Statistically if you are reading this you’ve probably read our review of the upcoming Warzone Nephilim Mission Pack, and thus you’ll know that big changes are on the horizon for the world of competitive 40K. The tournament scene doesn’t stop, however, so we’ve still got a couple more weeks of players frolicking happily through the command point-rich fields of Warzone Nachmund before 40K’s very own credit crunch bites and shakes up army lists.
These were:
- The UKTC Newcastle GT
- The Maryland Open
- The Best-in-Tabletop Open
- The Canadian Shield
- The North Wales Open: Chester Invasion
Let’s dive in and see how the eternal struggle of Tyranids vs. Tau vs. Hail vs. Everyone Else has gone this week.
The UKTC Newcastle GT
125-player, 7-round Major in The U.K. Tournament Circuit , England, GB on June 18 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Death and Zeal
Mani Cheema – Craftworlds: The Hail of Doom special, with massive numbers of efficiently-priced shuriken catapults between Dire Avengers and Windriders, three Farseers and a Seer Council to bury the opponent in psychic might, and Swooping Hawks and Baharroth to take To The Last positions.
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Craftworld Selection + Stratagems + Stratagem: Seer Council [-1CP] + No Force Org Slot + Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 70pts] + HQ + Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts]: 4. Crushing Orb, 4. Executioner, 5: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Warlord, Witchblade Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts]: 1. Guide, 2. Doom, Seer Council (Farseer), Witchblade + Troops + Rangers [4 PL, 65pts] + Elites + Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts] Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts] + Fast Attack + Swooping Hawks [8 PL, 162pts] Swooping Hawks [8 PL, 144pts] + Dedicated Transport + Wave Serpent [8 PL, 140pts]: Twin Shuriken Cannon, Twin Shuriken Catapult Wave Serpent [8 PL, 140pts]: Twin Shuriken Cannon, Twin Shuriken Catapult ++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [53 PL, 799pts, -4CP] ++ + Configuration + Craftworld Selection Detachment Command Cost [-3CP] + Stratagems + Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP] + HQ + Baharroth [7 PL, 140pts] Farseer [5 PL, 90pts]: 1. Fateful Divergence, 5. Focus Will, Witchblade + Elites + Dire Avengers [6 PL, 84pts] Howling Banshees [5 PL, 105pts] + Fast Attack + Vypers [3 PL, 40pts] Vypers [3 PL, 40pts] Windriders [8 PL, 100pts] Windriders [8 PL, 100pts] Windriders [8 PL, 100pts] ++ Total: [116 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++
++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [63 PL, 1,201pts, 11CP] ++
. *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Masterful Shots
. Warlock Skyrunners: 4. Protect/Jinx, Seer Council (Warlocks Unit)
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade
. Kurnous’ Bow
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol
. 9x Dire Avenger: 9x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 9x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. 9x Dire Avenger: 9x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 9x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. 8x Swooping Hawk: 8x Lasblaster
. Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster, The Phoenix Plume (Shrine Relic)
. 7x Swooping Hawk: 7x Lasblaster
. Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster
. *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Masterful Shots
. 6x Dire Avenger: 6x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 6x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Cronescream (Shrine Relic), Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes
. Vyper w/ Scatter Laser
. Vyper w/ Scatter Laser
. 5x Windrider – Twin Shuriken Catapults: 5x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. 5x Windrider – Twin Shuriken Catapults: 5x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. 5x Windrider – Twin Shuriken Catapults: 5x Twin Shuriken Catapult
Innes Wilson – Tyranids:Â Leviathan Goodstuff with two Harpies and a bunch of the powerful support pieces, plus a Pyrovore-filled Tyranocyte.
Army List - Click to Expand Factions Used: Tyranids Pre Game Stratagems: Hive Predator x2, Rarefied Enhancements x2 Warlord & Trait: Neurothrope – Synaptic Tendrils Secondary Objectives Information HQ: Neurothrope [5PL, 100pts] Warlord – Synaptic Tendrils, Psyker – Catalyst, Onslaught TR: 3 Tyranid Warrior [4PL, 75pts] 3 Dual Bonesword and Deathspitter EL: 3 Pyrovore [6PL, 90pts] FA: Parasite of Mortrex [4PL, 80pts] Hive Predator – Alien Cunning, Rarefied Enhancements – Gestation Sacs (-2CP) FL: Harpy [10PL, 180pts] 2 Heavy Venom Cannon, Synaptic Enhancement HS: Biovore [3PL, 45pts] DT: Tyrannocyte [7PL, 100pts] 5 Deathspitter ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HQ: Winged Hive Tyrant – [11PL, 210pts] Monstrous Bonesword and Lash Whip, Adrenal Glands, Toxin Sacs, Psyker – Psychic Scream, Paroxysm, Hive Predator – Adaptive Biology, Rarefied Enhancements – The Reaper of Obliterax (-2CP) EL: 3 Venomthrope [5PL, 105pts] TR: 10 Gargoyle [4PL, 80pts]
Player: Innes “Team Latvia’s Number 1 Fan” Wilson
Team: Team Scotland
Army Points: 2000
Reinforcement Points: 0
Number of Units / Killpoints: 16
Starting Command Points: 6
Army Trait: Synaptic Imperatives
No Prisoners: 109
To the Last Units: Winged Hive Tyrant, Tyrant Guard, [Hive Tyrant or Harpy with Dermic Symbiosis]
Titan Hunter: N/A
Bring it Down: 11
Assassination: 13
Abhor the Witch: 11
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
== Tyranids – Leviathan – Patrol = -2CP, [87PL, 1575pts] ==
Hive Fleet Adaptation: Synaptic Control
HQ: Hive Tyrant – [9PL, 195pts] Heavy Venom Cannon, Monstrous Bonesword and Lash Whip, Adrenal Glands, Toxin Sacs, Relic – The Maw Claws of Thyrax, Psyker – Paroxysm, Onslaught
TR: 3 Tyranid Warrior [4PL, 75pts] 3 Dual Bonesword and Deathspitter
EL: 3 Pyrovore [6PL, 90pts]
NFO: 3 Zoanthrope [7PL, 150pts] Psyker – Neuroparasite
NFO: 5 Tyrant Guard [15PL, 200pts] Scything Talons
FL: Harpy [11PL, 195pts] 2 Heavy Venom Cannon, Dermic Symbiosis
== Tyranids – Leviathan – Patrol = -4CP, [22PL, 425pts] ==
Hive Fleet Adaptation: Synaptic Control
EL: Pyrovore [2PL, 30pts]
Thoughts
Well, that would be Tyranids vs. Hail to start us off, with two of the UK’s best players sporting the best two lists in the game right now, with a massive haul of ITC points on the line. Both list styles should be pretty familiar to readers at this point. The Hail builds rely on being able to do grinding damage at very low risk, having good sacrificial units to avoid falling behind on Primary early on, and a show-stoppingly brutal counterattack the turn that all the Dire Avengers commit. Combine that with usually having an excellent To The Last plan (which this build does, and one that costs it no CP to boot) and you’ve got something that’s very difficult to engage with, and pretty punishing when opponents do.
