Author’s Note: As you may have read last week, James ‘Wings’ Grover will be taking a bit of a sabbatical. It has been said that James will one day return to us, at the height of his powers and in our moment of greatest need to lay bare his wisdom of the meta once again – until that day a veritable clown car of lesser James’ and James-wannabes will be stepping up to fill the void and bring you a familiar but different take on our weekly column.
You feel it don’t you? That bone-deep exhaustion of this ever-evolving but crushing meta? That dull, relentless drumbeat of one faction after another oppressing everything before it? It’s been over a year now; Drukhari, Ad Mech, Custodes, Tau, Harlequins, and now Tyranids. Each of them oppressive in their own way, all of them exceeding the worst excesses of 8th edition with but one exception: The release-day Iron Hands.
When Iron Hands hit in 8th edition it was like a lightning bolt. The competitive community hadn’t seen anything like it – possibly not ever. The faction entered a generally balanced game and overnight flipped player fortunes. Even in the hell that was 7th edition, any broken army was just one in a sea of broken armies – literally nothing was broke because everything was broke. While we don’t have data going back to 5th or 6th, it’s hard to imagine any one army, even 5th edition Grey Knights, holding a candle to release 8th edition Iron Hands in terms of their immediate and total impact to the game – the first army we’re aware of to hit a >70%-win rate across the community. How quaint, then, that we would soon see six Iron Hands-level factions in the span of just one year like some kind of late-stage Kaiju events.
The exhaustion is real but the fight for balance is never-ending and so we here at Goonhammer will continue to serve, highlight, and discuss each week the state of the tournament scene. As my buddy Strider once stated:
I see in your eyes the same fear that has taken the heart of me! A day has come when the courage of men fail, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. It is this day! An hour of bugs and overflowing reclamation pools when the age of Men has come crashing down! It is this day! This day we fight without hope!
Similarly, we fight without hope… and write without joy.
Games Workshop: US Open Seattle
205-player, 8-round Supermajor in Seattle, Washington. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Abandoned Sanctuaries
John Lennon – Tyranids – Kraken Raveners & Pyrovores + Goodstuff
John's List - click to expand ++ Battalion Detachment (Tyranids) [95 PL, 1,650pts] ++ Hive Fleet: Kraken + No Force Org Slot + Tyrant Guard [15 PL, 170pts]: Toxin Sacs + HQ + Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 205pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Onslaught, Power: Psychic Scream, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax + Troops + Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] + Elites + Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Power: Neuroparasite, Power: The Horror Pyrovores [2 PL, 30pts]: Pyrovore Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts] + Fast Attack + Raveners [8 PL, 150pts] Raveners [8 PL, 150pts] Raveners [8 PL, 150pts] ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Tyranids) [17 PL, 350pts, -1CP] ++ + Configuration + Hive Fleet: Kraken + Stratagems + Hive Predator [-1CP]: Extra Warlord Trait + HQ + Hive Tyrant [9 PL, 190pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Power: Onslaught, Power: Paroxysm, Relic: Pathogenesis, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance + Troops + Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts] + Fast Attack + Parasite of Mortrex [4 PL, 80pts]: Warlord Trait: Alien Cunning ++ Total: [112 PL, -1CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 4x Tyrant Guard (Lash/Sword): 4x Lash Whip and Bonecleaver, 4x Two Rending Claws
. Relic: Resonance Barb: Power: Paroxysm
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. 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
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes
. 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
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer
vs.
Hogan Franklin – Tyranids – Leviathan Double Malaceptor, Double Harpy
Hogan's List - click to expand ++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [107 PL, 2,000pts, 9CP] ++ + Configuration + Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Hive Fleet: Leviathan + Stratagems + Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait Rarefied Enhancements [-1CP]: Extra Bio-artefact + No Force Org Slot + Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, 3x Zoanthrope + HQ + Hive Tyrant [9 PL, 190pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite, Relic: Shardgullet, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Heightened Senses Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils Tyranid Prime [5 PL, 85pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon + Troops + Tyranid Warriors [8 PL, 145pts]: Adrenal Glands Tyranid Warriors [8 PL, 145pts]: Adrenal Glands Tyranid Warriors [8 PL, 145pts]: Adrenal Glands + Elites + Maleceptor [11 PL, 195pts]: Adaptive Physiology: Enraged Reserves, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Power: The Horror Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts] + Fast Attack + Raveners [4 PL, 90pts] Raveners [4 PL, 90pts] + Flyer + Harpy [11 PL, 195pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Dermic Symbiosis Harpy [10 PL, 180pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement ++ Total: [107 PL, 2,000pts, 9CP] ++
. Relic: Resonance Barb: Power: Onslaught
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. 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: 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: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Scything): 3x Two Rending Claws, 3x Two Scything Talons
. 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
Thoughts
The game was streamed live and can be found online – I did not watch it prior to this writeup.
