Wraiths: Two Squads Or One? Necron Strategy Guide

Hey Necron commanders! Today, we're diving into a strategic conundrum that has plagued many a dynasty: Is it better to run two squads of 3 Wraiths, each led by a Technomancer, or a single, imposing squad of 6 Wraiths, also accompanied by Technomancers? This is a crucial question for anyone looking to maximize the effectiveness of these ethereal terrors on the tabletop. So, let's break down the pros and cons of each approach, and figure out which strategy will leave your opponents shaking in their boots.

The Allure of Two Smaller Wraith Squads

When you're thinking about deploying your Necron Wraiths, the option of splitting them into two smaller squads, each led by a Technomancer, can seem pretty appealing. There's a certain strategic flexibility that comes with this approach that you just can't ignore. First off, you're essentially doubling your footprint on the board. This means you can cover more ground, harass multiple enemy units at once, and generally be a bigger nuisance for your opponent. Imagine tying up two key enemy units simultaneously – that's a huge win for you! This increased board presence also opens up some interesting tactical plays, like flanking maneuvers or securing multiple objectives at the same time. Think of it as spreading your Wraithy goodness across the battlefield, making it harder for your opponent to focus their fire.

Another big advantage of running two smaller Wraith squads is redundancy. Let's face it, the Warhammer 40,000 universe is a dangerous place, and even the toughest units can fall victim to a lucky shot or a well-planned assault. If you have all your Wraiths in one basket, so to speak, losing that squad can be a devastating blow. But with two squads, you've got a backup plan. If one squad gets wiped out (unlikely, but hey, it happens!), the other squad is still there to carry on the fight. This can be a game-changer, especially in scenarios where you need to hold objectives or apply consistent pressure on the enemy. Plus, having two Technomancers means double the repair potential. These guys are like the Wraith's personal pit crew, keeping them in fighting shape throughout the game. More Technomancers mean more opportunities to bring back fallen Wraiths or heal up damaged ones, making your forces even more resilient. This is particularly valuable against armies that rely on attrition or have strong anti-vehicle firepower.

Target saturation is another key benefit to consider. What does that mean? Well, by presenting your opponent with two separate Wraith squads, you force them to split their fire. They can't just focus all their firepower on one unit, because there's another equally threatening squad right next to it. This can significantly increase the survivability of your Wraiths, as your opponent has to make some tough choices about which unit to prioritize. It’s like a classic “good cop, bad cop” routine, but with more ethereal claws and less interrogation. Think about it: your opponent might have a powerful weapon that can easily wipe out a single Wraith squad, but if they have to choose between two equally juicy targets, they might end up spreading their fire too thin and not achieving anything significant. This can buy you valuable time to maneuver your Wraiths into advantageous positions or to focus your own firepower on key enemy units.

The Might of One Massive Wraith Squad

Now, let's flip the script and consider the sheer power and presence of a single, six-Wraith strong squad, also led by Technomancers. There's something undeniably intimidating about a massive block of these spectral warriors gliding across the battlefield. This approach offers a different set of advantages, focusing on concentrated firepower and resilience. One of the biggest benefits of a large Wraith squad is its sheer hitting power. Six Wraiths can dish out a serious amount of damage, especially when equipped with their vicious claws. This makes them incredibly effective at taking down tough enemy units, from heavily armored vehicles to elite infantry squads. Think of it as a spectral wrecking ball, smashing through enemy lines and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. This concentrated firepower can be crucial for quickly eliminating key threats or securing vital objectives.

Beyond raw damage output, a larger unit benefits from increased combat effectiveness through stratagems and abilities. Many buffs in the Necron codex target a single unit, making a larger squad a more efficient recipient of those buffs. Imagine casting a powerful defensive buff on a six-Wraith squad – that's a huge boost to their survivability. Or consider a stratagem that allows a unit to re-roll hit rolls or wound rolls. On a smaller squad, those re-rolls might only affect a couple of attacks, but on a six-Wraith squad, they can make a significant difference. This synergy with buffs and stratagems can turn your Wraith squad into an absolute juggernaut on the battlefield, capable of weathering incredible amounts of punishment and dishing out even more in return. In essence, you're maximizing the return on your investment in those buffs and stratagems.

