Warzone Nephilim is the most diverse and interesting period of Competitive Play we’ve seen so far in 9th Edition, with a wide range of factions putting in top performances, including some that have languished on the bottom tables up until now. That’s fantastic, and the energy in the scene right now is palpable – so up front, fantastic work from Games Workshop in putting together a set of points, rules and mission changes that has given rise to it.

We’re now far enough into the Season that some trends have started to emerge among top performers, and while the balance is better than ever, there are still some factions out in front, and a few that need a bit of help to compete. No faction is as far out in front as some of the previous metagame tyrants, and no army is as far behind as some have been before, but we’re two months into the season and have some massive events in the books (check out the Competitive Innovations archive for details), so we’re in a position to identify who the frontrunners are, and who’s lagging a bit.

So let’s do that! Two months into the season means we should be about a month away from the next Balance Dataslate, providing an opportunity for some tweaks around the edges to make a good season even better. I want to set out my stall for which factions need buffs or nerfs, why that’s the case, and what sort of things I’d change. Let’s go!

This also means that your usual dose of Competitive Innovations will be coming out tomorrow and Friday this week. Don’t worry if you won an event – I haven’t forgotten you!

How the Tier List Works

What Happened to the Old Tier List Format?

The speed of changes to the game plus a very busy first six months of the year killed it. These take a huge amount of work, and with the game changing quite a lot as every new book in the first half of the year turned the metagame on its head, and by the time that had bedded in, it was nearly time for a Balance Dataslate, and it didn’t seem worth putting together an update.

Given all that, I decided that the best way to get one of these out (because I know people like them) was to pick the most useful point in the season to write a Tier List, and pre-plan to make sure I had the time to do it. I felt this point (two months in, one month out from a Balance Dataslate) was probably the best window, so I checked the calendar and scheduled it in just after some very large events (the WTC and Leeds UKTC Supermajor) were taking place. Expect the next one, therefore, in February or March next year, at the same point in the next season.

How Factions are Rated

The tier list is primarily rating each faction’s ability to win events. The top rated armies are those that are powerful enough to win games, and consistent enough at doing so that they can navigate through six rounds of play at a major and emerge triumphant. The primary data used to sort factions is the information I gather by reviewing event results every week for Competitive Innovations. As part of producing the column, I look at every single army list that racks up an X-1 or better record at the majority of events that take place around the world, generally giving a good indication of:

Which factions are winning events.
Which factions are putting up plenty of X-1 records, but struggling to convert that to trophies.
Which factions aren’t showing up at all or rarely.

In our brave new world of Nephilim, it’s also useful to assess how diverse the lists for each faction are. The introduction of unlimited Faction Secondaries has, for some armies, led to some strategies becoming extremely dominant, to a level that’s not always healthy. That’s particularly relevant when thinking about what might need to change in each faction – some of the top armies may only need relatively narrow changes to de-power an over-tuned strategy, while some armies that are broadly fine in terms of performances could still benefit from changes to increase diversity.

We also have statistics. Rob and the stats team do a fantastic job of collating and presenting stats on faction performance in the regular Meta Analyses and on 40kstats.com, drawing both from tournaments and data from the ITC battles app. This helps inject a bit more rigour on top of my vibes-based ratings. Notably, a faction performing strongly or weakly in the stats can help us decide on which tier borderline cases fall into, while if a faction’s statistical performance diverges wildly from where it’s been placed it can prompt us to take a closer look at tournament results – maybe a specific bad matchup is pushing numbers down, or there’s a hot new build we haven’t encountered yet.

Robert “TheChirurgeon” Jones: Let’s talk about said stats. As we build this out we’re essentially looking at two datasets, both of which we use for data on 40kstats.com: data from events run in various apps, including Best Coast Pairings, and our own ITC Battles App. We look at results from both of these, compare them, and then temper them with our own experience. One reason for this is that we can often see skewed results for specific factions based on factors like player skill and army difficulty. The other is that specific matchups can have a major impact, pushing a faction down because it can’t beat one top contender.

We’ve tracked Glicko scores before for 40k factions and in Nephilim they’ve shifted considerably, with Harlequins showing the biggest drops over the past month while the Sororitas have seen the biggest gains.

The Tiers

This time around we’re going to split the factions into four tiers. Within each Tier factions are not in any particular order – with all factions generally being closer together in power level, that kind of micro-distinction just isn’t needed.

The tiers are:

Tier 1 – Top Factions

The factions that are notably ahead of the pack, and definitely need some changes to tone them down a bit.

Tier 2 – Good Factions

The factions that are about right in terms of performance. The good news is that there’s a lot of factions in this bucket this time around. In some cases, there are still a few things I’d want to see changes, mostly to increase diversity or normalise a few Secondaries with those available to other factions.

Tier 3 – OK Factions

This is a relatively small set of factions that might need a boost, but I’m a bit on the fence about it. Usually this is because they particularly struggle with the Top Factions as they are, so it might be enough just to take those down a peg.

Tier 4 – Lagging Factions

The factions that definitely need a bit of help. Almost all of these are still putting up X-1 performances, and sometimes even making it to Showdowns, but in aggregate they near-certainly need some buffs, even if the top factions come down a bit.

The Tier List Rankings

Tier 1
- Necrons
- Adepta Sororitas
- Tyranids
Tier 2
- Tau
- Harlequins
- Death Guard
- Chaos Knights
- Chaos Space Marines
- Thousand Sons
- Drukhari
- Orks
- Good Space Marines
  - Blood Angels
  - Dark Angels
  - Iron Hands
- Imperial Knights
Tier 3
- Grey Knights
- Craftworlds
- Medium Marines
  - Salamanders
  - Space Wolves
  - Black Templars
  - Deathwatch
Tier 4
- Adeptus Custodes
- Adeptus Mechanicus
- Genestealer Cults
- Astra Militarum
- Bad Space Marines
  - Imperial Fists
  - Raven Guard
  - Ultramarines
  - White Scars

Any Mission Pack Rules Changes?

Nephilim was a pretty big shakeup to the general rules for 40K tournament play – so is there anything I’d like to see changed in the mission pack itself?

Mostly no – I don’t think there’s anything that needs to change across the general rules – lower CP limits have shaken up lists substantially, but mostly in a fairly healthy way. There are some factions that feel the pinch harder than others, mostly those with bad Troops choices, or who need lots of Character slots, but I’m not convinced there’s a “general” fix for that that doesn’t uncork some potentially unhealthy builds elsewhere, and would prefer to try and balance this through faction changes.

As for Secondaries, there are a couple of places where small tweaks might be welcome:

Engage on All Fronts is too harsh in what it asks now, and overlaps too much in its demands with the kind of mobility Behind Enemy Lines needs. This generally over-advantages Factions that have a “good” Battlefield Supremacy Faction Secondary. I think the requirement to be 6″ into each quarter just isn’t needed here – removing Aircraft from being eligible and retaining a restriction that stops single Infantry Characters doing it is enough.
I’m not wholly convinced that the Warpcraft Secondaries need the Character limitation any more, and removing that would give Grey Knights in particular a bump, and make some Craftworld choices a bit more interesting. Might be too useful for Tyranids, but equally their unit Psykers are generally very incentivised to be doing other things.

Both things worth trying, but also both things we’ll survive without.

Faction Breakdown

Tier 1

Necrons

Sample List(s)

Marshall Peterson – 1st Place – Denver Fight Club Major

The killy version of Eternal Expansionists.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Supreme Command Detachment 0CP (Necrons) [21 PL, 400pts, 2CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost

Dynasty Choice: Dynasty: Szarekhan

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

The Silent King [21 PL, 400pts, 2CP]: Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord Trait (Szarekhan): The Triarch’s Will
. 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator Beam

++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Necrons) [83 PL, 1,600pts, 1CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty: <Custom>

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ No Force Org Slot +

Viral Construct [1 PL, 15pts]: Canoptek Plasmacyte

+ HQ +

Catacomb Command Barge [9 PL, 180pts, -2CP]: Gauss Cannon, Rarefied Nobility, Relic: Voltaic Staff, Resurrection Orb, Staff of Light, Stratagem: Relic, Warlord Trait (Codex 5): Implacable Conqueror (Aura)

Illuminor Szeras [8 PL, 145pts]

+ Elites +

Canoptek Reanimator [4 PL, 80pts]

Lychguard [14 PL, 250pts]: 10x Lychguard
. Hyperphase Sword and Dispersion Shield

Skorpekh Destroyers [8 PL, 180pts]
. 2x Skorpekh Destroyer (Reap-Blade): 2x Hyperphase Reap-Blade
. 4x Skorpekh Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers

Skorpekh Destroyers [4 PL, 90pts]: Skorpekh Destroyer (Reap-Blade)
. 2x Skorpekh Destroyer (Thresher): 2x Hyperphase Threshers

+ Fast Attack +

Canoptek Scarab Swarms [4 PL, 60pts]
. 4x Canoptek Scarab Swarm: 4x Feeder Mandibles

Ophydian Destroyers [8 PL, 180pts]
. 2x Ophydian Destroyer (Reap-Blade): 2x Ophydian Claws, 2x Two Hyperphase Reap-Blades
. 4x Ophydian Destroyer (Thresher): 4x Hyperphase Threshers, 4x Ophydian Claws

+ Heavy Support +

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts]
. Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Gauss Destructor)

++ Total: [104 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Chris Kinnair – 1st Place – The Beast in the East Midlands

Double C’tan Eternal Expansionists.

