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 weekās top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know whatās hot, whatās not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.
Now look, I’m not labouring under any particular illusions that you’re going to be that excited about this week’s columns, because mere hours ago you will have received a (surprisingly early) balance Dataslate, and are thus presumably busy playing around with Battle Forge and complaining bitterly online that your favourite faction was nerfed too hard, or buffed too little. If you haven’t read our (objectively correct) takes on the Dataslate yet, you can check them out below:
We (obviously) received a review copy of the Dataslate and MFM changes, which has fed into this column as well. Thanks to Games Workshop for providing it.
In terms of last week’s events, mostly we have solid confirmation thatĀ yeahhhh Cult probably needed a bit more of a whack than they got, with another blowout week at a high 60s win rate. The rest of the Hive Mind had a good time of it as well though, and we also got an exciting surprise – the debut of the first Grotmas detachment on the top tables.
That’s a good excuse to turn our eyes to the results, today covering:
- Feliz Exterminatus 3
- Iron Cage: Winter Whammy 2
- LVO preparation 40k GT featuring Friendship
- SA40k Commissar Cup GT – Presented by Dragon’s Lair
- GRIMDARK 23: JulkƤnslor
- Hyper 331: GT
OnĀ Friday Lowest of Men will cover:
- Merry Slaaneshmass 2024
- Fight Before Christmas ’24
- Da Winter Waaagh 24
- 40K Finnish champs
- Quebec City Open III
- Hour Zero: Heroes Unleashed
Our Patrons have voted for the following Showdowns:
- (obviously) Warrior Bioform Onslaught vs. Astra Militarum at GRIMDARK.
- World Eaters vs. Leagues Of Votann at Fight Before Christmas.
Feliz Exterminatus 3
92-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Saint Robert, MO, United States on December 07 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Ryan Verbeck – Tyranids (Crusher Stampede) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Tyranids CHARACTERS Hive Tyrant (235 points) Neurotyrant (105 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Biovores (50 points) Exocrine (135 points) Exocrine (135 points) Exocrine (135 points) Lictor (60 points) Neurogaunts (90 points) Norn Emissary (275 points) Psychophage (95 points) Pyrovores (40 points) Raveners (75 points) Tyrannofex (190 points) Tyrannofex (190 points) Tyrannofex (190 points) Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507
Twelve Toughness Bugs
Eleven Rippers Ripping
Ten Hormagants Hopping
Nine Monsters Leaping
Eight Genestealers Grinning
Seven Carnifexes Crashing
Six Tyrants Tearing
Five Golden Claws
Four Screamer-Killers
Three Lictor Stings
Two Biovore Blasts
And a Mawloc in a Spore Tree
Strike Force (2000 points)
Crusher Stampede
ā¢ 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip
1x Monstrous scything talons
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes
1x Psychic scream
ā¢ 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
1x Spore Mine launcher
ā¢ 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Lictor claws and talons
ā¢ 2x Neurogaunt Nodebeast
ā¢ 2x Chitinous claws and teeth
ā¢ 20x Neurogaunt
ā¢ 20x Chitinous claws and teeth
ā¢ 1x Monstrous rending claws
1x Monstrous scything talons
1x Psychic Tendril
ā¢ 1x Psychoclastic torrent
1x Talons and betentacled maw
ā¢ 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
1x Flamespurt
ā¢ 3x Ravener
ā¢ 3x Armoured Thorax
3x Ravener claws and talons
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
1x Rupture cannon
1x Stinger salvoes
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
1x Rupture cannon
1x Stinger salvoes
ā¢ 1x Acid spray
1x Powerful limbs
1x Stinger salvoes
Archetype
Crusher Monster Mash
Thoughts
Crusher Stampede’s rampage through the top tables continues here, with Ryan utilising a wall of big dakka bugs hiding behind a spearhead of a Norn Emissary and a spray Tyrannofex. Monstrosities smashing through walls and melting opponents from the battlefield is more than enough to get stuff done when backed up by a few cheap scoring pieces, and a supply of free Stratagems from the Hive Tyrant provides lots of additional ways to chip down the enemy forces. This only gets better post-Dataslate too, with a discount on the Norn providing a few points to tinker with. Well done Ryan, and long may bugzilla continue to thrive.
Josh Cameron – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Knights CHARACTERS War Dog Stalker (170 points) BATTLELINE War Dog Brigand (165 points) War Dog Brigand (165 points) War Dog Brigand (165 points) War Dog Brigand (165 points) War Dog Brigand (165 points) War Dog Brigand (165 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507
Courage the Cowardly Wardog (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Traitoris Lance
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Slaughterclaw
ā¢ Enhancement: Aura of Terror
* This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword.
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Diabolus heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Diabolus heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
ā¢ 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
ā¢ 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
ā¢ 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
ā¢ 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
ā¢ 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
ā¢ 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
Archetype
Whoops all War Dogs
Thoughts
It never ends. I look forward to seeing exactly this list, but with an ever-so-slightly better army rule many more times over the next few months. Great list name though. Congratulations Josh.
