Competitive Innovations in 10th: Xenos Roulette pt.2

Lots more Xenos fun today, including the Retaliation Cadre making a Showdown debut, and Orks still krumpin’ stuff left and right. We’ve also got some valiant imperium forced pushing back against aforesaid Xenos tide, with mixed success.

Today we’re looking at:

  • Wargames for Warriors 2024 – 40K Major
  • Dicehammer Open 40k GT VII
  • 90. Bedburger Scheunenkloppen
  • Hydra GT II 2024

Yesterday in part 1 I covered:

  • Bugeater GT
  • Southcon 2024 40K Tournament
  • PNW Warlords Clash Warhammer 40K GT
  • Broadside Bash Revived 2024
  • Wild Hunt GT: Summer

…and we’ll finish up tomorrow with Lowest of Men reviewing the following in part 3:

  • 2d6 Dawn of VÃ¥r
  • From Hell Open 2 – Back into the Trench!
  • Spring Assault at the Ironweld Open
  • Thylacine Cup GT
  • Viking Games – The Battle for Vanheim

Wargames for Warriors 2024 – 40K Major

61-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bluffdale, UT, United States on June 01 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Evan Stump – Ultramarines (Ironstorm Spearhead) – 1st Place

Marneus Calgar Credit: Alfredo Ramirez
Marneus Calgar Credit: Alfredo Ramirez

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


UM IS (2000 Points)

Space Marines
Ultramarines
Ironstorm Spearhead
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (100 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• Enhancements: Master of Machine War (Aura)

Marneus Calgar (185 Points)
• 1x Marneus Calgar
• 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard
• 2x Victrix power sword

Techmarine (95 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Forge bolter
1x Grav-pistol
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Servo-arm
• Enhancements: Target Augury Web (Aura)

OTHER DATASHEETS

Company Heroes (95 Points)
• 1x Ancient
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Company Champion
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 2x Company Veteran
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Master-crafted bolt rifle
1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

Gladiator Reaper (150 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
2x Tempest bolter
1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

Redemptor Dreadnought (210 Points)
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Macro plasma incinerator
1x Onslaught gatling cannon
1x Redemptor fist
1x Twin storm bolter

Redemptor Dreadnought (210 Points)
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Macro plasma incinerator
1x Onslaught gatling cannon
1x Redemptor fist
1x Twin storm bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy laser destroyer
1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array
1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber
1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy laser destroyer
1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array
1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber
1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy laser destroyer
1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array
1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber
1x Twin heavy bolter

Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shotgun
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

Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shotgun
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

Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shotgun
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

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (100 Points)
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.15.0 (38), Data Version: v397

Archetype

Ironstorm Calgar Gunline

Thoughts

Ironstorm is notoriously hungry for delicious Command Points, which many successful builds have used Azrael in Dark Angels to deliver, but in a melee-heavy metagame I can see the appeal of swapping for access to Calgar instead. Azrael tends to sit at the back with a unit as a pure CP farm, while Calgar and some Company Heroes gives you a unit that can actually roll around achieving stuff. They’re fast thanks to Advance/Charge, hit pretty hard in melee between Calgar and the Company Champion, and have a solid amount of OC for flipping objectives as long as their banner is alive. The higher price point means you end up on triple RepEx instead of being able to afford a Stormraven, but that doesn’t seem to have held Evan back – congratulations on the trophy.

Ben Jurek – Orks (Bully Boyz) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Sirrus Bizniz, Goff ork warlord in mega armour. Credit: Charlie Brassley.