Army List - Click to Expand

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost

Dynasty Choice: Dynasty: Szarekhan

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

The Silent King [21 PL, 3CP, 400pts]
. Szarekh: Sceptre of Eternal Glory, Scythe of Dust, Staff of Stars
. 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator Beam
. Warlord: Warlord Trait (Szarekhan): The Triarch’s Will

++ Spearhead Detachment -3CP (Necrons) [75 PL, 2CP, 1,280pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty: <Custom>

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ No Force Org Slot +

Viral Construct [1 PL, 15pts]
. Canoptek Plasmacyte: Monomolecular Proboscis

+ HQ +

Technomancer [5 PL, -1CP, 70pts]: Canoptek Cloak, Dynastic Heirlooms, Relic: Veil of Darkness, Staff of Light

+ 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

+ Fast Attack +

Tomb Blades [4 PL, 60pts]
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer
. Tomb Blade: Particle Beamer

+ Heavy Support +

Annihilation Barge [7 PL, 125pts]: Gauss Cannon, Twin Tesla Destructor

Lokhust Destroyers [15 PL, 285pts]
. 6x Lokhust Destroyer: 6x Gauss Cannon
. Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Enmitic Exterminator): Enmitic Exterminator

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts]
. Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Gauss Destructor): Gauss Destructor

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [3 PL, 50pts]
. Lokhust Heavy Destroyer (Enmitic Exterminator): Enmitic Exterminator

++ Auxiliary Support Detachment -2CP (Necrons) [19 PL, -2CP, 320pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Dynasty Choice: Circumstance of Awakening: Relentlessly Expansionist, Dynastic Tradition: Eternal Conquerors, Dynasty: <Custom>

+ Elites +

C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer [19 PL, 320pts]: Power of the C’tan: Gaze of Death, Power of the C’tan: Transdimensional Thunderbolt, Scythe of the Nightbringer

++ Total: [115 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Liam Hackett – 1st Place – WTC Warmaster GT

Ghost Ark Spam

Army List - Click to Expand

== Necrons – Custom Dynasty (Eternal Conquerors and Relentlessly Expansionist), Battalion Detachment = 89PL/1600PTS

HQ: Catacomb Command Barge: Tesla Cannon, Relic (-1cp): Voltaic Staff [9 PL, -1CP, 145pts]
HQ: Technomancer: Cryptek Arkana: hypermaterial ablator, Canoptek cloak, Dynastic Heirlooms (-1cp), Relic: Veil of Darkness [7 PL, -1CP, 90pts]
TROOP: 10 warriors (Gauss reapers) (6 PL, 130pts)
TROOP: 10 warriors (Gauss reapers) (6 PL, 130pts)
TROOP: 10 warriors (Gauss reapers) (6 PL, 130pts)
TROOP: 10 warriors (Gauss reapers) (6 PL, 130pts)
HS: Lokhust Destroyers: 6x Lokhust Destroyer, 1x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer: Gauss Destructor [15 PL, 285pts]
DT: Ghost Ark (8PL, 130pts)
DT: Ghost Ark (8PL, 130pts)
DT: Ghost Ark (8PL, 130pts)
DT: Ghost Ark (8PL, 130pts)
NFO: cryptothralls (2PL, 40pts)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

== Necrons – Szerekhan (not relevant as only dynastic agent), Supreme Command, [21PL, 400pts] ==

LOW: The Silent King: Warlord (-1cp for warlord trait, +3cp for being warlord) [21 PL, +3CP/-1CP, 400pts]

—

Why are they Tier 1?

GW finally found a set of changes that made Necrons good…maybe a bit too good.

Mostly three things are driving this:

The best Secondaries in the game.
The Silent King plausibly being the best unit in the game.
The Eternal Conquerors/Relentlessly Expansionist dynasty combo, providing army-wide ObSec and a pre-game move.

Taken together, this lets you assemble Necron lists that are just too good at scoring, especially if they go first. This is reflected both in their overall performance, and in players achieving extremely high-scoring wins. There’s also a reasonable amount of diversity within the Eternal Expansionists plan, broadly divided into double C’tan builds, murderous builds and pure body spam lists. The last one has generally performed less well, but still done fine, while the first two have rolled up a lot of events.

It is notable that non Eternal Expansionists lists haven’t been nearly as successful, but there’s a recent big exception in James Marsden’s Novokh build that made it to the finals of a Supermajor. It feels like there probably is some depth available, but it’s not nearly as much in evidence.

Do They Need Changes?

Definitely yes, but the relative lack of diversity means that some thought needs to go into making sure they don’t tank non-ObSec builds too hard.

I would likely be looking at something like the following:

Reduce the scoring on Treasures of the Aeons to 1/3/4 rather than 2/3/5. It’s the best Secondary in the game, and fully stupid even in non-Obsec lists (I’ve comfortably maxed or nearly maxed it in Novokh games where I’ve lost handily). If you’re really confident that other changes go far enough you could go to 2/3/4, but I think part of the problem with the objective as it stands is that if you pick up some big turns early, you can cruise to a max score with minimal board control.
Take CORE off the Silent King and Command Barges (i.e. CHARACTER vehicles). It’s incredibly stupid on the King (especially since big events mostly have ended up ruling that Szeras can reanimate his Menhirs), and the Command Barge has a bunch of weird interactions that it probably shouldn’t. I would want to add it to Canoptek Doomstalkers though, why the poor thing was excluded before is unclear.
Change Ancient Machineries so that the “finish at end of turn” condition is “Troops” rather than “ObSec”. This secondary is fine in non-ObSec builds, but busted in them – this change fixes the issue in a precisely targeted way.
Change Eternal Conquerors and the Nihilakh trait to provide ObSec to “CORE units (excluding Vehicles)”. Scarabs and Command Barges feel like the biggest “problem” units for ObSec, this takes it off them and forces more reasonable units to be used.