Peyton Preece – Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Abominant (75 Points) Kelermorph (60 Points) Kelermorph (60 Points) Kelermorph (60 Points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Neophyte Hybrids (65 Points) Neophyte Hybrids (65 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Goliath Truck (85 Points) Goliath Truck (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Achilles Ridgerunners (150 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (150 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (75 Points) Atalan Jackals (80 Points) Atalan Jackals (80 Points) Goliath Rockgrinder (120 Points) Goliath Rockgrinder (120 Points) Goliath Rockgrinder (120 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (3), Data Version: v507
Motocross (2000 Points)
Outlander Claw
Strike Force (2000 Points)
ā¢ 1x Power sledgehammer
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Liberator autostubs
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Liberator autostubs
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Liberator autostubs
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Autopistol
ā¦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 1x Cult Icon
ā¦ 1x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 3x Heavy mining tool
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Autopistol
ā¦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 1x Cult Icon
ā¦ 1x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 3x Heavy mining tool
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 4x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 4x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 4x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 4x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 4x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 4x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 4x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 4x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 4x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 4x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 4x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 4x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Neophyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Autopistol
ā¦ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Hybrid firearm
ā¢ 9x Neophyte Hybrid
ā¦ 9x Autopistol
ā¦ 9x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Cult Icon
ā¦ 1x Flamer
ā¦ 5x Hybrid firearm
ā¦ 1x Mining laser
ā¦ 1x Seismic cannon
ā¦ 1x Webber
ā¢ 1x Neophyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Autopistol
ā¦ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Hybrid firearm
ā¢ 9x Neophyte Hybrid
ā¦ 9x Autopistol
ā¦ 9x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Cult Icon
ā¦ 1x Flamer
ā¦ 5x Hybrid firearm
ā¦ 1x Mining laser
ā¦ 1x Seismic cannon
ā¦ 1x Webber
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
ā¢ 1x Demolition charge cache
ā¢ 1x Heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Twin autocannon
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
ā¢ 1x Demolition charge cache
ā¢ 1x Heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Twin autocannon
ā¢ 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
ā¦ 2x Armoured hull
ā¦ 2x Heavy mining laser
ā¦ 2x Spotter
ā¦ 2x Twin heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
ā¦ 2x Armoured hull
ā¦ 2x Heavy mining laser
ā¦ 2x Spotter
ā¦ 2x Twin heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
ā¢ 1x Heavy mortar
ā¢ 1x Survey Augur
ā¢ 1x Twin heavy stubber
ā¢ 4x Atalan Jackal
ā¦ 2x Atalan power weapon
ā¦ 3x Atalan small arms
ā¦ 2x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Grenade launcher
ā¢ 1x Atalan Wolfquad
ā¦ 1x Atalan small arms
ā¦ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Mining laser
ā¢ 4x Atalan Jackal
ā¦ 2x Atalan power weapon
ā¦ 3x Atalan small arms
ā¦ 2x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Grenade launcher
ā¢ 1x Atalan Wolfquad
ā¦ 1x Atalan small arms
ā¦ 1x Close combat weapon
ā¦ 1x Mining laser
ā¢ 1x Clearance incinerator
ā¢ 1x Demolition charge cache
ā¢ 1x Drilldozer blade
ā¢ 1x Heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Clearance incinerator
ā¢ 1x Demolition charge cache
ā¢ 1x Drilldozer blade
ā¢ 1x Heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Clearance incinerator
ā¢ 1x Demolition charge cache
ā¢ 1x Drilldozer blade
ā¢ 1x Heavy stubber
Archetype
Outlander Board Control
Thoughts
First up to the Cult plate is the one build that probably did get nerfed to a meaningful extent, which is the Rusted Claw board control list. Premium points denial, a surprisingly large number of hulls and enough cheap Battleline that youĀ almostĀ always had spares into the late game created a winning formula. but post-Dataslate it has significantly weaker OC on the hulls, more approachable Kelermorphs, and needs to find more points for the Ridgerunners. That said, this may also be where we see how new Cult Ambush changes list construction dynamics – if you assume you’re always spending your Resurgence Points on Acolyte MSUs, you could comfortably cut three or four squads from this build, paying for the Ridgerunners with points left for something else on top.
That probably creates an angle you could play here, but I suspect you’ll see this variant further drop off simply because applying the same principle to Broodsurge is even more potent, and they lose less of their current tricks. Still, I wouldn’t count the Claw out, and it’s good to see some players sticking to them even as Broodsurge rises, congratulations Peyton.
