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.

Seems like only yesterday we were looking at pre-dataslate events, and that’s because it was. We’ve got more of them today, but never fear – I have had various people excitedly telling me that their events this coming weekend are going to go straight to the new rules, so we should have some hot-off-the-press results as early as next week.

For now, today it’s Lowest of Men in charge covering:

SSG GT Goes Solo?
2d6 Exterminatus
There Is Only War III
Brighton 40k GT IX
Bugle Bat Reps : Bugles Big Bash 3

Wings looked at the following yesterday:

Battle For Salvation GT 2024
NurgleMania 5 – 2 Tagesturnier
Otoñocalipsis Kingdom Wargames, Warhammer 40k
Call to Arms GT Hosted by Away Games
Carnage – Solaris

SSG GT Goes Solo?

48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Stockholms län, Sverige on October 12 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Kalle Abrahamsson – Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Army name: OmNomNomNomNomNomNom
Factions used: Xenos – Tyranids
Total cost: 2000 pts

Theme song: Wierd Al Yankovich – Eat it

Number of Units: 19
Character Units (Models): 5 (5)
Vehicle/Monster Models (Max Points): 4 (13)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

== Vanguard Onslaught Army Roster 2000 pts ==

EH1: Deathleaper [80 pts]

CH1: Broodlord: Stalker [90 pts]
CH2: Winged Hive Tyrant: Chameleonic, Monstrous Bonesword and Lash Whip, Warlord [225 pts]
CH3: Winged Tyranid Prime: Hunting Grounds [85 pts]
CH4: Winged Tyranid Prime [65 pts]

BL1: Gargoyles: 10xGargoyles [85 pts]
BL2: Gargoyles: 10xGargoyles [85 pts]

IN1: Biovores: Biovore [50 pts]
IN2: Genestealers: 10xGenestealer [150 pts]
IN3: Lictor [55 pts]
IN4: Lictor [55 pts]
IN5: Neurolictor [90 pts]
IN6: Neurolictor [90 pts]
IN7: Pyrovores: Pyrovore [35 pts]
IN8: Tyranid Warriors with Melee Bio-Weapons: Tyranid Prime, 5xTyranid Warrior [150 pts]
IN9: Tyranid Warriors with Melee Bio-Weapons: Tyranid Prime, 5xTyranid Warrior [150 pts]

MS1: Exocrine [135 pts]
MS2: Exocrine [135 pts]
MS3: Tyrannofex: Rupture Cannon [190 pts]

Archetype

Pressure Tyranids

Thoughts

As the Tyranids book continues to evolve certain units are gradually finding their way in as staples across all the detachments. Exocrines and Tyrannofex are simply too good for what they do to ignore, and the Lictor is a phenomenal early trading piece. This list chucks those in around more typical Vanguard Onslaught pressure pieces like Genestealers and Tyranid Warriors, to create a powerful mixed arms, high tempo list. I really like it. Great work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd (4.5-0.5) – Douglas Svensson – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Rubrics, characters, a couple of MVBs, let’s go.
3rd – Anders Palm – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Rubrics, characters, and a couple of MVBs! Just Tsons things.
4th – Vilda Landberg-Wallin – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Bullgryn, a Dorn, and some big Scions drop units.
5th – Jonas Axelsson – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Super MSU go-wide Hypercrypt with lots of Destroyers, Immortals and Deathmarks.
6th – Alexander Singleton – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): Vanguard Ultramarines with Cent Devs and a big Eradicator brick.
7th – Anton Lukkarinen – Thousand Sons: Rubrics, characters and ONE Vortex Beast this time.

2d6 Exterminatus

43-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Oslo, NO on October 12 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jonathan Arkin – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels
+ DETACHMENT: Sons of Sanguinius
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium
+
+ WARLORD: Char3: The Sanguinor
+ ENHANCEMENT: Icon of the Angel (on Char2: Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack)
& Visage of Death (on Char3: Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) – Assassination: 7 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Commander Dante (120 pts): Perdition, The Axe Mortalis
Char2: 1x Lemartes (120 pts): Bolt Pistol, The Blood Crozius
Char3: 1x The Sanguinor (140 pts): Warlord, Encarmine Broadsword
Char4: 1x Captain with Jump Pack (85 pts): Relic Shield, Thunder Hammer
Char5: 1x Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (110 pts): Astartes Chainsword, Bolt Pistol
Enhancement: Icon of the Angel (+10 pts)
Char6: 1x Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (115 pts): Astartes Chainsword, Bolt Pistol
Enhancement: Visage of Death (+15 pts)

