Competitive Innovations in 10th: The Usual Suspects pt.1

This week the teams bug hit America in a big way with the Champions cup, drawing in a massive number of top players from across the States (and indeed from further afield). That’s slightly reduced the overall number of events (and the UK was pretty quiet as it prepped for the LGT), but we’ve still got a fair few singles events to look at, and will take a look at the top two Champions cup finishers on Friday as a bonus.

Today, I’ll be looking at:

  • 2024 Michigan GT Warhammer 40K Championships
  • Waisted Potential Presents: Orchard of OH-NO 40k GT
  • Battle in the Bush 10 – 40k
  • Aemona Grand Tournament Vol. 3

Then on Friday we’ll have:

  • Invasion 40k 2024
  • Roc Hard GT
  • The Fall PNW Warlords Clash
  • The Champions Cup

The Patrons are on a Votann kick this week, and our Showdowns will be:

  • Leagues Of Votann vs World Eaters at Orchard of OH-NO 40k GT
  • Champions Of Russ vs Leagues Of Votann at the Roc Hard GT

2024 Michigan GT Warhammer 40K Championships

129-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Lansing, Michigan, US on September 21 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Conan Jennings – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Dadius (1995 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (85 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancements: 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

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

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

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

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

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

Deathwing Knights (235 Points)
• 1x Watcher in the Dark
• 1x Knight Master
◦ 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven
• 4x Deathwing Knight
◦ 4x Power weapon

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

Infiltrator Squad (100 Points)
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Marksman bolt carbine

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
◦ 2x Astartes shotgun
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Missile launcher
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.20.0 (44), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Deathwing GTF

Thoughts

Yeah we know about this one. Maybe I should see if we can get Hammer of Math to estimate the total retail value of the number of Deathwing Knights at the LGT.

Congratulations to Conan for piloting the Unforgiven to the trophy at the biggest singles event of the week.

Lyle Dixon – T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Commander Farsight. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Australia and New Zealand are the same thing, right? (2000 points)

T’au Empire
Strike Force (2000 points)
Retaliation Cadre

CHARACTERS

Commander Farsight (105 points)
• 1x Dawn Blade
1x High-intensity plasma rifle

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (115 points)
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
3x Fusion blaster
1x Gun Drone
1x Shield Drone
• Enhancement: Internal Grenade Racks

Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Cyclic ion blaster
1x Gun Drone
3x Missile pod
1x Shield Drone
• Enhancement: Starflare Ignition System

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (180 points)
• 1x Broadside Shas’vre
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
2x Missile Drone
1x Seeker missile
1x Weapon Support System
• 1x Broadside Shas’ui
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
2x Missile Drone
1x Seeker missile
1x Weapon Support System

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (130 points)
• 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Gun Drone
1x Marker Drone
1x Missile pod
1x Missile pod
• 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Gun Drone
4x Missile pod
2x Shield Drone

Crisis Starscythe Battlesuits (110 points)
• 1x Crisis Starscythe Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Gun Drone
1x Marker Drone
1x T’au flamer
1x T’au flamer
• 2x Crisis Starscythe Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Gun Drone
2x Shield Drone
4x T’au flamer

Crisis Starscythe Battlesuits (110 points)
• 1x Crisis Starscythe Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Gun Drone
1x Marker Drone
1x T’au flamer
1x T’au flamer
• 2x Crisis Starscythe Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Gun Drone
2x Shield Drone
4x T’au flamer

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (150 points)
• 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
2x Fusion blaster
1x Gun Drone
1x Marker Drone
• 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
4x Fusion blaster
2x Gun Drone
2x Shield Drone

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (150 points)
• 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
2x Fusion blaster
1x Gun Drone
1x Marker Drone
• 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
4x Fusion blaster
2x Gun Drone
2x Shield Drone

Kroot Carnivores (75 points)
• 1x Long-quill
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Kroot pistol
1x Kroot rifle
• 9x Kroot Carnivore
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Kroot rifle

