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.

You all did it again – so many tournaments that we’ve got three parts to fit them all in. Everyone is clearly out there slamming events ahead of the World Championship of Warhammer, and in a little over a week we’ll see it pay off as we find out who the very best is. That’s assuming we are in fact in 2024 – there are some serious blasts from the past in today’s builds.

In the meantime, our final part this week covers:

The California Cup ’24
4th Annual Flames of Autumn GT
40K Peninsula Feast of Blades ’24
Hydra Events GT IIII 2024

On Wednesday I looked at:

Raccoon Rumble 2024: WH40K
Battle Brothers GT Hosted by Away Games
Broadsword Wargaming 40K ITC Seasonal Major VI
40K Iron Man
🔥Napalm Hobbies – FROST FIRE GT – 40K – ITC

On Friday Lowest of Men covered:

Utah Open Warhammer 40K Tournament
San Antonio Shootout ’24
Bunker Down GT 2024 RBBR
Cardiff Carnage #2
TORNEIO NACIONAL POLAR DE WARHAMMER 40K

The California Cup ’24

88-player, 8-round Major in San Diego, CA, United States on November 08 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Alex Spathopoulos – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Twisted Helix 2: Ambush Boogaloo (1995 Points)

Genestealer Cults
Biosanctic Broodsurge
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Abominant (95 Points)
• 1x Power sledgehammer
• Enhancements: Predatory Instincts

Abominant (75 Points)
• 1x Power sledgehammer

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

Patriarch (100 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Patriarch’s claws
• Enhancements: Biomorph Adaptation

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

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 Points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 1x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Heavy mining tool

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 Flamer
◦ 1x Mining Laser
◦ 5x Hybrid firearm
◦ 1x Seismic cannon
◦ 1x Webber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aberrants (135 Points)
• 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
◦ 1x Aberrant weapons
• 4x Aberrant
◦ 4x Aberrant weapons

Achilles Ridgerunners (150 Points)
• 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
◦ 2x Armoured hull
◦ 2x Heavy mining laser
◦ 2x Spotter
◦ 2x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (75 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Survey Augur
• 1x Twin heavy stubber

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

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 Points)
• 1x Clearance incinerator
• 1x Demolition charge cache
• 1x Drilldozer blade
• 1x Heavy stubber

Purestrain Genestealers (150 Points)
• 10x Purestrain Genestealer
◦ 10x Cult claws and talons

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

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

Archetype

Muscle Beach 2k24

Thoughts

Something has gotten into the water across the Imperium, and once more the battlefields of the 41st Millenium are beset by angry muscular men with big hammers, plus skittering hordes of their clawed friends. The new Biosanctic hotness is one of the big drivers of the rise in Cult success, and works by pinning the opponent in their zone early while simultaneously smashing them hard enough that they struggle to re-establish control even if they survive. All it takes is a few Cult Ambush rolls sneaking through in order to keep this list scoring till late, and once that happens the advantage it builds up can be insurmountable. Well done to Alex for unleashing the beefy boys.

Jake Jesionowski – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Hypercrypt Haymakers (2000 Points)

Necrons
Hypercrypt Legion
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chronomancer (90 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Chronomancer’s stave
• Enhancements: Arisen Tyrant

C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer (295 Points)
• 1x Gaze of death
• 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Skorpekh Lord (80 Points)
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
• 1x Flensing claw
• 1x Hyperphase harvester

Technomancer (85 Points)
• 1x Staff of light

Transcendent C’tan (285 Points)
• 1x Crackling tendrils
• 1x Seismic assault

BATTLELINE

Immortals (150 Points)
• 10x Immortal
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Tesla carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Wraiths (250 Points)
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
◦ 6x Particle caster
◦ 6x Vicious claws

Deathmarks (65 Points)
• 5x Deathmark
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Synaptic disintegrator

Doomsday Ark (190 Points)
• 1x Armoured bulk
• 1x Doomsday cannon
• 2x Gauss flayer array

Flayed Ones (60 Points)
• 5x Flayed One
◦ 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Destroyers (35 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Gauss cannon

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points)
• 3x Skorpekh Destroyer
◦ 1x Plasmacyte
◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

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

Archetype

Heavy Hypercrypt

Thoughts

The Necrontyr continue strong in Pariah (narratively appropriate, I suppose), and Hypercrypt is still one of the stronger builds out there. This variant cuts out the Silent King in order to go a little wider on stuff, but retains the ability to gump up positions by adding some Wraiths. It also techs a little for the Cult or Ork matchups by bringing along the big Immortal block, and that seems to be an increasing staple of the Necron builds doing best. You’ll get no argument from me on that one – I’ve loved it all edition, so well done to Jake for being a man of taste.

