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If you’re a tabletop gaming enthusiast looking for a new game to sink your teeth into, Necromunda is definitely worth checking out. Set in the dark and dangerous Underhive of the Hive City of Necromunda, this tabletop miniature wargame offers a thrilling and immersive experience that combines strategy, skill, and luck in equal measure. In this blog post, we’ll provide an in-depth guide to everything you need to know about Necromunda, including the game mechanics, rules, tactics, and strategies for success.

Whether you’re a veteran tabletop gamer or a newcomer to the hobby, this blog post will provide you with valuable insights and tips for playing and enjoying Necromunda to its fullest potential. So grab your gang models and join us as we delve into the world of Necromunda!

What is Necromunda?

Necromunda is a tabletop miniature wargame that is set in the dystopian universe of Warhammer 40,000. In this game, players take control of rival gangs who battle for control of the Underhive, the dark and dangerous depths of the Hive City of Necromunda.

The world of Necromunda is a vast and sprawling dystopia, filled with towering skyscrapers, labyrinthine tunnels, and dangerous mutants. The Hive City of Necromunda is divided into different levels, with the upper levels reserved for the wealthy and powerful while the lower levels are home to the impoverished and oppressed masses. The Underhive, where the game is set, is the lowest and most dangerous level of the city, a lawless realm where rival gangs fight for dominance and survival.

Necromunda is designed as a skirmish-level game, where players control small gangs of 8-15 models. Each model represents a character in the gang, with its own unique set of skills, weapons, and abilities. The gangs themselves come in a variety of types, including House Gangs, which are aligned with the powerful Houses of Necromunda, and Outlaw Gangs, which operate outside the law and have their own agendas.

The game is played using a turn-based system, with each player taking alternating turns to activate their models and perform various actions such as moving, shooting, and engaging in hand-to-hand combat. The game mechanics are designed to be relatively simple and easy to learn, with a focus on tactical decision-making and strategic planning.

One of the defining features of Necromunda is its use of terrain and cover. The game is typically played on a game board or playing surface that represents the Underhive, complete with various obstacles and terrain features such as buildings, barricades, and pipes. Players must use these terrain features to their advantage, taking cover behind walls and using elevated positions to gain an advantage over their opponents.

In addition to the basic game mechanics, Necromunda also features a campaign system, where gangs can progress over time and gain new skills and equipment. As gangs compete against each other, they earn experience points and can use these points to improve their gang members and acquire new gear. This campaign system adds an element of long-term strategy and progression to the game, encouraging players to develop their gangs over multiple games and campaigns.

Overall, Necromunda is an exciting and engaging tabletop game that combines immersive storytelling with fast-paced, tactical gameplay. Whether you’re a fan of Warhammer 40,000 or just looking for a new wargame to play, Necromunda offers a unique and thrilling experience that is sure to keep you coming back for more.

Rules of Necromunda

Necromunda features a set of rules and mechanics that are designed to provide a fast-paced, tactical gameplay experience. The game is relatively simple to learn, but has enough depth and complexity to provide a challenging and engaging experience for players of all skill levels. In this section, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the rules and mechanics of Necromunda, covering everything from turn structure to combat mechanics.

Turn Structure Necromunda is played using a turn-based system, with each player taking alternating turns to activate their models. Each turn is broken down into several phases, including the Priority Phase, the Movement Phase, the Shooting Phase, the Combat Phase, and the End Phase. During each phase, players must make strategic decisions about how to best use their models and achieve their objectives.

Movement Models in Necromunda move across the playing surface using a set of movement rules. Each model has a set of Movement characteristics that determine how far it can move in a turn, as well as any special abilities or skills that allow it to move more quickly or maneuver around obstacles. Movement is an important aspect of the game, as it allows players to position their models for optimal shooting or combat opportunities.

Shooting Shooting in Necromunda is resolved using a set of shooting rules that take into account a model’s Ballistic Skill, the range of the weapon being used, and any modifiers or cover that may be in effect. When a player declares a shooting action, they must roll dice to determine whether the attack is successful and whether it causes any damage to the target.