Dick Johnson – Ultramarines (Ironstorm Spearhead) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (90 points) Marneus Calgar (185 points) Roboute Guilliman (285 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points) Company Heroes (95 points) Gladiator Lancer (160 points) Infiltrator Squad (100 points) Scout Squad (65 points) Vindicator (175 points) Vindicator (175 points) Vindicator (175 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 points)
Too bad to make good lists (1995 points)
Ultramarines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Ironstorm Spearhead
ā¢ 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
ā¢ Enhancement: Master of Machine War
ā¢ 1x Marneus Calgar
ā¢ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
ā¢ 2x Victrix Honour Guard
ā¢ 2x Victrix power sword
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Emperor’s Sword
1x Hand of Dominion
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Ancient
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 1x Company Champion
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Master-crafted power weapon
ā¢ 2x Company Veteran
ā¢ 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Master-crafted bolt rifle
1x Master-crafted heavy bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Lancer laser destroyer
ā¢ 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
ā¢ 4x Infiltrator
ā¢ 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Helix Gauntlet
1x Infiltrator Comms Array
4x Marksman bolt carbine
ā¢ 1x Scout Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ 4x Scout
ā¢ 3x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
ā¢ 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Shooty Ultramarine Ironstorm
Thoughts
The conclusion of last Dataslate’s “what if we made Guilliman really cheap?” experiment seems to have been that you absolutely should not do that, as it’s unleashed some very overwhelming Ultramarine builds like this one, which will simply blast many foes off the face of the Battlefield. While it will need to find a good chunk of points to pay Guilliman and Calgar’s new price, I strongly suspect adding super double Oaths into the mix here will make than more than worthwhile, so expect to continue seeing lots of Ultramarines out and about. Great work from Dick.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Dan Sammons – Astra Militarum:Ā Double Tank Commander, more tanks, double Aquilons.
- 6th – Caleb Bauder – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Mixed horde/monsters, using a swarm of 80 Termagants plus some big bugs.
- 7th – Scott Sasser – Death Guard:Ā Extra crunchy Death Guard with Mortarion, loads of hulls, and just one big Deathshroud and one big Typhus Poxwalker block as additional Infantry heft.
- 8th – Chris Green – Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): The WCW winning list takes another swing, using three Warden/Blade Champion units, Draxus with some Guard, and two Caladius as heavy hitters, and adding a scattering of Sisters to provide protection.
- 9th – John Indellicate – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge):Ā Muscle Beach 2K24 with extra hand flamer Metamorphs.
Iron Cage: Winter Whammy 2
52-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bedford, TX, US on December 07 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Nicholas Williams – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Abominant (95 Points) Abominant (75 Points) Abominant (75 Points) Biophagus (50 Points) Patriarch (100 Points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Goliath Truck (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Aberrants (135 Points) Aberrants (135 Points) Aberrants (135 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (75 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (150 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (150 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (150 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points)
50% of the time, it works every time. Except when it doesn’t. (1995 Points)
Biosanctic Broodsurge
Strike Force (2000 Points)
ā¢ 1x Power sledgehammer
ā¢ Enhancements: Predatory Instincts
ā¢ 1x Power sledgehammer
ā¢ 1x Power sledgehammer
ā¢ 1x Alchemicus Familiar
ā¢ 1x Autopistol
ā¢ 1x Chemical vials
ā¢ 1x Injector goad
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Patriarch’s claws
ā¢ Enhancements: Biomorph Adaptation
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Autopistol
ā¦ 1x Cult claws and knife
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 1x Cult Icon
ā¦ 1x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 3x Heavy mining tool
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 4x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 4x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 4x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 4x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¦ 1x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¦ 4x Cult claws and knife
ā¦ 4x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
ā¢ 1x Demolition charge cache
ā¢ 1x Heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Twin autocannon
ā¢ 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
ā¦ 1x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 4x Aberrant
ā¦ 4x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
ā¦ 1x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 4x Aberrant
ā¦ 4x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
ā¦ 1x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 4x Aberrant
ā¦ 4x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
ā¢ 1x Heavy mortar
ā¢ 1x Spotter
ā¢ 1x Twin heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
ā¦ 2x Armoured hull
ā¦ 2x Heavy mining laser
ā¦ 2x Spotter
ā¦ 2x Twin heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
ā¦ 2x Armoured hull
ā¦ 2x Heavy mining laser
ā¦ 2x Spotter
ā¦ 2x Twin heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Metamorph Leader
ā¦ 1x Hand flamer
ā¦ 1x Leader’s cult weapons
ā¢ 9x Hybrid Metamorph
ā¦ 1x Cult Icon
ā¦ 8x Hand flamer
ā¦ 9x Metamorph mutations
ā¢ 10x Purestrain Genestealer
ā¦ 10x Cult claws and talons
ā¢ 5x Purestrain Genestealer
ā¦ 5x Cult claws and talons
ā¢ 5x Purestrain Genestealer
ā¦ 5x Cult claws and talons
Archetype
Pressure Broodsurge
Thoughts
…And we move straight on to the actual metagame boogeyman, the Biosanctic Broodsurge, which can rush and roll over foes of all shapes and sizes with a swarm of Genestealers and Aberrants, backed by some solid shooting from Ridgerunners. The points changes mean that builds like this one which goĀ tight on the filler (in favour of more killers) are going to have to scramble a bit to keep everything they want (it wouldn’t shock me to see one Abominant dropped for a Biophagus, for example), but they’ll still have critical mass for a brutal early to mid-game push, and I suspect this isĀ still the strategy to be teching for come the first post-Dataslate events. Well done to Nicholas for unleashing a fearsome uprising.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
- 2nd – Nathaniel Bjorge – Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): All-in Vanguard with loads of Genestealers and Raveners.
- 3rd – Colin Kay – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead):Ā Sicarius/Calgar/Ventris mid-board fun with added drop Centurions.