The Tyranid side of things is a little less complicated – it’s just packed full of incredibly high quality datasheets, and able to apply massive pressure with plenty of reach. Tyrannocytes filled with Pyrovores have proven to be the real deal, and are a definite headache for the Aeldari here (though need to watch out for Forewarned), while Harpies and Hive Tyrants are some of the best units in the game. Add in the ability to throw up very strong defences on some key turns thanks to the Zoanthrope Synpatic Imperative, plus general durability from Venomthropes, and this list can just absolutely body opponents out of the game.
As ever when Innes does well I can cross check my assumptions by just asking him what happened, and that body blow capability of the Tyranid list is what came to the fore here. If these armies engage in a broad front the Tyranids easily win the damage race – the Eldar army is lethal, but wants to be surgically removing a few things each turn, and is at much higher risk of taking a swing and a miss at a target. The Tyranids, on the other hand, are going to do massive damage to whatever they get their hands on pretty much every time, and the sooner they can start doing that the better. Because of that, Innes picked a hyper aggressive Secondary combo of Stranglehold, Assassination and No Prisoners and just went all-in on the aggression. That can be particularly overwhelming on a corner deployment (especially as Tyranids can go pretty fast), and here it was able to generate a large amount of violence. When the dust from that cleared, the Tyranids had some durable board control units left and the Asuryani didn’t, allowing Innes to take the win.
Result
Tyranids Victory – 88-72
Innes Wilson – Tyranids – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Leviathan Goodstuff
Thoughts
It’s got some of the game’s best datasheets, it’s got some tuning so that it still has good To The Last options even though it has the Harpies (with the five-model Hive Guard unit taking the third slot alongside the two Tyrants), and it’s got the incredibly tough to plan around threat of the PyroPod. It’s an incredibly powerful army, and Innes knows how to play it to maximum effect, do it’s no surprise to seem him take down his second UKTC major running.
Mani Cheema – Asuryani – 2nd Place
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
Hail of Doom
Thoughts
Mostly covered in the showdown, the most notable things about Mani’s specific build here is that by bringing two units of Hawks and Baharroth (and keeping the costs elsewhere low) he can keep To The Last active without spending any CP to do it, freeing more up for alpha strikes with Bladestorm. Were TTL not going away that might be relevant in the new lower CP meta, as it is it was clearly a good choice for the event. Otherwise, shuriken catapult Windriders continue to look like one of the best units in the book, and Dire Avengers are super nasty. Well done to Mani on the runner up finish.
Kyle Grundy – T’au Empire – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Sept Choice: T’au Sept + Stratagems + Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation [-2CP]: 2x Additional Relics + HQ + Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit [10 PL, -1CP, 195pts]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, T’au Flamer, The Be’gel Hunter’s Plate, Thermoneutronic Projector Longstrike [9 PL, 160pts]: Railgun + Troops + Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts] Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts] + Elites + Crisis Battlesuits [21 PL, 358pts] + Heavy Support + Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 145pts]: Railgun + Dedicated Transport + Devilfish [6 PL, 95pts] Devilfish [6 PL, 95pts] ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (T’au Empire) [46 PL, -1CP, 781pts] ++ + Configuration + Sept Choice: T’au Sept + No Force Org Slot + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] + HQ + Commander in Crisis Battlesuit [8 PL, 165pts]: 6. Exemplar of the Mont’ka, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Solid-image Projection Unit, Warlord Ethereal [4 PL, -1CP, 65pts]: 2. Sense of Stone, 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, 6. Wisdom of the Guides, Hover Drone, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, The Humble Stave + Troops + Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts] + Elites + Crisis Battlesuits [20 PL, 322pts] Stealth Battlesuits [9 PL, 121pts]: Homing Beacon + Fast Attack + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] ++ Total: [116 PL, 6CP, 1,999pts] ++
++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (T’au Empire) [70 PL, 7CP, 1,218pts] ++
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Early Warning Override, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle
. Crisis Shas’vre: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors
. 4x Shield Drone: 4x Shield Generator
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades
. Crisis Shas’ui: Iridium battlesuit, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’vre: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. 3x Marker Drone: 3x Markerlight
. Shield Drone
. 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. 3x Stealth Shas’ui w/ Burst Cannon: 3x Burst Cannon
. Stealth Shas’vre: Burst Cannon
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
Archetype
Tau Sept Goodstuff
Thoughts
In third place we have the UK’s top Tau player, helpfully rounding out the roster of the best armies out there. Kyle’s list has more of a balance of board control and alpha units compared to some Tau builds we’re seeing, cutting back on a third big Crisis unit in favour of a pair of loaded Devilfish. That makes the army very adaptable, and also drops the third TTL pick onto a Commander, which makes it more of a viable choice (as that way if you’re using Strike and Fade you can keep one Crisis Team active early game, so only one is on the bench rather than two). A second Hammerhead is also notable, and ensures that the army doesn’t entirely lose the discouragement capability of the railgun if something like a pair of Harpies alpha strikes Longstrike. Another powerful build with an excellent pilot, and a well deserved third place.
Vik Vijay – Asuryani – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Craftworld Selection + HQ + Baharroth [7 PL, 140pts]: Fury of the Tempest & The Shining Blade Jain Zar [7 PL, 140pts]: Blade of Destruction & Silent Death + Elites + 10x Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts] 10x Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts] + Fast Attack + 9x Windriders [12 PL, 225pts] 6x Windriders [8 PL, 120pts] 6x Windriders [8 PL, 120pts] Vypers [3 PL, 40pts] Vypers [3 PL, 40pts] ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [52 PL, 932pts, -2CP] ++ + Configuration + Craftworld Selection + Stratagems + Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP] Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP] + No Force Org Slot + Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 60pts] Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 40pts] + HQ + Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts]: Farseer [5 PL, 90pts]: + Troops + 5x Rangers [4 PL, 65pts] 5x Corsair Voidreavers [3 PL, 50pts] + Elites + 6x Dire Avengers [7 PL, 82pts] 5x Howling Banshees [5 PL, 105pts] + Fast Attack + 10x Swooping Hawks [8 PL, 180pts] + Dedicated Transport + Wave Serpent [8 PL, 140pts]: Twin Shuriken Cannon, Twin Shuriken Catapult ++ Total: [112 PL, 7CP, 1,997pts] ++
++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [60 PL, 1,065pts] ++
. *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Masterful Shots
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. 9x Scatter Laser
. 6x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. 6x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Vyper w/ Scatter Laser
. Vyper w/ Scatter Laser
. *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Masterful Shots
. Warlock Skyrunner
. . Protect/Jinx
. . Witchblade
. . Sunstorm [Treasures of the Aeldari]
. 2x Warlocks
. . Quicken/Restrain
. . 2x Witchblade
. Warlord
. Guide & Doom
. Witchblade
. Mark of the Incomparable Hunter
. Kurnous’ Bow [Free Relic]
. Fateful Divergence & Focus Will
. Witchblade
. Voidreaver Felarch: Shuriken Pistol & Aeldari Power Sword
. 4x Corsair Voidreavers: 4x Shuriken Pistol & Aeldari Power Sword
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Stand Firm, Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Cronescream (Shrine Relic), Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes
. Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster, The Phoenix Plume (Shrine Relic)
Archetype
Hail of Doom
Thoughts
Speaking of strong builds with excellent pilots, Vik makes another top four finish with his spin on Hail of Doom, going for the option of one tooled up Windrider unit to use with Fire and Fade or Matchless Agility, plus Jain Zar backing up Baharroth as a second Phoenix Lord. She does a few things for the list, mostly being a very effective objective bully, as she’s very fast (crucially able to make use of a six from Strands to Advance then charge) and tanks the damage output of whatever she’s fighting, making it more likely she doesn’t take three wounds in a phase. Inflicting Fight Last also means she tag teams with Baharroth very effectively, as it ensures he gets to swing and fly away before the opponent can interrupt. Finally, if for some reason, Baharroth’s flavour of mobility is particularly useful in a match, she’s the same cost as him so can be designated as the To The Last choice and kept as a counterattack pick, freeing Barry to go out hunting. A cool extra angle from Vik tehre.
The Best of the Rest
Conveniently the top four exactly covered all players who were undefeated after the Swiss portion of the event.
Maryland Open 2022
79-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Westminster, Maryland, US on June 17 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artifacts
Brad Chester – Aeldari:Â Hail of Doom heavy on shuriken cannon Windriders, with lots of Aspect Warrior MSUs backing it up. ++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [84 PL, 12CP, 1,595pts] ++ + Configuration + Craftworld Selection + No Force Org Slot + Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 40pts] + HQ + Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts]: 2. Doom, 4. Executioner, 5: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Warlord, Witchblade Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts]: 1. Guide, 5. Will of Asuryan, Witchblade + Troops + Rangers [4 PL, 65pts] Rangers [4 PL, 65pts] Rangers [4 PL, 65pts] + Elites + Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts] Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts] Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts] Howling Banshees [5 PL, 105pts] Howling Banshees [5 PL, 100pts] Striking Scorpions [5 PL, 105pts] + Fast Attack + Windriders [8 PL, 150pts] Windriders [8 PL, 150pts] Windriders [8 PL, 150pts] ++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [21 PL, -3CP, 405pts] ++ + Configuration + Craftworld Selection Detachment Command Cost [-3CP] + HQ + Baharroth [7 PL, 140pts] + Elites + Corsair Voidscarred [4 PL, 85pts] + Fast Attack + Swooping Hawks [4 PL, 90pts] Vypers [3 PL, 45pts] Vypers [3 PL, 45pts] ++ Total: [105 PL, 9CP, 2,000pts]
Army List - Click to Expand
. *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Children of Prophecy
Detachment Command Cost
. Warlocks: 5. Quicken/Restrain
. . Warlock: Witchblade
. . Warlock: Witchblade
. Kurnous’ Bow
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol
. 9x Dire Avenger: 9x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 9x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. 9x Dire Avenger: 9x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 9x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. 9x Dire Avenger: 9x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 9x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes
. 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords, Nerve-shredding Shriek
. 4x Striking Scorpion: 4x Mandiblasters, 4x Scorpion Chainsword, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Striking Scorpion Exarch: Biting Blade, Crushing Blows
. 5x Windrider – Shuriken Cannon: 5x Shuriken Cannon
. 5x Windrider – Shuriken Cannon: 5x Shuriken Cannon
. 5x Windrider – Shuriken Cannon: 5x Shuriken Cannon
. *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Masterful Shots
. 4x Corsair Voidscarred w/ Pistol & Aeldari Power Sword
. Voidscarred Felarch: Shuriken Pistol
. Way Seeker: 1. Fateful Divergence
. 4x Swooping Hawk: 4x Lasblaster
. Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster
. Vyper w/ Shuriken Cannon: Shuriken cannon
. Vyper w/ Shuriken Cannon: Shuriken cannon
vs.
Jared Vail – Harlequins:Â Light Saedath with boats, two small bike units and one big squad of Voidweavers.
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Saedath Characterisation: Light: Blaze of Light + Stratagems + Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP] + HQ + Shadowseer [5 PL, 100pts]: 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), 5. Shards of Light (Witchfire), Shuriken Pistol Troupe Master [5 PL, 115pts, -1CP]: 3: A Foot in the Future, Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss, Player of the Light, Queen of Shards, Stratagem: Favoured of the Laughing God, Warlord + Troops + Troupe [4 PL, 100pts] Troupe [4 PL, 65pts] Troupe [4 PL, 100pts] Troupe [4 PL, 100pts] Troupe [4 PL, 95pts] Troupe [4 PL, 95pts] + Elites + Death Jester [4 PL, 75pts]: Rift Ghoul Solitaire [6 PL, 110pts] + Fast Attack + Skyweavers [4 PL, 90pts] Skyweavers [4 PL, 90pts] + Heavy Support + Voidweavers [15 PL, 390pts] + Dedicated Transport + Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] ++ Total: [87 PL, 2,000pts, 10CP] ++
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [87 PL, 2,000pts, 10CP] ++
. The Laughing God’s Eye
. Cegorach’s Rose
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Blade
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Blade
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon
Thoughts
The weather is still looking like hail on the other side of the Atlantic, with the Art of War’s Brad Chester wielding the elegant, sophisticated and extremely numerous blades of the Asuryani, facing off against Light Saedath Harlequins. Brad’s list differs from the UK versions in that it’s a bit less all-in on To The Last, and has an even more brutal counterattack thanks to extra Aspect Warriors and shuriken cannons on the Windriders. It does skimp on bringing anything like a Wave Serpent that can sit in a position for a bit, but still has sacrifical Vypers, and can afford to be far more aggressive with Baharroth to fight for objectives. The mission also feels like it somewhat rewards these choices – the mission Primary is easy to score, and on this deployment having enough different damage dealing assets that you have the option to kick off a wide-ranging engagement is valuable.
Also, against this Harlequin list, you probably wouldn’t get much mileage out of having one Wave Serpent to throw out, as the Voidweaver unit is pretty well tuned for annihilating exactly one big thing a turn then skittering off behind terrain cackling evilly. The combination of units on show here is pretty standard, but that doesn’t stop it being very potent, being extremely fast and capable of dealing damage at a wide variety of ranges.
So how do they stack up? This is definitely winnable for both players, but Brad probably has the edge. His sacrificial units for locking in the mission Primary early are cheaper than what the Harlequins have to use for that, and the fact that he’s gone very wide makes it harder for the Voidweavers to find high value targets. Baharroth is also a bit of a pain – if he can sit on an objective behind a wall then the Harlequins pretty much have to get a unit out of their boat to take it off him, making them very vulnerable and not even guaranteeing that they finish the job. The high rate of fire from the Asuryani is also perfect for cutting through Light Saedath’s defences, and Banshees are excellent at counter-punching Troupes. I think the double Banshees are the real secret sauce for this matchup, as the advantage the Harlequins do have is that they’re a bit more ready to go on a wide-ranging rampage through the Craftworld lines, as there’s nothing really durable to stonewall them. The threat of the Banshees really reduces the power of that as a plan – I think pressuring the Asuryani probably is still the plan, but the Aspect Warriors give the Asuryani an angle to wriggle out of trouble. Brad was able to use his lists’s strengths to take the win.
