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 weekās top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know whatās hot, whatās not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.
It’s our final part from the week, with four more events to blast through even as many players across the world hit the tourney tables for their last pre-Dataslate tournaments.
As a reminder, if you’ve missed any of our extensive coverage of the new Dataslate, you can find it below:
Main Reviews
New Rules
- Index Daemons 2.0: The Goonhammer Review
- Detachment Focus: Shadow Legion (Daemons)
- Detachment Focus: More Dakka! (Orks)
- Detachment Focus: Lions of the Emperor (Adeptus Custodes)
- Detachment Focus: Experimental Prototype Cadre (T’au)
Now events. Today we have:
- BAYERN MAJOR #1 2025 40K
- Hunter GT Autumn – NSWTC
- Third Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT
- Hyper 345: GT
On Wednesday I covered:
- Scorched Earth Open 2025 – 40K World Championships Qualifier
- Ides of March 2025
- 2 GT Bilbao
- CM Games Warhammer 40K Tournament – Bluffhammer Brawl
- MAD Warhammer 40k GT 03.08 – 03.09
On Friday we had Lowest of Men covering:
- Cascade Clash: Ascent – 40k Major Spring 2025
- 11th Barrie Bash
- Wheat City Open 2025: 40k
- Safety’s Off “Go Outside, Nerd!” GT
- Califato Wars
BAYERN MAJOR #1 2025 40K
72-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Regensburg, BY, Deutschland on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Matthias Murr – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Captain (105 points) Captain (105 points) Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Gladiator Lancer (160 points) Inceptor Squad (120 points) Incursor Squad (80 points) Incursor Squad (80 points) Infiltrator Squad (100 points) Predator Destructor (130 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Vindicator (175 points) Vindicator (175 points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574
0 BA Bayern Major( No Blood Angel Units = +1 to wound auf oath) (1995 points)
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Liberator Assault Group
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
ā¢ Enhancement: Speed of the Primarch
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Master-crafted bolter
1x Master-crafted power weapon
ā¢ Enhancement: Rage-fuelled Warrior
ā¢ 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Master-crafted bolt carbine
1x Paired combat blades
ā¢ 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Thunder hammer
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessor
ā¢ 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Thunder hammer
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessor
ā¢ 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield Dome
2x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
ā¢ 4x Astartes chainsword
3x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
ā¢ 4x Astartes chainsword
3x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
ā¢ 4x Astartes chainsword
3x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Lancer laser destroyer
2x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Inceptor Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 2x Inceptor
ā¢ 2x Assault bolters
2x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Incursor Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Occulus bolt carbine
1x Paired combat blades
ā¢ 4x Incursor
ā¢ 4x Bolt pistol
1x Haywire Mine
4x Occulus bolt carbine
4x Paired combat blades
ā¢ 1x Incursor Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Occulus bolt carbine
1x Paired combat blades
ā¢ 4x Incursor
ā¢ 4x Bolt pistol
1x Haywire Mine
4x Occulus bolt carbine
4x Paired combat blades
ā¢ 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
ā¢ 4x Infiltrator
ā¢ 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Helix Gauntlet
1x Infiltrator Comms Array
4x Marksman bolt carbine
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon
1x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Scout Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 4x Scout
ā¢ 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Combat knife
ā¢ 1x Scout Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 4x Scout
ā¢ 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Combat knife
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
Archetype
Bloodless Angels
Thoughts
Of all the lists this week that you need to pour one out for, this needs it the most. Many other lists have been nerfed. Only this one has straight up been hit with a “no”. It dies as it lived – putting way more “real” threats on the table than should really be possible thanks to the combination of the Liberator Detachment rule and boosted Oaths. Liberator isn’t going to vanish or anything, because it’s also good as actual Blood Angels, but you will see the actual Blood Angels units feature once more. Congratulations to Matthias for sending it out on a high.
