The Pariah metagame continues to take shape this week, and we’ve got a bizarrely top-heavy suite of events to provide some additional date – lots of majors, barely any GTs.
In terms of what’s out there, Blood Angels look like the army to beat (the only faction to top a 60% win rate in our data this week), and you’re starting to see plenty of other armies teching for clearing out hordes of 2W infantry, which also happens to be relevant into newly emerging Adeptus Mechanicus builds that go heavy on elite Skitarii. Plenty of heftier builds are doing well too, with heavy Hypercrypt Necron lists thriving, showings for monster mash builds of various stripes, while Bringers of Flame Sisters are also making their presence known. Eightbound-heavy World Eaters also drove a very strong weekend for that faction, and there’s even our first undefeated Genestealer Cults build with the new book!
Still plenty of twists and turns, and plenty to talk about, so let’s dive in, starting today with:
- THE SHEFFIELD 40K SUPER MAJOR
- Denver 40K Fight Club July Open
- Exterminatus IX: Sosig Party
- Hometown 40K
- Midsummer O.P.A. 2024 WH40K
On Friday Lowest of Men will take charge, covering:
- TGX Warhammer 40,000 Event
- I Gt Ciudad de Avila
- Hee Yaw GT 2024
- J-Town Throwdown
This week’s showdowns, voted for by the beloved and valued Patrons, will be:
- Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) vs Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort) at the Sheffield Super Major
- Astra Militarum vs Adeptus Mechanicus (Cohort Cybernetica) at the Hee Yaw GT
THE SHEFFIELD 40K SUPER MAJOR
199-player, 7-round Supermajor in England, United Kingdom on July 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Take and Hold – Hidden Supplies – Search and Destroy
Andy Quas-Cohen – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) Detachment Choice: Hypercrypt Legion Show/Hide Options + Epic Hero + C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer The Silent King + Character + Hexmark Destroyer: Dimensional Overseer Hexmark Destroyer + Infantry + Deathmarks Deathmarks Flayed Ones Flayed Ones + Vehicle + Canoptek Spyders Doomsday Ark Doomsday Ark Tesseract Vault
Army List - Click to Expand
Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)
2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator beam, 2x Armoured bulk
5x Deathmark: 5x Close combat weapon, 5x Synaptic disintegrator
5x Deathmark: 5x Close combat weapon, 5x Synaptic disintegrator
5x Flayed One: 5x Flayer claws
5x Flayed One: 5x Flayer claws
Canoptek Spyder: Fabricator claw array, Gloom prism, Two particle beamers
vs.
Jonny Simmons – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort) Adeptus Mechanicus CHARACTERS Skitarii Marshal (60 Points) Skitarii Marshal (35 Points) Skitarii Marshal (65 Points) Tech-Priest Manipulus (65 Points) BATTLELINE Skitarii Rangers (85 Points) Skitarii Rangers (85 Points) Skitarii Vanguard (90 Points) Skitarii Vanguard (90 Points) Skitarii Vanguard (90 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Skorpius Dunerider (85 Points) Skorpius Dunerider (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Ironstrider Ballistarii (210 Points) Kataphron Breachers (320 Points) Pteraxii Skystalkers (65 Points) Pteraxii Skystalkers (65 Points) Pteraxii Skystalkers (65 Points) Pteraxii Sterylizors (150 Points) Sicarian Infiltrators (70 Points) Sicarian Infiltrators (70 Points) Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (41), Data Version: v434
Army List - Click to Expand
Birbs (2000 Points)
Skitarii Hunter Cohort
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Control stave
1x Mechanicus pistol
• Enhancements: Cantic Thrallnet
• 1x Control stave
1x Mechanicus pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Control stave
1x Mechanicus pistol
• Enhancements: Battle-sphere Uplink
• 1x Magnarail lance
1x Omnissian staff
• 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Galvanic rifle
• 9x Skitarii Ranger
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
6x Galvanic rifle
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
1x Transuranic arquebus
• 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Galvanic rifle
• 9x Skitarii Ranger
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
6x Galvanic rifle
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
1x Transuranic arquebus
• 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Radium carbine
• 9x Skitarii Vanguard
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
6x Radium carbine
1x Transuranic arquebus
• 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Radium carbine
• 9x Skitarii Vanguard
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
6x Radium carbine
1x Transuranic arquebus
• 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Radium carbine
• 9x Skitarii Vanguard
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
6x Radium carbine
1x Transuranic arquebus
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Cognis heavy stubber array
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Cognis heavy stubber array
• 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii
• 3x Ironstrider feet
3x Twin cognis lascannon
• 6x Kataphron Breacher
• 6x Heavy arc rifle
6x Hydraulic claw
• 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Pteraxii Skystalker
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Flechette carbine
• 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Pteraxii Skystalker
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Flechette carbine
• 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Pteraxii Skystalker
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Flechette carbine
• 1x Pteraxii Sterylizor Alpha
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Pteraxii talons
1x Taser goad
• 9x Pteraxii Sterylizor
• 9x Phosphor torch
9x Pteraxii talons
• 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Sicarian Infiltrator
• 4x Flechette blaster
4x Taser goad
• 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Sicarian Infiltrator
• 4x Flechette blaster
4x Taser goad
• 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps
• 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw
• 9x Sicarian Ruststalker
• 9x Transonic blades
Thoughts
A very thematically appropriate duel on the top table of the week’s biggest event, with the Adeptus Mechanicus once more attempting to steal the secrets of the Necrons technology.
They’re presumably inside that gigantic floating box, the centrepiece of a heavy Hypercrypt build. Silent King, two Doomsdays and big theats/scoring pieces to fill is the premium recipe for Necrons right now, and that’s very much the plan here, going extra big via the inclusion of a Tesseract Vault. That does mean the Necrons are a bit lighter than normal on scoring stuff, but their large targets are formidible challenges for many armies to take down, and as always Hypercrypt can make a few units go a long way.