Well, first things first – what an awful mission, generally, but especially for a final round game. Every packet has its black sheep and while previously it was The Scouring, in Nachmund it’s Abandoned Sanctuaries. A mission that fundamentally invalidates whole unit abilities or options and alters the way you’d construct your army (Rob: The rules for Abandoned Sanctuaries prevent the use of pre-game moves or deploying outside a player’s deployment zone) – all for a single mission in a series of 7-8 games. This mission is fine for narrative games but it’s just not great for tournaments.
With that aside, John is running one of the two Tyranids list in this week’s Competitive Innovations that isn’t Leviathan and is in some ways an inverse of the Leviathan list Hogan is running. Critically, I think, Hogan is bringing two Harpys to the table which in most games are strong assets but in the mirror match, I think likely to be a liability. They’ll do some damage, sure – but John is able to bring two full units of Pyrovores for the cost of just one Harpy which allows him to be far more flexible in addition to the greater objective-sitting footprint. Furthermore, the heavier reliance on Raveners and the Kraken stratagem gives John an edge in maneuverability and reach vs Hogan’s slower Warrior blocks or smaller Ravener blocks. Hogan does have a slight edge in MW output with the second Malaceptor, but it’s unlikely to matter if John maintains his distance until he’s ready to strike – at which point Hogan doesn’t have an answer.
Given the 5-objective mission set, I’m sure it’s a slugging match, but John is better positioned to trade on the central objective and has the faster army overall, which I think gives him the edge in the mirror.
Result
Tyranids (Lennon) Victory – 74 – 53
John Lennon – Tyranids – 1st Place
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
Kraken Raveners and Pyrovores
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
The list is absurdly fast with the potential to flat advance a Ravener squad 8” and still charge with the help of the Opportunistic Advance stratagem and the Onslaught power. With a wall of cheap Pyrovores and Warriors acting as durable and dangerous screens, a body-guarded double-cannon Hive Tyrant and various supporting beasts, the list gets to pick the fight while keeping outside of your threat range. If you choose to try and score primary points in the mid-board it’ll eat whatever you send, if you play cagey it’ll content itself with giving itself time to get the Malaceptor up the board and grabbing easy Stranglehold each turn. Either way you just lose.
The Rest of the Best
Author’s Note: The US Open series uses the pod and bracket method for placings – as a result Marshall Peterson’s Blood Axes are considered to have taken 4th place having lost in the semis and then again in the 3rd-place game – this is not reflected in the BCP or ITC standings displayed below.
Four players finished on 7-1 records in the top bracket. They were:
- 2nd – Tyler Bortel – Tyranids: Leviathan goodstuff with specialist support in a Parasite of Mortrex and two Biovores
- 3rd – Steven Trimble – Tyranids: Leviathan goodstuff with Pyrovores and Raveners
- 4th – Alex MacDougall – Tyranids: Leviathan goodstuff. Alex’s only loss came in round 7 against the champion
- 5th – Hogan Franklin – Tyranids: See Showdown
It is worth noting that Tyranids captured a win share of each of the second, third, and fifth brackets – the only bracket they did not capture a win in was the fourth bracket – there were no Tyranids players in this bracket.
Baltic Cup Kiel VIII
130-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Kiel, Germany. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Data Scry-Salvage
Fritz Peters – Tyranids – Leviathan goodstuff
Fritz's List - click to expand ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [46 PL, 885pts, -3CP] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost 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 + Hive Tyrant [9 PL, 170pts]: Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Paroxysm, Relic: Balethorn Cannon, Stranglethorn Cannon, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Perfectly Adapted Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance + Troops + Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] + Elites + Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts] Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Psychic Scream, 3x Zoanthrope ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Tyranids) [58 PL, 1,115pts, 10CP] ++ + Configuration + Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Hive Fleet: Leviathan + HQ + Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 205pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: The Horror, Relic: The Maw-claws of Thyrax + Troops + Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 270pts]: Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks, Toxin Sacs + Elites + Deathleaper [5 PL, 95pts]: Warlord Trait: Alien Cunning Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Paroxysm + Flyer + Harpy [11 PL, 195pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Dermic Symbiosis Harpy [10 PL, 180pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement ++ Total: [104 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Lash/Sword): 3x Lash Whip and Bonecleaver, 3x Two Rending Claws
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes
. 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
vs.
Marvin Petersen – Tyranids – Leviathan MSU with goodstuff backing
Marvin's List - click to expand ++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [83 PL, 8CP, 1,535pts] ++ ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Tyranids) [24 PL, -2CP, 465pts] ++
Hive Fleet: Leviathan
+ No Force Org Slot +
Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts]
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Scything): 3x Two Rending Claws, 3x Two Scything Talons
Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Smite, 3x Zoanthrope
+ Hq +
Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Synaptic
Tendrils
. Relic: Resonance Barb: Power: Paroxysm
Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 205pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught,
Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology
+ Troops +
Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer
Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 75pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 75pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
+ Elites +
Genestealers [5 PL, 80pts]: Acid Maw, Flesh Hooks
. 5x Genestealer: 5x Genestealer Claws and Talons
Pyrovores [2 PL, 30pts]: Pyrovore
Pyrovores [2 PL, 30pts]: Pyrovore
Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts]
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes
+ Fast Attack +
Raveners [4 PL, 90pts]
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
Raveners [4 PL, 90pts]
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
+ Heavy Support +
Biovores [9 PL, 135pts]
. 3x Biovore: 3x Chitin-barbed Fists, 3x Spore Mine Launcher
+ Flyer +
Harpy [9 PL, 170pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon
Hive Fleet: Leviathan
+ Hq +
Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 220pts]: Adrenal Glands, Heavy Venom Cannon, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Psychic
Scream, Power: Smite, Relic: Shardgullet, Warlord Trait: Alien Cunning
+ Troops +
Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 75pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
+ Elites +
Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Smite, Power: The Horror
++ Total: [107 PL, 6CP, 2,000pts] ++
Thoughts
The second Tyranid on Tyranid matchup of the weekend – certainly won’t be the last. Unlike the Seattle showdown, this match features two Leviathan builds that bring a lot of the same tools and tricks but have slightly different build philosophies. Both are powerful, but in reviewing the two lists, Fritz’s feels a little more solid or complete in how it wants to play as a holistic list. With Marvin’s list, we see the usual suspects, but then an assortment of utility choices that I think work in general, but serve as a liability into the mirror – the minimal sized squad of Genestealers, the two, singular Pyrovores, and the triple Biovores all combine to create a wide capability-set, but lose some of their unit’s potential in doing so.
Whereas I think the Harpy can be a liability into the mirror, I think that weakness is mitigated a bit by Marvin’s own Harpy, and the less focused construction of the list – Fritz’s large Warrior block in particular presents a challenge for Marvin who is otherwise matching Fritz tool for tool. As a result, I’d expect Fritz to outfight Marvin and win the attrition war.
Result
Tyranids (Peters) Victory – 18 – 2 (WTC Scoring)
Fritz Peters – Tyranids – 1st Place
Credit: Pendulin
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
Leviathan goodstuff with a Deathleaper
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
It’s got a Deathleaper – that counts as interesting this week. This guy is a consummate objective sitter and disrupter – capable of being untargetable so long as he deploys within a terrain element. He’s not going to move the earth, but he provides a lot of flexibility that goes well beyond just murdering things that the rest of the list does in spades. Otherwise the list is checking all of the template boxes on what constitutes a Leviathan list.
