It’s been another massive week in the 40k world, with the World Team Championships giving us one of the largest annual showcases that the game gets. We’re going to start and end with that this week – today and Friday we’ll cover singles events as normal, then on Saturday I’ll take a look at the top teams from the WTC, and see what the various national laboratories have cooked up. The WTC is often a source of breakout lists and strategies that go on to shape the singles metagame, so even if teams isn’t your thing, you might still want to take a look when Saturday comes around.

In terms of the singles metagame – still all over the place, with various factions zipping up or down, though I think it’s fair to say that non-standard Marines overall have maybe ended up a little pushed – Blood Angels and Space Wolves have consistently been at the top of the win rates, and while Dark Angels don’t perform as consistently on percentages, they’re making a huge impact on the top tables. They’re not without challengers though, and this week the Aeldari are joining the Dark Angels in the bracket of putting in some great top finishes despite a low overall win rate.

Prior to hitting teams on Saturday, we’re going to be breaking things down as follows. Today I’ll be covering:

WTC Warmaster GT 2024
Iowaaagh! Open 2024
Arch City GT III
Tables and Towers Summer GT
Club Seal Cup Part II

On Friday Lowest of Men, fresh from doing coverage at the WTC, will be looking at:

The Salt City GT 2024 Warhammer 40K
Grand Onslaught 8
Cross-Swords War At The Westward V
Atomic GT: These Lethal Hits Got Me Dying for the Emperor
Trønderdome

This week’s Patron-voted Showdowns will be:

A solemn farewell for the Deathwatch’s Black Spear Task Force, up against World Eaters at the Tables and Towers Summer GT.
The ultimate wizard battle as Grey Knights face Thousand Sons at Grand Onslaught 8.

We will also have a bonus deep dive from our own James “Boon” Kelling, who has been out doing his bit for the Aeldari win rate once again, and will be talking about his list and final game.

WTC Warmaster GT 2024

466-player, 8-round Supermajor in Mechelen, Vlaams Gewest, BE on August 06 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Weiss Olivier – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders) – 1st Place

Black Templar Primaris Initiate with a power fist. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Player Name: Olivier “Père Kstor” WEISS
+ Team Name: France
+ Faction Used: Imperium – Adeptes Astartes – Black Templar
+ Army Points: 2000pts
+ Army Enhancements: Tännhauser’s Bones (on Char4: Lieutenant)
+ Detachment Rule: Righteous Crusaders
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTERS

Castellan (100 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• Enhancements: Tännhauser’s Bones

Chaplain (60 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Crozius arcanum

Chaplain Grimaldus (120 Points)
• 1x Chaplain Grimaldus
• 1x Artificer crozius
1x Plasma pistol
• 3x Cenobyte Servitor
• 3x Close combat weapon

High Marshal Helbrecht (120 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Ferocity
1x Sword of the High Marshals

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

BATTLELINE

Primaris Crusader Squad (280 Points)
• 1x Primaris Sword Brother
• 1x Power weapon
1x Pyre pistol
• 11x Primaris Initiate
• 7x Astartes chainsword
11x Bolt pistol
11x Close combat weapon
7x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Power fist
• 8x Primaris Neophyte
• 8x Astartes chainsword
8x Bolt pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
2x Combat knife
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (41), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Primaris Crusader Spam

Thoughts

While some players bring two lists to the WTC, one for Warmaster and one for teams, many can’t do that so we often see some of the highly-skewed builds that team events encourage breaking out in the Warmaster GT. This build is very much one of them – it’s not particularly subtle, but asks an incredible amount from opponents, demanding that they somehow clear 100 2W bodies, many with varying degrees of Feel No Pain, which even alpha units from other melee Marines will struggle to do. You’ve also got enough OC and volume of attacks to drown almost anything on scoring and tear down even large targets, especially once you start switching on Lethal Hits. Even better, some high threat shooting armies which might be able to clear this have to worry about one of the units trapping their stuff in combat, which can quickly become game ending.

My honest opinion is that the only reason we don’t see this strategy a lot is how nightmarish it is to get on the table, but Weiss was able to do that, then navigate it through one of the most vicious shark tanks you’ll see anywhere in the world to victory – big congratulations!

Arnaud Allot – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player Name: Arnaud “Ashord” ALLOT
Team Name: FRANCE
Factions Used: Xenos – Necrons
Army Points: 2000pts
Army Enhancements (list on which model): Dimensional Overseer (on Hexmark Destroyer)
& Arisen Tyrant (on Lokhust Lord)
Detachment Rule: Hyperphasing
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Necrons
Strike Force (2000 points)
Hypercrypt Legion

CHARACTERS

Hexmark Destroyer (95 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols
• Enhancement: Dimensional Overseer

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Gauntlet of Fire
1x Staff of the Destroyer

Lokhust Lord (105 points)
• 1x Lord’s blade
1x Resurrection Orb
• Enhancement: Arisen Tyrant

Overlord with Translocation Shroud (85 points)
• 1x Overlord’s blade
1x Resurrection Orb

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

BATTLELINE

Immortals (75 points)
• 5x Immortal
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Tesla carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathmarks (60 points)
• 5x Deathmark
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Synaptic disintegrator

Flayed Ones (60 points)
• 5x Flayed One
• 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Destroyers (30 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss cannon

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (150 points)
• 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Enmitic exterminator

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (100 points)
• 2x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Enmitic exterminator

Lychguard (170 points)
• 10x Lychguard
• 10x Dispersion Shield
10x Hyperphase sword

Monolith (375 points)
• 4x Death ray
1x Particle whip
1x Portal of exile

Skorpekh Destroyers (180 points)
• 6x Skorpekh Destroyer
• 2x Plasmacyte
6x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

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

Triarch Stalker (125 points)
• 1x Heavy gauss cannon array
1x Stalker’s forelimbs

Archetype

Destroyer Hypercrypt

Thoughts

A fascinating spin on Hypercrypt in the runner up slot, dialing back on the heavy-duty tools that have been popular recently for a much more cerebral and toolboxy take on the army, which I am of course a sucker for. You’ve still got a Monolith and plenty of toys to do fun tricks with, whether it be Immortals appearing to blast stuff to oblivion, or Lychguard/Skorpekh to burst through the breach and chop something up. As I have repeatedly said, if you haven’t tried Skorpekh at their new price you should, and I particularly like what the Lord does here – if you need one unit to hit appallingly hard he can go with the 6, but if you’d rather split your threats more he can go with the 3.

