Necrons (Warhammer 40,000)

Necrons are the ancient, living-metal skeleton warriors of Warhammer 40,000. They suit collectors who like a unified, uniform-looking army, simple painting schemes and a durable, relentless style of play. A box of Necron Warriors, a leader and one or two characterful units is a sound way to begin.

What are Necrons in Warhammer 40,000?

Necrons are a race of undead-like machines whose people once traded their flesh for bodies of living metal. After millions of years in tomb worlds, the dynasties are waking and reclaiming the galaxy. They are cold, formal and patient, ruled by nobles who still think of themselves as lords and monarchs.

On the tabletop this gives you a clear identity: a disciplined army with strong shooting, tough rank-and-file troops and a set of strange, high-technology units that can surprise an opponent. If you are new to the game as a whole, our Warhammer 40,000 guide explains how the hobby fits together.

How do Necrons play?

Necrons are generally seen as a resilient, shooting-focused army. Their troops are hard to remove permanently, and the army relies on staying power, good firepower and movement tricks rather than overwhelming brute force. They are usually a forgiving choice for a first army because the core units do much of the work.

They contrast neatly with the loud, melee-heavy Orks, the armoured heroes of the Space Marines or the sturdy, grudge-bearing Leagues of Votann. If you are still choosing, the wider Warhammer buying guide compares the options.

What should I buy first for a Necron army?

Start with the core of the army, then add one leader and one unit you simply like the look of. This keeps the collection playable early and gives you room to grow.

• Necron Warriors are the rank-and-file backbone. They are the best first purchase because every list uses them and they are quick to paint in bulk.
• Overlord with Translocation Shroud gives you a mobile commander to lead the troops.
• Necron Cryptek adds a support character who represents the technological side of the dynasties.
• Necron Lychguard are elite bodyguards, a good second unit once your Warriors are done.

Which Necron characters are worth knowing?

Necron characters come in a few flavours: nobles who command, scholars who tinker and strange specialists. Each of these kits is aimed at a different role in the army.

• Szarekh, the Silent King is the centrepiece model for anyone who wants the faction's most important figure on the table.
• Imotekh the Stormlord is a dynasty ruler with a tactical, scheming reputation.
• Orikan the Diviner is an astromancer-style character for players who enjoy the mystical side of the army.
• Illuminor Szeras is a mad-scientist Cryptek, popular with converters and painters.
• Nekrosor Ammentar is a named leader who adds variety to a character lineup.
• Necrons Chronomancer and Psychomancer are the specialist Cryptek options, built around time and fear respectively.

Which Necron infantry and melee units should I consider?

Once you have a core, these kits let you shape the army around how you want to play.

• Necron Deathmarks are patient marksmen who suit players who like picking targets.
• Skorpekh Destroyers are hulking close-combat constructs and a good answer if you want a Necron army that hits back hard in melee.
• Ophydian Destroyers are fast, burrowing hunters for flanking and harassment.
• Hexmark Destroyer is a single-model character-style Destroyer, a straightforward add-on.
• Flayed Ones are feral, unsettling skirmishers that add a more savage tone to the army.

Which Necron vehicles and monsters are worth it?

The Necron vehicle range leans on floating, scarab-swarm and tomb-tech designs. These are the kits that make a tabletop army look distinct.

• Necron Monolith is the signature large model, a walking-portal-style monument to the faction.
• Doomsday Ark and Annihilation Barge are the army's heavy gun platforms.
• Night Scythe is the flyer that carries troops into battle.
• Triarch Stalker and Canoptek Doomstalker are walkers with a strong visual presence.
• Canoptek Wraiths and Canoptek Spyder are the Canoptek constructs that repair and support the army.
• C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer and C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon are the star-god centrepieces, for players who want a dramatic showpiece.

How do I paint Necrons?

Necrons are one of the most beginner-friendly armies to paint. The metallic bodies reward a simple approach: a solid metal base, a wash to bring out the recesses, then a bright glow colour on the weapons and eyes. Because most of the army shares one look, a repeatable recipe goes a long way.

Our guide to starting painting covers the tools and basic technique, and the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide explains the paint ranges so you can build a sensible starter set. Pick a glow colour early, such as green or blue, and use it consistently across the army so it feels unified.

What rules books do I need for Necrons?

Warhammer 40,000 armies are played with the core rules plus faction-specific rules for your army. Check which current rules publication applies to Necrons before you buy, as the format changes over time. A fresh read of the Warhammer 40,000 guide will tell you how the rules and army materials fit together.

Necrons FAQ

Are Necrons good for beginners?

Yes. The army has a clear core of similar models, a limited colour palette and a play style that rewards patience over complex tricks. A box of Warriors and a leader is enough to learn the basics.

How many Necron Warriors do I need?

Most players buy more than one box, since Warriors form the main body of the army. Start with one, learn how they fit your play style and add more as your list takes shape.

Are Necrons hard to paint?

No. A metallic base, a wash and a glow effect gives a convincing result quickly. The large vehicles and C'tan Shards offer more room for detail once you have confidence.

Can I mix Necron units from different dynasties?

Yes, as a collection you can paint your army in one dynasty's colours or build a mixed force. The choice is cosmetic and thematic, so pick colours you enjoy and keep them consistent.

Do you ship Necrons worldwide?

Yes. Universe TCG ships worldwide from Spain, and we also run physical shops in Mollet del Vallès, Barberà del Vallès and Segovia.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer 40,000
• Orks (Warhammer 40,000)
• Space Marines (Warhammer 40,000)
• Space Wolves (Warhammer 40,000)
• Leagues of Votann (Warhammer 40,000)
• Iron Hands (Warhammer 40,000)
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures