The season doesn’t let up, and once again we have lots of events to look at this week. We’re starting one day later than normal because yesterday we put out a Tier List, so if you want to read my thoughts on how the season is looking in general and/or get mad about my nuclear hot takes regarding Adeptus Custodes, make sure to go take a look at that. Otherwise, if you’ve been waiting for the latest top lists, read on.
Today we’re looking at:
- Salt Lake Open 2022 (Major)
- The 2022 Gateway Open 40K Grand Tournament (Major)
- Tables and Towers GT
- Feast Of Blades Singles GT August
- Seasons of Waaagh! (The Return) A WH40k GT
Tomorrow we’ll be looking at:
- The Capital City Bloodbath (Major)
- Gameology Pasadena ‘Hammer of Wrath’ GT
- GemHammer GT 2022
- Swordcon
- Korea Summer Slam
Salt Lake Open 2022 – Major
96-player, 9-round Major in Salt Lake City, UT, US on August 19 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Recover the Relics
Scott Rumple – Space Wolves: Master Artisans/Whirlwind Wolves Successors with lots of small units of Wulfen and Wolf Guard, plus Eliminators and Land Speeders with melta in support. + Configuration [6CP] + **Chapter Selector**: Custom Chapter, Master Artisans, Space Wolves Successor, Whirlwind of Rage Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [6CP] Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim + Stratagems [-1CP] + A Trophy Bestowed [-1CP] + HQ [15 PL, 310pts, -4CP] + Captain on Bike [8 PL, 170pts, -2CP]: Chapter Command: Chapter Master [2 PL, 40pts], Combi-melta [10pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Hunter, Rites of War, Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], Stratagem: Warrior of Legend [-1CP], The Armour of Russ, Thunder hammer [20pts], Twin boltgun, Warlord Chaplain [7 PL, 140pts, -2CP]: 3. Exhortation of Rage, 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity [1 PL, 25pts], Combi-melta [10pts], Crozius arcanum, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack [1 PL, 25pts], Litany of Hate, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [-1CP], Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter [-1CP] + Troops [15 PL, 315pts] + Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts] Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts] Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts] + Elites [39 PL, 894pts] + Wolf Guard [7 PL, 161pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 20pts] Wolf Guard [7 PL, 149pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 20pts] Wolf Guard [7 PL, 149pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 20pts] Wulfen [6 PL, 145pts] Wulfen [6 PL, 145pts] Wulfen [6 PL, 145pts] + Fast Attack [12 PL, 255pts] + Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 85pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 85pts] Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 85pts] + Heavy Support [15 PL, 225pts] + Eliminator Squad [5 PL, 75pts]: Las Fusil Eliminator Squad [5 PL, 75pts]: Las Fusil Eliminator Squad [5 PL, 75pts]: Las Fusil ++ Total: [96 PL, 1CP, 1,999pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Space Wolves) [96 PL, 1,999pts, 1CP] ++
. 4x Incursor [84pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant [21pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Occulus bolt carbine, Paired combat blades
. 4x Incursor [84pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant [21pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Occulus bolt carbine, Paired combat blades
. 4x Incursor [84pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant [21pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Occulus bolt carbine, Paired combat blades
. Wolf Guard [26pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts], Storm shield [4pts]
. Wolf Guard [26pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts], Storm shield [4pts]
. Wolf Guard [26pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts], Storm shield [4pts]
. Wolf Guard [22pts]: Boltgun, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts]
. Wolf Guard Pack Leader [41pts]: Combi-melta [10pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer [12pts]
. Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts]
. Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts]
. Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts]
. Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts]
. Wolf Guard Pack Leader [41pts]: Combi-melta [10pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer [12pts]
. Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts]
. Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts]
. Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts]
. Wolf Guard [22pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Lightning Claw [3pts]
. Wolf Guard Pack Leader [41pts]: Combi-melta [10pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer [12pts]
. Wulfen Pack Leader [25pts]: Wulfen Frost claws [5pts]
. 4x Wulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield [120pts]: 4x Storm Shield, 4x Thunder Hammer [40pts]
. Wulfen Pack Leader [25pts]: Wulfen Frost claws [5pts]
. 4x Wulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield [120pts]: 4x Storm Shield, 4x Thunder Hammer [40pts]
. Wulfen Pack Leader [25pts]: Wulfen Frost claws [5pts]
. 4x Wulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield [120pts]: 4x Storm Shield, 4x Thunder Hammer [40pts]
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 85pts]: Assault cannon [5pts], Multi-melta [10pts]
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 85pts]: Assault cannon [5pts], Multi-melta [10pts]
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 85pts]: Assault cannon [5pts], Multi-melta [10pts]
. Eliminator Sergeant [25pts]: Bolt pistol, Camo cloak, Frag & Krak grenades, Las Fusil
. 2x Eliminators [50pts]: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Eliminator Sergeant [25pts]: Bolt pistol, Camo cloak, Frag & Krak grenades, Las Fusil
. 2x Eliminators [50pts]: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Eliminator Sergeant [25pts]: Bolt pistol, Camo cloak, Frag & Krak grenades, Las Fusil
. 2x Eliminators [50pts]: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
vs.
Lee Harris – Knights Renegades: An ultra-tanky Herpetrax Desecrator plus lots of War Dogs. ++ Super-Heavy Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [89 PL, 1,675pts, -4CP] ++ + Configuration + + Lord of War [89 PL, 1,675pts, -4CP] + Knight Desecrator [22 PL, 430pts, -3CP]: 3. Warp-haunted Hull, 4. Knight Diabolus, Arch-Tyrant [-1CP], Character (Traitoris Lance), Desecrator laser destructor, Diabolus heavy stubber, House Herpetrax, Stratagem: Relic [-1CP], Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], Titanic feet, Undivided – Blessing of the Dark Master [2 PL, 30pts], Veil of Medrengard, Warlord, Warpstrike claw War Dog Brigand Squadron [24 PL, 465pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, 305pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, 310pts]: House Herpetrax War Dog Stalker Squadron [9 PL, 165pts, -1CP]: House Herpetrax ++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment -3CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [17 PL, 325pts, 6CP] ++ + Configuration [6CP] + + Lord of War [17 PL, 325pts] + War Dog Executioner Squadron [17 PL, 325pts]: Iconoclast Household, Worthy Offerings ++ Total: [106 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
. War Dog Brigand [8 PL, 155pts]: Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Brigand [8 PL, 155pts]: Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Brigand [8 PL, 155pts]: Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Stalker [8 PL, 145pts]: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon
. War Dog Stalker [9 PL, 160pts]: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Slaughterclaw, Undivided – Warp-borne Stalker [1 PL, 15pts]
. War Dog Stalker [9 PL, 165pts]: Avenger chaincannon, Diabolus heavy stubber, Slaanesh – Beguiling Majesty [1 PL, 20pts], Slaughterclaw
. War Dog Stalker [8 PL, 145pts]: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon
. War Dog Stalker [9 PL, 165pts, -1CP]: Avenger chaincannon, Corrupted Heirlooms [-1CP], Diabolus heavy stubber, Helm of Dogs, Slaughterclaw, Undivided – Mark of the Dread Knight [1 PL, 20pts]
. War Dog Executioner [9 PL, 170pts]: Diabolus heavy stubber, Tzeentch – Mirror of Fates [1 PL, 15pts], 2x War Dog autocannon
. War Dog Executioner [8 PL, 155pts]: Diabolus heavy stubber, 2x War Dog autocannon
Thoughts
Good grief this is going to be violent. This Space Wolf army is practically designed to obliterate Knights – there are so many units here that can take one out in a single, frenzied turn of melee violence, and thanks to Master Artisans plus a reasonable spread of high-powered shots, they’re ready to do at least some chip damage at range too. The super-tanky night Desecrator is going to be a bit more of a problem than the rest, but even that’s easier for this built to go after that some – Wulfen with hammers and double exploding 6s are one of the better tools for pushing through re-roll prevention. If the Knights overcommit or allow themselves to get charged in multiple places at once they’re just going to get absolutely rolled off the table here, and the Space Wolves are well set up to make good use of terrain to try and set this up (though do have to be worried about Geist Storm ruining their charges, Keen Senses can only lock one in).
That isn’t, however, to say the Knights have nothing going on here – quite the contrary. They’re extremely murderous as well, and the mission feels like it favours them quite a bit. Six-objective missions are good for Storm of Darkness and this map makes Ruthless Tyranny near-impossible to stop from hitting 15 on (though their third choice is admittedly a bit harder). The Wolves have some good choices too, but theirs are going to force them to take a more active role in the game, forcing them onto the offensive (though they do have a decent Banners plan to bank some points), and maybe letting the Knights play with distances to maximise damage before the storm hits. When that storm hits though…oof. Both sides should also be absolutely rolling in points from the mission Primary during the alpha turns.
And honestly? All that makes this hard to call. I’d probably marginally favour the Knights – the Wolves are great at killing them, but their plan has a few more failure cases. There’s not much in it though, and the actual result was something very unusual indeed – a draw in the 9th round final of an event!
Result
Draw – 78 – 78
Lee Harris – Knights Renegades – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Herpetrax with one big Knight
Thoughts
With the final ending in a draw, Lee got the event win thanks to a higher BP total, taking the trophy for the forces of Chaos. The main notable thing here is the use of a Desecrator rather than an Abominant in the tank role – this is turning up more and more, as in most matchups Blessing of the Dark Master, extra wounds from Herpetrax and the Veil turn out to be adequate tankiness, and the Desecrator is cheaper and buffs War Dogs nicely. The use of Dreadblades for the shooty dogs is also potent, since as Ben Hampshire identified in their tournament report earlier in the week, you get more value from that than you do from the Iconoclast trait on them. Love seeing Chaos Knights taking an event (especially Herpetrax, my favourite house), so huge congratulations to Lee.
Scott Rumple – Space Wolves Successors – 2nd Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Space Wolves Successors
Thoughts
To part the curtain, I was compiling the Tier list on Saturday and Sunday, and having sorted Wolves into tier three due to a lack of big wins for them, felt an encroaching sense of inevitability as I watched Scott win more and more games and eventually fight the final of a major to a draw. This list isn’t particularly complicated, but it does kick ass – Wulfen are extremely cheap for the sheer amount of violence they throw out, the Wolf relics and stratagems are very neat, and 3×3 Eliminators is starting to look more and more like something almost every Space Marine list would benefit from again – they add a lot of flexibility to the army at a bargain price point, and are incredibly hard to shift out of cover at range.
Between them and the speeders, this army has enough ranged threat to force at least some caution from premium enemies, and that buys the small window of time the army needs to set up before the slaughter starts, at which point those ranged units switch to being inexpensive positional pieces. Feels like a very strong plan, and hopefully this won’t be the last we see of Wolves on the top tables – well done Scott.
Matt Evans – Hive Fleet Behemoth – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Hive Fleet: (Lurk) Naturalised Camouflage, Behemoth + Stratagems + Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait Rarefied Enhancements [-2CP]: 2x Extra Bio-artefact + No Force Org Slot + Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 135pts]: Adrenal Glands + HQ + Tervigon [11 PL, 225pts]: Adrenal Glands, Massive Scything Talons, Power: Catalyst, Relic: The Maw-claws of Thyrax, Warlord Trait: Heightened Senses Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 225pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Paroxysm, Power: The Horror, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax + Troops + Termagants [8 PL, 140pts]: Fleshborer, 20x Termagant ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [63 PL, 6CP, 1,275pts] ++ + Configuration + Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim Hive Fleet: (Lurk) Naturalised Camouflage, Behemoth + No Force Org Slot + Tyrant Guard [15 PL, 175pts]: Adrenal Glands + HQ + Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance The Swarmlord [11 PL, 240pts]: Power: Paroxysm, Power: Psychic Scream, Warlord + Troops + Hormagaunts [8 PL, 150pts]: Adrenal Glands Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 305pts]: Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 305pts]: Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks ++ Total: [101 PL, 2,000pts] ++
++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Tyranids) [38 PL, -6CP, 725pts] ++
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Scything): 3x Two Rending Claws, 3x Two Scything Talons
. 4x Tyrant Guard (Scything): 4x Two Rending Claws, 4x Two Scything Talons
. 15x Hormagaunt: 15x Hormagaunt Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. 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: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. 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
Archetype
Behemoth Board Control
Thoughts
Another top four outing for Matt’s spin on Tyranids, sacrificing some of the durability and psychic shenanigans of Leviathan for improved killing power and a better plan to use tools like Hormagants.
Evan Stump – Blood Angels – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + **Chapter Selector**: Blood Angels + HQ + Commander Dante [9 PL, 165pts, 1CP]: Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol, The Axe Mortalis, Warlord Primaris Chaplain on Bike [8 PL, 150pts, -2CP]: 1. Litany of Faith (Aura), 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Absolver Bolt pistol, Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity, Crozius arcanum, Frag & Krak grenades, Icon of The Angel, Litany of Hate, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic, Twin Bolt rifle, Wise Orator Sanguinary Priest [6 PL, 120pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack + Troops + Assault Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 95pts] Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts] Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 120pts] + Elites + Death Company Marines [8 PL, 180pts]: Jump Pack Death Company Marines [8 PL, 105pts]: Jump Pack Sanguinary Ancient [7 PL, 110pts, -2CP]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, Wrath of Baal Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 190pts] Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 195pts] Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 195pts] + Fast Attack + Assault Squad [6 PL, 90pts]: Jump Pack Assault Squad [6 PL, 90pts]: Jump Pack Assault Squad [6 PL, 90pts]: Jump Pack ++ Total: [131 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++
Created with BattleScribe (https://battlescribe.net)
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [131 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++
. 4x Assault Intercessor: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessor Sgt: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Heavy Bolt Pistol
. 4x Incursor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Occulus bolt carbine, Paired combat blades
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Marksman bolt carbine
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt pistol and chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt pistol and chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt pistol and chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt pistol and chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol
. Death Company Marine: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt pistol and chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe, Frag & Krak grenades
. 2x Space Marine: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma pistol, Power sword
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Plasma pistol
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Plasma pistol
. 2x Space Marine: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma pistol, Power sword
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Plasma pistol
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Plasma pistol
. 2x Space Marine: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: Frag & Krak grenades, Plasma pistol, Power sword
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Plasma pistol
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Plasma pistol
Archetype
Blood Angels Jump Pack Spam
Thoughts
Blood Angels go from strength to strength, and Evan’s list here lines up with some other recent builds that have traded out the really big Sanguinary Guard squads for going a bit wider, taking advantage of cheap Assault Squads and packing in a few more Death Company. That gives the list a lot more flexibility in how it controls the table, and helps push back against armies like Sisters that want to trade up on the counterattack, and Necron ObSec who demand you fight them in lots of places at once. I do like the small squad of bare bones Death Company in that context – not intended as an alpha unit, instead just a relatively cheap way to trade into a mid-tier target. Evan was eventually defeated by Scott’s wolves in the semi-finals, and I think that makes sense – the Wulfen are a really tricky trump card in the matchup, as even with the smaller, more expendable units that Evan has, the fact that whatever takes out the Wulfen is almost guaranteed to die in return is hard to work around.
The Best of the Rest
There rest of the top eight (plus the other two 5-1 players) was as follows:
- 5th – Derek Holder – Adeptus Custodes: Emissaries Imperatus with bikes, Sagittarum and a squad of Allarus.
- 6th – Nicolas Wenker – Death Guard: Mortarion’s Anvil with a full Blightlord bomb alongside the usual suspects.
- 7th – Stephen Corrales – Alpha Legion: Has Abaddon plus the standard big Terminator block, and some Obliterators, presumably planning to use the Alpha Legion strats like Conceal to make them tough to deal with.
- 8th – Richard Kilton – Orks: An extremely go-wide Deathskulls list, running lots of small units and cheap characters to take full advantage of the Deathskulls re-rolls and control the board.
- 9th – Colin Kay – Night Lords: Another outing for Colin’s powerful Night Lords build, with which he’s on quite a tear!
- 10th – Kennith Onyeabor – Tyranids: Jormungandr ObSec Lurk big bugs.
The 2022 Gateway Open 40K Grand Tournament
82-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Collinsville, IL, US on August 20 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings. Placings were done with OGW as the tiebreaker.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Abandoned Sanctuaries
Josh Wilson – Chaos Space Marines: Creations of Bile with a big Terminator brick and some Helldrakes. + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost [3CP] Gametype Legion: Black Legion + Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander + Abaddon the Despoiler [15 PL, 300pts, -1CP]: 3. Merciless Overseer, 5. Eternal Vendetta, 6. Paragon of Hatred, Drach’nyen, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Talon of Horus, Warlord ++ Battalion Detachment -3CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [89 PL, 1,700pts, -2CP] ++ + Configuration + Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost [-3CP] Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim Legion: Creations of Bile + HQ + Daemon Prince with Wings [11 PL, 180pts, -2CP]: 5.-6. Twisted Regeneration, Aspiring Lord, G’holl’ax, the Decayed, Hellforged sword, Malefic talons, Mark of Nurgle, Stratagem: Relic, Warptime, Wings Dark Apostle [5 PL, 95pts]: Accursed crozius, Bolt pistol, Chaos Undivided, Frag & Krak grenades, Illusory Supplication Lord Discordant on Helstalker [10 PL, 190pts, -2CP]: 1. Flames of Spite, Aspiring Lord, Bladed limbs, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Gorget of Eternal Hate, Helstalker autocannon, Impaler chainglaive, Mark of Tzeentch, Mechatendrils, Stratagem: Relic, Techno-virus injector + Troops + Cultist Mob [2 PL, 50pts] Cultist Mob [2 PL, 50pts] Legionaries [7 PL, 125pts]: Mark of Slaanesh + Elites + Chaos Terminator Squad [19 PL, 375pts, -1CP]: Mark of Slaanesh Possessed [7 PL, 140pts] Possessed [7 PL, 140pts] + Fast Attack + Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 25pts] + Flyer + Heldrake [9 PL, 165pts]: Baleflamer, Heldrake claws Heldrake [9 PL, 165pts]: Baleflamer, Heldrake claws ++ Total: [104 PL, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Supreme Command Detachment +3CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [15 PL, 300pts, 2CP] ++
. 2x Dark Disciple: 2x Close combat weapon
. 9x Chaos Cultist w/ cultist firearm: 9x Cultist firearm, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Cultist Champion: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Autopistol and brutal assault weapon: Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon
. 9x Chaos Cultist w/ cultist firearm: 9x Cultist firearm, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Cultist Champion: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Autopistol and brutal assault weapon: Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon
. Aspiring Champion: Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. 3x Marine w/ astartes chainsword: 3x Astartes chainsword, 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Marine w/ balefire tome: Balefire tome, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Prescience
. Chaos Terminator: Chainfist, Combi-melta
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-melta, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Accursed weapon, Combi-bolter
. Terminator Champion: Black Rune of Damnation, Chainfist, Combi-melta, Trophies of the Long War
. 4x Possessed: 4x Hideous mutations
. Possessed Champion: Hideous mutations
. 4x Possessed: 4x Hideous mutations
. Possessed Champion: Hideous mutations
. Chaos Spawn: Hideous mutations
vs.