Also on the Destroyer front we have the enmitic Heavy Lokhusts with a lord, and the cool tech of bringing a Triarch Stalker alongside them. Units relying on massed AP-1 firepower love access to Ignore Cover, and the Stalker is ideal for setting that up, plus is another durable hull that can be zapped somewhere around the table if needed. A very cool addition that helps this build get over the line of hitting hard enough, particularly in a metagame with lots of power armour, great choice from Arnaud to earn second!

Alexandre Sacco – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PLAYER NAME : Alexandre “Salysia” Sacco
+ TEAM NAME : France
+ FACTION USED : Chaos – Thousand Sons
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ ENHANCEMENT: Arcane Vortex (on Infernal Master) & Umbralefic Crystal (on Infernal Master) & Lord of Forbidden Lore (on Thousand Sons Sorcerer)
+ DETACHMENT RULE : Kindred Sorcery
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTERS

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (105 Points)
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol

Infernal Master (115 Points)
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancements: Arcane Vortex

Infernal Master (110 Points)
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancements: Umbralefic Crystal

Infernal Master (90 Points)
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Screamer Invocation

Magnus the Red (440 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
1x Gaze of Magnus
1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm

Thousand Sons Sorcerer (130 Points)
• 1x Fires of the Abyss
1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
• Enhancements: Lord of Forbidden Lore

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (105 Points)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Thousand Sons Rhino (75 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Havoc launcher
1x Inferno combi-bolter 1x Inferno combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Mutalith Vortex Beast (150 Points)
• 1x Betentacled maw
1x Mutalith claws
1x Warp vortex

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 Points)
• 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion
• 1x Brutal assault weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Thousand Sons Cultist
• 9x Brutal assault weapon
9x Cultist firearm

Tzaangor Enlightened (45 Points)
• 1x Aviarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Fatecaster greatbow

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (41), Data Version: v434

Archetype

All-rounder Tsons

Thoughts

In third place we’ve got one of the game’s powerhouse factions, going for a single Mutalith Vortex Beast alongside a mostly standard loadout of Characters and Rubricae, though Ahriman has been left at home to free (up the points for) the Beast. That gives the list a second powerful counter-charge threat, which can be helpful against some of the harrassment plans players might try and deploy against this in a teams environment, and the Mutalith is also just never bad thanks to its combination of durability and power. Great work from Alexandre as Tzeentch’s preeminent disciple at the event!

Georgios Floros – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player Name: Georgios Floros
Team Name: Hellas
Factions Used: Blood Angels
Army Points: 2000
Army Enhancements (list on which model): None
Detachment Rule: Sons of Sanguinius – The Red Thirst
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (85 Points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist

Commander Dante (120 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Perdition
1x The Axe Mortalis

Lemartes (120 Points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x The Blood Crozius

The Sanguinor (140 Points)
• 1x Encarmine broadsword

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 Points)
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Thunder hammer
• 4x Intercessor
• 1x Astartes grenade launcher
4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 Points)
• 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

Death Company Dreadnought (145 Points)
• 1x Heavy flamer
1x Heavy flamer
1x Magna-grapple
1x Twin Furioso fists

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (280 Points)
• 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack
• 10x Inferno pistol
10x Power fist

Sanguinary Guard (310 Points)
• 10x Sanguinary Guard
• 10x Encarmine blade
10x Inferno pistol

Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Combat knife

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (105 Points)
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
• 4x Storm Shield
4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Archetype

High Threat Blood Angels

Thoughts

Closing out the top four we’ve got Blood Angels, with a build that once again diverges a bit from the norm. You’ve still got three big jump pack threats, but where the recent trend has been to go for the “durable” option of Lemartes’ Death Company and 2×10 VanVets with Priests, Georgios goes for the extra violent version with 20 Sanguinary Guard. That seems like a decent choice in Teams (and I checked, this was his list for the team event too), as you generally get less mileage from building to be an “all-rounder” than you do by going hard on what you do best, especially when your faction is a known quantity. This build is either going to get a favourable matchup, in which case you want to flatten the foe in double time for a 20-0, or it’s going to pair into something build to kill VanVets, in which case this is still going to be a better bet – it might hit the foe hard enough to degrade their army so they can’t walk away with a big score, and using 2+ Save models with access to Armour of Contempt as its core throws a defensive curveball the enemy might not have plans for – you kill VanVets with lots of AP-1 Ignore Cover or AP-2 firepower, Sanguinary Guard can potentially walk that off.

Interesting showcase of how to adapt a top meta build to face its predators, and a fourth-place finish at the Warmaster to boot – great work from Georgios!

The Best of the Rest

This event was using 20-0 scoring and was spectacularly huge, so I’m just going to hit the rest of the top 16.

