Warhammer Team Crafts Stunning Nightbringer Miniatures

Staff members at Warhammer Community have painted two versions of the C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer, a new miniature for Warhammer 40,000 games. This model, released early in 2026, stands out for its design and has drawn attention from painters inside the company. The effort happened at their base, where team members took time to apply paints and finishes to match their personal Necron armies.

Background

Warhammer 40,000 is a tabletop game where players build and battle with armies of miniatures. Necrons form one army faction, ancient robots that once served star gods called C’tan. These gods now exist as shards, powerful units players can field. The Nightbringer is one such shard, known for its death-like look with a hooded robe and scythe. The new model for it came out just weeks into 2026 and quickly became a favorite. Company staff often paint models to show techniques and inspire players. This time, two extended team members got the chance to work on the Nightbringer. They each brought their own style, one more simple for quick games, the other bright and shiny to fit an existing collection. Necrons have seen updates lately, with new rules like the Pantheon of Woe Detachment that lets multiple C’tan shards team up. Points values place the Nightbringer at 345, alongside others like the Deceiver at 325 and Void Dragon at 330. Players mix these with units such as Flayed Ones or Lokhust Destroyers for full armies.

Key Details

The first painter started with a Chaos Black spray base. He airbrushed Xereus Purple on the lower robes, a color he enjoys using. Black robe parts got highlights of Naggaroth Night and Xereus Purple, while lighter areas used Kakophoni Purple. The body received Iron Hands Steel, layered with Stormhost Silver, a wash of thinned Luxion Purple, and more Stormhost Silver. Green energy effects came from Warpstone Glow, layered with Moot Green, and mixed with Flash Gitz Yellow for bright spots. He added subtle lighting around scarabs on the model. Bases used sand painted with wet blends of green paints to mimic blackstone. His Necrons usually get basic paint for Kill Team games, but this model deserved extra care due to its sculpt.

Second Painter's Approach

The second staffer, Luke, aimed for a scheme to match his bright, shiny Necron army, evoking molten living metal. He began with Chaos Black spray, then picked out necrodermis parts in Leadbelcher and drybrushed Runefang Steel for shine. The cloak got a Corvus Black base, Nuln Oil wash, and selective drybrush of Skavenblight Dinge on light areas. Red glow used Mephiston Red, Wild Rider Red, and Fire Dragon Bright. Lightning effects started with Dechala Lilac, a Druchii Violet wash, and White Scar edges. He plans to use the model soon with the new Pantheon of Woe Detachment and other star god shards. Practice runs prepare him for the Warhammer Open Maastricht event.

“I love how it has turned out and I’m pleased with my colour choices – now I’m just excited to shoot him to pieces with my friend!” – First Painter

“I am super excited to run him in some games very soon and will of course be using the new Pantheon of Woe Detachment so he can team up with all his star god friends.” – Luke

Both painters shared their steps to help others recreate the looks. Paints like these come from the Citadel range, standard for Warhammer models. The Nightbringer's design features a shifting necrodermis body, distended jaw, and scarab details, making it a center piece for armies.

What This Means

This staff painting effort highlights the Nightbringer's strong reception right after release. It sets an example for players on how to handle the model's details, from robes to energy effects. Different styles show flexibility, letting people match army themes or try new colors. For Necron players, it points to growing options with C’tan shards in detachments like Pantheon of Woe. Events such as Warhammer Open Maastricht will likely see more of these models in action. The work also builds excitement for Necron expansions, as staff integrate it with units like Hexmark Destroyers or Flayed Ones. Community painters have tackled the model too, with varied takes on its death spectre guise, adding color pops to the classic hooded look. Tutorials online cover steps from base coats to highlights, using paints like Abaddon Black, Genestealer Purple, and more for glows and metals. Fast methods without airbrushes make it accessible. Overall, the Nightbringer strengthens Necrons as a competitive army early in the year. Staff showcases like this often precede bigger releases or rule updates, keeping players engaged. Necron lore ties back to their rebellion against C’tan, now wielding shards as weapons. This model captures that history in a detailed sculpt ready for tables.