Manuel Wieczorek – Blood Angels – 2nd Place
The List
Manuel's List - click to expand ++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [82 PL, 1,539pts] ++ + Hq + Sanguinary Priest [7 PL, -2CP, 155pts]: + Elites + . 10x Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe . 10x Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine axe . 10x Sanguinary Guard: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword . 9x Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw + Dedicated Transport + ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [25 PL, 460pts] ++ + Hq + The Sanguinor [8 PL, 150pts] + Troops + + Elites + Servitors [2 PL, 30pts]: 4x Servo-arm
Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Jump Pack
Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary
Relic of the Chapter: Icon of The Angel
Hero of the Chapter: Selfless Healer
Sanguinary Ancient [7 PL, -2CP, 110pts]:
Encarmine sword, Angelus boltgun,
Relic of the Chapter: Wrath of Baal
Hero of the Chapter: Rites of War
Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 320pts]
Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 320pts]
Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 320pts]
Vanguard Veteran Squad [14 PL, 259pts]: Jump Pack
. Vanguard Veteran Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Thunder Hammer
Land Speeder Storm [3 PL, 55pts]
Primaris Chaplain on Bike [8 PL, -1CP, 150pts]:
2. Artisan of War: Adamantine Mantle
Angel Exemplar: 3. Soulwarden,
4. Mantra of Strength, 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Litany of Hate,
Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity
The Armour Indomitus
Warlord
Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 100pts]: Auto Bolt Rifle
. 4x Intercessor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword
Servitors [2 PL, 30pts]: 4x Servo-arm
Archetype
The Sanguinor and his Jumpack Bois
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
Also undefeated, a hearty congratulations to Manuel for being the all-star going 5-0 with an off-meta list, and a Blood Angels one to boot. A faction that has been up and down in 9th, down more often than not. Armor of Contempt and the natural fightiness, speed, and durability of the typical Sanguinary and Vanguard Vet units combine to create a frighteningly fast and hard-hitting list that seeks to sneak up the board and cripple the opponent’s key units before they can strike back with any real focused punch. The servitors and Intercessors give the minimal backfield objective sitting necessary to allow the rest to laser focus on their blood lust.
Kayu Orellana – Tyranids – 3rd Place
The List
Kayu's List - click to expand ++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [106 PL, 10CP, 2,000pts] ++ + Configuration [12CP] + Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) [12CP] Detachment Command Cost Hive Fleet + Stratagems [-2CP] + Hive Predator [-1CP]: Extra Warlord Trait [-1CP] Rarefied Enhancements [-1CP]: Extra Bio-artefact [-1CP] + No Force Org Slot [7 PL, 150pts] + Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Neuroparasite, 3x Zoanthrope [150pts] + HQ [10 PL, 190pts] + Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Relic: Gestation Sac, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils Tyranid Prime [5 PL, 90pts]: Dual Boneswords, Relic: Searhive, Toxin Sacs [5pts], Venom Cannon, Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology + Troops [24 PL, 480pts] + Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] + Elites [37 PL, 675pts] + Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts] Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Psychic Scream, 3x Zoanthrope [150pts] Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Psychic Scream, 3x Zoanthrope [150pts] + Fast Attack [12 PL, 270pts] + Raveners [4 PL, 90pts] Raveners [4 PL, 90pts] Raveners [4 PL, 90pts] + Heavy Support [9 PL, 135pts] + Biovores [9 PL, 135pts] + Dedicated Transport [7 PL, 100pts] + Tyrannocyte [7 PL, 100pts]: 5x Deathspitter, Flensing Whips ++ Total: [106 PL, 10CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Other: (Hunt) Ambush Predators (tauschbar), (Lurk, Adaptive) Naturalised Camouflage, Lurk (nicht tauschbar)
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [30pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon [5pts]
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior [25pts]: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. 3x Pyrovore [6 PL, 90pts]: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Bludgeoning Fists, 3x Flamespurt
. 3x Pyrovore [6 PL, 90pts]: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Bludgeoning Fists, 3x Flamespurt
. 3x Pyrovore [6 PL, 90pts]: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Bludgeoning Fists, 3x Flamespurt
. 3x Venomthrope [105pts]: 3x Toxic Lashes
. Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener [30pts]: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. 3x Biovore [9 PL, 135pts]: 3x Chitin-barbed Fists, 3x Spore Mine Launcher
Archetype
An MSU custom hive fleet build
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
The third undefeated player of the event. I’m just going to say it – this is an actually interesting Tyranids list. The custom traits grant the ability to heroically intervene army-wide as well as granting an additional save bonus when receiving benefits of cover – both strong abilities in this list. The Pyrovores I’ll go into more depth later in the column, but they’re a strong choice here next to the flexibility of the Ravener and Warrior units – but what I think really makes this list sing is the grouping of Zoanthropes which serve to cover for the lack of Malaceptors to boost the lists mortal wound output.