David Szymanski – Aeldari (Aspect Host) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Aeldari CHARACTERS Asurmen (135 points) Autarch (75 points) Autarch Wayleaper (80 points) Fuegan (120 points) Jain Zar (105 points) Lhykhis (120 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Wave Serpent (115 points) Wave Serpent (115 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Dire Avengers (75 points) Fire Dragons (100 points) Fire Dragons (200 points) Howling Banshees (90 points) Howling Banshees (90 points) Howling Banshees (90 points) Rangers (55 points) Striking Scorpions (75 points) Striking Scorpions (75 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574
4 Kƶnige auf dem HĆ¼gel
Strike Force (2000 points)
Aspect Host
WYSIWYG: A) Alle Mirrorswords an Modellen stellen Executioner dar.
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Bloody Twins
1x Sword of Asur
ā¢ 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Star glaive
ā¢ 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Star glaive
ā¢ 1x Fire Axe
1x Searsong
ā¢ 1x Blade of Destruction
1x Silent Death
ā¢ 1x Brood Twain
1x Spider’s Fangs
1x Weaverender
ā¢ 1x Shuriken cannon
1x Twin bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull
ā¢ 1x Shuriken cannon
1x Twin bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull
ā¢ 1x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Dire Avenger Exarch
ā¢ 2x Avenger shuriken catapult
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 4x Dire Avenger
ā¢ 4x Avenger shuriken catapult
4x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Exarch’s Dragon fusion gun
ā¢ 4x Fire Dragon
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dragon fusion gun
ā¢ 2x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
ā¢ 9x Fire Dragon
ā¢ 9x Close combat weapon
9x Dragon fusion gun
ā¢ 1x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
ā¢ 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 4x Howling Banshee
ā¢ 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 1x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
ā¢ 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 4x Howling Banshee
ā¢ 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 1x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
ā¢ 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 4x Howling Banshee
ā¢ 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 5x Ranger
ā¢ 5x Close combat weapon
5x Long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 1x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
ā¢ 1x Scorpion chainsword
1x Scorpion’s claw
1x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 4x Striking Scorpion
ā¢ 4x Scorpion chainsword
4x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 1x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
ā¢ 1x Scorpion chainsword
1x Scorpion’s claw
1x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 4x Striking Scorpion
ā¢ 4x Scorpion chainsword
4x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 1x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Warp Spider Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Powerblade array
ā¢ 4x Warp Spider
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
ā¢ 1x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Warp Spider Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
ā¢ 4x Warp Spider
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
ā¢ 1x Aspect Shrine Token
ā¢ 1x Warp Spider Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
ā¢ 4x Warp Spider
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
Archetype
Aspect Host
Thoughts
The second strongest Aeldari detachment features in second place, unfortunately reminding us that it got hitĀ surprisingly hard while Ynnari skated by. This build puts loads of threats and scoring pieces on the board, and can hit with nuclear force via the Fire Dragons when required. Post Dataslate is has to lose an entire unit, which probably doesn’t kill it, but should keep it pretty honest, and likely accelerate the adoption of Ynnari as the best Aeldari build. Shooty Orks and Ynnari – good enough, welcome back 8th Edition. Well done to David for resisting the Ynnari lure and going for the high speed murder elves.
Stefan Brotzer – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand (1985 points) Chaos Daemons CHARACTERS Be’lakor (325 points) Great Unclean One (260 points) Great Unclean One (230 points) Great Unclean One (230 points) Lord of Change (285 points) Rotigus (230 points) Shalaxi Helbane (425 points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574
“sieben auf einen streich”
Strike Force (2000 points)
Daemonic Incursion
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Bileblade
1x Bilesword
ā¢ Enhancement: The Endless Gift
ā¢ 1x Bileblade
1x Bilesword
ā¢ 1x Bileblade
1x Bilesword
ā¢ 1x Bolt of Change
1x Rod of sorcery
1x Staff of Tzeentch
ā¢ Enhancement: The Everstave
Archetype
Mega Monster Mash
Thoughts
In third place we have a demonstration of another important factor that’s going to shape the post-Dataslate metagame – Nurgle Daemons (and GUOs in particular) were already good! sure, the points changes means this list is going to need to reconfigure a bit, likely dropping Shalaxi and building in a bunch of utility pieces, but Rotigus’ Damage boost has always made GUOs hit harder than people expect, and with boosts to both their offence and defence they look ready to make a (disgusting) splash as we march onwards. If you’re going for mixed god fun like this you also have the option of Skarbrand with built-in Advance/Charge, or Flesh Hounds for free uppy-downy. Just so many exciting things to consider. Well done to Stefan, and look forward to your future work.
