Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

All sorts of stuff going on this week. Aeldari – over-represented on the top tables, but not by masses. Marines – very good still. Chaos – taking some big wins. Orks – Waaaaaagh!

40k is happening, basically. Love it when 40K happens.

Today, we’ll be covering:

The Manchester UKTC 40k Super-Major
Games of Westeros XIX – 40k
Triple Cities GT
Warhammer 40K Midtcon Spring 2025

On Friday, bam, more 40k, with Lowest of Men, and it’ll be:

Clutch City GT 2025
Leoben 40K Spring Sprint Singles – Alpine Cup
East Anglian Grand Tournament 2025 March
CAGBASH XVIII 40k Event

Showdowns? We’ve got ’em. Patrons, voting, you know the drill, they picked:

The Manchester UKTC 40k Super-Major

327-player, 7-round Supermajor in Urmston, England, United Kingdom on March 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Alex Harrison – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Bring Back 5th Edition MSU (1995 points)

Space Marines
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Liberator Assault Group

CHARACTERS

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield Dome
2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 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

Incursor Squad (80 points)
• 1x Incursor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Occulus bolt carbine
1x Paired combat blades
• 4x Incursor
• 4x Bolt pistol
1x Haywire Mine
4x Occulus bolt carbine
4x Paired combat blades

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
1x Helix Gauntlet
1x Infiltrator Comms Array
4x Marksman bolt carbine

Invictor Tactical Warsuit (125 points)
• 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Heavy bolter
1x Incendium cannon
1x Invictor fist
1x Twin ironhail heavy stubber

Predator Destructor (130 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon
1x Storm bolter

Scout Squad (70 points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
3x Combat knife
1x Missile launcher

Suppressor Squad (75 points)
• 1x Suppressor Sergeant
• 1x Accelerator autocannon
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Suppressor
• 2x Accelerator autocannon
2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon

Archetype

Go-wide Bloodless Angels

Thoughts

The logical endpoint of the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Blood Angels trend here, essentially identifying the cheapest units in the Space Marine book that will still do something when helped by the Liberator detachment rule, cramming three of as many of them as possible into a list, then calling it a day. You end up with just way too much redundancy and board presence for most foes to deal with, and adding in the Invictors to punish them for trying to carve through Incursors is extra mean. No one could quite punch through the sheer volume of stuff here, and Alex was able to pilot it to the trophy.

Josh Roberts – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 2nd Place

Blood Angels Deimos Vindicator Laser Destroyer. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Manchester GT BA List (2000 points)

Space Marines
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Liberator Assault Group

CHARACTERS

Captain (105 points)
• 1x Neo-volkite pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Rage-fuelled Warrior

Captain (80 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Master-crafted bolter
1x Power fist

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter

Reiver Squad (80 points)
• 1x Reiver Sergeant
• 1x Combat knife
1x Grapnel Launcher
1x Reiver Grav-chute
1x Special issue bolt pistol
• 4x Reiver
• 4x Combat knife
4x Grapnel Launcher
4x Reiver Grav-chute
4x Special issue bolt pistol

Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points)
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Power fist
1x Sternguard bolt pistol
1x Sternguard bolt rifle
• 4x Sternguard Veteran
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Sternguard bolt pistol
3x Sternguard bolt rifle
1x Sternguard heavy bolter

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (110 points)
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
• 4x Storm Shield
4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

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

Archetype

Shooty Liberator

Thoughts

It’s was a bloodless mirror match in the final, with Josh’s shootier version of Liberator narrowly losing out to Alex’s Infantry version. Most of this is business as usual for dakka Marines with some melee backup, but the VanVets feel worth noting if you’re gunning for Aeldari. The invulnerable save makes it harder for nefarious elves to plan around them, and volume AP-1 melee is perfect for punting Aspect MSUs out of your way. Good addition to the recipe, and well done Josh on second place.

