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.

Right, OK, Imperium time now. i promised, and Lowest of Men is going to cover it. Also some Orks. Orks are cool too.

Today we’ve got:

Dark Sphere November GT
The Risky Rollers Open 2024
Winchester 40K GT – November 2024
Geek Shack Anniversary GT

If you’re looking for any of the following, check out part 1 from Wednesday:

Gem City GT 2024
MID-MO Maelstrom
Atomic City Warzone
Liègea Primus Tournament Solo

Dark Sphere November GT

62-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on November 02 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jak Payne – Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force) – 1st Place

5 Deathwing Knights with Power Swords in the Rainbow Warriors scheme — Rainbow Warriors Deathwing Knights by Craig “MasterSlowPoke” Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

‘Dark and Stormy’

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels
+ DETACHMENT: Stormlance Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Lion El’Jonson
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 13
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (1×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Azrael (115 pts): Lion’s Wrath, The Sword of Secrets
Char2: 1x Lion El’Jonson (285 pts): Warlord, Arma Luminis, Fealty
Char3: 1x Judiciar (70 pts): Absolver Bolt Pistol, Executioner Relic Blade
Char4: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts)
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
3 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts)
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
3 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
5x Deathwing Knights (250 pts): Mace of absolution
• 4x Deathwing Knight: 4 with
• 1x Knight Master: Great Weapon of the Unforgiven
5x Deathwing Knights (250 pts): Mace of absolution
• 4x Deathwing Knight: 4 with
• 1x Knight Master: Great Weapon of the Unforgiven
5x Deathwing Knights (250 pts): Mace of absolution
• 4x Deathwing Knight: 4 with
• 1x Knight Master: Great Weapon of the Unforgiven
5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts)
• 4x Infiltrator
3 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
1 with Helix Gauntlet, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
6x Inner Circle Companions (180 pts): 6 with Calibanite Greatsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
6x Inner Circle Companions (180 pts): 6 with Calibanite Greatsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
5x Scout Squad (65 pts)
• 2x Scout
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Boltgun, Close Combat Weapon

Archetype

DA Storm Lance Pressure

Thoughts

Ok fun story, I was literally just off a chat with my friend Jon co-writing a pressure Dark Angels list, sat down to write Competitive Innovations, and the first list is… the one we wrote! This combination of tools just absolutely sings in Storm Lance, where it becomes fast, has access to a sneaky reactive move, and helps avoid any of it’s major hitters (the DWK and Lion) getting bogged down or slowed down at any stage. Inner Circle Companions are a little more brittle without Azrael but that’s where the Judiciar comes in to protect them, and they bring some anchoring OC as the rest of the units tick off scoring and murder respectively. I really like the Lion as a flagship unit in a proper massed brawler list like this, and although it isn’t quite as flexible as the pre-slate Dangels builds, my gosh is it glorious. Really well done on the event win!

Alun Perkins – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

DS (2000 Points)

Adeptus Custodes
Shield Host
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (110 Points)
• 1x Vaultswords

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (165 Points)
• 1x Interceptor lance
• 1x Salvo launcher
• Enhancements: From the Hall of Armouries

Trajann Valoris (140 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Eagle’s Scream
• 1x Watcher’s Axe

Valerian (110 Points)
• 1x Gnosis

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (180 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

Caladius Grav-tank (215 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon
• 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Custodian Wardens (200 Points)
• 4x Custodian Warden
◦ 1x Castellan axe
◦ 3x Guardian spear
◦ 1x Vexilla

Custodian Wardens (200 Points)
• 4x Custodian Warden
◦ 4x Guardian spear
◦ 1x Vexilla

Venatari Custodians (165 Points)
• 3x Venatari Custodian
◦ 3x Venatari lance

Vertus Praetors (140 Points)
• 2x Vertus Praetor
◦ 2x Interceptor lance
◦ 2x Salvo launcher

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (48), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Custodes Mixed Arms

Thoughts

Custodes are just tip toeing into view again after the dataslate, and who else but long time golden boy Alun to lead the charge! This list is classic Shield Host, with everything you might expect. Caladius duel at range, Wardens provide much needed Stodge, and there are some precision damage pieces in the Guard and Trajan. One surprising include is the Praetors – we really haven’t seen these about much in recent times, but a unit can provide some excellent forward pressure early in the game. Awesome, and a proper mixed build that requires some silky piloting. Well done Alun!

