Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

Lowest of Men: Howdy folks! This week I have the honour, nay, the privilege, of aggressively self-promoting my team 6++ and our FIRST EVER GT, which took place at the brilliant Prestige Wargaming in Barnsley, UK last weekend. It’s noteworthy for you, readers, because we shoved that new dataslate right in and made our players stumble through all of the new detachments, nerfs, and competitive twists, and boy was it worth it as all new challengers came to the fore for the Goonhammer content machine to cover. It was also an incredible event thanks to the brilliant people that came, and John Swallow who hosted us in his sensational new venue and made us feel extremely welcome. Thanks gang, there will be more in future. Now, on with the show!

Today we have:

That 6++ Grand Tournament 2025 (new rules)
GRIMDARK 24: March Madness (new rules)
Battlefield Birmingham 24
Talvisota – Winter Assault 2025
Free State GT 2025
Kingdom of Ashes: Thronebreaker – KW 40k GT event series

On Wednesday Wings covered:

Grand Onslaught 9 (new rules)
Scheunenkloppen Open – War Zone Erkelenz 3: GT 2025
March for Macragge GT 2025
Iron Cage: Bedford Beatdown
Palladium Games Presents “the dumpster fire gt” Spring Edition
Skövde Battleforge III

That 6++ Grand Tournament 2025

53-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ) versus Orks (More Dakka!)

Paul James – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ)
Army List - Click to Expand

Straddle the line in discord and rhyme
I’m on the hunt down, I’m after you
Mouth is alive with juices like wine
And I’m hungry like the wolf (2000 points)

Space Marines
Space Wolves
Strike Force (2000 points)
Champions of Russ

CHARACTERS

Bjorn the Fell-Handed (190 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Heavy flamer
1x Helfrost cannon
1x Trueclaw

Captain (95 points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Frost Weapon

Captain (80 points)
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Master-crafted power weapon
1x Relic Shield

Murderfang (170 points)
• 1x Heavy flamer
1x Storm bolter
1x The Murderclaws

Ragnar Blackmane (90 points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Frostfang

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield Dome
2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

Infiltrator Squad (100 points)
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Helix Gauntlet
1x Infiltrator Comms Array
4x Marksman bolt carbine

Invader ATV (60 points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Multi-melta
1x Twin bolt rifle

Scout Squad (70 points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle

Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points)
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Power fist
1x Sternguard bolt pistol
1x Sternguard bolt rifle
• 4x Sternguard Veteran
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Sternguard bolt pistol
3x Sternguard bolt rifle
1x Sternguard heavy bolter

Wulfen (95 points)
• 1x Wulfen Pack Leader
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Stormfrag auto-launcher
1x Wulfen hammer
• 4x Wulfen
• 4x Storm Shield
4x Stormfrag auto-launcher
4x Wulfen hammer

vs.

Jack Tite – Orks (Unknown Detachment)
Army List - Click to Expand

Can anyone at this tournament do what 6++ never have before? Beat Jack Tite (1995 points)

Orks
Strike Force (2000 points)
More Dakka!

CHARACTERS

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (90 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancement: Targetin’ Squigs

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (90 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancement: Da Gobshot Thunderbuss

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shokk attack gun

Painboy (80 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe

Painboy (80 points)
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 points)
• 1x Da Grabzappa
1x Squigstoppa

BATTLELINE

Boyz (160 points)
• 19x Boy
• 17x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Rokkit launcha
17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (80 points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Git
• 4x Choppa
4x Snazzgun

Gretchin (80 points)
• 20x Gretchin
• 20x Close combat weapon
20x Grot blasta
• 2x Runtherd
• 2x Runtherd tools
2x Slugga

Gretchin (40 points)
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga

Lootas (100 points)
• 2x Spanner
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Kustom mega-blasta
• 8x Loota
• 8x Close combat weapon
8x Deffgun

Tankbustas (135 points)
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
1x Pulsa Rokkit
5x Rokkit launcha

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Thoughts

I had a front row seat to this game in the commentary chair and let me tell you, it ended up a hell of a lot spicier than I originally feared it might be. In the new meta hotness corner, Jack’s Orks are packing a LOT of Dakka – Flash Gitz, Lootas, and Tankbustas all souped up with the SUSTAINED 2 on tap in the new detachment. Ahead of these, 20 Boyz bricks act as tarpits to force enemy commitment and cause primary pressure. Ahead of even these, Zodgrod and his lads rush forwards in a turn one Waaagh to cause havoc. It’s an awful lot to manage, and layering waves from the Trukks usually sees the Orks break down their foe in the mid to late game through sheer weight of numbers. Props for the list title as well Jack, you provocative menace.