Honestly, I love this list. It feels like a fun break from the Leviathan big bug wall we’ve seen – the only downside to it is that it’s going to give up a lot of points on No Prisoners, often max points. Maybe that doesn’t matter, as Kayu still took it 5-0.
The Rest of the Best
Four other players finished on 4-1 records. They were:
- 4th – Fred Oho – Harlequins: Light Harlequins with go-wide MSU leaning on nine Troupe, eight Starweavers, with minimal specialist units. Fred’s only loss came in round 4 against the runner-up
- 5th – Pascal Pannicke – Tyranids: No list available. Pascal’s only loss came in round 2 against the champion
- 6th – Michael Gemmeke – Tyranids: Leviathan go-wide on Warriors backed by goodstuff. Michael’s only loss came in round 3 against the top-table runner-up
- 7th – Marvin Petersen* – Tyranids: See Showdown
Glasshammer GT #8
41-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in St. George’s, England. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts
Vik Vijay – Craftworlds – Hail of Doom/Masterful Shots shuriken build with Barry, two Farseers, and double Hawks and double Vypers
Vik's List - click to expand ++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [65 PL, 1220pts] ++ + Configuration + . *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Masterful Shots + HQ + Baharroth [7 PL, 140pts] + Elites + 10x Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts] 10x Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts] + Fast Attack + 10x Swooping Hawks [8 PL, 180pts] 10x Swooping Hawks [8 PL, 180pts] 6x Windriders [8 PL, 120pts] 6x Windriders [8 PL, 120pts] 6x Windriders [8 PL, 120pts] 3x Shining Spears [6 PL, 120pts] ———————— ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [45 PL, 777pts, -3CP] ++ + Configuration + . *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Masterful Shots + Stratagems + Seer Council [-1CP] +No Force Org + 3x Warlock Skyrunners [5 PL, 105pts]: 3x Witchblades + HQ + Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts]: Warlord, Witchblade Farseer [5 PL, 90pts,]: Witchblade + Troops + 5x Rangers [4 PL, 65pts] + Elites + 6x Dire Avengers [6 PL, 72pts] 5x Howling Banshees [5PL, 105pts] + Fast Attack + Vypers [3 PL, 40pts] Vypers [3 PL, 40pts] + Dedicated Transport + Wave Serpent [8 PL, 140pts]: Twin Shuriken Cannon & Twin Shuriken Catapult ++ Total: [110 PL, 6CP, 1,997pts] ++
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster
. Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster
. 6x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. 6x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. 6x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Paragon Sabre, Shuriken Cannon, Khaine’s Lance
Relics of the Shrines [-1CP]
Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP]
. Protect/Jinx & Quicken/Restrain
. Seer Council
. Guide & Doom
. Kurnous’ Bow & Mark of the Incomparable Hunter
. Seer Council
. Faithful Divergence & Focus Will
. Faolchu’s Wing [Treasures of the Aeldari]
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Piercing Strikes, Mirrorswords, Cronescream
. Scatter Laser & Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Scatter Laser & Twin Shuriken Catapult
vs.
Janus China – Tyranids – Leviathan Double Carnifex with Heavy Venom Cannon and goodstuff support
Janus' List - click to expand ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [61 PL, 9CP, 1,135pts] ++ + Configuration + Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Hive Fleet: Leviathan + Stratagems + Hive Predator [-1CP]: Extra Warlord Trait Rarefied Enhancements [-2CP]: 2x Extra Bio-artefact + No Force Org Slot + Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts] Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Neuroparasite, 3x Zoanthrope + HQ + Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 205pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Onslaught, Power: Psychic Scream, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Warlord Trait: Perfectly Adapted + Troops + Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] + Elites + Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts] + Heavy Support + Exocrine [11 PL, 195pts]: Adaptive Physiology: Dermic Symbiosis + Flyer + Harpy [10 PL, 180pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Tyranids) [47 PL, -2CP, 865pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Hive Fleet: Leviathan + HQ + Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 205pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Onslaught, Power: Psychic Scream, Relic: The Maw-claws of Thyrax + Troops + Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] + Elites + Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Power: Neuroparasite, Power: The Horror Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Paroxysm + Heavy Support + Carnifexes [7 PL, 120pts] Carnifexes [7 PL, 120pts] ++ Total: [108 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Scything): 3x Two Rending Claws, 3x Two Scything Talons
. Relic: Resonance Barb: Power: Paroxysm
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Carnifex: Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Two Carnifex Scything Talons
. Carnifex: Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Two Carnifex Scything Talons
Thoughts
I think the one faction that has a real shot into Tyranids is ironically Craftworlds. I say ironically because the history of Craftworlds is getting their paper out-scissored by Tyranids across the editions – they just tend to match up very well against Craftworlds.
