The Dataslate has had time to sink in, and as well as re-shuffling the factions it’s brought a wider meta shift. Crunch meta is (mostly) OUT and melee meta is IN. Between Space Wolves, Orks, World Eaters and Blood Angels, we’ve got hyper-aggressive pressure armies rampaging across tabletops in greater numbers than we’ve seen at any point thus far this edition, so if you’re rocking up to a tournament, make sure you’re ready to handle foes both belligerent and numerous.
Some high threat shooting armies like Thousand Sons and Ironstorm Dark Angels/Templars are managing to keep pace, and Grey Knights are finding that their crunch builds adapt well to an Orky world, but elsewhere some keepaway scoring armies like Aeldari and Hypercrypt Necrons are having a tough time.
All change out in the world, so let’s get the hot details. Today I’m looking at:
- III GT Andorra & Open Ordino
- Frontline Gaming BAO 2024 Warhammer 40K Champs
- ObSec presents War Calls 40k 2024
- CTC Warhammer 40k Championship Open
- Xtraschicht 3.0
- South Yorkshire GT 24
On Friday we’ll have Lowest of Men examining:
- 40k Rocky Top Rumble 2024
- The Alamo GT ‘24 (major)
- Dutch Masters Grand tournament | golden ticket qualifier
- Capital Clash – Get ’em Boyz!
- Heroes Of The Mid Table Spring Gt, 2024
- GRIMDARK 21: New venues to conquer!
Our Showdowns, as voted for by the Goonhammer Patrons, are:
- Leagues of Votann vs. Death Guard at the BAO Champs.
- Mont’ka Tau vs Stormlance Space Wolves at Capital Clash.
III GT Andorra & Open Ordino
203-player, 8-round Supermajor in Ordino, Ordino, AD on May 24 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Terroxer El Rojo – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Thousand Sons CHARACTERS Ahriman (130 points) Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (135 points) Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points) Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points) Infernal Master (115 points) Magnus the Red (440 points) Thousand Sons Sorcerer (130 points) BATTLELINE Rubric Marines (105 points) Rubric Marines (105 points) Rubric Marines (105 points) Rubric Marines (105 points) Rubric Marines (105 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Thousand Sons Rhino (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Mutalith Vortex Beast (165 points) Thousand Sons Cultists (55 points)
Trinity 21 Cabals (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Cult of Magic
• 1x Black Staff of Ahriman
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Psychic Stalk
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol
• Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancement: Arcane Vortex
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
1x Gaze of Magnus
1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm
• 1x Fires of the Abyss
1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
• Enhancement: Lord of Forbidden Lore
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Havoc launcher
1x Inferno combi-bolter
1x Inferno combi-weapon
• 1x Betentacled maw
1x Mutalith claws
1x Warp vortex
• 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion
• 1x Brutal assault weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Thousand Sons Cultist
• 9x Brutal assault weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Flamer
1x Grenade launcher
1x Heavy stubber
Archetype
Characters, Rubricae and a Beast
Thoughts
Thousand Sons care not for the twisting and turning of the metagame, they’ll just keep on winning. To be fair, their overall is down quite a bit this week, falling behind some of the melee threats, but they took the trophies at two of the biggest majors out there, and in the right hands they continue to be (probably) the most powerful faction in the game. I do think it’s interesting to see a Beast out and about, which Euro lists have mostly eschwed up till now – my assumption is that it’s to give you something that can bog down melee pressure for a turn if you need it, and is particularly nice against Space Wolves where it can move block the Cavalry. Congratulations Terroxer on the win!
Alejandro Mancuso Serrano – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Grey Knights CHARACTERS Brotherhood Librarian (120 points) Brotherhood Librarian (150 points) Castellan Crowe (75 points) BATTLELINE Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 points) Strike Squad (120 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (260 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points) Paladin Squad (225 points) Purifier Squad (250 points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379
es aquí lo de los golden tickets? (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Teleport Strike Force
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Warlord
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence
• 1x Black Blade of Antwyr
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Terminator Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Brotherhood Terminator
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Incinerator
1x Narthecium
4x Nemesis force weapon
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Incinerator
3x Nemesis force weapon
3x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Heavy incinerator
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 Paragon
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paladin Ancient
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Incinerator
1x Nemesis force weapon
• 3x Paladin
• 2x Incinerator
3x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Knight of the Flame
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 9x Purifier
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Incinerator
5x Nemesis force weapon
9x Purifying Flame
5x Storm bolter
Archetype
All-Rounder Grey Knights
Thoughts
Hot on the heels of the Thousand Sons (and listed in BCP as a 100-100 draw, no idea what happened there and I’ve had no response to an email) we have Grey Knights, sporting a relatively all-rounder build with elements of crunch. Pivoting back towards a few Infantry units, especially Paladins with the Sigil, lets you take advantage of Grey Knight stratagems to confuse and confound melee builds, and also ensures you have the rate of fire to carve through hordes. That’s particularly true with Crowe’s Purifiers, for whom a metagame containing lots of Orks is very much a target-rich environment. Add in great counterpunch from the Dreadknights and you have an extremely solid all-rounder that’s can tangle with the best. Congratulations to Alejandro.