Our very own Paul James reps the Space Wolves to try and take Jack down. Paul tends to opt for one of two approaches in list writing – 4++ anvil units, or ‘trash rats’ MSU melee. The latter is his preference right now in a meta of elves, guard, and other flimsy things that are trying to trade up into you. It gives him a deceptive amount of give and go without committing too hard, which certainly makes Jack’s life more awkward – the Ork melee in this list isn’t really up to tangling too much with the Space Wolves so they will be relying on drawing Marines out so they can blast them. Behind the waves of bodies, Paul also has Murderfang and Bjorn lurking to make late game trouble. These guys can win games on their own – just ask our own Leigh Churchward and his not-so-small graveyard of Bile infantry from round three…

The first few turns of this played as we anticipated – Jack sends out Zodgrod to block, early trading Orks to threaten Terraforms, and Paul responds by sending out his throwaway units and Wulden to deal with those first layers. These are then evaporated in return by Jack’s next wave, which includes some Flash Gitz and Lootas. At this point, things start getting spicy. Murderfang absolutely races down a far flank and picks up a Loota brick (Jack hadn’t anticipated Murderfang fitting through the side walls on that side), which unexpectedly collapses a flank. The Wolf later waves all connect and evaporate a number of Ork shooting units, before dying to the man. This leaves a very fraught midboard situation, with Bjorn slinking towards the centre trying to capture late game primary for Paul as a lone injured Captain ticks off a number of secondaries in Jack’s deployment zone. The stage is set for an incredible come back to make it 10-10 and cost Jack the title and the bragging rights at our first GT!!!

Only, Bjorn stacks it in the middle and hurts his knee (fails a battle-shock test), and sits there in front of the last remaining Orks wincing, powerless to get any primary. Having almost overturned a 30 point deficit with three models in heroic, wolfy style, Paul is defeated. Jack claims the narrowest of 11-9s, and destiny prevails.

Result

Orks (More Dakka) Victory – 11 – 9

Jack Tite – Orks (More Dakka) – 1st Place

Ork Deathskulls Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Can anyone at this tournament do what 6++ never have before? Beat Jack Tite (1995 points)

Orks
Strike Force (2000 points)
More Dakka!

CHARACTERS

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (90 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancement: Targetin’ Squigs

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (90 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancement: Da Gobshot Thunderbuss

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shokk attack gun

Painboy (80 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe

Painboy (80 points)
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 points)
• 1x Da Grabzappa
1x Squigstoppa

BATTLELINE

Boyz (160 points)
• 19x Boy
• 17x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Rokkit launcha
17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (80 points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Git
• 4x Choppa
4x Snazzgun

Gretchin (80 points)
• 20x Gretchin
• 20x Close combat weapon
20x Grot blasta
• 2x Runtherd
• 2x Runtherd tools
2x Slugga

Gretchin (40 points)
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga

Lootas (100 points)
• 2x Spanner
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Kustom mega-blasta
• 8x Loota
• 8x Close combat weapon
8x Deffgun

Tankbustas (135 points)
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
1x Pulsa Rokkit
5x Rokkit launcha

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

More Dakka Boy Tarpit

Thoughts

Jack takes the chassis of his Taktikal Brigade list and applies it to an even scarier detachment. Two bricks of Boyz is the perfect way to force the enemy out into your guns, and Jack applies Zodgrod on top of this to add even more chaos to the frontlines. Behind that, the list writes itself. Shokk Attack Guns, Lootas, and Tankbustas. Light em up! This will be a list to beat for sometime I think. Really well done on winning our first GT Jack, it couldn’t have gone to a more sporting guy! We’ll get you one day I swear…

Jonny Simmons – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Carrion Hauler — Chaos War Dog. Credit – Norman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

1. CK++ (1995 Points)

Chaos Knights
Traitoris Lance
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (165 Points)*
• Warlord
• 1x Daemonbreath spear
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Slaughterclaw
• Enhancements: Aura of Terror

* This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword

BATTLELINE

War Dog Brigand (165 Points)
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Avenger chaincannon
• 1x Daemonbreath spear
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Karnivore (140 Points)
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Reaper chaintalon
• 1x Slaughterclaw

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Archetype

War Dogs

Thoughts

Jonny highlights the quiet resurgence of Knights both noble and spiky, with this excellent run on the lots and lots of War Dogs list. CK ebb and flow in the meta, but the game is full of flimsy units that don’t live indirect, low leadership armies that don’t like jump-scare Knights, and armies that struggle with the high OC denial game the Chaos War Dogs are capable of. He went through some strong opponents on Dakka, Guard and Bile at this event, highlighting the flexibility of Chaos Knights right now. A sleeper hit for the meta to come? Or is Jonny just really, really good at Warhammer?! Time will tell. Well done mate.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd – Harley Scully – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Incubi brick Ynnari with Windriders and MSU Aspect Warriors. A tragic lack of Shining Spears.
4th – Courtney Rhodes – Orks (More Dakka!): A more melee-centric Dakka build with Ghazgull leading the charge ahead of the Lootas.
5th – Christopher Langton – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Triple Deathwing Knights and plenty of supporting shooting – Dark Angels still kicking!
6th – George Leathley – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ): Another Champions build, this one went heavier on bigger bricks of melee Wulfen.
7th – Paul James – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ): Paul’s MSU Space Rats list from the Showdown. Champion in our hearts, you big damn hero.
8th – Ed Watts – Ultramarines (Librarius Conclave): A super cute Librarius build with a Terminator brick, some sneaky Desolator tech, and plenty of shenanigans.
9th – Aidan Brocklehurst – Astra Militarum (Siege Regiment): An infantry heavy Siege Regiment run out with a Dorn for support.

