Necrons are one of the recommended starter factions in Warhammer 40k — resilient, straightforward to play, and with some of the most striking models in the range. Their Reanimation Protocols rule means your models keep coming back to life, making them very forgiving for new players. The Combat Patrol box is the standard entry point. Here is whether it is worth buying.
What Is in the Necrons Combat Patrol Box?
The Necrons Combat Patrol contains the core unit types of the faction: a Necron Overlord or equivalent character, a core Warriors squad (the backbone of any Necron army), and supporting units that demonstrate the range’s Canoptek constructs or heavier infantry. The combination gives you the essential Necron playstyle — resilient, reanimating infantry backed by a commanding character. Confirm exact contents on the GW website before purchasing.
Is the Savings Worth It?
Necron kits are mid-range in GW’s pricing structure. The Combat Patrol bundles multiple kits at approximately 30–40% below combined retail. For Necrons specifically, the Overlord character (typically $30–40 separately) and the Warriors squad make the bundle particularly cost-effective as a starter.
Who Should Buy It?
- New 40k players: Necrons are one of two factions GW explicitly recommends for beginners (alongside Space Marines). The rules are straightforward, the models are durable in-game, and Reanimation Protocols make learning the game less punishing.
- Players who want a sci-fi undead army: Necrons are undead robots — cold, inevitable, and visually unlike anything else in 40k. If the aesthetic appeals, the Combat Patrol is the right entry point.
- Players who do not want to paint skin: Necron models are entirely metallic and mechanical. No faces, no organic material. This suits painters who are intimidated by painting skin tones.
Are Necrons Good for Beginners?
Yes — Necrons are one of the two explicitly recommended starter factions (alongside Space Marines). The core mechanic — shoot, walk forward, reanimate when killed — is easy to learn. The faction punishes opponents who fail to delete units completely, creating a satisfying experience even in losing games. The painting is accessible: a metallic basecoat, wash, and drybrush produces excellent Necron models with minimal effort.
See our Necrons painting guide for step-by-step colour schemes. For game rules, the 40k beginner guide covers everything from your first turn to army building.
Necrons Combat Patrol — Verdict
Worth it: Yes — especially for beginners. Necrons are one of the safest faction choices in 40k: beginner-friendly rules, a strong and active community, and models that paint up impressively fast. The Combat Patrol is the right starting box before expanding into Monoliths, Doomsday Arks, or C’tan Shards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Necrons or Space Marines better for beginners?
Both are excellent starter factions — GW recommends both. Space Marines have a larger tutorial library and more subfaction options at larger army sizes. Necrons have a more distinctive visual identity and the Reanimation mechanic is uniquely forgiving. Choose based on which aesthetic you prefer: medieval sci-fi knights (Space Marines) or undead robots (Necrons).
Are Necrons good in 10th Edition?
Yes — Necrons are a strong 10th Edition faction with multiple competitive detachments. The Awakened Dynasty detachment is a reliable all-rounder. The Silent King and other centrepiece models perform well at higher points levels. The faction has a consistent tournament presence.