Alvaro Perez – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Battle Size:2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Gladius Task Force Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible, Legends are visible, Titans are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible + Epic Hero + High Marshal Helbrecht [120pts] The Emperor’s Champion [75pts] + Character + Apothecary Biologis [85pts]: Fire Discipline, Warlord Captain [95pts]:The Honour Vehement . Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle, Melee Weapon: Power Fist + Infantry + Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts] . Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts] . Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts] . Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist Eradicator Squad [190pts] . 3x Eradicator: 3x Bolt Pistol, 3x Close Combat Weapon, 3x Melta Rifle Inceptor Squad [130pts]: Assault Bolters . 2x Inceptor: 2x Close Combat Weapon Primaris Sword Brethren [150pts] . Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol Primaris Sword Brethren [150pts] . Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol Primaris Sword Brethren [150pts] . Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol Scout Squad [65pts] . Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword + Vehicle + Land Raider Redeemer [260pts]: Hunter Killer Missile, Multi-melta, Storm Bolter + Dedicated Transport + Impulsor [80pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome Impulsor [80pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome Impulsor [80pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome + Allied Units + Inquisitorial Henchmen [50pts] . 2x Inquisitorial Acolyte: 2x Acolyte firearm, 2x Acolyte melee weapon ++ Total: [2,000pts] ++
++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Black Templars) [2,000pts] ++
. 3x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack w/ Plasma Pistol
. 3x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack w/ Plasma Pistol
. 3x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack w/ Plasma Pistol
. Eradicator Sergeant
. Eradicator with Multi-melta
. Eradicator with Multi-melta
. Inceptor Sergeant
. Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Thunder Hammer
. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws
. Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon
. Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Thunder Hammer
. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws
. Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon
. Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Thunder Hammer
. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws
. Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Heavy Bolter
. Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle
. 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon
. Inquisitorial Acolyte w/ eviscerator
. Inquisitorial Acolyte w/ plasma pistol
Archetype
Counterattack Templars
Thoughts
Our third place build here is one I really like, as it’s already very effectively tuned for a melee-heavy metagame. Even with 10th Edition’s more generous pile-in rules after charging, foot/paw-slogging melee lists can struggle with Transports packed with counter-charge threats, as it’s very tricky for them to control the terms of engagement. This build leans into that via four transports packed with horrific stuff – three tooled-up Character and Brethren units, and one big Eradicator unit to melt anyone sticking to crunch meta, or failing that Meganobz. Thanks to running as Gladius, if the opponent doesn’t want a melee clash you can force them to have one via Assault Doctrine, and overall you get a very adaptable and potent list, and a well-deserved third place for Alvaro.
Fredy Blanco – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Si Vd está leyendo esto debe creer que sé lo que hago, pero no es verdad. Son los muñecos pintados que tenía por casa. Y como decía el Gran Juanma: Grey Knights CHARACTERS Brotherhood Librarian “Manueh” (135 points) Brotherhood Librarian “Lentuso” (120 points) Castellan Crowe “Wimel” (75 points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight “Marco Cabezón” (230 points) BATTLELINE Strike Squad (120 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer “la moto de Alex” (260 points) Nemesis Dreadknight “Montxito” (195 points) Nemesis Dreadknight “Pinturillo” (195 points) Nemesis Dreadknight “Papinurgle” (195 points) Paladin Squad (225 points) Purifier Squad (250 points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379 Si has llegado hasta aquí, te preguntarás los nombres de los strike, paladines y purificadores… y si, tienen nombre: Paladines: Purificadores:
No es país para Calvos (2000 points)
– Jugaremos por intención
– El único mal rollo es el que quieras plantear
– Me fío de tí, pero me pongo triste si me engañas
– Almendra
Strike Force (2000 points)
Teleport Strike Force
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Enhancement: Inescapable Wrath
• Warlord
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• 1x Black Blade of Antwyr
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
4x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Heavy incinerator
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 Paragon
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paladin Ancient
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Incinerator
1x Nemesis force weapon
• 3x Paladin
• 2x Incinerator
3x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Knight of the Flame
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 9x Purifier
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Incinerator
5x Nemesis force weapon
9x Purifying Flame
5x Storm bolter
Strike:
César Metachaser
Dani Papadopoulos
Alucheboy
Slazayn toledano
Iker “compracacas”
Juanmaravilla
Loker
Terrozeh
El Riiiiiichaaal
Vlad el temido más delgado que nunca
Alex Kraken
Saulion
Pollo
Guille descamisao
Taylor que siempre está en el discord
Toxo que me cae bien
Pedro y su horda templaria
Vinklander de mi corason
Showa
Mi vecino del 5ºA, que el del B me cae mal
Archetype
Crunch-ish Grey Knights
Thoughts
More Grey Knights here, swapping out one Terminator squad for the GMDK, but keeping some Purifiers and Paladins. I do think the Sigil should still be with the Paladins in the current meta, but there are clearly varying preferences across the Grey Knights community. I do, however, feel it important to question whether anyone who tries to name their Dreadknight “Papinurgle” has a long-term future in the Knights of Titan. Well done Fredy.