Result
Asuryani Victory – Score not noted (event was using OGW as a tiebreaker, so not tracking VP)
Brad Chester – Aeldari – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Hail of Doom
Thoughts
Almost all covered in the showdown, but one extra thing to highlight – bringing a unit of Voidscarred with a Way Seeker to sit on a home objective and cast Fateful Divergence every turn. Expect to see a lot more of that in Nephilim, as it gives you a way to squeeze in this CP generation without using a (now more precious) HQ slot. Congratulations to Brad on the big win.
Jared Vail – Harlequins – 2nd Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Light Saedath
Thoughts
Business as usual for Light Saedath list wise, but worth highlighting that Jared had a pretty brutal bracket to make it to the finals, taking out two of the Tyranid players in the best of the rest section – no mean feat!
Jonas Beardsley – Imperial Knights – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Super-Heavy Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [108 PL, 2,000pts, 7CP] ++ + Configuration [12CP] + Chivalric Oath: Oath: Defend the Realm, Oath: Lay Low The Tyrants Questor Allegiance: House Taranis, Questor Mechanicus + Lord of War [108 PL, 2,000pts, -5CP] + Armiger Helverins [16 PL, 310pts] Armiger Warglaives [16 PL, 290pts] Knight Crusader [28 PL, 515pts, -2CP]: Exalted Court: Master Tactician [2 PL, 30pts], Heirloom: The Heart of Ion, Heirlooms of the Household [-1CP], Knight Baron [-1CP], Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber, Thermal Cannon, Titanic Feet, Warlord Trait (Taranis): Knight of Mars Knight Errant [23 PL, 425pts, -2CP]: Heirloom: Sanctuary, Heirlooms of the Household [-1CP], Knight Baron [-1CP], Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber, Reaper Chainsword, Thermal Cannon, Titanic Feet, Warlord Trait: Knight Seneschal Knight Paladin [25 PL, 460pts, -1CP]: Character (Knight Lance), Exalted Court: Princeps [2 PL, 35pts], Heirloom: Armour of the Sainted Ion, Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber, Reaper Chainsword, Revered Paragon [-1CP], Titanic Feet, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Ion Bulwark, Warlord Trait: Revered Knight ++ Total: [108 PL, 2,000pts, 7CP] ++
. Armiger Helverin [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Armiger Autocannon, Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Helverin [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Armiger Autocannon, Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive [8 PL, 145pts]: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber, Reaper Chain-Cleaver, Thermal Spear
. Armiger Warglaive [8 PL, 145pts]: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber, Reaper Chain-Cleaver, Thermal Spear
. Avenger Gatling Cannon w/ Heavy Flamer: Avenger Gatling Cannon, Heavy Flamer
. Rapid-Fire Battle Cannon w/ Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber, Rapid-Fire Battle Cannon
Archetype
House Taranis
Thoughts
Great to see more Imperial Knights making it into a major top four, and given that there’s quite a bit of overlap here with the GT-winning build we saw last week, it looks like House Taranis is potentially the army to beat from this codex. The key combo here is the same as last time – making a Knight Paladin a Princeps allows you to drop the its powerful re-roll buff on a Knight Crusader, turning it into a monstrous shooting powerhouse. Well, more of a monstrous shooting powerhouse. Rather than pair that with Blessed by the Sacristans as we saw last week, Jonas has put the Heart of Ion on the Crusader, leveraging the fact that getting both +1 to wound and RR1s to wound at the same time provides a compounding output boost. Master Tactician also means that if the Crusader has had a Bondsman ability applied to it, it can go sicko mode with a free Calculated Targeting once per game – the free stratagem from Tactician can go on any model under the effect of a Bondsman ability, not only the one under the effect of the Tactician‘s one. That’s extremely powerful, representing the kind of damage output that will strike fear into the hearts of any list, and rounding the army out with the extra durability of Taranis and Advance/Charge capability on the Warglaives (via the Errant) makes this list look very strong. Also, it’s far less affected by the Nephilim changes we’ve seen so far than any of the previous armies in the article – bearing in mind it has Defend the Realm, it gets 3CP per battle round most of the time, so could quite plausibly stroll in unchanged from what’s here.
Ken Knox – Tau – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Sept Choice: Sa’cea Sept + Stratagems + Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation [-2CP]: 2x Additional Relics + No Force Org Slot + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] + HQ + Commander in Crisis Battlesuit [9 PL, 165pts]: 6. Exemplar of the Mont’ka, Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, DW-02 Advanced Burst Cannon, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Solid-image Projection Unit, Warlord Ethereal [5 PL, -1CP, 85pts]: (Sa’cea): Strategic Conqueror, 2. Sense of Stone, 6. Wisdom of the Guides, Hover Drone, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, The Humble Stave + Troops + Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts] + Elites + Crisis Battlesuits [22 PL, 373pts] Crisis Battlesuits [20 PL, 351pts] + Fast Attack + Piranhas [4 PL, 60pts] Piranhas [4 PL, 60pts] ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (T’au Empire) [47 PL, -3CP, 819pts] ++ + Configuration + Sept Choice: Sa’cea Sept + No Force Org Slot + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] + HQ + Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit [10 PL, -1CP, 199pts]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, T’au Flamer, The Be’gel Hunter’s Plate, Thermoneutronic Projector + Troops + Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts] + Elites + Crisis Battlesuits [10 PL, 182pts] Crisis Bodyguards [13 PL, 177pts] + Fast Attack + Pathfinder Team [5 PL, 105pts] Vespid Stingwings [5 PL, 72pts] ++ Total: [115 PL, 6CP, 1,997pts] ++
++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (T’au Empire) [68 PL, 9CP, 1,178pts] ++
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors
. Marker Drone
. 4x Shield Drone: 4x Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Marker Drone
. 3x Shield Drone: 3x Shield Generator
. Piranha: Piranha Burst Cannon
. . 2x Gun Drones
. . . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. Piranha: Piranha Burst Cannon
. . 2x Gun Drones
. . . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 2x Shield Drone: 2x Shield Generator
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’vre: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer
. Shield Drone
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, T’au Flamer
. Shield Drone
. 6x Pathfinder: 6x Markerlight, 6x Pulse Carbine, 6x Pulse Pistol
. Pathfinder Shas’ui
. 3x Pathfinder w/ Rail Rifle: 3x Pulse Pistol, 3x Rail Rifle
. 5x Vespid Stingwing: 5x Neutron Blaster, 5x Stingwing Claws
. Vespid Strain Leader
Archetype
Sa’cea Suits
Thoughts
I’m assuming this one is just an attempt to trick me into skimming it and writing “Tau Sept Goodstuff” and everyone having a good laugh at my expense – well no dice, I see that Sept choice. The tools are pretty familiar (Crisis teams, supporting infantry, Commanders) but running as Sa’cea shifts things a little. It makes the army a bit more resilient to any enemy shooting alpha strikes (good in the mirror) and the Strategic Conqueror warlord trait means that both of the hefty Crisis Teams can be toting ObSec at all times (or the smaller units used as temporary objective flippers), allowing the army to hold on fairly tightly to two objectives. That’ll allow it to make sure it doesn’t fall behind on primary while its guns grind the enemy down a bit, before doing the standard Tau late game objective grabbing spread. Is it better than Tau Sept? Probably not, but it’s an interesting twist and nice to see some variety. The sacrificial Piranhas are a good touch too. Well done to Ken on the fourth place finish.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Sasha Edelkraut – Dark Angels: Pure Ravenwing with a trio of Storm Speeder Thunderstrikes and a pair of Dark Talons. After a strong result for a Speeder list last week too is Ravenwing finally back? This version packs a unit of Black Knights in preference to branching out to Deathwing, and honestly with the changes to Stubborn Defiance, going deep on this side of stuff loses you even less.