Kroot Carnivores (75 points)
• 1x Long-quill
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Kroot pistol
1x Kroot rifle
• 9x Kroot Carnivore
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Kroot rifle

Krootox Riders (35 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Krootox fists
1x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (35 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Krootox fists
1x Repeater cannon

Pathfinder Team (90 points)
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Marker Drone
1x Pulse carbine
1x Pulse pistol
1x Recon Drone
1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
1x Shield Drone
• 9x Pathfinder
• 9x Close combat weapon
3x Ion rifle
6x Pulse carbine
9x Pulse pistol

Riptide Battlesuit (180 points)
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin fusion blaster

Riptide Battlesuit (180 points)
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin fusion blaster

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points)
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points)
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points)
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (45), Data Version: v430

Archetype

Crisis Toolbox

Thoughts

The white knuckle power of Retaliation Cadre on full show here, bringing an intimidating suite of Crisis teams to bear with a trio of Commanders to slot amongst them as needed (presumably the Ignition System with the Fireknifes then the other two added to close-range units as the target environment dictates). This list can deal an appalling amount of damage up close to almost anything, and has punishing extra Mortal Wounds up close, making it much better able to adapt to high pressure melee than some other Tau variants. It’s also just cool, and great to see Lyle take it to an undefeated second place.

Folger Pyles – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Wraithguard. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


3 Headed Monster (1995 points)

Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Battle Host

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (150 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Howling Banshee Mask
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 Singing spear

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

Spiritseer (65 points)
• 1x Shuriken pistol
1x Witch staff

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

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

Troupe (180 points)
• 1x Lead Player
• 1x Aeldari power sword
1x Fusion pistol
• 11x Player
• 3x Fusion pistol
11x Harlequin’s special weapon
4x Neuro disruptor
4x Shuriken pistol

Warp Spiders (125 points)
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
2x Death spinner
1x Powerblades
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (125 points)
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
2x Death spinner
1x Powerblades
• 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: v464

Archetype

Triple Threat Aeldari

Thoughts

Rounding out the undefeateds here we have a very top-heavy Aeldari build, bringing back the classic Wraithguard brick (still scary, and currently in a fairly target rich environment) and adding the Avatar and a full Harlequin squad to boot. The Harlequins work very well alongside the other two, as they’re extremely lethal on the counter-charge, and can provide an almost unchargeable screen for the Wraithguard against melee-heavy matchups thanks to the Fights First from the Visarch. Elsewhere, loads of excellent scoring stuff and the ever-potent Autarch Wayleaper round things out, ensuring that there’s plenty of Secondary play and some great harrassment options. Classic Aeldari stuff, but with far more heft than the pure keep-away builds – and I think more fun for it. Well done Folger!

Steven Pampreen – Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw) – 4th Place (4.5-0.5)

Achilles Ridgerunner. Credit: Fowler

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Do not fear for me, pity them – Victra au Barca

++ Army Roster (Xenos – Genestealer Cults) [2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

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

Detachment: Outlander Claw

Show/Hide Options

+ Character +

Kelermorph [60pts]: Warlord

Locus [45pts]

Reductus Saboteur [65pts]

+ Battleline +

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols [70pts]

. Acolyte Hybrid w/ Cult Icon
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid w/ Heavy Mining Tool: 3x Heavy Mining Tool
. Acolyte Leader: Leader’s Bio-weapons

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers [75pts]

. 4x Acolyte Hybrid w/ Hand Flamer: 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Hand Flamer, Leader’s Cult Weapons

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers [75pts]

. 4x Acolyte Hybrid w/ Hand Flamer: 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Hand Flamer, Leader’s Cult Weapons

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers [75pts]

. 4x Acolyte Hybrid w/ Hand Flamer: 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Hand Flamer, Leader’s Cult Weapons

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers [75pts]