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Bully 2.0 (2000 Points)

Orks
Bully Boyz
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Boss Snikrot (85 Points)
• 1x Mork’s Teeth
1x Slugga

Warboss (65 Points)
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas

Warboss (65 Points)
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas

Warboss (65 Points)
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas

Warboss in Mega Armour (105 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Big shoota
1x ’Uge choppa
• Enhancements: Tellyporta

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 Points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x ’Uge choppa

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 Points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x ’Uge choppa

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 Points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball

Trukk (65 Points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball

Trukk (65 Points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball

OTHER DATASHEETS

Battlewagon (160 Points)
• 4x Big shoota
1x Deff rolla
1x Grabbin’ klaw
1x Kannon
1x Lobba
1x Wreckin’ ball
1x ’Ard Case

Flash Gitz (160 Points)
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
• 9x Choppa
9x Snazzgun

Gretchin (40 Points)
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga

Gretchin (40 Points)
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga

Meganobz (150 Points)
• 5x Meganob
• 5x Twin killsaws

Meganobz (150 Points)
• 5x Meganob
• 5x Twin killsaws

Meganobz (180 Points)
• 6x Meganob
• 6x Twin killsaws

Nobz (105 Points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
• 4x Power klaw
4x Slugga

Nobz (105 Points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
• 4x Power klaw
4x Slugga

Nobz (105 Points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
• 4x Power klaw
4x Slugga

Stormboyz (65 Points)
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga

Exported with App Version: v1.15.0 (38), Data Version: v397

Archetype

Mechanised Bully Boyz

Thoughts

Hot on their heels in undefeated second, Warboss Ben finally returns to the greenskin fold after a prolonged tour of other factions. His variant of Bully Boyz maximises flexibility – going wide with Nobz MSUs with a Warboss each provides lots of small units that can go off to solve a specific problem (a-la Chaos Space Marine brawler units), and including a squad of Flash Gitz to do some brutal drive-bys ensures your opponent can’t be quite as blasé about ignoring the potential of your shooting phase as they normally can against Bully Boyz. Having the tools to open up a Trukk in shooting at a key moment can be valuable in the mirror as well. Good mitigation of some of the normal Bully Boyz weaknesses, and an excellent finish as a result.

Marshall Peterson – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) – 3rd Place

Lord Solar. Credit: Scott Horras “Heresy”

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Dino Riders (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum
Combined Regiment
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Death Rider Squadron Commander (60 Points)
• 1x Death Rider hunting lance
1x Plasma pistol
1x Savage claws

Death Rider Squadron Commander (60 Points)
• 1x Death Rider hunting lance
1x Plasma pistol
1x Savage claws

Death Rider Squadron Commander (60 Points)
• 1x Death Rider hunting lance
1x Plasma pistol
1x Savage claws

Lord Solar Leontus (125 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Conquest
1x Konstantin’s hooves
1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 Points)
• 1x Tempestor Prime
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Tempestus dagger
• 4x Tempestus Scion
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Grenade launcher
1x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Medi-pack
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 Points)
• 1x Tempestor Prime
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Tempestus dagger
• 4x Tempestus Scion
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Hot-shot volley gun
1x Medi-pack
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun

Primaris Psyker (60 Points)
• 1x Force weapon
1x Laspistol
1x Psychic Maelstrom

Primaris Psyker (60 Points)
• 1x Force weapon
1x Laspistol
1x Psychic Maelstrom

Primaris Psyker (60 Points)
• 1x Force weapon
1x Laspistol
1x Psychic Maelstrom

Ursula Creed (55 Points)
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
1x Power weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox Prime (90 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Taurox missile launcher
1x Twin autocannon

Taurox Prime (90 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Taurox missile launcher
1x Twin autocannon

Taurox Prime (90 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Taurox missile launcher
1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (120 Points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
• 1x Hunting lance
1x Lasgun
1x Laspistol
1x Power sabre
1x Steed’s hooves
• 9x Rough Rider
• 2x Goad lance
7x Hunting lance
9x Lasgun
9x Laspistol
9x Steed’s hooves

Attilan Rough Riders (120 Points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
• 1x Hunting lance
1x Lasgun
1x Laspistol
1x Power sabre
1x Steed’s hooves
• 9x Rough Rider
• 2x Goad lance
7x Hunting lance
9x Lasgun
9x Laspistol
9x Steed’s hooves