10x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 pts)
• 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
7 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
2 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 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 (80 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
10x Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (280 pts): 10 with Power Fist, Inferno Pistol
5x Scout Squad (65 pts)
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 4x Scouts: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
5x Scout Squad (65 pts)
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 4x Scouts: 4 with Astartes Shotgun, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon
10x Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (210 pts)
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack: Storm Shield, Vanguard Veteran Weapon
• 9x Vanguard Veterans with Jump Packs: 9 with Storm Shield, Vanguard Veteran Weapon
1x Baal Predator (125 pts): Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter, 2 Heavy Flamers, Baal Flamestorm Cannon
1x Death Company Dreadnought (145 pts): Magna-grapple, Blood Talons, Heavy Flamer, Meltagun

1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts): Neural shredder, Phase sword and poison blades

Archetype

Sons of Sanguinius

Thoughts

Sons of Sanguinius was really, really good. It’s also gone now. Enjoy new Blood Angels everybody! Really well done on a storming event win, and for getting Vanguard Veterans slapped about with the nerf bat.

Sveinung Nøding – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

*Swarmy Invasion – Invasion Fleet*

Assassination: 12
Bring it Down: 20

[240] The Swarmlord
[260] Hive Tyrant: Bonesword, Scything Talons, Adpative Biology (+25)
[140] Old One Eye

[ 45] 11 Neurogants
[ 65] 10 Hormagaunts
[ 65] 10 Hormagaunts

[ 55] Lictor
[ 55] Lictor
[ 55] Lictor

[ 35] Pyrovore
[ 50] Biovore

[250] 2 Carnifexes: 2x(Bio-plasma, Spine Banks, 2x Deathspitters)

[135] Exocrine
[170] Maleceptor

[190] Tyrannofex: Rupture Cannon
[190] Tyrannofex: Rupture Cannon

= 2000

Archetype

Tyranids Chonky Time

Thoughts

Tyranids appear to be finding form right before a slate that brings their enemies down and themselves…. sort of the same? Very promising times ahead for Invasion Fleet lists like this that can pack real heft and punch in, and have strats and tools for almost every occasion. Seeing Old One-Eye and Carnifexes out with this regularity makes my heart sing. Really well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd – Rasmus Valand Fredriksen – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Massed Kabalite Venom Spam – I LIKE this.
4th – Kjetil Andre Liknes – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Canis Rex tags along to provide heft to a Hunter Cohort list.
5th – Robert H – Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Zoan brick alpha strike shenanigans in Vanguard Onslaught.
6th – Jørgen Falck Erichsen – Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Plenty of Heft in this Norn and Tfex heavy Crusher list.
7th – Juan Salcedo – T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): An absolute slew of Crisis Suits in Retaliation Cadre with Vespid for scoring.

There Is Only War III

36-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Phoenix, AZ, United States on October 12 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Donovan Sailo – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 1st Place

Grey Knights Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Jumparound.mp4 (2000 Points)

Grey Knights
Teleport Strike Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Brotherhood Librarian (120 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
• 1x Purge Soul

Brotherhood Librarian (120 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
• 1x Purge Soul

Brotherhood Techmarine (70 Points)
• 1x Boltgun
• 1x Flamer
• 1x Omnissian power axe
• 1x Plasma cutter
• 1x Servo-arms

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (225 Points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
• 1x Heavy psycannon
• 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancements: Inescapable Wrath

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (240 Points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
• 1x Heavy psycannon
• 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancements: Sigil of Exigence

BATTLELINE

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (420 Points)
• 1x Terminator Justicar
◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 1x Storm bolter
• 9x Brotherhood Terminator
◦ 1x Ancient’s Banner
◦ 2x Incinerator
◦ 1x Narthecium
◦ 9x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 6x Storm bolter

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 Points)
• 1x Terminator Justicar
◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 1x Storm bolter
• 4x Brotherhood Terminator
◦ 1x Ancient’s Banner
◦ 1x Incinerator
◦ 1x Narthecium
◦ 4x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 2x Storm bolter

Strike Squad (120 Points)
• 1x Justicar
◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Incinerator
◦ 3x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 3x Storm bolter

ALLIED UNITS

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

Imperial Navy Breachers (90 Points)
• 1x Navis Sergeant-at-Arms
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Navis Armsman
◦ 2x Autopistol
◦ 1x Chainfist
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Demolition charge
◦ 1x Endurant Shield
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Navis heavy shotgun
◦ 5x Navis shotgun
◦ 1x Power weapon