GRIMDARK 24: March Madness

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Stockholms län, SE on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Joel Larsson – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Shield Host (2000 points)

Adeptus Custodes
Strike Force (2000 points)
Shield Host

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (120 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Vaultswords

Blade Champion (120 points)
• 1x Vaultswords

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (170 points)
• 4x Custodian Guard
• 4x Guardian spear

Custodian Guard (170 points)
• 4x Custodian Guard
• 3x Guardian spear
1x Misericordia
1x Praesidium Shield
1x Vexilla

OTHER DATASHEETS

Allarus Custodians (130 points)
• 2x Allarus Custodian
• 2x Balistus grenade launcher
2x Guardian spear

Custodian Wardens (260 points)
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla

Prosecutors (40 points)
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior
• 1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor
• 3x Boltgun
3x Close combat weapon

Venatari Custodians (165 points)
• 3x Venatari Custodian
• 3x Venatari lance

Witchseekers (50 points)
• 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Witchseeker flamer
• 3x Witchseeker
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Witchseeker flamer

ALLIED UNITS

Inquisitor Draxus (95 points)
• 1x Dirgesinger
1x Power fist
1x Psychic Tempest

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Custodes Golden Slabs

Thoughts

Brace yerselves! The time of the golden slabs has come again. This excellent Shield Host list trades on the durability and reach of Warden / Blade Champion bricks, supported by some Guard and Allarus. I expect we will see a lot of variants on this in Lions of the Emperor very soon, as small points drops help get Custodes back in the game. Draxus in a Guard unit remains a very scary combination – we may see other Inquisitors joining the fray soon too! Really well done on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:

2nd (4.5-0.5) – Jesper Unander-Scharin – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Old school monster mash Daemons with Belly, Skarbs, a Chicken, and plenty of chaff.
3rd – Juan Manuel Sánchez Molina – Orks (More Dakka!): Battlewagon Breaka Boyz ahead of the Lootas and Tankbustas. Zodgrod of course in attendance.
4th – Jonas Axelsson – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Nightbringer, Doomsday Arks, and plenty of Destroyers in Hypercrypt.
5th – Sebastian Magnusson – Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): Good grief. An OBSCENE amount of Nurglings supported by Warp Talons, Belly, and some Horrors.

Battlefield Birmingham 24

81-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Nassim Fouchane – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 1st Place

Krieg Combat Engineers. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Astra Militarum
Combined Arms
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Cadian Commander
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Master Vox
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Regimental Standard

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (75 Points)
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot volley gun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Regimental Standard
• 1x Tempestor Prime
◦ 1x Command Rod
◦ 1x Tempestus dagger

Rogal Dorn Commander (265 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Coaxial autocannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 2x Heavy stubber
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Oppressor cannon
• 1x Pulveriser cannon

Ursula Creed (65 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
• 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points)
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sergeant’s autogun
• 9x Shock Trooper
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (130 Points)
• 2x Death Korps Watchmaster
◦ 2x Plasma pistol
◦ 2x Power weapon
• 18x Death Korps Trooper
◦ 18x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack
◦ 2x Flamer
◦ 14x Lasgun
◦ 2x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (85 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lasgun array

Taurox (65 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Kasrkin (110 Points)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
◦ 1x Melta Mine
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster

Krieg Combat Engineers (95 Points)
• 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Krieg Combat Engineer
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 7x Combat shotgun
◦ 1x Flamer
◦ 1x Remote Mine

Leman Russ Battle Tank (175 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 1x Leman Russ battle cannon
• 2x Multi-melta

Tempestus Scions (130 Points)
• 1x Tempestor
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x Tempestus Scion
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 2x Hot-shot volley gun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster

Archetype

Combined Regiment Guard

Thoughts

Nassim doesn’t need Bridgehead to ruin your hopes and dreams. Until someone finally just nerfs him in a slate directly, he isn’t going anywhere. I like the symmetry here between his and Jack’s list from out GT – shove two durable bricks out (the 20 men of Kriegers) to force commitment, then hoover up in style with your big guns. The Dorn acts as an anchor and there is still a Scions drop punch to keep people honest. Guard are definitely casting around for answers after the recent nerfs – it might be the old ways are the best! Congratulations on the event win Nas.

