Tomb worlds across the galaxy are awakening new reserves of strength and flexibility as Codex: Necrons bears down on an unsuspecting cosmos. We’ve already seen what their gearhead rivals in the Adeptus Mechanicus can look forward to, and now the living metal legions are winding up to show these crude human machinists how it’s done.
Most Necron troops are little more than shambling servants, so clearly defined battle protocols – such as those offered by each of the five Detachments in the new Codex – are a vital part of any Phaeron’s command network.
The masters of a Hypercrypt Legion spin the immeasurable wisdom of the Necrons into one irrefutable truth: walking is for squares, and Hyperphasing is the new hotness in the 41st Millennium. Each turn, entire units of mechanical warriors slip between the bounds of conventional space-time and return from unexpected quarters, ambushing enemies as they aim to secure the all-time jumpscare record for the 35-millionth year running.
Attentive Overlords will notice that you phase out units at the end of your opponent’s turn, so you can shamble them right back onto the battlefield in your own Movement Phase. It’s like they never left.
Once placed in Reserves, units like slippery Ophydians or ruthless Deathmarks can ignore the battlefield edge to Deep Strike wherever they please. Better yet, a leader with the Osteoclave Fulcrum Enhancement can do the same, treating Strategic Reserves like an extradimensional taxi service for themselves and their bodyguard. Dropping an Overlord with 10 Lychguard heavies right next to the opposing Warlord on turn 2? As diabolical as it is hilarious.
As veteran Necron commanders will know, the Monolith provides its own portal for Reserve units to enter the fray precisely where you need them. The Hypercrypt Legion has mastered this Dimensional Corridor, and can grant close combat specialists an all-important charge right after arriving – potentially within 2" of their hapless target – for the low-low cost of just 2CP.
It might be a little tricky to get the kill-crazy Destroyer Cult on board with a battle plan requiring finesse and delicate teleportation tactics – but that’s why they have their own Detachment to hang out and sharpen knives in.
The Annihilation Legion* wants one thing above all else – to wreak utter destructive havoc – and they’re frighteningly effective at getting to grips in close combat when the Annihilation Protocol sets in.
DESTROYER CULT units – and their equally deranged Flayed One buddies – are relentless when the opportunity to reintegrate mortals into the cold, hard ground presents itself. The Blood-fuelled Cruelty Stratagem ensures no-one can escape their blade-tipped grasp. Such is their lust for blood that the thrill of the kill sends their living metal bodies into overdrive, stitching wounds and fallen warriors back together through Murderous Reanimation.
Three new Necron miniatures have been shown off already, from the remastered Imotekh and Orikan to a brand new translocating Overlord. You’ll find all of them in the new Codex: Necrons, which arrives on pre-order this week.
* Almost certainly self-styled.