I probably would also be looking for any minor boosts that could be handed to Nephrekh, Mephrit and Sautekh to make them more appealing, because they’re not seeing play now, and after the above I’d expect Novokh and Eternal Expansionists (with the odd fringe Szarekhan and Nihilakh build) to be the only game in town. I’d adding putting Fall Back and Charge to the Nephrekh Dynastic Code, change the Mephrit Stratagem to cap at 6MWs rather than 3, and give Sautekh a hit re-roll when units shoot or fight (as their Code is awful right now).

Adepta Sororitas

Sample List(s)

Alex Ginns – 4th Place – UKTC Leeds Supermajor

Bloody Rose Goodstuff

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [105 PL, 1,998pts, 4CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Order Convictions: Order: Bloody Rose

+ No Force Org Slot +

Repentia Superior [2 PL, 40pts]

+ HQ +

Canoness [5 PL, 100pts, -2CP]: Blessed Blade, Bolt pistol, Relic: Blade of Saint Ellynor, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Saint in the Making, Warlord Trait: Blazing Ire
. Word of the Emperor

Morvenn Vahl [14 PL, 280pts]: Warlord

+ Troops +

Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 4x Battle Sister: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sister Superior: Chainsword
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun

Sisters Novitiate Squad [4 PL, 80pts]
. Novitiate Superior
. . Bolt Pistol and Power Sword: Power sword
. 9x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon): 9x Auto Pistol, 9x Frag & Krak grenades, 9x Novitiate Melee Weapons

+ Elites +

Celestian Sacresants [8 PL, 117pts]
. 3x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd): 3x Anointed Halberd, 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. 4x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace): 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Hallowed Mace
. Sacresant Superior: Bolt pistol, Spear of the Faithful

Paragon Warsuits [11 PL, 240pts]
. Paragon: 2 Storm Bolters, Multi-melta, Paragon War Blade
. Paragon: 2 Storm Bolters, Multi-melta, Paragon War Mace
. Paragon Superior: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Mace

Preacher [2 PL, 30pts]: Zealot’s Vindictor

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 98pts]
. 7x Sisters Repentia: 7x Penitent Eviscerator

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 70pts]
. 5x Sisters Repentia: 5x Penitent Eviscerator

+ Fast Attack +

Seraphim Squad [4 PL, 85pts]
. 2x Seraphim: 4x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Seraphim Superior: Bolt pistol, Power sword
. Seraphim w/ Special Weapons: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers
. Seraphim w/ Special Weapons: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers

Zephyrim Squad [4 PL, 80pts]
. 4x Zephyrim: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol, Zephyrim Pennant

Zephyrim Squad [4 PL, 75pts]
. 4x Zephyrim: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol

+ Heavy Support +

Retributor Squad [6 PL, 150pts]: Armourium Cherub
. Retributor Superior: Chainsword
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

Retributor Squad [6 PL, 130pts]: Armourium Cherub
. Retributor
. Retributor Superior: Chainsword
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

+ Dedicated Transport +

Immolator [7 PL, 135pts]: Hunter-killer missile, Twin multi-melta

Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]

++ Total: [105 PL, 4CP, 1,998pts] ++

—

Tyler White – 3rd Place – Iowaaaagh Open

Bloody Rose Goodstuff with Warsuits.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [105 PL, 2CP, 1,999pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Order Convictions: Order: Bloody Rose

+ HQ +

Canoness [5 PL, -2CP, 105pts]: Blessed Blade, Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol, Relic: Blade of Saint Ellynor, Stratagem: Open the Reliquaries, Stratagem: Saint in the Making, Warlord Trait: Blazing Ire
. Word of the Emperor: Blessing, Miraculous ability

Morvenn Vahl [14 PL, 280pts]: Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon Missile Launcher, Warlord

+ Troops +

Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts]
. 4x Battle Sister: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sister Superior: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun: Bolt pistol, Boltgun

+ Elites +

Dogmata [4 PL, -1CP, 65pts]: 2. Chorus of Spiritual Fortitude, 5. Verse of Holy Piety, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Mace of the Righteous, Relic: The Sigil Ecclesiasticus, Stratagem: Relic, War Hymn

Paragon Warsuits [11 PL, 240pts]
. Paragon: 2 Storm Bolters, Bolt pistol, Multi-melta, Paragon War Blade
. Paragon: 2 Storm Bolters, Bolt pistol, Multi-melta, Paragon War Blade
. Paragon Superior: 2 Storm Bolters, Bolt pistol, Multi-melta, Paragon War Blade