Inquisitorial Agents (60 Points)
• 1x Tome‐skull
• 5x Inquisitorial Agent
◦ 5x Agent firearm
◦ 5x Agent melee weapon
◦ 1x Eviscerator
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Gun Servitor
◦ 1x Agent melee weapon
◦ 1x Multi-melta

Rogue Trader Entourage (105 Points)
• 1x Rogue Trader
◦ 1x Household pistol
◦ 1x Monomolecular cane-rapier
• 1x Death Cult Assassin
◦ 1x Dartmask
◦ 1x Death Cult power blade
• 1x Lectro‐Maester
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Voltaic pistol
• 1x Rejuvenat Adept
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Healing serum
◦ 1x Laspistol

Exported with App Version: v1.21.1 (45), Data Version: v469

Archetype

Grey Knights and Friends

Thoughts

Ok- some intriguing combination play here as a chunky Terminator centred GK list packs in some additional tools via Imperial Agents. I expect we will see this more – GK armies are quite elite so having some additional little idiots is quite appealing and lets you skew a bit more with your core GK units. All in all, a promising build and I look forward to seeing more adaptation in the name of the Inquisition!!

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

2nd – Michael Azer – Aeldari (Battle Host): Double Avatar and Aspect Warriors, let’s go!!
3rd – Terek Haehl – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Baal Predators and MSU Sanguinary Guard.
4th – Anthony Campanella – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Big bug Invasion Fleet monsters.

Brighton 40k GT IX

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on October 12 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Martyn Cooper – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) – =1st Place

Catachan Sergeant “Ripper” Jackson. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Surprise! (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum
Combined Regiment
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 with Master Vox
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Master Vox
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman with Medi-pack
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman with Regimental Standard
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Regimental Standard

Gaunt’s Ghosts (100 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

Lord Solar Leontus (125 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Conquest
• 1x Konstantin’s hooves
• 1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze

Tank Commander (205 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Demolisher battle cannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Militarum plasma cannon

Tank Commander (220 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Demolisher battle cannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Militarum plasma cannon
• Enhancements: Grand Strategist

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (60 Points)
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Chainsword
• 9x Shock Trooper
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 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

Chimera (70 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Chimera heavy flamer
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lasgun array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bullgryn Squad (90 Points)
• 1x Bullgryn Bone ‘ead
◦ 1x Brute Shield
◦ 1x Bullgryn maul
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Bullgryn
◦ 2x Brute Shield
◦ 2x Bullgryn maul
◦ 2x Close combat weapon

Leman Russ Battle Tank (170 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 1x Leman Russ battle cannon
• 2x Plasma cannon

Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Plasma cannon
• 1x Vanquisher battle cannon

Tempestus Aquilons (90 points)
1 x tempestor aquilon hot‐shot lascarbine; sentry flamer; close combat weapon.
7 x tempestus aquilons hot‐shot lascarbine; close combat weapon.
1 x tempestus aquilon hot‐shot long-las; close combat weapon.
1 x tempestus aquilon melta carbine; close combat weapon.

ALLIED UNITS

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

Archetype

Guard Goodstuff

Thoughts

We get a little run out for the new Aquilons hotness here, providing an additional tool for an army that already had arguably one of the best toolkits in Pariah Nexus. I like the move to MSU Bullgryn here to absorb costs down the line – ultimately it frees up more points for ranged output and they can still perform the crucial spoiler role. A very well rounded and deadly list that should absorb the upcoming balance changes just fine. Well done on the event win!

Dom Maidlow – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) – =1st Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

WAM BAM THANK HAMMER BOY BAM BAM! (2000 points)

Chaos Space Marines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Renegade Raiders

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (90 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol

Cypher (90 points)
• 1x Cypher’s bolt pistol
1x Cypher’s plasma pistol

Dark Commune (90 points)
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• Enhancement: Mark of the Hound
• 1x Mindwitch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Warp Curse
• 1x Iconarch
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Blessed Blade
• 2x Commune blade

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
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Reaper chaincannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Combi-bolter
1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (180 points)
• 10x Mutant
• 10x Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment
• 6x 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 Predator Destructor (140 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon

Warp Talons (270 points)
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 9x Warp Talon
• 9x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (40 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Rubric Marines (105 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: v1.21.0 (49), Data Version: v469

