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.
With laudable agility we do actually have our first few post-Dataslate events in the tank – three tournaments at the weekend adopted all the new changes, and we’ve also got nine further tournaments to cover as we close out the previous metagame. As always, tournaments featuring the latest metagame are front and centre in each part, so that you can get a taste for what the future holds. Knights, Ynnari, Orks and Daemons, thus far, but the metagame is young.
Let’s dig in, starting today with:
- Grand Onslaught 9 (new rules)
- Scheunenkloppen Open – War Zone Erkelenz 3: GT 2025
- March for Macragge GT 2025
- Iron Cage: Bedford Beatdown
- Palladium Games Presents “the dumpster fire gt” Spring Edition
- Skövde Battleforge III
On Friday Lowest of Men will cover part 2, conveniently including the event he ran over the weekend. That will cover:
- That 6++ Grand Tournament 2025 (new rules)
- GRIMDARK 24: March Madness (new rules)
- Battlefield Birmingham 24
- Talvisota – Winter Assault 2025
- Free State GT 2025
- Kingdom of Ashes: Thronebreaker – KW 40k GT event series
Our patrons have voted on Showdowns as always, and we’ll be covering:
- Votann vs. Windrider Host at the Scheunenkloppen Open
- The debug of More Dakka up against Champions of Russ at the 6++ Grand Tournament
Grand Onslaught 9
69-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Hudson, FL, United States on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Dustin Hammond – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Imperial Knights CHARACTERS Canis Rex (450 points) BATTLELINE Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Warglaive (140 points) Armiger Warglaive (140 points) Armiger Warglaive (140 points) Armiger Warglaive (140 points) Armiger Warglaive (140 points) Armiger Warglaive (140 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 points) Culexus Assassin (85 points) Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579
Where did the dogs go (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Noble Lance
• Warlord
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
1x Freedom’s Hand
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
• 1x Animus speculum
1x Life-draining touch
Archetype
Canis and Squires
Thoughts
Imperial Knights charge into the new Metagame looking absolutely red hot, soaring above all the other factions win-rate wise due to the extreme efficiency of Armigers. They even get access to a cheaper second Assassin in the Dataslate, helping squeeze even more value in. Obviously the question for the meta is going to be whether More Dakka blanks this once it hits its stride and people have stuff painted, but the amount of redundancy you get is high enough that Knights should remain viable even then. Congratulations to Dustin on the win.
John Lennon – Ultramarines (Stormlance Task Force) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) Marneus Calgar (210 Points) Roboute Guilliman (345 Points) BATTLELINE Intercessor Squad (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Centurion Assault Squad (150 Points) Company Heroes (105 Points) Incursor Squad (80 Points) Outrider Squad (80 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 Points) Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 Points) Stormraven Gunship (280 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (2), Data Version: v579
Games Workshop can pry Ultramarine Centurions out of my cold, dead hands (2000 Points)
Ultramarines
Stormlance Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Marneus Calgar
◦ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard
◦ 2x Victrix power sword
• Warlord
• 1x Emperor’s Sword
• 1x Hand of Dominion
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Bolt rifle
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Bolt rifle
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Ballistus lascannon
• 1x Ballistus missile launcher
• 1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Ballistus lascannon
• 1x Ballistus missile launcher
• 1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Assault Centurion Sergeant
◦ 1x Centurion bolters
◦ 1x Siege drills
◦ 1x Twin meltagun
• 2x Assault Centurion
◦ 2x Centurion bolters
◦ 2x Siege drills
◦ 2x Twin meltagun
• 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
• 1x Incursor Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine
◦ 1x Paired combat blades
• 4x Incursor
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Haywire Mine
◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine
◦ 4x Paired combat blades
• 1x Outrider Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
◦ 2x Astartes chainsword
◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 2x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
◦ 2x Astartes shotgun
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Heavy bolter
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher
• 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Melta destroyer
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher
• 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Melta destroyer
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Hurricane bolter
• 2x Stormstrike missile launcher
• 1x Twin heavy plasma cannon
• 1x Twin multi-melta
Archetype
Super Stormraven
Thoughts
John’s turbo Stormraven shenanigans continue apace, despite it taking the knock of no longer being able to reactive move. To ensure he can still make foes curse the name of Wind Swift Evasion, John has added some Assault Centurions to hurl out the side of the plane then bounce back in after punching something to death, which is neat, and I laud his commitment to getting straight onto another campaign to get a unit nerfed. I made it 2-1 to him vs. Innes in Dataslate changes that were Specifically His Fault, and that’s a record that needs to be upheld. Congratulations to John on the undefeated finish!
David Ozawa – Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Grey Knights CHARACTERS Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 points) BATTLELINE Strike Squad (120 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Grey Knights Razorback (85 points) Grey Knights Razorback (85 points) Grey Knights Razorback (85 points) Grey Knights Razorback (85 points) Grey Knights Rhino (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Interceptor Squad (125 points) Interceptor Squad (125 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (210 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (210 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (210 points) Purifier Squad (250 points) Purifier Squad (125 points) Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579
Warpbane (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Warpbane Task Force
• Warlord
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
4x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin lascannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin lascannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin lascannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin lascannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Interceptor Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Interceptor
• 1x Close combat weapon
3x Nemesis force weapon
1x Psycannon
3x Storm bolter
• 1x Interceptor Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Interceptor
• 1x Close combat weapon
3x Nemesis force weapon
1x Psycannon
3x Storm bolter
• 1x Gatling psilencer
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Knight of the Flame
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 9x Purifier
• 9x Nemesis force weapon
9x Purifying Flame
9x Storm bolter
• 1x Knight of the Flame
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Purifier
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
4x Purifying Flame
4x Storm bolter
Archetype
Hull-heavy Grey Knights
Thoughts
Grey Knights leap to the fore of the 4-1 finishes here, with David deploying an unusual Razorback-heavy build, filling them with a mix of Purifiers, Strikes and Interceptors, and adding one full Purifier murder bus on top of it. That creates a very uniform target profile that has the potential to overwhelm the anti-tank of some builds, and the Interceptors in particular feel really good into a number of top metagame threats, allowing you to pick off Ynnari units or strike back at Orks without having to expose another unit to be their next victim. I also think Purifiers in Rhinos have been underutilised in Warpbane in general, as launching Wound re-rolling melee from a Transport is a tried and true 10th Edition strategy, so it’s good to finally see that get recognition. Grey Knights suddenly feel like they’ve got a lot more room to flourish than in the previous metagame, and David has done a great job leading the charge here.