Attilan Rough Riders (120 Points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
• 1x Hunting lance
1x Lasgun
1x Laspistol
1x Power sabre
1x Steed’s hooves
• 9x Rough Rider
• 2x Goad lance
7x Hunting lance
9x Lasgun
9x Laspistol
9x Steed’s hooves

Death Rider Squadron (140 Points)
• 1x Ridemaster
• 1x Death Rider hunting lance
1x Plasma pistol
1x Savage claws
• 9x Death Rider
• 9x Death Rider hunting lance
9x Laspistol
9x Savage claws

Death Rider Squadron (140 Points)
• 1x Ridemaster
• 1x Death Rider hunting lance
1x Plasma pistol
1x Savage claws
• 9x Death Rider
• 9x Death Rider hunting lance
9x Laspistol
9x Savage claws

Death Rider Squadron (140 Points)
• 1x Ridemaster
• 1x Death Rider hunting lance
1x Plasma pistol
1x Savage claws
• 9x Death Rider
• 9x Death Rider hunting lance
9x Laspistol
9x Savage claws

Kasrkin (120 Points)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
• 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

Tempestus Scions (50 Points)
• 1x Tempestor
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Tempestus Scion
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (50 Points)
• 1x Tempestor
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Tempestus Scion
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (50 Points)
• 1x Tempestor
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Tempestus Scion
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster

Exported with App Version: v1.15.0 (38), Data Version: v397

Archetype

Cavalry Spam

Thoughts

My mind still rebels slightly at this being even vaguely good, but Marshall follows up last week’s appearance in the Best of the Rest with a top four placing for the pony club, improbably demonstrating that even Guard can play in melee meta. It certainly controls the board pretty well, especially once you add in some cheap Taurox Primes to go wide with, and some foes are going to find recycling Cavalry pretty overwhelming to deal with. Just hope you don’t run into the few people who’ve been sporting Hellblasters as a meta tool. Well done Marshall on the bronze medal.

Derek Holder – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 4th Place

Credit: Robert “TheChirurgeon” Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Thunder Warriors (1965 points)

World Eaters
Strike Force (2000 points)
Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

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

Lord Invocatus (140 points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Coward’s Bane
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn

World Eaters Daemon Prince (225 points)
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancement: Helm of Brazen Ire

World Eaters Master of Executions (125 points)
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

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

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-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (145 points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (320 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 5x Exalted Eightbound
• 5x Eightbound chainfist
5x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (160 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator

Exported with App Version: v1.15.0 (43), Data Version: v397

Archetype

Classic World Eaters

Thoughts

It’s (mostly) the classic World Eaters list, tweaked slightly to bring in a tanky Daemon Prince as a roaming threat in place of Kharn and a second Rhino. I assume it’s aimed squarely at the Bully Boyz matchup – it provides a hefty improvement in the durability of your Berzerkers if they get charged with Killsaws, is highly resilient to D2 output when it gets stuck in, and is pretty well statted for murdering a broad range of Ork models. I’m sure the Orks as a whole are thrilled that other melee factions are tooling to give them an even better scrap. Congratulations to Derek on rounding out the top four.

The Best of the Rest

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

  • 5th – Gregory Hunter – T’au Empire (Mont’ka): Triple Breacherfish backed by Sky Rays and Riptides.
  • 6th – Rob Andersen – Chaos Knights: Lots of War Dogs and a Great Unclean One.
  • 7th – Chase Chappell – Chaos Daemons: The other side of the ally coin – three big Daemons, some skirmishing beasts and Infantry, then a trio of War Dogs.
  • 8th – McKay Griffin – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Max ThunderCav, 20 Wulfen, and Ragnar with some Assault Intercessors.
  • 9th – Alec Jones – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): The full teleporting Centurion Deep Strike gunline special.

Dicehammer Open 40k GT VII

43-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Irvine, CA, US on June 01 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Priority Targets – Chilling Rain – Crucible of Battle

Joshua Petty – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance)
Army List - Click to Expand


dawgs (1990 points)

Chaos Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Traitoris Lance

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (150 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Slaughterclaw
* This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword.