Up against them are the revitalised Adeptus Mechanicus, and out the gate they present something of a problem for the Necrons with the big breacher unit, which is pretty much the perfect tool for obliterating the vault or Silent King, whichever wants to stick their head out first. There’s a small saving grace for the Necrons in that it’s a Manipulus leading them rather than a Dominus, meaning chip damage via Cosmic Fire is a real asset, but they’re still a definite problem. Also not great is how efficiently the Mechanicus can sweep up Necron scoring pieces with all those Sterylizors, and they also have to worry about getting boxed in early on by Infiltrators, stopping them reaching out and scoring. They do kill the AdMech stuff pretty effectively, but on a lot of missions I’d be very worried about getting crushed on Primary.
That’s a little less of a problem on this mission, which is very generous as one to play defensively on, particularly if the Necrons go second. Defending 10VP Primary turns is extremely doable, and if that somehow goes wrong then playing for Unbroken Wall late game works too. If the Necrons can de-fang the Breachers and Ironstriders then they probably do grind the rest of what’s here out, and on this mission that might be enough to take a win if it cuts off late-game scoring for the AdMech. All that said I’d still give the Hunter Cohort the nod here, but in the event the Necrons were able to just squeak to victory – great stuff!
Result
Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) Victory – 81 – 80
Andy Quas-Cohen – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Heavy Hypercrypt
Thoughts
Heavy Hypercrypt is the premier Necron build right now, and it’s not particularly close. You can slide exactly how hard you go with it up and down, and I admire the confidence shown by choosing “very” and then taking down a supermajor. Fantastic stuff from Andy!
Jonny Simmons – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort) – 2nd Place
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
All-rounder Hunter Cohort
Thoughts
AdMech are definitively back as of this week, Ironstriders, Ruststalkers and other old friends returning to the metagame with a vengeance. Most of the top builds are running Hunter Cohort, which provides both durability and the mobility to maximise all the upgrades AdMech received in the Balance Dataslate. Great to see a real impact from their buffs, and congratulations to Jonny for deploying them so effectively!
Josh Roberts – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Space Marines CHARACTERS Chaos Lord (90 points) Chaos Lord (90 points) Chaos Lord (105 points) Cypher (90 points) BATTLELINE Cultist Mob (50 points) Legionaries (90 points) Legionaries (90 points) Legionaries (90 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (75 points) Chaos Rhino (75 points) Chaos Rhino (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Chaos Vindicator (185 points) Chaos Vindicator (185 points) Chosen (125 points) Chosen (125 points) ALLIED UNITS Nurglings (40 points) Rubric Marines (105 points) Rubric Marines (105 points) Rubric Marines (105 points) Rubric Marines (105 points)
Sheffield GT CSM List (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Renegade Raiders
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancement: Dread Reaver
• Warlord
• 1x Cypher’s bolt pistol
1x Cypher’s plasma pistol
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 9x Autopistol
9x Brutal assault weapon
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
2x Astartes chainsword
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
2x Astartes chainsword
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
2x Astartes chainsword
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
Archetype
Mech Brawler Raiders
Thoughts
Josh puts in a second strong performance with his post-Pariah spin on Renegade Raiders, taking advantage of the excellent synergy between their detachment rule and Rubricae units to maximise the number of brawler units he has. The resulting build plays particularly well on UKTC-style terrain, which is great for staged Infantry, but has enough flexibility that you could play it pretty much anywhere to great effect. Well done Josh!
Ben Jones – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Azrael (105 points) Captain (80 points) Librarian (65 points) Librarian (65 points) Lieutenant (95 points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) Intercessor Squad (80 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 points) Deathwing Knights (235 points) Deathwing Knights (235 points) Hellblaster Squad (230 points) Inner Circle Companions (180 points) Inner Circle Companions (180 points) Scout Squad (65 points) Scout Squad (65 points) Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434
dangles (1995 points)
Dark Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force
• Warlord
• 1x Lion’s Wrath
1x The Lion Helm
1x The Sword of Secrets
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Master-crafted power weapon
1x Relic Shield
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite
• 1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Master-crafted bolter
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• Enhancement: Fire Discipline
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield dome
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Watcher in the Dark
• 1x Knight Master
• 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven
• 4x Deathwing Knight
• 4x Mace of absolution
• 1x Watcher in the Dark
• 1x Knight Master
• 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven
• 4x Deathwing Knight
• 4x Mace of absolution
• 1x Hellblaster Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma incinerator
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Hellblaster
• 9x Bolt pistol
9x Close combat weapon
9x Plasma incinerator
• 6x Inner Circle Companion
• 6x Calibanite greatsword
6x Heavy bolt pistol
• 6x Inner Circle Companion
• 6x Calibanite greatsword
6x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
Archetype
Counterpunch Caliban GTF
Thoughts
The various be-robed elites of the Dark Angels make a splash here, with a tag team of Deathwing Knights and newly empowered Inner Circle Companions providing durable (and still deadly) bait, followed by a lethal greatsword-based counterpunch. If swords somehow don’t get the job done, you’ve also got a full unit of Hellblasters to mow down enemy elites, and I assume that’s a nod to the prevalence of Blood Angels on top tables. More subtly, between Azrael and the Librarians you can put a 4+ Invulnerable Save on a lot of the key units here, helping protect your Marines against anyone else leaning on high AP D2 weaponry to attack the metagame. Putting that all together as Gladius Task Force gives you access to Fire Discipline for the Hellblasters, Lance and AP boosts for the ICCs, and the all-in move of a big Assault Doctrine turn. Really cool use of Dark Angels’ unique toys here, and congratulations Ben on taking fourth.
The Best of the Rest
There was 1 more players on a 5-0 record after the Swiss. They were:
-
5th – Mike Porter – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Maximum bodies in Sons, sporting five 10-model jump units (2x Jump Assault Intercessors, 2x Death Company, 1x VanVets).