- 4th – Dominic Gierber – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Muscle Beach 2K24 with extra filler.
- 5th – Christian Alessi – Death Guard:Ā Mortarion, Destructors and Deathshrouds.
- 6th – Andrew Champion – Aeldari:Ā Heavy shooting Aeldari with the Avatar, Prisms and a Wraithknight.
- 7th – Brandon Broughton – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group):Ā loads of jump stuff backed by Baal Predators and Ballistus Dreads.
- 8th – Chad Lapham – Ultramarines (Ironstorm Spearhead): Calgar and loads of Dreads/Gladiators and a RepEx.
- 9th – Peyton Beard – Grey Knights: Four Dreadknight, a big Terminator unit, and a large Strike squad with a Sigil of Exigence Champion as a headache-inducing midfield piece.
LVO preparation 40k GT featuring Friendship
49-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Calgary, Alberta, CA on December 07 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Adam Green – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Astra Militarum CHARACTERS Gaunt’s Ghosts (100 points) Lord Solar Leontus (125 points) Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 points) Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 points) Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 points) Platoon Command Squad (70 points) Tank Commander (225 points) Tank Commander (225 points) Ursula Creed (55 points) BATTLELINE Infantry Squad (60 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chimera (70 points) Taurox Prime (90 points) Taurox Prime (90 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Kasrkin (110 points) Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 points) Scout Sentinels (55 points) Scout Sentinels (55 points) Tempestus Scions (50 points) Tempestus Scions (50 points) Tempestus Scions (100 points)
7 months of short kings has me eager to pull out the bull shit that is guard. (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Combined Regiment
ā¢ 1x Ibram Gaunt
ā¢ 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Gaunt’s chainsword
ā¢ 1x Colm Corbec
ā¢ 1x Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine
1x Straight silver knife
ā¢ 1x Elim Rawne
ā¢ 1x Rawne’s lascarbine
1x Straight silver knife
ā¢ 1x Hlaine Larkin
ā¢ 1x Larkin’s long-las
1x Straight silver knife
ā¢ 1x ‘Try Again’ Bragg
ā¢ 1x Bragg’s autocannon
1x Straight silver knife
ā¢ 1x Oan Mkoll
ā¢ 1x Lascarbine
1x Mkoll’s straight silver knife
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Conquest
1x Konstantin’s hooves
1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze
ā¢ 1x Tempestor Prime
ā¢ 1x Command Rod
1x Tempestus dagger
ā¢ Enhancement: Grand Strategist
ā¢ 4x Tempestus Scion
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
2x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Medi-pack
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
1x Regimental Standard
ā¢ 1x Tempestor Prime
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Tempestus dagger
ā¢ 4x Tempestus Scion
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
2x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Medi-pack
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
1x Regimental Standard
ā¢ 1x Tempestor Prime
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Tempestus dagger
ā¢ 4x Tempestus Scion
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
2x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Medi-pack
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
1x Regimental Standard
ā¢ 1x Platoon Commander
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
ā¢ Enhancement: Death Mask of Ollanius
ā¢ 2x Veteran Guardsman
ā¢ 2x Close combat weapon
2x Lasgun
2x Laspistol
1x Master Vox
1x Regimental Standard
ā¢ 1x Veteran Heavy Weapons Team
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
1x Mortar
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher battle cannon
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
2x Multi-melta
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher battle cannon
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
2x Multi-melta
ā¢ 1x Duty and Vengeance
1x Power weapon
ā¢ 1x Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
ā¢ 7x Guardsman
ā¢ 7x Close combat weapon
6x Lasgun
1x Meltagun
1x Vox-caster
ā¢ 1x Heavy Weapons Team
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
1x Mortar
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Chimera heavy flamer
1x Heavy flamer
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lasgun array
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Taurox gatling cannon
1x Twin autocannon
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Taurox gatling cannon
1x Twin autocannon
ā¢ 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
ā¢ 9x Kasrkin
ā¢ 9x Close combat weapon
3x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
1x Melta Mine
2x Meltagun
2x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
1x Co-axial autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
2x Meltagun
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw
ā¢ 1x Tempestor
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Tempestus Scion
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
2x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
ā¢ 1x Tempestor
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
ā¢ 4x Tempestus Scion
ā¢ 4x Close combat weapon
2x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
ā¢ 1x Tempestor
ā¢ 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
ā¢ 9x Tempestus Scion
ā¢ 9x Close combat weapon
5x Hot-shot lasgun
2x Meltagun
2x Plasma gun
Archetype
Taurox Guard
Thoughts
For our third event, this is very much a vision of things to come, rather than something about to be case into the darkness. Guard do take some real hits in the Dataslate, and one of the things that is likely to do is push them towards the Taurox Prime/Tempestus Command Squad tactic…which we see winning an event here. I think people have been sleeping on this a lot, as it gives you very reliable force projection that’s hard to counterplay, and now that Aquilons have been hit with a nerf bat double tap, this seems like one of the premium ways to play guard (especially since it loses less on its tanks as well). Some strong thought leadership here from Adam.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
- 2nd (4.5-0.5) – Tarek Alatrach – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame):Ā Immolators, Castigators and the Triumph, with extra Battle Sisters and roving Celestine to play the board.
