Unveiling the Necrons: Masters of Immortality and Cosmic Domination

Apr 29, 2024

In the expansive lore of Warhammer 40,000, few entities strike as much fear into the hearts of their adversaries as the Necrons, ancient and undying automatons whose origins stretch back millions of years. From their slumbering tomb worlds, they awaken with a singular purpose: to reclaim the galaxy that was once theirs and to extinguish all who oppose them.

Origins: A Dark and Ancient Legacy

The genesis of the Necrons traces back to a time long before the rise of humanity or the ascendance of the Eldar. In aeons past, they were once flesh-and-blood beings known as the Necrontyr, a race consumed by bitterness and envy towards those who enjoyed longer lives under the radiance of distant stars. Driven by their insatiable thirst for immortality, they made a fateful pact with star-spanning entities known as the C'tan, ancient beings of immense power who hungered for the essence of stars themselves.

Bound within living metal bodies by the sinister machinations of the C'tan, the Necrontyr were transformed into the Necrons, becoming immortal warriors forged from alloys unknown to modern science. Yet, this transformation came at a great cost, as they surrendered not only their flesh but also much of their consciousness to the cold embrace of their mechanical forms.

Undying Legions: An Army Awakens

For millions of years, the Necrons lay dormant in vast tomb worlds scattered across the galaxy, their presence concealed from the denizens of the Milky Way. However, as the galactic cycle turns and the forces of chaos threaten to engulf all existence, the Necrons stir once more from their deathless slumber.

Led by the enigmatic Phaerons and their undying overlords, the Necron dynasties awaken with a singular purpose: to reclaim their lost empire and to eradicate all who would stand in their way. From the shadowy depths of their tomb worlds, they unleash legions of implacable warriors and arcane war machines, their every step guided by the unfathomable will of their ancient masters.

Dominion of the Silent Kings

At the heart of the Necron empire lies the enigmatic figure of the Silent King, a being of immense power and cunning who once ruled over the entirety of their star-spanning domain. Exiled by the treachery of the C'tan and burdened by the guilt of his people's enslavement, the Silent King now seeks to unite the fractured dynasties of the Necrons under his banner once more.

With the aid of his Triarch Praetorians and legions of loyal warriors, the Silent King wages a shadowy war of subterfuge and conquest, manipulating the affairs of lesser races to further his own inscrutable goals. Yet, behind his cold and regal facade lies a mind wracked with doubt and regret, torn between his duty to his people and his own desire for redemption.

The Eternal War: Necrons in Battle

On the field of battle, the Necrons are a relentless and implacable force, their ranks bolstered by the legions of undying warriors and arcane war machines that serve as their vanguard. Clad in living metal and armed with weapons of devastating power, they advance with an inexorable purpose, their every movement guided by the cold logic of their overlords.

From the shimmering gauss flayers of the immortal Necron Warriors to the arcane energies of the fearsome C'tan Shards, the arsenal of the Necrons is as varied as it is deadly. Yet, it is not only their martial prowess that makes them a formidable foe, but also their ability to reanimate fallen warriors and repair damaged war machines with but a thought, ensuring that their legions remain undiminished even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Forces of the Necrons:

1. Necron Warriors

Description: Necron Warriors are the backbone of the Necron army, each one an undying automaton clad in living metal and armed with gauss flayers. These relentless soldiers advance with unwavering determination, their firepower capable of tearing through even the most resilient of foes.

Role: Necron Warriors excel at ranged combat, unleashing volleys of gauss flayer shots that can strip away the armor of enemy units with ease. With their ability to reanimate fallen comrades and rejoin the fight, they form the unyielding core of any Necron army.

2. Immortals

Description: Immortals are elite warriors of the Necron dynasties, distinguished by their sleeker armor and more advanced weaponry. Armed with gauss blasters or tesla carbines, they bring devastating firepower to bear against their enemies.

Role: Immortals serve as versatile ranged units, capable of engaging both infantry and armored targets with equal effectiveness. Their enhanced durability and firepower make them invaluable assets on the battlefield, capable of turning the tide of battle with their well-placed shots.