Bruce Duffy – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Anthony (2000 Points)

Chaos Space Marines
Creations of Bile
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (125 Points)
• 1x Daemon hammer
• 1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancements: Prime Test Subject

Cypher (90 Points)
• 1x Cypher’s bolt pistol
• 1x Cypher’s plasma pistol

Fabius Bile (85 Points)
• 1x Fabius Bile
• Warlord
◦ 1x Chirurgeon
◦ 1x Rod of Torment
◦ 1x Xyclos Needler
• 1x Surgeon Acolyte
◦ 1x Surgeon Acolyte’s tools

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 Points)
• 1x Cultist Champion
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
◦ 9x Autopistol
◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 Points)
• 1x Aspiring Champion
◦ 1x Chaos Icon
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
◦ 2x Astartes chainsword
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon
◦ 1x Lascannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chosen (250 Points)
• 1x Chosen Champion
◦ 1x Boltgun
◦ 1x Chaos Icon
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x Chosen
◦ 6x Accursed weapon
◦ 6x Bolt pistol
◦ 3x Boltgun
◦ 4x Combi-weapon
◦ 2x Paired accursed weapons
◦ 3x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist

Chosen (125 Points)
• 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

Nemesis Claw (110 Points)
• 1x Visionary
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Legionary
◦ 1x Accursed weapon
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Nostraman chainglaive
◦ 1x Paired accursed weapons
◦ 1x Voice Eater

Possessed (240 Points)
• 1x Possessed Champion
◦ 1x Chaos Icon
◦ 1x Hideous mutations
• 9x Possessed
◦ 9x Hideous mutations

ALLIED UNITS

War Dog Huntsman (140 Points)
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
• 1x Daemonbreath spear
• 1x Reaper chaintalon

War Dog Huntsman (140 Points)
• 1x Daemonbreath spear
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
• 1x Reaper chaintalon

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Brawler Bile

Thoughts

Chaotic melee up next with a very aggressive Creations of Bile build, adding additional Transports filled with melee nasties to the normal double Possessed/single big Chosen recipe. Staging transports are, as always, particularly strong on UKTC terrain, and I imagine the threat projection of a Nemesis Claw waiting in the wings is especially unpleasant for opponents to try and deal with. The two Huntsman are neat too, providing big OC flips in a pinch if you don’t want to commit a melee unit or have run out of bodies on a flank. Eventually fell to the raw killing power Josh was packing in the semi-finals, but a great run to a third place finish from Bruce.

Innes Wilson – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

How well do you know the coherency rules? (1990 points)

Genestealer Cults
Strike Force (2000 points)
Host of Ascension

CHARACTERS

Benefictus (85 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Psionic Cascade
• Enhancement: Assassination Edict

Benefictus (70 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Psionic Cascade

Primus (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancement: A Chink In Their Armour

Reductus Saboteur (65 points)
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charges
1x Remote explosives

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 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

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
4x Cult claws and knife
3x Hand flamer

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points)
• 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
5x Hybrid firearm
1x Mining laser
1x Seismic cannon
1x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (130 points)
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
2x Grenade launcher
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Mining laser
2x Seismic cannon
2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (130 points)
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
2x Flamer
2x Heavy stubber
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Seismic cannon
2x Webber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Spotter
1x Twin heavy stubber

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

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Horde Host

Thoughts

Friend of the column Innes returns to his spiritual home here, bringing glory to the star children by unleashing a spectacular Neophyte horde, with maximum killing power via Beneficti, and some skirmishing Genestealers to carve out drop zones. This style of list is still a nightmare to deal with thanks to Return to the Shadows, and feels like it’s especially strong into Aeldari since it can largely just roll with their punches, especially with the ability to guarantee the return of a full Neophyte brick at a key moment. Well done to Innes for making the top cut yet again.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 5-0 records after the Swiss. They were:

5th – Michael Hooper – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Ultra-heavy Excess with Shalaxi, triple Keeper and a full Fiend squad.
6th – Colin Power – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Aspect MSUs for days and a central Yvraine/Visarch Incubi squad to dominate the field.
7th – Brett Smith – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Double Mutalith, lots of Characters, Cultists and Tzaangors to make sure you’ve still go the ground coverage.
8th – Aiden Smalley – Death Guard (Plague Company): Mortarion and hulls.
9th – Fernando Soriano – T’au Empire (Mont’ka): Go-wide Mont’ka hulls with Hammerheads, Riptides and one Breacherfish.
10th – Adam Wass – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): A shooty Gladius build using Calgar, a pair of RepExes and a full Inceptor block as the main threats.