Denver 40K Fight Club July Open
94-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Denver, CO, US on July 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Colin Kay – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adepta Sororitas CHARACTERS Canoness (55 Points) Dialogus (50 Points) Morvenn Vahl (160 Points) Triumph of Saint Katherine (190 Points) BATTLELINE Battle Sisters Squad (115 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Immolator (115 Points) Immolator (115 Points) Sororitas Rhino (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Castigator (150 Points) Castigator (150 Points) Paragon Warsuits (210 Points) Penitent Engines (150 Points) Retributor Squad (125 Points) Retributor Squad (125 Points) Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (41), Data Version: v434
1,2,3,4 I Can’t Use My Repulsors Anymore (1985 Points)
Bringers of Flame
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
1x Rod of Office
• Enhancements: Iron Surplice of Saint Istalela
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Dialogus staff
• Enhancements: Fire and Fury
• Warlord
• 1x Fidelis
1x Lance of Illumination
1x Paragon missile launcher
• 1x Bolt pistols
1x Relic weapons
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Inferno pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Immolation flamers
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator battle cannon
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator battle cannon
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Multi-melta
1x Paragon grenade launchers
1x Paragon war mace
• 2x Paragon
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Multi-melta
2x Paragon grenade launchers
2x Paragon war mace
• 2x Penitent Engine
• 2x Penitent flamers
2x Twin penitent buzz-blades
• 1x Retributor Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Inferno pistol
1x Power weapon
• 4x Retributor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Multi-melta
• 1x Retributor Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Inferno pistol
1x Power weapon
• 4x Retributor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Multi-melta
• 1x Novitiate Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Sister Novitiate
• 5x Autogun
9x Autopistol
9x Close combat weapon
2x Ministorum flamer
1x Sacred Banner
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Heavy Flame Sisters
Thoughts
Colin is another player who has come out of the blocks hot in Pariah, taking a major trophy with the same Sisters build he won a GT with a few weeks back. Sisters have clearly got what it takes to compete at the highest level, and Colin’s slightly heavier-duty version of the army (compared to the ones that have gone hard on Seraphim) gives him the tools to take on both monster mash and elite infantry builds highly effectively. Also, he’s remembered to update his list title now, so good work there. Congratulations!
David Adelman – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Army Roster (Chaos – Chaos Daemons) [2,000pts] ++ + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment Choice: Daemonic Incursion Khorne Daemons are visible Nurgle Daemons are visible Show/Hide Options: Chaos Knights are visible, Legends are visible, Titans are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible Slaanesh Daemons are visible Tzeentch Daemons are visible + Epic Hero + Skarbrand [305pts] Syll’esske [120pts] + Character + Bloodmaster [65pts] Bloodthirster [325pts]: A’rgath, the King of Blades, Great axe of Khorne Great Unclean One [260pts]: Bileblade, Bilesword, The Endless Gift Lord of Change [285pts]: Rod of sorcery, The Everstave, Warlord + Battleline + Bloodletters [120pts]: Daemonic Icon, Instrument of Chaos Nurglings [40pts] Nurglings [40pts] + Infantry + Flamers [75pts] + Mounted + Bloodcrushers [110pts]: Daemonic Icon, Instrument of Chaos Bloodcrushers [110pts]: Daemonic Icon, Instrument of Chaos + Beast + Flesh Hounds [70pts] Screamers [75pts] Created with BattleScribe ()
MSU
. 9x Bloodletter: 9x Hellblade
. 3x Nurgling Swarm: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
. 3x Nurgling Swarm: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
. 3x Flamer: 3x Flamer mouths, 3x Flickering Flames
. 2x Bloodcrusher: 2x Hellblade, 2x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
. 2x Bloodcrusher: 2x Hellblade, 2x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
. 4x Flesh Hound: 4x Collar of Khorne, 4x Gore-drenched fangs
. Gore Hound
. 3x Screamer: 3x Lamprey bite
Archetype
Monster Mash
Thoughts
In second place we’ve got monster mash Daemons, taking full advantage of their new Dataslate tricks to skip Be’lakor but keep the ability to fire a range of Khorne Daemons (ranging from a Bloodcrusher MSU all the way to Skarbrand) right into the enemy’s face. That’s pretty terrifying, and on top of that this build sports the always potent Everstave/Endless Gift Greaters, and brings back some older tech in the form of Syll’Esske, who is a great speedbump/skirmisher in an elite infantry world thanks to their revival ability. Well done to David on second.
