Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I just got into painting these awesome little models and the more time I spend in the LFGS the more interested I become in the game itself.

I spent hours watching YouTubes on painting techniques and also on rule sets.

I love the SM models and the Necron models. I'm"learning" how to paint on the Space Marine Tactical Squad set, but really am looking forward to getting better at painting so I can tackle the Necron Starter set.

I've also been reading on the play styles of both the SM and the Necrons and it seems like I would equally enjoy both styles of play.

The real question is, which of these two armies would make a better "learner" set for the game itself for a total Newbie? I'm looking into a 500-750 pt Army at first just to see if I really enjoy the game or not.

Does it really even matter which Army you start with?

Just to reiterate, this isn't a "which army is better"questions. I'm just looking to learn the mechanics of the game and am wondering which army can do this for me so I can enjoy the learning process the most.

Necrons. They are the toughest army out there so are very forgiving when making mistakes.

SM are probably the best for learning the rules of the game though, since they've got a whole sleuth of rules that interact with the rulebook. Necrons are normally '6's for bonuses'.

It doesn't really matter which army you start with though. Exception would probably be Dark Eldar, as they don't have the bodies to mitigate their bad armour saves. Everyone either has good saves or bodies to withstand firepower.

Welcome to the game, glad you're enjoying yourself so far!

In answer to your question, I would say space marines would be a better army to start with.

While I would say necrons might be an easier army to play with, marines have a lot of versatility and so you'll be able to experience more areas of the game if you play them. As an example, space marines have access to librarians, who can use powers in the psychic phase. Necrons have no psychic options at all. Marines also have grenades, which can affect the game in small ways as well. Marine units tend to be more well rounded than necrons as well, which means your units are likely to try and contribute in all phases of the game. Tactical marines are very 'okay' at range as well as in cc. This doesn't usually translate to an advantage in game, and in some cases, tends to be a problem as you can end up with troops who aren't really good at anything. They're good for learning though!

As another point, if you decide to expand and play against lots of different opponents, it's likely (though by no means certain) that lots of them will play marines or one of their variants, which will mean you will roughly know the capabilities of your opponent's armies going forward.

If this doesn't sway you, just go with whichever army you like the look of the most, as it sounds like you're really in to the painting/modelling aspect.

I don’t think either one is a particularly bad choice. Both are reasonably tough armies, which makes them forgiving of mistakes. Marines are better all around, jack of all trades, so showcase more of the rules. Both work though. I’d not try to learn with a glass hammer army, or one that requires fiddly rules and tactics to make work. Both necrons and marines are pretty straight forward.

SM is the best choice as an entry army to the game.
Necrons have too many specialized units that require advanced skills.

Sm has a large variance in power level among their units. A new player might make a mistake and pick up, for example, terminators because they look good but in reality are just awful on the table top. You may go the other way and pick up cents along with a special character.

Necrons, however, have much less variance. There are not many duds in the army so you are free to collect whatever you want and still have a good army.

Also, money wise, necrons are cheaper by far. Marines cost a lot due to rhinos and pods. Necrons don't have to pay for cheap transports and are more affordable.

I would suggest necrons.

Thanks for all the awesome feedback!

I may just have to do both... eventually, LOL.

I relatively new myself OP and I went with Necrons. One thing that makes then easy to learn is a lot of your units (except if you join an IC) will be comprised of models all with the same gear and rules. It's easy to forget stuff when you have a unit with different weapons and rules.

 Tarvitz77 wrote:
...as it sounds like you're really in to the painting/modelling aspect.

I really am!

That being said, I played AD&D many years ago (I had the 1st edition of the books when they were released, bought in a bookstore,LOL) so have always enjoyed tabletop gaming. And, of course, the more I read, the more exciting the game itself sounds to me.

Mdlbuildr wrote:

 Tarvitz77 wrote:
...as it sounds like you're really in to the painting/modelling aspect.

I really am!

That being said, I played AD&D many years ago (I had the 1st edition of the books when they were released, bought in a bookstore,LOL) so have always enjoyed tabletop gaming. And, of course, the more I read, the more exciting the game itself sounds to me.

Both of these armies are viable at the competitive level, both have vey strong special formations. Even though space marines can be equally as hard to defeat, there is a somewhat negative viewpoint on necrons since at one point they were the most overpowered faction.

I play both, but I find necrons more fun because there is a greater degree of versatility (despite what people have been saying in here). With necrons, you can build strong shooting or melee lists. Almost all the units are viable. If you play space marines, you will end up painting numerous transports particularly drop pods, and using them in every game you play. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

In terms of painting necrons are far less interesting, but on an upside they are very easy to paint. I have over 5k completely painted with my crons.