Edward Hearn – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Double Mutalith Ahriman (1995 Points)

Thousand Sons
Cult of Magic
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Ahriman on Disc of Tzeentch (150 Points)
• 1x Black Staff of Ahriman
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Psychic Stalk

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (150 Points)
• 1x Arcane Fire
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Warpflame pistol
• Enhancements: Lord of Forbidden Lore

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 Points)
• 1x Arcane Fire
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Warpflame pistol

Infernal Master (130 Points)
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancements: Arcane Vortex

Infernal Master (125 Points)
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancements: Umbralefic Crystal

Infernal Master (105 Points)
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Screamer Invocation

Magnus the Red (465 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
• 1x Gaze of Magnus
• 1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (110 Points)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Warpflame pistol
◦ 1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon
◦ 3x Warpflamer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 Points)
• 1x Betentacled maw
• 1x Mutalith claws
• 1x Warp vortex

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 Points)
• 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion
◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon
◦ 1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Thousand Sons Cultist
◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon
◦ 6x Cultist firearm
◦ 1x Flamer
◦ 1x Grenade launcher
◦ 1x Heavy stubber

Tzaangor Enlightened (50 Points)
• 1x Aviarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Fatecaster greatbow

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (48), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Thousand Sons Goodstuff

Thoughts

Maybe Magnus really didn’t do anything wrong after all, as his boys duck and weave through yet another set of nerfs and keep on slaying. The fundamental reality here is that the Thousand Sons index just has some phenomenal and quite unique tools, that will always give a skilled player ins, especially against the unwary. They have predators now but it’s far from over, and this Goodstuff build shows the recipe. Just enough chunky beasts and screening idiots to buy time for the glorious damage of the wizard castle – rinse and repeat. Really well done on the top placing!

Vincent Stein – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 4th Place

Adeptus Custodes Venatari Custodians. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Max birding (1995 Points)

Adeptus Custodes
Shield Host
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (125 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancements: Auric Mantle

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (180 Points)
• 4x Custodian Guard
◦ 4x Guardian spear

OTHER DATASHEETS

Caladius Grav-tank (215 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon
• 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Custodian Wardens (250 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 (330 Points)
• 6x Venatari Custodian
◦ 6x Venatari lance

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: v1.22.0 (48), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Shield Host Venatari Spam

Thoughts

Well well, even more Custodes! The come backs on boys, we are so back. This one gets all that sweet Rapid Ingress goodness via big bricks of Venatarii, ready to cause absolute chaos if the opponent puts so much as a food wrong. The usual suspects anchor that gut punch, and it’s awesome to see another Custodes build, ahem, shine. Great work on the top placing!

The Best of the Rest

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

5th – Gustavo José Branco Varandas de Sousa – Astra Militarum: Double Helhound, double Tank Commander, triple Aquilon. Chocks away!
6th – Owen Baker – Astra Militarum: Lots of infantry, Helhounds, Leman Russ, and double Aquilon.
7th – Samuel Martin – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Massed infantry and some Chickens in Hunter Cohort.
8th – Brian Seipp – T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): A truckload of suits and Triple Piranha.