Daniel Sansone – Tyranids: Leviathan Goodstuff with Harpies + Configuration [6CP] + Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [6CP] Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim Hive Fleet: Adaptive, Leviathan + Stratagems [-1CP] + Relic [-1CP] + HQ [9 PL, 195pts] + Hive Tyrant [9 PL, 195pts]: Heavy Venom Cannon [15pts], Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite, Relic: The Maw-claws of Thyrax, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance + Troops [4 PL, 80pts] + Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts] ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Tyranids) [81 PL, 1,725pts, -5CP] ++ + Configuration [-2CP] + Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Hive Fleet: Adaptive, Leviathan + Stratagems [-3CP] + Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait [-2CP] Rarefied Enhancements [-1CP]: Extra Bio-artefact [-1CP] + No Force Org Slot [8 PL, 120pts] + Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts] + HQ [16 PL, 325pts] + Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 225pts]: Adrenal Glands [15pts], Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Prehensile Pincer Tail, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Tyrant Talons, Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology + Troops [24 PL, 580pts] + Tyranid Warriors [8 PL, 170pts]: Adrenal Glands [15pts] Tyranid Warriors [8 PL, 205pts]: Adrenal Glands [15pts] Tyranid Warriors [8 PL, 205pts]: Adrenal Glands [15pts] + Elites [12 PL, 255pts] + Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts] Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Smite, 3x Zoanthrope [150pts] + Flyer [21 PL, 445pts] + Harpy [11 PL, 230pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon [30pts], Adaptive Physiology: Dermic Symbiosis [2 PL, 25pts], Scything Wings, Show Spore Mine Rules, Stinger Salvoes Harpy [10 PL, 215pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon [30pts], Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement [1 PL, 10pts], Scything Wings, Show Spore Mine Rules, Stinger Salvoes ++ Total: [94 PL, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [13 PL, 275pts, 5CP] ++
. 10x Gargoyle [80pts]: 10x Fleshborer
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Scything) [120pts]: 3x Two Rending Claws, 3x Two Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [35pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [35pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. Tyranid Warrior [35pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [35pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. Tyranid Warrior [35pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. 3x Venomthrope [105pts]: 3x Toxic Lashes
Thoughts
Creations of Bile are looking like one of the stronger Chaos Space Marine options – with so much damage in the metagame being melee-based, their ability to fight on death is premium, and combining that with extra strength and movement, an Advance and Charge stratagem and a very good Warlord Trait (Twisted Regeneration, great for a brawling Daemon Prince as here) makes for a very attractive package. Their main weakspot in a matchup like this would normally be the presence of the Harpies, as Fight on Death doesn’t really help against them, their bombs and mines are great into a lot of Chaos Space Marine, and the list is relatively short on answers.
Enter the Heldrake. Two of them, to be precise. Cheaper and more effective than ever out of the new book, especially with Let The Galaxy Burn buffing up their flamers and access to damage reduction via stratagem, they’re not a bad unit just on rate, and if your main concern is getting bombed to death with impunity by Harpies or Sun Sharks they suddenly become a very good pick to round out your list. Even if planes aren’t the main worry in a given game, just the amount of threat projection they provide with the large reach to move, flame then charge makes them helpful for buying time while the Possessed, Terminators and hellish murder characters get into position, making them pretty cool all round. In a heavy herohammer list like this, just the fact that the drakes can provide a safe space for a Character to be screened for a bit can be very strong too.
In this matchup, I do think they completely flip the script. If the Harpies could comfortably spend the game flitting around bombing stuff and popping off shots, I’d say the Tyranids could fairly comfortably take this – neither army has that much stuff, so if one side starts to reliably bleed the other or get the better of trades, I don’t think their opponent will manage to stay in the game long enough to win this. Without the Heldrakes to take out the Harpies, I think Tyranids manage the bleed plan. With the threat of the drakes, the Harpies are suddenly under constant threat unless sniping the Daemon Engines out of the sky with venom cannons happens fast, which allows Chaos to play this the way they want, brawling in the middle and winning trades thanks to Fight on Death and the power of their characters. The fact that if a Heldrake does kill a Harpy in melee it’s worth 3pts on Specimens for the Spider is also hilarious and genuinely relevant.
I don’t think any of this makes the game a lock for the Chaos Space Marines, as the Tyranids are still, you know, Tyranids – they have good Psychic output, strong melee and reasonable shooting until the Harpies are down. Secondaries are a bit rough for them though – Psychic Interrogation is good, but Cranial Feasting is risky against this list, and it’s not really a game for Banners or RND. On the other side, Specimens and The Long War both feel good, and squeezing a reasonable number of points out of For the Dark Gods seems plausible. It looks like Chaos’s better scoring options and aerial counterattack threat were enough to win out.
Result
Chaos Space Marines Victory – 92 – 68
Josh Wilson – Chaos Space Marines – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Creations of Bile
Thoughts
Mostly covered in the showdown – I genuinely love the Heldrakes here for covering the army’s potential weak spots, and it’s good to see that rewarded. I do also like the combo of Regeneration and G’holl’ax, the Decayed on the Daemon Prince – it lets them YOLO into a C’tan or something, then reveal that they do not, in fact, OLO. Unless they roll a 1. Don’t do that. Top strategic tips, right here. Great work from Josh.
Cory Schulz – Necrons – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Dynasty Choice: Dynasty: Mephrit Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim + HQ + Chronomancer [5 PL, -1CP, 75pts]: Aeonstave, Dynastic Heirlooms, Relic: Veil of Darkness + Troops + Immortals [4 PL, 80pts]: Gauss Blaster, 5x Immortal + Elites + Deathmarks [8 PL, 150pts] Deathmarks [8 PL, 150pts] + Fast Attack + Canoptek Scarab Swarms [2 PL, 45pts] Canoptek Scarab Swarms [2 PL, 45pts] + Flyer + Doom Scythe [9 PL, 165pts] Doom Scythe [9 PL, 165pts] ++ Super-Heavy Detachment -6CP (Necrons) [63 PL, 3CP, 1,120pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost [-6CP] Dynasty Choice: Dynasty: Mephrit + Lord of War + Monolith [17 PL, 320pts] Tesseract Vault [25 PL, 400pts]: Power of the C’tan: Antimatter Meteor, Power of the C’tan: Sky of Falling Stars, Power of the C’tan: Time’s Arrow, Power of the C’tan: Transdimensional Thunderbolt The Silent King [21 PL, 3CP, 400pts] ++ Total: [110 PL, 1,995pts] ++
++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Necrons) [47 PL, -3CP, 875pts] ++
. 10x Deathmark: 10x Synaptic Disintegrator
. 10x Deathmark: 10x Synaptic Disintegrator
. 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm: 3x Feeder Mandibles
. 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm: 3x Feeder Mandibles
. 4 Death Rays: 4x Death Ray
. 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator Beam
Archetype
Necron Super Heavy Spam
Thoughts
10/10, no notes.