Christopher Radford – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Vanilla BA (2000 points)

Space Marines
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Liberator Assault Group

CHARACTERS

Captain (105 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Master-crafted bolter
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Rage-fuelled Warrior

Captain (80 points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Master-crafted bolter
1x Power fist

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter

Incursor Squad (80 points)
• 1x Incursor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Occulus bolt carbine
1x Paired combat blades
• 4x Incursor
• 4x Bolt pistol
1x Haywire Mine
4x Occulus bolt carbine
4x Paired combat blades

Repulsor (180 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Hunter-slayer missile
1x Las-talon
1x Repulsor defensive array
1x Twin lascannon

Scout Squad (70 points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
3x Combat knife
1x Missile launcher

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (110 points)
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
• 4x Storm Shield
4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vindicator (175 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Go-Wide Bloodless Angels

Thoughts

A last hurrah for the ‘BA non BA’ hype, as Chris goes wide with MSU melee and a smattering of supporting shooting. Van Vet missiles are particularly nice, requiring a bit more effort to shift, and Chris has the Repulsor here to cycle Jump Pack units through for even more reach. If you don’t get to grips with this list fast, it will simply pick you off one yeeted MSU unit at a time. Really well done on the top placing!

Josh Bevington – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) – 3rd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Necrons
+ DETACHMENT: Hypercrypt Legion
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: The Silent King
+ ENHANCEMENT: Dimensional Overseer (on Char1: Hexmark Destroyer)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 15
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (3×2) + (2×6) – Assassination: 3 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 3x The Silent King (420 pts): Warlord
• 1x Szarekh: Sceptre of Eternal Glory, Staff of Stars, Weapons of the Final Triarch
• 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2 with Annihilator beam, Armoured bulk
Char2: 1x Hexmark Destroyer (100 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic disintegrator pistols
Enhancement: Dimensional Overseer (+25 pts)
Char3: 1x Hexmark Destroyer (75 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic disintegrator pistols

5x Deathmarks (65 pts): 5 with Close combat weapon, Synaptic disintegrator
5x Deathmarks (65 pts): 5 with Close combat weapon, Synaptic disintegrator
5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws
5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws
3x Skorpekh Destroyers (90 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Skorpekh hyperphase weapons
3x Skorpekh Destroyers (90 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Skorpekh hyperphase weapons
1x Lokhust Destroyers (35 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon
1x Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss destructor
1x Canoptek Spyders (75 pts): Fabricator claw array, Gloom prism, Automaton claws, 2x Particle beamer
1x Doomsday Ark (190 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array
1x Doomsday Ark (190 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array
1x Tesseract Vault (425 pts): Armoured bulk, C’tan Powers, 4x Tesla sphere

Archetype

Hyperthicc

Thoughts

Skew is eternal. Necrons pivot back to some of their OG options as Starshatter drops off, with both Awakened and Hyperthicc seeing some play. This build can pick you off mercilessly with a Vault and Arks if you can’t get to grips with it, with lots of MSU nonsense out in front to stop you tagging anything important. The Silent King hands out buffs and then bullies objectives when the time is right. A tried and tested formula that still works a treat. Well done on the top placing!

Rees Darvill – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 4th Place

Imperial Knight Lancer. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Matt bell is a really subpar player who is carried by an op faction definitely true!(2000 points)

Imperial Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Noble Lance

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (450 points)
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
1x Freedom’s Hand

Cerastus Knight Lancer (430 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Cerastus shock lance

BATTLELINE

Armiger Helverin (130 points)
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Warglaive (140 points)
• 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (100 points)
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades

Inquisitorial Agents (60 points)
• 5x Inquisitorial Agent
• 5x Agent firearm
5x Agent melee weapon
1x Eviscerator
1x Mystic stave
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Gun Servitor
• 1x Agent melee weapon
1x Plasma cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Double Big Knight IK

Thoughts

Rees goes for the style points with two big Knights- Canis and a Cerastus- supported by lots of little Armigers. Knights sit in a similar spot to CK – they are quietly enjoying the lack of attention they’re getting as other meta armies tech for each other and then suddenly find themselves short on output for an all mech scrap. Patient piloting and clever leverage of the big Knights and you can romp to victory. Really well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 10 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th – Mani Cheema – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): Lots and lots of War Dogs!!
6th – Andy Quas-Cohen – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Tesseract Vault Hypercrypt.
7th – Andy Mitten – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Biosanctic Goodstuff with double Saboteur for those pesky elves.
8th – Matt Bell – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Lots of Awakened Dynasty characters with a 20 brick of Warriors to pivot around.
9th – Richard Kilpatrick – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Textbook WE Goodstuff with Angron.
10th – Maciek “Magic” Chamier – Cieminski – Aeldari (Aspect Host): Aspect Host Aeldari with triple Wave Serpent.
11th – Vik Vijay – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Incubi brick Ynnari with double Wraithlord and loads of Aspect MSU.
12th – Ryan Richards – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Tsons with a horde of chaff units out ahead.
13th – Jonathan Gardener – World Eaters (Vessels of Wrath): Non-Angron Vessels with huge slabs of Eightbound for the buffs.
14th – Jon Farrell – World Eaters (Vessels of Wrath): Similar bricks to above, but complimented by some Khorne Daemons and Brigands.