Games of Westeros XIX – 40k

118-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Västmanlands län, Sverige on March 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jesper Unander-Scharin – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile) – 1st Place

Chaos Space Marines Obliterators. Credits: That Gobbo

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – Chaos Space Marines
+ DETACHMENT: Creations of Bile
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Fabius Bile
+ ENHANCEMENT: Prime Test Subject (on Char1: Chaos Lord)
& Living Carapace (on Char2: Chaos Lord)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 17
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters – Cull The Horde: 2×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Cypher (90 pts)
1 with Cypher’s bolt pistol, Cypher’s plasma pistol

Char2: 2x Fabius Bile (85 pts)
• 1x Fabius Bile
1 with Rod of Torment, The Chirurgeon, Xyclos needler
• 1x Surgeon Acolyte
1 with Surgeon Acolyte’s tools
• Warlord

Char3: 1x Chaos Lord (125 pts)
1 with Daemon hammer, Plasma pistol
Enhancement: Prime Test Subject (+35 pts)

Char4: 1x Chaos Lord (105 pts)
1 with Daemon hammer, Plasma pistol
Enhancement: Living Carapace (+15 pts)

BATTLELINE

10x Cultist Mob (50 pts)
• 1x Cultist Champion
1 with Brutal assault weapon, Autopistol
• 9x Cultist
9 with Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon

5x Legionaries (90 pts)
• 1x Aspiring Champion
1 with Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon, Plasma pistol
• Chaos icon
• 4x Legionary
2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Lascannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Chosen (250 pts)
• 10x Chosen
2 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Boltgun
4 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Combi-weapon
2 with Paired accursed weapons, Plasma pistol
1 with Boltgun, Plasma pistol, Power fist
1 with Boltgun, Plasma pistol, Power fist
• Chaos icon

2x Obliterators (160 pts)
• 2x Obliterator
2 with Crushing fists, Fleshmetal guns

10x Possessed (240 pts)
• 10x Possessed
9 with Hideous mutations
1 with Hideous mutations
• Chaos icon

5x Raptors (90 pts)
• 1x Raptor Champion
1 with Power fist, Plasma pistol
• 4x Raptor
2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol
2 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun

5x Warp Talons (125 pts)
• 5x Warp Talon
5 with Warp claws

1x Chaos Rhino (75 pts)
1 with Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-weapon

Archetype

Obliterator Bile

Thoughts

Most of what’s here is the brawler Bile standard, but what if you decided you just couldn’t stand +1BS being a complete waste for one game more? Take some Obliterators! They’re generically pretty good on rate, benefit from every Bile option, can create a hilarious gut punch with Diabolic Regeneration and even give you access to emergency volume indirect if you really need to plink off some skulking elves. All good fun, and clearly worked very well alongside the normal tools here, taking Jesper to the top!

Dag Samuelsson – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

No 10pts enhancements in Invasion (1990 Points)

Tyranids
Invasion Fleet
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Broodlord (80 Points)
• 1x Broodlord claws and talons

Hive Tyrant (260 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip
• 1x Monstrous scything talons
• Enhancements: 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

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

Lictor (60 Points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons

Norn Emissary (260 Points)
• 1x Monstrous rending claws
• 1x Monstrous scything talons
• 1x Psychic Tendril

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

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

Archetype

Genestealer Invasion Mash

Thoughts

A shooty and skirmish combo in an undefeated second place, with two full Genestealer/Broodlord units and a Norn running interference for lots of dakka bugs. Genestealers are super good in Invasion Fleet now you can guarantee Synapse for the boosted Feel No Pain from Rapid Regeneration, and are great in a metagame where being able to clear out T3 elite Infantry is suddenly more reelvant. The setup here should buy plenty of time for foes to be fully dissolved, and Dag was able to carve through a broad range of foes on the way to the podium.

