The release date for 10th is finally out of the bag, and the days before this column undergoes a fairly predictable name change are numbered. There are still a few weeks of 9th to go, but I’m goinChaos and cults run rampant as we enter the last few weeks of 9th Edition, all but sweeping the placings in this week’s Competitive Innovations. g to level with you – if you were paying any attention at the weekend you’ll know that our team has a lot of writing to do at the moment (in particular from a competitive point-of-view, go check out my look at the missions from the Leviathan mission pack here).
With that in mind, I’m going lite mode on this for the next few weeks – everyone’s still getting their shoutout, but Showdowns are going on hiatus until it’s 10th time (unless something very unusual or exciting happens). I imagine the tournament scene is going to pop off just as soon as the new books are in everyone’s hands, so I need to conserve my power a bit, OK? OK.
Today, we’re looking at:
- US Open Kansas City Singles (major)
- Kirtonian Total Carnage
- Da Summer Waaagh 2023 Singles
- Road to Atlanta – GT Italy Qualifier
Let’s find out which factions are racking up some last few trophies this week.
US Open Kansas City: Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament
74-player, 8-round Major in Kansas City, MO United States on June 02 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
I have based the placings here on what I understand to have been the outcome within the bracketed system the US Opens use, which may not correspond exactly to what’s in BCP.
TJ Lanigan – Tzeentch Daemons – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Chaos Allegiance: Tzeentch Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + HQ + Be’lakor [21 PL, 420pts]: Pall of Despair, Shrouded Step Fluxmaster [6 PL, -1CP, 115pts]: Gaze of Fate, Infernal Flames, Relics of the Impossible Fortress, Staff of change, The Endless Grimoire Lord of Change [17 PL, -2CP, 355pts]: Baleful sword, Bolt of Change, Boon of Change, Incorporeal Form, Infernal Gateway, Master Mutator, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Impossible Robe, Warlord + Troops + Blue Horrors [3 PL, 70pts] Pink Horrors [7 PL, 140pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos Pink Horrors [7 PL, 140pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos + Elites + Exalted Flamer [4 PL, 75pts] Exalted Flamer [4 PL, 75pts] Exalted Flamer [4 PL, 75pts] Flamers [6 PL, 150pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [6 PL, 150pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [6 PL, 150pts]: Pyrocaster + Fast Attack + Screamers [4 PL, 75pts] ++ Total: [95 PL, 3CP, 1,990pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) [95 PL, 3CP, 1,990pts] ++
. 10x Blue Horror: 10x Coruscating flames
. 9x Pink Horror: 9x Coruscating flames
. 9x Pink Horror: 9x Coruscating flames
. 5x Flamer: 5x Flickering flames
. 5x Flamer: 5x Flickering flames
. 5x Flamer: 5x Flickering flames
. 3x Screamer: 3x Lamprey bite
Archetype
Tzeentch Daemons
Final Round Matchup
94-72 Victory against Brett Perkins – Chaos Daemons.
Thoughts
At this point the question is whether TJ can be stopped before 9th is over, as his rampage with this list is a bit of an all-timer. Loads of movement tricks, loads of grindy damage, surprisingly sticky objective holders in the two horror bricks – it’s got everything a player as experienced as TJ needs to smash through event after event, and if anyone’s stacking up some secret tech to shut him down, better get on with it.
