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So i'm use to my ork but I've decided on starting a second army of Necrons . But i don't have much of a clue as I've never played against them before.
So I was wondering if you guys could either gimme a simple staple list or basic tactics like squad sizes, Must have units and units to avoid.....
Many thanks

Can't give in an in-depth reply, but quick overview of best to worst units in the codex.

Very good:
-Warriors (rapid fire buff combo'd with big Gauss buff)
-Wraiths (fast, large attacks/str, rending, fearless, great invl save, even better with a Destroyer Lord)
-Annihilation barges (very cheap for multi-purpose firepower including backup AA, quantum sheilding, and the model gives you an overlord model)
-Both Scyths (flyers are very good right now, both types work well)

Units to avoid (at least when starting):
-Flayed ones (more or less all around bad)
-Lychguard/Preatorians (too many points for a very specialized)
-Tomb blades (only really used for denying objectives, otherwise too many points for what you get)

I would also hold off on a monolith and ark (unless its in the battleforce) at first. They are rather expensive (both points and money) and I just don't use them very much unless I have a particular list in mind (and heavy support is filled up first).

TBH, the codex has pretty good internal balance, make sure you get it first before you start buying a bunch of stuff so you can see what stands out and what you like.

mhmm texx mentionned the most cost-effective units currently in the codex. i personally like to use immortals because of their durability (3+ save), but that's just my preference and play style! also, i like to play destroyers, but that's only because i'm a third edition necron player, so i have a lot of them (they're good against space marines, but against everyone else i THINK they suck. but i've never really tried to use destroyers against other races so you never know!)

triarch stalkers are very good for complimenting any shooting necron unit. twin linking against an enemy target is always good! (plus it's an elite choice. necrons are soo focused on fast attack, i like to play with variety rather than competitive)

oh and i wouldn't run lords. they're not exactly cost effective (in my experience), and you can use the extra 65 points to buy something else (what good is a lord unless it has an orb!?)

I guess a good counter question is "What type of army do you want to play?"

trentblack201 wrote:
(what good is a lord unless it has an orb!?)

Mind shackle scarabs and warscythes...2 of the nastiest pieces of wargear in the entire game...they make most basic troops at least think before assaulting our squishy warrior units.

Good units to start with?

CCBs are great and can double as Annihalation barges with the awesome kit! Both of these units are good.
Wraiths are quite good and points efficient.
The warriors vs immortals debate comes down to personal preference...I actually use a mix of both, immortals for the tesla and warriors for the gauss.
Destroyer Lords are AMAZING they shine when running with praetorians.
Scarabs are excellent vehicle munchers and synergize flawlessly with tomb spyders...

I dont think there really are bad units in the codex, even flayed ones can be useful if used and supported properly. I am a fan of them. But they are difficult use well. They need support (usually from a rez orbed DLord) to function in any form other than a tarpit. Most people will poo poo this statement but I feel it is true. Yes the DLord can be run with other things and will shine brightly with them...but he can also be used to make flayed ones much more effective than they would otherwise be.
If you are going to plunk money down on flayed ones though, find the old metal ones...they new ones suck and are ugly!

 Texx wrote:
Can't give in an in-depth reply, but quick overview of best to worst units in the codex.

Very good:
-Warriors (rapid fire buff combo'd with big Gauss buff)
-Wraiths (fast, large attacks/str, rending, fearless, great invl save, even better with a Destroyer Lord)
-Annihilation barges (very cheap for multi-purpose firepower including backup AA, quantum sheilding, and the model gives you an overlord model)
-Both Scyths (flyers are very good right now, both types work well)

Units to avoid (at least when starting):
-Flayed ones (more or less all around bad)
-Lychguard/Preatorians (too many points for a very specialized)
-Tomb blades (only really used for denying objectives, otherwise too many points for what you get)

I would also hold off on a monolith and ark (unless its in the battleforce) at first. They are rather expensive (both points and money) and I just don't use them very much unless I have a particular list in mind (and heavy support is filled up first).

TBH, the codex has pretty good internal balance, make sure you get it first before you start buying a bunch of stuff so you can see what stands out and what you like.