=5th – Jonty Larsen – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Silent King and Double Monolith with plenty of Immortals to fire through the breach.
=5th – Stroh Benjamin – Leagues of Votann: Surprising Hearthguard-free Votann with two full bike units, double Land Fortress, and lots of Beserk MSUs in Sagitaurs.
7th – Jul Champion – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monster mash, including the dakkafex/One-Eye unit, and plenty of Raveners for board control.
8th – Matt Bonnet – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Extreme aggro-Raiders with three Accursed Communes, a second wave of Legionaries in Rhinos, and some Destructors for a bit of dakka.
9th – Innes Wilson – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Triple Deathwing Knights, one big unit of Inner Circle Companions with a Judiciar, and a Repulsor full of buffed-up Eradicators to finish.
10th – Liam Van Sichelen Logé – Ynnari: MSU Aspects galore, backed by Scourges and Lelith’s Wyches.
11th – Kyle Grundy – T’au Empire (Kauyon): Breacherfish, plasma Fireknife units and Riptides.
12th – Alexander Ulsøe Jessen – Thousand Sons: Tsons on the big Scarab brick, maintaining board presence with an extra ration of cultists and Enlightened.
13th – Borja FM – Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force): A wildly out there shooting and hulls build, spamming Death Company Dreadnoughts and Baal Predators, then backing them up with Eradicators and Centurions with a Librarian Dread to hurl them around the battlefield.
14th – Ben Clarke – Thousand Sons: Most of the standard Rubricae/Character Tsons stuff, but squeezing in one Mutalith.
15th – Alexander Kondakov – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Heavy Flame Sisters with Retributors and a double Penitent squad instead of Dominions (but keeping the Fire and Fury Seraphim unit).
16th – Clement Cordeau – Death Guard: Rhino Plague Marines and lots of shooty Plagueburst and Brigand hulls.

Iowaaagh! Open 2024

69-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Cedar Rapids, IA, United States on August 10 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

James “Boon” Kelling – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 1st Place

Avatar of Khaine. Credit: James “Boon” Kelling

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Just Elfin Around (2000 points)

Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Battle Host

CHARACTERS

Asurmen (115 points)
• 1x The Bloody Twins
1x The Sword of Asur

Autarch Wayleaper (115 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Howling Banshee Mask
1x Star glaive

Avatar of Khaine (335 points)
• 1x The Wailing Doom

Death Jester (105 points)
• 1x Jester’s blade
1x Shrieker cannon
• Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger

Farseer (80 points)
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing spear

Fuegan (130 points)
• 1x Searsong
1x The Fire Axe

Karandras (90 points)
• 1x Arhra’s Bane
1x Isirmathil
1x The Scorpion’s Bite

BATTLELINE

Guardian Defenders (100 points)
• 10x Guardian Defender
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Shuriken catapult
• 1x Heavy Weapon Platform
• 1x Bright lance
1x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dire Avengers (70 points)
• 1x Dire Avenger Exarch
• 1x Avenger shuriken catapult
1x Avenger shuriken catapult
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Dire Avenger
• 4x Avenger shuriken catapult
4x Close combat weapon

Falcon (140 points)
• 1x Bright lance
1x Pulse laser
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull

Skyweavers (105 points)
• 2x Skyweaver
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Skyweaver haywire cannon
2x Zephyrglaive

Striking Scorpions (65 points)
• 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
• 1x Biting blade
1x Mandiblasters
• 4x Striking Scorpion
• 4x Mandiblasters
4x Scorpion chainsword
4x Shuriken pistol

Swooping Hawks (85 points)
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Aeldari power sword
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
• 4x Swooping Hawk
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Lasblaster

War Walkers (110 points)
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Herohammer Aeldari

Thoughts

Take it away Boon.

Top Table Match

When the superior James came knocking and asking for his pound of Competitive Innovations flesh, I was less interested in discussing the top-table game (no disrespect to my repeated top-table sparring partner, Alex Vian, who played an excellent match) but I thought it may be a nice change of pace to deep-dive my off-meta list and thoughts on construction rather than the game itself. Quick shout out to Josh Thomas who continues to run an excellent event that you should mark on your calendar and all my opponents for their excellent games.

To summarize this match, Alex was running a rather terrifying and durable Dark Angel list that seems to be all the rage these days. My round four opponent, Tundra Tactics’ own Dakota Kramer, ran a similar list in what was at once the dumbest and best game of 40k I have played in many years – a game where not a single model died until turn five and could be a case study in understanding mission play. You can see Alex’s list below, it’s strong but it’s also limited in its ability to engage at range and predictable in creating charges. So my game plan focused on minimizing his ability to easily get shots from the Repulsor/Erads or getting good value charges, and then using my speed to isolate and overwhelm the more exposed flank. It worked, but I should note that there was a lot of ‘game’ that happened in this game – I had a rough dice turn, then he had a disastrous dice turn, and then the Avatar ended the game.

So let’s talk inside baseball.

List Breakdown

Unlike in years past, the demands of life have conspired to ensure that I have far less time to think about, tinker, and play Warhammer. As a result, I wanted to minimize the number of new variables in my list to limit the risk of a misplay in the rules or error in my game. So, when thinking about my list, I turned to the most recent list I ran at the Bugeater Open which had won me a golden ticket. Problem is, since that event back in June there had been an update to the game, and while the indirect change had a significant impact on D-cannons, I didn’t think the fundamentals of the army really changed all that much, and on the contrary, the meta became more favorable to my style of play as Marines and vehicles seemed to take on a greater role. So, when I sat down to rewrite the list with a mind on the fundamentals, my approach can be best summarized by this scene in Moneyball. There is no replacing Giam… D-Cannons. I could no longer afford the points and resource investment I’d pay to make them work. I cannot replace them. What I can do is cobble together a set of units that achieved a similar impact, in the aggregate, and allow my list to continue functioning like previous.

What I lost in the change was the ability to deliver heavy, anti-tank firepower, create space, and dig out units behind walls. Additionally, to make the changes necessary, I needed to sacrifice the Shroud Runners which meant a loss in Scouting capability. To compensate, I added a couple of War Walkers which more than offset the Scouting and traded lower-quality anti-tank for greater mobility and durability. The remainder of the list saw some point increases since June (Skyweavers and Hawks) which was partially offset by a decrease to Karandras. After adding in the War Walkers I had 115 points remaining and boy wouldn’t you know it Papa Smurf Asurmen himself just so happened to find himself sitting at a newly discounted 115. What self-respecting Eldar player is going to pass on the opportunity to take three Phoenix Lords and an Avatar out for a spin?