Combat Combat in Necromunda is resolved using a set of close combat rules that take into account a model’s Weapon Skill, the strength of the weapon being used, and any modifiers or cover that may be in effect. When two models engage in close combat, they roll dice to determine whether their attacks are successful and whether they cause any damage to the target.

Terrain and Cover As mentioned earlier, terrain and cover are an important aspect of Necromunda gameplay. The game features a variety of terrain features such as buildings, barricades, and pipes that provide cover and obstacles for models to maneuver around. Models can use terrain and cover to their advantage, taking cover behind walls or using elevated positions to gain a tactical advantage over their opponents.

Campaign System One of the defining features of Necromunda is its campaign system, which allows gangs to progress over time and gain new skills and equipment. As gangs compete against each other, they earn experience points and can use these points to improve their gang members and acquire new gear. The campaign system adds an element of long-term strategy and progression to the game, encouraging players to develop their gangs over multiple games and campaigns.

In summary, the rules and mechanics of Necromunda are designed to provide a fast-paced, tactical gameplay experience that is easy to learn but challenging to master. With a focus on movement, shooting, combat, terrain, and cover, as well as a robust campaign system, Necromunda offers a unique and engaging tabletop gaming experience that is sure to keep players coming back for more.

Getting Started with Necromunda

If you’re new to Necromunda, getting started can seem daunting, but it’s actually relatively straightforward. In this section, we’ll go over everything you’ll need to start playing Necromunda, as well as some tips and advice for assembling and painting your gang models.

Materials and Equipment

To start playing Necromunda, you’ll need a few basic materials and equipment. These include:

1. The Necromunda rulebook: The Necromunda rulebook contains all the rules and guidelines for playing the game, as well as the background information on the Necromunda universe and setting.
2. Gang models: Each player will need to assemble and paint their own gang models. These can be purchased separately in plastic or resin kits from Games Workshop or other third-party manufacturers. It’s important to note that while Necromunda is designed for gangs of 8-15 models, there is no upper limit to how many models you can include in your gang.
3. Playing surface: Necromunda is typically played on a game board or playing surface that represents the Underhive. You can purchase pre-made game boards or create your own using materials like foam board, cork, and plastic. The size of the playing surface will depend on the size of the game you want to play.
4. Terrain features: Terrain features such as buildings, barricades, and pipes are important for creating a realistic and immersive game board. You can purchase pre-made terrain features or create your own using materials like cardboard, foam board, and plastic.
5. Dice and tokens: You’ll need a variety of dice and tokens to keep track of the game state, including D6s, scatter dice, and wound markers.

Assembling and Painting Gang Models

Assembling and painting your gang models is an important part of the Necromunda experience. Here are a few tips and pieces of advice for getting started:

1. Read the assembly instructions carefully: Make sure to read through the assembly instructions carefully before starting to assemble your models. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure that your models are properly assembled.
2. Use plastic glue: When assembling plastic models, it’s important to use plastic glue instead of super glue. Plastic glue is specially designed to bond plastic materials together, whereas super glue can damage plastic models.
3. Prime your models: Before painting your models, it’s a good idea to prime them first. This will help the paint adhere better to the model and provide a smoother, more even finish. You can use a spray-on primer or brush-on primer.
4. Use thin coats of paint: When painting your models, it’s better to use thin coats of paint rather than thick coats. This will help prevent the paint from obscuring the model’s details and make it easier to achieve the desired color and finish.
5. Add details and weathering: Adding details and weathering to your models can help make them look more realistic and immersive. You can use techniques like dry brushing, washes, and edge highlighting to add depth and texture to your models. You can also add small details like tattoos, scars, and insignias to make your gang members more unique and personalized.

How Do Campaigns Work in Necromunda?

Creating a Gang

The first step in playing a Necromunda campaign is to create your gang. Each gang type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to choose one that suits your playstyle and preferences. There are six main gang types in Necromunda: House Goliath, House Escher, House Orlock, House Delaque, House Van Saar, and House Cawdor.