Marc E. – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Aeldari CHARACTERS Autarch (75 points) The Visarch (90 points) Yvraine (100 points) BATTLELINE Corsair Voidreavers (120 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Wave Serpent (115 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Dark Reapers (90 points) Dark Reapers (90 points) Dark Reapers (90 points) Fire Dragons (100 points) Fire Dragons (100 points) Fire Dragons (100 points) Howling Banshees (90 points) Rangers (55 points) Striking Scorpions (75 points) Striking Scorpions (75 points) Swooping Hawks (85 points) Swooping Hawks (85 points) Swooping Hawks (85 points) War Walkers (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574
Bayern Major (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Devoted of Ynnead
ā¢ 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Star glaive
ā¢ 1x Asu-var
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Kha-vir
1x Storm of Whispers
ā¢ 1x Voidreaver Felarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Mistshield
1x Power sword
1x Shuriken rifle
ā¢ 9x Corsair Voidreaver
ā¢ 1x Blaster
9x Close combat weapon
7x Power sword
1x Shredder
7x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 1x Shuriken cannon
1x Twin bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull
ā¢ 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Tempest launcher
ā¢ 4x Dark Reaper
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Reaper launcher
ā¢ 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Tempest launcher
ā¢ 4x Dark Reaper
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Reaper launcher
ā¢ 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Tempest launcher
ā¢ 4x Dark Reaper
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Reaper launcher
ā¢ 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
ā¢ 4x Fire Dragon
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dragon fusion gun
ā¢ 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
ā¢ 4x Fire Dragon
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dragon fusion gun
ā¢ 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
ā¢ 4x Fire Dragon
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dragon fusion gun
ā¢ 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
ā¢ 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 4x Howling Banshee
ā¢ 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 5x Ranger
ā¢ 5x Close combat weapon
5x Long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
ā¢ 1x Chainsabres
ā¢ 4x Striking Scorpion
ā¢ 4x Scorpion chainsword
4x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
ā¢ 1x Scorpion chainsword
1x Scorpion’s claw
1x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 4x Striking Scorpion
ā¢ 4x Scorpion chainsword
4x Shuriken pistol
ā¢ 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
ā¢ 4x Swooping Hawk
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Lasblaster
ā¢ 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
ā¢ 4x Swooping Hawk
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Lasblaster
ā¢ 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
ā¢ 4x Swooping Hawk
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Lasblaster
ā¢ 1x Bright lance
1x Scatter laser
1x War Walker feet
ā¢ 1x Warp Spider Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
ā¢ 4x Warp Spider
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
ā¢ 1x Warp Spider Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
ā¢ 4x Warp Spider
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
ā¢ 1x Warp Spider Exarch
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
ā¢ 4x Warp Spider
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
Archetype
Go-wide Asurynnari
Thoughts
Finally for our top four, another big winner from the Dataslate in Ynnari, albeit quite an unusual spin on them. No big Incubi blocks, no Drukhari skimmers, just loads of cheap Aspects, a War Walker to tee up all the Hawks, and a big squad of Corsairs for Yvraine and the Visarch to rock around with. Not quite sure how to feel about the Corsairs, as it does feel like finding the 30pts for Incubi isĀ kind of just better here, but IĀ do like the use of lots of Hawks with a War Walker, which I think is a setup that’s not been explored enough. This build does lose a few more points than most Ynnari builds by dint of having so many Aspects, which may end up making the Corsair/Incubi question moot, because you probably just cut a unit and use the change to bump that brick up. Fun to see some different Ynnari setups thriving as well, great work from Marc.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Jens Gottfried – Genestealer Cult (Final Day):Ā Mid-tier melee and shooty Vehicles with lots of Gargoyles and Lone Operatives to tee up bonuses.