Brett Perkins – Chaos Daemons – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – Daemons) [103 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Chaos Allegiance: Chaos Undivided + HQ + Be’lakor [21 PL, 420pts]: Pall of Despair, Shrouded Step Bloodthirster [18 PL, -2CP, 360pts]: Blood-drinker Talisman, Brazen Hide, Great axe of Khorne, Indomitable Onslaught, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Skarbrand [17 PL, 330pts] Skulltaker [6 PL, 110pts] + Troops + Nurglings [3 PL, 60pts] Pink Horrors [7 PL, 140pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos Plaguebearers [7 PL, 130pts]: Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos + Elites + Bloodcrushers [12 PL, 200pts]: Bloodhunter, Daemonic icon, Instrument of Chaos Flamers [6 PL, 100pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [3 PL, 75pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [3 PL, 75pts]: Pyrocaster ++ Total: [103 PL, 4CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 3x Nurgling Swarms: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
. 9x Pink Horror: 9x Coruscating flames
. 9x Plaguebearer: 9x Plaguesword
. 4x Bloodcrusher: 4x Bladed horn, 4x Hellblade
. 3x Flamer: 3x Flickering flames
. 2x Flamer: 2x Flickering flames
. 2x Flamer: 2x Flickering flames
Archetype
Mixed Monster Mash
Thoughts
More Daemons on the top table here, this time featuring the two big Khorne hitters in cohorts with the Dark Master. The Be’lakor Locus Skarbrand trick remains one of the rudest plays 9th Edition supports, and while this list is a bit less capable of playing keepaway than TJs concoction, the brutal pressure the multi-Thirster approach provides can leave opponents in the dust, as happened all the way to the final here.
Charles Craig – World Eaters – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – World Eaters) [111 PL, 2,000pts, 5CP] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Fast Attack Subfaction: World Eaters + HQ + Lord Invocatus [8 PL, 160pts] + Troops + Khorne Berserkers [12 PL, 230pts]: Berserker icon Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 110pts] + Elites + Eightbound [12 PL, 160pts] Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] + Fast Attack + Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn Dreadclaw Drop Pod [6 PL, 115pts] Dreadclaw Drop Pod [6 PL, 115pts] + Lord of War + Angron [18 PL, 360pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Red Angel Greater Brass Scorpion [27 PL, 430pts] ++ Total: [111 PL, 2,000pts, 5CP] ++
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 8x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 8x Berserker chainblade, 8x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol
. 4x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 4x Berserker chainblade, 4x Bolt pistol
. 3x Eightbound: 6x Eightbound eviscerator
. Eightbound Champion: Lacerators
. 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
. Exalted Eightbound Champion: Heavy chainglaive
. 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
. Exalted Eightbound Champion: Heavy chainglaive
Archetype
World Eaters Scorpion Skew
Thoughts
All chaos all the time on the podium here, with this hilarious build taking the third slot. As far as I can tell, the plan here is to deploy an absolutley minimal target profile on the table (mostly just the Scorpion, and hidden stuff) then use the Dreadclaws to pivot to a calamitous alpha strike very quickly. Extremely funny, though does sacrifice one of the strengths of World Eaters in that I don’t think it’s secondaries are quite as reliable as normal, meaning that if the opponent has ways of mitigating the additional damage pressure, they have more time to work with. This may have been what cost Charles the semi-finals against TJ’s tricksy Tzeentch nonsense, but what a stylish way to make it to third place.
Calvin Smith – Chaos Daemons – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – World Eaters) [95 PL, 5CP, 1,685pts] ++ + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Subfaction: World Eaters + HQ + Lord Invocatus [8 PL, -1CP, 160pts]: Road of Eight Bloody Steps, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord World Eaters Master of Executions [4 PL, 65pts] + Troops + Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 120pts]: Berserker icon . Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 120pts]: Berserker icon . Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol Khorne Berserkers [6 PL, 120pts]: Berserker icon . Khorne Berserker Champion: Bolt pistol + Elites + Eightbound [12 PL, 160pts] . 3x Eightbound: 6x Eightbound eviscerator Eightbound [12 PL, 160pts] . 3x Eightbound: 6x Eightbound eviscerator Eightbound [12 PL, 160pts] . 3x Eightbound: 6x Eightbound eviscerator Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] . 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator . . Two Eightbound chainfists Exalted Eightbound [7 PL, 135pts] . . Two Eightbound chainfists World Eaters Terminator Squad [9 PL, 215pts] + Fast Attack + Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts]: Chaos Spawn + Dedicated Transport + Chaos Rhino [4 PL, 85pts]: Combi-bolter ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [16 PL, 310pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost + Lord of War + War Dog Executioner Squadron [16 PL, 310pts]: Iconoclast Dreadblade, Worthy Offerings ++ Total: [111 PL, 5CP, 1,995pts] ++
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. 3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
. Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
. Eightbound Champion: Lacerators
. Eightbound Champion: Lacerators
. Eightbound Champion: Lacerators
. Exalted Eightbound Champion
. 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
. Exalted Eightbound Champion
. World Eaters Terminator: Combi-melta, Power fist
. World Eaters Terminator: Combi-melta, Power fist
. World Eaters Terminator: Combi-flamer, Power fist
. World Eaters Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. World Eaters Terminator Champion: Chainfist, Combi-flamer
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
Archetype
Invocatus and the boys.