This army presents an exceptionally skewed target profile, has incredibly deadly shooting thanks to the Silent King giving the Doom Scythes and super heavies full hit re-rolls, and once it’s built up some CP has a few sneaky tricks for picking apart opposing plans too – dropping ten Deathmarks in to intercept an Action unit can deny some points, and pointing them at an enemy Character with the Mephrit Stratagem up and the Silent King’s re-rolls has a pretty good chance of just flattening them with Mortals. This allows problem units that can actually threaten the big boxes to be neatly excised, after which they and the King can roll round the board cleaning up. This army is definitely one where there’s a risk of things going badly wrong for you very quickly if the dice turn cold, but most of the big Necron boxes genuinely are priced to move at this point, and Cory absolutely smashing through a series of opponents is testament to that. Also, I’ve just realised that because of the way the timing works, you can move a (CORE) Tesseract Vault onto an objective, blast off all your C’tan powers, then start Ancient Machineries. Delightfully devious.
George Glassell – Blood Angels – 3rd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand + Configuration + **Chapter Selector**: Blood Angels Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim + HQ + Commander Dante [9 PL, 165pts, 1CP]: Warlord Sanguinary Priest [6 PL, 120pts, -2CP]: 3. Soulwarden, Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Jump Pack, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic, The Armour Indomitus The Sanguinor [8 PL, 150pts] + Troops + Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts] Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts] Tactical Squad [5 PL, 90pts] + Elites + Death Company Marines [8 PL, 180pts]: Jump Pack Death Company Marines [8 PL, 155pts]: Jump Pack Sanguinary Ancient [7 PL, 110pts, -2CP]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, Wrath of Baal Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 210pts] Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 210pts] Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 180pts] + Fast Attack + Assault Squad [12 PL, 108pts]: Jump Pack Assault Squad [12 PL, 108pts]: Jump Pack ++ Total: [136 PL, 3CP, 1,996pts] ++
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [136 PL, 1,996pts, 3CP] ++
. 4x Incursor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant
. 4x Incursor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant
. 4x Space Marine: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Death Company Marine: Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Thunder hammer
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. Death Company Marine: Inferno pistol, Power sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword
. 3x Space Marine: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: 2x Lightning Claw
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword
. 3x Space Marine: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: 2x Lightning Claw
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword
Archetype
Blood Angels Jump Pack Spam
Thoughts
Much the same applies as for Evan’s list above. This build has slightly bigger Sanguinary Guard units for when something really needs to die, and bulks up the Assault Squads by one model for RND reliabiliy, but otherwise is similar – good mobility, good flexibility to go wide, and still excellent killing power when the time is right.
Daniel Sansone – Tyranids – 4th Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Leviathan Goodstuff
Thoughts
Y’all know how this works. Leviathan is good. Big bugs are good. This list is good. Daniel came 4th at a major, so Daniel is good. Simple.
The Best of the Rest
There were 10 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Justin Curtis – Black Legion: Justin gets tantalisingly closer to a top four feature with his unusual Black Legion list centred around four big units (Bikers, Raptors and two squads of Legionaries). Has Abaddon and Haarken to buff them up, plus a cheeky squad of Rubricae to utilise Abaddon’s wound re-rolls. Also a Noctilith Crown. King.
- 6th – David Connors – Adeptus Custodes: Dread Host going wide with lots of Custodian and Allarus squads.
- 7th – David Clark – Necrons: Hefty Eternal Expansionists, with the King, Nightbringer and big units of Skorpekh and Lokhusts.
- 8th – Andy Patton – Black Legion: More Black Legion, this time mostly more conventional with the exception of a pair of Heldrakes.
- 9th – Nicholas Rupel – Chaos Knights: Vextrix with a buffed up Desecrator and a whole bunch of Dogs.
- 10th – Scott Sasser – Orks: Goff pressure with Ghaz plus a bug unit of regular Nobz.
- 11th – Dick Johnson – Deathwatch: Kill Team Strike Force with the current “standard” loadout of two melee Proteus teams, two tanky/shooty Indomitor teams and a Spectrus team that packs in the maximum fusil Eliminator complement.
- 12th – Kris Schmidt – Necrons: Expansionists with no Silent King, instead packing in lots of Warriors, the Nightbringer, 2×6 Skorpekh and a Ghost Ark.
- 13th – Tyler White – Adepta Sororitas: Another run for Tyler’s mecha-heavy Bloody Rose list.
- 14th – Ryan Verbeck – Tyranids: Kraken pressure with lots of Raveners and a Sporocyst and the no overwatch Feed biomorphology.
Tables & Towers August GT
46-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Tables and Towers, Westminster, MD, US on August 20 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Tear Down Their Icons
Jeffrey Kolodner – Adepta Sororitas: Board-controlly Valorous Heart with a big Sister squad, some Paragons and small Sacresant units, alongside herohammer stuff (including the super tough Canoness). + Configuration + Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim Order of the Eternal Crucible – Order Convictions: Minoris Convictions + HQ + Order Superior Evangeline – Canoness [4 PL, -2CP, 90pts]: Blessed Blade, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol, Relic: Mantle of Ophelia, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Saint in the Making, Warlord Trait: Impervious to Pain Saint Nuria the Reforged – Celestine and Geminae Superia [10 PL, 200pts] Prioress Postulant Sabine – Morvenn Vahl [14 PL, -1CP, 280pts]: Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon Missile Launcher, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: 2. Righteous Rage + Troops + Battle Sister Squad [12 PL, 270pts] Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts] Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts] + Elites + Celestian Sacresants [8 PL, 94pts] Celestian Sacresants [4 PL, 80pts] Crucible Tender Charity – Dogmata [4 PL, -1CP, 65pts]: 1. Refrain of Blazing Piety, 3. Psalm of Righteous Smiting, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Mace of the Righteous, Relic: The Sigil Ecclesiasticus, Stratagem: Open the Reliquaries, War Hymn The Guard Crusher – Paragon Warsuits [11 PL, 230pts] + Fast Attack + Dominion Squad [5 PL, 90pts] Seraphim Squad [4 PL, 80pts] + Heavy Support + Refutation of Dross – Castigator [8 PL, 135pts]: Castigator autocannons, 3x Heavy bolter Mortifiers [6 PL, 125pts] Retributor Squad [6 PL, 150pts]: Armourium Cherub ++ Total: [102 PL, 2CP, 1,999pts]
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [102 PL, 2CP, 1,999pts] ++
. In The Footsteps of Saints: Order: Valorous Heart
. Rapturous Blows: Blessing, Miraculous ability
. Celestine: The Ardent Blade
. 2x Geminae Superia: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Power sword
. 15x Battle Sister: 15x Bolt pistol, 15x Boltgun, 15x Frag & Krak grenades
. Battle Sister w/ Special or Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Battle Sister w/ Special or Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Battle Sister w/ Special Weapon: Artificer-crafted storm bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Battle Sister w/ Special Weapon: Artificer-crafted storm bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sister Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. 4x Battle Sister: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sister Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. 4x Battle Sister: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sister Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. 5x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd): 5x Anointed Halberd, 5x Bolt pistol, 5x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sacresant Superior: Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol, Spear of the Faithful
. 4x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd): 4x Anointed Halberd, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sacresant Superior: Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol, Spear of the Faithful
. Paragon: 2 Storm Bolters, Bolt pistol, Ministorum Heavy Flamer, Paragon War Mace
. Paragon: 2 Storm Bolters, Bolt pistol, Multi-melta, Paragon War Mace
. Paragon Superior: 2 Storm Bolters, Bolt pistol, Multi-melta, Paragon War Mace
. Dominion Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificer-crafted storm bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificer-crafted storm bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificer-crafted storm bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificer-crafted storm bolter, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. 2x Seraphim: 4x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Seraphim Superior: Bolt pistol, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades
. Seraphim w/ Special Weapons: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers, Frag & Krak grenades
. Seraphim w/ Special Weapons: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers, Frag & Krak grenades
. Mortifiers: Anchorite Sarcophagus, 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent buzz-blades
. Mortifiers: 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent buzz-blades
. Retributor Superior: Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Multi-melta
vs.
