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Heyy Guys,
I was toying with starting a new Dark Eldar army but that all went to scrap because I've lost interest
So I'm considering a necron one, anyone got some pointers for a begginer and maybe a sample list? Thanks!


Zepher

Well beginner Necrons are only for people with broad shoulders, you will get beat, its all a matter of learning to play with such an outdated codex. It is far form hopeless as some people want you to believe. Another plus is for a beginner army Necrons have a low model count which translates into a lower $$$ amount as well.

Just be warned they are not for the feint of heart but if you love the fluff, models, and play style they can be quite a rewarding army.

For starters the Necron Battle force is golden it will net you, all the Troops you'll need for a while and two of the best fast attack choices in the codex.

Starting out you'll want to get to about 1k points this is what i consider the minimum for a decent Necron list (much higher than most other armies) The fact of the matter is the point costs of the units keep any game under 1k from being that interesting. The fun also picks up at 1500 points where you can really start bringing out the "fun" Necron units in force.

More tips include, the golden rule of Necrons...

Always bring 2 units with the WBB rule to a fight in as many small squads as they can be divided into FOC permitting.

This keeps a small squad from getting wiped off the board since you really need you WBB roll to have a chance at winning.

Here is my sample 1k list. It is by no means "the best" but its pretty damn good for 1k and Ive had a lot of success with it.

HQ
Lord
Troops
10 Warriors
10 Warriors
Fast Attack
3 Destroyers
3 Destroyers
Heavy Support
Monolith

So for a unit break down...

Hq
A lord is pretty much required in smaller point games unless you plan on building a list specifically around either C'tan but it can be done

Troops
Never fall into the temptation of spamming warriors, it just doesn't work in 5th edition. Also always split them into as many groups as possible
Example: 30 warriors should use a 10 per squad rather than one group of 20 and one group of 10. This goes for every unit with the Necron rule (unless you are squeezing things in based on the FOC or plan some other teleporting debauchery)
Leaning to keep your warriors safe and in the right position is the most valuable skill a necron player can possess because of the dreaded PO rule.

Fast attack
This is the one section of the codex that has some real meat. I NEVER take a necron army to battle with fewer than 6 destroyers in it. They are the power house that we still have. Where heavy destroyers are just expensive unprotected las cannons the normal destroyers pick up the slack. (ive seen immortals fulfill the shooting role, but never quite as good as destroyers can)

Oh and scarabs are great as well, many uses, a real monkey wrench for the necron army

Wraiths can work as well but its either a choice of Wraiths or destroyers and my vote always goes to destroyers but some people swear by them

Heavy support
Personally I love the monolith, sure there is the Lith vs. Phase out argument but i swear by my lith. With the ability to "make" LOS blocking terrain for my warriors as well as a potent AP3 blast in addition to letting me retry my WBB roll I should have painted my lith pure gold.

Oh and i like tomb spiders but the verdict is still out on their actual effectiveness. And heavy destroyers are a trap (although im sure some would argue) Necrons just cant play the Las game anymore when every marine codex can run triple the number at a third of the price.

While i realize this is just one big rant and i really cant even remember how it started at this point feel free to post up any specific question, me or one of the other knowledgeable Necron players will be happy to direct you to an answer.

I'm all for learning the gameplay, heck I was patient enough with my Grey Knights!
thanks for the list, looks good, however, I've heard a re. orb is pretty much a neccesity?
Also, is there anyway(s) to try and negate this phase-out rule? or things to try and do in game?

Alright well there are some people who swear by res orb and when you are learning that is a good piece of war gear to have.

At 1k points i find that the amount of Str 8 incoming fire can be negated by placing warriors in reserve (yes there is the FAQ that lets all your warriors go into reserve)

And by placing warriors in cover and going to ground for a 3+ cover save and taking the first couple Str 8 or 9 hits on the lord that you have attached since it wont ID him and he will get a WBB if he goes down

you can get away without an orb in small point games with the proper finesse

These tactics for keeping your warriors up is the best way to avoid PO also target priority is key, Assault units with power weps are enemy number 1 and need to be eliminated before they can hit your warrior groups