- 3rd – Kass Kielly-Burke – Death Guard (Plague Company):Ā All-rounder Death Guard with all the hits.
- 4th – Jonah Sinclair – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment):Ā Cheap hull spam with one big Cadian squad as (presumably) aĀ Reinforcements annoyance.
- 5th – Anthony Dalla Lana – Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots):Ā Very hull-skewed Pactbound with a Warpsmith for repairs and a few Possessed squads for counter-charge.
- 6th – David Coren – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Cawl bossing about lots of Ironstriders and Dragoons, plus a big Ruststalker hammer.
- 7th – Michael Blanchet – Imperial Knights: Extra large Knights, sporting an Porphyrion, Canis and supporting Armigers.
- 8th – Kale Greenfield – Black Templars (Ironstorm Spearhead):Ā An unusual use of Spearhead, combining lots of Sword Brethren with Judiciars with cheap Ballistus Dreadnoughts and Templar Impulsors.
- 9th – Ian Wills – T’au Empire (Kauyon): Tiger Shark and classic Kauyon supporting tools.
SA40k Commissar Cup GT – Presented by Dragon’s Lair
44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Edwardstown, SA, Australia on December 06 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Peter Hatcliffe – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Abominant (95 points) Abominant (75 points) Abominant (75 points) Acolyte Iconward (50 points) Clamavus (50 points) Patriarch (100 points) Sanctus (50 points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) Neophyte Hybrids (130 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Goliath Truck (85 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Aberrants (135 points) Aberrants (135 points) Aberrants (135 points) Achilles Ridgerunners (150 points) Achilles Ridgerunners (150 points) Achilles Ridgerunners (75 points) Purestrain Genestealers (150 points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507
I Grudge Kyle (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Biosanctic Broodsurge
ā¢ 1x Power sledgehammer
ā¢ Enhancement: Predatory Instincts
ā¢ 1x Power sledgehammer
ā¢ 1x Power sledgehammer
ā¢ 1x Autopistol
1x Cult claws
ā¢ 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Patriarch’s claws
ā¢ Enhancement: Biomorph Adaptation
ā¢ 1x Close combat weapon
1x Cult sniper rifle
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¢ 1x Autopistol
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¢ 1x Cult Icon
1x Cult claws and knife
3x Heavy mining tool
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¢ 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¢ 1x Cult Icon
4x Cult claws and knife
3x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Acolyte Leader
ā¢ 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
ā¢ 4x Acolyte Hybrid
ā¢ 1x Cult Icon
4x Cult claws and knife
3x Hand flamer
ā¢ 1x Neophyte Leader
ā¢ 1x Anointed pistol
1x Autopistol
1x Power weapon
ā¢ 19x Neophyte Hybrid
ā¢ 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
2x Flamer
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Mining laser
2x Seismic cannon
2x Webber
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
1x Demolition charge cache
1x Heavy stubber
1x Twin autocannon
ā¢ 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
ā¢ 1x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 4x Aberrant
ā¢ 4x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
ā¢ 1x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 4x Aberrant
ā¢ 4x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
ā¢ 1x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 4x Aberrant
ā¢ 4x Aberrant weapons
ā¢ 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
ā¢ 2x Armoured hull
2x Heavy mining laser
2x Spotter
2x Twin heavy stubber
ā¢ 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
ā¢ 2x Armoured hull
2x Heavy mining laser
2x Spotter
2x Twin heavy stubber
ā¢ 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber
ā¢ 10x Purestrain Genestealer
ā¢ 10x Cult claws and talons
ā¢ 5x Purestrain Genestealer
ā¢ 5x Cult claws and talons
ā¢ 5x Purestrain Genestealer
ā¢ 5x Cult claws and talons
Archetype
Broodsurge with extra guns
Thoughts
More Broodsurge as we move to our next event, though there’s at least an unusual choice on show here in the form of the big Neophyte brick with an Iconward for extra durability. Presumably they’re here as a mix of volume counterpunch and just as a roadblock to gum up the table at a pivotal moment in melee matchups, adding an extra curveball the army can throw if it needs to reposition. IĀ suspect the high price on resurging full Neophyte bricks will make this less attractive post-dataslate, but I think it was a cool mixup to try in the meta that was, and paid off for Peter here.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Jono Bishop – T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre):Ā Four Broadsides backing up lots of Starscythe.
- 3rd – Benjamin Reggett – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force):Ā Lion Deathwing GTF.
- 4th – Adam Napier – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Hulls and Aquilons, going extra hard on hulls by adding Agent Sister Immolators.
- 5th – Lachlan Klenk – T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): Starscythe/Sunforge toolbox, with lots of cheap scoring support.
- 6th – Sam Young – Imperial Agents (Daemon Hunters):Ā I mean fair cop, that’s a flex. 3×5 Grey Knights, a big Kill Team with Draxus, supporting Helverins and scoring tools, what a way to lock in a 4-1 with one of the game’s worst detachments.
- 7th – Bradley Mc – Astra Militarum:Ā Go-wide hulls.