Furthermore, a big squad can be surprisingly difficult to deal with. Their high toughness, invulnerable save, and potential for healing from Technomancers make them incredibly resilient. This is where that critical mass really comes into play. It's one thing to take down a few Wraiths, but wiping out six of them is a much tougher proposition. Your opponent will have to dedicate a significant amount of firepower to the task, which can free up other units in your army to maneuver and attack. This can be a huge advantage in scenarios where you need to hold a key position or weather a heavy assault. The psychological impact of a large, resilient unit shouldn't be underestimated either. Your opponent might hesitate to engage such a daunting foe, giving you the initiative on the battlefield. It's like having a spectral bodyguard that just won't go down, no matter what the enemy throws at it.

Technomancer Synergies: The Undisputed MVPs

No matter which Wraith configuration you choose, the Technomancer is absolutely essential. These guys are the unsung heroes of the Necron army, providing crucial support and resilience to your ethereal warriors. Their ability to heal Wraiths and even bring them back from the brink of destruction is invaluable. Think of them as the Wraith's personal healers and mechanics, constantly patching them up and keeping them in the fight. A Technomancer can single-handedly turn a squad of Wraiths from a formidable threat into an almost unstoppable force. So, whether you're running two smaller squads or one big unit, make sure you've got a Technomancer (or two!) in tow.

The question then becomes, how do Technomancers interact differently with the two squad configurations? With two smaller squads, you get the benefit of having two independent repair crews. This means you can heal Wraiths in two different locations on the battlefield simultaneously, maximizing your healing potential. It also provides redundancy – if one Technomancer goes down, you still have another one to keep your Wraiths in fighting shape. On the other hand, a single Technomancer attached to a larger squad can focus all their attention on keeping that one unit alive. This can be particularly effective if you're facing an opponent with powerful anti-vehicle weaponry, as you can prioritize healing the Wraiths that have taken the most damage. Ultimately, the best approach depends on your overall strategy and the specific threats you expect to face.

Moreover, don't forget the Technomancer's other abilities. They're not just healers; they're also capable fighters in their own right. While they might not be able to go toe-to-toe with a Space Marine Captain, they can still hold their own in a pinch. Plus, their ability to buff the Wraiths' reanimation protocols is a game-changer. This essentially makes your Wraiths even harder to kill, as they have a better chance of getting back up after being taken down. This synergy between the Technomancer's healing abilities and their buffs to reanimation protocols is what truly makes them indispensable. They're not just keeping your Wraiths alive; they're making them even more resilient and deadly.

The Verdict: Which Wraith Strategy Reigns Supreme?

So, is it better to run two squads of 3 Wraiths or one squad of 6, all with Technomancer support? The answer, as with many things in Warhammer 40,000, is: it depends! There's no one-size-fits-all solution, and the best approach will vary depending on your overall army composition, your opponent's army, and the mission you're playing. If you need board control and flexibility, two smaller squads might be the way to go. If you prefer concentrated firepower and resilience, a single large squad could be a better choice. And of course, the mighty Technomancer is the glue that holds it all together, making either option viable.

Ultimately, the best way to figure out what works for you is to experiment on the tabletop. Try out both configurations in different games and see which one performs better. Pay attention to how your Wraiths interact with the rest of your army, and how they fare against different types of opponents. The more you play, the better you'll understand the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. And who knows, you might even discover a new and innovative way to use your Wraiths that nobody else has thought of before!

Think about your play style, too. Are you an aggressive player who likes to push forward and engage the enemy head-on? Or do you prefer a more cautious approach, focusing on controlling objectives and picking your battles carefully? Your play style will naturally influence your choice of Wraith configuration. An aggressive player might prefer the concentrated firepower of a large squad, while a more cautious player might favor the flexibility and redundancy of two smaller squads. It's all about finding the right balance for your personal style.

In the end, the decision of how to deploy your Wraiths is just one piece of the puzzle. Building a successful Necron army requires careful consideration of all your units and how they work together. But by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different Wraith configurations, you'll be well on your way to dominating the tabletop. So get out there, experiment with your spectral warriors, and unleash the might of the Necrons!

I hope this breakdown has been helpful, guys! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game. Happy gaming, and may your Wraiths always strike first!