Daniel Moscato – Chaos Daemons: Disciples of Be’lakor spamming lots of Bloodletters and Flamers. + Configuration + Army of Renown – Disciples of Be’lakor Chaos Allegiance: Chaos Undivided Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim + Stratagems + Field Commander [-1CP] Rewards of Chaos (1 Relic) [-1CP] + HQ + Be’lakor [19 PL, 380pts]: Penumbral Curse, Shrouded Step, Warlord Contorted Epitome [11 PL, 210pts]: Pall of Despair, The Slothful Claws, Wreathed in Shades Fluxmaster [6 PL, 105pts]: Flickering Flames, Gaze of Fate + Troops + Bloodletters [12 PL, -1CP, 217pts]: Banner of Blood, Bloodreaper, Daemonic Icon, Instrument of Chaos Bloodletters [8 PL, -1CP, 185pts]: Banner of Blood, Bloodreaper, Daemonic Icon, Instrument of Chaos Nurglings [3 PL, 75pts] + Elites + Beasts of Nurgle [2 PL, 35pts]: Beast of Nurgle Fiends [2 PL, 40pts]: Fiend Fiends [2 PL, 40pts]: Fiend Flamers [9 PL, 180pts]: Pyrocaster Flamers [7 PL, 140pts]: Pyrocaster + Fast Attack + Furies [2 PL, 45pts]: Mark of Khorne Plague Drones [10 PL, 140pts]: Plaguebringer Screamers [12 PL, 208pts] ++ Total: [105 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Daemons) [105 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 23x Bloodletter: 23x Hellblade
. 19x Bloodletter: 19x Hellblade
. 3x Nurgling Swarms: 3x Diseased claws and teeth
. 8x Flamer: 8x Flickering flames
. 6x Flamer: 6x Flickering flames
. 5x Fury: 5x Daemonic claws
. 3x Plague Drone: 3x Death’s heads, 3x Plaguesword
. . 3x Rot Fly: 3x Prehensile Proboscis
. 8x Screamer: 8x Lamprey bite
Thoughts
You’ve got to imagine that if you’re the Adepta Sororitas and someone tells you there’s a straight-up horde of Daemons that need purging then it’s like all of your Christmases and birthdays have come at once. Time to get the big flamer.
Be’lakor and big Daemon units has consistently been a moderately successful fringe strategy – Locus of Shadows makes these squads very hard to chew through for armies that are relying on re-rolls, and certainly does some work here. One of the big things built into this Sisters list is the extremely nasty power of a full Sisters block with Celestine’s re-rolls, and turning off the hit part of this at least partially blunts the power there. Flamers are also pretty decent here, though this is definitely a matchup where Armour of Contempt makes a huge difference. The Daemons also have quite a few fiddly little units that are pretty good at scoring the mission Primary here (though not many have ObSec, so are vulnerable to counterplay).
All that said, I think the issue for the Daemons here is that they’re going to struggle to push enough damage into the Sororitas to start scoring well. There’s really not anything in the Daemon list that much threatens the Sororitas at long range, and both the Bloodletters and Flamers are going to struggle to do enough damage when they check into battle to start making a dent. The Flamers need to roll pretty well to push through Armour of Contempt (and the Valorous Heart are resilient against their Mortal Wound strat too). If they get into the big Sisters unit they could high roll and make a real impact, but there’s enough stuff here to screen them out. Meanwhile, assuming the big Sister unit is rolling around with Vahl’s buff, charging it with the Bloodletters is asking to get mown down in Overwatch, as the Daemons will likely be mostly within 12″ so Locus won’t do anything. At longer range, Blind Faith also mitigates some of the impact of Locus, and means that whatever the big Sister unit gets pointed at is taking big damage.
Be’lakor is obviously still a total nightmare in combat, and would like nothing more than to pick up those Paragon Warsuits, but given that the Daemons are also a bit up against it Secondary-wise, and thus forced to go on the offensive, I just don’t expect them to get enough of a scoring foothold to win. I think they basically have to go in with both feet and Be’lakor at the helm to see if he can ride through the worst of what the Sisters can do and break open a gap (preferably wherever the Defend the Shrine objective is), but the odds aren’t great, especially as the Sisters can hack those to their favour with Acts of Faith. The Sisters did, in fact, get to have a fun day out of Daemon purging.
Result
Adepta Sororitas Victory – 83 – 45
Jeffrey Kolodner – Adepta Sororitas – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Valorous Heart Board Control
Thoughts
Great to see a change from Bloody Rose here, and a reminder that Sisters have plenty of decent options beyond that. The Valorous Heart tank Canoness is really handy for tying up big smashy characters, having Blind Faith in your back pocket is very useful, and built-in Mortal resistance is at a very high premium right now. The big Sisters unit is also very good in Necron matchups, as they tend to struggle with depleting it at range, and can’t easily push it off an objective. Refreshingly different overall from Jeffrey, good stuff.
