The Canoptek Wraith is a Necron construct that serves as the eyes and ears of a Tomb World’s central systems. It patrols for intruders and inspects for damage, then strikes with terrifying efficiency once battle begins.
What the Canoptek Wraith is
Canoptek Wraiths are probe mechanoids, not frontline soldiers. They’re built to patrol Necron tomb complexes, report back to their Canoptek Spyder controllers through an interstitial interface, and carry out orders with unfaltering resolve.
They don’t act on their own initiative. Think of them as remote sensors with claws: they watch, they report, and when told to kill, they do it without hesitation.
- Type: Necron Canoptek construct
- Role: reconnaissance, system inspection, and targeted assassination
- Controller: Canoptek Spyder (via interstitial interface)
- First appearance: 5th Edition Necron codex (older 3rd Edition Wraiths are a separate unit)
How they fight
Their main weapon is the Dimensional Destabilisation Matrix, a phase shifter that lets them slip in and out of reality. It was originally meant for reaching into solid machinery to repair it, but it works just as well on intruders.
A Wraith can phase its claws and Whip Coil tendrils inside a target, then resolidify them to sever arteries, nerve clusters, and other vital pathways. No external mark is left behind.
They also carry Particle Casters or Transdimensional Beamers for ranged support. Once battle starts, they sow terror by hunting commanders, support troops, and supply lines.
- Dimensional Destabilisation Matrix: phase through reality to bypass armor
- Whip Coil tendrils: phase inside a target, then solidify to cause internal damage
- Ranged options: Particle Caster or Transdimensional Beamer
- Battlefield role: decapitation strikes and disruption
Why they matter
Wraiths are a key part of how a Tomb World defends itself. They catch problems early, whether that’s a failing power conduit or a squad of Space Marines breaching a stasis crypt.
In game terms, they’re fast, hard to pin down, and can threaten characters and backline units that thought they were safe. That combination makes them a staple in many Necron armies.
Related lore
Canoptek Wraiths sit alongside other Canoptek constructs like Scarabs, Spyders, and Tomb Sentinels. They’re all part of the Necrons’ automated maintenance and defense network.
Their phase technology ties into the wider Necron theme of mastery over physics, the same science that lets Tomb Worlds shift into pocket dimensions and C’tan shards break reality.
- Canoptek Spyder: controller and coordinator for Wraiths
- Canoptek Scarabs: smaller repair and swarm units
- Tomb Sentinel and Tomb Stalker: heavier Canoptek guardians
- C’tan Shards: reality-warping entities that share the phase-tech theme
Key facts
- Canoptek Wraiths are Necron probe mechanoids that patrol Tomb Worlds for intruders and damage.
- They report to Canoptek Spyder controllers and don’t act independently.
- Their Dimensional Destabilisation Matrix lets them phase through reality to attack from inside a target.
- They can be armed with Particle Casters or Transdimensional Beamers.
- In battle, they target commanders, support troops, and supply lines to sow disorder.
FAQ
What is a Canoptek Wraith?
It’s a Necron construct that patrols Tomb Worlds, reports damage or intruders to its Canoptek Spyder controller, and fights with a phase-shifting weapon that lets it attack from inside a target.
How do Canoptek Wraiths phase through reality?
They use a Dimensional Destabilisation Matrix, a device that shifts them in and out of reality. It was designed for repairing machinery but works just as well for bypassing armor and defenses.
What’s the difference between Canoptek Wraiths and 3rd Edition Wraiths?
The 3rd Edition Wraiths are a separate, older unit. The Canoptek Wraiths introduced in 5th Edition are probe mechanoids with a different role and wargear.