We’re back for part 2, watching the final death throes (?) of some of the builds that have dominated the last few months. If you want to know what’s coming next for the metagame, make sure to check out of our review of the Dataslate, and if you want to salute some of the greats as they sail into the west, read on.
It’s Lowest of Men in charge today, looking at:
- Da Bolton Waaagh 2024
- Winchester 40K GT – January 2024
- FactoruM Warhammer 40,000 GT January 2024
- The Glasvegas Open GT2
If you’re looking for any of the following, go check out part 1 with Wings from Wednesday:
- Uprising Adelaide 2024, ANZ ITC Champs
- Dark Sphere January GT
- SchwarzwaldGT
- Battle For the Bend 40k GT
- Oxford Onslaught 3
Da Bolton Waaagh 2024
50-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Horwich, England, GB on January 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Mike Porter – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Apothecary Biologis (80 Points) Marneus Calgar (185 Points) Uriel Ventris (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Aggressor Squad (220 Points) Centurion Devastator Squad (350 Points) Company Heroes (95 Points) Eradicator Squad (95 Points) Eradicator Squad (95 Points) Inceptor Squad (220 Points) Inceptor Squad (110 Points) Inceptor Squad (220 Points) Scout Squad (55 Points) Scout Squad (55 Points) Scout Squad (55 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.8.1 (26), Data Version: v319
I can Deep Strike 3” but I don’t have a Monolith so it’s all good…
Ultramarines
Vanguard Spearhead
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancements: The Blade Driven Deep
• 1x Marneus Calgar
• Warlord
• 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard
• 2x Victrix power sword
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Invictus
1x Sword of Idaeus
• 1x Aggressor Sergeant
• 1x Auto boltstorm gauntlets
1x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Twin power fists
• 5x Aggressor
• 5x Auto boltstorm gauntlets
5x Fragstorm grenade launcher
5x Twin power fists
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant
• 1x Centurion fists
1x Centurion missile launcher
1x Twin lascannon
• 5x Devastator Centurion
• 5x Centurion fists
5x Centurion missile launcher
5x Twin lascannon
• 1x Ancient
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Company Champion
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 2x Company Veteran
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Master-crafted bolt rifle
1x Master-crafted heavy bolter
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma exterminators
• 5x Inceptor
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Plasma exterminators
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Inceptor
• 2x Assault bolters
2x Close combat weapon
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma exterminators
• 5x Inceptor
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Plasma exterminators
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
John Lennon Vanguard
Thoughts
Mike Porter takes the Lennon style Ultramarines Vanguard for a spin here. Centurion Devastators are incredibly potent with the ability to jump up and down with the Deep Strike bestowed on them from Uriel Ventris, and combo very well with the additional ap at range that Vanguard can give them. Picking your engagements with these until the enemy is fully whittled down is key to success, lose them or get them tagged and things can start to unravel. If you can avoid this then between their shooting and targeted Inceptor strikes you can do enormous damage whilst holding the opponent at arm’s length. This build takes a few points hits in the balance changes (for good reason, I’d say), but it will remain a very dangerous prospect for an awful lot of armies. Well done on first place Mike!
Simeon Pollard – Black Templars (Ironstorm Spearhead) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Ironstorm Spearhead Show/Hide Options + Epic Hero [95pts] + High Marshal Helbrecht [95pts]: Ferocity, Sword of the High Marshals, Warlord + Character [75pts] + Techmarine [75pts]: Forge Bolter, Grav-pistol, Master of the Machine War [Aura] [20pts], Omnissian Power Axe, Servo-arm + Battleline [260pts] + Crusader Squad [65pts] Crusader Squad [65pts] Crusader Squad [65pts] Crusader Squad [65pts] + Infantry [470pts] + Inceptor Squad [110pts]: Plasma Exterminators Inceptor Squad [110pts]: Plasma Exterminators Primaris Sword Brethren [140pts] Scout Squad [55pts] Scout Squad [55pts] + Vehicle [855pts] + Black Templars Gladiator Reaper [155pts]: Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta, 2x Tempest Bolter, Twin Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon Black Templars Gladiator Reaper [155pts]: Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta, 2x Tempest Bolter, Twin Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon Black Templars Gladiator Reaper [155pts]: Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta, 2x Tempest Bolter, Twin Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon Predator Destructor [130pts]: Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Predator Autocannon, Storm Bolter Predator Destructor [130pts]: Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Predator Autocannon, Storm Bolter Predator Destructor [130pts]: Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Predator Autocannon, Storm Bolter + Dedicated Transport [235pts] + Black Templars Impulsor [85pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Armoured Hull, Bellicatus Missile Array, Multi-melta Rhino [75pts]: Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter Rhino [75pts]: Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter ++ Total: [1,990pts] ++ Created with BattleScribe ()
++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Black Templars) [1,990pts] ++