Magnus Bjerke – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) – 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)

War Dog - Stalker. Credit: Rockfish — War Dog – Stalker. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – Chaos Knights
+ DETACHMENT: Traitoris Lance
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: War Dog Stalker
+ ENHANCEMENT: Aura of Terror (on Char1: War Dog Stalker)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 13
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (13×2) – Assassination: 1 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x War Dog Stalker (165 pts): Warlord, Havoc multi-launcher, Daemonbreath spear, Slaughterclaw
Enhancement: Aura of Terror (+25 pts)

1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher

Archetype

Whoops all War Dogs

Thoughts

It never stops, and it’s never going to stop. Definitely not while Bridgehead and Aeldari reward you for getting 13 indirect guns for basically free, anyway. Good job to Magnus on third place.

Kalle Abrahamsson – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 4th Place (4.5-0.5)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Tyranids
+ DETACHMENT: Invasion Fleet
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char4: Hive Tyrant
+ ENHANCEMENT: Adaptive Biology (on Char3: Hive Tyrant)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (7×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Deathleaper (80 pts): Lictor Claws and Talons
Char2: 1x Broodlord (80 pts): Broodlord Claws and Talons
Char3: 1x Broodlord (80 pts): Broodlord Claws and Talons
Char4: 1x Hive Tyrant (260 pts): Warlord, Monstrous Bonesword and Lash Whip, Heavy Venom Cannon
Enhancement: Adaptive Biology (+25 pts)

10x Gargoyles (85 pts): 10 with Blinding Venom, Fleshborer
10x Gargoyles (85 pts): 10 with Blinding Venom, Fleshborer
10x Hormagaunts (65 pts): 10 with Hormagaunt talons

1x Biovores (50 pts): Chitin-barbed Limbs, Spore Mine Launcher
10x Genestealers (150 pts): 10 with Genestealers claws and talons
10x Genestealers (150 pts): 10 with Genestealers claws and talons
1x Exocrine (135 pts): Bio-plasmic Cannon, Powerful Limbs
1x Exocrine (135 pts): Bio-plasmic Cannon, Powerful Limbs
1x Exocrine (135 pts): Bio-plasmic Cannon, Powerful Limbs
1x Maleceptor (170 pts): Massive Scything Talons, Psychic Overload
1x Maleceptor (170 pts): Massive Scything Talons, Psychic Overload
1x Maleceptor (170 pts): Massive Scything Talons, Psychic Overload

Archetype

Genestealer Maleceptor Mash

Thoughts

Another double Genestealer Invasion build to complete our second top four, this time teaming them up with triple Maleceptors for additional vice-like pressure. Seems to have worked, and after four victories was able to fight the War Dog horde above to a draw. Great work from Kalle unleashing the brainiest bugs.

The Best of the Rest

There were 13 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th – Axel Rydén – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Aspect MSUs backed up by Windriders and Wraithlords.
6th – Martin Hultgren – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Triple Keeper with surprise shooting backup from triple Brigand.
7th – Emil Söderholm – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Crunchy Deathwatch with Terminator MSUs and double Indomitor team.
8th – Rikard Tröger – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): Bobby G and teleporting Centurions.
9th – Joel Larsson – Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike): Transport-heavy Bridgehead, adding lots of Kasrkin and combat engineers in Tauroxes to the usual mix.
10th – Stefan Love – Orks (Taktikal Brigade): Mechanised Taktikal with shooty Infantry and Breaka Boyz.
11th – Frank Kummel – Imperial Agents (Veiled Blade Elimination Force): An absolute legend here, landing a 4-1 finish with one of each buffed Assassin, backed up by a Kill Team, some cheap Infantry and Warglaives for extra pressure.
12th – David Klang – Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Sanguinary Guard MSUs with Characters plus both Epic Lone Operatives for violent herohammer, one big Inceptor unit to max on shooting stratagems, and some Vindicators because they’re generically great.
13th – Sebastian Larsson – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): Whoops all War Dogs.
14th – Jeppa Resmark – Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Triple Dorn Commander, three supporting Russes (two Vanquishers and a Punisher) and some Kasrkin in Transports.
15th – Christian Olofsson – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): The slightly more go-wide end of Excess, taking one Keepr and Shalaxi then using small Fiend units, Chariots and a few other bits and bobs to contest the table.
16th – Daniel Fröberg – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Big dog and his squires.
17th – Sami Sjolander – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): Whoops all War Dogs.