Kody Drake – Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Daemons CHARACTERS Be’lakor (375 Points) Bloodthirster (320 Points) Great Unclean One (250 Points) Great Unclean One (265 Points) Great Unclean One (250 Points) BATTLELINE Nurglings (60 Points) ALLIED UNITS Knight Despoiler (400 Points) Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (80 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (2), Data Version: v579
Belakor (2000 Points)
Shadow Legion
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Betraying Shades
• 1x The Blade of Shadows
• 1x Great axe of Khorne
• 1x Hellfire breath
• Enhancements: Fade to Darkness
• 1x Bileblade
• 1x Bilesword
• 1x Putrid vomit
• 1x Bileblade
• 1x Bilesword
• 1x Putrid vomit
• Enhancements: Leaping Shadows
• 1x Bileblade
• 1x Bilesword
• 1x Putrid vomit
• 6x Nurgling Swarm
◦ 6x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
• 1x Despoiler battle cannon
• 1x Despoiler battle cannon
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
• 1x Ruinspear rocket pod
• 1x Titanic feet
• 1x Chaos Familiar
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Infernal Gaze
Archetype
Shadow Legion Monster Mash
Thoughts
Rounding out our first top four we have a chaotic concoction that shows off both the significant improvements to various datasheets and the power of Shadow Legion, especially the Enhancements. I will confess to not being fully sure whether “what if we did Overrun Flyrants again but it was a Bloodthirster this time?” was a good question to be asking, but asked it was and the answer is that it’s really, really good. Also the Bloodthirster Advances and Charges. Obviously.
Elsewhere, three turbo-charged Great Unclean Ones gum up the board spectacularly well, especially when charging them risks fumbling objective play via Shade Path, and having Scouts 9″ on one of them is great for early game preparation. Be’lakor adds protection and melee threat, and for long-ranged shooting you’ve got a Despoiler, who is now super aggressively priced in Chaos, and presumably here is intended to blow up a squad of Tankbustas with each arm when the situation calls for it. Last up, a lone Chaos Sorceror goes a long way objective-wise, as he lets you double dip when using Binding Shadow. People seem to be super hyped for Shadow Legion, and the detachment is so deep that there’s lots of ways you can take it, and it’s cool to see this one straight out of the gates – well done to Kody.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Steve Trimble – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Transport and Aspect-heavy Ynnari with a Yvraine brick.
- 6th – Kienan Hicks – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Aspects backed up by Windriders and a Wraithlord, plus the Yvraine brick.
- 7th – Z Martin – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Wraith-tastic Ynnari with triple Wraithlord and some d-scythe Wraithguard.
- 8th – Adam Major – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): A more Drukhari-leaning Ynnari build, with some big Reaver units as well as some of the standard stuff like Wraithlords.
- 9th – Alec Huffman – Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): Be’lakor, a Great Unclean one and 2×2 Beasts of Nurgle as a core, lots of speedy scoring pieces and Legionary MSUs with Lords as backup.
- 10th – Mike Schunke – Ultramarines (Stormlance Task Force): Shooty Marine hulls with two potent melee blobs in Calgar and Sicarius with Bladeguard or Company Heroes each.
- 11th – Dan Monsalve – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): War Dogs and a few Nurglings.
- 12th – Garrett Wilhelm – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Yet another slightly different spin on Ynnari, this one packing two Storm Guardian units and a big Dire Avenger squad in a Serpent.
Scheunenkloppen Open – War Zone Erkelenz 3: GT 2025
142-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Erkelenz, Nordrhein-Westfalen, DE on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Linchpin – Raise Banners – Search and Destroy
Tim Schneider – Leagues of Votann (Oathband) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Char1: 5x Brôkhyr Iron-master (85 pts): Warlord 10x Hearthkyn Warriors (100 pts) 10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts)
Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Leagues of Votann
+ DETACHMENT: Oathband
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Brôkhyr Iron-master
+ ENHANCEMENT: Appraising Glare (on Char1: Brôkhyr Iron-master)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 14
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (3×2) + (2×4) – Assassination: 2 Characters
• 3x E-COG
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon
1 with Plasma torch
1 with Manipulator arms
Enhancement: Appraising Glare (+20 pts)
• 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master: Graviton hammer, Graviton rifle
• 1x Ironkyn Assistant: Close combat weapon, Las-beam cutter
Char2: 1x Einhyr Champion (60 pts): Weavefield crest, Autoch-pattern combi-bolter, Darkstar axe
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
4 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Pan spectral scanner, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Medipack, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Comms array, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas auto rifle*
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas rotary cannon*
• 1x Theyn: Weavefield crest, Close combat weapon, Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon
10x Hearthkyn Warriors (100 pts)
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
4 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Pan spectral scanner, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Medipack, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Comms array, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas auto rifle*
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas rotary cannon*
• 1x Theyn: Weavefield crest, Close combat weapon, Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon
8 with Concussion maul
2 with Mole grenade launcher, Concussion maul
10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts)
8 with Concussion maul
2 with Mole grenade launcher, Concussion maul
10x Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 pts)
8 with Close combat weapon, Bolt revolver and plasma knife
1 with APM launcher, Close combat weapon
1 with Close combat weapon, Magna-coil rifle
6x Hernkyn Pioneers (180 pts)
1 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Comms array, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
2 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Pan-spectral scanner, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Rollbar searchlight, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
6x Hernkyn Pioneers (180 pts)
1 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Comms array, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
2 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Pan-spectral scanner, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Rollbar searchlight, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1x Hekaton Land Fortress (225 pts): Pan spectral scanner, Armoured wheels, MATR autocannon, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon
1x Hekaton Land Fortress (225 pts): Pan spectral scanner, Armoured wheels, MATR autocannon, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon
1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon
1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon
1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon
vs.