. 4x Acolyte Hybrid w/ Hand Flamer: 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Hand Flamer, Leader’s Cult Weapons

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers [150pts]

. 9x Acolyte Hybrid w/ Hand Flamer: 9x Cult Claws and Knife, 9x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Hand Flamer, Leader’s Cult Weapons

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers [75pts]

. 4x Acolyte Hybrid w/ Hand Flamer: 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Hand Flamer, Leader’s Cult Weapons

+ Infantry +

Hybrid Metamorphs [160pts]

. 9x Hybrid Metamorph w/ Hand Flamer: 9x Hand Flamer, 9x Metamorph Mutations
. Metamorph Leader: Hand Flamer

Purestrain Genestealers [75pts]

. 5x Purestrain Genestealer: 5x Cult Claws and Talons

+ Mounted +

Atalan Jackals [90pts]

. Atalan Jackal
. 2x Atalan Jackal w/ Atalan Power Weapon: 2x Atalan Power Weapon, 2x Atalan Small Arms
. Atalan Jackal w/ Grenade Launcher: Atalan Power Weapon
. Atalan Wolfquad: Atalan Incinerator

Atalan Jackals [90pts]

. Atalan Jackal
. 2x Atalan Jackal w/ Atalan Power Weapon: 2x Atalan Power Weapon, 2x Atalan Small Arms
. Atalan Jackal w/ Grenade Launcher: Atalan Power Weapon
. Atalan Wolfquad: Mining Laser

+ Vehicle +

Achilles Ridgerunners [150pts]

. Achilles Ridgerunner: Heavy Mining Laser, Spotter
. Achilles Ridgerunner: Heavy Mining Laser, Spotter

Achilles Ridgerunners [150pts]

. Achilles Ridgerunner: Heavy Mining Laser, Spotter
. Achilles Ridgerunner: Heavy Mining Laser, Spotter

Achilles Ridgerunners [75pts]

. Achilles Ridgerunner: Heavy Mortar, Spotter

Goliath Rockgrinder [120pts]: Clearance Incinerator

Goliath Rockgrinder [120pts]: Clearance Incinerator

Goliath Rockgrinder [120pts]: Clearance Incinerator

+ Dedicated Transport +

Goliath Truck [85pts]

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

Created with BattleScribe ()

Archetype

Mech Claw

Thoughts

Taking four wins and a draw, the final entry in our top four is one of the Genestealer Cults build’s that quietly gathering momentum. Outlander Claw puts a tonne of stuff on the table, has great early disruption from Jackals and the scouting Metamorph unit, and incredibly good Primary disruption thanks to an almost unparalleled ability to dump 10 OC worth of models onto an objective. It even has some decent (if not phenomenal) damage dealing capabilities on a few units, and the number of Flamers it sports is also quite intimidating for many factions. Great fun to finally see some players making this army work, and impressive work from Steve taking it to fourth place!