[40k] Talvisota – Winter Assault 2025

60-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Helsinki, Suomi on March 14 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Niklas Ojalainen – Orks (Green Tide) – 1st Place

Ork Bad Moons Choppa Boyz. Credit: Greggles

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ I’m so sorry if you have to play with me but no one else would. It’s not me it’s the list I promise.
+
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Orks
+ DETACHMENT: Green Tide
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char5: Weirdboy
+ ENHANCEMENT: Brutal But Kunnin’ (on Char3: Warboss)
& Ferocious Show Off (on Char4: Warboss)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 21
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) – Assassination: 5 Characters – Cull The Horde: 4×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Painboy (80 pts): Grot orderly, ‘Urty syringe, Power klaw
Char2: 1x Painboy (80 pts): Grot orderly, ‘Urty syringe, Power klaw
Char3: 1x Warboss (100 pts): Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw
Enhancement: Brutal But Kunnin’ (+25 pts)
Char4: 1x Warboss (85 pts): Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw
Enhancement: Ferocious Show Off (+10 pts)
Char5: 1x Weirdboy (65 pts): Warlord, ‘Eadbanger, Weirdboy staff

20x Boyz (160 pts)
• 19x Boy
17 with Choppa, Slugga
2 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw, Slugga
20x Boyz (160 pts)
• 19x Boy
17 with Choppa, Slugga
2 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw, Slugga
20x Boyz (160 pts)
• 19x Boy
17 with Choppa, Slugga
2 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw, Slugga
20x Boyz (160 pts)
• 19x Boy
17 with Choppa, Slugga
2 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw, Slugga
10x Boyz (80 pts)
• 9x Boy
8 with Choppa, Slugga
1 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw, Slugga

5x Flash Gitz (80 pts): Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin: Choppa, Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Gitz: 4 with Choppa, Snazzgun
5x Flash Gitz (80 pts): Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin: Choppa, Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Gitz: 4 with Choppa, Snazzgun
11x Gretchin (40 pts)
• 10x Gretchin: 10 with Close combat weapon, Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd: Grot-smacka, Slugga
10x Kommandos (120 pts): Bomb Squig, Distraction Grot
• 9x Kommandos
1 with Breacha ram
8 with Choppa, Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob: Slugga, Power klaw
5x Lootas (50 pts)
• 4x Loota: 4 with Close combat weapon, Deffgun
• 1x Spanner: Close combat weapon, Kustom mega-blasta
5x Stormboyz (65 pts)
• 1x Boss Nob: Slugga, Power klaw
• 4x Stormboy: 4 with Choppa, Slugga
5x Stormboyz (65 pts)
• 1x Boss Nob: Slugga, Power klaw
• 4x Stormboy: 4 with Choppa, Slugga
6x Tankbustas (120 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer
6x Tankbustas (120 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer
1x Trukk (65 pts): Big shoota, Spiked wheel
1x Trukk (65 pts): Big shoota, Spiked wheel

Archetype

Green Tide with Dakka

Thoughts

A very interesting mixed arms Ork list that takes the Horde pressure of Green Tide and compliments it with supporting Tankbusta and Flash Git shooting. Kommandos add forward push and this list can body the mid board if it gets going. I think finding that balance between durable horde and precision damage is key for Orks at the moment, and it is interesting seeing a list almost reverse engineered conceptually to the More Dakka lists with the Boy bricks in. A very good time for the Greenskins! Well done on the event win.

Jouni Haavisto – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Yvraine & The Visarch. Credit: James “Boon” Kelling

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Ynnead take the wheel (2000 points)

Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Devoted of Ynnead

CHARACTERS

Autarch (75 points)
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Star glaive

The Visarch (90 points)
• 1x Asu-var

Ynnari Archon (85 points)
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Huskblade
1x Shadow Field
• Enhancement: Borrowed Vigour

Yvraine (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Kha-vir
1x Storm of Whispers

BATTLELINE

Ynnari Kabalite Warriors (110 points)
• 1x Sybarite
• 1x Sybarite weapon
1x Blast Pistol
1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher
• 9x Kabalite Warrior
• 1x Blaster
9x Close combat weapon
1x Dark lance
1x Shredder
1x Splinter cannon
5x Splinter rifle

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Ynnari Venom (70 points)
• 1x Bladevanes
2x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fire Dragons (100 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
• 4x Fire Dragon
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (90 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
• 1x Biting blade
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Striking Scorpion
• 4x Scorpion chainsword
4x Shuriken pistol

Swooping Hawks (85 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Exarch’s lasblaster
• 4x Swooping Hawk
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Lasblaster

War Walkers (95 points)
• 1x Bright lance
1x Scatter laser
1x War Walker feet

Warlock Skyrunners (45 points)
• 1x Destructor
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing Spear
1x Twin shuriken catapult

Warp Spiders (95 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Powerblade array
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Powerblade array
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

Wraithlord (140 points)
• 2x Bright lance
2x Flamer
1x Ghostglaive
1x Wraithbone fists

Ynnari Incubi (150 points)
• 1x Klaivex
• 1x Demiklaives
• 9x Incubi
• 9x Klaive

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Incubi Brick Ynnari

Thoughts

A nice, durable Wraithlord base, supported by Incubi brick shenanigans and lots of Aspect MSU. Ynnari have an incredible toolkit, it is simply about finding triggers and traps to maximise it. One such example is the awesome Archon with Borrowed Vigour in a venom with Kabs – this gives you an amazing irritation piece in the early game, that is hard to deal with properly without triggering Lethal Intent. The Archon himself fights deceptively well with the extra attacks – I’m looking forward to giving mine a run out this weekend! Well done on the event placing.