The Best of the Rest
The rest of the top eight was:
- 5th – Borja FM – Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force): An intriugngly crunchy Blood Angels list leveraging Baal Predators and Death Company Dreadnoughts to put down big threats, plus a Librarian Dreadnought ready to zoom some Eradicators across the table.
- 6th – César MP – Orks (Bully Boyz): The hordier end of Bully Boyz, supplementing the mandatory Meganobz with two big Boyz units.
- 7th – Koldo Besga – Genestealer Cult: Infantry horde with 3×5 Genestealers to screen.
- 8th – Eric Ramentol – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple C’tan and triple Wraiths, with a single Doomstalker adding shooting.
Frontline Gaming BAO 2024 Warhammer 40K Champs
154-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Burlingame, CA, United States on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Take and Hold – Chilling Rain – Search and Destroy
Junior Aflleje – Leagues of Votann (Oathband) Leagues of Votann CHARACTERS Brôkhyr Iron-master (85 Points) Einhyr Champion (80 Points) Einhyr Champion (60 Points) BATTLELINE Hearthkyn Warriors (100 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Sagitaur (115 Points) Sagitaur (115 Points) Sagitaur (115 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (170 Points) Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (85 Points) Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) Einhyr Hearthguard (320 Points) Einhyr Hearthguard (160 Points) Hekaton Land Fortress (225 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379
Army List - Click to Expand
Sand Mouse (2000 Points)
Oathband
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master
• 1x Graviton hammer
1x Graviton rifle
• Enhancements: Appraising Glare
• 1x Ironkin Assistant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Las-beam cutter
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Plasma torch
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Manipulator arms
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• Warlord
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• Enhancements: Grim Demeanour
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• 1x Theyn
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Kin melee weapon
1x Weavefield Crest
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
• 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
7x Autoch-pattern bolter
9x Close combat weapon
1x Comms Array
1x HYLas auto rifle
1x Magna-rail rifle
1x Medipack
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Graviton blast cannon
• 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Graviton blast cannon
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 9x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 9x Concussion gauntlet
9x Exo-armour grenade launcher
9x Volkanite disintegrator
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 4x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 4x Concussion gauntlet
4x Exo-armour grenade launcher
4x Volkanite disintegrator
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x MATR autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
1x SP heavy conversion beamer
2x Twin bolt cannon
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
vs.
Scott Toebe – Death Guard (Plague Company) Death Guard CHARACTERS Lord of Virulence (105 points) Mortarion (325 points) Typhus (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Death Guard Cultists (50 points) Deathshroud Terminators (120 points) Deathshroud Terminators (120 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points) Plagueburst Crawler (180 points) Plagueburst Crawler (180 points) Plagueburst Crawler (180 points) ALLIED UNITS Nurglings (40 points) Nurglings (40 points) War Dog Brigand (170 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379
Army List - Click to Expand
GT list mk 2 (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Plague Company
• 1x Heavy plague fist
1x Twin plague spewer
• Enhancement: Shamblerot
• Warlord
• 1x Rotwind
1x Silence
1x The Lantern
• 1x Master-crafted manreaper
• 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion
• 1x Brutal assault weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Death Guard Cultist
• 9x Brutal assault weapon
9x Cultist firearm
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Manreaper
1x Plaguespurt gauntlet
1x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Manreaper
1x Plaguespurt gauntlet
1x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Fleshmower
1x Plague probe
• 1x Fleshmower
1x Plague probe
• 1x Fleshmower
1x Plague probe
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
Thoughts
As is going to become a bit of a theme this week, one of the ways players can adapt to a melee-heavy metagame is with their own counterpunch threats in Transports, and Votann are pretty well placed for that. Sagitaurs are tiny, easy to hide and can disgorge a vicious squad of Beserks to go ham on something, while a Fire Support Land Fortress with Hearthguard can do some very nasty stuff across two phases. You can also build in quite a bit of insurance against residual crunch meta on the cheap with Thunderkyn, who are priced to move at the moment and showing up a lot.