Thoughts
Clearly Khorne has been having some words with his followers after the Space Wolves got all the glory last week (something about skulls and a throne), and Calvin has joined Charles in rising to the challenge, leading to a surprise World Eaters draw on table two in the final. The build here is a far more conventional World Eaters setup (though does add a bit of extra brawling durability in the Terminators), and at this point we know why that’s good – against everyone except other World Eaters it can trivially force Secondaries to max, putting opponents on an ultra-harsh clock to handle a violent onslaught. It’s a well-trodden formula at this point, well done to Calvin for taking it to a great finish.
The Best of the Rest
The rest of the top eight were:
- 5th – David Adelman – Ynnari: Lots of Aspect MSUs, lots of D-Cannons and the Yncarne plus some Light Harlequins for doing mischief.
- 6th – Bryan Lakor – Chaos Daemons: Tzeentch and Khorne put aside their differences here, monster mashing with Kairos and Skarbrand.
- 7th – Robin Roberts – Genestealer Cults: Aggro melee Twisted Helix with two big units of purestrains and a mid-sized Aberrant brick.
- 8th – Regino Sanchez – Astra Militarum: Infantry/Armoured Sentinel heavy Born Soldiers.
Kirtonian Total Carnage III
45-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England GB on June 03 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
David LaPorta – T’au Empire – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Heavy Support Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen Sept Choice: Bork’an Sept + Stratagems + Stratagem: Heroic Support [-1CP] + HQ + Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [8 PL, -2CP, 180pts]: (Bork’an): Seeker of Perfection, Burst Cannon, DW-02 Advanced Burst Cannon, High-output Burst Cannon, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, The Be’gel Hunter’s Plate Commander in Crisis Battlesuit [9 PL, -2CP, 215pts]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Solid-image Projection Unit, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, T’au Flamer, Thermoneutronic Projector, Warlord Kroot Shaper [2 PL, -1CP, 25pts]: Advanced EM Scrambler, Ritual Blade, Shaper Kroot Rifle, Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation + Troops + Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts] Strike Team [4 PL, 80pts] + Elites + Crisis Battlesuits [21 PL, 425pts] Stealth Battlesuits [9 PL, 170pts] + Fast Attack + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] + Heavy Support + Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 145pts]: Railgun Riptide Battlesuit [14 PL, 265pts]: 2x Plasma Rifle, Ion Accelerator, Multi-tracker, Shielded Missile Drone, Target Lock, Velocity Tracker Riptide Battlesuit [14 PL, 265pts]: 2x Plasma Rifle, Ion Accelerator, Multi-tracker, Shielded Missile Drone, Target Lock, Velocity Tracker + Dedicated Transport + Devilfish [6 PL, 95pts] ++ Total: [102 PL, 1,998pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (T’au Empire) [102 PL, , 1,998pts] ++
. Marker Drone
. Shield Drone
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol
. Fire Warrior Shas’ui: Pulse Rifle
. 9x Fire Warrior w/ Pulse Rifle: 9x Pulse Pistol, 9x Pulse Rifle
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors
. 3x Marker Drone: 3x Markerlight
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 5x Stealth Shas’ui w/ Burst Cannon: 5x Burst Cannon
. Stealth Shas’vre: Burst Cannon
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
Archetype
Bork’an Hulls and Suits
Final Round Matchup
86 – 57 Victory against Cameron Giles – Adeptus Custodes.