- 6th – Max Herzog – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame):Ā A defiant showing for a fairly classic speedy flame Sisters build, which we’ll probably see a lot more of soon!
- 7th – Jason Lee – Chaos Space Marines (Soulforged Warpack): Vashtorr and a Lord of Skulls, with plenty of smaller hulls backing them up.
Hunter GT Autumn – NSWTC
55-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Singleton, NSW, Australia on March 07 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Burdern of Trust – Prepared Positions (probably) – Search and Destroy
No event pack, but the Primary and Map were obvious from the stream, and by a process of “checking the PTC”…
Andrew Sherman – Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) Space Marines CHARACTERS Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) Vulkan He’stan (100 points) BATTLELINE Intercessor Squad (80 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 points) Impulsor (80 points) Impulsor (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points) Company Heroes (95 points) Inceptor Squad (120 points) Inceptor Squad (120 points) Inceptor Squad (120 points) Infernus Squad (90 points) Infernus Squad (90 points) Infernus Squad (90 points) Predator Destructor (130 points) Predator Destructor (130 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 points) Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574
Army List - Click to Expand
firestorm – Hunter GT (1995 points)
Salamanders
Strike Force (2000 points)
Firestorm Assault Force
ā¢ 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Gauntlet of the Forge
1x Spear of Vulkan
ā¢ 1x Intercessor Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Intercessor
ā¢ 1x Astartes grenade launcher
4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Ironhail skytalon array
2x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Ironhail skytalon array
2x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Ironhail skytalon array
2x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Ancient
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Company Champion
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Master-crafted power weapon
ā¢ 2x Company Veteran
ā¢ 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Master-crafted bolt rifle
1x Master-crafted heavy bolter
ā¢ 1x Inceptor Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 2x Inceptor
ā¢ 2x Assault bolters
2x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Inceptor Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 2x Inceptor
ā¢ 2x Assault bolters
2x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Inceptor Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma exterminators
ā¢ 2x Inceptor
ā¢ 2x Close combat weapon
2x Plasma exterminators
ā¢ 1x Infernus Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Pyreblaster
ā¢ 4x Infernus Marine
ā¢ 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Pyreblaster
ā¢ 1x Infernus Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Pyreblaster
ā¢ 4x Infernus Marine
ā¢ 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Pyreblaster
ā¢ 1x Infernus Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Pyreblaster
ā¢ 4x Infernus Marine
ā¢ 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Pyreblaster
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon
1x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon
1x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Scout Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 4x Scout
ā¢ 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
ā¢ 1x Scout Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 4x Scout
ā¢ 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hammerstrike missile launcher
2x Krakstorm grenade launcher
1x Melta destroyer
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hammerstrike missile launcher
2x Krakstorm grenade launcher
1x Melta destroyer
vs.
Jordan McGregor – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) GT Threepeat with IK to confuse the Statcheck team (2000 points) Imperial Knights BATTLELINE Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Moirax (160 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 Ministorum Priest (40 points) Sisters of Battle Immolator (115 points) Watch Captain Artemis (65 points)
Army List - Click to Expand
Strike Force (2000 points)
Noble Lance
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Conversion beam cannon
1x Rad cleanser
1x Siege claw
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Zealotās vindictor
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta
ā¢ 1x Hellfire Extremis
1x Master-crafted power weapon
Thoughts
Once in a while it’s nice to be reminded that Codex Marines has stuff that isn’t just Ultramarines in it. Andrew has found a rather nifty setup here – the way that Vulkan’s flamer buff works means that you can get the benefit from it while doing sick drive-bys from an Impulsor, letting you properly lean in on all the cool Transport tricks that Firestorm Assault Force offers you. In combination with the boosted Strength from the Detachment, cleansing fire from Infernus Marines ends up as a surprisingly universal problem solver as long as you’re not saturated with crunchy threats. I also like 3x Inceptor MSUs as a pick even more post-Dataslate, as they’re very good into Orks, which is going to be pretty important, and in general I think this is Marine list withĀ potential…in most matchups.