Repentia Superior [2 PL, -1CP, 40pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Neural Whips, Relic: Litanies of Faith, Stratagem: Open the Reliquaries

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 112pts]
. 8x Sisters Repentia: 8x Penitent Eviscerator

+ Fast Attack +

Zephyrim Squad [8 PL, 155pts]
. 9x Zephyrim: 9x Bolt pistol, 9x Frag & Krak grenades, 9x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Power sword, Zephyrim Pennant

Zephyrim Squad [8 PL, 110pts]
. 6x Zephyrim: 6x Bolt pistol, 6x Frag & Krak grenades, 6x Power sword
. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Power sword, Zephyrim Pennant

+ Heavy Support +

Mortifiers [9 PL, 185pts]
. Mortifiers: Anchorite Sarcophagus, 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent buzz-blades
. Mortifiers: 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent buzz-blades
. Mortifiers: 2x Heavy bolter, 2x Penitent buzz-blades

+ Dedicated Transport +

Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]: Storm bolter

++ Total: [105 PL, 2CP, 1,999pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 1?

Sisters have always been an strong all-rounder army, capable of dealing damage at both short and mid ranges, and the combination of improved Miracle Dice generation, Armour of Contempt and a great set of Secondaries has pushed them over the top. They’re not putting in performances quite as overwhelming as some of the Necron ones, but they’re clearly excellent, and very, very hard for some factions to play a good game against. Like Necrons though, it does need to be highlighted that one subfaction is overwhelmingly driving the numbers, in this case the Bloody Rose, largely thanks to their phenomenal Order Conviction. In this case though, there clearly are good things you can do with at least three of the other Orders, it’s just that Bloody Rose is so strong there’s no real reason to.

Do They Need Changes?

Yes, a mix of a mild general tuning of their Secondaries (which are great, but not as great as Necrons), and something to clip the wings of Bloody Rose.

Secondary-wise, Defend the Shrine is just a bit too easy (it’s the third-best Secondary overall), Sacred Grounds is too easy to wrap up with minimal effort (you can often do one mid-field objective on turn one, then two at the end of the game), and Leap of Faith doesn’t really ask anything of you for free points. I’d probably change these as follows:

Defend the Shrine goes to scoring 2VP normally, and 3VP if a Troops unit is holding it. Adds a bit of challenge and potential counterplay.
Sacred Grounds just gets the same one-per-turn cap as everyone elses. I assume the thinking was that without a condition for finishing in the same turn it needed to be performable multiple times, but being able to be performed by Characters and providing 5pts each appears to be more than enough.
Leap of Faith… I don’t really know on. It’s clearly a bit silly, but it’s already quite aggressively capped. Maybe change the extra point condition to require at least one of the Acts of Faith to have been performed by a character, as that’s a fair bit harder to do in your opponent’s turn, and can’t be done on a morale check.

As for Bloody Rose, I’d tentatively suggest taking the “was charged” condition off their bonus Attacks. One of the issues with Sisters is that multi-engaging them is horrendously tricky, because almost all of their power units are capable of interupting and wiping high-quality opposing toys. This would make an aggressive counterattack more feasible.

Tyranids

Sample List(s)

David Gaylard – 1st Place – UKTC Leeds Supermajor

Leviathan Warrior Spam

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [98 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Hive Fleet: (Hunt) Augmented Ferocity, Leviathan

+ Stratagems +

Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait

Rarefied Enhancements [-1CP]: Extra Bio-artefact

+ HQ +

Broodlord [6 PL, 120pts]: Broodlord Claws and Talons, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Smite

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils

Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, -1CP, 210pts]: Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Prehensile Pincer Tail, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Tyrant Talons, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance

+ Troops +

Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 305pts]: Adrenal Glands, Flesh Hooks
. 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 Warriors [8 PL, 120pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords

+ Elites +

Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts]
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Lash/Sword): 3x Lash Whip and Bonecleaver, 3x Two Rending Claws

Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts]
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Smite, 3x Zoanthrope

+ Flyer +

Harpy [10 PL, 185pts]: 2x Stranglethorn Cannon, Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement, Scything Wings, Show Spore Mine Rules, Stinger Salvoes

Harpy [9 PL, 175pts]: 2x Stranglethorn Cannon, Scything Wings, Show Spore Mine Rules, Stinger Salvoes

++ Total: [98 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

José Alfredo Ku chale – 4th Place – Grand Tournament Hidalgo

Territorial Instincts Lurk Monster Mash.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Tyranids) [111 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Hive Fleet: (Lurk) Territorial Instincts, Jormungandr

+ Stratagems +

Relic [-1CP]

+ No Force Org Slot +

Tyrant Guard [15 PL, 160pts]
. 4x Tyrant Guard (Lash/Sword): 4x Lash Whip and Bonecleaver, 4x Two Rending Claws

+ HQ +

Hive Tyrant [9 PL, -1CP, 195pts]: Heavy Venom Cannon, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Catalyst, Power: Psychic Scream, Relic: Shardgullet, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Onslaught