Robert Moreland – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Astra Militarum CHARACTERS Gaunt’s Ghosts (100 Points) Lord Solar Leontus (125 Points) Platoon Command Squad (60 Points) Regimental Enginseer (45 Points) BATTLELINE Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 Points) Infantry Squad (60 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Bullgryn Squad (90 Points) Bullgryn Squad (180 Points) Bullgryn Squad (180 Points) Leman Russ Exterminator (170 Points) Leman Russ Exterminator (170 Points) Leman Russ Exterminator (170 Points) Stormsword (495 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (40), Data Version: v430
Weiner mobile 42069 (2000 Points)
Combined Regiment
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Ibram Gaunt
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Gaunt’s chainsword
• 1x Colm Corbec
• 1x Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Elim Rawne
• 1x Rawne’s lascarbine
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Hlaine Larkin
• 1x Larkin’s long-las
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x ‘Try Again’ Bragg
• 1x Bragg’s autocannon
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Oan Mkoll
• 1x Lascarbine
1x Mkoll’s straight silver knife
• Warlord
• 1x Conquest
1x Konstantin’s hooves
1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze
• 1x Platoon Commander
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 2x Veteran Guardsman
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Lasgun
2x Laspistol
1x Master Vox
1x Medi-pack
• 1x Veteran Heavy Weapons Team
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
1x Mortar
• 1x Archeotech pistol
1x Enginseer axe
1x Servo-arm
• 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
• 9x Jungle Fighter
• 9x Close combat weapon
2x Flamer
7x Lasgun
1x Vox-caster
• 1x Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 7x Guardsman
• 7x Close combat weapon
6x Lasgun
1x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster
• 1x Heavy Weapons Team
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
1x Mortar
• 1x Bullgryn Bone ‘ead
• 1x Brute Shield
1x Bullgryn maul
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Bullgryn
• 2x Brute Shield
2x Bullgryn maul
2x Close combat weapon
• 1x Bullgryn Bone ‘ead
• 1x Brute Shield
1x Bullgryn maul
1x Close combat weapon
• 5x Bullgryn
• 5x Brute Shield
5x Bullgryn maul
5x Close combat weapon
• 1x Bullgryn Bone ‘ead
• 1x Brute Shield
1x Bullgryn maul
1x Close combat weapon
• 5x Bullgryn
• 5x Brute Shield
5x Bullgryn maul
5x Close combat weapon
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exterminator autocannon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exterminator autocannon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exterminator autocannon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Lascannon
2x Lascannon
1x Stormsword siege cannon
1x Twin heavy bolter
2x Twin heavy bolter 2x Twin heavy bolter
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Big Tank and Bullgryn
Thoughts
Big Tank! Robert was one of the brave souls running an Astra Militarum super heavy before Pariah made them easier to deploy and maneuvre, so presumably he’s now loving life. The list of armies bringing enough long-ranged firepower to reliably punk a Stormsword out of the gate is pretty short at the moment, and teaming it up (as here) with a bunch of Eradicators gives you a pretty flexible firepower setup – you can absolutely dunk the hell out of any large targets, but re-rolling autocannons that gradually pick up extra AP are no joke into elite infantry either. Bullgryn remain an excellent speed bump to shield all of this, and it’s very cool to see more “muscular” Astra Militarum builds coming out to play in the new meta. Great work Robert!
Brandon Roddy – Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Gladius Task Force Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible, Legends are visible, Titans are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible + Epic Hero + Lemartes [120pts]: Warlord + Character + Apothecary Biologis [85pts]: Fire Discipline Chaplain with Jump Pack [85pts]: Artificer Armour, Inferno Pistol Librarian in Phobos Armour [70pts] + Infantry + Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts] Death Company Marines with Jump Packs [280pts] Death Company Marines with Jump Packs [280pts] Eradicator Squad [190pts] Inceptor Squad [130pts]: Plasma Exterminators Inceptor Squad [130pts]: Plasma Exterminators Inceptor Squad [130pts]: Plasma Exterminators Infiltrator Squad [100pts]: Helix Gauntlet, Infiltrator Comms Array Scout Squad [65pts] + Vehicle + Baal Predator [125pts]: 2 Heavy Flamers, Baal Flamestorm Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter Baal Predator [125pts]: 2 Heavy Flamers, Baal Flamestorm Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter ++ Total: [1,995pts] ++ Created with BattleScribe ()
++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [1,995pts] ++
. Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
. 3x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack w/ Plasma Pistol
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. Death Company Marine
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. 3x Eradicator: 3x Bolt Pistol, 3x Close Combat Weapon, 3x Melta Rifle
. Eradicator Sergeant
. Eradicator with Multi-melta
. Eradicator with Multi-melta
. 2x Inceptor: 2x Close Combat Weapon
. Inceptor Sergeant
. 2x Inceptor: 2x Close Combat Weapon
. Inceptor Sergeant
. 2x Inceptor: 2x Close Combat Weapon
. Inceptor Sergeant
. Infiltrator Sergeant
. 4x Infiltrators: 4x Bolt Pistol, 4x Close Combat Weapon, 4x Marksman Bolt Carbine
. Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Missile Launcher
. Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle
. Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun
. Scouts w/ Combat Knife
Archetype
Blood GTF
Thoughts
Coming rather out of left field, our first Blood Angels build of the week is not Sons of Sanguinius, instead peppering some great Blood Angels datasheets into an all-rounder Gladius shell. Looking at the tools taken, I’m wondering if this is build is deliberately intended to counter other Blood Angels – Inceptors are great into enemy power armour, Infiltrators can come out to control space if needed, and you’ve still got the big Death Company blocks to roll through them in melee. Also, a bunch of this stuff is just good, and this looks like a really effective all-round setup, also less vulnerable to opponents who are purely teched for mass power armour. Great stuff from Brandon.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Adrian Lopez – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): A triple threat here, maxing out on Ruststalkers, Ironstriders and Pteraxii.
- 6th – Andy Shellenbarger- Imperial Knights: Canis Rex and Armigers.
- 7th – Broc Bowman – World Eaters: Angron, Eightbound and Forgefiends.
- 8th – Matt Evans – Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): Mega monster mash with three Norns.
- 9th – Rob Gonzales – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Quad C’tan and triple Doomsday.
- 10th – Colin Williamson – Chaos Daemons: Slaanesh-skewed monster mash, packing triple Keeper and a Daemon Prince from that god, plus Be’lakor and a GuO.
- 11th – Sean Puterbaugh – Astra Militarum: Triple Dorn supported by lots of Bullgryn and a three-model Armoured Sentinel unit to max the value of (now) once-per-game Reinforcements.