BATTLELINE

War Dog Brigand (170 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Karnivore (140 points)
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points)
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points)
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points)
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points)
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (40 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (40 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (40 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

vs.

Jason McKenzie – T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre)
Army List - Click to Expand


Emmissaries of the Dawn (2000 points)

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

CHARACTERS

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (125 points)
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Cyclic ion blaster
1x High-output burst cannon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
1x Shield Generator
• Enhancement: Prototype Weapon System

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (130 points)
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Cyclic ion blaster
2x Fusion blaster
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
1x Shield Generator
• Enhancement: Internal Grenade Racks

Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (110 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Cyclic ion blaster
1x Marker Drone
3x Missile pod
1x Shield Drone
• Enhancement: Starflare Ignition System

Ethereal (50 points)
• 2x Gun Drone
1x Honour stave
1x Hover Drone

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (150 points)
• 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Gun Drone
1x Missile pod
1x Missile pod
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Gun Drone
4x Missile pod
2x Shield Drone

Crisis Starscythe Battlesuits (130 points)
• 1x Crisis Starscythe Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Gun Drone
1x Shield Drone
1x T’au flamer
• 2x Crisis Starscythe Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
2x Gun Drone
2x Shield Drone
2x T’au flamer

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (170 points)
• 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
2x Fusion blaster
1x Gun Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
4x Fusion blaster
2x Gun Drone
2x Shield Drone

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points)
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Cyclic ion raker
1x Ghostkeel fists
1x Twin fusion blaster

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points)
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Cyclic ion raker
1x Ghostkeel fists
1x Twin fusion blaster

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

Pathfinder Team (90 points)
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
2x Gun Drone
1x Pulse carbine
1x Pulse pistol
1x Recon Drone
1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
• 9x Pathfinder
• 9x Close combat weapon
6x Pulse carbine
9x Pulse pistol
3x Rail rifle

Piranhas (55 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranhas (55 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine

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 Gun Drone
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker 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 Gun Drone
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker 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 Gun Drone
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.15.0 (43), Data Version: v397

Thoughts

A first appearance for the Retaliation Cadre, ready to get involved in a robot-on-robot slugfest spectacular. Jason’s list fully leans into the Retaliation vibe, bringing a squad of each flavour of Crisis, a Commander tuned for each one, and lots of Ghostkeels, Stealths and Riptides in support. Slightly awkwardly, in this matchup, the Retaliation detachment trait doesn’t do that much – a lot of the weapons jump from S8 to S9, which isn’t relevant against the War Dogs at T10, and bigger guns were going to hit their invulnerable saves anyway, so the impact of AP improvement is limited. It does mean you might get a bit of chip damage from the various burst cannons, and where it is a slam dunk is for the fusion blasters, pushing them to a key breakpoint.

That’s actually a good point to highlight one of the more subtle things this list does. While each of the three Commanders is equipped pretty similarly to one of the Crisis flavours, you don’t have to put them with the same ones, and in this matchup I think there would be a decent-ish argument for putting the melta Commander with the Starscythes and vice-versa, as it increases the number of units that the War Dogs really need to worry about. In other matchups, you might get value from putting the missile Commander with the Starscythes, as the extra AP into elite Infantry can make a big difference. Definitely bear this in mind when building or playing against a Tau list. Other tools from the Cadre also help out here – a double dose of Mortals from the Grenade Rack commander can help take out two Dogs at once, while being able to Torchstar Gambit to keep the Sunforges operational longer is vital, as every list unit hurts here. Just body blocking multiple War Dogs with a Riptide then auto-exploding it is pretty funny too.

What do the War Dog hordes have to work with here? A decent amount, so this is far from a foregone conclusion. They have a very easy line on Bring it Down/Deploy for a reliable high Secondary score, and the low Leadership of the Tau’s best units can genuinely count against them in this matchup – unpredictably losing objectives would be a problem on some missions. The impact of this is mitigated a bit by the mission that’s in play though – the Tau can afford to drop the odd few points as long as they can grind the dogs down and score at the end fo the game, and they probably should win an attrition war, as long as they don’t lose key units to Karnivores, especially as Ghostkeels are a huge pain for the Knights to kill. The Tau can also do BID/Deploy super well, meaning that Secondary scores are likely to either be even or mildly favour the Empire.