Triple Cities GT

37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Binghamton, NY, United States on March 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold – Raise Banners – Tipping Point

Chris Martens – Aeldari (Aspect Host)
Army List - Click to Expand

Indirect isn’t real, it can’t hurt me

Aeldari
Aspect Host

CHARACTERS

Asurmen (135 points)
• 1x Bloody Twins
1x Sword of Asur

Autarch (105 points)
• 1x Reaper launcher
1x Star glaive
• Enhancement: Mantle of Wisdom

Jain Zar (105 points)
• 1x Blade of Destruction
1x Silent Death

Lhykhis (120 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Brood Twain
1x Spider’s Fangs
1x Weaverender

BATTLELINE

Storm Guardians (100 points)
• 10x Storm Guardian
• 8x Close combat weapon
2x Flamer
2x Fusion gun
2x Power sword
6x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Serpent’s Scale Platform
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Serpent shield

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (115 points)
• 1x Shuriken cannon
1x Twin bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (180 points)
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Tempest launcher
• 9x Dark Reaper
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Tempest launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Reaper launcher

Dire Avengers (75 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dire Avenger Exarch
• 2x Avenger shuriken catapult
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Dire Avenger
• 4x Avenger shuriken catapult
4x Close combat weapon

Fire Dragons (200 points)
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
• 9x Fire Dragon
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Dragon fusion gun

Fire Dragons (100 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
• 4x Fire Dragon
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (90 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol

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

Striking Scorpions (75 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
• 1x Scorpion chainsword
1x Scorpion’s claw
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Striking Scorpion
• 4x Scorpion chainsword
4x Shuriken pistol

Warp Spiders (95 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Powerblade array
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

vs.

Clarence Ellsworth – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ)

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Space Wolves) [2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

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

Detachment: Champions of Russ

+ Epic Hero +

Bjorn the Fell-Handed [190pts]: Multi-melta

Logan Grimnar [115pts]: Warlord

Ragnar Blackmane [90pts]

+ Character +

Lieutenant in Phobos Armour [55pts]

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf [80pts]: Power fist
. Storm shield and close combat weapon

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf [100pts]: Power Fist
. Relic shield and close combat weapon

+ Battleline +

Assault Intercessor Squad [75pts]
. Assault Intercessor Sergeant: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
. 4x Assault Intercessors: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol

Intercessor Squad [80pts]
. Intercessor Sergeant: Astartes Grenade Launcher, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist
. 4x Intercessors: 4x Bolt Pistol, 4x Bolt Rifle, 4x Close Combat Weapon

+ Infantry +

Reiver Squad [80pts]: Grapnel Launchers, Reiver Grav-chute
. Reiver Sergeant: Combat Knife
. 4x Reivers: 4x Combat Knife, 4x Special Issue Bolt Pistol

Scout Squad [70pts]
. Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Missile Launcher
. Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle
. 2x Scouts w/ Combat Knife: 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon, 2x Combat Knife

Wulfen [95pts]
. 5x Wulfen w/ hammer, shield and launcher: 5x Storm shield, 5x Stormfrag auto-launcher, 5x Wulfen hammer

+ Mounted +

Thunderwolf Cavalry [240pts]
. 6x Thunderwolf w/ storm shield: 6x Crushing teeth and claws, 6x Heirloom weapon, 6x Storm shield

+ Vehicle +

Gladiator Lancer [160pts]: Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Two fragstorm grenade launchers

+ Dedicated Transport +

Impulsor [80pts]: Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome
. 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers

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

Created with BattleScribe ()

Thoughts

I mean on the one hand, the Aeldari get their wish – no Indirect. On the other – wolves. Big ones. With teeth. Wolf Jail isn’t an insurmountable matchup for Aeldari, especially not the high threat Aspect Host, but it’s certainly not ideal either. Taking a swing and a miss at big ThunderCav brick can be fairly instantly terminal, and their defensive statlines are annoying to boot. 4W with T6 is perfectly pitched such that neither Dark Reaper profile is great into them, and the terrain is also going to make it fairly tough for Reapers to line up a full volley. This event was using very heavy WTC layouts, which significantly reduce the effectiveness of the Dark Reaper Wave Serpent thrust compared to GW or UKTC terrain (especially on the map for this mission which has flanks that are fully impassable to a hull). Given the Fire Dragons also don’t have Fuegan with them, it’s quite likely that the Aeldari will have to take their big swings from much closer than they’d like.