Exterminatus IX: Sosig Party
69-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Wagga Wagga, NSW, AU on July 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Alexander Englezos – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort) – 1st Place
Credit: Pendulin
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adeptus Mechanicus CHARACTERS Skitarii Marshal (60 Points) Skitarii Marshal (65 Points) BATTLELINE Skitarii Rangers (85 Points) Skitarii Vanguard (90 Points) Skitarii Vanguard (90 Points) Skitarii Vanguard (90 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Skorpius Dunerider (85 Points) Skorpius Dunerider (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Ironstrider Ballistarii (210 Points) Ironstrider Ballistarii (210 Points) Serberys Raiders (60 Points) Serberys Raiders (60 Points) Sicarian Infiltrators (70 Points) Sicarian Infiltrators (70 Points) Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 Points) Sydonian Dragoons with Taser Lances (210 Points) Sydonian Dragoons with Taser Lances (210 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (41), Data Version: v434
Spit on dat thang (2000 Points)
Skitarii Hunter Cohort
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Control stave
1x Mechanicus pistol
• Enhancements: Cantic Thrallnet
• Warlord
• 1x Control stave
1x Mechanicus pistol
• Enhancements: Battle-sphere Uplink
• 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Mechanicus pistol
• 9x Skitarii Ranger
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
6x Galvanic rifle
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
1x Transuranic arquebus
• 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Mechanicus pistol
• 9x Skitarii Vanguard
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
6x Radium carbine
1x Transuranic arquebus
• 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Mechanicus pistol
• 9x Skitarii Vanguard
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
6x Radium carbine
1x Transuranic arquebus
• 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Mechanicus pistol
• 9x Skitarii Vanguard
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
6x Radium carbine
1x Transuranic arquebus
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Cognis heavy stubber array
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Cognis heavy stubber array
• 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii
• 3x Ironstrider feet
3x Twin cognis lascannon
• 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii
• 3x Ironstrider feet
3x Twin cognis lascannon
• 1x Serberys Raider Alpha
• 1x Cavalry sabre and clawed limbs
1x Galvanic carbine
1x Mechanicus pistol
• 2x Serberys Raider
• 2x Cavalry sabre and clawed limbs
1x Enhanced data-tether
2x Galvanic carbine
• 1x Serberys Raider Alpha
• 1x Cavalry sabre and clawed limbs
1x Galvanic carbine
1x Mechanicus pistol
• 2x Serberys Raider
• 2x Cavalry sabre and clawed limbs
1x Enhanced data-tether
2x Galvanic carbine
• 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Sicarian Infiltrator
• 4x Flechette blaster
4x Taser goad
• 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Sicarian Infiltrator
• 4x Flechette blaster
4x Taser goad
• 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps
• 1x Transonic razor and chordclaw
• 9x Sicarian Ruststalker
• 9x Transonic blades
• 3x Sydonian Dragoon
• 3x Phosphor serpenta
3x Taser lance
• 3x Sydonian Dragoon
• 3x Phosphor serpenta
3x Taser lance
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Chicken Spam
Thoughts
Bad news for the wallets of AdMech players – chicken walker spam is good again. The Dataslate has thoroughly restored the glory of the Ironstrider datasheet, while the Sydonian Dragoon was already good and now gets improved Conqueror Imperative to play with. Also restored as all-purpose blenders are Ruststalkers, and all of this is very effectively supported by the Skitarii Hunter Cohort, which provides a strong mix of extra durability (via the detachment rule and Bionic Endurance) and the mobility to ensure that Battleline units are always where they need to be to hand out juicy buffs, especially via Battle-sphere uplink. AdMech are infamous for having a fairly long hobby lag between buffs and ending up on the table, and it looks like we’re starting to see the experienced AdMech players like Alexander hit feature-completion on Pariah builds – well done on the win!
Ashley Thompson – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER 1x Canoness (55 pts) 1x Canoness with Jump Pack (95 pts) 1x Palatine (60 pts) 2x Daemonifuge (85 pts) 1x Morvenn Vahl (160 pts) 1x Triumph of Saint Katherine (190 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 10x Dominion Squad (115 pts) 10x Dominion Squad (115 pts) 10x Seraphim Squad (170 pts) 10x Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 pts) 1x Castigator (150 pts) 1x Castigator (150 pts) 3x Paragon Warsuits (210 pts) 1x Immolator (115 pts) 1x Immolator (115 pts) 1x Immolator (115 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adepta Sororitas
+ DETACHMENT: Bringers of Flame
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char5: Morvenn Vahl
+ ENHANCEMENT: Iron Surplice of Saint Istalela (on Char1: Canoness)
& Iron Surplice of Saint Istalela (on Char1: Canoness)
& Fire and Fury (on Char2: Canoness with Jump Pack)
& Fire and Fury (on Char2: Canoness with Jump Pack)
& Righteous Rage (on Char3: Palatine)
& Righteous Rage (on Char3: Palatine)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (7×2) – Assassination: 6 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Blessed blade
• 1x Inferno pistol
• Iron Surplice of Saint Istalela (+5 pts)
• 1x Ministorum hand flamer
• 1x Power weapon
• Fire and Fury (+20 pts)
• 1x Palatine Blade
• 1x Plasma pistol
• Righteous Rage (+10 pts)
• 1x Ephrael Stern
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Sanctity
• 1x Kyganil of the Bloody Tears
• 1x The Outcast’s Blades
• 1x Fidelis
• 1x Lance of Illumination
• 1x Paragon missile launcher
• Warlord
• 1x Bolt Pistols
• 1x Relic Weapons
• 1x Dominion Superior
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Power weapon
• 1x Ministorum hand flamer
• 9x Dominion
• 8x Bolt Pistol
• 5x Boltgun
• 9x Close combat weapon
• 4x Ministorum Flamer
• Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Dominion Superior
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Power weapon
• 1x Inferno pistol
• 9x Dominion
• 9x Bolt Pistol
• 5x Boltgun
• 9x Close combat weapon
• 4x Meltagun
• Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Seraphim Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Power Weapon
• 5x Seraphim
• 10x Bolt Pistol
• 5x Close combat weapon
• 4x Seraphim with Special Weapons
• 4x Close combat weapon
• 8x Ministorum hand flamer
• 1x Novitiate Superior
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Power weapon
• 2x Novitiate with Ministorum Flamer