From the Chaos Knights point of view, the potential weakness is that the Tau units all fold to a Karnivore, and they only have a limited number of units that aren’t relying on 5s to wound chipping through stuff. Push the Karnivores forward in groups to places that aim to put the Tau on 5VP Primary turns on multiple occasions, and try and push to victory through that route. The Tau, on the flip side, want to focus on taking out a clean two Knights a turn to leave nothing left, preserving their melta Crisis at all costs (sacrificing Riptides to body block if needed). This game ended up close, suggesting good plans from both players, but in the end the Tau squeaked it by a single point, earning a trophy for the newest spin on the Greater Good.

Result

T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) Victory – 85 – 84

Jason McKenzie – T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) – 1st Place

XV104 Riptide Battlesuit. Credit: Rockfish
XV104 Riptide Battlesuit. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Emmissaries of the Dawn (2000 points)

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

CHARACTERS

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (125 points)
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Cyclic ion blaster
1x High-output burst cannon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
1x Shield Generator
• Enhancement: Prototype Weapon System

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (130 points)
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Cyclic ion blaster
2x Fusion blaster
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
1x Shield Generator
• Enhancement: Internal Grenade Racks

Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (110 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Cyclic ion blaster
1x Marker Drone
3x Missile pod
1x Shield Drone
• Enhancement: Starflare Ignition System

Ethereal (50 points)
• 2x Gun Drone
1x Honour stave
1x Hover Drone

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (150 points)
• 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Gun Drone
1x Missile pod
1x Missile pod
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Gun Drone
4x Missile pod
2x Shield Drone

Crisis Starscythe Battlesuits (130 points)
• 1x Crisis Starscythe Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Gun Drone
1x Shield Drone
1x T’au flamer
• 2x Crisis Starscythe Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
2x Gun Drone
2x Shield Drone
2x T’au flamer

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (170 points)
• 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
2x Fusion blaster
1x Gun Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
4x Fusion blaster
2x Gun Drone
2x Shield Drone

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points)
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Cyclic ion raker
1x Ghostkeel fists
1x Twin fusion blaster

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points)
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Cyclic ion raker
1x Ghostkeel fists
1x Twin fusion blaster

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

Pathfinder Team (90 points)
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
2x Gun Drone
1x Pulse carbine
1x Pulse pistol
1x Recon Drone
1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
• 9x Pathfinder
• 9x Close combat weapon
6x Pulse carbine
9x Pulse pistol
3x Rail rifle

Piranhas (55 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranhas (55 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine

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 Gun Drone
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker 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 Gun Drone
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker 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 Gun Drone
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.15.0 (43), Data Version: v397

Archetype

Retaliation Toolbox

Thoughts

All covered in the Showdown, and I’m an absolute sucker for toolbox lists so I love the mix of options having all those Commanders and Crisis units that you can theoretically chop and change. Mobile gunplay is also very appealing, and I’m a fan of this list overall – great work from Jason.

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

  • 2nd – Joshua Petty – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): See Showdown.
  • 3rd – Kyle Parry – Ynnari (Battle Host): Very go-wide Aeldari, adding Venoms full of Kabalites to the Craftworld tools.
  • 4th – Matthew Green – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Lots of Characters, lots of extra board control via three units each of Cultists and Enlightened.
  • 5th – Michael Georges – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): All-Venom go-wide Skysplinter.
  • 6th – Alex Spathopoulos – Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): Max Wulfen as a spearhead for an all-rounder Marine core with Wolf Characters mixed in.
  • 7th – Stephen Corrales – Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead): Stormraven and double RepEx, plus some extra board presence from some Deathwing Knights.
  • 8th – Luke Ehlert – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Max ThunderCav, max Wulfen.
  • 9th – RJ Abad – T’au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): Two Fireknife units and one Sunforge squad, supported by two each of Ghostkeels and Riptides.