House Goliath is a powerful and intimidating gang made up of hulking, heavily muscled brutes, known for their incredible strength and resilience. House Escher is a gang made up of fierce and deadly women, known for their speed, agility, and cunning. House Orlock is a gang made up of tough and resilient fighters, known for their durability and versatility. House Delaque is a secretive and mysterious gang, known for their stealth and espionage abilities. House Van Saar is a technologically advanced gang, known for their high-tech weapons and equipment. House Cawdor is a fanatical and zealous gang, known for their religious fervor and devotion to the Emperor.

Once you’ve chosen your gang type, you’ll need to create your gang composition and recruit your fighters. Each gang type has its own unique set of fighters and equipment, and it’s important to choose the right mix of fighters to suit your playstyle. You’ll also need to equip your fighters with appropriate weapons and gear, such as pistols, melee weapons, and grenades, to give them the best chance of success in combat.

In addition to creating your gang, you’ll also need to create a backstory and personality for your gang, including their motivations, goals, and relationships with other gangs in the hive city. This can add a lot of depth and immersion to your Necromunda campaign, and can make your gang feel like a living, breathing part of the game world.

Setting Up the Campaign

Once you have created your gang, the next step is to set up your Necromunda campaign. This involves choosing a campaign type, setting up the game board and terrain, and assigning territories and objectives.

1. Campaign Types There are several different campaign types to choose from in Necromunda, each with its own unique set of rules and objectives. Some popular campaign types include:

• Turf War: A classic campaign type where gangs fight for control of territory and resources, with the ultimate goal of dominating the hive city.
• Dominion: In this campaign type, gangs compete for control of key strategic locations on the game board, such as factories, refineries, and military bases.
• Conquest: A more narrative-driven campaign type, where gangs battle for control of a specific object or resource, such as a powerful artifact or rare mineral.

Each campaign type has its own set of rules and objectives, and choosing the right one for your playstyle and preferences is essential to creating an engaging and rewarding campaign experience.

2. Game Board and Terrain Setting up the game board and terrain is another important step in creating a successful Necromunda campaign. The game board should be set up to reflect the specific campaign type you have chosen, with key locations and objectives marked out clearly.

Terrain is also an important consideration when setting up your campaign. The terrain should be varied and interesting, with plenty of cover and obstacles to provide tactical opportunities for your fighters. Terrain can be anything from ruined buildings and industrial complexes to underground tunnels and sewers, depending on the specific setting of your campaign.

3. Territories and Objectives Assigning territories and objectives is another important aspect of setting up your Necromunda campaign. Territories represent the areas of the game board that your gang controls, and provide resources and income for your gang throughout the campaign.

Objectives are specific tasks or goals that your gang must accomplish during the campaign, such as taking control of a specific territory or eliminating a rival gang. Objectives can be assigned by the game master or chosen by the players themselves, and should be challenging but achievable.

Assigning territories and objectives can add a lot of depth and immersion to your Necromunda campaign, and can provide a clear sense of progress and accomplishment as you advance through the campaign.

Playing the Campaign

Now that you have created your gang and set up your Necromunda campaign, it’s time to start playing. Playing a Necromunda campaign involves a series of games, with each game affecting the outcome of the overall campaign.

1. Game Rules The rules for playing a Necromunda campaign are similar to the rules for playing individual matches, but with a few key differences. In a campaign, each gang has a limited set of resources, including income, ammunition, and fighter availability, that must be carefully managed throughout the campaign.

Each game is played on the game board and terrain that you have set up, with specific objectives and victory conditions depending on the campaign type and the goals of your gang. The game master or players may also assign additional rules or limitations to add depth and challenge to the game.

2. Campaign Phases In addition to playing individual games, a Necromunda campaign also includes several campaign phases that occur between games. These phases include:

• Income phase: In this phase, gangs receive income based on the territories they control and any other sources of revenue they may have. This income can be used to purchase new equipment and hire new fighters.
• Upkeep phase: During this phase, gangs must pay upkeep costs to maintain their equipment and fighters. Upkeep costs increase as gangs acquire more equipment and fighters, so it’s important to balance income and expenses carefully.
• Recruitment phase: In this phase, gangs can recruit new fighters to replace any fighters who have been injured or killed in previous games. Recruitment costs vary depending on the type of fighter and their equipment.
• Advancement phase: This phase allows gangs to advance their fighters, gaining new skills and abilities through experience points earned during previous games.