. 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol
. Initiate w/Heavy: Bolt Pistol, Multi-melta
. Initiate w/Special: Bolt Pistol, Meltagun
. Sword Brother: Close Combat Weapon, Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol
. Initiate w/Heavy: Bolt Pistol, Multi-melta
. Initiate w/Special: Bolt Pistol, Meltagun
. Sword Brother: Close Combat Weapon, Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol
. Initiate w/Heavy: Bolt Pistol, Multi-melta
. Initiate w/Special: Bolt Pistol, Meltagun
. Sword Brother: Close Combat Weapon, Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol
. Initiate w/Heavy: Bolt Pistol, Multi-melta
. Initiate w/Special: Bolt Pistol, Meltagun
. Sword Brother: Close Combat Weapon, Inferno Pistol, Power Fist
. 2x Inceptor: 2x Close Combat Weapon
. Inceptor Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon
. 2x Inceptor: 2x Close Combat Weapon
. Inceptor Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon
. Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Power Weapon
. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws: Twin Lightning Claws
. Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon
. Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
. Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
. 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon
. Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
. Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
. 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon
. 2 Lascannons: 2x Lascannon
. 2 Lascannons: 2x Lascannon
. 2 Lascannons: 2x Lascannon
Archetype
Black Templars Car Park
Thoughts
Templars are very good at shooting AND fighting, and these Ironstorm takes on the faction, cashing in both on the slightly more efficient tanks with their Multi-melta access, and the precision combat units and characters the army boats, are proving highly versatile and effective. Rhino staging is no longer just the preserve of Chaos Chosen and Plague Marines, as a number of the combat centric marine sub-factions can really sing with a few disposable trade pieces to stash up the board as the guns do work from range. Templars ducked and weaved through any serious changes in the Dataslate, so you can expect to see plenty more of this down the line! Congratulations on the top placing.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on X-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Markus Hinson – T’au Empire (Kauyon): A Diverse Tau build with Crisis Suits, Hammerheads and Riptides to solve a range of problems.
- 4th – Bethany Taylor – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): MSU Infantry in Rhinos, Dreadknights, lots of Librarians. Nice!
- 5th – Adam Driver – T’au Empire: Lots of Breacher Fish with some Crisis Suits and Broadsiders.
- 6th – Peter Duff – World Eaters: Angron stays home in favour of massed Eightbound and Berzerkers. Peter truly is the most talented Duff brother.
- 7th – Michael Duff – Grey Knights: 25 Terminator bodies and a mass of supporting characters carry Mike to the coveted ‘second best Duff brother’ spot. Proud of you.
- 8th – Ed Bennett – Space Wolves: Lovingly named Space Wolves in Ironstorm, this is largely IS gunline tanks with some Fenrisian Wolves for keepin’ it real.
- 9th – Luke Jackson – T’au Empire: A grab-bag of Tau with Breachers, Broadsiders, a Skyray, a Hammerhead, and some Crisis.
Winchester 40K GT – January 2024
45-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Winchester, England, GB on January 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Ross Hilliard – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Space Marines CHARACTERS Abaddon the Despoiler (310 Points) Dark Commune (55 Points) BATTLELINE Cultist Mob (55 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Accursed Cultists (190 Points) Forgefiend (180 Points) Forgefiend (180 Points) Forgefiend (180 Points) Obliterators (340 Points) Warp Talons (100 Points) Warp Talons (100 Points) Warp Talons (100 Points) ALLIED UNITS Nurglings (35 Points) Nurglings (35 Points) Nurglings (35 Points) Nurglings (35 Points) The Blue Scribes (65 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.9.0 (28), Data Version: v322
CSM (1995 Points)
Slaves to Darkness
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Drach’nyen
1x Talon of Horus
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• 1x Mindwitch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Warp Curse
• 1x Iconarch
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Blessed Blade
• 2x Commune blade
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 1x Close combat weapon
8x Close combat weapon
8x Cultist firearm
1x Heavy stubber
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 10x Mutant
• 10x Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment
• 6x Hideous mutations
• 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 Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 4x Obliterator
• 4x Crushing fists
4x Fleshmetal guns
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Sharp quills
Archetype
Abaddon Gunline
Thoughts
CSM will be doing some thinking over the next few weeks in the wake of some big adjustments. One direction open to them is to castle up incredibly effective shooting with Abaddon’s various nifty defensive and offensive auras. Pact-inspired shooting is still just better than most you’ll find elsewhere, and with the Nurgle strat now more effective at long range builds like this, where a lot of the output is in Forgefiends that can stand off at a distance, can continue to exploit it. Warp Talons are consumate trade pieces and action monkeys, and Accursed get a run out here too as a tarpit. There will be retooling to do, but the bones of this remain extremely potent. Well done on the top placing Ross!