The Risky Rollers Open 2024

44-player, 8-round Major in Bulleen, VIC, Australia on November 01 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Adepta Sororitas (BoF) versus Chaos Space Marines (RR)

Rhys Cunningham – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame)
Army List - Click to Expand

Jez clogged the open house toilet (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas
Strike Force (2000 points)
Bringers of Flame

CHARACTERS

Morvenn Vahl (170 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Fidelis
1x Lance of Illumination
1x Paragon missile launcher

Saint Celestine (160 points)
• 1x Celestine
• 1x The Ardent Blade
• 2x Geminae Superia
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Power weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (125 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (160 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator battle cannon
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Castigator (160 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator autocannons
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Dominion Squad (125 points)
• 1x Dominion Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Inferno pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Dominion
• 9x Bolt pistol
5x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
4x Meltagun
1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Exorcist (190 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile

Paragon Warsuits (220 points)
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Multi-melta
1x Paragon grenade launchers
1x Paragon war blade
• 2x Paragon
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Multi-melta
2x Paragon grenade launchers
2x Paragon war blade

Seraphim Squad (90 points)
• 1x Seraphim Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Seraphim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Ministorum hand flamer

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

vs.

Miké Ocksénormöus – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders)
Army List - Click to Expand

Tempestus Aquillons are for losers

Chaos Space Marines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Renegade Raiders

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (115 points)
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancement: Mark of the Hound

Chaos Lord (105 points)
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancement: Dread Reaver

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 points)
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Autopistol
1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 9x Autopistol
9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 points)
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Reaper chaincannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (90 points)
• 5x Mutant
• 5x Blasphemous appendages
• 3x Torment
• 3x Hideous mutations

Chaos Bikers (70 points)
• 1x Biker Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Combi-bolter
1x Power fist
• 2x Chaos Biker
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Close combat weapon
2x Combi-bolter
2x Meltagun

Chaos Vindicator (185 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher

Chosen (250 points)
Formatting this unit in the app fucking sucks, this is a legal load out, I swear
2x fist and bolt pistol
4x accursed weapon and combi
2x twin accursed plas pistol
2x accursed plas pistol

Forgefiend (190 points)
• 3x Ectoplasma cannon

Warp Talons (125 points)
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

Rubric Marines (110 points)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Thoughts

Two flavours of the quarter throwdown, with flame being brought devoutly on one side, and raiding being done, well, renegadishly on the other. Honesty isn’t the strongsuit of the traitor legions, but this is certainly an honest take on their strategies of war, leaning into foot slogging infantry and transports, with a few choice gun tanks and a carpet of Accursed ferrying forwards too. It lacks ways to engage the massed guns of the Sisters without showing itself (outside of the small Warp Talon squad), and it’s overall output is lighter than some of the nasty CSM lists we have seen popping up.

In contrast, the BoF list has packed in the Vahl unit, a discussion point of some infamy among Sisters players, but a unit that gives you a real deletion button that cares not for smoke, or AoC, or other trivial defences. I think in this match up the Vahl unit is a big deal, as used correctly it can pick a flank and start to gradually scythe through CSM armour. If the Accursed can be held off the tank lines long enough then it looks difficult for the CSM to win an outright shootout with the tools on hand, and Castigators will begin to mow down marine bodies with abandon. In the end this was a close run thing, but the sheer Sisters output eventually told.

Result

Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) Victory – 70 – 50

Rhys Cunningham – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Jez clogged the open house toilet (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas
Strike Force (2000 points)
Bringers of Flame

CHARACTERS

Morvenn Vahl (170 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Fidelis
1x Lance of Illumination
1x Paragon missile launcher

Saint Celestine (160 points)
• 1x Celestine
• 1x The Ardent Blade
• 2x Geminae Superia
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Power weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (125 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (160 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator battle cannon
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Castigator (160 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator autocannons
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Exorcist (190 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile

Seraphim Squad (90 points)
• 1x Seraphim Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Seraphim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Ministorum hand flamer

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Vahl BoF Goodstuff

Thoughts

An established entity at this point, I really like Vahl in BoF goodstuff to give you a single god-slaying threat amongst the many, many mid sized ones. Armies are starting to push Sisters a lot more now, so the answer to the longstanding question of ‘how will I get Vahl into the game’ has been provided- the game is very much being brought to you, so it’s time for her to step up! Really well done on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 6-2 records. They were:

2nd – Ben Coubrough – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Truckloads of Termgants in Invasion Fleet in front of all the usual gun bugs.
3rd – Dean Sinnbeck – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Thirty World Eaters Terminators is real, and it wants to hurt you. Very much.
4th – Nic Burrows – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): 18 Bullgryn and double Rogal Dorn, tasty.
5th – Kyle Mackenzie – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): MSU Venom Skysplinter with triple Beastpack leading the charge.
6th – Miké Ocksénormöus – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Cheeky, Mike, very cheeky.