90. Bedburger Scheunenkloppen

37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bedburg, Nordrhein-Westfalen, DE on June 01 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Florian Pal – Orks (Green Tide) – 1st Place

Shoota Boyz. Credit: Rockfish
Shoota Boyz. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Dr. Green Krump
Orks
Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)
Detachment: Green Tide

+ Character +

Big Mek in Mega Armour [120pts]: Grot oiler, Kustom force field, Kustom mega-blasta, Raucous Warcaller

Painboy [70pts]: Grot orderly
Painboy [70pts]: Grot orderly
Painboy [70pts]: Grot orderly

Warboss [80pts]: Attack squig, Bloodthirsty Belligerence, Power klaw
Warboss [65pts]: Attack squig, Power klaw
Warboss [65pts]: Attack squig, Power klaw

Weirdboy [55pts]
Weirdboy [80pts]: Brutal But Kunnin’, Warlord

+ Battleline +

Boyz [85pts]
. Boss Nob
. . Power klaw and slugga
. 9x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga

Boyz [170pts]
. Boss Nob
. . Power klaw and slugga
. 2x Boy w/ Rokkit launcha and close combat weapon: 2x Close combat weapon, 2x Rokkit launcha
. 17x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa: 17x Choppa, 17x Slugga

Boyz [170pts]
. Boss Nob
. . Power klaw and slugga
. 2x Boy w/ Rokkit launcha and close combat weapon: 2x Close combat weapon, 2x Rokkit launcha
. 17x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa: 17x Choppa, 17x Slugga

Boyz [170pts]
. Boss Nob
. . Power klaw and slugga
. 2x Boy w/ Rokkit launcha and close combat weapon: 2x Close combat weapon, 2x Rokkit launcha
. 17x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa: 17x Choppa, 17x Slugga

Boyz [170pts]
. Boss Nob
. . Power klaw and slugga
. 2x Boy w/ Rokkit launcha and close combat weapon: 2x Close combat weapon, 2x Rokkit launcha
. 17x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa: 17x Choppa, 17x Slugga

Boyz [170pts]
. Boss Nob
. . Power klaw and slugga
. 2x Boy w/ Rokkit launcha and close combat weapon: 2x Close combat weapon, 2x Rokkit launcha
. 17x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa: 17x Choppa, 17x Slugga

+ Infantry +

Gretchin [40pts]
. 1 Runtherd and 10 Gretchin
. . 10x Gretchin: 10x Close combat weapon, 10x Grot blasta

Gretchin [40pts]
. 1 Runtherd and 10 Gretchin
. . 10x Gretchin: 10x Close combat weapon, 10x Grot blasta

Meganobz [180pts]
. 6x Meganob w/ Twin killsaw: 6x Twin killsaw

Stormboyz [65pts]
. Boss Nob: Power klaw
. 4x Stormboy: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga

Stormboyz [65pts]
. Boss Nob: Power klaw
. 4x Stormboy: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga

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

Archetype

Green Tide

Thoughts

A finely honed engine of destruction here, feeling like it’s pretty close to dead-on the optimal configuration of pure horde Green Tide. 60 max durability Boyz in Warboss/Painboy setups, backed by one big Weirdboy unit to farm CP early and warp in for a Tide of Muscle charge late, then a smaller Weirdboy unit to lock in objectives as the horde rolls forward. Complete the recipe with some utility units and the indestructible Meganob brick, and you have green tide perfection that will wash most foes clean off the table. It did just that under Florian’s command, congratulations!