Juha Ottelin – Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike) – 3rd Place

Militarum Tempestus Scions Command Squad. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Astra Militarum
+ DETACHMENT: Bridgehead Strike
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char3: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad
+ ENHANCEMENT: Bombast-class Vox-array (on Char1: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad – Tempestor Prime)
& Shroud Projector (on Char2: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad – Tempestor Prime)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 23
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (3×2) – Assassination: 5 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 6x Gaunt’s Ghosts (110 pts)
• 1x Ibram Gaunt
1 with Bolt pistol, Gaunt’s chainsword
• 5x Tanith Ghost
1 with Bragg’s autocannon, Straight silver knife
1 with Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine, Straight silver knife
1 with Larkin’s long-las, Straight silver knife
1 with Lascarbine, Mkoll’s straight silver knife
1 with Rawne’s lascarbine, Straight silver knife

Char2: 1x Ursula Creed (65 pts)
1 with Duty and Vengeance, Power weapon

Char3: 5x Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (100 pts)
• 1x Tempestor Prime
1 with Militarum Tempestus Warlord, Tempestus dagger
• Command rod
Enhancement: Bombast-class Vox-array (+25 pts)
• 4x Tempestus Scion
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot volley gun
1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol
• Master vox
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol
• Medi-pack

Char4: 5x Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (90 pts)
• 1x Tempestor Prime
1 with Tempestus dagger
• Command rod
Enhancement: Shroud Projector (+15 pts)
• 4x Tempestus Scion
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot volley gun
1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun
1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol
• Medi-pack

Char5: 5x Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (75 pts)
• 1x Tempestor Prime
1 with Tempestus dagger
• Command rod
• 4x Tempestus Scion
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot volley gun
1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun
1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol
• Medi-pack

BATTLELINE

10x Cadian Shock Troops (65 pts)
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
1 with Bolt pistol, Chainsword
• 9x Shock Trooper
6 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun
• Vox-caster
1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun
1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun

10x Tempestus Scions (130 pts)
• 1x Tempestor
1 with Power fist, Plasma pistol
• 9x Tempestus Scion
4 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol
• Vox-caster
2 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot volley gun
2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun

OTHER DATASHEETS

3x Catachan Heavy Weapons Squad (50 pts)
• 3x Heavy Weapons Team
3 with Lasgun, Mortar, Weapons team close combat weapons

10x Kasrkin (110 pts)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
1 with Power weapon, Plasma pistol
• 9x Kasrkin Trooper
2 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol
• Melta mine
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
• Vox-caster
2 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun
2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun

10x Krieg Combat Engineers (95 pts)
• 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster
1 with Hand flamer, Power weapon
• 9x Krieg Combat Engineer
7 with Close combat weapon, Combat shotgun
1 with Close combat weapon, Flamer
1 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon
• Remote mine

5x Krieg Combat Engineers (70 pts)
• 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster
1 with Hand flamer, Power weapon
• 4x Krieg Combat Engineer
2 with Close combat weapon, Combat shotgun
1 with Close combat weapon, Flamer
1 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon
• Remote mine

10x Tempestus Aquilons (110 pts)
• 1x Tempestor Aquilon
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine, Sentry flamer
• 9x Tempestus Aquilon
7 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine
1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot long las
1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma carbine

5x Attilan Rough Riders (60 pts)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
1 with Lasgun, Laspistol, Steed’s hooves, Power sabre, Hunting lance
• 4x Rough Rider
4 with Hunting lance, Lasgun, Laspistol, Steed’s hooves

1x Taurox (65 pts)
1 with Armoured tracks, Twin autocannon, Storm bolter

Archetype

Bridgehead Goodstuff

Thoughts

A run out for the Bridgehead of old, infantry layered in transports, a smattering of counter attack in the Rough Riders, and lots of drop shooting and artillery. Very effective, but potentially in decline after the slate – it will be interesting to see! Really well done on the to placing.