Jamie Chapman – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Space Marines CHARACTERS Abaddon the Despoiler (310 points) Dark Commune (55 points) BATTLELINE Cultist Mob (55 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Accursed Cultists (190 points) Forgefiend (180 points) Forgefiend (180 points) Forgefiend (180 points) Obliterators (340 points) Warp Talons (100 points) Warp Talons (100 points) Warp Talons (100 points) ALLIED UNITS Nurglings (35 points) Nurglings (35 points) Nurglings (35 points) Nurglings (35 points) The Blue Scribes (65 points) Exported with App Version: v1.9.0 (35), Data Version: v322
Chaos Gunline (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Slaves to Darkness
• Warlord
• 1x Drach’nyen
1x Talon of Horus
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cult Demagogue
• 1x Autopistol
1x Commune stave
• 1x Mindwitch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Warp Curse
• 1x Iconarch
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Blessed Blade
• 2x Commune blade
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 6x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Cultist grenade launcher
1x Flamer
1x Heavy stubber
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 10x Mutant
• 10x Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment
• 6x Hideous mutations
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 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: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 4x Obliterator
• 4x Crushing fists
4x Fleshmetal guns
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Sharp quills
Archetype
Abaddon Gunline
Thoughts
Well well well! It’s the same list again taking second place! Maybe CSM deserve everything they get eh. Jamie smashes a great run with the exact same list, highlighting the incredible flexibility of Chaos Space Marines as both a shooting and combat force.
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Joshua Cowlard – Orks (Waaagh! Tribe): Lots of Trukks, Flash Gitz, Nobz, Squighogz. Ork Goodstuff, if you will.
- 4th – Adam Parmenter – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Titled ‘It’s Blood Angels if I shut my eyes’ (lol Adam), this is very much World Eaters with Angron and Eightbound. I guess we all bleed the same in the dark.
- 5th – Nikita Siniakov- Necrons: Awakened Dynasty Necrons with triple Doomsday Arks and the Deceiver – I really like this, very novel and suited to shootier boards.
- 6th – Lloyd Ollerhead – Chaos Space Marines: Stagey Chosen / Rhinos and a Land Raider with some Obliterators kicking about. Lovely stuff.
- 7th – Colm Murphy – Ynnari: Wraithguard Yncarne with some Ynnari shenanigans in support.
- 8th – Adam Whitrow – Grey Knights: Big slabs of Terminator and Character support.
FactoruM Warhammer 40,000 GT January 2024
33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Sutton Veny, England, United Kingdom on January 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
George Crabtree – Orks (Waaagh! Tribe) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Orks CHARACTERS Kaptin Badrukk (80 Points) Mozrog Skragbad (195 Points) Warboss (90 Points) Warboss in Mega Armour (80 Points) Warboss in Mega Armour (80 Points) Warboss on Warbike (90 Points) Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (60 Points) Trukk (60 Points) Trukk (60 Points) Trukk (60 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Flash Gitz (190 Points) Gretchin (80 Points) Gretchin (40 Points) Gretchin (40 Points) Meganobz (150 Points) Meganobz (150 Points) Nobz (210 Points) Stormboyz (65 Points) Stormboyz (65 Points) Warbikers (70 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.6.0 (21), Data Version: v299
Mega cocks (1995 Points)
Waaagh! Tribe
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Choppa
1x Da Rippa
1x Slugga
• Warlord
• 1x Big Chompa’s jaws
1x Gutrippa
1x Thump gun
• 1x Big choppa
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Twin slugga
• Enhancements: Follow Me Ladz
• 1x Big shoota
1x ’Uge choppa
• 1x Big shoota
1x ’Uge choppa
• 1x Power klaw
1x Twin dakkagun
• Enhancements: Supa-Cybork Body
• 1x Da Grabzappa
1x Slugga
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
• 9x Choppa
9x Snazzgun
• 2x Runtherd
• 2x Grot-smacka
2x Slugga
• 20x Gretchin
• 20x Close combat weapon
20x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Grot-smacka
1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Grot-smacka
1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 5x Meganob
• 5x Kustom shoota
5x Power klaw
• 5x Meganob
• 5x Kustom shoota
5x Power klaw
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 9x Nob
• 9x Power klaw
9x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob on Warbike
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin dakkagun
• 2x Warbiker
• 2x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Twin dakkagun
Archetype
Ork Nobz
Thoughts
A GT win for the punchier, more armoured take on Trukk rush we have seen becoming more popular in the past few months inspired by Warbosses like Brian Seipp. Meganobz are deadly and deceptively durable, which can help that Waaagh wave stick around and do more work as the enemy attempts to remove them. A big ten brick of Nobz follows up for hard target removal, and a lot of supporting units and utility tick away scoring as the foe tries desperately to repel the tide. I love the inclusion of Zodgrod and 20 Gretchin- this unit is extremely obnoxious to deal with and when you’re under pressure (which against Orks you, well, always are) it’s very hard to spare the resources to put them away.