The elves have plenty of other cool toys, but it’s a lot of mid-impact stuff that isn’t going to be able to engage the nastiest wolf threats, and some of it suffers from key targets not being Infantry. I’d worry as the Aeldari here that it’s quite difficult for them to force positive trades without getting dangerously close, and against Marines that’s a recipe for getting ground out. Their biggest asset is triple Scorpions, as these are great for move blocking Thunderwolves on these tables, and as the Aeldari here I’m looking to delay the dogs, and give them a choice between catching a big volley or being boxed in, especially as I have good ways of reaching and clearing mid-field objectives. I’d probably even consider not sticking Jain Zar with a unit of Banshess to just give me +1 threat that can zip out and murder a 5-model Marine unit, slightly reduce eggs in each basket and so on.

It’s winnable for both sides here, but the Aeldari are definitely on the nastier knife edge of “mess up and get mauled”. Literally. Wolves want to use their Scouts to try and carve out a movement channel for the ThunderCav so that the pesty Elves can’t screw about scoring for a turn or two before its wolf time, and if they get first drop they can make life very annoying for the Aeldari indeed. No certain outcomes here, but I think the ball is somewhat in the Space Wolves court overall, and they were able to convert in style.

Result

Space Wolves (Champions of Russ) Victory – 87 – 64

Clarence Ellsworth – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Space Wolves) [2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

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

Detachment: Champions of Russ

+ Epic Hero +

Bjorn the Fell-Handed [190pts]: Multi-melta

Logan Grimnar [115pts]: Warlord

Ragnar Blackmane [90pts]

+ Character +

Lieutenant in Phobos Armour [55pts]

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf [80pts]: Power fist
. Storm shield and close combat weapon

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf [100pts]: Power Fist
. Relic shield and close combat weapon

+ Battleline +

Assault Intercessor Squad [75pts]
. Assault Intercessor Sergeant: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
. 4x Assault Intercessors: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol

Intercessor Squad [80pts]
. Intercessor Sergeant: Astartes Grenade Launcher, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist
. 4x Intercessors: 4x Bolt Pistol, 4x Bolt Rifle, 4x Close Combat Weapon

+ Infantry +

Reiver Squad [80pts]: Grapnel Launchers, Reiver Grav-chute
. Reiver Sergeant: Combat Knife
. 4x Reivers: 4x Combat Knife, 4x Special Issue Bolt Pistol

Wulfen [95pts]
. 5x Wulfen w/ hammer, shield and launcher: 5x Storm shield, 5x Stormfrag auto-launcher, 5x Wulfen hammer

+ Mounted +

Thunderwolf Cavalry [240pts]
. 6x Thunderwolf w/ storm shield: 6x Crushing teeth and claws, 6x Heirloom weapon, 6x Storm shield

+ Vehicle +

Gladiator Lancer [160pts]: Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Two fragstorm grenade launchers

+ Dedicated Transport +

Impulsor [80pts]: Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome
. 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers

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

Created with BattleScribe ()

Archetype

Wolf Jail

Thoughts

Wolf Jail abolition continues to fail as a political project, and the sons of Russ romp to a trophy here. You could certainly argue whether double ThunderCav is true Wolf Jail, but on WTC terrain running three bricks would have been suicidal, and building with Infiltrators to secure key channels of advance is by far the smarter move. Great work from Clarence.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Joseph Sault – Imperial Agents (Imperialis Fleet): Extreme board control Infantry spam with quite a few Inquisitors and Assassins scattered about.
3rd – Chris martens – Aeldari (Aspect Host): See Showdown.
4th – Gregory Hunter – T’au Empire (Mont’ka): Mont’ka with four Broadsides and a couple of Fireknife teams, plus triple Breacherfish.
5th – Alex Miller – Death Guard (Plague Company): A full-bore Poxwalker and Nurgling horde with Mortarion in charge.
6th – Connor Reynolds – Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike): Infantry spam Bridgehead with Field Ordnance batteries.
7th – Carson Jones – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Double Land Fortress with a Hearthguard squad in each, backed by two full bike squads.