Thoughts
Tau rely heavily on being an active force in the late game to max their Secondaries, so the extra durability of Bork’an keeps proving to be an effective third option alongside Tau and Farsight. The two Riptides and the Crisis block here are just huge pains to shift, and while the burst damage is a little lower than some of the other variants, an extra turn as a going concern (plus the occasional opportunity to blow someone out with a no-invulns Riptide cannon) more than makes up for it, especially with two scary Commanders hiding behind them. This looks like a great setup, well done to David for notching up some points for the Greater Good.
Mikey Rzasa – Genestealer Cult – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration [6CP] + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Elites Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [6CP] Cult Creed . Myriad Cult: Accustomed to Toil (1), Cold-eyed Killers (1), Industrial Affinity (1), War Convoy (1) Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + No Force Org Slot [3 PL, -1CP, 50pts] + Nexos [3 PL, -1CP, 50pts]: Autopistol, Relic: Cranial Inlay, Stratagem: Gene-sire’s Gifts [-1CP] + HQ [5 PL, 85pts] + Primus [5 PL, 85pts]: Cult Bonesword, Proficient Planning: Exacting Planner [1 PL, 15pts], Scoped Needle Pistol, Toxin Injector Claw, Warlord + Troops [35 PL, 743pts] + Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 58pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 55pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 45pts] Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 205pts]: Proficient Planning: A Perfect Ambush [1 PL, 15pts] Neophyte Hybrids [4 PL, 90pts] Neophyte Hybrids [5 PL, 110pts]: Proficient Planning: Lying in Wait [1 PL, 20pts] Neophyte Hybrids [4 PL, 90pts] Neophyte Hybrids [4 PL, 90pts] + Elites [36 PL, -2CP, 600pts] + Aberrants [16 PL, 258pts]: Proficient Planning: Our Time is Nigh [1 PL, 15pts] Abominant [6 PL, -1CP, 85pts]: Familiar’s Claws, Power Sledgehammer, Relic: Amulet of the Voidwyrm, Stratagem: Relic [-1CP] Biophagus [3 PL, 55pts]: Alchemicus Familiar, Autopistol, Chemical Vials, Injector Goad, Proficient Planning: Alchemist Supreme [1 PL, 15pts] Kelermorph [3 PL, -1CP, 80pts]: 3x Liberator Autostub, Relic: Wyrmtooth Rounds, Stratagem: Gene-sire’s Gifts [-1CP] Purestrain Genestealers [8 PL, 122pts]: Proficient Planning: They Came From Below [1 PL, 10pts] + Fast Attack [8 PL, 200pts] + Atalan Jackals [4 PL, 100pts]: 5x Atalan Power Weapon, 2x Demolition Charge [10pts] Atalan Jackals [4 PL, 100pts]: 5x Atalan Power Weapon, 2x Demolition Charge [10pts] + Heavy Support [12 PL, 220pts] + Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 110pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Drilldozer Blade, Heavy Seismic Cannon, Heavy Stubber Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 110pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Drilldozer Blade, Heavy Seismic Cannon, Heavy Stubber + Dedicated Transport [6 PL, 100pts] + Goliath Truck [6 PL, 100pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Stubber, Proficient Planning: From Every Angle [1 PL, 10pts], Twin Autocannon ++ Total: [105 PL, 3CP, 1,998pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Tyranids – Genestealer Cults) [105 PL, 3CP, 1,998pts] ++
. 2x Acolyte Hybrid [18pts]: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Cult Claws and Knife, 2x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon) [14pts]: 2x Demolition Charge [5pts], Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon) [14pts]: Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades, Heavy Rock Saw [5pts]
. Acolyte Leader [12pts]: Blasting Charges, Cult Claws and Knife, Frag Grenades, Hand Flamer [3pts]
. 2x Acolyte Hybrid [18pts]: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Cult Claws and Knife, 2x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon) [14pts]: Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades, Heavy Rock Saw [5pts]
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon) [14pts]: 2x Demolition Charge [5pts], Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Leader [9pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Claws and Knife, Frag Grenades
. 4x Acolyte Hybrid [36pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Leader [9pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Claws and Knife, Frag Grenades
. Genomic Enhancement (Alchemist Supreme): Enhanced Resilience
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid [60pts]: 10x Autogun, 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Grenade) [24pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Grenade Launcher