In this fight, what immediately stands out to me is the disparity in speed between the lists. Vik’s list is not just faster, it’s far more flexible in how it can approach any given target. By contrast, Janus’ list lacks some key units that can help it overcome Craftworlds, and in particular, a Hail of Doom list – namely Pyrovores and Raveners which can either serve to create space and force target priority decisions, or keep pace with the fast Craftworld units and counter-punch. While both have strong To The Last options, the power of the units are more distributed within Vik’s list as compared to Janus’.
As a result, I expect that as long as Vik can keep Janus fighting on Vik’s terms, choosing when and which engagements, whittling along the edges in the first couple of turns, he can afford to sacrifice a turn or two of primary to gain a strength advantage and come on strong in the final 2-3 turns – by contrast, I think Janus is faced with forcing a fight – and if he can’t get there or if he doesn’t do enough damage in his initial push, he’ll quickly lose steam as one big bad after the next falls.
Result
Craftworlds Victory – 74 – 60
Vik Vijay – Craftworlds – 1st Place
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
Hail of Doom/Masterful Shots shuriken build with Barry, two Farseers, and double Hawks and double Vypers
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
Utility, utility, utility. That’s the name of the game with this Craftworld list. Each unit is capable of delivering damage well above what the datasheet would lead you to believe with the Hail of Doom trait providing an auto-wound of 6 on shuriken weapons that roll a 6 to hit. As a result, there isn’t a target in the game that a Shuriken-toting squad can’t impact significantly. While lacking the AP of the rest of the Shuriken-toting units, the Hawks provide a very mobile, high volume threat due to their own datasheet ability for auto-wounding 6’s to hit. Similar to Konrad Bartkiewicz, Vik brings the Kurnos Bow Farseer, the king of utility, capable of dropping a staggering number of mortal wounds with the support of Bladestorm or some Strands of Fate dice. The Vypers provide an opportunity to quick grab an objective or to block critical movement lanes at very low cost for what you’re getting on a T6, 6W vehicle.
Aaron Mosquera – Tyranids – 2nd Place
The List
Aaron's List - click to expand ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [53 PL, 975pts, 12CP] ++ + Configuration + [Reference] Biomorphologies Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Hive Fleet: Leviathan + HQ + Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Smite, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 210pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Prehensile Pincer Tail, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Toxin Sacs, Tyrant Talons, Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology + Troops + Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts] + Fast Attack + Raveners [8 PL, 120pts] Raveners [4 PL, 90pts] + Flyer + Harpy [11 PL, 195pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Dermic Symbiosis, Scything Wings, Show Spore Mine Rules, Stinger Salvoes Harpy [10 PL, 180pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement, Scything Wings, Show Spore Mine Rules, Stinger Salvoes ++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Tyranids) [58 PL, 1,025pts, -6CP] ++ + Configuration + [Reference] Biomorphologies Detachment Command Cost [-3CP] 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 + Hive Tyrant [9 PL, 190pts]: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite, Relic: Pathogenesis, Warlord Trait: Perfectly Adapted + Elites + Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Massive Scything Talons, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Smite, Power: The Horror Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Massive Scything Talons, Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Pyrovores [6 PL, 90pts] Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts] ++ Total: [111 PL, 6CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Feed: Exoskeletal Stabilisation, Relentless Hunger, Stabilising Membranes, Unstoppable Swarm, Wreathed in the Shadow
. Hunt: Adrenalised Onslaught, Ambush Predators, Augmented Ferocity, Heightened Reflexes, Synaptic Goading
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Ravener Claws, Two Rending Claws
. Feed: Exoskeletal Stabilisation, Relentless Hunger, Stabilising Membranes, Unstoppable Swarm, Wreathed in the Shadow
. Hunt: Adrenalised Onslaught, Ambush Predators, Augmented Ferocity, Heightened Reflexes, Synaptic Goading
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Scything): 3x Two Rending Claws, 3x Two Scything Talons
. 3x Pyrovore: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Bludgeoning Fists, 3x Flamespurt
. 3x Pyrovore: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Bludgeoning Fists, 3x Flamespurt
. 3x Pyrovore: 3x Acid Maw, 3x Bludgeoning Fists, 3x Flamespurt
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes
Archetype
Leviathan double Harpy, double Malaceptor with Pyrovores
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
The Pyrovores are interesting. Broken, but interesting. For 30 points you’re looking at an Infantry model with T5, 5W and a 3+ save that has two auto-hitting assault flamer profiles, one at 12″ which is better than a Cronos flamer profile, and one at 18″ which is basically just a 2d6 bolter. Obviously the 12″ profile is the star here at S6 AP-2 2D which is going to leverage an advance most likely to get into range. The real hilarious part of this unit, however, is that it has ACID-BLOOD which means that for every wound it loses in combat, for 1CP it can ping a mortal wound back on the attacker on a d6 roll of 4-plus.