Unfortunately, here the threat saturation problem bites – the Salamanders list isĀ super cool, but it’s not built for taking out a whoops all Armigers build unless the Knights hit aĀ very unlucky turn when the two armies smash into one another. It’s even more of an issue on Burden, as the Marines are best at taking out the Knights up close, and will struggle with the reach to point at a Helverin on a distant objective and take it off, whereas Warglaives can easily flip the scoring in the other direction. I don’t think this isĀ quite an auto-loss like the Necrons vs. Aspects game we looked at earlier in the week, as either a really bad turn for the Knights or a spike turn for the MarinesĀ could tilt the attrition race in the latter’s direction, but it’s going to take anĀ unlikely series of events to make it happen, and it looks like it didn’t.
Result
Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) Victory 80-51
Jordan McGregor – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand GT Threepeat with IK to confuse the Statcheck team (2000 points) Imperial Knights BATTLELINE Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Helverin (130 points) Armiger Moirax (160 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 Ministorum Priest (40 points) Sisters of Battle Immolator (115 points) Watch Captain Artemis (65 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Noble Lance
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Conversion beam cannon
1x Rad cleanser
1x Siege claw
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Zealotās vindictor
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta
ā¢ 1x Hellfire Extremis
1x Master-crafted power weapon
Archetype
Armiger Spam
Thoughts
Sorry man, you’re not surprising Stat Check or us any more – others have cottoned on to the fact that running loads of Armigers with a devious Agents support setup is really good. Luckily it’sĀ still really good in the new metagame, other than the same Ork-shaped problem many armies have, so we look forward to seeing you back for a fourpeat or even fivepeat. Quadpeat and quinpeat? So many options.
Ryan Duchatel – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Bloodless angels (2000 Points) test Space Marines CHARACTERS Captain (105 Points) Captain (80 Points) Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 Points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) Intercessor Squad (80 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) 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) Reiver Squad (80 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (110 Points) Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (110 Points) Vindicator (175 Points) Vindicator (175 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574
Blood Angels
Liberator Assault Group
Strike Force (2000 Points)
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¢ 1x Power fist
ā¢ Enhancements: Rage-fuelled Warrior
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¢ 1x Power fist
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Bolt Pistol
ā¢ 1x Master-crafted bolt carbine
ā¢ 1x Paired combat blades
ā¢ 1x Combi-weapon
ā¢ 1x Paired combat blades
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¦ 1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessor
ā¦ 4x Astartes chainsword
ā¦ 4x Heavy bolt pistol
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¦ 1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessor
ā¦ 4x Astartes chainsword
ā¦ 4x Heavy bolt pistol
ā¢ 1x Intercessor Sergeant
ā¦ 1x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¦ 1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Intercessor
ā¦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher
ā¦ 4x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 4x Bolt rifle
ā¦ 4x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
ā¢ 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
ā¢ 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Shield Dome
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¦ 1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
ā¦ 4x Astartes chainsword
ā¦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¦ 1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
ā¦ 4x Astartes chainsword
ā¦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¦ 1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
ā¦ 4x Astartes chainsword
ā¦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
ā¢ 1x Ballistus lascannon
ā¢ 1x Ballistus missile launcher
ā¢ 1x Twin storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
ā¢ 1x Ballistus lascannon
ā¢ 1x Ballistus missile launcher
ā¢ 1x Twin storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
ā¢ 1x Ballistus lascannon
ā¢ 1x Ballistus missile launcher
ā¢ 1x Twin storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Reiver Sergeant
ā¦ 1x Combat knife
ā¦ 1x Special issue bolt pistol
ā¢ 4x Reiver
ā¦ 4x Combat knife
ā¦ 4x Special issue bolt pistol
ā¢ 1x Scout Sergeant
ā¦ 1x Astartes chainsword
ā¦ 1x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 4x Scout
ā¦ 4x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 4x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 4x Combat knife
ā¢ 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
ā¦ 1x Inferno pistol
ā¦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
ā¢ 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
ā¦ 4x Inferno pistol
ā¦ 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon
ā¢ 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
ā¦ 1x Inferno pistol
ā¦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
ā¢ 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
ā¦ 4x Inferno pistol
ā¦ 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
ā¢ 1x Demolisher cannon
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer missile
ā¢ 1x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
ā¢ 1x Demolisher cannon
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer missile
ā¢ 1x Storm bolter
Archetype
Bloodless Agents
Thoughts
Imagine the coffin dance meme but with a Ballistus Dreadnought.