3. Canoptek Scarabs

Description: Canoptek Scarabs are swarms of mechanical scarab constructs that scuttle across the battlefield with unnatural speed. These relentless scavengers strip away the armor and flesh of their prey, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.

Role: Canoptek Scarabs excel at harassment and disruption, overwhelming enemy units with their sheer numbers and agility. With their ability to repair damaged vehicles and disrupt enemy formations, they serve as invaluable support units for the Necron army.

4. Destroyers

Description: Destroyers are towering war machines armed with gauss cannons and devastating heavy weaponry. These formidable constructs stride across the battlefield with implacable resolve, unleashing torrents of firepower upon their enemies.

Role: Destroyers serve as heavy ranged units, capable of engaging both infantry and armored targets with devastating effect. With their enhanced mobility and firepower, they can quickly turn the tide of battle in favor of the Necrons, laying waste to anything foolish enough to stand in their way.

5. Crypteks

Description: Crypteks are ancient and mysterious figures who harness the arcane energies of the cosmos to devastate their enemies and empower their fellow warriors. Clad in ornate robes and wielding potent artifacts, they are masters of both science and sorcery.

Role: Crypteks serve as support units for the Necron army, bolstering the resilience of their allies and weakening the resolve of their enemies. With their ability to manipulate the fabric of reality itself, they can turn the tide of battle with a single incantation, ensuring victory for the Necron dynasties.

6. Monoliths

Description: Monoliths are colossal constructs of living metal that serve as both transport and weapons platform for the Necron army. These ancient war machines possess the ability to phase in and out of reality at will, making them nigh unstoppable on the battlefield.

Role: Monoliths serve as mobile command centers and weapons platforms for the Necron army, capable of transporting troops across the battlefield and unleashing devastating firepower upon their enemies. With their ability to project a powerful energy field that shields nearby units from harm, they are a formidable force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

7. C'tan Shards

Description: C'tan Shards are fragments of the ancient star gods known as the C'tan, bound within prison-like constructs by the Necrons. These malevolent entities wield unimaginable power, capable of devastating entire armies with but a gesture.

Role: C'tan Shards serve as living weapons of mass destruction for the Necron army, unleashing devastating energies upon their enemies and sowing chaos and destruction wherever they go. With their ability to manipulate the very fabric of reality, they are a force to be feared and respected on the battlefield.

8. Triarch Praetorians

Description: Triarch Praetorians are elite shock troops of the Necron dynasties, equipped with hyperphase swords and particle casters. They soar across the battlefield on gravity-defying discs, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies.

Role: Triarch Praetorians excel at close-quarters combat, using their agility and advanced weaponry to cut through enemy ranks with surgical precision. With their ability to teleport across the battlefield and engage enemy units from unexpected angles, they are a versatile and deadly asset to any Necron army.

9. Lychguard

Description: Lychguard are elite bodyguards of the Necron nobility, clad in ornate armor and wielding warscythes with lethal proficiency. They stand as silent sentinels, ready to defend their masters against any threat.

Role: Lychguard serve as elite melee units, capable of cutting down enemy infantry and vehicles with their formidable warscythes. With their enhanced durability and protective abilities, they excel at holding key objectives and protecting valuable assets on the battlefield.

10. Doom Scythes

Description: Doom Scythes are sleek and deadly aircraft that serve as aerial hunters for the Necron dynasties. Armed with death rays and tesla destructors, they rain destruction upon their enemies from the skies above.

Role: Doom Scythes excel at aerial combat and ground attack missions, using their speed and firepower to outmaneuver and overwhelm enemy aircraft and ground targets alike. With their ability to phase out of reality and reposition themselves on the battlefield, they are a deadly and unpredictable threat to any foe.

11. Tomb Blades

Description: Tomb Blades are fast-moving hovercraft armed with a variety of potent weaponry. Swift and agile, they dart across the battlefield with grace and precision, striking at the enemy with deadly accuracy.