• 2x Ministorum flamer
• 1x Novitiate with Sacred Banner
• 1x Autopistol
• Sacred Banner
• 1x Novitiate with Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Autopistol
• Simulacrum Imperialis
• 5x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon)
• 5x Autopistol
• 5x Noviatiate melee weapon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 3x Heavy Bolters
• 1x Castigator battle cannon
• 1x Hunter-Killer Missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 3x Heavy Bolters
• 1x Castigator battle cannon
• 1x Hunter-Killer Missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Paragon Storm Bolters
• 1x Paragon War Mace
• 1x Multi-melta
• 2x Paragon Warsuit
• 2x Bolt Pistol
• 2x Paragon Storm Bolters
• 2x Paragon War Mace
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy Bolter
• 1x Hunter-Killer Missile
• 1x Twin Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy Bolter
• 1x Hunter-Killer Missile
• 1x Twin Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy Bolter
• 1x Hunter-Killer Missile
• 1x Twin Multi-melta
Archetype
Speedy Flame Sisters
Thoughts
In undefeated second place we’ve got the speedier version of Bringers of Flame, leaning on Dominions in Immolators to get out there and spike key targets (one unit each built for hordes and armour here), and the monstrous power of the full Fire and Fury Seraphim unit to force extreme caution from the foe in turn. Some of the solid core units like Vahl, the Triumph and Castigators round things out, and Ashley’s win here cements Bringers as a top player
Joe Loke – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand World Eaters CHARACTERS Angron (415 points) Lord Invocatus (140 points) World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (125 points) BATTLELINE Jakhals (65 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Eightbound (140 points) Eightbound (140 points) Exalted Eightbound (310 points) Exalted Eightbound (310 points) World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 points) World Eaters Forgefiend (145 points) World Eaters Forgefiend (145 points) Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434
XII (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Berzerker Warband
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Coward’s Bane
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
• 1x Exalted chainblade
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancement: Helm of Brazen Ire
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Jakhal chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
• 1x Skullsmasher
• 8x Jakhal
• 8x Autopistol
1x Icon of Khorne
7x Jakhal chainblades
1x Mauler chainblade
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 5x Exalted Eightbound
• 5x Eightbound chainfist
5x Eightbound eviscerator
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 5x Exalted Eightbound
• 5x Eightbound chainfist
5x Eightbound eviscerator
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
• 2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Forgefiend claws
• 2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Forgefiend claws
Archetype
Heavy World Eaters
Thoughts
World Eaters were close behind Blood Angels as having the second highest win rate in our data this week, and lists like this one are what’s making the running. Eightbound provide reach and tremendous killing power, and can crush some armies via trapping them in melee at the wrong time, while Forgefiends provide flexibility in how the army plays into factions that can fight them head on in melee like Blood Angels and Custodes. The Fiends are particularly nasty with Angron’s re-roll aura, and Blood Offering helps ensure that an enemy spiking their rolls in a gunfight can’t hurt your scoring too badly. Lots of extra strategic dimensions, all told, and while that may not sound very Khornate, “cares not from whence the blood flows” cuts both ways – you’re allowed to do it with cunning and strategy, as Joe showed off here.
Bren Kentwell – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment Choice: Cult of Magic Rituals reference Show/Hide Options: Chaos Knights are visible, Legends are visible, Titans are visible, Tzeentch Daemons are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible + Epic Hero + Ahriman [130pts, 3Cabal Points] Magnus the Red [440pts, 4Cabal Points] + Character + Infernal Master [90pts, 2Cabal Points] Thousand Sons Sorcerer [115pts, 1Cabal Points]: Umbralefic Crystal, Warpflame pistol Thousand Sons Sorcerer [95pts, 1Cabal Points]: Warpflame pistol Thousand Sons Sorcerer [95pts, 1Cabal Points]: Warpflame pistol + Battleline + Rubric Marines [105pts, 1Cabal Points]: Icon of Flame Rubric Marines [210pts, 1Cabal Points]: Icon of Flame Rubric Marines [105pts, 1Cabal Points]: Icon of Flame Rubric Marines [105pts, 1Cabal Points]: Icon of Flame + Infantry + Thousand Sons Cultists [55pts] Thousand Sons Cultists [55pts] Thousand Sons Cultists [55pts] + Dedicated Transport + Thousand Sons Rhino [75pts]: Havoc launcher, Inferno combi-bolter + Allied Units + Blue Horrors [125pts] War Dog Karnivore [140pts]: Havoc multi-launcher ++ Total: [16Cabal Points, 1,995pts] ++ Created with BattleScribe ()
++ Army Roster (Chaos – Thousand Sons) [1,995pts, 16Cabal Points] ++
. Aspiring Sorcerer: Inferno bolt pistol
. Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon
. 3x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 3x Close combat weapon, 3x Warpflamer
. Aspiring Sorcerer: Inferno bolt pistol
. 9x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 9x Close combat weapon, 9x Warpflamer
. Aspiring Sorcerer: Inferno bolt pistol
. Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon
. 3x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 3x Close combat weapon, 3x Warpflamer
. Aspiring Sorcerer: Inferno bolt pistol
. Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon
. 3x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 3x Close combat weapon, 3x Warpflamer
. 7x Cultist: 7x Brutal assault weapon, 7x Cultist firearm
. Cultist w/ flamer
. Cultist w/ grenade launcher
. 7x Cultist: 7x Brutal assault weapon, 7x Cultist firearm
. Cultist w/ flamer
. Cultist w/ grenade launcher
. 7x Cultist: 7x Brutal assault weapon, 7x Cultist firearm
. Cultist w/ flamer
. Cultist w/ grenade launcher
. 10x Blue Horror: 10x Blue claws, 10x Coruscating Blue flames
Archetype
Thousand Sons with a cute dog
Thoughts
This is your regular reminder that Thousand Sons are still very good. They have been continuously very good for a year now. You’d sort of expect Tzeentch would have gotten some new material, but I guess they just like winning too much. This build mixes things up with some Deep Strike Blue Horrors for objectives and a War Dog Karnivore as an emergency counter-charge piece, but mostly it’s the extreme power of all the Tsons tricks that you know and love. Congratulations to Bren.