For my money the triple Ballistus build was the best variant of this, so good job Ryan for providing a demonstration of the power.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Andrew Sherman – Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force):Ā See Showdown.
- 4th – Nathan Stern – Astra Militarum (Mechanised Assault):Ā Dorn Commanders and Kasrkin/Engineers in Transports. Should see a lot more experimentation with this detachment now the bonus is more unique compared to Bridgehead.
- 5th – Mitchell Corrigan – Aeldari (Aspect Host):Ā A full Reaper/Autarch/Serpent brick and lots of small Aspect units backing them.
- 6th – Michael House – Orks (Taktikal Brigade):Ā All-rounder Taktikal with Snaggas and Tankbustas.
- 7th – Greg Maginnity – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead):Ā Lots of MSU Aspects, some Wraithlords and a big unit each of Windriders and Incubi.
- 8th – Gary Morris – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Triple Land Fortress and lots of Beserks.
- 9th – Steven Hammond – Aeldari (Aspect Host):Ā Double big Reaper brick.
Third Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT
44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Charlottesville, VA, United States on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Mark Hertel – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Librarian (65 Points) Marneus Calgar (200 Points) Roboute Guilliman (345 Points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) Intercessor Squad (80 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) Company Heroes (95 Points) Desolation Squad (200 Points) Land Raider Redeemer (285 Points) Land Raider Redeemer (285 Points) Sternguard Veteran Squad (200 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574
Guilliman’s Autozone 2, electric boogaloo (2000 Points)
Ultramarines
Gladius Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
ā¢ 1x Force weapon
ā¢ 1x Smite
ā¢ 1x Marneus Calgar
ā¦ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
ā¢ 2x Victrix Honour Guard
ā¦ 2x Victrix power sword
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Emperor’s Sword
ā¢ 1x Hand of Dominion
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¦ 1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessor
ā¦ 4x Astartes chainsword
ā¦ 4x Heavy bolt pistol
ā¢ 1x Intercessor Sergeant
ā¦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher
ā¦ 1x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Bolt rifle
ā¦ 1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Intercessor
ā¦ 4x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 4x Bolt rifle
ā¦ 4x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
ā¢ 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
ā¢ 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Shield Dome
ā¢ 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¦ 1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
ā¦ 4x Astartes chainsword
ā¦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Plasma pistol
ā¢ 1x Ancient
ā¦ 1x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Bolt rifle
ā¦ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Company Champion
ā¦ 1x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
ā¢ 2x Company Veteran
ā¦ 2x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 2x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle
ā¦ 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter
ā¢ 1x Desolation Sergeant
ā¦ 1x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Castellan launcher
ā¦ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Vengor launcher
ā¢ 4x Desolation Marine
ā¦ 4x Bolt pistol
ā¦ 4x Castellan launcher
ā¦ 4x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 4x Superkrak rocket launcher
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
ā¢ 2x Flamestorm cannon
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer missile
ā¢ 1x Multi-melta
ā¢ 1x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Twin assault cannon
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
ā¢ 2x Flamestorm cannon
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer missile
ā¢ 1x Multi-melta
ā¢ 1x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Twin assault cannon
ā¢ 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
ā¦ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Sternguard bolt pistol
ā¦ 1x Sternguard bolt rifle
ā¢ 9x Sternguard Veteran
ā¦ 9x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 9x Sternguard bolt pistol
ā¦ 7x Sternguard bolt rifle
ā¦ 2x Sternguard heavy bolter
Archetype
Bobby G Redeemer Club
Thoughts
Mark’s Land Raider-based mischief continues apace, with Bobby G and Calgar directing torrents of flame at any foes unfortunate enough to show themselves, and a full Sternguard brick mopping up any stragglers. Unsure about how to rate this one post-Dataslate; on the one hand, it feels very good into Ynnari, and the Sternguard are a great tool into Nurgle Daemons. However, I worry that Land Raiders in particular may just not cut it in a world of More Dakka, though it does depend a bit on how the split between Lootas and Tankbustas ends up averaging out, because Redeemer overwatch can potentially just smoke a whole Tankbusta squad, andĀ Armour of Contempt can no-sell a Loota volley pretty impressively. IĀ suspect two Raiders ends up not working, because it’s hard to protect both, but I can believe one will end up surprisingly good. I’m sure Mark will show me which answer is correct soon enough.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Brett Perkins – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders):Ā Aggro melee Raiders with Possessed and Abaddon alongside some of the normal Transport choices.