Anthony Vanella – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Cali (1995 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Blood Angels Captain (90 Points)
• 1x Inferno pistol
• 1x Power fist
• Enhancements: Rage-fuelled Warrior

Chief Librarian Mephiston (125 Points)
• 1x Fury of the Ancients
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Vitarus

Commander Dante (130 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Perdition Pistol
• 1x The Axe Mortalis

Lemartes (110 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
• 1x The Blood Crozius

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Thunder hammer
• 4x Assault Intercessor
◦ 4x Astartes chainsword
◦ 4x Heavy bolt pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
◦ 4x Astartes chainsword
◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (240 Points)
• 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs
◦ 5x Astartes chainsword
◦ 2x Eviscerator
◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 2x Inferno pistol
◦ 2x Plasma pistol
◦ 3x Power fist

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

Sanguinary Guard (270 Points)
• 6x Sanguinary Guard
◦ 4x Angelus boltgun
◦ 6x Encarmine blade
◦ 2x Inferno pistol
◦ 1x Sanguinary Banner

Scout Squad (65 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

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

Culexus Assassin (100 Points)
• 1x Animus speculum
• 1x Life-draining touch

Archetype

Liberator Goodstuff

Thoughts

A top showing for the newest codex in the hand of a melee marine master here, showing off the changing incentives the new book creates. Rather than going all-in on jump packs, you take advantage of the fact that getting a few big hammer units in is cheaper, then build out with a healthy selection of goodstuff (Vindicators and Mephiston) to give you flexibility. That creates a really good all-rounder build, and Anthony doubles down on Lone Operative power with the addition of a Culexus, providing some flexible Battle-shock disruption, or just another guy to stand on an objective and bait foes towards the big melee swings. Very cool build, and well done to Anthony on third place.

Logan Heath – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) – 4th Place

Astra Militarum Hydra (photo courtesy of Musterkrux)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Imperial Guard Only 20 Aquilons (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 gun
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
• 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 Plasma gun

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

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 Points)
• 1x Tempestor Prime
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Tempestus dagger
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Grenade launcher
◦ 1x Hot-shot volley gun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun

Tank Commander (240 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 Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Drum-fed autogun
• 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

Hellhound (115 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Inferno cannon
• 1x Multi-melta

Hydra (85 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy bolter
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Hydra autocannon

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

Leman Russ Exterminator (170 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Exterminator autocannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Multi-melta

Tempestus Aquilons (90 Points)
• 1x Tempestor Aquilon
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lascarbine
◦ 1x Sentry flamer
• 8x Tempestus Aquilon
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 6x Hot-shot lascarbine
◦ 1x Hot‐shot long‐las
◦ 1x Plasma carbine
• 1x Gunfighter
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lascarbine

Tempestus Scions (100 Points)
• 1x Tempestor
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x Tempestus Scion
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun

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

Archetype

All-rounder Guard

Thoughts

Mostly the standard guard toys, but with the addition of Hydras, the latest unit in a storied history of stuff that’s crept down ever lower in cost till suddenly it’s an insane bargain. That’s especially true because of the rise of Cults – a big position blocker that can also cheerfully chip through their fairly mediocre defences is just a nice to have. It’s also a second option beyond the Russes for somewhere to stack up AP/Ignore Cover buffs to very good effect, and this build takes a second Hellhound to maximise that. Well done to Logan for unleashing a powerful new trick here.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th – Andrew Gonyo – Astra Militarum: Even more Hellhounds and Hydras.
6th – Arthur Tu – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Double Accursed Commune backed by Bikers to disrupt, Vindicators to blast and a big Warp Talon unit to brawl.
7th – Floof Cox – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Infantry horde shooty Cult, bringing back some classic Index energy.
8th – Ben Jurek – Astra Militarum: Double Tank Commander double Dorn armoured supremacy.
9th – Wyatt Swift – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Go-wide MSU all-rounder Cult.
10th – Eddy Goshorn – World Eaters: World Eaters skewed towards Khorne Berzerkers.