- 6th – Tyler Principio – Tyranids: Leviathan Goodstuff with a mix of Warriors and monsters.
- 7th – Andrew Gonyo – Tau:Â Outer Enclaves with lots of vehicles, taking particular advantage of the Sept Tenet with some Sun Shark bombers.
- 8th – Larry Oliver – Tyranids:Â Leviathan goodstuff that goes for three detachments to access three Hive Tyrants. Immediate RIP to that in Nephilim, but a fun flex to end the Nachmund season.
- 9th – Joshua Roberts – Tyranids:Â Leviathan Goodstuff with two Harpies.
Best in Tabletop Open ’22
46-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Hoquiam, WA, US on June 18 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – The Scouring
Steve Trimble – Tyranids:Â Leviathan Goodstuff skewed towards the “bodies” end of things, with lots of Tyranid Warriors, Pyrovores and Raveners, but also still a Harpy and Maleceptor providing support. + Configuration + Hive Fleet: Leviathan + Stratagems + Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait Rarefied Enhancements [-1CP]: Extra Bio-artefact + No Force Org Slot + Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts] + HQ + Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 205pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Catalyst, Power: Paroxysm, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology + Troops + Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 255pts]: Adrenal Glands Tyranid Warriors [8 PL, 140pts]: Adrenal Glands Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 75pts] + Elites + Deathleaper [5 PL, 95pts]: Warlord Trait: Alien Cunning Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Psychic Scream Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Pyrovores [2 PL, 30pts]: Pyrovore Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Onslaught, 3x Zoanthrope + Fast Attack + Raveners [8 PL, 150pts] Raveners [8 PL, 150pts] + Flyer + Harpy [10 PL, 180pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement ++ Total: [109 PL, 9CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [109 PL, 2,000pts, 9CP] ++
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Scything): 3x Two Rending Claws, 3x Two Scything Talons
. Relic: Resonance Barb: Power: The Horror
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Lash Whip and Bonesword
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Lash Whip and Bonesword
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. 3x Pyrovore: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Bludgeoning Fists, 3x Flamespurt
. 3x Pyrovore: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Bludgeoning Fists, 3x Flamespurt
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
vs.
Lukas Troller – Orks:Â Goff pressure with loads of Meganobz in Battlewagons and Ghaz + Configuration [12CP] + Clan Kultur: Goffs + No Force Org Slot [3 PL, 55pts] + Makari [3 PL, 55pts]: Makari’s Stabba + HQ [20 PL, 385pts] + Big Mek w/ Kustom Force Field [5 PL, 85pts]: Choppa, Kustom Force Field, Slugga, Stikkbombs Ghazghkull Thraka [15 PL, 300pts]: Gork’s Klaw, Mork’s Roar, Stikkbombs + Troops [2 PL, 50pts] + Gretchin [2 PL, 50pts]: ‘Orrible Gitz + Elites [18 PL, 210pts] + Meganobz [18 PL, 210pts] + Fast Attack [12 PL, 220pts] + Stormboyz [6 PL, 110pts] Stormboyz [6 PL, 110pts] + Heavy Support [16 PL, 270pts] + Battlewagon [8 PL, 135pts]: ‘ard Case [15pts], Deff Rolla [15pts] Battlewagon [8 PL, 135pts]: ‘ard Case [15pts], Deff Rolla [15pts] ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Orks) [56 PL, -3CP, 810pts] ++ + Configuration [-2CP] + Clan Kultur: Goffs + HQ [6 PL, -1CP, 115pts] + Warboss on Warbike [6 PL, -1CP, 115pts]: 4. Brutal but Kunnin, Da Killa Klaw, 2x Dakkagun, Power Klaw, Stratagem: Big Boss [-1CP] + Troops [2 PL, 50pts] + Gretchin [2 PL, 50pts]: ‘Orrible Gitz + Elites [24 PL, 300pts] + Meganobz [12 PL, 150pts] Meganobz [12 PL, 150pts] + Fast Attack [16 PL, 210pts] + Squighog Boyz [8 PL, 105pts]: Bomb Squig [5pts] Squighog Boyz [8 PL, 105pts]: Bomb Squig [5pts] + Heavy Support [8 PL, 135pts] + Battlewagon [8 PL, 135pts]: ‘ard Case [15pts], Deff Rolla [15pts]
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Orks) [71 PL, 12CP, 1,190pts] ++
. Warlord: Proper Killy (Goffs)
. 10x Gretchin [50pts]: 10x Grot Blaster
. Boss Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Boss Nob [11pts]: Choppa, Slugga, Stikkbombs
. 9x Stormboy [99pts]: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga, 9x Stikkbombs
. Boss Nob [11pts]: Choppa, Slugga, Stikkbombs
. 9x Stormboy [99pts]: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga, 9x Stikkbombs
. 10x Gretchin [50pts]: 10x Grot Blaster
. Boss Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Boss Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. 4x Squighog Boy [100pts]: 4x Saddlegit Weapons, 4x Squighog Jaws, 4x Stikka
. 4x Squighog Boy [100pts]: 4x Saddlegit Weapons, 4x Squighog Jaws, 4x Stikka
Thoughts
This game promises a fairly spectacular mid-board punch up, as both armies have some fairly heavy melee elements, and The Scouring ensures that they have to charge straight at one another. Both lists would, honestly, be doing that anyway in most games, but what happens when they slam together in the mid board?
I mean, the Tyranids probably win – because the armies are both on a fairly brawl-intensive strategy, the fact that the Tyranid Codex is just far more pushed as it stands is very likely to allow it to come out ahead. It just has more stuff, and also better access to ObSec, which creates some fairly severe failure conditions for the Orks that could put the game out of reach. That said, I do think Lukas’ build does a good job of giving him a fighting chance here. The choice to keep the Meganobz as Goffs and putting them in Battlewagons rather than bringing Trukk Boyz does two things – makes it far harder to instantly de-mech them with moderate firepower, and makes their damage output terrifyingly explosive in the vicinity of Ghaz – so explosive that with a bit of luck and an infusion of stratagems they’ll still do meaningful damage to Warriors through Reinforced Hive Node. The Battlewagons are also pretty handy after battle has been joined – they can pivot to just being annoying, as they’ll cheerfully body block and bog down units like Raveners, and provide a cost-efficient pool of wounds to soak up the depredations of the Maleceptor. The Orks would definitely need a favourable tailwind from the dice, and have the major concern of the Reaper Flyrant eating Ghaz, but it feels like pulling an upset wouldn’t be completely impossible. They didn’t, but Lukas’ score definitely shows that he gave this a real go, and wasn’t just bowled over.