Let’s talk about Avatars. I don’t think it’s any surprise he brings a strong capability that the army otherwise lacks and as a result many people have found space for one in their lists. His output is obvious, his durability, obvious. What I warn every player about is his overwatch. Even now, over a year later, people still get caught out by it – but it’s not the Overwatch itself that makes him matter, it’s actually the Farseer behind the throne and the battery of Fate generating citizen-soldiers. This list is Fate-dice hungry, it wants to take that 1 and make it a 6, and it wants to do it at every opportunity it can. Moreover, it wants to make sure key units survive at the key moments – it all takes Fate and a lot of it. People have preferred Storm Guardians for the objective-holding ability, but this list cannot function without the extra dice generated by the Defenders. That means that the position of that unit, and where that Farseer is, needs to be planned a full turn in advance so that it can continue to support the Avatar as it wades its way forward towards destiny. Do not forget that they generate a dice for each objective they are on (lol The Ritual).

Skyweavers are excellent for anti-vehicle, and even in matches where they don’t have good targets (Thousand Sons, Tyranids) they can find opportunity with Devastating Wounds, glaive attacks, and screening/actioning. The Scorpions with Karandras are often misunderstood as I am commonly asked why they don’t infiltrate. I personally see no reason why I should ever start them on the board or infiltrate as it’s an excellent way to lose a unit that can create space, create uncertainty, plug a hole, and gain the ability to reroll its Devastating Wounds by charging out of a Falcon. Feugan? Well he’s Feugan and as with Giambi there is no replacing him. Everyone knows the Death Jester – my personal anecdote is that he once one-shot a full health Tank Commander. What a cool dude, he’s in. Wayleaper is boring but very useful. Hawks? I don’t need more than one squad, the army is fast enough as is, but one squad is a lock for tricksy secondary scoring.

Let’s talk about Dire Avengers. Many people have asked me about the Dire Avengers after these events and I routinely see Eldar players decry them. I agree that they aren’t going to light the world on fire, they don’t have a super useful profile into any particular meta threat, but [points at Jonah Hill] they get on base. They’re cheap (for Eldar) and provide me with a unit that can:

Give me a mass of anti-infantry firepower at good range
Provide an objective grabber
Provide a GRENADES unit
Provide chip damage on anything (Lethal Hits)
Gives Asurmen an extra six ablative wounds with a 4+/5++

That first one is critical into armies like GSC, Tyranids, Orks, Dark Eldar, Sisters, etc – armies that can bring high model counts, low toughness units, or both – things that the rest of my army just won’t have the number of shots to effectively handle. That second bullet is important, particularly when combined with the third and fourth items in being capable of delivering enough damage to any unit that they either finish it off directly or allow the remainder of the army to more easily clear it. Then there’s Asurmen. With his point decrease he became a little more viable, but he’s no less squishy than he had been. That 3+ invulnerable? It’s a scary number, it stops your opponent in their tracks. But then they roll the dice, his toughness 3 kicks in and suddenly that 3+ invulnerable and 5 wounds feels non-existent. You want some ablative wounds for your boy blue because he’s a real problem solver with his six attacks at S6, AP-3, 3D and Devastating Wounds.

Am I going to walk around with 3×5 or 3×10 units of these guys? No. But am I going to stick one squad in a Falcon, plop them out to fill a gap and throw Asurmen into the breach? Yes, and repeatedly. And it turns out they’re very good at that, can clean up some spare wounds that would otherwise require more dedicated shooting that you can’t or don’t want to spare, and can even do so effectively in your opponent’s turn. One final note – I deploy Feugan and the Death Jester in one of the Falcons and then swap them for the Avengers on turn one. You get a boost on the Death Jester from the Falcon rerolls, and Feugan can get an extra few inches in case he needs to dig out something like Snikrot or a Callidus that got a little too brave in deployment. Why can he do that? Because he’s Feugan and the guy refuses to die.

I wanted to lay this all out because I don’t think people really dissect their list building very often. I have observed that many people commonly think about tournament list construction with a game in mind rather than six-games in mind. Things which have a low rate of failure will eventually fail across six games – can your list manage it when it happens? Finally, as you consider your own list decisions keep in mind the following; all units are just a collection of tools and capabilities. There’s tradeoffs and balances, but no matter what you determine, at the end of the day you still need to engage at the table and work with what your opponent is giving you.

Kyle McCord – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Indomitable Angels (1995 points)

Space Marines
Dark Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (85 points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancement: Fire Discipline

Azrael (105 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Lion’s Wrath
1x The Lion Helm
1x The Sword of Secrets

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

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathwing Knights (235 points)
• 1x Watcher in the Dark
• 1x Knight Master
• 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven
• 4x Deathwing Knight
• 4x Mace of absolution

Eradicator Squad (190 points)
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
• 5x Eradicator
• 5x Bolt pistol
5x Close combat weapon
3x Melta rifle
2x Multi-melta

Land Raider Redeemer (285 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon

Scout Squad (65 points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Scout sniper rifle

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

Exported with App Version: v1.19.0 (47), Data Version: v438

Archetype

Gladius Deathwing Knight Spam

Thoughts

The Deathwing Knight menace shows up in force in second place here, providing an exceptionally durable and threatening wall for Vindicators and Eradicators to operate from behind of. Kyle’s version splashes out for the Land Raider Redeemer as the transport for the Eradicators rather than a Repulsor, which also provides a tremendous Overwatch threat for anything trying to run rings around the Knights. Not much more to say here – you get both tremendous durability and extreme threat in one glorious Marine package, congratulations to Kyle for taking it to second place here.