They’re going to be vital here, as there are lots of hulls on the Death Guard side of the table, and a very real failure case for the Votann here is if they just can’t quite chew through them. Votann play on their very efficient numbers game to win, and having one of their biggest pieces (the Hearthguard brick) lack any great targets is a big problem for that plan. The Thunderkyn can definitely make up for that a bit, and it’s helpful to have an Iron Master’s spare bodies to shield the big squad from Mortars, but even they are going to struggle into Mortarion, and I do think getting pushed in and overwhelmed is a potential risk.
With that in mind, I think a cautious and methodical strategy is called for, which is very on brand for the Votann. While the Hearthguard brick might not be fantastic as burst out of Deep Strike, they are still a threat in melee, and pretty challenging for a lot of the Death Guard stuff to shift, so ideally you either park them on an objective at speed, or use them as a terrifying Rapid Ingress threat to flip a Bloat-drone off a point then sit there. The Votann also have better tech for flipping objectives thanks to more mobile Infantry and two Sagitaurs full of Hearthkyn, which means they can plausibly try and inflict some 5VP turns on the Death Guard, while they’ll really struggle to keep the Votann off 10VP a turn.
From the Death Guard’s side, I think your focus needs to be moving in force onto a second objective, and then picking up as many of the Votann’s mobile tools as possible to try and secure Primary parity. Your advantage is that you probably do have a slightly better suite of Deep Strike Tactical Objective tools, and if you can keep level on Primary, you might be able to turn that into a narrow win. The WS/BS reduction Contagion will also do a lot of work here thanks to the Votann’s lack of re-rolls, especially as the Death Guard list goes wide enough that the pre-game counters aren’t quite enough.
All taken together, I honestly think this one is too close to easily call – either player could grab it, and I even think both sides can play a reasonable game going first or second. A classic final then – which the Votann narrowly secured.
Result
Leagues of Votann (Oathband) Victory – 84 – 74
Junior Aflleje – Leagues of Votann (Oathband) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Leagues of Votann CHARACTERS Brôkhyr Iron-master (85 Points) Einhyr Champion (80 Points) Einhyr Champion (60 Points) BATTLELINE Hearthkyn Warriors (100 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Sagitaur (115 Points) Sagitaur (115 Points) Sagitaur (115 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (170 Points) Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (85 Points) Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) Einhyr Hearthguard (320 Points) Einhyr Hearthguard (160 Points) Hekaton Land Fortress (225 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379
Sand Mouse (2000 Points)
Oathband
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master
• 1x Graviton hammer
1x Graviton rifle
• Enhancements: Appraising Glare
• 1x Ironkin Assistant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Las-beam cutter
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Plasma torch
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Manipulator arms
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• Warlord
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• Enhancements: Grim Demeanour
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• 1x Theyn
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Kin melee weapon
1x Weavefield Crest
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
• 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
7x Autoch-pattern bolter
9x Close combat weapon
1x Comms Array
1x HYLas auto rifle
1x Magna-rail rifle
1x Medipack
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Graviton blast cannon
• 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Graviton blast cannon
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 9x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 9x Concussion gauntlet
9x Exo-armour grenade launcher
9x Volkanite disintegrator
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 4x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 4x Concussion gauntlet
4x Exo-armour grenade launcher
4x Volkanite disintegrator
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x MATR autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
1x SP heavy conversion beamer
2x Twin bolt cannon
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
Archetype
All-rounder Votann
Thoughts
The Votann’s reliable all-rounder tools secure another trophy in Junior’s hands here, deploying a list that’s versatile enough to take down anything except maybe full-on Tyranid or Daemon monster mash. Those certainly exist in the meta, but they’re far from common, and this build has great game into many of the top players. Good work from Junior.
Adam Dye – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Space Marines CHARACTERS Abaddon the Despoiler (310 points) Warpsmith (70 points) Warpsmith (70 points) BATTLELINE Cultist Mob (50 points) Legionaries (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Chaos Vindicator (175 points) Chaos Vindicator (175 points) Chaos Vindicator (175 points) Forgefiend (200 points) Helbrute (130 points) Obliterators (360 points) Raptors (85 points) ALLIED UNITS Nurglings (40 points) Nurglings (40 points) Nurglings (40 points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379
Rhino Rush (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Slaves to Darkness
• Warlord
• 1x Drach’nyen
1x Talon of Horus
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Flamer tendril
1x Melta tendril
1x Plasma pistol
1x Warp hammer
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Flamer tendril
1x Melta tendril
1x Plasma pistol
1x Warp hammer
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
6x Close combat weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Cultist grenade launcher
1x Flamer
1x Heavy stubber
• Mark of Chaos: Khorne
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 2x Astartes chainsword
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Lascannon
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Helbrute hammer
1x Twin lascannon
• Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch
• 4x Obliterator
• 4x Crushing fists
4x Fleshmetal guns
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Raptor Champion
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Raptor
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
2x Meltagun
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
Archetype
Abaddon Gunline
Thoughts
Weird looking Rhinos. Anyway, we’re in the twilight of the Chaos Space Marine Index, so there’s not a massive amount to say here other than that comboing Abaddon with a bunch of Vindicators still seems real good in various detachments in the Codex, so I’m sure we’ll see more experimentation in this area. Well done to Adam on the undefeated second place.