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon) [16pts]: Autogun, Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Cult Icon [10pts], Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic) [84pts]: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon [60pts]
. Neophyte Leader [6pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Flamer) [12pts]: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Flamer, 2x Frag Grenades
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic) [42pts]: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Seismic Cannon [30pts]
. 5x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun) [30pts]: 5x Autopistol, 5x Blasting Charges, 5x Cult Shotgun, 5x Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Leader [6pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. 5x Neophyte Hybrid [30pts]: 5x Autogun, 5x Autopistol, 5x Blasting Charges, 5x Frag Grenades
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic) [42pts]: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Seismic Cannon [30pts]
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber) [12pts]: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Webber
. Neophyte Leader [6pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Chainsword, Frag Grenades, Web Pistol
. 5x Neophyte Hybrid [30pts]: 5x Autogun, 5x Autopistol, 5x Blasting Charges, 5x Frag Grenades
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic) [42pts]: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Seismic Cannon [30pts]
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber) [12pts]: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Webber
. Neophyte Leader [6pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades, Power Maul, Web Pistol
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Grenade) [12pts]: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Grenade Launcher
. 2x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic) [42pts]: 2x Autopistol, 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Seismic Cannon [30pts]
. 5x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun) [30pts]: 5x Autopistol, 5x Blasting Charges, 5x Cult Shotgun, 5x Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Leader [6pts]: Autopistol, Blasting Charges, Frag Grenades, Power Pick, Web Pistol
. 8x Aberrant [216pts]: 8x Heavy Power Weapon
. Aberrant Hypermorph [27pts]: Heavy Power Weapon, Hypermorph Tail
. 8x Purestrain Genestealer [112pts]: 8x Cult Claws and Talons
. 3x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms) [45pts]: 3x Atalan Small Arms, 3x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader [15pts]: Blasting Charges, Grenade Launcher
. Atalan Wolfquad (Incinerator) [1 PL, 30pts]: Atalan Incinerator, Atalan Small Arms, Blasting Charges
. 3x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms) [45pts]: 3x Atalan Small Arms, 3x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader [15pts]: Blasting Charges, Grenade Launcher
. Atalan Wolfquad (Incinerator) [1 PL, 30pts]: Atalan Incinerator, Atalan Small Arms, Blasting Charges
Archetype
All-rounder Industrial
Thoughts
The heroic revolutionaries of the cults were also apparently very unhappy about Space Wolf dominance, as they’ve had a busy week. Some sort of crossed wires about capitalist dogs. Anyway, this build is genuinely quite unique, combining elements of the Neophyte spam builds and more toolboxy melee stuff as seen in Helix or Claw builds to provide lots of angles of attack, and using a big brick of Aberrants as an emergency tanking tool to smooth over any situation where that starts to go wrong. As ever with such choices, you’re trading the ability to just fully list check armies that can’t deal with the pure horde version out for more options against those that can. Fewer free wins, fewer games that you lose to numbers – a trade that seems to have worked well for Mikey.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – James Mclean – Tyranids: Lurk Gorgon monsters with a couple of big Hormagaunt bricks for anti-horde.
- 4th – Jonathan Summerfield – Salamanders: Chunky marine spam, with loads of flamer Aggressors and a full Terminator Assault brick, all backed by melta death.
- 5th – Cameron Giles – Adeptus Custodes: Hull-heavy Emperor’s Chosen with a trio of VenDreads and two Caladius tanks.
- 6th – Tom Keen – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers Goodstuff.
- 7th – Paddy Baron – Tyranids: More Lurk Gorgon, this time with many Pyrovores.