Winchester 40K GT – November 2024

35-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on November 02 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Genestealer Cults (Biosanctic) versus Ork (War Horde)

Nicholas Willingale – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge)
Army List - Click to Expand

biosanc (2000 points)

We need to get this man to a hospital.

A hospital what is it??

It’s a big building with patients but that isn’t important right now!

Genestealer Cults
Strike Force (2000 points)
Biosanctic Broodsurge

CHARACTERS

Abominant (75 points)
• 1x Power sledgehammer

Clamavus (50 points)
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon

Kelermorph (60 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Liberator autostubs

Patriarch (75 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Patriarch’s claws

Reductus Saboteur (65 points)
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charges
1x Remote explosives

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 4x Cult claws and knife
4x Hand flamer

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points)
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 9x Neophyte Hybrid
• 9x Autopistol
9x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
1x Grenade launcher
7x Hybrid firearm
1x Seismic cannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Goliath Truck (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Demolition charge cache
1x Heavy stubber
1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aberrants (135 points)
• 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
• 1x Aberrant weapons
• 4x Aberrant
• 4x Aberrant weapons

Achilles Ridgerunners (75 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Spotter
1x Twin heavy stubber

Purestrain Genestealers (75 points)
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
• 5x Cult claws and talons

vs.

Joshua Cowlard – Orks (War Horde)
Army List - Click to Expand

The lads on the way to waagh

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Orks
+ DETACHMENT: War Horde
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Ghazghkull Thraka
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 25
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (5×2) – Assassination: 6 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 2x Ghazghkull Thraka (235 pts)
• 1x Ghazghkull Thraka
1 with Gork’s Klaw, Mork’s Roar
• 1x Makari
1 with Makari’s stabba
• Warlord

Char2: 1x Beastboss (80 pts)
1 with Beast Snagga klaw, Beastchoppa, Shoota

Char3: 1x Beastboss (80 pts)
1 with Beast Snagga klaw, Beastchoppa, Shoota

Char4: 1x Warboss (65 pts)
1 with Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw

Char5: 1x Warboss (65 pts)
1 with Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw

Char6: 1x Warboss (65 pts)
1 with Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw

BATTLELINE

10x Beast Snagga Boyz (95 pts)
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
1 with Power snappa, Slugga
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
9 with Choppa, Slugga

10x Boyz (80 pts)
• 1x Boss Nob
1 with Big choppa, Slugga
• 9x Boy
9 with Choppa, Slugga

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Flash Gitz (80 pts)
• 1x Kaptin
1 with Choppa, Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Gitz
4 with Choppa, Snazzgun

11x Gretchin (40 pts)
• 10x Gretchin
10 with Close combat weapon, Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
1 with Grot-smacka, Slugga

2x Meganobz (70 pts)
• 2x Meganob
2 with Kustom shoota, Power klaw

5x Nobz (105 pts)
• 1x Boss Nob
1 with Power klaw, Slugga
• 4x Nob
4 with Power klaw, Slugga

5x Stormboyz (65 pts)
• 1x Boss Nob
1 with Slugga, Power klaw
• 4x Stormboy
4 with Choppa, Slugga

1x Trukk (65 pts)
1 with Big shoota, Spiked wheels

Thoughts

Oooo, this one is FUN. On the one hand, a current meta menace with some delightfully sneaky tech for the other top predators baked right on in… In the other corner- blunt force trauma in Trukks here for a good time, and not a long time.