Archetype

Renegade Raiders Mixed Arms

Thoughts

A beautifully poised RR list that packs in several different threats to pick and pull at the opponent. The single Accursed Brick with Scout is very dangerous and immediately punished any deployment errors, but can also serve as a defensive lure or counter charge unit. Warp Talons in RR are very, very dangerous and let you keep finding new lines of attack in the late game when used correctly. Then there is plenty of MSU and ranged threat on top! All in all, a delicious build that will sing in Dom’s capable hands. Very well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records, all marked as joint third. They were:

3rd – Liam Macindoe – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Rubrics, characters, double MVB Tsons.
3rd – Tom Green – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Chonky Sagitaur and Pioneers spam Votann.
3rd – Tom Hamshire – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Court / single Voidraven Skysplinter.
3rd – Paul Looker – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Court / Incubi Skysplinter with a CHEEKY SOLITAIRE! YES PAUL!!

Bugle Bat Reps : Bugles Big Bash 3

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Roche, England, GB on October 12 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Drukhari (Realspace Raiders) versus T’au Empire (Kauyon)

George McCoulough – Drukhari (Realspace Raiders)
Army List - Click to Expand

Monster Mash (2000 points)

Drukhari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Realspace Raiders

CHARACTERS

Archon (75 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Huskblade

Lelith Hesperax (85 points)
• 1x Lelith’s blades

Urien Rakarth (80 points)
• 1x Casket of Flensing
1x Haemonculus tools and scissorhands

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (110 points)
• 1x Sybarite
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Phantasm grenade launcher
1x Sybarite weapon
• 9x Kabalite Warrior
• 1x Blaster
9x Close combat weapon
1x Dark lance
1x Shredder
1x Splinter cannon
5x Splinter rifle

Wyches (90 points)
• 1x Hekatrix
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Hekatarii blade
1x Phantasm grenade launcher
• 9x Wych
• 9x Hekatarii blade
9x Splinter pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Court of the Archon (85 points)
• 1x Lhamaean
• 1x Shaimeshi blade
• 1x Medusae
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Eyeburst
• 1x Sslyth
• 1x Shardcarbine
1x Splinter pistol
1x Sslyth battle-blade
• 1x Ur-ghul
• 1x Ur-ghul talons

Cronos (50 points)
• 1x Spirit syphon
1x Spirit vortex
1x Spirit-leech tentacles

Grotesques (160 points)
• 6x Grotesque
• 6x Liquifier gun
6x Monstrous weapons

Mandrakes (65 points)
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade

Reavers (60 points)
• 1x Arena Champion
• 1x Agoniser
1x Bladevanes
1x Cluster caltrops
1x Heat lance
1x Splinter pistol
• 2x Reaver
• 2x Bladevanes
2x Splinter pistol
2x Splinter rifle

Scourges (120 points)
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
1x Solarite weapon
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dark lance

Talos (160 points)
• 2x Talos
• 2x Talos gauntlet
2x Twin Drukhari haywire blaster
2x Twin liquifier gun

Voidraven Bomber (215 points)
• 1x Bladed wings
2x Dark scythe
1x Voidraven missiles

Exported with App Version: v1.21.0 (49), Data Version: v469

vs.

David LaPorta – T’au Empire (Kauyon)
Army List - Click to Expand

kauyon (2000 points)

T’au Empire
Strike Force (2000 points)
Kauyon

CHARACTERS

Cadre Fireblade (50 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fireblade pulse rifle
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone

Commander Shadowsun (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Advanced Guardian Drone
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Command-link Drone (Aura)
1x Flechette launcher
2x High-energy fusion blaster
1x Light missile pod
1x Pulse pistol

BATTLELINE

Breacher Team (100 points)
• 1x Support turret
• 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Guardian Drone
1x Marker Drone
1x Pulse blaster
1x Pulse pistol
• 9x Breacher Fire Warrior
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Pulse blaster
9x Pulse pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Devilfish (85 points)
• 1x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points)
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Ion cannon
2x Seeker missile

Kroot Carnivores (75 points)
• 1x Long-quill
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Kroot pistol
1x Kroot rifle
• 9x Kroot Carnivore
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Kroot rifle

Pathfinder Team (90 points)
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grav-inhibitor Drone
1x Marker Drone
1x Pulse carbine
1x Pulse pistol
1x Shield Drone
• 9x Pathfinder
• 9x Close combat weapon
6x Pulse carbine
9x Pulse pistol
3x Rail rifle