Da Summer Waaagh 2023 Singles
37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Horwich, England GB on June 03 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Mike Porter – Genestealer Cult – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Arks of Omen Compulsory Type: Troops Cult Creed: The Rusted Claw Game Type: 5. Chapter Approved: Arks of Omen + No Force Org Slot + Kelermorph [3 PL, 80pts, -1CP]: Relic: Wyrmtooth Rounds, Stratagem: Gene-sire’s Gifts Reductus Saboteur [4 PL, 70pts, -1CP]: Relic: Oppressor’s Bane, Stratagem: Gene-sire’s Gifts + HQ + Patriarch [7 PL, 140pts, -1CP]: Power: Inescapable Decay, Power: Might From Beyond, Power: Psychic Stimulus, Psychic Familiar, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Entropic Touch Primus [4 PL, 70pts] + Troops + Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 45pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 50pts] Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 50pts] Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 205pts]: Proficient Planning: A Perfect Ambush Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 210pts]: Proficient Planning: Lying in Wait Neophyte Hybrids [8 PL, 190pts] Neophyte Hybrids [8 PL, 190pts] + Elites + Nexos [3 PL, 50pts, -1CP]: Relic: Cranial Inlay, Stratagem: Relic Sanctus [3 PL, 70pts]: Cult Sniper Rifle + Fast Attack + Atalan Jackals [4 PL, 80pts]: 4x Atalan Power Weapon, 2x Demolition Charge, Proficient Planning: They Came From Below Atalan Jackals [3 PL, 70pts]: 4x Atalan Power Weapon, 2x Demolition Charge + Heavy Support + Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 110pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Seismic Cannon Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 110pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Seismic Cannon Goliath Rockgrinder [6 PL, 110pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Heavy Seismic Cannon + Dedicated Transport + Goliath Truck [6 PL, 100pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges, Proficient Planning: From Every Angle ++ Total: [98 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Arks of Omen Detachment (Tyranids – Genestealer Cults) [98 PL, 2,000pts, 2CP] ++
. 4x Acolyte Hybrid: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Lash Whip
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): 2x Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): 2x Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon): Cult Icon, Cult Shotgun
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Cult Shotgun, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Shotgun
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon): Autogun, Cult Icon
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Cult Shotgun, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Shotgun
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon): Cult Icon, Cult Shotgun
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Cult Shotgun, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Shotgun
. Neophyte Hybrid (Icon): Cult Icon, Cult Shotgun
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Seismic): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Seismic Cannon
. 10x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 10x Autopistol, 10x Blasting Charges, 10x Cult Shotgun, 10x Frag Grenades
. 4x Neophyte Hybrid (Webber): 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Frag Grenades, 4x Webber
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Shotgun
. Atalan Jackal (Grenade Launcher)
. 2x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 2x Atalan Small Arms, 2x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Atalan Small Arms
. Atalan Jackal (Grenade Launcher)
. 2x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 2x Atalan Small Arms, 2x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Atalan Small Arms
Archetype
Horde Rusted Claw
Final Round Matchup
86 – 45 Victory against Ben Facey – Leagues of Votann.
Thoughts
Repeat Genestealer pilot Mike takes a trophy for the cult here, going with a more hordey spin on Rusted Claw than he was running last time we saw him. With Desolation Marines as one of the biggest anti-horde predators, the AP reduction of the Claw is very valuable for keeping the army on the table, and bring able to potentially reach out and do some damage with Drive-By Demolitions also adds plenty of value. Mike’s still got plenty of ways to do big damage as well, with the Oppressors Bane Saboteur popping up as an additional high-threat shooty Character. Mike’s got to be one of the people (along with TJ) in contention for most first place appearences in this column in 9th, and it’s great to see him getting in some last big wins right here at the end.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – David Irving – Iron Hands: Actual Iron Hands with the true hero’s play of an Astraeus.
- 3rd – Michael Armer – Adeptus Custodes: Shooty Emperor’s Chosen with Sagittarum, tanks and Bikes.
- 4th – Matt Charles – Blood Angels: Loads of small jump pack units and a pair of Helverins.