Matthias Bellmann – Aeldari (Windrider Host) CHARACTERS Asurmen (135 points) Eldrad Ulthran (110 points) BATTLELINE Windriders (160 points) Windriders (160 points) Windriders (160 points) Windriders (160 points) Windriders (80 points) Windriders (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Dark Reapers (90 points) Dire Avengers (75 points) Fire Dragons (100 points) Fire Dragons (100 points) Howling Banshees (90 points) Striking Scorpions (75 points) Warlock Skyrunners (45 points) Warlock Skyrunners (45 points) Warlock Skyrunners (45 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points)
Army List - Click to Expand
Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Windrider Host
• 1x Bloody Twins
1x Sword of Asur
• Warlord
• 1x Mind War
1x Shuriken pistol
1x The Staff of Ulthamar and witchblade
• 6x Windrider
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Shuriken cannon
• 6x Windrider
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Shuriken cannon
• 6x Windrider
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Shuriken cannon
• 6x Windrider
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Shuriken cannon
• 3x Windrider
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Scatter laser
• 3x Windrider
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Scatter laser
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Tempest launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Reaper launcher
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dire Avenger Exarch
• 2x Avenger shuriken catapult
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Dire Avenger
• 4x Avenger shuriken catapult
4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
• 4x Fire Dragon
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
• 4x Fire Dragon
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
• 1x Scorpion chainsword
1x Scorpion’s claw
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Striking Scorpion
• 4x Scorpion chainsword
4x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Destructor
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing Spear
1x Twin shuriken catapult
• 1x Destructor
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing Spear
1x Twin shuriken catapult
• 1x Destructor
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing Spear
1x Twin shuriken catapult
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
Thoughts
A fascinating game of jetbike chicken beckons here, with both sides packing Mounted contingents that will turn their counterparts into a fine mist given the slightest opportunity. Both have tools to create those opportunities as well, with the Votann able to Scout to set up angles, the Windriders able to come in from Reserves turn one, and both sides able to jump back into Strategic Reserves if a hole opens up in the enemy screen. On this front the Aeldari benefit from having more bikes and them being much faster and easier to position, which can make hiding from them a challenge.
The rest of the army loadouts distinctly favour the Votann, however – the Land Fortresses are a fairly huge pain for the Aeldari to crack thanks to them having access to Void Armour, and combining that with lots of cheap, hideable transports (and fairly expendable contents) substantially increases the Votann’s ability to play a grindy game. The Aeldari need to create some opportunities for big swings, and I think on that basis they’re really hoping they get first Infiltrate drop. The Votann do have a unit of Yaegirs, and the footprint on them is big enough that they should be able to largely negate the threat of turn 1 Reserves from the top of the board, but obviously not if some Scorpions plop down there first. If that happens, the Aeldari menace might be able to force enough early damage to offset the durability advantage of the Votann, and from the elf side I think the key thing here is to pick achievable targets each turn and just mercilessly ratchet down the number of drops on the Votann side to hamper their Secondary game.
That’s particularly important because the Votann have a distinct Primary advantage here, and on Linchpin that can be a big problem. If you’re the Votann, I think you want to be using those Land Fortresses full of melee stuff to relentlessly project threat into mid-board scoring positions, as if you can keep the Aeldari Primary to three a turn, it’ll be hard for them to overtake you via Secondaries. The question then becomes how well you can prevent a Secret Mission from the Aeldari, as Windrider are exceedingly good at this via uppy-downy bikes that can 6″ drop. If I’m the Votann and go first, I think I’m seriously considering holding a Sagitaur with Hearthkyn in back until turn 5, then driving and chucking them out into the safest and most screenable place on the battlefield that’s not in my deployment zone and crossing my fingers.
Interesting stuff overall, and clearly very closely fought, but in the end the sturdiness of the Votann proved enough to overcome elf trickery.