- 8th – Dylan Cowan – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Deathwing GTF adding theĀ Fire Discipline Hellblasters back in for what likely turns out to be a final ride.
- 9th – Marcus Butler – Leagues of Votann:Ā Double Fortress all-rounder Votann.
GRIMDARK 23: JulkƤnslor
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Stockholms lƤn, SE on December 07 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Take and Hold – Hidden Supplies – Search and Destroy
Jacob Holmstrƶm – Tyranids (Warrior Bioform Onslaught) Tyranids CHARACTERS Neurotyrant (115 Points) Winged Tyranid Prime (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Biovores (50 Points) Exocrine (135 Points) Exocrine (135 Points) Exocrine (135 Points) Maleceptor (170 Points) Maleceptor (170 Points) Maleceptor (170 Points) Tyranid Warriors with Ranged Bio-weapons (130 Points) Tyranid Warriors with Ranged Bio-weapons (130 Points) Tyrannofex (190 Points) Tyrannofex (190 Points) Tyrannofex (190 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (3), Data Version: v507
Army List - Click to Expand
Wasn’t this supposed to be the āwarriorā detachment? (1995 Points)
Warrior Bioform Onslaught
Strike Force (2000 Points)
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes
ā¢ 1x Psychic scream
ā¢ Enhancements: Synaptic Tyrant
ā¢ 1x Prime talons
ā¢ Enhancements: Ocular Adaptation
ā¢ 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
ā¢ 1x Spore Mine launcher
ā¢ 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Massive scything talons
ā¢ 1x Psychic overload
ā¢ 1x Massive scything talons
ā¢ 1x Psychic overload
ā¢ 1x Massive scything talons
ā¢ 1x Psychic overload
ā¢ 1x Tyranid Prime
ā¦ 1x Deathspitter
ā¦ 1x Tyranid Warrior claws and talons
ā¢ 5x Tyranid Warrior
ā¦ 2x Barbed strangler
ā¦ 1x Deathspitter
ā¦ 5x Tyranid Warrior claws and talons
ā¦ 2x Venom cannon
ā¢ 1x Tyranid Prime
ā¦ 1x Deathspitter
ā¦ 1x Tyranid Warrior claws and talons
ā¢ 5x Tyranid Warrior
ā¦ 2x Barbed strangler
ā¦ 1x Deathspitter
ā¦ 5x Tyranid Warrior claws and talons
ā¦ 2x Venom cannon
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Rupture cannon
ā¢ 1x Stinger salvoes
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Rupture cannon
ā¢ 1x Stinger salvoes
ā¢ 1x Rupture cannon
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Stinger salvoes
vs.
Simon Selberg – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) CHARACTER 1x Lord Solar Leontus (125 pts) 5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) 1x Tank Commander (240 pts) 1x Tank Commander (225 pts) 1x Tank Commander (225 pts) BATTLELINE 10x Cadian Shock Troops (60 pts) 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 pts) 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 pts) 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 10x Tempestus Aquilons (90 pts) 1x Hellhound (115 pts) 1x Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 pts) 1x Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 pts) 1x Chimera (70 pts) 1x Chimera (70 pts) 1x Chimera (70 pts)
Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Astra Militarum
+ DETACHMENT: Combined Regiment
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Lord Solar Leontus
+ ENHANCEMENT: Grand Strategist (on Char2: Tank Commander)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (7×2) + (2×4) – Assassination: 5 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ā¢ 1x Conquest
ā¢ 1x Konstantin’s Hooves
ā¢ 1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Cadian Commander
ā¢ 1x Plasma Pistol
ā¢ 1x Power Weapon
ā¢ 4x Veteran Guardsman
ā¢ 4x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 1x Laspistol
ā¢ 1x Grenade Launcher
ā¢ 3x Lasgun
ā¢ 1x Regimental Standard
ā¢ Master Vox, Medi-pack
ā¢ 1x Armoured Tracks
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer Missile
ā¢ 1x Demolisher Battle Cannon
ā¢ 1x Lascannon
ā¢ 2x Multi-melta
ā¢ 1x Heavy Stubber
ā¢ Grand Strategist (+15 pts)
ā¢ 1x Armoured Tracks
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer Missile
ā¢ 1x Demolisher Battle Cannon
ā¢ 1x Lascannon
ā¢ 2x Multi-melta
ā¢ 1x Heavy Stubber
ā¢ 1x Armoured Tracks
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer Missile
ā¢ 1x Demolisher Battle Cannon
ā¢ 1x Lascannon
ā¢ 2x Multi-melta
ā¢ 1x Heavy Stubber
ā¢ 9x Shock Trooper
ā¢ 9x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 7x Lasgun
ā¢ 1x Meltagun
ā¢ 1x Plasma Gun
ā¢ Vox-caster
ā¢ 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 1x Drum-fed Autogun