- 3rd – Jeffrey Kolodner – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs):Ā All-rounder Martyrs with a few more Battle Sisters than the norm and Mortifiers as cheap space fillers.
- 4th – Nick Antzoulatos – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Bobby G and Calgar with a pair of Redeemers.
- 5th – Walker Julliard – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess):Ā Keepers, two big Fiend units and a Soul Grinder.
- 6th – Don Belec – Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Herohammer jump melee galore and a big squad of Inceptors to maximise Stratagems.
- 7th – Joshua Campbell – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty):Ā A big Warrior brick supported by triple Doomsday and Skorpekh.
- 8th – James Lovett – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group):Ā Bloodless Angels wilding out with 30 Jump Intercessors.
Hyper 345: GT
28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in ŠŠ¾ŃŠŗŠ²Š°, ŠŠ¾ŃŠŗŠ²Š°, Š Š¾ŃŃŠøŃ on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Anton Vasin – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand == Legion of Excess 2000 pts == CH1: Keeper of Secrets: Shining aegis, Soul Glutton [300 pts] BL1: Daemonettes: 8xDaemonette [100 pts], 1Ń
Daemonette Daemonic Icon, 1Ń
Daemonette Instrument of Chaos MO1: Seeker Chariot: Seeker Chariot [65 pts] BE1: Beasts of Nurgle: Beast of Nurgle [65 pts] VE1: Slaanesh Soul Grinder: Warpclaw [180 pts]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TEAM: Rocket
+ HIN: 167
+ PLAYER: VAS
+ ROSTER NAME: ŠŠ°ŃŠ»Š°Š¶Š“ŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ ŃŠ°Š“Šø Š½Š°ŃŠ»Š°Š¶Š“ŠµŠ½ŠøŃ
+ Number of Units: 13
+ Character Units (Models): 4 (4)
+ Vehicle/Monster Models (Max Points): 6 (20)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
EH1: Syll’esske: Warlord [120 pts]
CH2: Keeper of Secrets: Avatar of Perfection, Shining aegis [305 pts]
CH3: Keeper of Secrets: Shining aegis [290 pts]
MO2: Seekers: 3xSeeker [80 pts], 1Ń
Seeker Daemonic Icon, 1Ń
Seeker Instrument of Chaos
BE2: Fiends: 3xFiends [105 pts]
BE3: Fiends: 3xFiends [105 pts]
BE4: Fiends: 3xFiends [105 pts]
VE2: Slaanesh Soul Grinder: Warpclaw [180 pts]
Archetype
Heavy Legion
Thoughts
Legion of Excess gives us another encore here, closing out the week with a version that’sĀ especially dead. Weaker Keepers and no moreĀ Thieves of Pain on Soulgrinders mean that there is simply no reason to run a Monster Mash build in this detachment, at least not when you have otherĀ far more exciting choices across the Index. I hope Anton had a euphoric time giving them their final outing.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Andrey “DatLucker” Evdokimov – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis Rex, 10 Armigers and some Assassins.
- 3rd – Kirill “Carstaneedos” Abdullaev – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King with triple Doomsday and a Wraith brick.
- 4th – Roman Brabusov – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King with triple Doomsdays who went back to the tomb at 4AM for more doom (two Doomstalkers).
Wrap Up
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