I agree with most of this. However I have had luck with Preatorians. Their jump capability makes them excellent counter assault troops. My last game them won me the game. Got them to the enemy's objective and forced a squad of Guardians to run off the board. They are highly mobile and can deep strike. The Hammer of Wraith ability gives them that first attack at Init 10 Str 5. Plus in close range shooting a strength 5 AP2 attack makes them great for killing Terminators. I just got a second 5 strong unit.
I also like Immortals both with Tesla and Gauss weapons.

My basic army includes all the named characters (so I have choices).
4 Lords with Resurrection Orbs, 5 Crypteks.
44 Warriors
20 Immortals all with Gauss
20 Immortals all with Tesla Carbines
3 Scythes (easily magnitized so can be either)
1 Command Barge (A MUST)
Doom Arc (I have had luck with it)
10 Preatorians
5 Lyche Guard
1 Stalker
10 Deathmarks (awsome)
C'tan Shard (love monstrous creatures)
6 Wraiths (they are great coralers)
15 Scarab Swarms
3 Spyders

My basic tactics are large Warrior units (at least 10/). 4 squads of immortals 5 each, for taking objectives. People seem to be running from Wraiths so I use them to force the enemy from objectives with the Immortals following up. The Spyders spawn ALOT of swarms. My last game I got 15 new swarms.
My fliers (I used a doom scythe last time) rock.

I would say Battleforce + CCB kit + some lesser Lords to start with.

Assemble the Anni Barge & Doomsday Ark

2x 10 man warriors, 1 Res Orb SW MSS WS lord in each for some CC durability
5x Immortals, Overlord with the above wargear for the same reasons
Doomsday Ark sits and shoots
Anni Barge advances and shoots
Scarabs follow something and jump on a tank.

Advance with three squads of troops flipping the table with guass fire, covered with a DDA + Tesla Destructors. roughly 1000 points & £120 @GW, a good place to start

Thanks for all the responses guys really helps as I'm an utter rookie when it comes to Necrons. After reading everything you've said think I'm going to get the battleforce and codex first paint up everything that comes with that and have a good read through the codex and decide on a few hq choices.
In response to Leth's post... I'm use to fielding a Ork green tide army with normally over 100 boyz so I want to get away from that a little. have a more elite army less models and tougher to get through.
Thanks

I really like MSU style lists with Necrons. It didn't work well in 5th, but Ghost Arks are much more durable. I'd start with double battle forces and a CCbarge kit.
Fully built, you'd get a list like this:
Overlord w/ Warscythe, MSS, and Phase Shifter on a CCBarge (240)

10 warriors in a CCBarge (245)
10 warriors in a CCBarge (245)
20 Warriors (260)

5x Deathmarks (95)
5x Deathmarks (95)

5x Scarabs (75)
5x Scarabs (75)
That gives a 1330 point army. It would also give you 170 points to do some crypteks in a 1500 point game. It would also play VERY differently than hoard orks.

As far as HQ's, the named one are very tempting, but they aren't really worth their points.

You also could splash out for a Scythe Kit & build the immortals, making the list look like:

Overlord w/ Warscythe, MSS, and Phase Shifter on a CCBarge (240)

10 warriors in a Ghost Ark (245)
10 warriors in a Ghost Ark (245)
20 Warriors (260)
5x Immortals (85)
5x Immortals (85)

5x Scarabs (75)
5x Scarabs (75)

Doom Scythe (175)

1485 total

IHateNids makes a good point. With all the double kits, you have a lot of flexibility. If you were looking for an allies for your Orks, you couldn't go wrong with this build:

Anrakyr the Traveler
10 Gauss Immortals (upgraded to Eternals)
Night Scythe

That's 435 points that will get into your opponents backfield on turn 2/3, take over one of his vehicles to do some damage, and then will wreck another vehicle. Add a Stormtek and Lightning Field (35 points) for some charge protection and extra vehicle wrecking power. It'll give IG players fits!

470 points for a almost guaranteed anti-vehicle unit that can take out one unit while using another to take out a third.

 IHateNids wrote:
470 points for a almost guaranteed anti-vehicle unit that can take out one unit while using another to take out a third.

Well, that's a point sink and eventually a one-hit wonder.

I'd think twice if putting one third or one fourth of the pts in such a unit.