Result
Leagues of Votann (Oathband) Victory – 12 – 8
Tim Schneider – Leagues of Votann (Oathband) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Char1: 5x Brôkhyr Iron-master (85 pts): Warlord 10x Hearthkyn Warriors (100 pts) 10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Leagues of Votann
+ DETACHMENT: Oathband
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Brôkhyr Iron-master
+ ENHANCEMENT: Appraising Glare (on Char1: Brôkhyr Iron-master)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 14
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (3×2) + (2×4) – Assassination: 2 Characters
• 3x E-COG
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon
1 with Plasma torch
1 with Manipulator arms
Enhancement: Appraising Glare (+20 pts)
• 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master: Graviton hammer, Graviton rifle
• 1x Ironkyn Assistant: Close combat weapon, Las-beam cutter
Char2: 1x Einhyr Champion (60 pts): Weavefield crest, Autoch-pattern combi-bolter, Darkstar axe
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
4 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Pan spectral scanner, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Medipack, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Comms array, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas auto rifle*
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas rotary cannon*
• 1x Theyn: Weavefield crest, Close combat weapon, Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon
10x Hearthkyn Warriors (100 pts)
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
4 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Pan spectral scanner, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Medipack, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Comms array, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas auto rifle*
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas rotary cannon*
• 1x Theyn: Weavefield crest, Close combat weapon, Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon
8 with Concussion maul
2 with Mole grenade launcher, Concussion maul
10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts)
8 with Concussion maul
2 with Mole grenade launcher, Concussion maul
10x Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 pts)
8 with Close combat weapon, Bolt revolver and plasma knife
1 with APM launcher, Close combat weapon
1 with Close combat weapon, Magna-coil rifle
6x Hernkyn Pioneers (180 pts)
1 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Comms array, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
2 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Pan-spectral scanner, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Rollbar searchlight, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
6x Hernkyn Pioneers (180 pts)
1 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Comms array, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
2 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Pan-spectral scanner, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Rollbar searchlight, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1x Hekaton Land Fortress (225 pts): Pan spectral scanner, Armoured wheels, MATR autocannon, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon
1x Hekaton Land Fortress (225 pts): Pan spectral scanner, Armoured wheels, MATR autocannon, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon
1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon
1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon
1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon
Archetype
Two Fortress Votann
Thoughts
An unassuming but clearly potent Votann build takes the trophy at the week’s biggest event, which suggests they have a fairly bright future in the new metagame, especially as Land Fortresses with Void Armour can actually somewhat tank an Ork volley, though I’d likely be looking to downsize to one fort and add a unit of Hearthguard to counterpunch out of reserves. Outside that, you definitely need at least one squad of Yaegirs right now, as this build rightly incorporates, as having something to interact with pre-game deployments is critical. Well done to Tim on the trophy.
Grischa Gerwert – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 3x Marneus Calgar (200 pts) 5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Ultramarines
+ DETACHMENT: Vanguard Spearhead
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Roboute Guilliman
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 14
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (1×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Marneus Calgar: Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard: 2 with Victrix Power Sword
Char2: 1x Roboute Guilliman (345 pts): Warlord, Hand of Dominion, The Emperor’s Sword
Char3: 1x Uriel Ventris (95 pts): Bolt Pistol, Invictus, Sword of Idaeus
Char4: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades
• 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
6x Centurion Devastator Squad (370 pts)
• 5x Devastator Centurion: 5 with Centurion Fists, Centurion Missile Launcher, Twin Lascannon
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant: Centurion Fists, Centurion Missile Launcher, Twin Lascannon
4x Company Heroes (95 pts)
• 2x Company Veteran
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Heavy Bolter, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Ancient: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Company Champion: Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon
4x Company Heroes (95 pts)
• 2x Company Veteran
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Heavy Bolter, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Ancient: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Company Champion: Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon
5x Desolation Squad (200 pts)
• 4x Desolation Marine: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close Combat Weapon, Superkrak Rocket Launcher
• 1x Desolation Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close Combat Weapon, Vengor Launcher
3x Inceptor Squad (120 pts)
• 2x Inceptor: 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Assault Bolters
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Assault Bolters
5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts)
• 4x Infiltrator
2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
1 with Infiltrator Comms Array, 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
5x Scout Squad (70 pts)
• 2x Scout
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Heavy Bolter
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, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
5x Scout Squad (70 pts)
• 2x Scout
1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Heavy Bolter
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, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
3x Outrider Squad (80 pts)
• 2x Outrider: 2 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Twin Bolt Rifle
• 1x Outrider Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Twin Bolt Rifle
Archetype
Ultravanguard
Thoughts
One last run for the teleporting Vanguard Centurions. From next week, they’ll just have to run really fast around the table on their stubby little legs so they can come in from Strategic Reserves. Other points of interest here are the Desolation Marines (great into Ynnari) and the single Outrider squad, which has been showing up in more and more builds, and feels like it has decent play as a counterpunch piece that’s also cheap enough to just throw away on something when required. Congratulations to Grischa on second.
Artur Güttler – Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force) – 3rd Place (Undefeated)
Credit: Pendulin
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER Char1: 1x Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) Char2: 1x Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) Char3: 1x Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) BATTLELINE 5x Strike Squad (120 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 5x Interceptor Squad (130 pts) 5x Interceptor Squad (130 pts) 5x Purgation Squad (120 pts) 5x Purgation Squad (120 pts) 5x Purgation Squad (120 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Grey Knights
+ DETACHMENT: Warpbane Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 12
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (6×2) – Assassination: 3 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 with Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon
• Warlord
1 with Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon
1 with Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon
• 4x Grey Knight
4 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 4x Interceptor
4 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 4x Interceptor
4 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 4x Purgator
4 with Close combat weapon, Psilencer
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 4x Purgator
4 with Close combat weapon, Psilencer
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 4x Purgator
4 with Close combat weapon, Psilencer
1 with Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon
1 with Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon
1 with Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon
Archetype
Dreadknights and Psilencers
Thoughts
Pour one out for another build that’s being taken from us after this weekend, which I think could be accurately termed the elfkiller 9000. Your hatred for elves had to be really pure to cram psilencers into no-scope Purgation squads instead of psycannons, and while I can’t condone such behaviour, I do respect it. As we saw above, you can get a bit of the same energy going with Interceptors, and a wall of Dreadknights has a better chance than most options of surviving Dakka hell due to having 2+ saves and great damage back the other way, so even with the indirect going away, I think Grey Knights have a pretty rosy future ahead. Hopefully we’ll see Artur back soon enough based on that – good job on third place.
