Necromancer Builds

Build the most effective Necromancer in Total War: Warhammer 40,000. Command legions of undead with potent artifact combinations and spellcasting strategies.

The Necromancer is a formidable spellcaster, specializing in the manipulation of life and death. While not a frontline combatant, their true power lies in their ability to command legions of the undead and unleash devastating arcane energies upon their foes. A well-built Necromancer acts as a potent artillery piece and battlefield controller, capable of turning the tide of any engagement by exploiting enemy weaknesses, sowing terror, and raising fallen adversaries to serve their unholy cause. Their effectiveness hinges on maximizing their magical prowess, debuffing enemy forces, and bolstering their undead summons.

When constructing a Necromancer build, the primary focus should always be on their magical capabilities. Skills that enhance spell mastery, reduce casting costs, and unlock potent spells from various Lores of Magic are paramount. The choice of Lore is crucial and should complement your army composition and preferred playstyle. The Lore of Death is a natural and powerful choice, offering devastating offensive spells and debilitating debuffs. Alternatively, the Lore of Vampires can provide essential healing and buffs to your forces. Beyond direct spellcasting, Necromancers possess abilities that significantly enhance their summoned undead units, making them more durable and lethal. Investing in skills that allow for the summoning of more powerful undead or provide passive buffs to their legions is vital for their role as a master of the macabre.

Core Skill Trees for Necromancers

• Arcane Mastery: This tree focuses on enhancing the raw power of spells, reducing their arcane cost, and increasing the caster's reserve of Winds of Magic. Key skills include Empower Spell (increases spell damage) and Arcane Conduit (reduces spell casting cost).
• Lore of the Damned: This tree unlocks and empowers specific spells from various Lores of Magic. For a Necromancer, the Lore of Death is highly recommended, with spells like Spirit Leech (drains health from a target) and Banshee Howl (inflicts fear and damage). The Lore of Vampires offers potent healing and buffs with spells like Raise Dead (summons a unit of skeletons) and Vampiric Embrace (heals the caster and nearby allies).
• Master of Undeath: This tree provides passive buffs to summoned undead units or enhances the Necromancer's ability to raise them. Skills like Grave Pact (increases the durability of summoned undead) and Eternal Servitude (allows for more frequent raising of undead) are essential for maintaining a constant stream of reanimated soldiers.

Recommended Skill Progression (Early to Mid-Game)

1. Early Game Priority: Focus on acquiring skills that boost Arcane Mastery, particularly those that reduce spell casting costs. This allows for more frequent spell usage. Simultaneously, invest in the initial tiers of your chosen Lore of the Damned to unlock core offensive or utility spells. For example, taking Spirit Leech from the Lore of Death early can provide crucial self-sustain.
2. Mid-Game Expansion: Once basic spellcasting is established, begin investing in the Master of Undeath tree. Prioritize skills that enhance your summoned units, such as Grave Pact, to make your undead more resilient. Continue to unlock higher-tier spells within your chosen Lore, such as Death Hex (a powerful debuff) or Raise Dead (for a consistent stream of fodder units).
3. Late Game Specialization: In the late game, you'll want to max out key skills in all three trees. Consider investing in passive buffs that affect your entire army, not just your undead. For example, skills that increase leadership or morale can indirectly benefit your undead by making them more reliable. If focusing on a pure undead army, skills that grant bonuses to specific undead unit types (e.g., Crypt Horrors, Vampire Counts) become paramount.

Recommended Ancillary Items

Ancillary items can significantly boost a Necromancer's effectiveness. Look for items that:

• Increase Winds of Magic: Items like the Tome of Arcane Lore or the Amulet of the Archmage can provide a substantial boost to your magical reserves, allowing for more powerful spells.
• Reduce Spell Casting Cost: Artifacts such as the Ring of Power or the Staff of Diminishing can make your most potent spells more accessible.
• Enhance Undead Units: Items like the Banner of the Undying or the Talisman of the Grave can provide passive buffs to your summoned undead, increasing their damage, defense, or leadership.
• Boost Spell Damage: Rare items like the Scepter of Necromancy can directly increase the damage output of your offensive spells.

Strategic Considerations

• Positioning is Key: As a backline caster, always ensure your Necromancer is protected. Keep them behind your frontline troops and away from enemy melee units.
• Target Prioritization: Focus your offensive spells on high-threat targets or units that are particularly vulnerable to your chosen Lore. Debuffs are often more impactful than direct damage against heavily armored enemies.
• Resource Management: Manage your Winds of Magic carefully. Don't overspend on weaker spells when a more powerful one is needed. Consider using skills that regenerate Winds of Magic faster.
• Undead Synergy: Your summoned undead are your shield and your sword. Use them to tie up enemy units, screen your caster, and exploit flanking opportunities. Ensure you have a steady supply by investing in relevant skills and potentially using items that boost their effectiveness.