For 90 points you’re getting a unit that is pretty durable by infantry standards, can get all the Synaptic Link boosts, will always trade up in combat just by dying and 1CP, and acts as a fantastic screening unit. If you shoot them dead, well, congratulations… you invested a lot to kill 90 points.
They’re probably 10-15 points undercosted… Pretty interesting.
The Rest of the Best
Six other players finished on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Sam Nash – Adeptus Custodes: Shadowkeepers leaning into the dataslate changes with multiple Custodian Guard and Sagittarum Custodians supported by Trajaan and two of each Galatus and Achillus dreadnoughts. Sam’s only loss came in round 4 against the runner-up
- 4th – Janus China* – Tyranids: Leviathan monster mash – double Malaceptor, Harpy, and Venom Cannon Carnifex along with supporting elements. Janus’ only loss came in round 5 against the champion
- 5th – Mark Harrison – Tyranids: Leviathan goodstuff – supported by three units of Gargoyles for mobile objective grabbing
- 6th – James Pilkington – Tau: T’au Sept Go-Wide-Crisis with dual Hammerhead
- 7th – Jamie Balcombe – Adeptus Custodes: Emissaries Imperatus with six units of four Sagittarum Custodians led by a Dawneagle Shield Captain and Trajaan
- 8th – Matt Palmer – Tyranids: Leviathan goodstuff. Matt’s only loss came in round 2 against the champion
The Brighton Warhammer 40k Tournament
31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Secure Missing Artefacts
David Gaylard – Tyranids – Leviathan double Harpy, double Malaceptor with large Warrior blocks
David's List - click to expand ++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) ++ + Configuration + Battle Size: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost Hive Fleet: Leviathan + Stratagems + Hive Predator: Extra Warlord Trait Rarefied Enhancements: Extra Bio-artefact + HQ + Neurothrope: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils Winged Hive Tyrant: Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Power: The Horror, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Warlord Trait: Perfectly Adapted + Troops + Tyranid Warriors: Adrenal Glands Tyranid Warriors: Adrenal Glands Tyranid Warriors Tyranid Warriors + Elites + Maleceptor: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Power: The Horror Maleceptor: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Smite Venomthropes Zoanthropes: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Smite, 3x Zoanthrope + Fast Attack + Raveners + Flyer + Harpy: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Show Spore Mine Rules Harpy: 2x Heavy Venom Cannon, Show Spore Mine Rules ++ Total: [100 PL, 10CP, 2,000pts] ++
. Relic: Resonance Barb: Power: Paroxysm
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Barbed Strangler, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Barbed Strangler, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Barbed Strangler, 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: Barbed Strangler, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Barbed Strangler, 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, Two Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Scything Talons
vs.