Eero Saukkonen – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 4th Place

Leman Russ Exterminator. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Tears in Rain (1995 points)

Astra Militarum
Strike Force (2000 points)
Combined Arms

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 points)
• 1x Cadian Commander
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Lasgun
1x Master Vox
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Lasgun
1x Medi-pack
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Lasgun
1x Regimental Standard

Leman Russ Commander (235 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Executioner plasma cannon
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
2x Plasma cannon

Ursula Creed (65 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 points)
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Sergeant’s autogun
• 9x Shock Trooper
• 9x Close combat weapon
7x Lasgun
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 points)
• 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
• 9x Jungle Fighter
• 9x Close combat weapon
2x Flamer
7x Lasgun
1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox (65 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (60 points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
• 1x Hunting lance
1x Lasgun
1x Laspistol
1x Steed’s hooves
• 4x Rough Rider
• 4x Hunting lance
4x Lasgun
4x Laspistol
4x Steed’s hooves

Catachan Heavy Weapons Squad (50 points)
• 3x Heavy Weapons Team
• 3x Lasgun
3x Mortar
3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Hellhound (125 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Inferno cannon
1x Multi-melta

Kasrkin (110 points)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
• 9x Close combat weapon
3x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
1x Melta Mine
2x Meltagun
2x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster

Leman Russ Battle Tank (175 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Leman Russ battle cannon
2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Executioner (170 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Executioner plasma cannon
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Exterminator (180 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exterminator autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
3x Heavy flamer
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Vanquisher battle cannon

Scout Sentinels (55 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Combined Regiment Russ Spam

Thoughts

YES to Leman Russ. Loads of tanks here in this Combined Regiment list, that also packs a couple of Rough Rider squads for pushing back enemy forays into your half. The go-wide feel of this list is quite something and it shoots hard. Really well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th – Juuso Kankkunen – Orks (War Horde): Good ole fashioned War Horde with a tasteful Tankbusta unit.
6th – Tom Wikholm – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Be’lakor in Excess with multiple Soul Grinders.
7th – Tatu Sipola – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Vanella style Bile.
8th – Indran Yogaswaran – Aeldari (Aspect Host): Aspect Host with some War Walkers alongside the bricks, with Lykhis leading the charge.
9th – Heikki Puska – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, Armigers, and an Immolator.
10th – Pekka Koskivirta – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Chunky Bile with a solo Terminator Lord.
11th – Nino Lind – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Triple Doomsday Ark Starshatter.

Free State GT 2025

47-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Holton, Kansas, US on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dan Sammons – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 1st Place

Death Korps of Krieg Heavy Weapons Squad. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Butt Stuff (2000 points)

Astra Militarum
Strike Force (2000 points)
Combined Arms

CHARACTERS

Gaunt’s Ghosts (110 points)
• 1x Ibram Gaunt
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Gaunt’s chainsword
• 1x Colm Corbec
• 1x Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Elim Rawne
• 1x Rawne’s lascarbine
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Hlaine Larkin
• 1x Larkin’s long-las
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x ‘Try Again’ Bragg
• 1x Bragg’s autocannon
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Oan Mkoll
• 1x Lascarbine
1x Mkoll’s straight silver knife

Rogal Dorn Commander (265 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
3x Heavy stubber
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon

Tech-Priest Enginseer (45 points)
• 1x Enginseer axe
1x Mechanicus pistol
1x Servo-arm

Ursula Creed (65 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 points)
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
• 1x Chainsword
1x Laspistol
• 9x Shock Trooper
• 9x Close combat weapon
7x Lasgun
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox (65 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Catachan Heavy Weapons Squad (50 points)
• 3x Heavy Weapons Team
• 3x Lasgun
3x Mortar
3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Field Ordnance Battery (100 points)
• 2x Ordnance Team
• 2x Battery close combat weapons
2x Bombast field gun
2x Lasgun
2x Laspistol

Krieg Combat Engineers (95 points)
• 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Krieg Combat Engineer
• 1x Autopistol
9x Close combat weapon
7x Combat shotgun
1x Flamer
1x Remote Mine

Krieg Combat Engineers (70 points)
• 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 4x Krieg Combat Engineer
• 1x Autopistol
4x Close combat weapon
2x Combat shotgun
1x Flamer
1x Remote Mine

Krieg Heavy Weapons Squad (75 points)
• 3x Heavy Weapons Gunner
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Krieg heavy flamer
3x Laspistol
• 1x Fire Coordinator
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol

Leman Russ Battle Tank (175 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Leman Russ battle cannon
2x Multi-melta

Scout Sentinels (55 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Plasma cannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Combined Regiment Guard

Thoughts

ANOTHER triumph for the Combined Regiment- the winds of change beckon! Being able to bring back an infantry squad helps this troubleshoot the late game, and it packs a fearsome punch for bossing the early exchanges. The double Dorn here gives opponents an awful lot to chew through as the rest of the guns go to work. Fantastic work on the event win!

Matthew Doughman – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Imperial Knight Armiger Helverin
Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Knight Train (2000 points)

Imperial Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Noble Lance

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (450 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
1x Freedom’s Hand

BATTLELINE

Armiger Helverin (130 points)
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Warglaive (140 points)
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 points)
• 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (100 points)
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades

Sisters of Battle Immolator (115 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Immolation flamers

Sisters of Battle Squad (115 points)
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Ministorum hand flamer
1x Power weapon
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Ministorum flamer
1x Ministorum heavy flamer
1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Canis / Armigers / Immolator

Thoughts

Not a tonne new to say here – IK lists have converged pretty hard, but the strip cover and shoot with Armigers combo keeps on taking heads. Really well done on the top placing!