4th Annual Flames of Autumn GT

58-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Westminster, Maryland, US on November 09 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Sean Olson – Ultramarines (Ironstorm Spearhead) – 1st Place

Repulsor Executioner by Craig “MasterSlowPoke” Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Indomitus Crusade (1995 Points)

Space Marines
Ultramarines
Ironstorm Spearhead
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Roboute Guilliman (285 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Emperor’s Sword
• 1x Hand of Dominion

Techmarine (75 Points)
• 1x Forge bolter
• 1x Grav-pistol
• 1x Omnissian power axe
• 1x Servo-arm
• Enhancements: Master of Machine War

Techmarine (85 Points)
• 1x Forge bolter
• 1x Grav-pistol
• 1x Omnissian power axe
• 1x Servo-arm
• Enhancements: Target Augury Web

Techmarine (90 Points)
• 1x Forge bolter
• 1x Grav-pistol
• 1x Omnissian power axe
• 1x Servo-arm
• Enhancements: Adept of the Omnissiah

BATTLELINE

Heavy Intercessor Squad (95 Points)
• 1x Heavy Intercessor Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Heavy bolt rifle
• 4x Heavy Intercessor
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Heavy bolt rifle
◦ 1x Heavy bolter

Tactical Squad (140 Points)
• 1x Tactical Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 8x Tactical Marine
◦ 8x Bolt pistol
◦ 7x Boltgun
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma gun
• 1x Tactical Marine
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Missile launcher

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Razorback (95 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Twin lascannon

Rhino (75 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Redemptor Dreadnought (210 Points)
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
• 1x Macro plasma incinerator
• 1x Onslaught gatling cannon
• 1x Redemptor fist
• 1x Twin storm bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy laser destroyer
• 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array
• 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Twin heavy bolter

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

Archetype

Dr. Roboutnik’s Mean Beam Machines

Thoughts

You have no idea how long I’ve had that list name stuck in my head as an intrusive thought. Big thanks to Sean for letting me finally get it down on paper.

Anyway – Bobby G powers up and protects the RepExes, the Tactical Squad splitting via the Razorback provides good board coverage on the cheap, and the sheer violence of a list like this with Armour of Contempt access is a real headache to deal with. Ultramarines are on the march once more, congratulations to Sean for standing up for Macragge.

Derek Apsche – Chaos Space Marines (Chaos Cult) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

cultists (2000 points)

Chaos Space Marines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Chaos Cult

CHARACTERS

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

Dark Apostle (95 points)
• 1x Dark Apostle
• 1x Accursed crozius
1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancement: Amulet of Tainted Vigour
• 2x Dark Disciple
• 2x Close combat weapon

Dark Commune (95 points)
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• Warlord
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• Enhancement: Incendiary Goad
• 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

Dark Commune (90 points)
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• Enhancement: Warped Foresight
• 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

Fabius Bile (85 points)
• 1x Fabius Bile
• 1x Chirurgeon
1x Rod of Torment
1x Xyclos Needler
• 1x Surgeon Acolyte
• 1x Surgeon Acolyte’s tools

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

Traitor Guardsmen Squad (70 points)
• 1x Traitor Sergeant
• 1x Corrupted pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Traitor Guardsmen
• 9x Close combat weapon
1x Cultist sniper rifle
6x Lasgun
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (195 points)
• 10x Mutant
• 10x Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment
• 6x Hideous mutations

ALLIED UNITS

Beasts of Nurgle (65 points)
• 1x Putrid appendages

Daemonettes (100 points)
• 1x Alluress
• 1x Slashing claws
• 9x Daemonette
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Slashing claws

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

Seekers (80 points)
• 1x Heartseeker
• 1x Lashing tongue
1x Slashing claws
• 4x Seeker
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
4x Lashing tongue
4x Slashing claws

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

Archetype

Chaos Cult

Thoughts

The Cult master himself does not appear to be slowed down in the slightest by the fairly substantial nerfs to the army, and Derek’s plan of completely dominating the board while also smashing key targets with Accursed bricks continues strong here. Always impressive to see a more techy build roll with the blow of major nerfs, so great work Derek.