Phillip Marquis – Necrons – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand ++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Necrons) [90 PL, 1,600pts, 2CP] ++ + Configuration + Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty: + No Force Org Slot + Bound Creation [2 PL, 40pts] Viral Construct [1 PL, 15pts] + HQ + Chronomancer [5 PL, 85pts, -1CP]: Chronotendrils, Dynastic Heirlooms, Entropic Lance, Relic: Veil of Darkness + Elites + C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon [18 PL, 300pts]: Canoptek Tail Blades, Power of the C’tan: Sky of Falling Stars, Power of the C’tan: Voltaic Storm, Spear of the Void Dragon Lychguard [14 PL, 200pts]: 8x Lychguard Skorpekh Destroyers [8 PL, 180pts] Skorpekh Destroyers [8 PL, 180pts] Skorpekh Destroyers [8 PL, 150pts] + Fast Attack + Tomb Blades [4 PL, 60pts] Tomb Blades [4 PL, 60pts] + Flyer + Doom Scythe [9 PL, 165pts]: Heavy Death Ray, Twin Tesla Destructor Doom Scythe [9 PL, 165pts]: Heavy Death Ray, Twin Tesla Destructor ++ Supreme Command Detachment 0CP (Necrons) [21 PL, 400pts, 3CP] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost Dynasty Choice: Dynasty: Szarekhan + Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander + The Silent King [21 PL, 400pts, 3CP]: Warlord ++ Total: [111 PL, 5CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Cryptothralls
. . 2x Cryptothrall: 2x Scouring Eye, 2x Scythed Limbs
. Canoptek Plasmacyte: Monomolecular Proboscis
. Hyperphase Sword and Dispersion Shield: Dispersion Shield, Hyperphase Sword
. 2x Skorpekh Destroyer (Reap-Blade): 2x Hyperphase Reap-Blade
. 4x Skorpekh Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers
. 2x Skorpekh Destroyer (Reap-Blade): 2x Hyperphase Reap-Blade
. 4x Skorpekh Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers
. Skorpekh Destroyer (Reap-Blade): Hyperphase Reap-Blade
. 4x Skorpekh Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Szarekh: Sceptre of Eternal Glory, Scythe of Dust, Staff of Stars
. 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator Beam
Archetype
Heavy Duty Eternal Expansionists
Thoughts
This list has a pretty scary shooting alpha strike from the re-rolling Doom Scythes and Silent King, and can stage its Skorpekh forward onto terrain to then roll into whatever is still standing. Both parts of this plan feel particularly good on the VT Factorum terrain kits (which is what this store uses), and it seems to have worked out very well for Phillip, who took an undefeated second place.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Jonas Beardsley – Imperial Knights: House Taranis with a Paladin, Errant and Crusader (packing the Mortals buff combo).
- 4th – Ken Knox – Necrons: Eternal Expansionists with lots of Skorpekh and a big Warrior blob.
- 5th – Tarzan – Orks: The full comedy of a Kustom Stompa, with powerful Goff Characters rising to war around it.
- 6th – Edward Appel – Necrons: Eternal Expansionists with Skorpekh, Ophydians and the Nightbringer.
- 7th – Will Dalkin – Thousand Sons: Double Scarab Duplicity.
Feast Of Blades Singles GT August
34-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Amersfoort, UT, NL on August 20 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Death and Zeal
Rob Goossens – Necrons: Eternal Expansionists with speedy objective grabbers and a Transcendant C’tan. ++ Outrider Detachment -3CP – Necrons Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors [53 PL, 2CP, 900pts] ++ HQ 1: Technomancer [6 PL, -1CP, 80pts]: Canoptek Cloak EL 1: 5 Skorpekh Destroyers [8 PL, 150pts]: 1 Skorpekh Destroyer (Reap-Blade) FA 1: 3 Canoptek Scarab Swarms [2 PL, 45pts] HS 1: 1 Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts] Gauss Destructor ++ Supreme Command Detachment +2CP (Necrons) [21 PL, 5CP, 400pts] ++ Dynasty Choice: Dynasty: Szarekhan The Silent King [21 PL, +3CP, 400pts] ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Necrons – Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors) [41 PL, -4CP, 700pts] ++ HQ 1: Catacomb Command Barge [9 PL, 150pts]: Gauss Cannon TR 1: Immortals [4 PL, 80pts]: Gauss Blaster EL 1: Transcendent C’tan [14 PL, 230pts]: Fractured Personality: Cosmic Tyrant, Power of the C’tan: Sky of Falling Stars, Power of the C’tan: Transdimensional Thunderbolt FA 1: 5 Tomb Blades [8 PL, 140pts] 5 Shadowloom, 5 Twin Tesla Carbine HS 1: 1 Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts] Gauss Destructor HS 2: 1 Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts] Gauss Destructor
Army List - Click to Expand
-Arkana: Cryptogeometric Adjuster
-Relic: Veil of Darkness
FA 2: 3 Canoptek Scarab Swarms [2 PL, 45pts]
FA 3: 5 Canoptek Wraiths [12 PL, 175pts]
FA 4: 5 Canoptek Wraiths [12 PL, 175pts]
FA 5: 3 Ophydian Destroyers [4 PL, 90pts]: 1 Ophydian Destroyer (Reap-Blade)
FA 6: 3 Ophydian Destroyers [4 PL, 90pts]: 1 Ophydian Destroyer (Reap-Blade)
. 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator Beam
-Relic: Voltaic Staff,
-Warlord Trait: Enduring Will
vs.
Simon Gojkovic – Tyranids: Leviathan Goodstuff with a much heavier supply of swarm Troops than normal, bringing Termagants around a buffed Tervigon and a big squad of Gargoyles too. == Tyranids – Leviathan – Battalion = 0CP, [83PL, 1,503pts] == HQ: Hive tyrant =195pts | 9PL HQ: Neurothrope =100pts | 5PL HQ: Tervigon =225pts | 11PL TR: 23x Termagants =161pts | 12PL TR: 19x Gargoyles =152pts | 8PL TR: 10x Gargoyles =80pts | 4PL HVY: 3x Biovores =135pts | 9PL FL: Harpy =185pts | 10PL NFO: 3x Tyrant Guard =120pts | 8PL NFO: 3x Zoanthropes =150pts | 7PL == Tyranids – Leviathan – Patrol = -2CP, [23PL, 495pts] == TR: 9x Tyranid Warriors =285pts | 12PL END OF ROSTER
Army List - Click to Expand
Hive Fleet Adaptations: Synaptic Control & Unstoppable Swarm
• Wargear: Monstrous Bonesword, lash whip, Heavy venom cannon
• Warlord
• Relic: Shardgullet (D5 venom cannon)
• Smite & Paroxysm (7), Psychic Scream (5), Hive Nexus (7)
• Warlord trait: Direct Guidance (+1 hit core)
• Smite & Onslaught (6), Catalyst (6), Hive Nexus (7)
• Wargear: Adrenal glands
• Warlord trait: Alien Cunning (Obsec 5 models, action after advance and fallback)
• Smite & The Horror (5), Hive Nexus (7)
• Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement (Synapse and Shadows)
• Wargear: All w Bonecleaver, Lash whip, Rending claws
• Smite & Neuroparasite (7), Hive Nexus (7)
HQ: Winged Hive tyrant =210pts | 11PL
• Relic: The Reaper of Obliterax (1mw per W caused, No ignore wound abilities)
• Smite & Onslaught (6), Psychic Scream (5), Hive Nexus (7)
• Wargear: All with dual boneswords, Deathspitters, Adrenal glands
Thoughts
Surprisingly we haven’t actually had much of this matchup in showdowns despite both these factions doing very well in Nephilim. On paper, this one looks pretty solid for the Tyranids – not necessarily a slam dunk, but they’ve got some particularly helpful tools to mess with what the Necrons want to do. The big Warrior unit is a huge pain for Necrons, as if they use Hive Nexus to keep the invulnerable save up all the time on top of Transhuman there’s really nothing in this Necron list that’s safe to tangle with them – I have experienced the thrill of watching a heavily buffed Skorpekh unit bounce off Leviathan Warriors, and I don’t recommend it. The Tervigon with Alien Cunning is also great here, as it means that it either has to die or multiple Necron units have to tangle with it to flip an objective out of it’s control. Finally, the Biovore unit is going to be a huge pain, punishing Necrons for trying to follow their plan A, without much except maybe some very sneaky Wraiths being able to stop them.