Piranhas (55 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine

Riptide Battlesuit (180 points)
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin plasma rifle

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points)
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.21.0 (49), Data Version: v469

Thoughts

A classic Dark Elves versus Fish with guns showdown here, with two lists that both say ‘yes’ to having an awful lot of assets on the table. The pattern between these two meta favourites is well established – the Drukhari try to set up and push 1-2 to create pressure, absorb early Tau shooting and them cause enough mayhem to mate the traditional late game Kauyon recovery impossible. I like George’s list for this – it has a turn two sucker punch via the Voidraven, the Talos are fantastic at cleaning up both the screening Tau units AND the large battlesuits via Haywire mortals, and he has so many small units to screen the board out with as he makes his push.

By contrast, the Kauyon list is extremely mappable in its counterpunch, with most of the output tied up in several Hammerhead shots and the Riptides. If these don’t do the requisite damage, things can get pretty ugly for the Tau. First turn is a big boon to either army here, and If I were to guess I’d say the Drukhari got it which let them put their pressure plans into decisive action.

Result

Drukhari (Realspace Raiders) Victory – 82 – 61

George McCoulough – Drukhari (Realspace Raiders) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Monster Mash (2000 points)

Drukhari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Realspace Raiders

CHARACTERS

Archon (75 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Huskblade

Lelith Hesperax (85 points)
• 1x Lelith’s blades

Urien Rakarth (80 points)
• 1x Casket of Flensing
1x Haemonculus tools and scissorhands

BATTLELINE

Wyches (90 points)
• 1x Hekatrix
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Hekatarii blade
1x Phantasm grenade launcher
• 9x Wych
• 9x Hekatarii blade
9x Splinter pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cronos (50 points)
• 1x Spirit syphon
1x Spirit vortex
1x Spirit-leech tentacles

Grotesques (160 points)
• 6x Grotesque
• 6x Liquifier gun
6x Monstrous weapons

Mandrakes (65 points)
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade

Reavers (60 points)
• 1x Arena Champion
• 1x Agoniser
1x Bladevanes
1x Cluster caltrops
1x Heat lance
1x Splinter pistol
• 2x Reaver
• 2x Bladevanes
2x Splinter pistol
2x Splinter rifle

Scourges (120 points)
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
1x Solarite weapon
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dark lance

Talos (160 points)
• 2x Talos
• 2x Talos gauntlet
2x Twin Drukhari haywire blaster
2x Twin liquifier gun

Voidraven Bomber (215 points)
• 1x Bladed wings
2x Dark scythe
1x Voidraven missiles

Exported with App Version: v1.21.0 (49), Data Version: v469

Archetype

Realspace Raid Talos Spam

Thoughts

Talos and Grotesques in Realspace Raid may well be the future for the Dark Kin now, as they shrug off some nasty points rises on the traditional Skysplinter lists of the last few months. I think Realspace Raid has the best all-round toolkit for an incredibly diverse meta, which has finally made the ‘bit of everything’ approach of this detachment stand out (that and a game that’s, yaknow, balanced). Expect to see a lot more of this in future! Well done on the event win George.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – David LaPorta – T’au Empire (Kauyon): The Kauyon list for the Showdown.
3rd – Josh Venning – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): IF Monsters with a melee Warrior Brick in the locker.
4th – Paddy Baron – Tyranids (Assimilation Swarm): Weird and wonderful Assimilation Swarm with Tyrant Guard bricks and some Psychophage, love it.
5th – Luke Swainsbury – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Caladius / MSU Custodes.
6th – Jake Dinner – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Silent King / Monolith / Tesseract Vault Necrons.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! The old meta is dying, as the new meta struggles to be born. We’ve got a slate, and It seems pretty likely that almost ANYTHING can go out there and win an event in the mayhem to follow, so that is very exciting indeed. Go out there and have some fun with the updated game! See you again next time.

Lowest of Men, out.

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[40K] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Lame Duck and Cover pt.2

SSG GT Goes Solo?

Kalle Abrahamsson – Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

2d6 Exterminatus

Jonathan Arkin – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Sveinung Nøding – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

There Is Only War III

Donovan Sailo – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Dom Maidlow – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) – =1st Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Bugle Bat Reps : Bugles Big Bash 3

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Drukhari (Realspace Raiders) versus T’au Empire (Kauyon)

Thoughts

Result

George McCoulough – Drukhari (Realspace Raiders) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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