Nick’s GSC list is fiendish, and I’d expect nothing less. The usual Biosanctic core pieces are there – Purestrains, Aberrants, Abominants, etc, but the list goes HEAVY on lone op characters and space control pieces – triple Kelemorph and a Saboteur, and TWO Clamavus gives it enormous control over deep striking armies. This makes it very good in *checks notes* the mirror, awesome at keeping Aquilons at bay and whittling down Guard and Sisters infantry, and a nightmare for uppy down armies like Daemons and Necrons too. Frankly, it is deliciously well thought out for the current upper reaches of the game.

Josh on the other hand, is packing a lot of combat MSU in vehicles, ready to yeet out, apply pressure and vibe to victory. I’ve had the pleasure of playing against iterations of this build and it uses Ghaz as a central lurker and push piece, and utilises the Nobz units as the main cutting edge on the go turn as lots of Boyz drown the board at the same time. It can really build up a head of steam, it’s better now that secret missions are weaker, and if you get even slightly too close you can get absolutely bodied. Biosanctic excels at anti-elite ‘anti-trading’, taking down opposing elite units via fights first and then out trading them with returnees via Cult Ambush.

Orks don’t quite fit this brief, control an awful lot of space from the ground rather than the sky, and in Warhorde the T5 and -1 to wound can get very obnoxious, very quickly. Broodsurge lacks guns to whittle them down or crack transports (the Kelemorphs do help and a cheeky Battleshock can go a long way), and they are 100% in a fight in this match up. As it is, the Orks narrowly prevailed in a Mind Goblin derby that must have been a lot of fun to play. Well done gents!

Result

Orks (War Horde) Victory – 85 – 80

Joshua Cowlard – Orks (War Horde) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The lads on the way to waagh

CHARACTER

Char1: 2x Ghazghkull Thraka (235 pts)
• 1x Ghazghkull Thraka
1 with Gork’s Klaw, Mork’s Roar
• 1x Makari
1 with Makari’s stabba
• Warlord

Char2: 1x Beastboss (80 pts)
1 with Beast Snagga klaw, Beastchoppa, Shoota

Char3: 1x Beastboss (80 pts)
1 with Beast Snagga klaw, Beastchoppa, Shoota

Char4: 1x Warboss (65 pts)
1 with Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw

Char5: 1x Warboss (65 pts)
1 with Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw

Char6: 1x Warboss (65 pts)
1 with Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw

BATTLELINE

10x Beast Snagga Boyz (95 pts)
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
1 with Power snappa, Slugga
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
9 with Choppa, Slugga

10x Boyz (80 pts)
• 1x Boss Nob
1 with Big choppa, Slugga
• 9x Boy
9 with Choppa, Slugga

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Flash Gitz (80 pts)
• 1x Kaptin
1 with Choppa, Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Gitz
4 with Choppa, Snazzgun

11x Gretchin (40 pts)
• 10x Gretchin
10 with Close combat weapon, Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
1 with Grot-smacka, Slugga

2x Meganobz (70 pts)
• 2x Meganob
2 with Kustom shoota, Power klaw

5x Nobz (105 pts)
• 1x Boss Nob
1 with Power klaw, Slugga
• 4x Nob
4 with Power klaw, Slugga

5x Stormboyz (65 pts)
• 1x Boss Nob
1 with Slugga, Power klaw
• 4x Stormboy
4 with Choppa, Slugga

1x Trukk (65 pts)
1 with Big shoota, Spiked wheels

Archetype

Go-wide War Horde

Thoughts

Josh say ‘yes’ to lots of stuff, in a detachment that really rewards pushing hard with a trukkload of guys. Waves upon waves of Boyz, Nobz for hard target removal, and a see of Grotz and Trukks to anchor the space and tick off the cards. Flash Gitz give you a little bit of supporting shooting and Ghaz rolls up the middle, giving the opponent a hell of a lot of work to manage it all and come out ahead on the score. A sleek, effective list with a pilot who works very hard at his game. Congratulations on a hard earned GT win, Josh!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Nikita Siniakov – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Thirty Immortals with Szeras buffing and covering them.
3rd – Nicholas Willingale – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): The techy Broodsurge list from the Showdown.
4th – Chris Green – T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): Massed Crisis Suits, some Ghostkeel and Riptides.
5th – Ben Baddour – Aeldari: Avatar of Khaine, a Windrider brick and a Wraithguard brick.
6th – Allan Cross – Aeldari: Avatar and Yncarne supported by Fire Prisms, partying like it’s release 10th edition.