Wings: Yeah I’ll echo that – I played against that unit once and it was wild how much of a pain it was to clear even with (theoretically) good tools for it.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Robby Sweeney – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Loads of Eightbound, and the usual suspects except for the Lord Invocatus who stays home.
- 3rd – Kyle Zahariev – Goffs (Waaagh! Tribe): A diverse Ork build with Burna Boyz, Ghaz, and a brick of Squighogz alongside the typical Trukk rush tools.
- 4th – Owen Newcombe – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Titled ‘One last Hurrah before C’tan get nerfed’ (yeah, about that..) this is a mixed Awakened Dynasty build with a little bit of everything. Has AD emerged as frontrunner in the UK?
- 5th – Russ Blackman- Black Templars: Double Land Raider / Impulsor Black Templars, neat.
- 6th – Nick Lomax- Chaos Knights: A Despoiler and a Rampager and a boatload of War Dogs.
The Glasvegas Open GT2
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Scotland, GB on January 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Votann versus Adeptas Sororitas
Chris Irvine – Ymyr Conglomerate (Oathband): Army Points: 2000 Secondary Information: Leagues of Votann CHARACTERS Einhyr Champion (80 Points) Einhyr Champion (60 Points) Kâhl (90 Points) BATTLELINE Hearthkyn Warriors (110 Points) Hearthkyn Warriors (110 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Sagitaur (100 Points) Sagitaur (100 Points) Sagitaur (100 Points) Sagitaur (100 Points) Sagitaur (100 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) Einhyr Hearthguard (300 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (180 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (180 Points)
Army List - Click to Expand
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player Name: Christopher “Waiting for translation” Irvine
Team: Stat Check
Factions Used: Leagues of Votann
Army Enhancements: Kâhl – Grim Demeanor, Einhyr Champion – Appraising Glare
Detachment Rule: Ruthless Efficiency
Assassinate: 12
Bring It Down: 10
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Oathband
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• Enhancements: Appraising Glare
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• 1x Volkite Disintegrator
1x Mass Gauntlet
1x Rampart Crest
• Enhancements: Grim Demeanour
• 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 HYLas auto rifle
1x Magna-rail rifle
1x Medipack
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
• 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 HYLas auto rifle
1x Magna-rail rifle
1x Medipack
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x HYLas beam cannon
1x Twin bolt cannon
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul
1x Mole grenade launcher
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul
1x Mole grenade launcher
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul
1x Mole grenade launcher
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 9x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 9x Concussion gauntlet
9x Exo-armour grenade launcher
9x Volkanite disintegrator
• 6x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 6x Bolt revolver
6x Bolt shotgun
1x Comms Array
1x HYLas rotary cannon
6x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
6x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x Comms Array
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
• 6x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 6x Bolt revolver
6x Bolt shotgun
1x Comms Array
1x HYLas rotary cannon
6x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
6x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight
vs.