The Best of the Rest

There were 19 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

  • 5th – Luke “Captain Bumpus” – Grey Knights: Four Dreadknights and a big Brotherhood Terminator squad.
  • 6th – Al Wagner – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Tarpit Wraiths and C’tan Awakened Dynasty with a couple of Reanimators to keep things in the fight.
  • 7th – Lucas Stouffer – Chaos Knights: A Rampager, dogs, and a decent crop of Nurgle Daemons
  • 8th – Logan Schmidt – Khorne Daemons: Three Bloodthirsters, Skarbrand and Be’lakor, with Skull Cannons to sit at the back.
  • 9th – Kyle Trayah – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Destroyer spam with lots of Heavy Lokhusts and Skorpekh, plus a Monolith to fire the latter through.
  • 10th – Benjamin Frederiksen – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Standard Deathwing GTF.
  • 11th – Ryan LaDuke – Thousand Sons: Double Mutalith and extra Tzaangors of both flavours for board coverage.
  • 12th – Eric Owczarzak – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Heavy Hypercrypt with Szarekh.
  • 13th – Joe Rammuni – Orks (War Horde): Mechanised Kill Rig rush plus Ghaz.
  • 14th – Stephen Olszewski – Orks (War Horde): More go-wide mechanised Orks with one Rig and some Trukks (plus Ghaz again).
  • 15th – Zachary Robertson – Aeldari: Avatar and a big Wraithguard brick for a double anvil.
  • 16th – Peter Elias – Aeldari: Avatar and speedy/mechanised threats.
  • 17th – Sean Martin – Leagues of Votann: Double fort and lots of small units for board control.
  • 18th – Andrew Stirratt – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Wolf Jail dialing back the Characters slightly to pay for two Gladiator Lancers.
  • 19th – Roger Boecher – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Jump Death Company and Gladiator Lancers, with some Outriders for extra reach.
  • 20th – Kevin Leonard – Khorne Daemons: Lots of Bloodcrushers with two Bloodthirsters to fire them out of the warp.
  • 21st – Ian Smith – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Accursed Cultists backed by Destructors and Rubricae.
  • 22nd – Eric Jorgensen – Death Guard: Ally-heavy Death Guard with triple Karnivores and Rotigus backing up a big unit each of Deathshrouds and Plague Marines.
  • 23rd – Ryan Sebastian – Thousand Sons: Single Mutalith with a Daemon Prince added to the character suite.

Waisted Potential Presents: Orchard of OH-NO 40k GT

48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Calgary, Alberta, CA on September 21 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Unknown Mission

Frasier Parry – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband)
Army List - Click to Expand


-dZ

World Eaters (2000 Points)

World Eaters
Berzerker Warband
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Angron (415 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

Khârn the Betrayer (100 Points)
• 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
• Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive

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 Plasma pistol
• 9x Khorne Berzerker
◦ 7x Berzerker chainblade
◦ 7x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Icon of Khorne
◦ 2x Khornate eviscerator
◦ 2x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (90 Points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
◦ 1x Berzerker chainblade
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
◦ 3x Berzerker chainblade
◦ 3x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Icon of Khorne
◦ 1x Khornate eviscerator
◦ 1x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (140 Points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
◦ 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
◦ 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Eightbound (140 Points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
◦ 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
◦ 2x Eightbound eviscerators

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

Exalted Eightbound (155 Points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
◦ 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
◦ 2x Eightbound chainfist
◦ 2x 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: v1.20.0 (44), Data Version: v464

vs.

Adam Green – Leagues of Votann (Oathband)
Army List - Click to Expand


Mighty machines (2000 points)

-SubehVP-

Leagues of Votann
Strike Force (2000 points)
Oathband

CHARACTERS

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

Kâhl (90 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Mass gauntlet
1x Rampart Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• Enhancement: Grim Demeanour

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 HYLas rotary cannon
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

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

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

Einhyr Hearthguard (320 points)
• 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

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x MATR autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
1x SP heavy conversion beamer
2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x MATR autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
1x SP heavy conversion beamer
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

Hernkyn Pioneers (180 points)
• 6x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 6x Bolt revolver
6x Bolt shotgun
1x Comms Array
2x HYLas rotary cannon
6x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
6x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (180 points)
• 6x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 6x Bolt revolver
6x Bolt shotgun
1x Comms Array
2x HYLas rotary cannon
6x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
6x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Yaegirs (80 points)
• 1x Yaegir Theyn
• 1x Bolt revolver
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma knife
• 9x Hernkyn Yaegir
• 1x APM launcher
7x Bolt revolver
9x Close combat weapon
1x Magna-coil rifle
7x Plasma knife

Thoughts

Two fairly classic examples of their respective factions face off here – bike and Land Fortress-heavy Votann vs the suite of World Eaters hits. The latter does deviate from the norm a bit by splitting out the Exalted Eightbound into small units, and that definitely helps in a game where the Eaters are fairly up against it. The Votann have loads of guns that are great at killing all the targets here, a Yaegir squad to screen, and Land Fortresses to layer their defences, and on a pure stat check basis Angron’s guys are going to find themselves ground out.