Orks are dirt cheap, whats the problem.

Besides being a much more reliable delivery system than deepstriking, I forgot to mention that you get a flyer too! And the Night Scythe is pretty good at taking out other flyers. With an Ork army, the Immortals are also scoring. Hardly something that's a "one hit wonder", rather than a viable mid-game threat.

Would I do it in a 1500 point game? No, but if you were doing a larger game (say, at 2k or 2.5k) then I'd add this unit in a heartbeat.

 Shake Zoola wrote:

trentblack201 wrote:
(what good is a lord unless it has an orb!?)

Mind shackle scarabs and warscythes...2 of the nastiest pieces of wargear in the entire game...they make most basic troops at least think before assaulting our squishy warrior units.

Good units to start with?

CCBs are great and can double as Annihalation barges with the awesome kit! Both of these units are good.
Wraiths are quite good and points efficient.
The warriors vs immortals debate comes down to personal preference...I actually use a mix of both, immortals for the tesla and warriors for the gauss.
Destroyer Lords are AMAZING they shine when running with praetorians.
Scarabs are excellent vehicle munchers and synergize flawlessly with tomb spyders...

I dont think there really are bad units in the codex, even flayed ones can be useful if used and supported properly. I am a fan of them. But they are difficult use well. They need support (usually from a rez orbed DLord) to function in any form other than a tarpit. Most people will poo poo this statement but I feel it is true. Yes the DLord can be run with other things and will shine brightly with them...but he can also be used to make flayed ones much more effective than they would otherwise be.
If you are going to plunk money down on flayed ones though, find the old metal ones...they new ones suck and are ugly!

Sorry but I just can't let this one go.. Necrons Warrior... SQUISHY??????!!!!!!!!! They have been given better survivability than marines and at a lower cost. Excuse me, but what the hell?!

 Anpu-adom wrote:
Besides being a much more reliable delivery system than deepstriking, I forgot to mention that you get a flyer too! And the Night Scythe is pretty good at taking out other flyers. With an Ork army, the Immortals are also scoring. Hardly something that's a "one hit wonder", rather than a viable mid-game threat.

Well, I only battle hardcore gamers. They will see it coming and be prepared for them.

Definitely get a codex or borrow a buddies before you buy figs.

The new battleforce is a solid buy. I suggest picking up another unit of immortals with it and building them all with tesla weapons. Super handy in taking out mobs. Especially if led by a destroyer lord and twin linked with a stalker. That said, I suggest the two units just mentioned as well.

A lot of people use the deathmark heads from the immortal sprues to make custom crypteks. Most popular method I've seen so far is getting a box of lychguard/praetorian for the bodies and go from that. Cheaper than $16 a model for an insane royal guard.

Really depends on what you like too. I'm a huge fan of the monolith.

There really is something in the Necron Codex for just about anyone. (Of course, Crons were my first army, so I have a soft spot for them). And it's not a set list for a set play-style anymore.

You want a shooty army, then you've got to take a Triarch Stalker.... Wait, take a Destroyer lord with your warriors, wait, take Annihilation barges, wait...... So many options.
I've been playing with the Triarch Stalker recently because I love the model. He has a "targeting relay" that means any unit he hits is "marked" such that the rest of your units are twin-linked when shooting at those units. He also has a blast template weapon that you can take, so potentially marking more than one unit. This is really cool, but in 6th, with the change to Preferred Enemy, a Destroyer Lord fills 2 roles, the whole unit re-rolling 1s plus some anti-assault potential.

A squad of 20 warriors with a Destroyer Lord with 2+ armor and MSS, another Lord with Orb (and maybe a gauntlet to get the overwatch hits) and a Ghost Ark within 6" will be almost un-killable! Taking 2+ armor saves until the Destoyer Lord takes a wound, LOS on anything that bypasses armor, then half of the warriors that dropped get back up plus another 1 - 3 get recreated by the Ark every turn. All 20 warriors re-roll their 1s to hit and wound (almost as good as twin-linked for the hits and better on the wounds). If you get charged, you challenge with the Destroyer Lord. Sempiternal Weave giving 2+ armor is great in 6th now and Mindshackle Scarabs give you a good chance of the opposing character just killing himself. If only they were fearless, that is the only thing that kills them is losing the LD roll and getting swept. (Which is how I lost this unit last week, lost by 2 and rolled a 9, bummer!) With 40 (almost twin linked) rapid fire shots, vehicles die quickly. Marines still get their armor saves but having to take around 20 armor saves, odds are they lose 3 or 4 marines.