Sebastian Dargel – Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead) – 4th Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x Blade Champion (135 pts): Warlord, Vaultswords 4x Custodian Wardens (200 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Custodes
+ DETACHMENT: Solar Spearhead
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Blade Champion
+ ENHANCEMENT: Adamantine Talisman (on Char1: Blade Champion)
& Augury Uplink (on Vehi4: Telemon Heavy Dreadnought)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 12
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (8×2) – Assassination: 2 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Enhancement: Adamantine Talisman (+25 pts)
Char2: 1x Telemon Heavy Dreadnought (240 pts): Armoured feet, Augury Uplink, Spiculus bolt launcher, Arachnus storm cannon, Telemon Caestus & twin plasma projector
• 3x Custodian Warden (Guardian Spear): 3 with Guardian Spear
• 1x Custodian Warden: Vexilla, Guardian Spear
4x Prosecutors (40 pts)
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior: Boltgun, Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor: 3 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon
4x Prosecutors (40 pts)
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior: Boltgun, Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor: 3 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon
1x Caladius Grav-tank (215 pts): Armoured hull, Twin lastrum bolt cannon, Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon
1x Caladius Grav-tank (215 pts): Armoured hull, Twin lastrum bolt cannon, Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon
1x Telemon Heavy Dreadnought (215 pts): Armoured feet, Spiculus bolt launcher, Arachnus storm cannon, Telemon Caestus & twin plasma projector
1x Telemon Heavy Dreadnought (215 pts): Armoured feet, Spiculus bolt launcher, Arachnus storm cannon, Telemon Caestus & twin plasma projector
1x Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought (160 pts): Combi-bolter, Contemptor combat weapon, Multi-melta
1x Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought (160 pts): Combi-bolter, Contemptor combat weapon, Multi-melta
1x Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought (160 pts): Combi-bolter, Contemptor combat weapon, Multi-melta
Archetype
Full Solar Send
Thoughts
Another build that takes a bit of a bruising in the Dataslate, albeit a more modest and fairly survivable one. Like Grey Knights, the native 2+ saves help a tonne against Orks, and Vendreads getting back up again is especially valuable if you’re up against something that’s overtuned in one phase. Given that the Vendreads seem especially valuable, I’d guess we’ll see a drop down to two Telemons and some flex tools added in with the points left over after accounting for increases, but cheaper bike Captains could also lure some Vertus Praetors in, as they saw some use in early builds and provide a good rapid response capability. Well done to Sebastian on winning glory for terra.
Yann Tran – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) – 5th Place (Undefeated)
The List
With exactly five undefeateds it felt mean to cut this after four. This does not represent a binding promise to do this again in future, I’m just in a nice mood.
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHARACTER Char1: 1x Captain in Gravis Armour (110 pts) Char2: 1x Judiciar (95 pts) Char3: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts) Char4: 1x Watch Master (120 pts) BATTLELINE 10x Deathwatch Veterans (200 pts) 5x Deathwatch Veterans (100 pts) 5x Deathwatch Veterans (100 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 5x Deathwatch Terminator Squad (180 pts) 5x Deathwatch Terminator Squad (180 pts) 10x Indomitor Kill Team (270 pts) 10x Indomitor Kill Team (270 pts) 1x Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (150 pts) 1x Rhino (75 pts) 1x Rhino (75 pts)
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Deathwatch
+ DETACHMENT: Black Spear Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Captain in Gravis Armour
+ ENHANCEMENT: The Tome of Ectoclades (on Char1: Captain in Gravis Armour)
& Thief of Secrets (on Char2: Judiciar)
& Osseus Key (on Char4: Watch Master)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 14
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (3×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters – Cull The Horde: 2×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 with Boltstorm Gauntlet, Power Fist, Relic Blade
• Warlord
Enhancement: The Tome of Ectoclades (+30 pts)
1 with Absolver Bolt Pistol, Executioner Relic Blade
Enhancement: Thief of Secrets (+25 pts)
1 with Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades
1 with Vigil spear
Enhancement: Osseus Key (+15 pts)
• 9x Model
1 with Power weapon
• Astartes shield
4 with Deathwatch thunder hammer
2 with Close combat weapon, Frag cannon
2 with Close combat weapon, Infernus heavy bolter
• 1x Sgt
1 with Xenophase blade
• Astartes shield
• 4x Model
1 with Power weapon
• Astartes shield
2 with Deathwatch thunder hammer
1 with Close combat weapon, Frag cannon
• 1x Sgt
1 with Xenophase blade
• Astartes shield
• 4x Model
1 with Black Shield blades
2 with Deathwatch thunder hammer
1 with Close combat weapon, Frag cannon
• 1x Sgt
1 with Xenophase blade
• Astartes shield
• 4x Deathwatch Terminator
1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
3 with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter & Power Fist, Cyclone Missile Launcher
• 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant
1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
• 4x Deathwatch Terminator
1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
3 with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter & Power Fist, Cyclone Missile Launcher
• 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant
1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
• 10x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolter
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Melta rifle
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta
3 with Flamestorm gauntlets, Twin power fists
• 10x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolter
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Melta rifle
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta
3 with Flamestorm gauntlets, Twin power fists
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Stormfury Missiles, Thunderstrike Las-talon, Twin Icarus Rocket Pod
1 with Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter
1 with Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter
Archetype
Heavy Infantry Deathwatch
Thoughts
Last up for the biggest event of the week we have the powerhouse heavy Infantry Deathwatch build, ready to bounce around the board grinding foes into nothingness. While it does take a wafer thin points hit, this build should still be ready to rock and roll in the new metagame, as long as it can survive the potential prevalence of D3 shooting that Orks promise. A mixture of Stratagem-based mobility and vicious overwatch options should give them at least a fighting chance, and pivoting to using more Talonstrikes is also an option. Well done to Yann on taking the final undefeated slot, and I’m looking forward to seeing future concoctions.