Ruben Zhao – Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Apothecary (50 Points) Lieutenant (95 Points) Techmarine (55 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 Points) Centurion Assault Squad (150 Points) Death Company Dreadnought (145 Points) Gladiator Reaper (150 Points) Hellblaster Squad (230 Points) Inceptor Squad (130 Points) Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) Librarian Dreadnought (170 Points) Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) Scout Squad (65 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379
White angels (2000 Points)
Blood Angels
Gladius Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Reductor pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Master-crafted bolter
• Enhancements: Fire Discipline
• 1x Forge bolter
1x Grav-pistol
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Servo-arm
• 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 Centurion Sergeant
• 1x Centurion bolters
1x Siege drills
1x Twin meltagun
• 2x Assault Centurion
• 2x Centurion bolters
2x Siege drills
2x Twin meltagun
• 1x Heavy flamer
1x Magna-grapple
1x Meltagun
1x Twin Furioso fists
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
2x Tempest bolter
1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon
• 1x Hellblaster Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma incinerator
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Hellblaster
• 9x Bolt pistol
9x Close combat weapon
9x Plasma incinerator
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Inceptor
• 2x Assault bolters
2x Close combat weapon
• 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
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Blood Lance
1x Furioso fist
1x Furioso force halberd
1x Heavy flamer
• 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
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shotgun
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Incredible Flying Hellblasters
Thoughts
This is a hell of a flex in third place (at 5.5-0.5 no less), as it’s doing something quite different from the norm and pulling off a great finish. You’ve got a spicy mix of counterpunch threats and some classic Marine utility tools, but the centrepiece is obviously the Hellblaster/Wings of Sanguinius combo to unleash plasma death. It’s honestly doing a decent job of convincing me that it might finally be time for Hellblasters to truly shine – they’re good into all of Space Wolves, Thousand Sons, Orks, other Blood Angels and Grey Knights, and that’s a sizeable chunk of the metagame. Wings also isn’t the only thing you can set them up with, I’m sure there’s scope to play around with them in some other Detachments. Always enjoy a surprise breakout unit, congratulations to Ruben on bringing one to my desk!
Troy Cagle – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Tyranids CHARACTERS Broodlord (95 points) Broodlord (80 points) Neurotyrant (105 points) Winged Hive Tyrant (235 points) BATTLELINE Gargoyles (85 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Biovores (75 points) Exocrine (135 points) Exocrine (135 points) Genestealers (150 points) Genestealers (150 points) Lictor (55 points) Lictor (55 points) Maleceptor (170 points) Neurolictor (80 points) Raveners (75 points) Ripper Swarms (20 points) Von Ryan’s Leapers (150 points) Von Ryan’s Leapers (150 points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379
Hivefleet Ultra (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Invasion Fleet
• 1x Broodlord claws and talons
• Enhancement: Perfectly Adapted
• 1x Broodlord claws and talons
• 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes
1x Psychic scream
• Warlord
• 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip
1x Tyrant talons
• Enhancement: Adaptive Biology
• 10x Gargoyle
• 10x Blinding venom
10x Fleshborer
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
1x Spore Mine launcher
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs
• 10x Genestealer
• 10x Genestealers claws and talons
• 10x Genestealer
• 10x Genestealers claws and talons
• 1x Lictor claws and talons
• 1x Lictor claws and talons
• 1x Massive scything talons
1x Psychic overload
• 1x Piercing claws and talons
• 3x Ravener
• 3x Armoured Thorax
3x Ravener claws and talons
• 1x Chitinous claws and teeth
1x Spinemaws
• 6x Von Ryan’s Leaper
• 6x Leaper’s talons
• 6x Von Ryan’s Leaper
• 6x Leaper’s talons
Archetype
Skirmishy Invasion Fleet
Thoughts
Another fairly unusual build to round out the top four, here leaning into the skirmishing tools that Tyranids have access to, but sticking in Invasion Fleet to keep them as semi-relevant threats into big crunch targets via the option of Lethal Hits, and to access the Feel No Pain in a world that’s tooled up for killing 2W and 3W models. You can then adapt your plan to the foe – less melee-focused lists can be pressured, while melee armies can either get bogged down in layered defences or fall to a well-timed countercharge from the Genestealers. The build can dominate early Primary scoring, and then lean on the very effective Secondary scoring Tyranids have access to in order to lock down victories, particularly with the mid-late game option of Shadow in the Warp to shut down an opposing comeback play. Deliciously different here, great stuff from Troy in fourth.