Managing resources and advancing your gang through these campaign phases is essential to success in a Necromunda campaign, and can provide a sense of progression and accomplishment as you work to build your gang and dominate the hive city.

3. Gang Advancement Advancing your gang is a key component of playing a Necromunda campaign. As your fighters gain experience and skills, they can become more powerful and effective in combat. Advancement can be achieved through:

• Winning games: Each game you win earns your gang experience points, which can be used to advance your fighters.
• Achieving objectives: Completing campaign objectives can also earn your gang experience points and other rewards.
• Purchasing advancements: In addition to earning experience points, you can also purchase advancements for your fighters using income earned during the campaign.

Advancing your gang can give you a significant advantage in future games, and can help you to achieve your goals and dominate the hive city.

Gang Advancement

Gang advancement is a key component of playing a Necromunda campaign. As your gang gains experience and resources, you’ll want to use them to improve your fighters and equipment, making them more effective in combat and better able to dominate the hive city.

1. Gaining Experience Experience points are earned by winning games, completing campaign objectives, and taking out enemy fighters. The amount of experience earned depends on the type of fighter and the difficulty of the task. Experience points can be used to purchase new skills and abilities for your fighters, making them more versatile and effective in combat.
2. Advancing Skills and Abilities Each fighter in your gang has a unique set of skills and abilities that can be advanced using experience points. For example, a fighter with the Shooting skill can improve their accuracy and range, while a fighter with the Combat skill can become more effective in hand-to-hand combat. Advancing skills and abilities can provide a significant advantage in future games, making your gang more competitive and better able to achieve your goals.
3. Upgrading Weapons and Equipment In addition to advancing skills and abilities, upgrading weapons and equipment is also an important part of gang advancement. Upgraded weapons and equipment can provide a significant advantage in combat, improving accuracy, range, and damage output. Upgrades can be purchased using income earned during the campaign, and can be applied to any fighter in your gang.
4. Recruiting New Fighters Recruiting new fighters is another important aspect of gang advancement. New fighters can bring unique skills and abilities to your gang, providing new tactical opportunities and filling gaps in your roster. Recruiting new fighters requires income and resources, but can be a worthwhile investment in the long run.
5. Managing Resources Managing your gang’s resources is essential to successful gang advancement. Income earned during the campaign can be used to purchase new equipment, hire new fighters, and upgrade existing gear. However, resources are limited, and balancing income and expenses is key to long-term success. Upkeep costs can increase as your gang grows, so it’s important to manage your resources carefully and avoid overspending.

Strategies and Tactics for Necromunda

Necromunda is a game that rewards strategic thinking and careful planning. In this section, we’ll cover some basic strategies and tactics that can help you succeed in the game, whether you’re playing as a new player or a seasoned veteran.

1. Build a Balanced Gang

One of the most important things to keep in mind when building your gang is to make sure that it’s balanced. This means that you should have a mix of different types of fighters, including close combat specialists, ranged fighters, and support units.

Close combat specialists are important for getting up close and personal with enemy gang members and taking them out in hand-to-hand combat. Ranged fighters are important for taking out enemies from a distance and controlling the battlefield. Support units, like medics and techies, can help keep your gang members alive and functioning properly.

By building a balanced gang, you’ll be able to adapt to different situations and challenges and increase your chances of success.

2. Use Cover and Line of Sight

Cover and line of sight are important factors to consider when playing Necromunda. By using cover effectively, you can protect your gang members from enemy fire and create opportunities for ambushes and surprise attacks.

Line of sight is also important because it determines whether or not your fighters can see and shoot at enemy gang members. By positioning your fighters in strategic locations and using terrain features to block enemy line of sight, you can control the battlefield and force your opponents to make risky moves.