The Best of the Rest
There were (sigh) 20 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 6th – Norman Werner – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Flamer Rubricae and Infernal Master-heavy Tsons.
- 7th – Sascha Wagner – Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): Full triple Telemon triple Vendread nastiness.
- 8th – Marc Wörz – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Herohammer-heavy Awakened with some backup Doomsdays.
- 9th – Ben Hackländer – Death Guard (Plague Company): Mortarion and cheap hulls galore.
- 10th – Felix Moschkau – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Triple Doomsday but no Silent King, going a bit wider with Lokhusts, Lychguard and double Catacomb Barge instead.
- 11th – Pierre Debey – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): Many dogs and a few Nurgle Daemons.
- 12th – Jan Reisenauer – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Genuine Blood Angels with cheap jump MSUs and Predators, lead by Dante and Mephiston.
- 13th – Pascal Woweries – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Go-wide Legion of Excess with lots of cheap chariots and Screamers alongside Be’lakor and Shalaxi as a core.
- 14th – Matthias Bellmann – Aeldari (Windrider Host): 24 shuriken cannon Windriders with some Aspect backup.
- 15th – Niklas Frerichs – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Ballistus Bloodless Angels.
- 16th – Bastian Kry – Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike): Infantry-heavy Bridgehead Strike with a Dorn Commander and Russes.
- 17th – Christian Schachmann – T’au Empire (Mont’ka): Extreme hull go-wide with max Hammerheads, Sky Rays and Riptides.
- 18th – Markus Groob – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Lots of Characters and some crunch from a Paragon squad and a Sacresant brick.
- 19th – Rob “RaZZputin” Fritz – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): All dogs.
- 20th – Nils Gottschalk – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): No-Hearthguard Votann, going for two big units of Beserks in Forts instead.
- 21st – Jari Knudsen – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Keeper spam Legion.
- 22nd – Alessandro Liessem – Aeldari (Warhost): Dark Reaper spam backed up by some Phoenix Lords and a Solitaire.
- 23rd – Constantin Schmucker – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Cheap Aspect and Reaver MSUs, one big Incubi block, and some Windriders.
- 24th – Pascal Haberstroh – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Go-wide Hunter Cohort with one big squad of each kind of Pteraxii.
- 25th – Lucia Linke – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Hull-heavy Bringers with backup Helverins.
Iron Cage: Bedford Beatdown
50-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bedford, TX, US on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Justin Moore – Orks (Taktikal Brigade) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Orks CHARACTERS Big Mek in Mega Armour (125 points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (80 points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (65 points) Warboss (75 points) Warboss (75 points) Warboss (75 points) BATTLELINE Boyz (80 points) Boyz (80 points) Stormboyz (65 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (65 points) Trukk (65 points) Trukk (65 points) Trukk (65 points) Trukk (65 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Breaka Boyz (140 points) Breaka Boyz (140 points) Flash Gitz (160 points) Gretchin (40 points) Gretchin (40 points) Tankbustas (120 points) Tankbustas (120 points) Tankbustas (120 points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574
orks (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Taktikal Brigade
• Warlord
• 1x Grot Oiler
1x Kustom Force Field
1x Kustom mega-blasta
1x Power klaw
• Enhancement: Mek Kaptin
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancement: Mork’s Kunnin’
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancement: Gob Boomer
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• 9x Boy
• 9x Choppa
9x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 9x Boy
• 9x Choppa
9x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
1x Rokkit pistol
1x Smash hammer
• 5x Breaka Boy
• 4x Smash hammer
1x Tankhammer
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
1x Rokkit pistol
1x Smash hammer
• 5x Breaka Boy
• 4x Smash hammer
1x Tankhammer
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
• 9x Choppa
9x Snazzgun
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
1x Pulsa Rokkit
5x Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
1x Pulsa Rokkit
5x Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
1x Pulsa Rokkit
5x Rokkit launcha
Archetype
Mechanised Taktikal Brigade
Thoughts
A win for Taktikal Brigade here just before it catches the double whammy of the nerf bat and a new, hungrier young detachment in the form of More Dakka! For what it’s worth, I really like this balance of melee and shooting, and have always been faintly surprised not to see more Taktikal lists with this Breaka/Tankbusta split. Now we wait to see if it survives in any form, or if it’s all Dakka all the time from here on out. Congratulations to Justin on giving it a final outing, if that’s what it proves to be.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
- 2nd – Dominic Gierber – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): The rapidly emerging “standard” Ynnari setup of Aspect MSUs, a couple of Wraithlords, Yvraine/Incubi and a Windrider unit. Reavers add even more fast sacrificial units, and the Yncarne is here to exploit this.
- 3rd – Kit Smith – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): No-Hearthguard Votann with double Beserks in Land Forts.
- 4th – NATHANIEL BJORGE – Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Full send Genestealers, Lictors and Von Ryans.
- 5th – Andrew Champion – World Eaters (Vessels of Wrath): Angron-less World Eaters with a powerhouse Daemon Prince and nasty Juggerlord, two full Exalted Eightbound squads as murder hammers, and a couple of Brigands in support. Similar to how Cult Ambush works in Final Day, the way the Vessels Detachment rule works makes allies like the Brigands extra appealing, as it reduces competition for the buff slots.
- 6th – Brent Simon – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Fiend-spam Legion with Be’lakor.
- 7th – Greg Harris – Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): Eight Dreads, two Caladius and a scattering of Sisters.
- 8th – Hunter Boyd – Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Shooty monster mash with added Old One Eye.