Their route to victory is definitely managing to reach out and pull off some melee traps with an Exalted squad and (ideally) Angron at the same time, so having multiple units to go fishing with is a big upside, especially as this Votann list doesn’t struggle in the slightest to lift a full six if they find themselves exposed. Definitely need to be making that kind of big play as the World Eaters, as even with that small advantage I think they’re so far against it in the damage race that it’s a hard game to pull a win in. From the Votann’s side, there’s really just no pressure to go fast – they’ve got speed and redundancy, and they can prioritise a safe, grinding plan while sacrificing a few things to score each turn. Looking at the result, the methodical murder plan looks to have been insurmountable in the event – I guess the other hope for the World Eaters would have been to hit a low scoring mission and fish for a late game push, but I couldn’t find the mission list for this one so we’ll never know.

Result

Leagues of Votann (Oathband) Victory – 97 – 67

Adam Green – Leagues of Votann (Oathband) – 1st Place

Hernkyn Pioneer. Credit: Rockfish
Hernkyn Pioneer. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Mighty machines (2000 points)

-SubehVP-

Leagues of Votann
Strike Force (2000 points)
Oathband

CHARACTERS

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

Kâhl (90 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Mass gauntlet
1x Rampart Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• Enhancement: Grim Demeanour

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 HYLas rotary cannon
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

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

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

Einhyr Hearthguard (320 points)
• 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

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x MATR autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
1x SP heavy conversion beamer
2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x MATR autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
1x SP heavy conversion beamer
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

Hernkyn Pioneers (180 points)
• 6x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 6x Bolt revolver
6x Bolt shotgun
1x Comms Array
2x HYLas rotary cannon
6x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
6x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (180 points)
• 6x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 6x Bolt revolver
6x Bolt shotgun
1x Comms Array
2x HYLas rotary cannon
6x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
6x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Yaegirs (80 points)
• 1x Yaegir Theyn
• 1x Bolt revolver
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma knife
• 9x Hernkyn Yaegir
• 1x APM launcher
7x Bolt revolver
9x Close combat weapon
1x Magna-coil rifle
7x Plasma knife

Archetype

2Fort Votann

Thoughts

A bit of a blast from 9th Edition in the unit choices here, going hard on Bikes and Land Fortresses to create a build that’s especially good at handling melee power armour thanks to the speedy autocannon-toting bikes and strong counter-punch potential from Beserks in the forts. That’s perfect for the current metagame, and earned a well-deserved win for the Votann here, great stuff from Adam.

Gord Weppler – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: BuffaloChicken

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Muscle beach (1995 Points)

Genestealer Cults
Biosanctic Broodsurge
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Abominant (75 Points)
• 1x Power sledgehammer

Abominant (75 Points)
• 1x Power sledgehammer

Biophagus (70 Points)
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• Enhancements: Predatory Instincts

Biophagus (50 Points)
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad

Biophagus (50 Points)
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad

Kelermorph (60 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Liberator autostubs

Kelermorph (60 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Liberator autostubs

Kelermorph (60 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Liberator autostubs

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (70 Points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 1x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Heavy mining tool

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aberrants (300 Points)
• 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
◦ 1x Aberrant weapons
• 9x Aberrant
◦ 9x Aberrant weapons

Aberrants (300 Points)
• 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
◦ 1x Aberrant weapons
• 9x Aberrant
◦ 9x Aberrant weapons

Aberrants (300 Points)
• 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
◦ 1x Aberrant weapons
• 9x Aberrant
◦ 9x Aberrant weapons

Achilles Ridgerunners (75 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Spotter
• 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (75 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Spotter
• 1x Twin heavy stubber