3. Focus on Objectives

In Necromunda, the goal is not necessarily to kill all of your opponent’s gang members, but rather to complete objectives and score points. By focusing on objectives, you can gain a strategic advantage and force your opponent to make difficult choices.

For example, if you’re playing a Turf War campaign, you might focus on controlling and holding important locations on the game board. If you’re playing a Rescue campaign, you might focus on rescuing captured gang members and bringing them back to your territory.

By focusing on objectives, you can create a clear and achievable goal for your gang and increase your chances of success.

4. Use Tactics Cards

Tactics cards are a powerful tool in Necromunda that can help you gain an advantage over your opponents. These cards allow you to perform special actions and abilities that can turn the tide of battle.

For example, you might use a Tactics card to give one of your fighters a boost in strength or accuracy for a turn, or to place a trap or explosive device on the game board.

By using Tactics cards strategically, you can catch your opponent off guard and gain an advantage in key moments.

5. Adapt to Your Opponent

Finally, it’s important to remember that Necromunda is a dynamic and ever-changing game. As you play against different opponents and gangs, you’ll need to adapt and adjust your strategies and tactics.

For example, if you’re playing against a gang that specializes in close combat, you might focus on using ranged fighters and terrain features to keep them at bay. If you’re playing against a gang that has a lot of heavy weapons, you might focus on using cover and line of sight to protect your fighters.

By adapting to your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, you can increase your chances of success and become a more versatile and effective player.

Advanced Necromunda Techniques

Necromunda is a game that offers a lot of depth and complexity, and there are many advanced techniques and strategies that you can use to gain an advantage over your opponents. In this section, we’ll cover some of the most important advanced techniques and how to use them effectively.

1. Overwatch

Overwatch is a powerful ability in Necromunda that allows you to fire at enemy gang members as they move across the battlefield. To use Overwatch, you must first declare that your fighter is using it and then specify which enemy gang member you’re targeting.

If the targeted gang member moves within the Overwatch area of effect, your fighter will automatically fire at them. This can be a powerful tool for controlling the battlefield and forcing your opponents to take risky moves.

However, it’s important to use Overwatch carefully and strategically. If you use it too often, your opponents may become wise to your tactics and find ways to avoid it. Additionally, Overwatch can leave your fighter vulnerable to enemy fire and attacks, so it’s important to use it in combination with cover and other defensive measures.

2. Ambushes

Ambushes are another powerful technique in Necromunda that can catch your opponents off guard and give you a significant advantage. To set up an ambush, you’ll need to position your fighters in hidden or unexpected locations, such as behind cover or around corners.

When your opponent moves into your ambush area, you can spring the trap and attack them from an unexpected angle. This can be a great way to take out key enemy fighters and gain a tactical advantage.

However, it’s important to use ambushes carefully and strategically. If you use them too often, your opponents may become wise to your tactics and find ways to avoid them. Additionally, ambushes can leave your fighters vulnerable to enemy fire and attacks, so it’s important to use them in combination with cover and other defensive measures.

3. Suppression Fire

Suppression fire is a powerful technique in Necromunda that allows you to keep enemy gang members pinned down and unable to move or act effectively. To use suppression fire, you’ll need to position your fighters in strategic locations and then use weapons with the Suppression trait, such as heavy bolters or flamers.

When you fire on enemy gang members with Suppression weapons, they’ll be forced to make a Cool check to see if they can remain composed and take effective actions. If they fail the check, they’ll be suppressed and unable to move or act effectively until they recover.

Suppression fire can be a great way to control the battlefield and limit your opponent’s options, but it’s important to use it carefully and strategically. Suppression weapons can be heavy and unwieldy, and using them too often can leave your fighters vulnerable to enemy fire and attacks.

4. Melee Combat

Melee combat is an important part of Necromunda and offers a lot of depth and complexity. To be effective in melee combat, you’ll need to choose the right fighters for the job and equip them with appropriate weapons and gear.