- 9th – Raul Valencia – Dark Angels (Unforgiven Task Force): All-rounder classic Dark Angels with the Lion, shooty backing from Vindicators, and some nasty Dark Angel-themed infantry in Hellblasters and ICCs.
March for Macragge GT 2025
51-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Singapore, Singapore on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Yong Qiang Ong – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER 1x Captain Sicarius (85 pts) 1x Roboute Guilliman (345 pts) 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (80 pts) BATTLELINE 5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 4x Company Heroes (95 pts) 3x Outrider Squad (80 pts) 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (130 pts) 1x Land Raider Redeemer (285 pts) 1x Predator Annihilator (130 pts) 1x Predator Destructor (130 pts) 1x Predator Destructor (130 pts) 1x Vindicator (175 pts) 1x Vindicator (175 pts) 1x Impulsor (80 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Ultramarines
+ DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Roboute Guilliman
+ ENHANCEMENT: Artificer Armour (on Char1: Lieutenant with Combi-weapon)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 14
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (8×2) + (1×4) – Assassination: 3 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Artisan Plasma Pistol
• 1x Talassarian Tempest Blade
• 1x Hand of Dominion
• 1x The Emperor’s Sword
• Warlord
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired Combat Blades
• Artificer Armour (+10 pts)
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Bolt Rifle
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 4x Intercessor
• 4x Bolt Pistol
• 4x Bolt Rifle
• 4x Close Combat Weapon
• 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
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 2x Outrider
• 2x Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol
• 2x Twin Bolt Rifle
• 1x Outrider Sergeant
• 1x Astartes Chainsword
• 1x Heavy Bolt Pistol
• 1x Twin Bolt Rifle
• 1x Armoured Feet
• 1x Ballistus Lascannon
• 1x Ballistus Missile Launcher
• 1x Twin Storm Bolter
• 1x Armoured Tracks
• 2x Flamestorm Cannon
• 1x Hunter Killer Missile
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Storm Bolter
• 1x Twin Assault Cannon
• 1x Armoured Tracks
• 1x Hunter Killer Missile
• 1x Predator Twin Lascannon
• 1x Storm Bolter
• 2x Lascannon
• 1x Armoured Tracks
• 1x Hunter Killer Missile
• 1x Predator Autocannon
• 1x Storm Bolter
• 2x Lascannon
• 1x Armoured Tracks
• 1x Hunter Killer Missile
• 1x Predator Autocannon
• 1x Storm Bolter
• 2x Lascannon
• 1x Armoured Tracks
• 1x Demolisher Cannon
• 1x Hunter Killer Missile
• 1x Storm Bolter
• 1x Armoured Tracks
• 1x Demolisher Cannon
• 1x Hunter Killer Missile
• 1x Storm Bolter
• 1x Armoured Hull
• 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber
• 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launcher
• Shield Dome
Archetype
Bobby G Gun Club
Thoughts
Bobby G and tanks, two great tastes that taste great together. Also in that category are Sicarius, a squad of Company Heroes and an Impulsor, a package that’s intensely annoying to try and deal with, and something that more Ultramarine players should probably be trying. Perhaps with tanks getting slightly more expensive, that package will look more attractive in comparison, and we’ll see if Yong turns out to be a trendsetter in that regard. I also don’t expect to see Bobby G shooty builds go anywhere, especially ones that are heavy on 2+ save platforms.
Jensen Goh – Orks (Taktikal Brigade) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Orks CHARACTERS Beastboss (80 points) Big Mek in Mega Armour (125 points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (65 points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (65 points) Mek (55 points) Warboss (75 points) Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 points) BATTLELINE Beast Snagga Boyz (190 points) Boyz (80 points) Stormboyz (65 points) Stormboyz (65 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (65 points) Trukk (65 points) Trukk (65 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Battlewagon (160 points) Breaka Boyz (140 points) Flash Gitz (160 points) Gretchin (40 points) Gretchin (80 points) Gretchin (40 points) Tankbustas (120 points) Tankbustas (120 points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574
好好听我说 (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Taktikal Brigade
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
1x Beastchoppa
1x Shoota
• Warlord
• 1x Kustom mega-blasta
1x Power klaw
• Enhancement: Mek Kaptin
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun
• 1x Killsaw
1x Kustom mega-slugga
• Enhancement: Gob Boomer
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Da Grabzappa
1x Squigstoppa
• 19x Beast Snagga Boy
• 19x Choppa
19x Slugga
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
• 1x Power snappa
1x Slugga
• 9x Boy
• 9x Choppa
9x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 4x Big shoota
1x Deff rolla
1x Lobba
1x Zzap gun
1x ‘Ard Case
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
1x Rokkit pistol
1x Smash hammer
• 5x Breaka Boy
• 4x Smash hammer
1x Tankhammer
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
• 9x Choppa
9x Snazzgun
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga
• 20x Gretchin
• 20x Close combat weapon
20x Grot blasta
• 2x Runtherd
• 2x Runtherd tools
2x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
1x Pulsa Rokkit
5x Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
1x Pulsa Rokkit
5x Rokkit launcha
Archetype
Balanced Taktikal Brigade
Thoughts
Another all-rounder Taktikal Brigade build here, plus another package you’re going to be seeing a lot more of in the form of Zodgrod plus 20 Grots. More than almost any other unit in the Codex, access to Waaagh on demand from More Dakka utterly turbo-charges these, and they were already pretty strong as Jensen’s success here shows!
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Alan Ching – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Bobby G hull spam gun club.
- 4th – Timothy Aw – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Ultra-melee Broodsurge with lots of Genestealers, Aberrants and a full Purestrain unit.