Dan Sammons – Leagues of Votann (Oathband) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Certainty Of Death? Small Chance Of Success? What Are We Waitin’ For? (2000 points)

Leagues of Votann
Strike Force (2000 points)
Oathband

CHARACTERS

Einhyr Champion (80 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• Enhancement: Appraising Glare

Grimnyr (65 points)
• 1x Grimnyr
• 1x Ancestral Wrath
1x Ancestral ward stave
• 2x CORV
• 2x Autoch-pattern bolter
2x Close combat weapon

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 points)
• 1x Theyn
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x EtaCarn plasma pistol
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 L7 missile launcher
1x Magna-rail rifle
1x Medipack
1x Pan Spectral Scanner

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (115 points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cthonian Beserks (100 points)
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul
1x Mole grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (160 points)
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Volkanite disintegrator
1x Weavefield Crest
• 4x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 4x Concussion gauntlet
4x Exo-armour grenade launcher
4x Volkanite disintegrator

Einhyr Hearthguard (160 points)
• 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

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x Cyclic ion cannon
1x MATR autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 points)
• 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

Exported with App Version: v1.19.0 (47), Data Version: v438

Archetype

Go-wide Votann

Thoughts

A highly dispersed Votann formation is up next, adapting to the very lethal metagame by packing numerous relevant threats. That both exploits the initial harvest of Grudge tokens very well and ensures a steady supply of them, while also ensuring you can pivot to Primary denial and scoring if you don’t think you’re going to win a damage race. I do also like the cute trick you can do with 2×5 Hearthguard and a Land Fortress, which is to fire one squad out with Fire Support while the other gets in, then repeat next turn – a brutal cycle of violence against foes lacking the reach to reliably drop the tank. Nice to see Votann getting stuff done, good work from Dan.

Alex Vian – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 4th Place

Apothecary Biologis. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

My Other Car is a Land Raider Redeemer (1995 points)

Space Marines
Dark Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (85 points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancement: Fire Discipline

Asmodai (70 points)
• 1x Crozius arcanum and power weapon
1x Heavy bolt pistol

Azrael (105 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Lion’s Wrath
1x The Lion Helm
1x The Sword of Secrets

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Thunder hammer
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

Deathwing Knights (235 points)
• 1x Knight Master
• 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven
• 4x Deathwing Knight
• 4x Mace of absolution

Deathwing Knights (235 points)
• 1x Knight Master
• 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven
• 4x Deathwing Knight
• 4x Power weapon

Inner Circle Companions (180 points)
• 6x Inner Circle Companion
• 6x Calibanite greatsword
6x Heavy bolt pistol

Repulsor (180 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Hunter-slayer missile
1x Las-talon
1x Repulsor defensive array
1x Twin lascannon

Scout Squad (65 points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.19.0 (47), Data Version: v438

Archetype

Gladius Deathwing Knight Spam

Thoughts

Rounding out the top four here we have pretty much the “standard” Deathwing Knight Gladius build, with the one tweak being the addition of Asmodai instead of a Judiciar to give additional killing power to the Inner Circle Companions (the option to fish for Lethals broadens their target options a fair bit). Not certain you need any more killing power than you already have, but it does also give you a fallback plan if you somehow hit the one remaining Green Tide player and need to clear a horde in a hurry. Congratulations to Alex for the strong showing!

The Best of the Rest

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

5th – John Teets – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): A full Sword Brethren brick in a Redeemer backed by jump MSUs and Predator Annihilators.
6th – Jacob Ott – Astra Militarum: Triple Dorn with a full Armoured Sentinel squad to run interference and max the value of the respawn.
7th – Travis Stewart – World Eaters: Extra heavy World Eaters running Forgefiends and Maulerfiends.

Arch City GT III

60-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Columbus, OH, United States on August 10 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Peter Elias – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Arch City (2000 Points)

Aeldari
Battle Host
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (150 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Mandiblasters
• 1x Star glaive
• Enhancements: The Phoenix Gem

Avatar of Khaine (335 Points)
• 1x The Wailing Doom

Death Jester (105 Points)
• 1x Jester’s blade
• 1x Shrieker cannon
• Enhancements: Fate’s Messenger

Farseer (80 Points)
• 1x Eldritch Storm
• 1x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Singing spear

Fuegan (130 Points)
• 1x Searsong
• 1x The Fire Axe

Karandras (90 Points)
• 1x Arhra’s Bane
• 1x Isirmathil
• 1x The Scorpion’s Bite

Solitaire (115 Points)
• 1x Solitaire weapons

BATTLELINE

Guardian Defenders (100 Points)
• 10x Guardian Defender
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Shuriken catapult
• 1x Heavy Weapon Platform
◦ 1x Bright lance
◦ 1x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Falcon (140 Points)
• 1x Bright lance
• 1x Pulse laser
• 1x Shuriken cannon
• 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Dragons (90 Points)
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Firepike
• 4x Fire Dragon
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Dragon fusion gun

Rangers (55 Points)
• 5x Ranger
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Ranger long rifle
◦ 5x Shuriken pistol

Shroud Runners (80 Points)
• 3x Shroud Runner
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Ranger long rifle
◦ 3x Scatter laser
◦ 3x Shuriken pistol

Skyweavers (105 Points)
• 2x Skyweaver
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Skyweaver haywire cannon
◦ 2x Zephyrglaive

Striking Scorpions (65 Points)
• 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
◦ 1x Mandiblasters
◦ 1x Scorpion chainsword
◦ 1x Scorpion’s claw
• 4x Striking Scorpion
◦ 4x Mandiblasters
◦ 4x Scorpion chainsword
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Support Weapons (135 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x D-cannon
• 1x Shuriken catapult

Swooping Hawks (85 Points)
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
◦ 1x Aeldari power sword
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hawk’s talon
• 4x Swooping Hawk
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Lasblaster

Exported with App Version: v1.19.0 (43), Data Version: v438

Archetype

Herohammer Aeldari

Thoughts

As is a trend among the current best performing Aeldari lists, Peter’s build here leans hard on the extremely powerful roster of Characters the faction has access to, then fills out with a mix of powerful scoring pieces and burst damage threats like Falcons and Fire Dragons. I’ve been on a similar kick myself recently, and these builds are great fun (if terrifying) to play – you can apply spectacular damage when you need to, the tricks the Characters can do are great for locking in scoring and running rings around the foe, and if you throw away even one unit too cheaply you can be in huge trouble. With that in mind, huge props to Peter for holding steady and taking this build to the top!