James Wallace – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): + Configuration + Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment Choice: Hallowed Martyrs Detachment 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 + Morvenn Vahl [125pts] Triumph of Saint Katherine [125pts] + Character + Dialogus [40pts]: Saintly Example Palatine [65pts]: Blade of Saint Ellynor, Plasma pistol + Battleline + Battle Sisters Squad [100pts] . 6x Battle Sister: 6x Bolt Pistol, 6x Boltgun, 6x Close combat weapon + Infantry + Arco-Flagellants [130pts] . 10x Arco-Flagellant: 10x Arco-flails Arco-Flagellants [130pts] . 10x Arco-Flagellant: 10x Arco-flails Arco-Flagellants [130pts] . 10x Arco-Flagellant: 10x Arco-flails Crusaders [25pts] . Crusaders . . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon Crusaders [25pts] . Crusaders . . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon Crusaders [25pts] . Crusaders . . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon Seraphim Squad [70pts] . 2x Seraphim: 2x Close combat weapon . . 2x 2 Bolt Pistols: 4x Bolt Pistol . . Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon . . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers . . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers Seraphim Squad [70pts] . 2x Seraphim: 2x Close combat weapon . . 2x 2 Bolt Pistols: 4x Bolt Pistol . . Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon . . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers . . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers Zephyrim Squad [70pts] . 4x Zephyrim: 4x Bolt Pistol, 4x Power Weapon + Vehicle + Castigator [140pts]: Castigator battle cannon, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter Castigator [140pts]: Castigator battle cannon, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter Exorcist [160pts]: Exorcist Missile Launcher, Hunter-Killer Missile Mortifiers [60pts]: Anchorite Sarcophagus . Mortifier: Twin Penitent Buzz-Blades . . 2 Heavy Bolters Paragon Warsuits [200pts] . Paragon Superior: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Mace + Dedicated Transport + Sororitas Rhino [75pts]: Hunter-Killer Missile + Allied Units + Callidus Assassin [90pts] ++ Total: [1,995pts] ++ Created with BattleScribe ()
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [1,995pts] ++
. Battle Sister w/ Simulacrum Imperialus
. Battle Sister w/ Special or Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Battle Sister w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Sister Superior: Condemnor boltgun, Power weapon
. Seraphim Superior
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. Seraphim Superior
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. Seraphim with Special Weapons
. Zephyrim Superior: Plasma pistol, Sacred Banner
. Paragon Warsuit: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade
. Paragon Warsuit: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade
Thoughts
An intriguing match up in this showdown, which pits the hardy Votann against the Sisters of Battle. I’ve played this match up a couple of times and it’s one in which both sides have ALL the tools to really put the hurt on the other. Votann shooting absolutely carves through Sisters vehicles and infantry bodies, but the Melta and Fight Phase control of the Nuns with Guns can cause the dwarves significant issues. Vahl and the Paragons open up Sagitaurs for fun and using them well can be pivotal, as is ensuring the Triumph can juice up Melta shooting for long enough to do serious damage without getting blown away by the dwarven retaliation. On the Sisters side, the Castigators also do great work into Votann profiles (though their Heavy Bolters end up being a bit redundant due to Void Armour reducing AP), but the single Exorcist really isn’t enough to put the Votann on a timer and create pressure, as it struggles to open Sagitaurs on it’s own without a bit of good fortune. If you lose some of these assets too quickly, actually hurting Hearthguard when they arrive can be hard work, as Arcoflagellants will simply bounce off them.
Tempo is big in the match up, and with first turn the Votann can advance up and start causing havoc before their Hearthguard drop in. Chris’s list is especially good at creating early pressure thanks to the two big slabs of Hernkyn Pioneers. These are simply lethal when double Judgement tokens get involved, and, though they are fragile, if the opponent doesn’t have the means to stop them scooting up the board they can cause enormous disruption and are a very difficult threat to deal with. It looks like the Votann were able to defang the key hard-target removal the Sisters have early enough in the game that their toughness and armour was simply too much to deal with, inflicting a heavy defeat.
Result
Ymyr Conglomerate (Oathband) Victory – 91 – 58
Chris Irvine – Ymyr Conglomerate (Oathband) – 1st Place
The List
See showdown
Archetype
Votann Pioneer Rush
Thoughts
I really like this Votann list, which swaps out Thunderkyn or additional Hearthguard to pack a much more respectable alpha strike via 12 scout moving Biker Dwarves. The Leagues don’t have a tonne of datasheets, and builds like this will be losing some points after the slate, but they remain a sturdy and punchy army that requires respect and careful treatment to defeat. They’ve got great shooting for dealing with the Necron menace, but will it be enough now they’ve had balance adjustments and the latest meta threat hasn’t? Very well done on the top finish Chris!
The Best of the Rest
There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – David Macleod – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Another more board presence based build, with two Forts with Hearthguard in alongside the Sagitaurs.
- 3rd – Ryan Jervis – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Hypercrypt Necrons with lots of C’tan, Wraiths, and sneaky utility infantry.
Wrap Up
That’s it for this week – next week, we’ll presumably have a fun mix of bold pioneers trying out the new Dataslate, and some final final showings from the pre-dataslate greats. After that, we’ve got the first big post-Dataslate supermajor in the UK at Beachhead on the 10th, were we’ll definitely start seeing things shake out.