The Best of the Rest
There were 11 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Ben Jurek – Orks (Bully Boyz): Nobz and Meganobz galore with some shooting support from some Flash Gitz.
- 6th – Eulis Sanders – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Canoptek Court with a central Warrior tarpit, protected against the vicious depredations of the Thousand Sons with Orikan.
- 7th – Floof Cox – Genestealer Cult: GSC had a pretty great weekend all-round, usually sporting the classic Neophyte and Acolyte package then filling out with some early board control for the metagame, which Floof’s version gets from some Purestrains.
- 8th – Travis Petersen – Chaos Space Marines (Index): Double Accursed Commune with a Nurgle Vindicator gunline behind it.
- 9th – Scott Toebe – Death Guard: See Showdown.
- 10th – Majd Kuteifan – Adepta Sororitas: The Vahl core, lots of Arco-flagellants and Castigators, plus Celestine and a large Seraphim squad for some board control and roving threat.
- 11th – Alex D – Genestealer Cult: More Neophytes and Acolytes, this time with an Infiltrating Aberrant brick and some Scouting Catachans to play with early on.
- 12th – MATT DOMNAUER – Grey Knights: Dreadknights galore, Draigo with a Terminator MSU, and Crowe’s Purifiers.
- 13th – Linton Rowan – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Max ThunderCav and Wulfen.
- 14th – Taylor Davis – World Eaters: Extremely Eightbound-tastic World Eaters, passing up on Berzerkers entirely.
- 15th – Marshall Peterson – Astra Militarum: Astra Militarum getting their melee kicks via a maxed out cavalry build, packing in as many Rough Riders and Death Riders as possible.
ObSec presents War Calls 40k 2024
48-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Kelmscott, WA, AU on May 24 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Jördÿŋ Berresford – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Bjorn the Fell-Handed (180 Points) Harald Deathwolf (85 Points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) Logan Grimnar on Stormrider (180 Points) Ragnar Blackmane (90 Points) Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (90 Points) Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points) Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (95 Points) Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (125 Points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Scout Squad (65 Points) Scout Squad (65 Points) Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) Whirlwind (180 Points)
Awoo (2000 Points)
Space Wolves
Stormlance Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Heavy flamer
1x Multi-melta
1x Trueclaw
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Glacius
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Flurry of teeth and claws
1x Storm bolter
1x The Axe Morkai
• Warlord
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Frostfang
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Storm Shield
1x Thunder hammer
• Enhancements: Hunter’s Instincts
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Storm Shield
1x Thunder hammer
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Storm Shield
1x Thunder hammer
• Enhancements: Portents of Wisdom
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Relic Shield
• Enhancements: Fury of the Storm
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield dome
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 1x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Combat knife
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 1x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Combat knife
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Heirloom weapon
1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
• 5x Crushing teeth and claws
5x Heirloom weapon
5x Storm Shield
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Heirloom weapon
1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
• 5x Crushing teeth and claws
5x Heirloom weapon
5x Storm Shield
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Heirloom weapon
1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
• 5x Crushing teeth and claws
5x Heirloom weapon
5x Storm Shield
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher
Archetype
Stormlance with Tech
Thoughts
Awoo indeed. As always for Stormlance, the massive quantities of ThunderCav are the stars of the show, but Jördÿŋ’s got a few more unusual tricks in support. It turns out that Ragnar is the latest Marine Epic Hero who fully pops off once you buy them the 75pts re-roll wounds upgrade that’s also known as an “Assault Intercessor Squad”, and that provides you a neat roving/counterpunch threat in the Impulsor. Bjorn also seems pretty neat as a sort of mini-C’tan once he gets Advance/Charge as well, and seems particularly valuable against Orks, where his defences stack up very well against Meganobz. Neat additions to the standard formula, and always fun to see Ragnar out and about, great stuff!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Harrison Darge – Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Heavy-duty Talons with two Caladius tanks and a Land Raider, then adding a big unit each of the three major Infantry units, and three Witchseeker MSUs to hand out buffs. Definitely one of the best ways of setting up Custodes after their book.
- 3rd – Hayden Walduck – T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack): Two big Carnivore bricks supported by Hammerheads and Riptides.
- 4th – Lachlan Rigg – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Six Dreadknights and a big Terminator brick.