Result
Tyranids Victory – 85-59
Steve Trimble – Tyranids – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Leviathan Goodstuff
Thoughts
The body-heavy end of the Leviathan spectrum, and one of the nastiest board control builds out there (while still keeping a few of the big monster hits like a Harpy and Maleceptor). Not much more to say other than to congratulate Steve on the win, and on pushing the Hive Mind’s devouring of the Nachmund sector ever closer to completion.
Tyler Bortel – Tyranids – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids 9th Temp) [101 PL, 8CP, 1,700pts] ++ + Configuration [12CP] + [Reference] Synaptic Imperatives Hive Fleet + Stratagems [-2CP] + Rarefied Enhancements [-2CP]: 2x 1 Extra Bio-artefact [-2CP] + No Force Org Slot [15 PL, 160pts] + Tyrant Guard [15 PL, 160pts] + HQ [16 PL, -1CP, 310pts] + Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Synaptic Lure, Relic: Resonance Barb, Warlord, Warlord Trait: One Step Ahead Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, -1CP, 210pts]: Adrenal Glands [15pts], Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Onslaught, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Synaptic Lure, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Stratagem: Hive Predator [-1CP], Toxin Sacs [5pts], Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance + Troops [16 PL, 310pts] + Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [8 PL, 150pts]: Adrenal Glands [15pts], Flesh Hooks [5pts] Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] + Elites [24 PL, -1CP, 410pts] + Deathleaper [5 PL, -1CP, 95pts]: Flesh Hooks, Lictor claws and talons, Stratagem: Hive Predator [-1CP], Warlord Trait: Alien Cunning Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Pyrovores [2 PL, 30pts] Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts] + Fast Attack [24 PL, 420pts] + Raveners [8 PL, 150pts] Raveners [8 PL, 150pts] Raveners [8 PL, 120pts] + Heavy Support [6 PL, 90pts] + Biovores [6 PL, 90pts] ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Tyranids) [15 PL, -2CP, 300pts] ++ + Configuration [-2CP] + Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Hive Fleet: Kraken + HQ [11 PL, 220pts] + The Swarmlord [11 PL, 220pts]: Bone Sabres, Power: Catalyst, Power: Neuroparasite + Troops [4 PL, 80pts] + Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts]
. . Kraken: Adaptive Adaptation (Kraken), Questing Tendrils
. . Tyrant Guard (Lash/Cleaver) [40pts]: Lash Whip and Bonecleaver, Rending Claws
. . 3x Tyrant Guard (Scything) [120pts]: 3x 2x Scything Talons, 3x Rending Claws
. . 10x Gargoyle [80pts]: 10x Fleshborer
. . Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. . Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. . Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. . Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. . Tyranid Warrior (Bio-cannon) [30pts]: Lash Whip and Bonesword, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. . Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. . Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. . Tyranid Warrior (Bio-cannon) [30pts]: Lash Whip and Bonesword, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. . 3x Pyrovore [6 PL, 90pts]: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Flamespurt
. . 3x Pyrovore [6 PL, 90pts]: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Flamespurt
. . Pyrovore [2 PL, 30pts]: Acid Maw, Flamespurt
. . 3x Venomthrope [105pts]: 3x Toxic Lashes
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Rending Claws
. . Biovore [3 PL, 45pts]: Chitin-Barbed Fists, Spore Mine Launcher
. . Biovore [3 PL, 45pts]: Chitin-Barbed Fists, Spore Mine Launcher
. . 10x Gargoyle [80pts]: 10x Fleshborer
Archetype
Kraken Pressure
Thoughts
Also devouring biomass in the name of the star children is Tyler’s Kraken build, taking the runner-up spot with an undefeated run. This spin on Tyranids leverages the incredible combo of efficiency and speed that Raveners represent, plus other efficient piles of wounds like Pyrovores, to just completely overwhelm an opponent’s ability to contest the table, crushing them on Primary (and often Secondaries as well). The Swarmlord is a strong addition to that formula, as the new version of Hive Commander plus Domination of the Hive Mind can allow whichever unit of Raveners is going after the juiciest or most critical target each turn to be sporting re-rolls and/or ObSec, making it even harder for any opponent to accumulate points in safety. They are also, of course, a terrifyingly deadly killing machine, adding a bit of extra crunch to the army’s mid-board in the unlikely event that an opponent does manage to repel the initial wave. All strong stuff, and a nice way to break up the Leviathan Goodstuff monotony!
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 players on X-1 records, plus one on 3.5-1.5 who was paired up against Tyler in the last round. They were:
- 3rd – Anthony Vanella – Blood Angels:Â Blood Angels jetpack murder express, with lots of Sanguinary Guard, two units of Death Company and a big VanVet block. Potentially poised to take advantage of improved Blood Angels secondaries, but does also lose out on the empty, sacrificial Land Speeder Storms it currently has.
- 4th – Colin Sherman – Craftworlds: Ulthwe with a grab bag of Aspect Warriors and two Fire Prisms backing them up. Packs way more starting CP than most of the Hail builds, and very capable of playing Wrath of Khaine, so could go up in stock in the new metagame.
- 5th – JT Steiger – Grey Knights:Â Paladins, Interceptors and a trio of Armiger Helverins backing them up. More on that combo later.
- 6th – Lukas Troller – Orks:Â See showdown.
- 7th – Noah Beddome – Tau:Â Outer Enclaves with Crisis, Devilfish and Kroot Hounds. Does need to move one of the Commanders out to an Auxiliary or split into two Patrols (TOs are aware).
- 8th – Josh Bagwell – Tyranids:Â Kronos monster mash, the dark horse third Tyranid build that’s been popping up here and there. Carnifexes, Hive Tyrants and a full trio of acid spray Tyrannofexes.
- 9th – James Lee – Adeptus Custodes:Â Emperor’s Chosen Goodstuff with Caladius tanks and a trio of Achillus dreads.
Canadian Shield
38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Gatineau QC, CA on June 182022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – The Scouring
Zach Comeau – Tau:Â Tau Sept Goodstuff with Longstrike and Crisis Suits.
