Necrons — Beginner's Army Guide

Sixty million years ago, the Necrons were a race of mortal beings who sold their souls — and their flesh — for immortality. They got it. Ancient beyond comprehension, they slept in tomb worlds across the galaxy while younger races rose and fell around them. Now they are awakening, and they are not pleased.

The Necrons are the robot skeleton army of Warhammer 40K, and they are one of the best factions for new players. Their models are durable, their rules are clear, their visual identity is instantly recognisable, and their signature mechanic — Reanimation Protocols, which brings slain models back to life — makes them one of the most frustrating armies to actually kill in the entire game.

On the tabletop, Necrons are a methodical, defensive army that wins by outlasting opponents. You hold the line, shoot efficiently, and watch your Warriors return from the dead just when your opponent thought they had turned the tide. Patient, inevitable, and deeply satisfying to master.

Is This Army Right for You?

• You want one of the most beginner-friendly armies in the game with clear, logical rules
• You love the idea of an army that refuses to die — Reanimation Protocols is unlike any other mechanic in 40K
• You prefer a methodical, defensive playstyle over aggressive charging
• You are drawn to ancient, inhuman aesthetics — the Necron range is among the most striking in the hobby

Playstyle & Strengths

Reanimation Protocols: The signature Necron ability brings slain warriors back to their feet. Your opponent often has to kill the same unit more than once, and nothing is more demoralising to face.

Gauss Weaponry: Necron Warriors and Immortals carry gauss weapons that can damage vehicles on a lucky roll. Even your basic troops threaten everything on the table.

Durable Models: Necron infantry are individually tough with strong saving throws. Combined with Reanimation, they are among the hardest units in the game to permanently remove.

Scalable Roster: From Canoptek constructs to C'tan Shards and the Monolith, the Necron roster scales beautifully from small games to huge battles.

How to Build Your First Necrons Army

Every good army is built in the same order: a leader to command it, core troops to hold objectives, then specialists and heavy hitters to deal with whatever your opponent brings. Build in that order and every purchase makes your army better on the table. Every product below is in stock at Saga right now.

Step 1: Start Here

One box, a whole starter army: leaders, core Warriors and support in a single purchase.

Step 2: Grow Your Force

A big bundled box to double the size of your Tomb World's forces.

Step 3: Go Big

A godlike centrepiece your opponent will plan their whole game around.

All three steps: $490.45. You don't have to buy it all at once. Start with Step 1, get some games in, and grow from there.

Individual Warriors, Immortals, Lychguard and Doomsday Arks aren't in stock right now. Prices and stock as of October 20, 2026, and stock moves fast. If something has sold out, email store@sagaconcepts.com and we'll help you find the best swap.

Want to try smaller games first? The Hierotek Circle Kill Team ($68.85) is a great skirmish-size Necron squad. And coming soon: the Disciples of the Nekrosor holiday Battleforce, one of the strongest boxes in this year's lineup.

A Quick Note on Rules

Warhammer 40,000 is now in its 11th Edition. Unit rules and points get updated regularly, so this guide focuses on how to build a well-rounded army rather than exact points. Check the latest official rules before you build a list for a tournament.