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd – Cody Jiru – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager): All-in Drukhari pressure with double Beastmaster, an infiltrating Troupe and some Talos.
4th – Aaron Hermstedt – Death Guard (Plague Company): This DG tank spam list wins for it’s title ‘most of my models are T3’. Hell they are Aaron!
5th – Nathan Blankenship – Orks (Taktikal Brigade): Shooty Taktikal Brigade with a couple of Beastsnagga squads.
6th – Clint Eubanks – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis / Armigers / Immolator.
7th – Broc Bowman – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and Armigers!
8th – John Indellicate – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Combat heavy Broodsurge with a brick of Neophytes with an Iconward.

Kingdom of Ashes: Thronebreaker – KW 40k GT event series

27-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, Reino Unido on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Alaeze Ugoala – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) – 1st Place

Deathwatch Terminators by Craig “MasterSlowPoke” Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Deathwatch
+ DETACHMENT: Black Spear Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Captain in Gravis Armour
+ ENHANCEMENT: The Tome of Ectoclades (on Char1: Captain in Gravis Armour)
& Thief of Secrets (on Char2: Judiciar)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters – Cull The Horde: 2×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Captain in Gravis Armour (110 pts)
1 with Boltstorm Gauntlet, Power Fist, Relic Blade
• Warlord
Enhancement: The Tome of Ectoclades (+30 pts)

Char2: 1x Judiciar (95 pts)
1 with Absolver Bolt Pistol, Executioner Relic Blade
Enhancement: Thief of Secrets (+25 pts)

Char3: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts)
1 with Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades

BATTLELINE

5x Deathwatch Veterans (100 pts)
• 4x Model
1 with Power weapon
• Astartes shield
2 with Deathwatch thunder hammer
1 with Close combat weapon, Frag cannon
• 1x Sgt
1 with Xenophase blade
• Astartes shield

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
1 with Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
3 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol

5x Deathwatch Terminator Squad (180 pts)
• 4x Deathwatch Terminator
1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
3 with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter & Power Fist, Cyclone Missile Launcher
• 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant
1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer

5x Incursor Squad (80 pts)
• 4x Incursor
4 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
• 1x Incursor Sergeant
1 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades

10x Indomitor Kill Team (270 pts)
• 10x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolter
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Melta rifle
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta
3 with Flamestorm gauntlets, Twin power fists

5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts)
• 4x Infiltrator
2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
• Infiltrator Comms Array
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
• Helix Gauntlet
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine

5x Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 pts)
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Power Fist, Sternguard Bolt Rifle
• 4x Sternguard Veteran
3 with Close Combat Weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Sternguard Bolt Rifle
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Sternguard Heavy Bolter

1x Ballistus Dreadnought (130 pts)
1 with Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter

1x Impulsor (80 pts)
1 with Armoured Hull, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Storm Bolter
• Shield Dome

ALLIED UNITS

Char4: 1x Inquisitor (55 pts)
1 with Force weapon, Combi-weapon, Psychic gifts

Archetype

Deathwatch

Thoughts

An evolution of the Deathwatch build from LVO, with Terminator bricks for early solidity, Kill Teams to jump about, and just a smattering of Marine staples (Ballistus, etc) to anchor the rest and provide some cheaper utility. The toolkit in Deathwatch is really quite something – with Bridgehead on the down, might they become the premier jump up and down option for Imperium lovers?! We shall see! Very well done on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd – Liam Callebout – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Creations with triple Predator Destructor and some Plaguebearers in support.
3rd – Danny Whitelaw – Death Guard (Plague Company): Mortarion tank car park Death Guard.
4th – Robin Bhattacharyya-Dickson – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager): Chunky triple Cronos / Voidraven Drukhari.
5th – Sean McQuaid – Aeldari (Aspect Host): Massed Aspects and hulls in Aspect Host.
6th – Matthew Bunker – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): MSU Warp Talons in a nicely tuned Bile list.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! Meta that was is so over, all hail meta that is. Dakka prevalent, Elves ducking and weaving, Guard still winning, Knights seemingly on the rise – how will the year of Chaos impact things as it starts kicking off with the release of Emperor’s Children? Time will tell, the strands fall as they must. Keep being awesome and having a good time with good people.

Lowest of Men, out.

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[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: A Little Knight Music pt.2

That 6++ Grand Tournament 2025

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ) versus Orks (More Dakka!)

Thoughts

Result

Jack Tite – Orks (More Dakka) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jonny Simmons – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

GRIMDARK 24: March Madness

Joel Larsson – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Battlefield Birmingham 24

Nassim Fouchane – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Christopher Radford – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Josh Bevington – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) – 3rd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Rees Darvill – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

[40k] Talvisota – Winter Assault 2025

Niklas Ojalainen – Orks (Green Tide) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jouni Haavisto – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Juha Ottelin – Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Eero Saukkonen – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Free State GT 2025

Dan Sammons – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Matthew Doughman – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Kingdom of Ashes: Thronebreaker – KW 40k GT event series

Alaeze Ugoala – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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