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Sept Choice: T’au Sept + No Force Org Slot + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] + HQ + Commander in Crisis Battlesuit [10 PL, 180pts]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Dominator Fragmentation Launcher, Solid-image Projection Unit, Target Lock Ethereal [5 PL, 85pts]: 2. Sense of Stone, 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, 6. Wisdom of the Guides, Hover Drone, The Humble Stave + Troops + Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts] + Elites + Crisis Battlesuits [21 PL, 360pts] Stealth Battlesuits [4 PL, 80pts]: Homing Beacon + Fast Attack + Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts] ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (T’au Empire) [63 PL, 1,161pts] ++ + Configuration + Sept Choice: T’au Sept + HQ + Commander in Crisis Battlesuit [9 PL, 180pts]: 6. Exemplar of the Mont’ka, Missile Pod, Missile Pod, Novasurge Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, The Be’gel Hunter’s Plate, Warlord Longstrike [9 PL, 175pts]: 2x Smart Missile System, Railgun, Seeker Missile + Troops + Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts] + Elites + Crisis Battlesuits [22 PL, 435pts] Crisis Battlesuits [20 PL, 311pts] ++ Total: [109 PL, 10CP, 1,998pts] ++
++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (T’au Empire) [46 PL, 10CP, 837pts] ++
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Early Warning Override
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Shield Generator
. 5x Shield Drone: 5x Shield Generator
. 2x Stealth Shas’ui w/ Burst Cannon: 2x Burst Cannon
. Stealth Shas’vre: Burst Cannon
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades
. Crisis Shas’ui: Early Warning Override, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Iridium battlesuit, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Iridium battlesuit, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors
. 5x Shield Drone: 5x Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’vre: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. 3x Shield Drone: 3x Shield Generator
vs.
Dominique Carette – Grey Knights & Armigers:Â A brick of Paladins with a large number of Interceptors in support, then a trio of Freeblade Helverins to hold the home objective and provide some firepower. ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Grey Knights) [84 PL, 10CP, 1,535pts] ++ + Configuration [12CP] + Brotherhood: Preservers Detachment Command Cost + HQ [10 PL, -1CP, 220pts] + Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight [10 PL, -1CP, 220pts]: 2: Empyric Amplification, 3: Sanctuary, 4: First to the Fray, Brotherhood Psyker Power, Dreadfist, Dreadknight teleporter [10pts], Gatling Psilencer [20pts], Grand Master Chapter, Heavy Psycannon [20pts], Nemesis Daemon Greathammer [10pts], Shield of Humanity [-1CP], Sigil of Exigence + Troops [6 PL, 110pts] + Strike Squad [6 PL, 110pts]: Brotherhood Psyker Power, Frag & Krak grenades + Elites [32 PL, -1CP, 605pts] + Brotherhood Ancient [6 PL, -1CP, 115pts]: 1: Gate of Infinity, 3: Unyielding Anvil, Brotherhood Psyker Power, Exemplar of the Silver Host [-1CP], Frag & Krak grenades, Gem of Inoktu [1 PL, 15pts], Radiant Exemplar, Sacred Banner (Aura), Storm Bolter, Warlord Paladin Squad [26 PL, 490pts]: 5: Armoured Resilience, 6: Etheral Castigation, Frag & Krak grenades + Fast Attack [32 PL, 520pts] + Interceptor Squad [16 PL, 260pts]: Brotherhood Psyker Power, Frag & Krak grenades Interceptor Squad [16 PL, 260pts]: Brotherhood Psyker Power, Frag & Krak grenades + Dedicated Transport [4 PL, 80pts] + Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]: Storm bolter ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment -3CP (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [24 PL, -3CP, 465pts] ++ + Configuration [-3CP] + Detachment Command Cost [-3CP] Questor Allegiance: Custom, Martial Tradition: Hunters of Beasts, Questor Imperialis + Lord of War [24 PL, 465pts] + Armiger Helverins [24 PL, 465pts] ++ Total: [108 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
. 4x Grey Knight (Sword) [88pts]: 4x Nemesis Force Sword, 4x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar [22pts]: Storm Bolter
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword
. Paladin (Psycannon) [55pts]: Psycannon (Terminator) [10pts]
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword
. Paladin (Psycannon) [55pts]: Psycannon (Terminator) [10pts]
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword
. Paladin (Psycannon) [55pts]: Psycannon (Terminator) [10pts]
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword
. Paladin (Psycannon) [55pts]: Psycannon (Terminator) [10pts]
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword
. 5x Paladin (Sword) [225pts]: 5x Nemesis Force Sword, 5x Storm Bolter
. Paragon [45pts]: Storm Bolter
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword
. 9x Interceptor (Sword) [234pts]: 9x Nemesis Force Sword, 9x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar [26pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Storm Bolter
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword
. 9x Interceptor (Sword) [234pts]: 9x Nemesis Force Sword, 9x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar [26pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Storm Bolter
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword
. Armiger Helverin [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Armiger Autocannon, Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Hunters of Beasts, Questor Imperialis , Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Helverin [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Armiger Autocannon, Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Hunters of Beasts, Questor Imperialis , Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Helverin [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Armiger Autocannon, Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Hunters of Beasts, Questor Imperialis , Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
Thoughts
A challenger approaches! Adding an Armiger Freeblade trio to various Imperium lists certainly looked like an interesting option from the Tau book, and this looks like a great fit for it. Paladins can lock down the board centre, Interceptors can flit around the board scoring Purifying Ritual and causing mayhem, and the Helverins can sit at home being pretty difficult to flip off objectives while still adding serious shooting value, a combo that Grey Knights don’t really have much of natively. An extra point of AP on their guns makes a huge difference to how viable they are as damage dealers, and the Freeblade trait they’ve taken here is pretty strong in the metagame.
To be fair, not that much of what they’re bringing really stands out in this game – it’s The Scouring again, so no true home objectives, and they’re definitely a target for Longstrike, but even here they can move up to the closer objectives early on, freeing the rest of the list to be pretty aggressive, and threaten to zip up and deny an objective later on because of how close together everything is, and the Tau’s relative lack of ObSec.
The low ObSec in the Tau list definitely feels like their number one problem. The big Paladin brick is scary, but the Tau have the numbers to kill it, to the point where I think there would be a serious argument for Combat Squading it to spread its impact out over two turns. Thanks to the boosted aura range from the Preservers Warlord trait, the Brotherhood Ancient can hand out Unyielding Anvil’s ObSec to units across multiple of the objectives on this map. Because the Kroot can be annihilated at speed, that makes it very easy for the Grey Knights to deny primary to the Tau for as long as they’re on the table, building up points on Stranglehold and Purifying Ritual as they go. While I do expect the Grey Knights to eventually run out of stuff, it feels like they can probably keep the Tau Primary score so low through to the mid game that it doesn’t matter.
From the Tau’s point of view, their advantage is that they can pretty easily score highly on Secondaries –Â To The Last feels safe, Abhor is likely to give plenty of points, and this feels like a game where taking Decisive Action and going Kauyon, avoiding the need to push for the middle objective till turn three, might be a strong third. That allows turns one and two to be spent dealing as much damage as physically possible, while trying their level best to pick up a four and a Strategic Scan from the Primary, before flipping to a more aggressive posture on turn three, aiming to deny the Grey Knight’s scoring from there, and prevent them completing their Secondaries. From the scoreline, I would guess that the Grey Knights were still too much of a going concern too deep into the game, and that their ObSec advantage let them punch above their weight even when down on stuff, as although the Tau clearly did start scoring (which basically doesn’t happen unless they’re ahead on damge), they weren’t able to level the playing field in time.
Result
Grey Knight & Armiger Victory – 91-79
Dominique Carette – Grey Knights and Armigers – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Paladins, Interceptors and Armigers – oh my!