Tyler Brennan – Adeptus Mechanicus (Rad-Zone Corps) – 3rd Place

Adeptus Mechanicus - Belisarius Cawl — Adeptus Mechanicus – Belisarius Cawl
Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

flames (2000 points)

Adeptus Mechanicus
Strike Force (2000 points)
Rad-Zone Corps

CHARACTERS

Belisarius Cawl (150 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Arc scourge
1x Cawl’s Omnissian axe
1x Mechadendrite hive
1x Solar atomiser

Skitarii Marshal (35 points)
• 1x Control stave
1x Mechanicus pistol

Tech-Priest Manipulus (80 points)
• 1x Magnarail lance
1x Omnissian staff
• Enhancement: Peerless Eradicator

Technoarcheologist (70 points)
• 1x Mechanicus pistol
1x Servo-arc claw
• Enhancement: Radial Suffusion

BATTLELINE

Skitarii Rangers (85 points)
• 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Galvanic rifle
• 9x Skitarii Ranger
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
6x Galvanic rifle
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
1x Transuranic arquebus

Skitarii Vanguard (95 points)
• 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Radium carbine
• 9x Skitarii Vanguard
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
6x Radium carbine
1x Transuranic arquebus

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Skorpius Dunerider (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Cognis heavy stubber array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Kataphron Breachers (320 points)
• 6x Kataphron Breacher
• 6x Heavy arc rifle
6x Hydraulic claw

Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 points)
• 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Pteraxii Skystalker
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Flechette carbine

Sicarian Infiltrators (70 points)
• 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps
• 1x Power weapon
1x Stubcarbine
• 4x Sicarian Infiltrator
• 4x Power weapon
4x Stubcarbine

Skorpius Disintegrator (175 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
3x Cognis heavy stubber
1x Disruptor missile launcher
1x Ferrumite cannon

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

Archetype

All-rounder AdMech

Thoughts

AdMech playing to their strengths here in this all-rounder setup. Skorpy Ds with Cawl form a firebase that stacks the odds of a shootout in their favour, cheap Skitarii with boats are pretty good objective pieces these days, MSU specialist Skitarii score well, and the big Breacher squad is one of the nastier shooting threats you can construct in the game. Nothing too fancy, but very versatile and adaptable, as any well-annointed machine should be. Good stuff from Tyler.

Nolan Haley – Drukhari (Realspace Raiders) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Getting drunk at dying fetus and the Black Dahlia Murders

Pain Econ 101 (2000 Points)

Drukhari
Realspace Raiders
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Archon (85 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Blast pistol
• 1x Huskblade

Lelith Hesperax (95 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
• 1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Court of the Archon (95 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

Hellions (75 Points)
• 1x Helliarch
◦ 1x Hellglaive
◦ 1x Phantasm grenade launcher
◦ 1x Splinter pods
• 4x Hellion
◦ 4x Hellglaive
◦ 4x Splinter pods

Mandrakes (70 Points)
• 1x Nightfiend
◦ 1x Baleblast
◦ 1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
◦ 4x Baleblast
◦ 4x Glimmersteel blade

Ravager (110 Points)
• 1x Bladevanes
• 3x Dark lance

Reavers (65 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
• 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

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

Archetype

Realspace Covens

Thoughts

The post-Dataslate heavy spin on Drukhari takes fourth here, leaning on the versatility of Talos to get stuff done. The mix of Torrent, re-rolling Haywire and D3 melee gives you a very solid all-rounder core, and they’re only a quarter of the army, allowing you to cram plenty of scoring and utility stuff in alongside them. Of most interest in the rest of what’s here is the Hellions – these have seen very little use in 10th due to not interacting well with terrain, but I’m guessing they’ve been selected as they work very well into Cults, combining the speed to spread out with melee that’s pretty good at picking up a few Purestrains. Never count out Aeldari units – they always come swooping back, and well done Nolan for finding the right time to unleash them.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th – Max Berlove – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Double C’tan, triple Doomstalker, double Wraiths, which apparently still fits into a list, which is instilling unvirtuous thoughts of disloyalty to my Aeldari into my head.
6th – Liam Martin – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Hull Spam Bringers with a Warsuit unit.
7th – Scott Horras “Heresy” – Astra Militarum: Our boy Scott out there on an ultracrunch guard build with triple Dorn and Canis Rex.
8th – David Anderson – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Dreadnought spamming Templars with a suite of Redemptors, Ballistus and Brutalis.
9th – Pierre Daze – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): three big melee bricks (Astorath DC, Dante Sanguinary Guard, Bladeguard) and various small supporting threats.