Folger Pyles – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

3 Headed Monster (2000 points)

Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Battle Host

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (150 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Shuriken pistol
1x Star glaive
• Enhancement: The Phoenix Gem

Avatar of Khaine (335 points)
• 1x The Wailing Doom

Farseer (80 points)
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witchblade

Farseer Skyrunner (90 points)
• 1x Eldritch Storm
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Twin shuriken catapult
1x Witchblade

Spiritseer (80 points)
• 1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witch staff
• Enhancement: The Weeping Stones

The Visarch (90 points)
• 1x Asu-var, the Sword of Silent Screams

Yvraine (125 points)
• 1x Kha-vir, the Sword of Sorrows
1x Storm of Whispers

BATTLELINE

Guardian Defenders (100 points)
• 10x Guardian Defender
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Shuriken catapult
• 1x Heavy Weapon Platform
• 1x Bright lance
1x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Rangers (55 points)
• 5x Ranger
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Ranger long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol

Swooping Hawks (85 points)
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Lasblaster
• 4x Swooping Hawk
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Lasblaster

Troupe (180 points)
• 1x Lead Player
• 1x Harlequin’s blade
1x Shuriken pistol
• 11x Player
• 11x Harlequin’s blade
11x Shuriken pistol

Warp Spiders (125 points)
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death spinner
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

Wraithguard (380 points)
• 10x Wraithguard
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Wraithcannon

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Heavy Aeldari

Thoughts

In second place we have another undefeated Aeldari build, albeit one about as far away from the previous one as possible. While there are still lots of Characters, this build goes hard, with a full squad of Wraithguard and a massive Harlequin brick to scare off various kinds of foes. Tanks and Monsters need to avoid Wraithguard like the plague, while Harlequins with Yvraine and the Visarch can be a huge problem for all melee builds to handle, especially with access to a Bikeseer to Guide them up. There really isn’t much that can safely charge them thanks to Fights First from the Visarch, and they cover a good amount of ground too thanks to model count. Yvraine’s Feel No Pain and revival even keeps them safe against chip damage from pistols and the like!

Finally, if all else fails there’s still the Avatar, and in this build he and the Wraithguard can select who is at the tip of the spear depending on the enemy’s threat profile, giving you the flexibility to play a genuine durability game as Aeldari. Will wonders never cease. Great to see a different take on the faction, well done Folger.

David DeLisle – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Buggin (1995 Points)

Tyranids
Invasion Fleet
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Neurotyrant (105 Points)
• 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes
• 1x Psychic scream

Neurotyrant (105 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes
• 1x Psychic scream

Old One Eye (140 Points)
• 1x Old One Eye’s claws and talons

BATTLELINE

Gargoyles (85 Points)
• 10x Gargoyle
◦ 10x Blinding venom
◦ 10x Fleshborer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (50 Points)
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
• 1x Spore Mine launcher

Carnifexes (250 Points)
• 2x Carnifex
◦ 2x Bio-plasma
◦ 2x Carnifex scything talons
◦ 2x Chitinous claws and teeth
◦ 2x Deathspitters with slimer maggots
◦ 2x Spine banks

Exocrine (135 Points)
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
• 1x Powerful limbs

Lictor (55 Points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons

Maleceptor (170 Points)
• 1x Massive scything talons
• 1x Psychic overload

Tyrannofex (190 Points)
• 1x Powerful limbs
• 1x Rupture cannon
• 1x Stinger salvoes

Von Ryan’s Leapers (75 Points)
• 3x Von Ryan’s Leaper
◦ 3x Leaper’s talons

Zoanthropes (200 Points)
• 1x Neurothrope
◦ 1x Chitinous claws and teeth
◦ 1x Warp Blast
• 5x Zoanthrope
◦ 5x Chitinous claws and teeth
◦ 5x Warp Blast

Exported with App Version: v1.19.0 (43), Data Version: v438

Archetype

All-rounder Invasion Fleet

Thoughts

Next up, bugs! Efficient Monsters, a couple of nice alpha threats between the Zoanthropes and Dakkafex unit and some good, cheap Infiltrators and scoring stuff to play with. This list can do reasonably well at everything, and combining that with the go turn from Shadow in the Warp and a reliable scoring tail into the late game from Lictors and the like makes this a versatile and effective army. Good work from David.

Geoff Perry – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) – 4th Place

Necron Warriors w/ Gauss Reapers. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

500$v2 (2000 Points)

Necrons
Hypercrypt Legion
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chronomancer (85 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Chronomancer’s stave
• Enhancements: Osteoclave Fulcrum

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

Hexmark Destroyer (95 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols
• Enhancements: Dimensional Overseer

Illuminor Szeras (175 Points)
• 1x Eldritch Lance
• 1x Impaling legs

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 Points)
• 1x Gauntlet of Fire
• 1x Staff of the Destroyer

Plasmancer (90 Points)
• 1x Plasmic lance
• Enhancements: Arisen Tyrant

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

BATTLELINE

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

Necron Warriors (200 Points)
• 20x Necron Warrior
◦ 20x Close combat weapon
◦ 20x Gauss reaper

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathmarks (60 Points)
• 5x Deathmark
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Synaptic disintegrator

Lokhust Destroyers (30 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Gauss cannon

Monolith (375 Points)
• 4x Gauss flux arc
• 1x Particle whip
• 1x Portal of exile

Exported with App Version: v1.19.0 (43), Data Version: v438

Archetype

Warrior/C’tan Hypercrypt

Thoughts

Another pushback against the tyranny of Heavy Hypercrypt here, going for a combination of two powerhouse infantry units with a Monolith to zap them round, two C’tan and Szeras to cause mayhem, and some cheap scoring stuff to round out. Much like some of the Aeldari builds you’re in a world of trouble if an opponent spikes a key unit to early, but Hypercrypt’s scoring power and capacity for big plays continues to give it some legs even in the face of repeated nerfs. Great work from Geoff.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th – Brian Daugherty – World Eaters: All the usual toys then a full squad of Terminators out of nowhere.
6th – Nicolas Chesnick – Thousand Sons: A hefty spin on Tsons with a full Scarab unit and a Mutalith, plus one Rubricae unit built out to the full 10.
7th – Garrett Stacy – Death Guard: Mortarion and 32 Terminators, hell yeah.
8th – Conan Jennings – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): The durability-optimised variant of Sons, taking Lemartes unit and two full VanVet/Priest squads.
9th – Alex Brudnicki – Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Four Infantry bricks, two Caladius tanks, a scattering of Sisters to turn on the buffs.
10th – Patrick Schmidt – Leagues of Votann: A particularly go-wide spin on Votann with 2×5 Hearthguard (one unit in a Fortress), some extra Hearthkyn and Yaegirs, and lots of small bike squads. A full Thunderkyn unit with a Brokhyr helps with any heavy lifting requires.

