How to Play Necromunda: Complete Beginner's Guide

How to Play Necromunda: Complete Beginner's Guide

Ready to dive into the brutal world of gang warfare in the underhive? This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to start playing Necromunda, from basic rules to advanced tactics.

What You Need to Get Started

Before your first game, you'll need:

  • Gang Models: 5-10 fighters from your chosen gang
  • Dice: Standard six-sided dice (D6) and scatter dice
  • Measuring Tools: Ruler or measuring tape
  • Templates: Blast and flame templates
  • Terrain: Industrial scenery to create the underhive
  • Gang Roster: To track your fighters' stats and equipment

Basic Game Structure

Necromunda games follow this sequence:

  1. Pre-Battle: Set up terrain and deploy gangs
  2. Battle Rounds: Alternate activating fighters
  3. Post-Battle: Check for injuries and gain experience

Understanding Fighter Stats

Each fighter has key characteristics:

  • Move (M): How far they can move in inches
  • Weapon Skill (WS): Close combat ability
  • Ballistic Skill (BS): Shooting accuracy
  • Strength (S): Physical power
  • Toughness (T): Resistance to damage
  • Wounds (W): How much damage they can take
  • Initiative (I): Reaction speed
  • Attacks (A): Number of close combat attacks
  • Leadership (Ld): Morale and command ability

Turn Sequence

Each round follows these phases:

  1. Priority Phase: Determine who goes first
  2. Action Phase: Alternate activating fighters
  3. End Phase: Resolve ongoing effects

Fighter Actions

On their activation, fighters can perform two actions:

  • Move: Move up to their Move characteristic
  • Shoot: Fire a ranged weapon
  • Charge: Move into close combat
  • Fight: Attack in close combat
  • Aim: Improve shooting accuracy
  • Reload: Reload weapons
  • Hide: Take cover and become harder to hit

Shooting Rules

To make a shooting attack:

  1. Check range and line of sight
  2. Roll to hit using Ballistic Skill
  3. Apply modifiers (cover, range, etc.)
  4. Roll to wound if you hit
  5. Apply armor saves
  6. Determine injury results

Close Combat

Melee fighting involves:

  1. Compare Weapon Skill values
  2. Roll to hit based on skill difference
  3. Roll to wound using Strength vs Toughness
  4. Apply armor saves
  5. Determine injury results

Injury and Recovery

When fighters take damage:

  • Flesh Wound: Fighter continues but with penalties
  • Down: Fighter falls but may recover
  • Out of Action: Fighter is removed from the game

Campaign Play

Necromunda shines in campaign mode:

  • Experience: Fighters gain XP and advance
  • Income: Earn credits from territory and battles
  • Injuries: Lasting effects from serious wounds
  • Equipment: Buy new weapons and gear
  • Reputation: Build your gang's standing

Tips for New Players

  • Start with simple scenarios to learn the basics
  • Focus on positioning and cover
  • Don't risk your best fighters unnecessarily
  • Learn your gang's strengths and weaknesses
  • Keep detailed records for campaign play
  • Have fun and embrace the narrative!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Rushing into combat without support
  • Ignoring terrain and cover
  • Forgetting to check weapon ranges
  • Not managing your gang's credits wisely
  • Overlooking injury recovery rolls

Ready to Start Your Gang War?

Now that you understand the basics, you're ready to begin your journey into the underhive. Remember, Necromunda is about creating stories and memorable moments as much as winning battles.

Choose your gang, gather your fighters, and prepare for the brutal world of underhive warfare. The territories await, and only the strongest gangs will survive!

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