Purestrain Genestealers (150 Points)
• 10x Purestrain Genestealer
◦ 10x Cult claws and talons

Purestrain Genestealers (150 Points)
• 10x Purestrain Genestealer
◦ 10x Cult claws and talons

Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points)
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
◦ 5x Cult claws and talons

Exported with App Version: v1.20.0 (44), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Muscle Beach 2024

Thoughts

Hell yeah, more Cults. This build looks more straightforward than the mechanised builds, what with consisting primarily of thick slabs of muscle, but it’s more subtle than it looks. Rationing out Kelermorphs and using solo Abominants gives the army a great way to skirmish with relatively minimal commitments, letting it focus on slamming its key threats into the foe at opportune moments via either Infiltration or the one-two punch of Stimulated Bio-Surge into Hyper-Metabolic Vigor to roll through the enemy ranks. Definitely one of those builds that has to be very careful not to lose a key unit too cheaply, but the overwhelming hole it can put foes in if they take their eyes off the ball is a sight to behold. I do also really like the solo Abominants as a choice here, forcing big targets to be really careful about positioning, and hugely annoying to deal with when they die, spurt Mortals on the foe, then get back up ready to do it again. Didn’t hear no bell. Awesome work from Gord.

The Best of the Rest

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

  • 3rd – Brynn Holdstock – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Eightbound-tastic World Eaters.
  • 4th – Anthony Dalla Lana – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Extra speedy all-Venom Skysplinter.
  • 5th – Spike Haider – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): The standard current Custodes setup of four Infantry blocks, two Caladius tanks.
  • 6th – Jacob Lamb – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Awakened with Warriors, a Monolith, and Skorpekh MSUs with Lords to send through.
  • 7th – Jake Chalmers – Chaos Daemons: Speedy Monster mash with Shalaxi and a Keeper, lots of Seekers and Fiends, and Be’lakor and a GuO for a bit more of an anvil.
  • 8th – Kass Kielly-Burke – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Speedy flame Sisters.

Battle in the Bush 10 – 40k

41-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Orange, NSW, AU on September 20 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jordan McGregor – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 1st Place

Credit: Evan “Felime” Siefring

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


This list is a war crime (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas
Strike Force (2000 points)
Hallowed Martyrs

CHARACTERS

Canoness (50 points)
• 1x Blessed blade
1x Condemnor boltgun

Canoness (60 points)
• 1x Brazier of holy fire
1x Condemnor boltgun
1x Hallowed chainsword
• Enhancement: Saintly Example

Canoness (50 points)
• 1x Blessed blade
1x Inferno pistol

Dialogus (30 points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Dialogus staff

Morvenn Vahl (160 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Fidelis
1x Lance of Illumination
1x Paragon missile launcher

Triumph of Saint Katherine (190 points)
• 1x Bolt pistols
1x Relic weapons

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (115 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta

Immolator (115 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (150 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator autocannons
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Castigator (150 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator autocannons
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Castigator (150 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator autocannons
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Exorcist (190 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile

Exorcist (190 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile

Exorcist (190 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exorcist missile launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile

Paragon Warsuits (210 points)
• 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 blade

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Mechanised Martyrs

Thoughts

A novel spin on Sisters here, going all-in on as many hulls as possible in Hallowed Martyrs and basically eschewing Infantry outside some cheap Characters. These can go around performing Actions or whatever, and rely on Divine Intervention to make them go the extra mile while the tanks blast foes into oblivion with umpteen Miracle dice and Triumph powers. With only tanks available to shoot, the opponent is inevitably going to chip some wounds here and there, turning on the +1 to hit, and the option of self-destructing a vehicle either in the enemy lines or to scatter around the buff via Sanctified Immolation is very real and very funny. Rushing the list down does seem like one possible answer, but even then you’re dealing with a nasty counter-charge from Vahl’s unit, never a great place to be. Definitely a sign that the sheer efficiency of Sisters hulls (especially the Castigator) needs to go down a notch, but also a very cool way of leaning into a detachments tools, great stuff Jordan.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:

  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) – Taylor Hill – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): A throwback to Rubricae/Character-heavy Tsons with nary a Mutalith in sight.
  • 3rd – Woody Wu – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Wolf Jail, cutting some of the Cavalry squads down in size to pay for max WUlfen and some utility.
  • 4th – Arian Fanaeian – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Single Mutalith and lots of Characters/Rubricae.
  • 5th – Owen Jaecker – Ynnari: A Skathach Wraithknight emerges from the warp with some speedy Drukhari units, big Troupe, and small Wraithblade utility squad backing it up.
  • 6th – Chris Yates – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Infantry-heavy Custodes with just a single Caladius.

Aemona Grand Tournament Vol. 3

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ljubljana, SI on September 21 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The top two players here both went 4.5-0.5, so I’ve included both.

Lukas Wobak – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 1st Place

Norn Emissary
Norn Emissary. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Overcompensation (1995 points)

Tyranids
Strike Force (2000 points)
Invasion Fleet

CHARACTERS

Hive Tyrant (260 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Heavy venom cannon
1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip
• Enhancement: Adaptive Biology

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norn Emissary (275 points)
• 1x Monstrous rending claws
1x Monstrous scything talons
1x Psychic Tendril

Norn Emissary (275 points)
• 1x Monstrous rending claws
1x Monstrous scything talons
1x Psychic Tendril

Pyrovores (35 points)
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
1x Flamespurt

Tyrannofex (190 points)
• 1x Acid spray
1x Powerful limbs
1x Stinger salvoes

Archetype

Mega Monster Mash

Thoughts

Cool yes, complicated no. Throw durable Norns and Maleceptors at the foe while melting them with various flavours of stomach acid. Simple but effective. Great stuff from Lukas.

Thomas Wobak – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 2nd Place

Grey Knights Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

👆👇(2000 points)

Grey Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Teleport Strike Force

CHARACTERS

Grand Master (125 points)
• 1x Incinerator
1x Nemesis force weapon
• Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence

Kaldor Draigo (125 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Scourging
1x Storm bolter
1x The Titansword

BATTLELINE

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (420 points)
• 1x Terminator Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 9x Brotherhood Terminator
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
2x Incinerator
1x Narthecium
9x Nemesis force weapon
6x Storm bolter

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (420 points)
• 1x Terminator Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 9x Brotherhood Terminator
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
2x Incinerator
1x Narthecium
9x Nemesis force weapon
6x Storm bolter

Strike Squad (120 points)
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Incinerator
3x Nemesis force weapon
3x Storm bolter

Strike Squad (120 points)
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Incinerator
3x Nemesis force weapon
3x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Nemesis Dreadknight (205 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight (205 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight (205 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

ALLIED UNITS

Inquisitor (55 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Force weapon
1x Psychic Gifts
1x Psychic Shock Wave

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Terminators and Dreadknights

Thoughts

A fairly heavy-duty Grey Knights build to round us out for the week, following the current trend of combining Terminators with Dreadknights. Brotherhood Terminator units are a huge pain to kill, and being able to hurl Draigo straight forward if the opponent is incautious is a very nasty threat. Always a big fan of seeing a Grand Master with the Sigil with Terminators of either flavour too – that unit is a huge pain for Deathwing GTF builds to deal with, as it can go toe-to-toe with Deathwing Knights and dodge any ranged reprisals. The only new thing on show here is a vanilla Inquisitor with one of the Strike Squads, presumably intended to shore up their Overwatch capabilities a little with an extra flamer and (sometimes) a refund on the CP. Cute way to use up some points. Well done on the second place Thomas!

The Best of the Rest

There were no other players on 4-1 records.

Wrap Up

Make sure to come back for Champions Cup and more singles action in part 2 on Friday!

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.