Tables and Towers Summer GT

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Westminster, MD, United States on August 10 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold – Hidden Supplies – Search and Destroy

Mark Hertel – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force)
Army List - Click to Expand

Deathwatch (2000 Points)

Space Marines
Deathwatch
Black Spear Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Judiciar (85 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Executioner relic blade
• Enhancements: Thief of Secrets

Librarian (95 Points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite
• Enhancements: Beacon Angelis

Watch Master (145 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Vigil spear
• Enhancements: The Tome of Ectoclades

BATTLELINE

Deathwatch Veterans (200 Points)
• 1x Watch Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shield
1x Xenophase blade
• 9x Deathwatch Veteran
• 5x Astartes shield
4x Deathwatch thunder hammer
5x Long Vigil melee weapon

Deathwatch Veterans (200 Points)
• 1x Watch Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shield
1x Xenophase blade
• 9x Deathwatch Veteran
• 1x Astartes shield
4x Close combat weapon
4x Deathwatch thunder hammer
4x Frag cannon
1x Long Vigil melee weapon

Deathwatch Veterans (100 Points)
• 1x Watch Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shield
1x Xenophase blade
• 4x Deathwatch Veteran
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Deathwatch thunder hammer
2x Infernus heavy bolter

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Inceptor Squad (260 Points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
• 5x Inceptor
• 5x Assault bolters
5x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (130 Points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma exterminators
• 2x Inceptor
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Plasma exterminators

Sternguard Veteran Squad (180 Points)
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Power fist
1x Sternguard bolt pistol
1x Sternguard bolt rifle
• 9x Sternguard Veteran
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Sternguard bolt pistol
7x Sternguard bolt rifle
2x Sternguard heavy bolter

Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (160 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Stormfury missiles
1x Thunderstrike las-talon
1x Twin Icarus rocket pod

Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (40), Data Version: v430

vs.

Lucas Peacher – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband)
Army List - Click to Expand

The Boyzzz (1995 points)

World Eaters
Strike Force (2000 points)
Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Khârn the Betrayer (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Gorechild
1x Khârn’s plasma pistol

Lord Invocatus (140 points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Coward’s Bane
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn

World Eaters Master of Executions (125 points)
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive

World Eaters Master of Executions (100 points)
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (65 points)
• 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

Khorne Berzerkers (180 points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Icon of Khorne
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Khorne Berzerker
• 7x Berzerker chainblade
7x Bolt pistol
2x Khornate eviscerator
2x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (90 points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Bolt pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
3x Bolt pistol
1x Khornate eviscerator
1x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (140 points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (310 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 5x Exalted Eightbound
• 5x Eightbound chainfist
5x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (155 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 points)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations

Exported with App Version: v1.19.0 (47), Data Version: v438

Thoughts

It’s that time again where we have to play the solemn, sad music as we watch a build not long for this world go out on one last hurrah. The true tragedy here is that thanks to the twists and turns of the metagame and a small but welcome amount of help in the Dataslate, Black Spear Task Force is pretty legit right now. You get a lot of powerful mobility tricks, a very nasty Fight First melee unit by combining a Thief of Secrets Judiciar with Veterans, and we’re in a target rich environment for their unique trick of combining Sternguard with their Bolter Strategems thanks to all the elite Infantry around. I also like the use of the Librarian with the second Veteran squad, letting you max out on weaponry without compromising on an invulnerable save – good stuff.

That talk of “good against elite Infantry” probably has the world eaters tugging at their collars nervously, and they’re very much right to be worried, this Deathwatch build is practically assembled in a lab to go through Eaters like a hot knife,especially a build making the unusual choice to leave Angron at home. Presumably the World Eaters and Khorne would enjoy the whole hot knives thing, but it won’t be very productive, so it’s certainly a problem. The mission doesn’t massively help either – Search and Destroy is good for them, as it helps pressure, but six objectives kills some of the advantage, as it makes it easier for Deathwatch to hold two while methodically murdering their way through the early game. The impact of the close deployment is also reduced by the presence of the big Fight First unit, because while you can First Turn charge that, you probably shouldn’t.

The one saving grace for the World Eaters is that they’re still on double Rhino, which gives them some tools for mitigating the killing power of the Deathwatch and to do some staging, but I don’t think it’s going to be enough. If you had Angron here I think you could maybe try something by sending him to rampage through the top flank solo, and play a very careful game with everything else, but without him I really struggle to see how you’re going to stay on the table past around turn 3, after which point Deathwatch will mop up on scoring. That does, broadly, look to be what happened.

Result

Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) Victory – 98 – 57

Mark Hertel – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) – 1st Place

Deathwatch veteran Marcus Varro. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Deathwatch (2000 Points)

Space Marines
Deathwatch
Black Spear Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Judiciar (85 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Executioner relic blade
• Enhancements: Thief of Secrets

Librarian (95 Points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite
• Enhancements: Beacon Angelis

Watch Master (145 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Vigil spear
• Enhancements: The Tome of Ectoclades

BATTLELINE

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Inceptor Squad (260 Points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
• 5x Inceptor
• 5x Assault bolters
5x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (130 Points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma exterminators
• 2x Inceptor
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Plasma exterminators

Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (160 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Stormfury missiles
1x Thunderstrike las-talon
1x Twin Icarus rocket pod

Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (40), Data Version: v430

Archetype

#justicefordeathwatch

Thoughts

All covered in the Showdown – a very mobile and very deadly build that leverages some of the unique tricks of the Deathwatch to maximum effect. The main thing I want to say here, to make absolutely clear where I stand, is that GW should genuinely just roll back the decision to butcher Deathwatch’s rules – this build is fun, it doesn’t need to die, and the unique models it uses are current plastics. Why murder it? Add some text to the new version of the detachment in the Imperial Agents codex that lets you use it as a Marine detachment with whatever rules are needed to make it work like the Index then, boom, done.