Adam JE Smith – Necrons – Custom Dynasty with triple C’Tan and MSU Immortals
Adam's List - click to expand ++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Necrons) [49 PL, 990pts] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty: <Custom> + HQ + Overlord [6 PL, 130pts]: Resurrection Orb, Warlord, Warlord Trait (Codex 3): Immortal Pride, Warscythe + Troops + Immortals [4 PL, 85pts]: Gauss Blaster, 5x Immortal Immortals [4 PL, 85pts]: Gauss Blaster, 5x Immortal Necron Warriors [12 PL, 260pts] + Elites + C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer [19 PL, 370pts]: Power of the C’tan: Sky of Falling Stars Flayed Ones [4 PL, 60pts] ++ Auxiliary Support Detachment -2CP (Necrons) [14 PL, 270pts, 10CP] ++ + Configuration + Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points) Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty: <Custom> + Elites + Transcendent C’tan [14 PL, 270pts]: Power of the C’tan: Antimatter Meteor, Power of the C’tan: Cosmic Fire, Random Fractured Personality ++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Necrons) [39 PL, 740pts, -3CP] ++ + Configuration + Detachment Command Cost [-2CP] Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty: <Custom> + HQ + Technomancer [5 PL, 75pts, -1CP]: Dynastic Heirlooms, Relic: Veil of Darkness + Troops + Immortals [4 PL, 85pts]: Gauss Blaster, 5x Immortal Immortals [4 PL, 85pts]: 5x Immortal, Tesla Carbine Immortals [4 PL, 85pts]: 5x Immortal, Tesla Carbine + Elites + C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon [18 PL, 350pts]: Power of the C’tan: Transdimensional Thunderbolt Flayed Ones [4 PL, 60pts] ++ Total: [102 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++
. 20x Necron Warrior (Gauss Reaper): 20x Gauss Reaper
. 6x Flayed One: 6x Flayer Claws
. 6x Flayed One: 6x Flayer Claws
Thoughts
This just isn’t a good match for this Necron build. The triple C’Tan lends some backbone for the MSU component but it ends up paying a premium against a list that is able to just pick up all three of them in a single turn. Is it cool and good that the Tyranids list can put out such damage in three phases? No. It’s not. But that is Adam’s reality, and by extension, ours. I expect this one was foregone rather quickly as there isn’t a single aspect of the game that I’d put this Necron list in a superior position vs this Tyranid list – it’s outgunned, outranged, outfought, and importantly, outmaneuvered. I suspect David missed on one round of Stranglehold but otherwise maxed his score just by showing up.
All that aside, congrats to David on the win! I also want to recognize that Adam piloted this versatile and truly unique Necrons list to a top-table game and for that he’s the winner in my heart.
Result
Tyranids Victory – 97 – 38
David Gaylard – Tyranids – 1st Place
The List
See Showdown
Archetype
Leviathan double Malaceptor, double Harpy, wide on Warriors
Why it’s Interesting in 9th
The double Harpy and double Malaceptor are common in multiple lists and are notably very strong choices – the real standout feature here is two large Warrior blocks that thanks to a combination of Leviathan, strats/powers, Synaptic Links, and their datasheet’s recent Toughness boost can be remarkably durable units that have significant output in both the shooting and fight phases of the game.
The Rest of the Best
Four other players finished on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Vincent Chan – Tau: T’au Sept Go-Wide-Crisis with Shadowsun and utility picks. Vincent’s only loss came in round 4 against the top-table runner up
- 3rd – Konrad Bartkiewicz – Craftworlds: Hail of Doom/Masterful Shots led by Barry and a Kurnos Bow Farseer with a bevy of Shuriken units and Hawks. A Travelling Troupe of Dark Harlequins with triple Starweaver and Troupe led by a Troupe Master lends a strong counterpunch. Konrad’s only loss came in round 4 against the champion
- 4th – John Hickton – Tyranids: Leviathan goodstuff
- 5th – Adam JE Smith* – Necrons: See Showdown
Final Thoughts
Just a couple of thoughts to close out:
- Leviathan is a clear, far-and-away standout here amongst top Tyranid lists, but that’s only because it’s the obvious one and most people just default to easy mode in their tournament approach. Don’t let that deceive you, the book is stacked through and through and as Kayu’s and Lennon’s list show – can go a lot of ways that aren’t just Leviathan goodstuff.
- I’ve done this for one week and I already hate it – next week, whenever there’s something written in the “Why it’s interesting in 9th” section that refers to a Leviathan Tyranids list just assume what I actually wrote is, “It’s not interesting or exciting and we all know it.”
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