+ Elites +

Haruspex [11 PL, 195pts]: Adaptive Physiology: Enraged Reserves

Haruspex [11 PL, 195pts]: Adaptive Physiology: Dermic Symbiosis

Haruspex [10 PL, 180pts]: Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Neuroparasite, 3x Zoanthrope

+ Heavy Support +

Carnifexes [21 PL, 405pts]
. Carnifex: Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Two Carnifex Scything Talons
. Carnifex: Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Two Carnifex Scything Talons
. Carnifex: Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Two Carnifex Scything Talons

Carnifexes [22 PL, 420pts]
. Carnifex: Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Two Carnifex Scything Talons
. Carnifex: Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Two Carnifex Scything Talons
. Carnifex: Adaptive Physiology: Voracious Ammunition, Enhanced Senses, Heavy Venom Cannon, Two Carnifex Scything Talons

++ Total: [111 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 1?

Tyranids had perhaps the biggest target on their head in the last round of nerfs, but have powered onwards, still being one of the strongest factions out there. That’s mostly driven by the Leviathan builds being too strong, with both Goodstuff builds and Warrior Spam taking massive numbers of top placings. Other viable builds clearly exist, but they mostly feel like they sit in a reasonable Tier 2 spot – Leviathan is what makes them Tier 1. It’s also worth saying that unlike the other two top factions, their Secondaries are so-so – Cranial Feasting is good, but Seed Spore Nodes has a lot of counterplay risk, and Synaptic Insight is limited to a fairly narrow set of matchups (though isn’t bad there).

Do They Need Changes?

Yes, here mostly targeting Leviathan. My suggestion here would be to tweak their Hive Fleet Adaptation slightly so that the full Transhuman bit for Synapse units only applies against Ranged Attacks, so in melee they can be wounded on 3s. One of the big issues with Tyranids is that they’re essentially shutting out some Factions that rely on melee, but can’t punch through a Leviathan Warrior wall – this should help a bit. The Reaper of Obliterax relic also needs eyeballing – it’s in almost every serious list, and the fact that it both makes a Flyrant better at scything through hordes (via the Mortals) and makes them trump units like Ghazghkull is maybe a bit much.

The other thing that might need a look here is Spore Mine generation. It’s cool that Spore Mine-generating units are worthwhile now, but you can make enough of them to make some parts of the board essentially no-go zones. I’d suggest that rather than trying to work out how to re-calibrate what a “safe” number of Spore Mines is, I’d just add a rule to the mines saying “A unit can suffer no more than 3 Mortal Wounds each turn as a result of the Floating Death Ability”. That leaves them relevant, but means you don’t hit the point where high quality units simply can’t go to some places, and means one brave unit can go fumigate a whole bunch of mines in melee if they’re over-committed to one point.

Outside that, I would actually make one buff here too – make Adaptive work again. It doesn’t help Leviathan and Kraken nearly as much as other fleets, and probably boosts list diversity a reasonable amount. Also, it’s super cool, and it was a shame to lose it.

Tier 2

Tau

Sample List(s)

Kyle Grundy – 1st Place – Leodis Games GT

Balanced Tau Sept Goodstuff

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (T’au Empire) [108 PL, 7CP, 1,997pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Sept Choice: T’au Sept

+ No Force Org Slot +

Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts]
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs

+ HQ +

Commander in Crisis Battlesuit [8 PL, -2CP, 165pts]: 6. Exemplar of the Mont’ka, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Solid-image Projection Unit, Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight

Ethereal [5 PL, -2CP, 105pts]: 2. Sense of Stone, 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, 6. Wisdom of the Guides, Hover Drone, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, Stratagem: Relic, The Humble Stave
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight

Longstrike [9 PL, -1CP, 160pts]: 4. Through Boldness, Victory, Railgun, Stratagem: Promising Pupil
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

+ Troops +

Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts]
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol

Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts]
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades

+ Elites +

Crisis Battlesuits [21 PL, 385pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors
. 3x Shield Drone: 3x Shield Generator

Crisis Battlesuits [20 PL, 420pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’vre: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. 3x Marker Drone: 3x Markerlight
. Shield Drone

Stealth Battlesuits [9 PL, 125pts]: Homing Beacon
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 3x Stealth Shas’ui w/ Burst Cannon: 3x Burst Cannon
. Stealth Shas’vre: Burst Cannon

+ Fast Attack +

Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts]
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs

+ Heavy Support +

Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 145pts]: Railgun
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

+ Dedicated Transport +

Devilfish [6 PL, 95pts]
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

++ Total: [108 PL, 7CP, 1,997pts] ++

—

Thomas Ogden – 1st Place – War for the Forge GT

Top-heavy Tau Sept Goodstuff

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (T’au Empire) [96 PL, 1,850pts, 1CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Sept Choice: T’au Sept

+ No Force Org Slot +

Crisis Bodyguards [18 PL, 325pts]
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster

+ HQ +

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [8 PL, 170pts, -2CP]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Burst Cannon, DW-02 Advanced Burst Cannon, High-output Burst Cannon, Onager Gauntlet, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, Stratagem: Relic

Longstrike [9 PL, 170pts, -1CP]: 2x Accelerator Burst Cannon, 4. Through Boldness, Victory, Railgun, Stratagem: Promising Pupil

+ Troops +

Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts]
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades

+ Elites +

Crisis Battlesuits [20 PL, 385pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 2x Shield Drone: 2x Shield Generator

Crisis Battlesuits [20 PL, 410pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight
. 2x Shield Drone: 2x Shield Generator

+ Flyer +

Sun Shark Bomber [9 PL, 165pts]: 2x Missile Pod
. 2x Interceptor Drone: 4x Ion Rifle

++ Supreme Command Detachment +2CP (T’au Empire) [8 PL, 150pts, 1CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [2CP]

Sept Choice: T’au Sept

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Commander Shadowsun [8 PL, 150pts, -1CP]: 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, 2x High-energy Fusion Blaster, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord

++ Total: [104 PL, 2,000pts, 2CP] ++

—

Oliver Smith – 1st Place – Iowaaaaagh Open

Go-wide Farsight Alpha Strike

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (T’au Empire) [64 PL, -5CP, 1,308pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Sept Choice: Farsight Enclaves

+ HQ +

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [9 PL, -1CP, 200pts]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Burst Cannon, Burst Cannon, High-output Burst Cannon, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, T’au Flamer, Thermoneutronic Projector
. Marker Drone
. Shield Drone

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [9 PL, -2CP, 200pts]: (Farsight Enclaves): Talisman of Arthas Moloch, 5. Exemplar of the Kauyon, Burst Cannon, DW-02 Advanced Burst Cannon, High-output Burst Cannon, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, Stratagem: Relic
. Marker Drone
. Shield Drone

+ Troops +

Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts]
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades

+ Elites +

Crisis Battlesuits [10 PL, 205pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Target Lock
. Crisis Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Stimm Injectors, Target Lock

Crisis Bodyguards [6 PL, 140pts]
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster, Plasma Rifle
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’vre: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Fusion Blaster, Plasma Rifle

+ Fast Attack +

Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts]
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs

+ Heavy Support +

Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 145pts]: Railgun
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

+ Flyer +

Sun Shark Bomber [9 PL, 165pts]: 2x Missile Pod
. 2x Interceptor Drone: 4x Ion Rifle

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (T’au Empire) [34 PL, 5CP, 689pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Sept Choice: Farsight Enclaves

+ HQ +

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [9 PL, -1CP, 200pts]: (Farsight Enclaves): Master of the Killing Blow, High-output Burst Cannon, Missile Pod, Novasurge Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight

+ Troops +

Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts]
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades

+ Elites +

Crisis Bodyguards [6 PL, 120pts]
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Bodyguard Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, T’au Flamer

+ Fast Attack +

Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts]
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs

+ Flyer +

Sun Shark Bomber [9 PL, 165pts]: 2x Missile Pod
. 2x Interceptor Drone: 4x Ion Rifle

++ Total: [98 PL, 1,997pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 2?

Tau got plenty of point increases at the start of Nephilim, but can still put together lists that murder stuff at range real good, just drawing on a wider pool of units than “literally just Crisis Suits”. Farsight and Tau Sept are the main players, giving you either extra pressure up close or even better shooting, but Bor’kan still looks to have some life in it. What keeps Tau in the tier 2 range rather than tier 1 is that they do have things they’re bad at (melee, outside of one murder commander per list) and have a fairly middle-of-the-road Secondary selection (Relays is good, Decisive Action is fine, but capped, and A Clean Victory kind of sucks).

Do They Need Changes?

The only thing in Tau that’s faintly concerning is that two Sun Shark bombers is becoming a stable in almost every list, as the combination of reach and damage they provide is extremely good at their current price tag. I am not yet convinced a nerf is warranted, but it’s on my watch list. If you did change that I think you’d need to make some improvements elsewhere, probably a buff to A Clean Victory (likely changing the “killed three” part to “killed three OR killed more”) and giving CORE back to Broadsides.

Harlequins

Sample List(s)

Gregor Werner – 1st Place – Bedburger Scheunenkloppen GT

Light Saedath boats and shooty bikes.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [88 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration [6CP] +

Saedath Characterisation: Light: Blaze of Light

+ Stratagems [-1CP] +

Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP]

+ HQ [10 PL, 220pts] +

Troupe Master [5 PL, 115pts -2CP]: 3: A Foot in the Future, Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin’s Kiss [10pts], Queen of Shards [1 PL, 25pts], Warlord
. Cegorach’s Rose

Troupe Master [5 PL, 105pts]: Aeldari Power Sword [5pts], Fusion Pistol [5pts], Veiled King [1 PL, 20pts]
. The Storied Sword