Close combat specialists are essential for taking out enemy fighters in hand-to-hand combat, but they can be vulnerable to enemy fire and attacks. To minimize this vulnerability, it’s important to use cover and line of sight to protect them and position them strategically on the battlefield.

Additionally, it’s important to use the right weapons and gear in melee combat. Weapons with the Parry trait, for example, can be used to defend against enemy attacks, while weapons with the Disarm trait can be used to disarm enemy fighters and make them vulnerable.

What are the gangs and factions in Necromunda?

Necromunda is a game set in a sprawling hive city, where various gangs and factions vie for power and control. Each gang and faction has its own unique playstyle, weapons, and abilities, and mastering them can be key to success in the game. Here is a detailed description of each of the gangs and factions in Necromunda:

1. House Goliath

House Goliath is a powerful and intimidating gang made up of hulking, heavily muscled brutes. They are known for their incredible strength and resilience, as well as their brutal close combat abilities. House Goliath fighters often wield massive weapons like hammers, chainsaws, and heavy stubbers, and they are adept at taking out enemy fighters in hand-to-hand combat. Additionally, House Goliath fighters are notoriously difficult to kill, thanks to their thick armor and powerful constitutions. (Buy from Amazon | Buy from Element Games)

2. House Escher

House Escher is a gang made up of fierce and deadly women, known for their speed, agility, and cunning. They are masters of ranged combat, often wielding weapons like lasguns and toxin pistols, and they are skilled at using cover and line of sight to their advantage. In addition to their ranged abilities, House Escher fighters are also skilled in close combat, using weapons like power swords and shock whips to take out enemy fighters. They are also known for their use of drugs and toxins, which can enhance their abilities and make them even more dangerous in combat. (Buy from Amazon | Buy from Element Games)

3. House Orlock

House Orlock is a gang made up of tough and resilient fighters, known for their durability and versatility. They are adept at using a variety of weapons, including assault rifles, shotguns, and flamers, and they are skilled at both ranged and close combat. Additionally, House Orlock fighters are known for their resilience and toughness, thanks to their heavy armor and reinforced implants. They can take a lot of punishment and keep fighting, making them a formidable opponent on the battlefield. (Buy from Amazon | Buy from Element Games)

4. House Delaque

House Delaque is a secretive and mysterious gang, known for their stealth and espionage abilities. They specialize in infiltration and sabotage, and they are skilled at using concealed weapons and gadgets to take out enemy fighters. In addition to their stealth abilities, House Delaque fighters are also skilled at ranged combat, using weapons like sniper rifles and needle guns to take out enemies from a distance. They are also known for their use of surveillance and information-gathering techniques, which can give them a tactical advantage in battle. (Buy from Amazon | Buy from Element Games)

5. House Van Saar

House Van Saar is a technologically advanced gang, known for their high-tech weapons and equipment. They specialize in ranged combat, often wielding weapons like plasma guns and graviton guns, which can be devastating to enemy fighters. Additionally, House Van Saar fighters are often equipped with advanced cybernetic implants and enhancements, which can make them even more deadly and versatile in combat. However, their reliance on technology can also make them vulnerable to hacking and other forms of interference. (Buy from Amazon | Buy from Element Games)

6. House Cawdor

House Cawdor is a fanatical and zealous gang, known for their religious fervor and devotion to the Emperor. They often wear ragged robes and wield improvised weapons like clubs and spiked maces, and they are skilled at close combat. Additionally, House Cawdor fighters are immune to fear and morale effects, thanks to their unshakable faith in the Emperor. They are also known for their use of explosives and incendiary devices, which can cause havoc on the battlefield. (Buy from Amazon | Buy from Element Games)

Conclusion

In conclusion, Necromunda is a tabletop game that offers a rich and immersive gaming experience set in a sprawling hive city. With a variety of gangs and factions to choose from, each with their own unique playstyles and abilities, Necromunda provides endless opportunities for strategic thinking and careful planning. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, Necromunda offers a challenging and engaging gameplay experience that is sure to provide hours of entertainment and excitement. So if you’re looking for a game that rewards skill, strategy, and tactical thinking, Necromunda is definitely worth checking out.