Thoughts
Covered in the showdown, and a very cool combo, and one that IÂ desperately hope doesn’t just get immediately switched off by the Nephilim CP changes – Freeblades are super cool, but 3CP is a heck of a barrier to entry. Still, if this turns out to be the only week where this was viable, well done to Dominique for finding an awesome build and putting it to work.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Mark Wang – Adeptus Custodes:Â Emperor’s Chosen Goodstuff with Bikes and Sagittarum.
- 3rd – Zach Comeau – Tau:Â See showdown.
- 4th – Francois Lalonde – Craftworlds: Hail of Doom, sporting a Battalion loaded with Guardian Defenders and a Webway Gate to deploy them. We kind of have to assume something is going to change with Hail soon, but if it doesn’t or gets a light touch, this list is one to come back to as it’s much easier to adapt CP-wise than many of the Hail builds.
- 5th – Jean Masson – Tyranids:Â Leviathan Goodstuff with two Harpies.
- 6th – Rohan Kiska – Tau:Â Tau Sept Goodstuff with Shadowsun, Longstrike and lots of Crisis Suits.
North Wales Open: Chester Invasion
30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on June 18 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – The Scouring
Matt Robertson – Tyranids: SECONDARY OBJECTIVES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ == Batallion Detachment [92PL, 1540pts] == HQ1: Winged Hive Tyrant [11PL, 205pts] Adrenal Glands, The Reaper of Obliterax, Direct guidance (Onslaught, Psychic Scream) EL: 3 Pyrovores [6PL, 90pts] TR: 10 Gargoyles [4Pl, 80pts] FA: 5 Raveners [8PL 150pts] Rending Claws, Deathspitters HVY: 3 Biovores [9PL, 135pts] NFO: 4 Tyrant Guard [15PL, 170pts] Toxin Sacs == Patrol Detachment [23PL, 460pts] == HQ: Swarmlord [11PL, 220pts] (horror, Neuroparasite) TR: 3 Tyranid Warriors [4PL, 80pts] Dual Boneswords, Deathspitter, Venom Cannon. FA: Parasite of Mortrex [4PL, 80pts] Alien Cunning, Gestation sacs
Army List - Click to Expand
ARMY FACTIONS USED: Tyranids
TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000
REINFORCEMENT POINTS: 0
NUMBER OF UNITS: 17
PRE GAME STRATS: 2 x Rarefied enhancements, 2x Hive Predator
STARTING COMMAND POINTS: 6
WARLORD & TRAIT: Neurothrope – One step ahead
ARMY TRAIT: Kraken
NO PRISONERS: 174
TO THE LAST: Winged Hive Tyrant, Tyrant Guard & Swarmlord
TITAN HUNTER: N/A
BRING IT DOWN: 4
ASSASSINATE: 16
ABHOR THE WITCH: 9
HQ2: Neurothrope [5PL, 100pts] one step ahead , Resonance Barb (Onslaught, Paroxysm, Catalyst)
EL: 3 Pyrovores [6PL, 90pts]
EL: 2 Pyrovores [4PL, 60pts]
TR: 3 Tyranid Warriors [4PL, 80pts] Dual Boneswords, Deathspitter, Venom Cannon.
TR: 3 Tyranid Warriors [4PL, 80pts] Dual Boneswords, Deathspitter, Venom Cannon.
FA: 5 Raveners [8PL 150pts] Rending Claws, Deathspitters
FA: 5 Raveners [8PL 150pts] Rending Claws, Deathspitters
FA: Parasite of Mortrex [4PL, 80pts]
vs.
Dylan Usher – Harlequins:Â Light Saedath that’s all in on tooled up Troupes in Starweavers. + Configuration + Saedath Characterisation: Light: Blaze of Light + Stratagems + Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP] + HQ + Troupe Master [5 PL, -1CP, 115pts]: 3: A Foot in the Future, Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss, Player of the Light, Queen of Shards, Stratagem: Favoured of the Laughing God, Warlord Troupe Master [5 PL, 105pts]: Aeldari Power Sword, Fusion Pistol, Veiled King + Troops + Troupe [4 PL, 105pts] Troupe [4 PL, 105pts] Troupe [4 PL, 105pts] Troupe [4 PL, 105pts] Troupe [4 PL, 105pts] Troupe [4 PL, 105pts] + Elites + Solitaire [6 PL, 110pts] + Dedicated Transport + Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts] ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [13 PL, -3CP, 280pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Saedath Characterisation: Light: Blaze of Light + Stratagems + Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP] + HQ + Shadowseer [5 PL, 100pts]: 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), 6. Webway Dance (Aura) (Blessing), Shuriken Pistol + Troops + Troupe [4 PL, 105pts] Troupe [4 PL, 75pts] ++ Total: [85 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [72 PL, 10CP, 1,720pts] ++
. Cegorach’s Rose
. The Storied Sword
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. The Laughing God’s Eye
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
. Lead Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Blade
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Blade
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
Thoughts
Starweavers vs. Raveners – fight! Bluntly – this is the absolute perfect mission for the Tyranids in this matchup. Matt is on the Kraken Pressure express, and The Scouring lets it do exactly what it wants to – roll the opponent over. On something like a corner deployment I think this Harlequin list would have a better chance than most in this game, as with so many stacked boats it might be able to use its speed to avoid getting slammed full on by Kraken, and make dents in key positions to try and score. Here…not so much. Short edge deployment and highly clustered objectives mean that the Tyranids can demand that the game be played on their terms, and unless the Harlequins get very lucky the first time they try and fight back, they’re just going to get ground out of the game. They do at least have ObSec bodies to push back against Hive Commander, but their units are going to die so quickly once they leave their boats that it won’t last forever. The Tyranids duly took a fairly comfortable win here.
Result
Tyranids Victory – 94-58
Matt Robertson – Tyranids – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Kraken Pressure
Thoughts
Not much else to say here – very similar to Tyler’s list above, and jsut as viciously effective here (paricularly in regular event winner Matt’s hands).
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Peter Duff – Chaos Knights: House Vextrix War Dog spam, with a spicy Iconoclast Freeblade Karnivore along for the ride, popping out of Warp Borne Stalker.
- 3rd – Eric Hoerger – Tyranids: Leviathan Goodstuff with a Pyrovore pod.
- 4th – Chris Kinnari – Necrons: Eternal Expansionists with lots of small units of fast stuff, a big hammer squad of Skorpekh, then two Transcendent C’tan and a tooled-up Catacomb Command Barge as To The Last targets.
- 5th – Dylan Usher – Harlequins:Â See showdown.
- 6th – Alaeze Ugoala – Chaos Knights:Â House Herpetrax with a tooled up Abominant, six Herpetrax Stalkers, and then a trio of Dreadblade War Dogs.
Wrap Up
If the bell rang now that would be a wrap for Tyranids as Nachmund champions, but we’ve still probably got a couple more weeks of events with the old pack before Nephilim takes flight – will we see any upsets? Find out next week, and in the meantime make sure to check out our Nephilim coverage if you haven’t already.
