Combat Patrol: Necrons

 The new combat patrol format of entry level products for Warhammer 40,000 has given us some interesting choices so far in how to construct an army for new players. The Necrons are on the march with a brand new combat patrol. Stirring from their ancient tomb worlds, the Machines have risen to reclaim the galaxy that slipped away from them during their long slumber. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in the box.

(Photo Courtesy of Games-Workshop.com )

So, in this Combat Patrol box (which retails for $140 US/£85 UK) comes with 15 minis. This is a well-balanced box containing a mix of older Necron kits. It’s a rock solid core to build an army around and you, as a new player will get a lot of mileage out of these units. Let’s look at the individual units and go from there. It also has some variety that rarely shows up in these Combat Patrols.

What’s in the box?

Ten Immortals- These are a standard “troop” unit of the Necrons and they come five to a box. They come with a full variety of weapon options and upgrades at  $76/£50.00 for both boxes. Note: These are also buildable as Necron Deathmarks.

Three Tomb Blades- These are a fast moving Necron unit with light guns. They come three to a box and come with a full range of weapon options and upgrades. They retail for $49 US/£30.00 UK. 

One Doom Scythe- This is a standard Necron flyer with heavy guns. They come with all their standard options. They retail for $60 US/£37.50 UK. Note: This can also be built as a Night Scythe.

One Necron Overlord- This is a Necron HQ choice, armed with a War Scythe and a Resurrection Orb.. They retail for $28 US/£17.50 UK. It comes as is, with no options.  

Looking at the price points, we’re at a projected individual cost of $213/£135.00 UK. Those are serious savings, but a lot of these are the oldest kits in the range. These are all representative of the last major Necron range update before the line refresh at the start of 9th.

It’s a solid starting point for a new player getting into the army. The units are the core of an army and you will probably play them week in, week out in some capacity. It also gives you a jumping off point to pick up additional units. 

A 25 PL army is the suggested starting point for the 9th edition, and this starter is flexible enough to let you play strategically. The Tomb Blades give you mobility to go after objectives and drive your opponents off of them. You can field the Immortals/Deathmarks in two distinct groups of five or as a larger group of ten. The Night Scythe/Doom Scythe is your heavy hitter, and its flyer unit keyword makes it hard to shoot down for your opponent.  

Army Expansion

So, what should you get with your first combat patrol? Honestly, this is a box you could do worse than grabbing a 2nd of. Doubling all the units in the box is a solid start to the core of your army. What other things would make sense?

1. Warhammer 40K Command Edition Starter Set- This box is a spectacular expansion of units for your Necron army, and it’s a very viable approach to buy that product first and then purchase one of these Combat Patrols as an expansion to it. Bonus points if you can sell the Space Marine stuff off to a friend.  

2. Necron Cryptek- Crypteks add a host of options to your play style and give you some exotic equipment and powers to augment your budding Necron army.  .  

3. Necron Destroyer Squadron- Necron Destroyers add to your highly mobile firepower block. They are very good at killing things and can give you some necessary hitting/stopping power until other units move into position. 

That’s our breakdown, and if it turns out you want to get one, I would be sure to check out our good friend www.ministomp.com if you don’t have a local shop of your own to support in these trying times. That’s us out for the day, have fun, stay out of trouble, and engage the hobby your way.