The Best of the Rest
There were 10 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Luke Winters – Imperial Knights: Aggro Imperial Knights, going for Canis and an Errant with loads of Warglaives in support.
- 6th – Jordan McGregor – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Immolators, Castigators, Dominions and big Seraphim squads.
- 7th – Andrew SHERMAN- Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): All-rounder GTF Templars.
- 8th – Greg Maginnity – Aeldari: Go-wide MSU Aeldari.
- 9th – Michael House – Thousand Sons: Double Mutalith Tsons.
- 10th – Rowan Kennett – Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Mawlocs and melee Warriors supported by a big Zoanthrope unit.
- 11th – Kirby K – T’au Empire (Mont’ka): Breacherfish, Riptides, a unit of Broadsides with Shadowsun to boss them around, and one missile Fireknife Crisis Team with a Commander
- 12th – Dale Mann – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): An actual sighting of Belisarius Cawl in the wild, here supporting loads of Sydonian Dragoons and Ironstriders.
- 13th – Jack Blanche – Necrons (Obeisance Phalanx): Silent King and Doomsdays as a shooty core, then a wall of 30 Lychguard with various Leaders, one unit riding in a Night Scythe.
- 14th – Alex Rigby – Chaos Knights: A Rampager takes the dogs for a walk.
Hometown 40K
42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Edmonton, Alberta, CA on July 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Scotty Bee – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Characters: 7 ++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [2,000pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment: Sons of Sanguinius + Epic Hero + Lemartes [120pts] The Sanguinor [140pts] + Character + Captain [80pts]: Warlord . Pistol and Melee Weapon: Neo-volkite Pistol, Power Fist Chaplain [70pts]: Icon of the Angel Lieutenant with Combi-weapon [70pts] Sanguinary Priest [90pts] + Battleline + Assault Intercessor Squad [75pts] . Assault Intercessor Sergeant: Heavy Bolt Pistol, Power Fist + Infantry + Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts] . Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Heavy Bolt Pistol, Power Fist Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts] . Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Heavy Bolt Pistol, Power Fist Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts] . Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Heavy Bolt Pistol, Power Fist Death Company Marines [250pts] . Death Company Marine x10 Death Company Marines with Jump Packs [280pts] . Death Company Marine x10 Infiltrator Squad [100pts]: Helix Gauntlet . Infiltrator Sergeant Scout Squad [65pts] . Scout Sergeant: Combat Knife + Vehicle + Land Raider [240pts]: Hunter Killer Missile, Multi-melta, Storm Bolter + Dedicated Transport + Impulsor [80pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome + Allied Units + Callidus Assassin [100pts] ++ Total: [2,000pts] ++
Rainbow Warriors
Vehicles: 2
Units satisfying Cull the Horde: 0
Enhancements: 1 (Icon of the Angel: Each time an enemy unit (excluding Monsters and Vehicles) within Engagement Range of the bearer’s unit is selected to Fall Back, models in that enemy unit must take Desperate Escape tests as if their unit was
Battle-shocked. When doing so, if that enemy unit is also Battle-shocked by other means, subtract 1 from each of those Desperate Escape tests.)
. 4x Assault Intercessors: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. . Melee and Pistol: Inferno Pistol x10, Power Fist x10
. . Melee weapon and pistol: Inferno Pistol x10, Power Fist x10
. 4x Infiltrators: 4x Bolt Pistol, 4x Close Combat Weapon, 4x Marksman Bolt Carbine
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Heavy Bolter
. 3x Scouts w/ Combat Knife: 3x Bolt Pistol, 3x Close Combat Weapon, 3x Combat Knife
Archetype
All Rounder Sons
Thoughts
Sons is the detachment to beat right now, and as this build shows it’s got a bit more depth than just being all-in on the jump packs. As with the Blood Angels chapter tactic of editions past, the powerful detachment rule means that even small melee units threaten to inflict severe damage, meaning that if you want you can get a proportion of the heavy lifting done with cheap units like Assault Intercessors, and invest in some heavier tools as well. Here that means a Land Raider to provide protection for the foot Death Company, which helps provide a bastion against other melee builds, and staging against stuff that wants to shoot your units. Good stuff from Scotty!
Kieren Trimbee – Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Acolyte Iconward (75 points) Biophagus (50 points) Biophagus (50 points) Clamavus (50 points) Kelermorph (60 points) Kelermorph (60 points) Locus (45 points) Magus (75 points) Primus (115 points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (140 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (140 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (140 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (70 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (150 points) Neophyte Hybrids (70 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Goliath Truck (85 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Achilles Ridgerunners (150 points) Achilles Ridgerunners (75 points) Achilles Ridgerunners (75 points) Atalan Jackals (90 points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434
Oh my god, it’s a mirage. I’m telling’ y’all, it’s sabotage! (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Xenocreed Congregation
• 1x Autopistol
1x Cult claws
• Enhancement: Incendiary Inspiration
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
1x Autopistol
1x Chemical vials
1x Injector goad
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
1x Autopistol
1x Chemical vials
1x Injector goad
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Liberator autostubs
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Liberator autostubs
• 1x Locus blades
• Warlord
• 1x Autopistol
1x Force stave
• Enhancement: Deeds that Speak to the Masses
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancement: Denunciator of Tyrants
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 2x Autopistol
1x Cult Icon
3x Cult claws and knife
6x Heavy mining tool
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 2x Autopistol
1x Cult Icon
3x Cult claws and knife
6x Heavy mining tool
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 2x Autopistol
1x Cult Icon
3x Cult claws and knife
6x Heavy mining tool
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 4x Autopistol
4x Cult claws and knife
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
9x Cult claws and knife
4x Demolition charges
4x Hand flamer
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 9x Neophyte Hybrid
• 9x Autopistol
9x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
1x Flamer
1x Grenade launcher
5x Hybrid firearm
1x Mining laser
1x Seismic cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Demolition charge cache
1x Heavy stubber
1x Twin autocannon
• 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
• 2x Armoured hull
1x Flare launcher
2x Heavy mining laser
1x Spotter
2x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber
• 4x Atalan Jackal
• 2x Atalan power weapon
3x Atalan small arms
2x Close combat weapon
1x Grenade launcher
• 1x Atalan Wolfquad
• 1x Atalan small arms
1x Close combat weapon
1x Mining laser
• 1x Metamorph Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Hybrid Metamorph
• 1x Cult Icon
8x Hand flamer
9x Metamorph mutations
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
• 5x Cult claws and talons
Archetype
Xenocreed Acolyte Spam
Thoughts
Hell yeah! Xenocreed Congregation grew on me a lot over the course of our review of the Genestealer Cults Codex, as it works particularly well with some of the units I was hot on (autopistol Acolytes, Metamorphs) while also papering over the fact that the Army Rule’s current incarnation is underpowered via Enhancements and Stratagems. For those who read the review, yes it apparently turns out you do take a Magus as a cheap tool to sit at home with Deeds that Speak to the Masses, despite how garbage her datasheet is.