40K Peninsula Feast of Blades ’24

38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bremerton, WA, United States on November 09 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Burden of Trust – Hidden Supplies – Hammer and Anvil

Adrian James – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance)
Army List - Click to Expand

Canis Rex (450pts)
Cerastus Knight Atrapos (425pts): Atrapos lascutter, Graviton singularity cannon
Cerastus Knight Atrapos (425pts): Atrapos lascutter, Graviton singularity cannon

Armiger Helverin (140pts): 2x Armiger autocannon, Armoured feet, Questoris heavy stubber
Armiger Warglaive (150pts): Reaper chain-cleaver, Thermal spear, Meltagun
Armiger Warglaive (150pts): Reaper chain-cleaver, Thermal spear, Meltagun
Armiger Warglaive (150pts): Reaper chain-cleaver, Thermal spear, Meltagun

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

vs.

Paul Winters – Slaanesh (Unknown Detachment)
Army List - Click to Expand

I call my homies condoms because they protect me when things get hard (1985 points)

Chaos Daemons
Strike Force (2000 points)
Daemonic Incursion

CHARACTERS

Keeper of Secrets (305 points)
• 1x Phantasmagoria
1x Shining Aegis
1x Snapping claws
1x Witstealer sword
• Enhancement: Soulstealer

Keeper of Secrets (290 points)
• 1x Phantasmagoria
1x Shining Aegis
1x Snapping claws
1x Witstealer sword

Shalaxi Helbane (425 points)
• 1x Lash of Slaanesh
1x Pavane of Slaanesh
1x Snapping claws
1x Soulpiercer

The Masque of Slaanesh (85 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Serrated claws

BATTLELINE

Daemonettes (100 points)
• 1x Alluress
• 1x Slashing claws
• 9x Daemonette
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Slashing claws

OTHER DATASHEETS

Seeker Chariot (65 points)
• 1x Lashes of torment
1x Seeker tongues
1x Slashing claws

Soul Grinder (180 points)
• Daemonic Allegiance: Slaanesh
• 1x Harvester cannon
1x Iron claw
1x Scream of despair
1x Warpsword

Soul Grinder (180 points)
• Daemonic Allegiance: Slaanesh
• 1x Harvester cannon
1x Iron claw
1x Scream of despair
1x Warpclaw

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

Thoughts

They’re calling it the least subtle game of Warhammer in history here. Or possibly the most boring. This mission is an extremely unexciting one for this game, because it heavily incentivises passive play. Whichever side makes a big swing first runs a very high chance of stumbling and getting murdered for their troubles, so why not just sit guarding two mid-field objectives till the fool opponent makes a mistake? There’s honestly not even much separating the armies in terms of Secondary tools, with Daemons sticking to larger bodies rather than packing extra Infantry.

I guess once all that is factored in, this comes down to whether the Slaanesh side’s greater ability to launch a lightning strike or the Knight’s better shot at inflicting ranged chip damage matters more. I’d lean towards the latter, but perhaps the Slaanesh list gets an option on something like Cleanse/Bring It Down Fixed, with a plan to push out turns 3 onwards to rack up score? There’s definitely stuff that could happen here, but I think a lot of it will either be who blinks first or luck of the card draw if both players go Tactical – in the event, Knights took it.

