The universe of Warhammer 40,000 is ancient, filled with powerful beings and the remains of lost civilizations. War, famine, and catastrophe have turned many once-great empires into dust scattered across the cosmos. Yet, not every abandoned planet or decayed ruin is a sign of extinction; some primordial entities are merely dormant, lying in wait beyond the veil of death to reclaim their rightful dominion.
The Necron empire once stretched across the stars, achieving technological advancements that still elude what they consider "primitive races." In a bid for immortality, they transferred their consciousness into metallic bodies, sacrificing their souls. Now, they are determined to regain their lost empire.
Why Play Necrons?
In the tabletop game, Necrons are known for their resilience and ranged combat capabilities. Though they lack mobility, their firepower at medium range is formidable. Their unique ability to revive destroyed units allows them to rebuild over time, maintaining their threat level even after heavy losses.
Army Rules
The backbone of the Necrons’ resilience lies in their Reanimation Protocols: during each Command Phase, every unit with this rule can regain one to three Wounds. This ability enables models to return to the fray unless an entire unit is eliminated.
Important Units
The Necrons boast a variety of units and weapons, enhancing their strategy in battle. Here are some essential character options:
Characters
Your army needs a strong leader, and the Necrons offer a range of powerful choices. The effectiveness of your force often hinges on selecting the right character to support your army.
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Overlord | A standard leader who offers Command Point discounts, absorbs damage, and excels in both ranged and melee combat. |
| Crypteks | Support units that provide various buffs, ranging from healing to offensive enhancements based on their unique roles. |
| C’tan | Captured gods of the Necron race, each offering unique abilities that can change the course of the game. |
| Royal Warden | A cost-effective leader who keeps troops organized and can allow them to act even after falling back. |
| Hexmark Destroyer | A threatening character with a unique set of abilities, including long-range shots and the ability to ignore incoming fire. |
Battleline
Necron troops may lack specialized abilities, but their strength lies in their durability.
| Infantry | Description |
|---|---|
| Necron Warriors | Your primary infantry unit, known for consistent ranged damage and a high level of resilience when properly supported. |
| Immortals | Upgraded infantry effective at holding objectives and dealing damage with various weapon options. |
Infantry
Despite their similarities, Necron infantry units are diverse and fulfill various roles within the army, complementing different strategies.
| Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Deathmarks | Affordable snipers capable of deep strikes, useful for taking out key targets and securing objectives quickly. |
| Flayed Ones | Agile units that excel in melee combat, gaining strength as their enemies weaken, ideal for ambushing. |
| Lychguard | Tough bodyguards for characters, well-armed and capable in close combat, though restricted by lack of movement options. |
| Skorpekh Destroyers | High-damage melee units that can move quickly to engage enemies effectively. |
Beasts and Mounted Units
This category generally contains the faster elements of the Necron army, although they may still not match the skirmishers of other factions.
| Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Canoptek Wraiths | Tough units that can keep pace with the rest of the army while providing light support with shooting. |
| Lokhust Destroyers | Effective for taking down elite infantry, they excel in maneuvering for optimal shooting positions. |
| Lokhust Heavy Destroyers | Specialized versions for hunting larger threats like vehicles and monsters, low-key menaces on the battlefield. |
Vehicles
While your resilient units advance, they can be supported by Necron vehicles, designed for relentless efficiency in fulfilling your army’s objectives.
| Vehicle | Description |
|---|---|
| Doomsday Ark | A massive weapon capable of annihilating targets, especially effective against enemy armor when stationed properly. |
| Canoptek Doomstalker/Reanimator | Provides solid support for the army, capable of eliminating heavy infantry or enhancing Reanimation Protocols. |
| Night Scythe | Affordable aircraft for transporting infantry units and repositioning forces during battle. |
| Monolith | Iconic and tough, it allows for strategic redeployments and has a variety of offensive capabilities. |
| Ghost Ark | Functions as both a transport and support vehicle for warriors, enhancing their survival chances during combat. |
Detachments
Each Necron dynasty approaches the concept of immortality differently, each with its own strategies and priorities reflected in its units.
| Detachment Name | Description | Suggested Units |
|---|---|---|
| Awakened Dynasty | Focuses on characters providing passive buffs, enhancing survival and firepower. | Necron Warriors, Immortals, Royal Wardens |
| Annihilation Legion | Emphasizes close combat effectiveness, suited for aggressive players. | Flayed Ones, Skorpekh Destroyers, Ophydian Destroyers |
| Canoptek Court | Rewards clever play with buffs for Crypteks and constructs, promoting control of objectives. | Crypteks, Canoptek Wraiths, Canoptek Doomstalkers |
| Hypercrypt Legion | Allows for significant mobility, aiding Necron weaknesses. | Any, Monoliths |
| Obeisance Phalanx | Features elite units that can take down key targets effectively. | Overlords, Lychguard, Triarch Stalker |
Sample Armies
With an understanding of the Necrons’ history and technology, you may want to lead your own dynasty to victory. Below are some army compositions showcasing different strategies.
The Infinite March (Awakened Dynasty)
- Cryptek (Chronomancer)
- Overlord with Translocation Shroud
- Necron Warriors x2
- Deathmarks
- Lokhust Heavy Destroyer
- Canoptek Reanimator
- Doomsday Ark
Strategy: Position the Overlord with one unit of Warriors and the Cryptek with the other, advancing toward the enemy. The Reanimator stays between them to maximize durability. The Doomsday Ark provides fire support while the Deathmarks look for objective opportunities.
Creepy Crawlies (Canoptek Court)
- Cryptek (Technomancer)
- Cryptek (Plasmancer)
- Transcendent C’tan
- Immortals
- Lokhust Heavy Destroyer
- Tomb Blades
- Canoptek Wraiths
Strategy: Focus on securing objectives early and utilizing the speed of the units to maintain board control. The Technomancer and Wraiths will clear one flank, while the Immortals, guided by the Plasmancer, handle the other.
Trans-dimensional Terror (Hypercrypt Legion)
- Lokhust Lord
- Hexmark Destroyer
- Immortals
- Flayed Ones x2
- Lokhust Destroyers
- Doomsday Ark x2
Strategy: Utilize ambush tactics to make your opponent’s life difficult. The faster units will engage enemies while the heavy hitters maintain pressure from a distance, ensuring an overwhelming assault.
In the world of Warhammer 40,000, the Necrons offer a unique blend of resilience, strategic versatility, and devastating firepower. As you lead your army, remember that every battle is an opportunity to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.