Tim Schneider – Orks (Bully Boyz) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Meganobz. Credit: Rockfish
Meganobz. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Die Rockas (2000 points)

Orks
Strike Force (2000 points)
Bully Boyz

CHARACTERS

Big Mek in Mega Armour (100 points)
• 1x Grot Oiler
1x Kustom Force Field
1x Kustom mega-blasta
1x Power klaw

Big Mek in Mega Armour (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Grot Oiler
1x Kustom Force Field
1x Kustom mega-blasta
1x Power klaw

Warboss (75 points)
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• Enhancement: ’Eadstompa

Warboss (65 points)
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas

Warboss (65 points)
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas

Warboss in Mega Armour (105 points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x ’Uge choppa
• Enhancement: Tellyporta

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball

Trukk (65 points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball

Trukk (65 points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (80 points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Git
• 4x Choppa
4x Snazzgun

Flash Gitz (80 points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Git
• 4x Choppa
4x Snazzgun

Gretchin (40 points)
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga

Meganobz (180 points)
• 6x Meganob
• 6x Twin killsaws

Meganobz (150 points)
• 5x Meganob
• 5x Twin killsaws

Meganobz (150 points)
• 5x Meganob
• 5x Twin killsaws

Nobz (210 points)
• 2x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 9x Nob
• 9x Power klaw
9x Slugga

Nobz (105 points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
• 4x Power klaw
4x Slugga

Nobz (105 points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
• 4x Power klaw
4x Slugga

Stormboyz (65 points)
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga

Stormboyz (65 points)
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga

Stormboyz (65 points)
• 4x Stormboy
• 4x Choppa
4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga

Archetype

Bully Boyz

Thoughts

Bully Boyz make it a double header in the undefeated slots at this event, with Tim’s version of it skewing slightly towards durability via Big Meks instead of Warbosses for a couple of the Meganobz units. It also adds a bit of go-wide and utility power from small Nobz units and Flash Gitz, similar to Ben’s list from Wargames for Warriors. Clearly a bit of flexibility is the way to go when the metagame is gunning for you, well done to Tim!

The Best of the Rest

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

  • 3rd – Dennis Gottschalk – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Five Dreadknights and two Redeemers.
  • 4th – Kai Simonsen – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): A robot rampage with max Dragoons and Canis Rex.
  • 5th – Nils Gottschalk – Leagues of Votann: Heathguard/Land Fortress-heavy Votann.
  • 6th – Christophe Hardenne – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Double C’tan, double Doomsday and a Warrior/Monolith combo.

Hydra GT II 2024

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Roskilde, DK on June 01 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Martin Bræmer Nielsen – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 1st Place

Grey Knight Paladins. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


gk lol (1995 points)

Grey Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Teleport Strike Force

CHARACTERS

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

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (215 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancement: Inescapable Wrath

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis greatsword

Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis greatsword

Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis greatsword

Paladin Squad (450 points)
• 1x Paragon
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paladin Ancient
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Psycannon
• 8x Paladin
• 8x Nemesis force weapon
4x Psycannon
4x Storm bolter

ALLIED UNITS

Eversor Assassin (75 points)
• 1x Executioner pistol
1x Power sword and neuro gauntlet

Exported with App Version: v1.15.0 (43), Data Version: v397

Archetype

Terminators and Dreadknights

Thoughts

Grey Knights round out our roster of winners for the day, here going for a mere four Dreadknights so that it can include the full Grand Master Paladin unit and Draigo Brotherhood squad. I will continue to be on record as a huge fan of Grand Master Paladins with the Sigil, as it opens up so many matchups, and the pressure headache that Draigo represents is very helpful in a lot of games. Big fan of this, especially as it makes a change from “whoops all Dreadknights”, well done Martin.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

  • 2nd – Bo Moerck Penstoft – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Heavy-duty as Sons of Sanguinius go, opting for full-sized Jump Intercessor units with Sanguinary Priests, plus the mandatory big Death Company and VanVet units.
  • 3rd – Peter Herbild – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Standard-issue five Rubricae unit Tsons.
  • 4th – Morten Wedel – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): A proper captain anti-Planet build with a Greater Daemon of each god (Skarbrand and regulars for the rest) and a bunch of Flamers and Flesh Hounds to provide speedy support.

Wrap Up

That’s it for part two, check out the finale for the week tomorrow as we continue to countdown to the end of the Leviathan season.