Result

Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) Victory – 71 – 59

Adrian James – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 1st Place

Imperial Knight Atrapos. Credit: Magos Sockbert

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Canis Rex (450pts)
Cerastus Knight Atrapos (425pts): Atrapos lascutter, Graviton singularity cannon
Cerastus Knight Atrapos (425pts): Atrapos lascutter, Graviton singularity cannon

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

Archetype

Monster Hunter Knights

Thoughts

I said up top we’re on a blast from the past, and one Forge World Knight ending up way more all-round efficient than any other choices is a tale as old as time. At least it’s not the Magaera again, and the Atrapos is way cooler. Everyone loves a lascutter. Good job Adrian.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Ken Bush – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Lots of Castigators and Immolators, Warsuits, a few Battle Sister units and some Dominions.
3rd – Matthew Cargille – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Go-wide Hypercrypt with many solo Destroyers and a bunch of Skorpekh to fire through a Monolith portal.
4th – Timothy Grant – Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw): The go-wide mechanised Claw build that was doing well before the update and is, unsurprisingly, still very strong!
5th – Paul Winters – Slaanesh Daemons: See Showdown.
6th – Jonathon Kang – Astra Militarum: Single Bullgryn brick with double Dorn backing.

Hydra Events GT IIII 2024

33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Roskilde, Danmark on November 09 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Peter Herbild – Orks (War Horde) – 1st Place

Ork Beast Snagga Boys. Credit: Magos Sockbert

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Waaagh (2000 Points)

Orks
War Horde
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (80 Points)
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
• 1x Beastchoppa
• 1x Shoota

Big Mek (95 Points)
• 1x Drilla
• 1x Traktor blasta
• Enhancements: Follow Me Ladz

Ghazghkull Thraka (235 Points)
• 1x Ghazghkull Thraka
• Warlord
◦ 1x Gork’s Klaw
◦ 1x Mork’s Roar
• 1x Makari
◦ 1x Makari’s stabba

Warboss (80 Points)
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Twin sluggas
• Enhancements: Kunnin’ but Brutal

Warboss (65 Points)
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Twin sluggas

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 Points)
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Slugga
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
◦ 1x Power snappa
◦ 1x Slugga

Boyz (160 Points)
• 19x Boy
◦ 19x Choppa
◦ 19x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 Points)
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball

OTHER DATASHEETS

Battlewagon (160 Points)
• 4x Big shoota
• 1x Deff rolla
• 1x Grabbin’ klaw
• 1x Lobba
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Kannon
• 1x ‘Ard Case

Battlewagon (160 Points)
• 4x Big shoota
• 1x Deff rolla
• 1x Grabbin’ klaw
• 1x Lobba
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Kanon
• 1x ‘Ard Case

Burna Boyz (60 Points)
• 1x Spanner
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 4x Burna Boy
◦ 4x Burna
◦ 4x Cuttin’ flames

Flash Gitz (160 Points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Snazzgun

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

Meganobz (70 Points)
• 2x Meganob
◦ 2x Twin killsaws

Nobz (105 Points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
◦ 4x Power klaw
◦ 4x Slugga

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

Archetype

Mechanised Horde

Thoughts

Another timeless classic here – you can’t really go wrong with hurling a tide of angry green bodies at your foe. in this case they’re purveyed in a mixture of Battlewagons and Trukks, but who cares about the detail, get stuck in! OK one detail – note the presence of a big Mek in one of the large Boyz units, which is vital for bunnyhopping past trapping screens from Cult or Guard. Also here to think the complicated thoughts on behalf of the rest of the army. Well done to Peter for getting stuck in.

The Best of the Rest

There was 1 more players on a 4-1 records. Draws galore below that. They were:

2nd – Hjalte Nexmann Nielsen – Death Guard (Plague Company): All-rounder Death Guard with Mortarion, a Deathshroud unit and some Plague Marines as close-engagement threats, Destructors and a Brigand for dakka, and cheap Bloat-Drones to take up space.

Wrap Up

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[40K] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Most Wanted pt.3

The California Cup ’24

Alex Spathopoulos – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jake Jesionowski – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Anthony Vanella – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Logan Heath – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

4th Annual Flames of Autumn GT

Sean Olson – Ultramarines (Ironstorm Spearhead) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Derek Apsche – Chaos Space Marines (Chaos Cult) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Tyler Brennan – Adeptus Mechanicus (Rad-Zone Corps) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Nolan Haley – Drukhari (Realspace Raiders) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

40K Peninsula Feast of Blades ’24

The Showdown

Burden of Trust – Hidden Supplies – Hammer and Anvil

Thoughts

Result

Adrian James – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Hydra Events GT IIII 2024

Peter Herbild – Orks (War Horde) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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