-
5th – Jarred Lohse – World Eaters: Mostly the standard setup, but swapping out Exalted Eightbound for a Maulerfiend.
CTC Warhammer 40k Championship Open
44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ottawa, ON, Canada on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Brian Daugherty – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand World Eaters CHARACTERS Angron (415 points) Khârn the Betrayer (100 points) Lord Invocatus (140 points) World Eaters Master of Executions (125 points) BATTLELINE Jakhals (65 points) Jakhals (65 points) Khorne Berzerkers (180 points) Khorne Berzerkers (90 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS World Eaters Rhino (75 points) World Eaters Rhino (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Eightbound (145 points) Exalted Eightbound (320 points) World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 points) World Eaters Maulerfiend (140 points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379
Comp (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Berzerker Warband
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder
• 1x Gorechild
1x Khârn’s plasma pistol
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Coward’s Bane
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Jakhal chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
• 1x Skullsmasher
• 8x Jakhal
• 8x Autopistol
1x Icon of Khorne
7x Jakhal chainblades
1x Mauler chainblade
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Jakhal chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
• 1x Skullsmasher
• 8x Jakhal
• 8x Autopistol
1x Icon of Khorne
7x Jakhal chainblades
1x Mauler chainblade
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Khorne Berzerker
• 7x Berzerker chainblade
7x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
2x Khornate eviscerator
2x Plasma pistol
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
3x Bolt pistol
1x Khornate eviscerator
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Eightbound chainfist
1x Eightbound eviscerator
• 5x Exalted Eightbound
• 5x Eightbound chainfist
5x Eightbound eviscerator
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
• 1x Lasher tendrils
1x Maulerfiend fists
Archetype
Classic World Eaters with added Maulerfiend
Thoughts
Obviously the World Eaters were hardly going to be idle during melee meta. They practically invented it. Don’t listen to anyone trying to tell you about that Sigismund guy, he sounds fake. You’ve got all the classic toys here, with the transport-riding big Berzerker squad being a particularly nice counter for other melee builds, and Brian has added in a Maulerfiend to provide a neat Strategic Reserves and/or move blocking piece. All good stuff, and carved through the rest of the field nicely, congratulations!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Benjamin Pau – Orks (Bully Boyz): Lots of Meganobz, 10/5 Nobz, and a full Boyz unit.
- 3rd – Chris Hanes – Orks (Bully Boyz): Horde version Bully Boyz with two big Boyz units.
- 4th – Éric Marcoux – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis Rex and many Armigers.
- 5th – Nick Jagiello – Astra Militarum: Rough Rider spam. Even Guard want to play melee meta!
- 6th – Hamza Syed – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): All-Venom go-wide Skysplinter.
Xtraschicht 3.0
42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in DO, NRW, DE on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Grischa Gerwert – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Space Marines CHARACTERS Chaos Lord (95 Points) Chaos Lord (95 Points) Master of Executions (80 Points) BATTLELINE Cultist Mob (50 Points) Legionaries (80 Points) Legionaries (80 Points) Legionaries (80 Points) Legionaries (80 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (75 Points) Chaos Rhino (75 Points) Chaos Rhino (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Chaos Bikers (75 Points) Chaos Predator Destructor (130 Points) Chaos Predator Destructor (130 Points) Chaos Vindicator (175 Points) Chaos Vindicator (175 Points) Chosen (130 Points) Chosen (130 Points) Warp Talons (110 Points) ALLIED UNITS Nurglings (40 Points) Nurglings (40 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379
CSM (2000 Points)
Slaves to Darkness
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
6x Close combat weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Cultist grenade launcher
1x Flamer
1x Heavy stubber
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Balefire tome
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Reaper chaincannon
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Balefire tome
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Reaper chaincannon
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Balefire tome
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Lascannon
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Balefire tome
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Lascannon
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Biker Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Combi-bolter
1x Power fist
• 2x Chaos Biker
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Close combat weapon
2x Combi-bolter
2x Meltagun
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
Archetype
Brawler CSM
Thoughts
Another CSM Index classic getting a last showing here – a bunch of brawler units in Rhinos to stage and pressure, supported by a cheap and potent gunline amped up by the Mark of Nurgle. I’m expecting the new book to start kicking in from this weekend, but this is a very fitting way to see the Index off back into the Eye of Terror, well done Grischa.
