a heavy laser weapon built around six independent laser chambers. Those chambers can fire together or in bursts, and they can be aimed at the same target or split across different ones.
Power comes from crystalline cells rather than conventional ammunition, which fits the Eldar preference for efficient, refined technology. The Eldar name for the weapon is Sierbahn.
- Six separate laser chambers
- Can fire simultaneously or in bursts
- Can engage the same target or multiple targets
- Powered by crystalline energy cells
- Known to the Eldar as Sierbahn
Where you’ll see it mounted
The scatter laser was originally made for War Walkers and Wraithlords, and it still shows up there as a heavy option. Guardian squads can also take it as a support weapon, mounted on a Grav Platform.
On vehicles it often appears in twin-linked pairs, like the turret setup on a Wave Serpent. Smaller versions exist too, and Swooping Hawks Exarchs sometimes carry one.
How it compares to Imperial weapons
It’s broadly similar to the Imperium’s Multi-laser, but the Eldar version is far more refined and energy-efficient. That’s the usual pattern with Aeldari tech: same basic idea, better execution.
The trade-off is that it’s a support and anti-infantry weapon first. It puts out a lot of shots, which makes it good at clearing hordes, but it’s not the tool you reach for when you need to crack heavy armour.
Firestorm scatter lasers
The Firestorm grav-tank carries Firestorm Scatter Lasers, which are complex arrays of triple-barrelled scatter lasers. They combine a high rate of fire with excellent accuracy.
That mix makes them effective against aircraft as well as massed infantry like Orks and Tyranids. It’s a good example of how far the Eldar will push a basic weapon design.
Key facts
- The scatter laser is a heavy laser weapon used by the Eldar (Aeldari).
- It has six laser chambers that can fire simultaneously or in bursts, at one target or several.
- It’s powered by crystalline cells and is far more refined than the Imperial Multi-laser.
- Common mounts include War Walkers, Wraithlords, Wave Serpents, and Guardian Grav Platforms.
- The Eldar name for it is Sierbahn.
- Firestorm Scatter Lasers are triple-barrelled arrays mounted on the Firestorm grav-tank.
FAQ
What is the scatter laser in Warhammer 40k?
It’s a heavy Eldar laser weapon with six separate laser chambers that can fire together or in bursts. It’s used as a support weapon and vehicle mount across the craftworld forces.
What’s the Eldar name for the scatter laser?
The Eldar call it the Sierbahn. Most Imperial records and tabletop rules just use the name scatter laser.
Is the scatter laser good against tanks?
Not really. It’s built for volume of fire against infantry and light targets. For heavy armour, Eldar players usually look at weapons like the bright lance or fire prism instead.