ā¢ 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 1x Laspistol
ā¢ 9x Jungle Fighter
ā¢ 9x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 7x Lasgun
ā¢ 2x Flamer
ā¢ Vox-caster
ā¢ 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 1x Laspistol
ā¢ 9x Jungle Fighter
ā¢ 9x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 7x Lasgun
ā¢ 2x Flamer
ā¢ Vox-caster
ā¢ 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
ā¢ 1x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 1x Laspistol
ā¢ 9x Jungle Fighter
ā¢ 9x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 7x Lasgun
ā¢ 2x Flamer
ā¢ Vox-caster
ā¢ 1x Tempestor Aquilon
ā¢ 1x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 1x Hot-shot Laspistol
ā¢ 1x Hot-shot lascarbine
ā¢ 1x Sentry flamer
ā¢ 9x Tempestus Aquilon
ā¢ 9x Close Combat Weapon
ā¢ 7x Hot-shot lascarbine
ā¢ 1x Hot-shot long las
ā¢ 1x Plasma carbine
ā¢ 1x Armoured Tracks
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer Missile
ā¢ 1x Heavy Flamer
ā¢ 1x Inferno Cannon
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
ā¢ 1x Heavy Stubber
ā¢ 2x Heavy Stubber
ā¢ 2x Heavy Bolter
ā¢ 1x Pulveriser Cannon
ā¢ 1x Co-axial Autocannon
ā¢ 1x Oppressor Cannon
ā¢ 1x Armoured tracks
ā¢ 1x Heavy Stubber
ā¢ 2x Heavy Stubber
ā¢ 2x Heavy Bolter
ā¢ 1x Pulveriser Cannon
ā¢ 1x Co-axial Autocannon
ā¢ 1x Oppressor Cannon
ā¢ 1x Armoured Tracks
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer Missile
ā¢ 1x Lasgun Array
ā¢ 1x Chimera Heavy Bolter
ā¢ 1x Heavy Bolter
ā¢ 1x Heavy Stubber
ā¢ 1x Armoured Tracks
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer Missile
ā¢ 1x Lasgun Array
ā¢ 1x Chimera Heavy Bolter
ā¢ 1x Heavy Bolter
ā¢ 1x Heavy Stubber
ā¢ 1x Armoured Tracks
ā¢ 1x Hunter-killer Missile
ā¢ 1x Lasgun Array
ā¢ 1x Chimera Heavy Bolter
ā¢ 1x Heavy Bolter
ā¢ 1x Heavy Stubber
Thoughts
A real gun show here, as a new shooty Tyranids build takes on the might of the Astra Militarum and their Rogal Dorns. The obvious surprise, on looking at the Tyranid side, is how few Warriors there actually are in the alleged Warrior detachment. instead of spamming them, the army takes just two units, but the sheer versaility of the Ranged Bioweapon squads means they punch substantially above their weight. The Leaders they’ve got makes their shooting very reliable, they pack a surprisingly serious punch in combat, and they provide great support for the rest of the detachment via sticky-ing objectives and teeing upĀ Ignores Cover, which is a phenomenal asset to the rest of what’s here. Beyond the Warriors themselves, if you just want to blast foes off the board it turns out there’s enough stuff here that you’re happy using the standard, efficient non-Warrior tools to do so.Ā Synaptic Amplification is an excellent generic efficiency boost for all the (ravenous) family, while Exocrines and Maleceptors are both exceptionally well placed to benefit from +2S on their guns into various targets.
How does it stack up to the Guard here? It’s close, and I think it’s probably theĀ Synaptic Micronodes sticky objectives that are the real breakout benefit for the Tyranids on this mission. If they can get their nearby mid-field objectives stickied then that creates immense pressure on the Guard to come forward and play, at which point the Tyrannofexes will be waiting. It also makes it way harder for the cheap Guard stuff to reliably flip objectives thanks to being able to put some genuinely high OC units onto them.
That said, the GuardĀ do still end up with a bit of an advantage in raw killing power, especially as each Tank Commander threatens to take a big bug with them as they die. A lot depends on ordering, of course – once the Tank Commanders go, the Tyrannofexes can push up fairly safely, and really I think the mid-board in this game is just going to be endless hulls and monsters slamming into one-another.
This is why I think the sticky objectives are such a game changer here, because if Tyranids can sticky their near No-Man’s Land objectives, they’re suddenly racking up far more points as that process plays out than they would if they were just getting blasted off them, particularly on this mission. This mitigates their lower volume of scoring tools, and gives them a real shot. The Militarum should, in turn, be looking for ways to use Move Move Move on Catachans to pull a surprise flip, since I think a lot here is going to turn on who can cut the foe down to 5VP Primary turns. It looks like the bugs narrowly managed to tilt that in their favour, walking away with a win.