Role: Tomb Blades serve as fast attack units for the Necron army, capable of harassing enemy units and capturing key objectives with their speed and agility. With their ability to traverse any terrain with ease and deliver devastating firepower upon their foes, they are a versatile asset to any Necron force.

12. Triarch Stalkers

Description: Triarch Stalkers are towering war machines equipped with a range of advanced weaponry. These formidable constructs stride across the battlefield, their gaze locking onto enemy targets with unerring accuracy.

Role: Triarch Stalkers serve as heavy support units for the Necron army, providing long-range fire support and battlefield control with their powerful weaponry. With their ability to mark enemy units for destruction and coordinate fire with their fellow warriors, they are a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

13. Deathmarks

Description: Deathmarks are elite marksmen of the Necron dynasties, armed with synaptic disintegrators and cloaked in shadowy mantles. Masters of stealth and precision, they strike fear into the hearts of their enemies with their deadly accuracy.

Role: Deathmarks serve as snipers for the Necron army, capable of eliminating high-value targets with pinpoint accuracy from extreme ranges. With their ability to teleport across the battlefield and strike from unexpected angles, they are a deadly and elusive threat to any foe.

Mastering the Art of War: Tactics of the Necrons in Warhammer 40K

In the unforgiving crucible of the Warhammer 40K tabletop game, Necron players must master a variety of tactics and strategies to emerge victorious against their adversaries. From the relentless advance of undying warriors to the deployment of arcane war machines, the Necrons possess a wide array of tools at their disposal to crush their enemies and reclaim their lost empire.

1. Immortal Phalanx

Tactic: One of the core tactics of the Necron army is the Immortal Phalanx, wherein squads of Immortals are deployed in a tight formation to create a wall of firepower. Supported by Crypteks and overlords, this formation can lay down a devastating barrage of gauss fire, shredding enemy units at range.

Strategy: Use terrain and cover to your advantage, positioning your Immortals in key firing positions where they can maximize their firepower while minimizing their exposure to enemy fire. Coordinate your Crypteks' abilities to enhance the resilience and firepower of your Immortals, ensuring they remain a formidable force on the battlefield.

2. Gauss Reaper Assault

Tactic: Another potent tactic employed by Necron players is the Gauss Reaper Assault, wherein squads of Necron Warriors supported by Destroyers and Crypteks advance relentlessly upon the enemy lines. Utilizing their gauss flayers and heavy weaponry, they lay waste to enemy infantry and armored units alike.

Strategy: Focus on maintaining unit cohesion and synergy within your advancing force, using the durability of Necron Warriors to soak up enemy fire while your Destroyers unleash devastating firepower upon priority targets. Coordinate your Crypteks' abilities to bolster the resilience and firepower of your advancing units, ensuring they remain a formidable force as they close in on the enemy.

3. Flanking Canoptek Swarm

Tactic: Necron players often employ flanking maneuvers utilizing Canoptek Scarabs and Tomb Blades to disrupt enemy formations and harass their rear lines. These fast-moving units can quickly traverse the battlefield and strike at vulnerable enemy units, creating chaos and confusion amongst their ranks.

Strategy: Utilize the speed and agility of your Canoptek Scarabs and Tomb Blades to outmaneuver and encircle enemy units, isolating key targets and disrupting their lines of communication. Coordinate your attacks with the rest of your army, exploiting gaps in the enemy's defenses and striking at their weakest points to maximize the effectiveness of your flanking maneuvers.

4. Strategic Deployment of Monoliths

Tactic: Monoliths serve as mobile command centers and weapons platforms for the Necron army, capable of transporting troops across the battlefield and unleashing devastating firepower upon their enemies. Necron players often utilize Monoliths to rapidly redeploy units and reinforce key positions as the battle unfolds.

Strategy: Use your Monoliths to strategically redeploy units and reinforce key positions as the battle progresses, exploiting weaknesses in the enemy's defenses and capitalizing on opportunities as they arise. Coordinate with your Crypteks and overlords to maximize the effectiveness of your Monoliths' teleportation abilities, ensuring your forces remain mobile and responsive to changing battlefield conditions.