Hopefully something like that will happen, if not big props to Mark for at least going down swinging.

Shaun Reynolds – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

When life gives you lemons use Lennon’s Aid (1995)

Space Marines
Dark Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (85 points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancement: Fire Discipline

Azrael (105 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Lion’s Wrath
1x The Lion Helm
1x The Sword of Secrets

Judiciar (70 points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Executioner relic blade

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathwing Knights (235 points)
• 1x Watcher in the Dark
• 1x Knight Master
• 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven
• 4x Deathwing Knight
• 4x Mace of absolution

Inner Circle Companions (180 points)
• 6x Inner Circle Companion
• 6x Calibanite greatsword
6x Heavy bolt pistol

Repulsor (180 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Hunter-slayer missile
1x Las-talon
1x Repulsor defensive array
1x Twin lascannon

Scout Squad (65 points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
2x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Scout sniper rifle

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.19.0 (47), Data Version: v438

Archetype

Gladius Deathwing Knight Spam

Thoughts

You know what this does, by now – we’ve already had almost this exact list today, albeit Shaun’s build here goes for the Judiciar rather than Asmodai. I do prefer the Judiciar in the slot – both are defensible depending on your local metagame, but being able to park a borderline unchargeable unit behind a wall adds a capability, where Asmodai just lets you murders stuff harder, which this army can already do with great enthusiasm. Great stuff from Sean doing just that on the way to undefeated second.

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd – Max Berlove – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Double C’tan, double Doomstalker, double Wraiths and 10/5 Immortals. Honestly impressed you can still contort a list to get this all in.
4th – Jeffrey Kolodner – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): A fairly heavy all-rounder Sisters build with lots of solo Anchorites on top of the standard Castigators, Immolators and Vahl brick.
5th – Brock Bourassa – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monster mash with the OOE/dakkafex unit plus some Zoanthropes with a Neurotyrant for heavy shooting.
6th – Tyler Principio – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Brawler units in Rhinos with Destructors backed up by some Slaaneshi assistance from Fiends and Daemonettes.

Club Seal Cup Part II

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Gungahlin, ACT, Australia on August 09 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Harry Mayo – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Army Roster (Chaos – World Eaters) [2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Blessings of Khorne Reference

Detachment Choice: Berzerker Warband

Show/Hide Options: Chaos Knights are visible

+ Epic Hero +

Angron [415pts]

Khârn the Betrayer [100pts]

Lord Invocatus [140pts]

+ Character +

World Eaters Daemon Prince [215pts]: Battle-lust

World Eaters Master of Executions [100pts]

+ Battleline +

Jakhals [65pts]: Icon of Khorne
. A: 8 chainblades
. . 8x Jakhals: 8x Autopistol, 8x Jakhal chainblades
. Dishonoured w/ skullsmasher

Khorne Berserkers [180pts]: Icon of Khorne
. 6x Khorne Berserker: 6x Berserker chainblade, 6x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Plasma pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ alternate weapons: Berserker chainblade, Plasma pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ alternate weapons: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. Khorne Berserker w/ alternate weapons: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator

Khorne Berserkers [90pts]: Icon of Khorne
. 2x Khorne Berserker: 2x Berserker chainblade, 2x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Plasma pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ alternate weapons: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. Khorne Berserker w/ alternate weapons: Berserker chainblade, Plasma pistol

+ Infantry +

Exalted Eightbound [310pts]
. 5x Exalted Eightbound: 5x Eightbound chainfist, 5x Eightbound eviscerator
. Exalted Eightbound Champion: Paired Eightbound chainfists

+ Dedicated Transport +

World Eaters Rhino [75pts]: Combi-weapon, Havoc launcher

++ Total: [2,000pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe ()

It’s totally going to be battle ready, there’s no need to double check that

Archetype

Hardcore World Eaters

Thoughts

Last on the docket for today we’ve got a win for World Eaters, adapting to the prevalance of other melee threats in the metagame by going extra hard with the Exalted Eightbound, and bringing a Daemon Prince to boost them up to a 4+ Invulnerable Save, plus mess with enemy melee hammers with a free Heroic Intervention. If you can tag a strung out enemy charge so that they can’t concentrate their attacks, using Khorne Cares Not will hopefully let you ride out their blows, and then your Eightbound and Prince can flatten them on the riposte. That’s my theory anyway – and it seems to have worked here, great stuff from Harry!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Corey Schmetzer – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Three Dreadknights and three Terminator MSUs with Draigo and Librarians.
3rd – Dom Proctor – Space Marines (Gladius Task Force): Lots of Terminators, lots of Redemptors and a full unit of Heavy Intercessors to try and maximise the value of Battleline buffs.
4th – Danny Jackson – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Big monsters, various Battleline infantry to control the board a bit, and cheap stuff to fill.
5th – Elliot Hislop – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ): Extra herohammer Champions, mixing up ThunderCav, Epic Hero Dreadnoughts and small Infantry units with some Character boosts.

Wrap Up

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: Mayhem in Mechelen pt.1

WTC Warmaster GT 2024

Weiss Olivier – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Arnaud Allot – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Alexandre Sacco – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Georgios Floros – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Iowaaagh! Open 2024

James “Boon” Kelling – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Kyle McCord – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Dan Sammons – Leagues of Votann (Oathband) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Alex Vian – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Arch City GT III

Peter Elias – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Folger Pyles – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

David DeLisle – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Geoff Perry – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Tables and Towers Summer GT

The Showdown

Take and Hold – Hidden Supplies – Search and Destroy

Thoughts

Result

Mark Hertel – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Shaun Reynolds – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Club Seal Cup Part II

Harry Mayo – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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