Artur Güttler – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Army Roster (Imperium – Grey Knights) [2,000pts] ++ + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Teleport Strike Force Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible + Epic Hero + Brother-Captain Stern [90pts] Castellan Crowe [75pts] Kaldor Draigo [125pts]: Warlord + Character + Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight [215pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Inescapable Wrath, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer + Battleline + Brotherhood Terminator Squad [420pts] Strike Squad [120pts] Strike Squad [120pts] + Infantry + Purifier Squad [250pts] + Vehicle + Nemesis Dreadknight [195pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer Nemesis Dreadknight [195pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer Nemesis Dreadknight [195pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer Created with BattleScribe ()
Libbys are overrated :p
. 5x Terminator: 5x Nemesis Force Weapon, 5x Storm Bolter
. Terminator with Ancient’s Banner: Storm Bolter
. Terminator with Heavy Weapon: Incinerator
. Terminator with Heavy Weapon: Incinerator
. Terminator with Narthecium
. 4x Grey Knight: 4x Nemesis Force Weapon, 4x Storm Bolter
. Justicar
. 4x Grey Knight: 4x Nemesis Force Weapon, 4x Storm Bolter
. Justicar
. Knight of the Flame
. 5x Purifier: 5x Nemesis Force Weapon, 5x Purifying Flame, 5x Storm Bolter
. 4x Purifier w/ incinerator: 4x Close combat weapon, 4x Incinerator, 4x Purifying Flame
Archetype
Librarian-free Grey Knights
Thoughts
It’s a bold claim there in the list title, but going undefeated is the best way to follow up one of those, so props from me. Other than having no Librarian, most of the tools here are familiar, with Draigo and a big Terminator brick adding a sticky, persistent melee unit to the mix alongside Dreadknights and Purifiers. The only other standout is solo Stern, who’s a nice little scoring/tech piece thanks to Strands of Fate, and certainly a nice way to spend the points you’ve saved on Librarians. Great stuff from Artur.
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Ben Hackländer – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple Doomstalker and Triple Wraiths (so far so normal) but also triple Reanimator, presumably aiming to squeeze max value out of the Wraith blocks.
- 4th – Pascal Haberstroh – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Full Arco-spam, apparently not going anywhere.
- 5th – Florian Schmidt – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): The teleporting Centurion special, also apparently not going anywhere.
- 6th – Manuel Wayand – Death Guard: Rhino Plague Marines, Destructors, and Brigands.
- 7th – Rob “RaZZputin” Fritz – Chaos Knights: A Knight Lancer (again, love to get into the spirit of melee meta, even if Chaos Knights always do that pretty well) and a bunch of Dogs.
- 8th – Alessandro Liessem – Aeldari: Go-wide MSUs, adding Skyweavers to the usual speedy threats.
South Yorkshire GT 24
34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Mikey Herbert – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Captain (80 Points) Captain (80 Points) Captain with Jump Pack (95 Points) Lemartes (120 Points) Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (100 Points) The Sanguinor (140 Points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 Points) Impulsor (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 Points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 Points) Baal Predator (125 Points) Baal Predator (125 Points) Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (280 Points) Scout Squad (65 Points) Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (210 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379
Blood Angels (1990 Points)
Blood Angels
Sons of Sanguinius
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• Warlord
• 1x Relic Shield
1x Thunder hammer
• Enhancements: Icon of the Angel
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x The Blood Crozius
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Encarmine broadsword
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Thunder hammer
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Thunder hammer
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield dome
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield dome
2x Storm bolter
• 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 tracks
1x Baal flamestorm cannon
2x Heavy flamer
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Baal flamestorm cannon
2x Heavy flamer
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack
• 10x Inferno pistol
10x Power fist
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
• 9x Storm Shield
9x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Aggro Sons
Thoughts
Mr. Hellstorm Wargaming himself gets in on the melee meta action, unleashing a powerful Sons of Sanguinius list that combines high pressure jump pack units with great tech against other melee builds. Overwatch from Baal Predators, cheap and lethal counterpunch units out of Impulsors and the looming threat of the Sanguinor all make things a bit of a headache for foes with a similarly aggressive plan, while if the opponent has tried to tech for a bunch of D2 attacks from Orks, they’re likely to find themselves shredded by the VanVets, one of the very nastiest volume D1 threats in the game. Great stuff from Mikey as always!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Christopher Langton – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Warriors and Immortals with a Monolith.
- 3rd – Mark Pilkington – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Hull-heavy Sisters with Castigators and Immolators.
- 4th – Ryan Elliott – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Tsons with extra heft from a Daemon Prince and Mutalith.
- 5th – Callam Taylor – Orks (Bully Boyz): Bully Boyz with the unusual choice of two regular Nobz units with Painboyz.
- 6th – Jim Tasker – Chaos Daemons: Monster Mash with double GuO (one being Rotigus), Shalaxi and Skarbrand. Melee meta is so intense that you can apparently just cut Be’lakor now.
Wrap Up
Part 1 complete, but plenty more melee fun coming your way on Friday, so tune back in then.