5. C'tan Shard Annihilation

Tactic: C'tan Shards serve as living weapons of mass destruction for the Necron army, capable of unleashing devastating energies upon their enemies and sowing chaos and destruction wherever they go. Necron players often utilize C'tan Shards to obliterate priority targets and turn the tide of battle in their favour.

Strategy: Deploy your C'tan Shards at key points on the battlefield where they can maximize their destructive potential, targeting high-value enemy units and strategic objectives with their devastating powers. Coordinate with the rest of your army to ensure your C'tan Shards are adequately supported and protected as they unleash their cataclysmic energies upon the enemy.

Painting the Undying: Colour Schemes and Techniques for Necrons

Choosing a Colour Scheme

When painting Necrons, you have the opportunity to experiment with various colour schemes to create a unique and striking look for your army. Here are some popular options:

Traditional Metallic: The most common colour scheme for Necrons involves metallic hues such as silver, gunmetal, or bronze. This gives them a cold and mechanical appearance, perfect for their undead robotic nature.
Glowing Energy Accents: Many hobbyists incorporate glowing energy accents into their Necron models, typically achieved with vibrant colours like green, blue, or purple. This adds a dynamic and otherworldly feel to the army.
Contrasting Colours: For a more visually striking army, consider using contrasting colours such as black and gold or silver and red. This creates a bold and eye-catching appearance that stands out on the tabletop.

Step-by-Step Painting Guide

1. Prime the Model: Start by priming your model with a suitable primer. Black or grey primer works well for metallic Necrons, while white primer is ideal for models with glowing energy accents.

2. Basecoat: Apply a basecoat of metallic paint to the entire model using a large brush or airbrush. For a traditional metallic scheme, use colours like Leadbelcher or Gunmetal. For glowing energy accents, use colours like Moot Green, Teclis Blue, or Xereus Purple.

3. Detailing: Use a smaller brush to paint the details of the model, such as the weapons, armour panels, and any glowing energy accents. For metallic areas, you can highlight the edges with a lighter metallic paint like Ironbreaker or Stormhost Silver. For energy accents, apply thin layers of your chosen colour to create a smooth gradient effect.

4. Wash: Apply a wash of Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade to the entire model to add depth and definition to the metallic surfaces. Be careful not to let the wash pool in the recesses, as this can darken the colour too much.

5. Drybrushing (Optional): For an extra level of detail, you can drybrush the model with a lighter metallic paint to pick out the raised edges and textures. This adds highlights and enhances the metallic sheen of the model.

6. Glowing Effects (Optional): If you've chosen to include glowing energy accents on your Necrons, you can use a small brush to carefully paint these areas with your chosen colours. Start with a basecoat, then gradually layer lighter colours towards the centre of the glow to create a gradient effect. You can also add highlights with a very light colour to make the glow more intense.

7. Basing: Finally, base your model using your preferred basing materials, such as sand, gravel, or textured paint. You can also add additional details like rocks, debris, or fallen enemies to enhance the theme of your army.

8. Varnish (Optional): Once the paint is completely dry, consider applying a coat of varnish to protect the paint job and give the models a uniform finish. Matte varnish works well for a more realistic look, while gloss varnish can enhance the appearance of glowing energy effects.

By following these steps and experimenting with different color schemes and techniques, you can create a stunning army of Necrons that will strike fear into the hearts of your enemies on the battlefield.

Happy painting!