- 5th – Lewis Salter – Craftworlds: Ulthwe/Twilight with a bunch of pesty small units.
- 6th – Ben Facey – Votann: Ultra-dakka Ymyr that’s packing two forts, Bikes and Thunderkyn.
Road to Atlanta – GT Italy Qualifier 3
34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Roma, Lazio IT on June 03 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Simone Caroselli – World Eaters – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Configuration Battle Size Subfaction Selections: World Eaters HQ Lord Invocatus World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut Troops Khorne Berserkers Khorne Berserkers Khorne Berserkers Khorne Berserkers Elites Eightbound Eightbound Eightbound Exalted Eightbound Exalted Eightbound Exalted Eightbound Fast Attack Chaos Spawn Chaos Spawn Chaos Spawn Dedicated Transport Chaos Rhino Chaos Rhino
Arks of Omen Detachment (Chaos – World Eaters)
Selections: Road of Eight Bloody Steps, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord
Selections: Berzerker Glaive, Stratagem: Relic
-Selections: Berserker icon
Khorne Berserker Champion
-Selections: Bolt pistol
3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade
-Selections: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator
-Selections: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
-Selections: Berserker icon
Khorne Berserker Champion
-Selections: Bolt pistol
3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade
-Selections: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator
-Selections: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
-Selections: Berserker icon
Khorne Berserker Champion
-Selections: Bolt pistol
3x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade
-Selections: 3x Berserker chainblade, 3x Bolt pistol
Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator
-Selections: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
-Selections: Berserker icon
Khorne Berserker Champion
-Selections: Bolt pistol
7x Khorne Berserker w/ chainblade
-Selections: 7x Berserker chainblade, 7x Bolt pistol
Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator
-Selections: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
Khorne Berserker w/ eviscerator
-Selections: Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
3x Eightbound
-Selections: 6x Eightbound eviscerator
Eightbound Champion
-Selections: Lacerators
3x Eightbound
-Selections: 6x Eightbound eviscerator
Eightbound Champion
-Selections: Lacerators
3x Eightbound
-Selections: 6x Eightbound eviscerator
Eightbound Champion
-Selections: Lacerators
2x Exalted Eightbound
-Selections: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
Exalted Eightbound Champion
-Two Eightbound chainfists
2x Exalted Eightbound
-Selections: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
Exalted Eightbound Champion
-Two Eightbound chainfists
2x Exalted Eightbound
-Selections: 2x Eightbound chainfist, 2x Eightbound eviscerator
Exalted Eightbound Champion
-Two Eightbound chainfists
Selections: Chaos Spawn
Selections: Chaos Spawn
Selections: Chaos Spawn
Archetype
Invocatus Eightbound Spam
Final Round Matchup
96 – 85 Victory against Andrea Lelli – Necrons.
Thoughts
Go fast, score secondaries, pile skulls. Simple as. The one big unit of Berserkers is the only notable standout from the default here – presumably the plan is to push them to the middle of the board in a Rhino, then if the opponent tries to wipe them with inadequate firepower they’re taking their life into their own hands thanks to Blood Rage. Well done to Simone for contributing to the absolute end-run that Chaos has pulled off this week.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Edoardo Rinaldi – Astra Militarum: Born Soldiers with a Dorn.
- 3rd – Marco Santopadre – Chaos Daemons: All-rounder Daemons with a Bloodthirster and Big Bird, plus lots of Slaanesh stuff and an Enrapturess as shock troops.
- 4th – Andrea Lelli – Necrons: Nihilakh Destroyers for days.
- 5th – Daniele De Gemini – Word Bearers: A bit of everything here, Terminators, Obliterators, Characters and a utility Daemon Patrol.
- 6th – Francesco Borchiellini – Death Guard: Mortarion, lots of Deathshrouds and some War Dogs to shoot while the enemy handles that.
Wrap Up
Not that many more sleeps till 10th Edition. We’re so close. I can taste it. See you next week as we continue to round out 9th.