Geek Shack Anniversary GT

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Las Cruces, NM, US on November 02 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Colin Kay – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) – 1st Place

Chapter Master Arcus Pluvius of the Rainbow Warriors armed with the gauntlets Rainbows Duplex — Rainbow Warriors Chapter Master Arcus Pluvius by Craig “MasterSlowPoke” Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Nothing to see here, just 30 Aquilons (2000 Points)

Space Marines
Ultramarines
Vanguard Spearhead
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (95 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancements: The Blade Driven Deep

Captain Sicarius (85 Points)
• 1x Artisan plasma pistol
• 1x Talassarian Tempest Blade

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (100 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
• Enhancements: Shadow War Veteran

Marneus Calgar (185 Points)
• 1x Marneus Calgar
• Warlord
◦ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard
◦ 2x Victrix power sword

Uriel Ventris (75 Points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Invictus
• 1x Sword of Idaeus

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Shield dome

OTHER DATASHEETS

Centurion Devastator Squad (370 Points)
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant
◦ 1x Centurion fists
◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 1x Twin lascannon
• 5x Devastator Centurion
◦ 5x Centurion fists
◦ 5x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 5x Twin lascannon

Company Heroes (95 Points)
• 1x Ancient
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Bolt rifle
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Company Champion
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 2x Company Veteran
◦ 2x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle
◦ 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

Eradicator Squad (200 Points)
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
• 5x Eradicator
◦ 5x Bolt pistol
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Melta rifle
◦ 2x Multi-melta

Inceptor Squad (130 Points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
◦ 1x Assault bolters
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Inceptor
◦ 2x Assault bolters
◦ 2x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (260 Points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma exterminators
• 5x Inceptor
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Plasma exterminators

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

Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Boltgun
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Boltgun
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Missile launcher
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (48), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Ultramarines Vanguard

Thoughts

The most effective way to run the ‘Vanilla’ marines across 10th so far, Vanguard is harder to use than it used to be after copping some nerfs. It remains a sneaky, effective list that can pick enemy armies apart. The stealth buff to Ventris gives you even more Vect coverage which can leave some armies bleeding on resources and help you bring home the win, but this still deserves plaudits for muscling it’s way to a GT win. Really well played!!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Rob Gonzales – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Triple C’tan, triple Doomsday Ark. Punchy!
3rd – Luis Dominguez – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Shield Host Custodes with five glorious golden slabs.
4th – Jack Kosidowski – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Lennon-style Gladius Dangels keeps on trucking.
5th – Taylor John – Astra Militarum: Massed Bullgryn, Rogal Dorn and Aquilons.
6th – Seth Howards – World Eaters: World Eaters Goodstuff.

Wrap Up

There we are folks! Post slate Pariah in full swing as we power through towards Christmas. A bunch of armies getting results, a slightly ominous amount of Astra Militarum, but a nonetheless healthy game that has really benefitted from a year of careful balancing. All to play for out there, so go and get those last few pre-Christmas gaming weekends in!! Have fun out there.

Lowest of Men, out.

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[40K] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Imperium Inbound pt.2

Dark Sphere November GT

Jak Payne – Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Alun Perkins – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Edward Hearn – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Vincent Stein – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

The Risky Rollers Open 2024

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Adepta Sororitas (BoF) versus Chaos Space Marines (RR)

Thoughts

Result

Rhys Cunningham – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Winchester 40K GT – November 2024

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Genestealer Cults (Biosanctic) versus Ork (War Horde)

Thoughts

Result

Joshua Cowlard – Orks (War Horde) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Geek Shack Anniversary GT

Colin Kay – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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