Analyzing the Necrons: Strengths and Weaknesses on the Tabletop

Strengths

Durability: One of the primary strengths of the Necrons is their unparalleled durability. Many units possess a high Toughness characteristic and a 3+ or better Save characteristic, making them incredibly resilient to enemy attacks. Additionally, the "Reanimation Protocols" rule allows Necron units to potentially return to the battlefield after being destroyed, further enhancing their staying power.
Firepower: Necron units boast powerful ranged weaponry, such as gauss flayers, gauss blasters, and tesla weapons, capable of inflicting significant damage at range. With access to a variety of heavy and rapid-fire weapons, Necron armies can unleash devastating firepower upon their enemies with relative ease.
Versatility: Necron armies are highly versatile, with a wide range of units available to suit different playstyles and tactics. From fast-moving Tomb Blades to towering Monoliths, Necron players have access to an array of options for both ranged and close-quarters combat, allowing them to adapt to various battlefield scenarios.
Resilience to Morale: Due to their soulless nature, Necron units are immune to morale tests, making them immune to the effects of morale-based abilities and ensuring that they remain steadfast in the face of adversity.

Weaknesses

Low Model Count: Many Necron units have a relatively low model count compared to other factions, meaning that they may struggle to control objectives and hold key positions on the battlefield. This can be particularly challenging in objective-based game modes where board control is essential for victory.
Limited Psychic Abilities: Necron armies have limited access to psychic abilities compared to other factions, as they lack dedicated psykers. While some units, such as Crypteks, possess psychic-like abilities, they are not as potent or versatile as true psykers from other factions.
Vulnerability to High AP Weapons: Despite their durability, Necron units can struggle against high Armor Penetration (AP) weapons that negate their armor saves. Units with AP values of -2 or lower can bypass the armor of many Necron units, making them vulnerable to sustained firepower from heavy weapons and specialized anti-tank units.
Reliance on Resurrection Protocols: While the "Reanimation Protocols" rule can be a powerful asset, it is not guaranteed to trigger and can be unreliable in crucial moments. Additionally, units that have been destroyed once may not return at full strength, diminishing their effectiveness in subsequent engagements.

Mitigating Weaknesses

Unit Synergy: Necron players can mitigate the low model count of their units by focusing on unit synergy and coordination. Combining units with complementary abilities and strengths can create a more balanced and resilient army that can adapt to different threats on the battlefield.
Target Priority: Necron players should prioritize eliminating enemy units with high AP weapons and abilities that can bypass their armor saves. By neutralizing these threats early in the game, Necron armies can maintain their defensive capabilities and control the flow of battle more effectively.
Terrain and Cover: Making effective use of terrain and cover can help mitigate the vulnerability of Necron units to high AP weapons. Positioning units behind cover or within terrain features can provide additional protection against enemy firepower and increase their survivability on the battlefield.
Objective Secured Units: Including units with the "Objective Secured" ability in a Necron army can help compensate for the low model count of individual units. These units can control objectives more effectively and contest enemy-held objectives, ensuring that Necron players remain competitive in objective-based game modes.

By understanding and capitalizing on their strengths while mitigating their weaknesses, Necron players can field a formidable army that can dominate the tabletop battlefield and achieve victory against even the most challenging opponents.

Conclusion: Masters of the Undying Empire

In the grim darkness of the far future, the Necrons stand as an ancient and implacable force, their dominion stretching across the stars. Rising from aeons of slumber, these undying warriors of living metal seek to reclaim their lost empire and assert their dominance over the galaxy once more.

With their unmatched durability, devastating firepower, and unwavering resilience, the Necrons command a formidable presence on the tabletop battlefield. From the unyielding ranks of Necron Warriors to the towering constructs of Monoliths and C'tan Shards, their legions march ever onward, unstoppable in their pursuit of conquest.

Yet, amidst their unyielding advance, the Necrons remain shrouded in mystery and ancient lore, their motives inscrutable, their origins lost to the annals of time. Whether forging alliances or waging war, their presence shapes the fate of worlds and civilizations, their influence felt across the galaxy.

In the swirling maelstrom of war that engulfs the 41st millennium, the Necrons stand as a testament to the enduring power of ancient empires and the inexorable march of time itself. With their ancient technology and undying resolve, they are the masters of the undying empire, their dominion eternal, their legacy everlasting.

If you are interested in starting a necron army, then check out our ever expanding range of necrons we currently have in stock here