This list works by throwing incredibly deadly melee punches at the foe, supplementing them with tricky Characters, and (hopefully) being able to squeeze enough extra value out of Cult Ambush to eventually overwhelm the foe. The metagame is genuinely in a great place for autopistol Acolytes, as full units with Frenzied Devotion will reduce Blood Angels and Eightbound alike to a soup-like homogenate, and they’re perfectly happy to pivot to murdering tanks as well. Seeding a Locus into one squad can be a big headache for these armies as well, as it means if you can lurk in a ruin on an objective they’re going to hve a really tough time prising you out. For more cautious foes, the ability to push Advance/Charge threats in multiple places can put them distinctly on the back foot, and you supplement all of this with great cheap board control from Ridgerunners and Kelermorphs. This army is both a genuinely cool use of the codex and a trailblazer in terms of going undefeated, both things we love to see, well done Kieren.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Jeremy Hoefsloot – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Extra-shooty Skysplinter with Voidravens.
- 4th – Michael Blanchet – Space Marines (Ironstorm Spearhead): Gladiators, RepExes and a goddamn Knight Porphyrion.
- 5th – John-Ross Cook – Chaos Knights: Dogs and their good buddy Rotigus.
- 6th – Sebastian Hebert – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): The new standard of Infantry blocks, Venatari and some Caladius tanks.
- 7th – Matthew Andrusiak – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): All-rounder Ultramarines centred on two Redeemers and a Calgar brick.
Midsummer O.P.A. 2024 WH40K
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Λάρισα, Ελλάδα on July 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Otestis Argiropoulos – Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Abaddon the Despoiler (295 Points) Heretic Astartes Daemon Prince with Wings (195 Points) Master of Possession (70 Points) BATTLELINE Cultist Mob (50 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Chaos Terminator Squad (185 Points) Forgefiend (190 Points) Forgefiend (190 Points) Possessed (125 Points) Possessed (125 Points) Possessed (125 Points) Raptors (90 Points) Raptors (90 Points) Warp Talons (270 Points)
Chaos Space Marines
Pactbound Zealots
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Drach’nyen
1x Talon of Horus
• Daemonic Allegiance: Slaanesh
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancements: Intoxicating Elixir
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Rite of Possession
1x Staff of possession
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Autopistol
1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 9x Autopistol
9x Brutal assault weapon
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Terminator Champion
• 1x Chainfist
1x Combi-bolter
• 4x Chaos Terminator
• 3x Combi-bolter
1x Paired accursed weapons
3x Power fist
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Possessed Champion
• 1x Hideous mutations
• 4x Possessed
• 1x Chaos Icon
4x Hideous mutations
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Possessed Champion
• 1x Hideous mutations
• 4x Possessed
• 1x Chaos Icon
4x Hideous mutations
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Possessed Champion
• 1x Hideous mutations
• 4x Possessed
• 1x Chaos Icon
4x Hideous mutations
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Raptor Champion
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Raptor
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
2x Plasma gun
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Raptor Champion
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Raptor
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
2x Plasma gun
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 9x Warp Talon
• 9x Warp claws
Archetype
Possessed Pactbound
Thoughts
Our final winner of the day sports an interesting all-rounder Chaos Space Marines build, using the classic Abaddon/Forgefiend combo to force the enemy to engage, then counter-charges with Abaddon’s Terminators and various squads of Possessed, presumably unleashing maximum fishing for Devastating Wounds via Chaos Undivided. If the enemy doesn’t want to come to you, then a big unit of Warp Talons to Rapid Ingress or a nasty Slaanesh Daemon Prince can go to them instead. Nice and flexible, and good to see Possessed getting some play, well done Otestis.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Orestis Stab – T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): Starscythes, Sunforges and Riptides.
- 3rd – guanbo liu – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Infantry and Venatari, skipping on Caladius tanks in favour of a couple of Grav-attacks.
- 4th – Christos Katsaros – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Librarians, Dreadknights and a big Terminator unit.
- 5th – Stefanos Samotas – Iron Hands (Ironstorm Spearhead): Feirros showing off his collection of cool tanks, specifically Vindicators, Redemptors, a Land Raider and a Stormraven.
Wrap Up
That’s it for part 1, I shall leave you in Lowest of Men’s capable hands for part 2 on Friday, where several more factions land undefeated finishes to hammer home how open the metagame feels!
Have any questions or feedback? Drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com. Want articles like this linked in your inbox every Monday morning? Sign up for our newsletter. And don’t forget that you can support us on Patreon for backer rewards like early video content, Administratum access, an ad-free experience on our website and more.