I don't have any flayed ones, but I really think a 20 strong unit of Flayed ones and a Destroyer Lord could do really good. My warriors only got 1 swing and they were holding their own, flayed ones are warriors with 3 swings instead of shooting. In assault, with re-rolling 1s, they could really do well!

As for the best buys in the codex, the Barge kit is great. You get two vehicles you can switch out for and an q unit as a bonus.

The scythe is just gleefully fun, especially the doom scythe with it's line o death that makes even the jaws power go "oh, come on, that's ridiculous". Both the scythe and barge kits can be swapped out if you don't glue them. Warriors are just solid. I use the praetorian kit as either them or split up in my army as crypteks, since every weapon description for teks seems to be "it's a stick."

all in all crons are cool from a model buying standpoint because you get more bang for your buck than I've ever seen in 40k. Even compared to orks and their "you get all the wargear just switch on what you want" battlewagon kit.

Will Be getting a codex and BF fist think this is a good starting point.
Then a CCB and HQ choice for my second buy think. After this I don't think I'd be to far from a 1/2 decent list
One last question thought should i make the Ark a Gost Ark or Doomsday Ark??

It's not too terrible to magnetize the Ghost Ark/Doomsday Ark. You need magnets and some greenstuff.
As far as use goes... I'd rather take a Doomscythe than a Doomsday ark. I don't have any reasons behind that, but that's my gut feeling. That being said, I magnetized my first Ark, but I won't bother to do that with my 2nd or 3rd... ghost arks all the way.

Best possible Necron Load out is 5 man warrior squads with night scythes, wraiths, and 2 to 3 doom scythes as heavy. maybe an AB for the rist turn shooting. but with the current Flyer rules there isnt much that can beat this army.

You can then just flavor the HQ to either be hard hitting with the wraiths or a stay at home protector with the warriors

A question for Necron players:

How do you feel about a unit of 20 warriors or 10 immortals with a res orb lord and possibly a cryptek as a tanky scoring unit?

Would you not bother with the lord/cryptek?

 Dunwich wrote:
A question for Necron players:

How do you feel about a unit of 20 warriors or 10 immortals with a res orb lord and possibly a cryptek as a tanky scoring unit?

Would you not bother with the lord/cryptek?

With no way to give the unit stubborn or a leadership reroll they are really vulnerable to sweeping advances after loosing combat. I cant count the number of times my 20 man warrior blob + res orb overlord has lost combat and been cut down. Its a pity because I really enjoy playing it against shooting armies but it just dosent have a place in TAC lists.

Essential advice for any new necron player;

Get the battle force and codex.
-if you build the ghost ark without the broken warriors in it you can put the DD cannon on when you want a DDA, no magnets required!

Get a CCB/A.barge kit.
- This can also be switched between the two options with no need for magnets, you get an overlord too.

From there another A.barge kit is good or the Night/Doom Scythe kit which also swaps between the two with no magnets.

Does the Overlord that comes with the CCB have the proper bits and options for the model?

I think he has a res orb(optional) and a war scythe. So he is stuck with a Scythe but can take or leave RO,MSS,SW and PS.

EDIT; He has the same option as the £11 finecast OLord.

Moosatronic Warrior wrote:
I think he has a res orb(optional) and a war scythe. So he is stuck with a Scythe but can take or leave RO,MSS,SW and PS.

EDIT; He has the same option as the £11 finecast OLord.

Not that you would ever want to use any weapon besides the Warscythe.

 Sasori wrote:

Moosatronic Warrior wrote:
I think he has a res orb(optional) and a war scythe. So he is stuck with a Scythe but can take or leave RO,MSS,SW and PS.

EDIT; He has the same option as the £11 finecast OLord.

Not that you would ever want to use any weapon besides the Warscythe.

In fact, the warscythe is one of the best cc weapons in the game.

What kind of Crypteks would you recommend and to what units you would stick them?