Warhammer 40K Midtcon Spring 2025

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Viborg, Denmark on March 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Simon Darre – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels
+ DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Azrael
+ ENHANCEMENT: Artificer Armour (on Char1: Captain in Gravis Armour)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 13
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (4×2) – Assassination: 3 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Azrael (115 pts): Warlord, Lion’s Wrath, The Sword of Secrets
Char2: 1x Captain in Gravis Armour (90 pts): Boltstorm Gauntlet, Power Fist, Relic Chainsword
Enhancement: Artificer Armour (+10 pts)
Char3: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts)
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Astartes Grenade Launcher, Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist
• 4x Intercessors: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon

5x Deathwing Knights (250 pts): Watcher in the Dark
• 4x Deathwing Knight: 4 with Mace of absolution
• 1x Knight Master: Great Weapon of the Unforgiven
5x Deathwing Knights (250 pts): Watcher in the Dark
• 4x Deathwing Knight: 4 with Mace of absolution
• 1x Knight Master: Great Weapon of the Unforgiven
5x Deathwing Knights (250 pts): Watcher in the Dark
• 4x Deathwing Knight: 4 with Power Weapon
• 1x Knight Master: Great Weapon of the Unforgiven
5x Incursor Squad (80 pts)
• 4x Incursor
3 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
1 with Haywire Mine, Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
• 1x Incursor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
10x Sternguard Veteran Squad (200 pts)
• 9x Sternguard Veteran
7 with Close Combat Weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Sternguard Bolt Rifle
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Sternguard Heavy Bolter
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Sternguard Heavy Bolter
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Sternguard Bolt Rifle
1x Ballistus Dreadnought (130 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter
1x Ballistus Dreadnought (130 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter
1x Vindicator (175 pts): Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter
1x Vindicator (175 pts): Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter

Archetype

Deathwing GTF

Thoughts

Speaking of lists that just keep on trucking, we’ve got Deathwing GTF to round out part 1 this week. Throwing lots of Deathwing Knights at the foe – it’s good. The presence of a full Sternguard unit with Azrael is also notable. These have been creeping out of skew lists like Librarius into seeing more general play because of how versatile they are into a diverse metagame, and the synergy with the Grand Master of the Dark Angels is especially strong in both directions. Nice addition to the standard recipe here, and rewarded with a first place finish – well done Simon.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd (4.5-0.5) – Martin Bræmer Nielsen – Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): A super Telemon, six other Dreadnoughts of various flavours, and a couple of Caladius tanks.
3rd – Killi Paaske – Aeldari (Warhost): Aspect MSUs, Asurmen and Fuegan as power pieces, and a Storm Guardian/Eldrad/Conclave unit to maximise the value of Stratagems and roast stuff.
4th – Anujan Selvarajah – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King triple Doomsday with a Catacomb Barge for the double buff action.
5th – Max Hannibal – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Bobby G gun club.
6th – Tim Verbeek – Ultramarines (Stormlance Task Force): Bobby G gunship club.

Wrap Up

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: Twists and Turns pt.1

The Manchester UKTC 40k Super-Major

Alex Harrison – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Josh Roberts – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Bruce Duffy – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Innes Wilson – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Games of Westeros XIX – 40k

Jesper Unander-Scharin – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Dag Samuelsson – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Magnus Bjerke – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) – 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Kalle Abrahamsson – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 4th Place (4.5-0.5)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Triple Cities GT

The Showdown

Take and Hold – Raise Banners – Tipping Point

Thoughts

Result

Clarence Ellsworth – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Warhammer 40K Midtcon Spring 2025

Simon Darre – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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