Tyranids (Warrior Bioform Onslaught) Victory – 11 – 9
Jacob Holmstrƶm – Tyranids (Warrior Bioform Onslaught) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Tyranids CHARACTERS Neurotyrant (115 Points) Winged Tyranid Prime (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Biovores (50 Points) Exocrine (135 Points) Exocrine (135 Points) Exocrine (135 Points) Maleceptor (170 Points) Maleceptor (170 Points) Maleceptor (170 Points) Tyranid Warriors with Ranged Bio-weapons (130 Points) Tyranid Warriors with Ranged Bio-weapons (130 Points) Tyrannofex (190 Points) Tyrannofex (190 Points) Tyrannofex (190 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (3), Data Version: v507
Wasn’t this supposed to be the āwarriorā detachment? (1995 Points)
Warrior Bioform Onslaught
Strike Force (2000 Points)
ā¢ Warlord
ā¢ 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes
ā¢ 1x Psychic scream
ā¢ Enhancements: Synaptic Tyrant
ā¢ 1x Prime talons
ā¢ Enhancements: Ocular Adaptation
ā¢ 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
ā¢ 1x Spore Mine launcher
ā¢ 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Massive scything talons
ā¢ 1x Psychic overload
ā¢ 1x Massive scything talons
ā¢ 1x Psychic overload
ā¢ 1x Massive scything talons
ā¢ 1x Psychic overload
ā¢ 1x Tyranid Prime
ā¦ 1x Deathspitter
ā¦ 1x Tyranid Warrior claws and talons
ā¢ 5x Tyranid Warrior
ā¦ 2x Barbed strangler
ā¦ 1x Deathspitter
ā¦ 5x Tyranid Warrior claws and talons
ā¦ 2x Venom cannon
ā¢ 1x Tyranid Prime
ā¦ 1x Deathspitter
ā¦ 1x Tyranid Warrior claws and talons
ā¢ 5x Tyranid Warrior
ā¦ 2x Barbed strangler
ā¦ 1x Deathspitter
ā¦ 5x Tyranid Warrior claws and talons
ā¦ 2x Venom cannon
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Rupture cannon
ā¢ 1x Stinger salvoes
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Rupture cannon
ā¢ 1x Stinger salvoes
ā¢ 1x Rupture cannon
ā¢ 1x Powerful limbs
ā¢ 1x Stinger salvoes
Archetype
Shooty Warrior Onslaught
Thoughts
See Showdown, pretty much – since the detachment is new, I put my read on this list up there. Well done Jacob for showing off new toys in considerable style.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 3-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Simon Selberg – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Extra hefty Guard with three Tank Commanders and two Dorns.
- 3rd – Kim Olsson – Death Guard (Plague Company):Ā All-rounder Death Guard with the unusual choice of a full Blightlord unit.
- 4th – Simon von Berlepsch – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders):Ā Aggro Abaddon shooting with a few Rhino-riding brawlers to project threat.
Hyper 331: GT
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in ŠŠ¾ŃŠŗŠ²Š°, ŠŠ¾ŃŠŗŠ²Š°, Š Š¾ŃŃŠøŃ on December 07 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Anton Vasin – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Daemonic Incursion Army Roster 2000 pts ++ EH1: Be’lakor: Warlord [325 pts] CH1: Great Unclean One: Bileblade, Bilesword, The Endless Gift [260 pts] MO1: Bloodcrushers: 5xBloodcrusher, Bloodhunter [220 pts] BE1: Beasts of Nurgle: Beast of Nurgle [70 pts] VE1: Slaanesh Soul Grinder: Warpclaw [180 pts]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TEAM: Rocket
+ PLAYER: VAS
+ ROSTER NAME: ŠŠ¾Š“Š·Š°Š“Š¾Š»Š±Š°Š» ŃŠ¶Šµ ŃŃŠ¾Ń ŃŠ¾ŃŃŠµŃ, ŠŗŠ¾Š³Š“Š° ŃŠ°Š¼ Š½Š¾Š²ŃŠµ Š“ŠµŃŠ°ŃŠø Š“ŠµŠ¼Š¾Š½Š¾Š²?
+ HIN: 167
+ Factions used: Chaos – Chaos Daemons
+ Total cost: 1995 pts
+
+ Number of Units: 11
+ Character Units (Models): 5 (5)
+ Vehicle/Monster Models (Max Points): 5 (17)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
EH2: Syll’esske [120 pts]
CH2: Rendmaster on Blood Throne [165 pts]
CH3: Rendmaster on Blood Throne [165 pts]
MO2: Bloodcrushers: 5xBloodcrusher, Bloodhunter [220 pts]
MO3: Skull Cannon [95 pts]
VE2: Slaanesh Soul Grinder: Warpclaw [180 pts]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Archetype
Bloodcrusher Missile
Thoughts
A relatively esoteric selection of big monsters and two sets of Bloodcrushers for Be’lakor to fire at the foe. Obviously Daemons saw minimal Dataslate changes, and we’ll have to wait and see what Grotmas has for them to judge where things will go from here, but there are some cool toys on show from Anton here, so well done.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
- 2nd (4.5-0.5) – Alexander “Circus Princess” Zhelonkin – Imperial Agents (Imperialis Fleet): Someone must be hyped for the new detachment, as all four Assassins feature here, backing various cheap infantry and a few additional hammers from a Kill Team and a Grey Knight unit.
- 3rd – Vladimir Dudkevich – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment):Ā Double Tank Commander and a Dorn.
- 4th – Kirill “Carstaneedos” Abdullaev – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion):Ā Heavy Hypercrypt with Szarekh, a Monolith and a Vault.
- 5th – Roman Brabusov – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion):Ā Heavy Hypercrypt with Szarekh, the Nightbringer and a Vault.
Wrap Up
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