Stepping into the grim darkness of the far future requires a faction that can withstand the most brutal onslaughts, and few offer the resilience of the ancient, mechanical Necrons. This Warhammer 40k Necron Army Guide is designed to help you navigate the complex lore and even more complex tabletop rules of this undying race. Whether you are a new player looking to start your first collection or a veteran general seeking to refine your tactics, understanding the core mechanics of the Necrons is essential for victory.
The Necrons are a race of soulless machines who once ruled the galaxy and have now awakened from a multi-million-year slumber to reclaim their empire. On the tabletop, they are known for their incredible durability, high-tech weaponry, and the ability to self-repair even after taking devastating damage. This Warhammer 40k Necron Army Guide will break down how to leverage these strengths to dominate your opponents and secure objectives across the battlefield.
The Core Mechanic: Reanimation Protocols
The defining feature of any Warhammer 40k Necron Army Guide is the explanation of Reanimation Protocols. This unique rule allows your models to potentially return to life after being destroyed, making the Necrons one of the most frustrating factions to play against. When a model in a unit is destroyed, it isn’t necessarily gone for good; instead, you have the chance to bring it back at the end of the phase or through specific character abilities.
To maximize this ability, you must focus on unit synergy. Characters like the Technomancer or the Ghost Ark transport can significantly boost your reanimation chances, ensuring your silver tide remains an unbroken wall of metal. Managing your unit sizes is also crucial, as a unit that is completely wiped out cannot use Reanimation Protocols, so keeping at least one model alive is the key to your army’s longevity.
Choosing the Right Dynasty
Your choice of Dynasty will fundamentally change how your forces interact with the enemy. In this Warhammer 40k Necron Army Guide, we highlight the most prominent sub-factions that provide unique buffs and stratagems to suit different playstyles.
The Szarekhan Dynasty
As the personal dynasty of the Silent King, the Szarekhan offer a balanced approach to warfare. They provide excellent protection against mortal wounds and allow for rerolls on wound rolls, making them a reliable choice for competitive play. This dynasty is perfect for players who want a versatile force that can handle both psychic threats and heavy armor.
The Mephrit Dynasty
If you prefer overwhelming firepower, the Mephrit Dynasty is the way to go. They specialize in increasing the Armor Penetration (AP) of their ranged weapons at close range. This makes standard Necron Warriors and Immortals incredibly deadly, allowing them to shred through power armor with ease as they close in on the enemy.
The Novokh Dynasty
While Necrons are often seen as a shooting army, the Novokh Dynasty proves they can be terrifying in melee. By providing bonuses to charge rolls and additional AP in close combat, Novokh-aligned armies can turn units like Skorpekh Destroyers into meat grinders that can clear objectives in a single turn of combat.
Essential Units for Your Collection
Building a balanced list is a vital part of any Warhammer 40k Necron Army Guide. You need a mix of reliable infantry, powerful leaders, and specialized elites to handle the various threats you will face on the tabletop.
- The Overlord: Every army needs a leader, and the Overlord provides essential buffs like “My Will Be Done,” which improves the accuracy and efficiency of your nearby units.
- Necron Warriors: The backbone of your force, these units are best used in large blocks to maximize Reanimation Protocols and provide a constant stream of gauss fire.
- Skorpekh Destroyers: These are your primary melee threats, capable of tearing through elite infantry and light vehicles with their hyperphase weapons.
- Lokhust Heavy Destroyers: When you need to take down enemy tanks from a distance, these heavy hitters provide the long-range anti-tank support your army requires.
- The Silent King: As the ultimate centerpiece model, Szarekh provides massive buffs to the entire army and acts as a powerful combatant in his own right.
Tactical Strategies for Success
Success with a Warhammer 40k Necron Army Guide relies on board control and attrition. Unlike faster armies that rely on alpha strikes, Necrons excel at moving slowly but surely toward objectives and refusing to be moved. Use your durable infantry to hold the center of the board while your faster units, such as Canoptek Scarab Swarms, screen against enemy charges or grab secondary objectives.
Strategic use of Command Protocols is also vital. These are army-wide bonuses that you select before the game begins and activate in a specific order. Timing these protocols to coincide with your planned movements or combat phases can provide the edge needed to turn a stalemate into a decisive victory. Always plan your turns two steps ahead to ensure your protocols are active when they are most needed.
Expanding Your Warhammer 40k Necron Army Guide
Once you have mastered the basics, expanding your force with specialized units like C’tan Shards can add a new dimension to your gameplay. These transcendent beings bring powerful psychic-like powers and incredible melee prowess to the field, serving as a distraction that your opponent cannot afford to ignore. Additionally, incorporating Doom Scythes or Night Scythes can provide the aerial superiority needed to strike at the enemy’s rear lines.
Remember that the hobby side is just as important as the gaming side. The Necrons are famous for being one of the most beginner-friendly armies to paint, often requiring just a base coat of metallic silver followed by a wash and some glowing green highlights. This allows you to get a fully painted army onto the table quickly, enhancing the overall experience of the game.
Conclusion: Rise and Reclaim the Galaxy
The Necrons offer a unique and rewarding experience for any hobbyist. By following this Warhammer 40k Necron Army Guide, you now have the foundational knowledge to build, paint, and lead your mechanical legions to glory. Focus on your durability, choose the dynasty that fits your style, and remember that for the Necrons, death is merely a temporary setback. It is time to awaken your tomb world and remind the younger races why the Necrons once ruled the stars. Start your collection today and prepare to dominate the battlefields of the 41st millennium.