- 5th – Andrew Domitius Aurelianus – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Go-wide Ynnari with a few larger bricks like Dire Avengers with an Autarch. No Yvraine, interestingly.
- 6th – Chin Yi Zhe – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis Rex, Armigers and cheap Agent Characters.
- 7th – Wesley Chan – Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): Mostly the standard Solar Spearhead build, but with a second Warden/Blade Champion unit instead of additional Telemons.
- 8th – Joachim Wong – Necrons: Doom Scythes and Doomsdays with the Silent King.
Palladium Games Presents “the dumpster fire gt” Spring Edition
40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Phoenixville, PA, US on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
David Anderson – Space Marines (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Captain (95 points) Captain with Jump Pack (95 points) Judiciar (70 points) Lieutenant (105 points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) Intercessor Squad (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points) Eradicator Squad (100 points) Inceptor Squad (120 points) Outrider Squad (80 points) Reiver Squad (80 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points) Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points) ALLIED UNITS Eversor Assassin (120 points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574
Templar MSU (2000 points)
Black Templars
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Master-crafted bolter
• Enhancement: The Honour Vehement
• Warlord
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Artificer Armour
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Executioner relic blade
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Master-crafted bolter
• Enhancement: Fire Discipline
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Astartes grenade launcher
1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
3x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
3x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Inceptor
• 2x Assault bolters
2x Close combat weapon
• 1x Outrider Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Reiver Sergeant
• 1x Combat knife
1x Grapnel Launcher
1x Reiver Grav-chute
1x Special issue bolt pistol
• 4x Reiver
• 4x Combat knife
4x Grapnel Launcher
4x Reiver Grav-chute
4x Special issue bolt pistol
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Power weapon
1x Sternguard bolt pistol
1x Sternguard bolt rifle
• 4x Sternguard Veteran
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Sternguard bolt pistol
3x Sternguard bolt rifle
1x Sternguard heavy bolter
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Power weapon
1x Sternguard bolt pistol
1x Sternguard bolt rifle
• 4x Sternguard Veteran
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Sternguard bolt pistol
3x Sternguard bolt rifle
1x Sternguard heavy bolter
• 1x Executioner pistol
1x Power sword and neuro gauntlet
Archetype
Gladius MSU
Thoughts
An interesting build up next, which basically takes the principles behind the Liberator MSU build and runs them as Gladius instead, adding a few more Characters to up the heft of some pieces in the absence of the Liberator buff, and swapping others out for small Sternguard squads. Subbing Sternguard for MSU melee threats is an interesting piece of lateral thinking, because the point of Liberator builds was that boosted Oaths could turn anything in the list into a credible threat, and Sternguard still definitely have that energy with the re-rolls it gives them. A really clever twist, and potentially a very relevant one since this list barely gets touched once you account for the drop in price on Fire Discipline. Good work from David.
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
- 2nd (4.5-0.5) – Cory White – Death Guard (Plague Company): Mortarion, tonnes of cheap hulls, and some Plague Marines in Rhinos.
- 3rd (4.5-0.5) – Justin Adams – Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): A very all-rounder Pactbound list with Abaddon and some Chosen at the core and lots of different shooty and melee threats around them.
- 4th – Charles Burgard – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): The current Herohammer plus one big Warrior block hotness.
- 5th – Justin Serrano – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): A heavy-duty Legion list with Shalaxi, a Keeper and lots of Fiends.
- 6th – Dan Meloro – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Double Mutalith Tsons.
- 7th – Alex Miller – Death Guard (Plague Company): Squishy horde Death Guard with bazillions of Poxwalkers and Nurglings.
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32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Västra Götalands län, Sweden on March 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Johannes Einemo – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Imperial Knights CHARACTERS Canis Rex (450 Points) Knight Castellan (510 Points) BATTLELINE Armiger Helverin (130 Points) Armiger Helverin (130 Points) Armiger Helverin (130 Points) Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 Points) Eversor Assassin (120 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574
Tävlingslista (1990 Points)
Noble Lance
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
• 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
• 1x Freedom’s Hand
• Warlord
• 1x Plasma decimator
• 1x Shieldbreaker missile launcher
• 1x Titanic feet
• 2x Twin meltagun
• 2x Twin siegebreaker cannon
• 1x Volcano lance
• 2x Armiger autocannon
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Reaper chain-cleaver
• 1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Reaper chain-cleaver
• 1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Reaper chain-cleaver
• 1x Thermal spear
• 1x Neural shredder
• 1x Phase sword and poison blades
• 1x Executioner pistol
• 1x Power sword and neuro gauntlet
Archetype
Oh no he back
Thoughts
Our final entry for the day, and very much in the category of things that it’s a bit alarming to see before the Dataslate buffs them, it’s a Knight Castellan. Remember those? Statistically given how much the scene has grown in 9th and 10th, many of you probably don’t, but rest assured that their prior reign of terror was long and brutal – in fact my very first article for this website was about why they needed to be nerfed. They’ve been fairly quiet in 10th so far, as you’ve usually had better options, but the combination of becoming cheap enough to put in Strategic Reserves if needed, a solid and broad offensive loadout and a 2+ save is genuinely attractive in the upcoming metagame, and massed cover on Armigers certainly isn’t nothing against a number of key threats. No idea if it will actually catch on over just taking three and a half more Armigers, but Johannes’ success here suggests it’s at least somewhat real, and surely there have got to be a bunch of people just itching to pull them off the shelf.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Philip Lejonbäck – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): All-rounder Fleet adding a Zoanthrope unit to the standard mix.
- 3rd – Simon Olsson – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): The Lion, Deathwing and some wardrobes (Ballistus Dreads).
- 4th – Johan Eriksson – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): Dogs and Nurglings.
Wrap Up
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