The Necrons do still have the big asset that they can score big points early, and the Tyranids have a much tougher Secondary game, especially if the Necrons save CPs to throw the Szarekhan deny strat at any Psychic Secondaries from the King. The squad of Tomb Blades with Tesla is also excellent here, threatening to smoke most of the Gargoyle or Termagant unit in a single round of shooting if they get an angle (and that’s pretty hard to stop). For the Necrons, you’re basically hoping you go first, get to complete Machineries on one flank with something cheap, then pivot hard to fighting for the centre and other flank where you can concentrate your forces, aiming to capitalise on an early points lead. I am guessing that’s roughly how this happened, because despite it feeling distinctly like the Tyranids have the edge here, the skeletons ran them very close, with the bugs only taking a narrow win.
Result
Tyranids Victory – 11 – 9
Simon Gojkovic – Tyranids – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Leviathan Goodstuff with extra swarm
Thoughts
Very neat piece of tech in the Alien Cunning Tervigon here, which combines with the Gargoyles (who can use their defensive strat in melee) to provide this list with a lot of ways to put a vice grip on objectives if the opponent is short on anti-horde firepower. Sometimes you’ll probably miss a second big Warrior unit to absolutely brick wall someone, but extra angles against opponents not ready for them is a nice tradeoff there. Cool stuff from Simon.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-2 or better records. They were:
- 2nd – Ruud Steenbakkers – Adepta Sororitas: Bloody Rose Goodstuff with a big wacresant blob and some Paragons.
- 3rd – Wim Out – Dark Angels: All-rounder Dark Angels with Azrael, Troops, Bikes and Plasma Inceptors, then a bunch of Deathwing.
- 4th – Rob Goossens – Necrons: See Showdown.
- 5th – Stylianos Marinakis – Adeptus Custodes: Emperor’s Chosen Goodstuff with a big Allarus unit.
Seasons of Waaagh! (The Return) A WH40k GT
28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Durham, NC, United States on August 20 2022. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts
Andrew Vawter – Imperial Knights: House Griffith with Canis Rex along for the ride, pretty much all focused on getting into the opponent’s face and smashing them.
Army List - Click to Expand
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
vs.
Frank Viruet – Tyranids: Leviathan Goodstuff with lots of Warriors and two Harpies. + Configuration + Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim Hive Fleet: Adaptive, Leviathan + Stratagems + Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait Relic [-1CP] + No Force Org Slot + Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts] Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, 3x Zoanthrope + HQ + Broodlord [6 PL, 120pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Smite, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Lynchpin Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, -1CP, 225pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology + Troops + Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 305pts]: Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 305pts]: Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks + Elites + Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts] + Heavy Support + Biovores [3 PL, 45pts]: Biovore + Flyer + Harpy [11 PL, 230pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Dermic Symbiosis Harpy [10 PL, 215pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement ++ Total: [94 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [94 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Lash/Sword): 3x Lash Whip and Bonecleaver, 3x Two Rending Claws
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer
. 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: Lash Whip and Bonesword, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. 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: Lash Whip and Bonesword, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes
Thoughts
Welp, this is another one that’s going to be extremely violent. This Knight list just fully wants to be in the opponent’s face – Herald on a Paladin creates some extremely spicy Armigers (that can be locked in with the Helm), Noble Combatants on a Magaera is pretty silly, and Canis Rex is quietly really good for the price, and the extra buffs they’re bringing to the table here (especially the Mortal Wound resistance for the Warglaives) seem pretty appealing. As an assembled list there’s a lot of D3 here as well, and the army has the final sting in the tail that it has picked Protect Those In Need rather than one of the more conventional Chivalric Oath choices, giving it army-wide Heroic on top of everything else that’s going on.
That’s going to be incredibly overwhelming for some armies to deal with, but this Tyranid list isn’t bad at rolling with it. The Knights definitely have a better game plan for clearing out lots of Warriors than most armies do, but the Tyranids have enough killer tools that they’re definitely going to take some of the enemy off the table, at which point the Knights start to have a little bit of a tough time, especially on this mission. The Tyranids have an easier time dedicating something to sitting on a home objective, and because the Knights are going to be pulled in lots of directions once they lose models, it’s going to be difficult to avoid giving up scoring opportunities. Psychic Interogation and Bring it Down are easy locks for the bugs here, and there’s definitely an argument for gambling on Synaptic Insight here as well – they need to hit three turns where they kill two of the models in the Knight army, and that feels very doable (especially as Sir Hektur gives them a do-over on Canis Rex).
The Knights can build up big points on Yield No Ground, obviously, but other Secondaries are more challenging – the list is clearly built to take Renew the Oaths and maybe Honour of the House on top of it, and I think that probably is what it ends up having to do here, but that just creates another way that running out of models starts to become terminal. With the extra, extra tough Armigers from Herald and the high threat the army represents I think there’s a chance the Knights manage to pull it off, but it looks like they ran out of steam towards the end game.
Result
Tyranids Victory – 97 – 82
Frank Viruet – Tyranids – 1st Place
The List
See showdown.
Archetype
Leviathan Warrior Spam
Thoughts
…remains extremely good. Congratulations to Frank on winning the event.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Andrew Vawter – Imperial Knights: See showdown.
- 3rd – Alex Ramsey – Adepta Sororitas: Bloody Rose Goodstuff with double Paragons.
- 4th – Jacob Mcfalls – Iron Warriors: Tarpit Iron Warriors, featuring a big Terminator unit, two full squads of Chosen and the proper nightmare of a full ten-model Possessed squad..
- 5th – Brent Loree – Adeptus Custodes: Shadowkeepers with lots of Bikes.
Wrap Up
Tomorrow – somehow still more Warhammer. See you then.