+ Troops [24 PL, 650pts] +

Troupe [4 PL, 105pts]
. Lead Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin’s Caress [5pts]
. Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin’s Embrace [5pts]
. Player [23pts]: Harlequin’s Kiss [5pts], Neuro Disruptor [5pts]
. Player [23pts]: Harlequin’s Kiss [5pts], Neuro Disruptor [5pts]
. Player [13pts]: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 110pts]
. Lead Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin’s Caress [5pts]
. Player [23pts]: Fusion Pistol [5pts], Harlequin’s Embrace [5pts]
. Player [23pts]: Harlequin’s Kiss [5pts], Neuro Disruptor [5pts]
. Player [23pts]: Harlequin’s Kiss [5pts], Neuro Disruptor [5pts]
. Player [18pts]: Harlequin’s Kiss [5pts], Shuriken Pistol

+ Elites [6 PL, 110pts] +

Solitaire [6 PL, 110pts]

+ Fast Attack [24 PL, 450pts] +

Skyweavers [8 PL, 150pts]
. Skyweaver [50pts]: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon [5pts], Star Bolas
. Skyweaver [50pts]: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon [5pts], Star Bolas
. Skyweaver [50pts]: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon [5pts], Star Bolas

+ Dedicated Transport [24 PL, 570pts] +

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

—

Daniel Whitaker – 2nd Place – Glasshammer GT

Twilight Saedath Webway Gate Melee

Army List - Click to Expand

Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [87 PL, 3CP, 1,920pts]

Saedath Characterisation: Twilight: Twilight Falls

Shadowseer [5 PL, 100pts]: Twilight Pathways (Blessing), Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), Shuriken Pistol

Troupe Master [5 PL, -2CP, 110pts]: Harlequin’s Kiss, Queen of Shards, Shuriken Pistol, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari – A Foot in the Future
Relic – Cegorach’s Rose

Troupe Master [5 PL, -1CP, 100pts]: Aeldari Power Sword, Shuriken Pistol, Veiled King, Warlord, Relic – The Storied Sword

Troops

Troupe [4 PL, 110pts]
Lead Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace
Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Neuro Disruptor
Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [9 PL, 175pts]
Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol
Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Shuriken Pistol
Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol

Elites

Solitaire [6 PL, 110pts]

Fast Attack

Skyweavers [8 PL, 165pts]
3 x Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive

Dedicated Transport

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

Fortification Network 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [4 PL, 80pts]

Webway Gate [4 PL, 80pts]

Total: [91 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts]

—

Frasier Parry – 2nd Place – Killing Fields Of Istvaan III

Dark Saedath Troupe Spam

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [96 PL, 2,000pts, -1CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost

Saedath Characterisation: Dark: Dark Deeds

+ HQ +

Shadowseer [5 PL, 100pts]: 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), 5. Shards of Light (Witchfire), Shuriken Pistol
. The Laughing God’s Eye

Shadowseer [5 PL, 100pts]: 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), 6. Webway Dance (Aura) (Blessing), Shuriken Pistol

Troupe Master [4 PL, 90pts, -1CP]: 3: A Foot in the Future, Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss, Player of the Dark, Stratagem: Favoured of the Laughing God, Warlord
. Cegorach’s Rose

+ Troops +

Troupe [9 PL, 165pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [9 PL, 165pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [9 PL, 165pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [9 PL, 165pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Embrace
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

+ Elites +

Death Jester [4 PL, 90pts]: Rift Ghoul

+ Fast Attack +

Skyweavers [4 PL, 110pts]
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Skyweaver: Skyweaver Haywire Cannon, Zephyrglaive

+ Heavy Support +

Voidweavers [5 PL, 130pts]
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon

Voidweavers [15 PL, 390pts]
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon

++ Total: [96 PL, 2,000pts, -1CP] ++

—

Why are they Tier 2?

They go fast and murder things, much as they ever have, and have some pretty good Secondaries. They got some pretty hefty hits to the Dark and Light Saedath traits the Balance Dataslate, but Light looks to have landed about right, and Dark is still clearly OK, but people are also now trying Twilight for model-heavy melee builds.

Do They Need Changes?

Honestly, probably not. On raw number their Secondaries are maybe slightly overtuned, but the trade off there is that they enforce a relatively aggressive playstyle, which can be risky against some opponents. It’s possible that if the top three factions come down in power, Harlequins end up on top, so I think you could justify a small nerf to Deadly Performance, the best of their Secondary options. Probably all it would need is adding “non-CHARACTER” to the opponent’s deployment zone condition.

Death Guard

Sample List(s)

James Wallin – 3rd Place – Arch City GT

Inexorable infantry and engines

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Death Guard) [114 PL, 5CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Plague Company: The Inexorable

+ HQ +

Malignant Plaguecaster [5 PL, 90pts]: 1. Miasma of Pestilence, 5. Curse of the Leper

Malignant Plaguecaster [5 PL, 90pts]: 4. Putrescent Vitality, 5. Curse of the Leper

+ Troops +

Plague Marines [12 PL, 210pts]
. Plague Champion: Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. 2x Plague Marine w/ blight launcher: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Blight launcher, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ cleaver: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Great plague cleaver, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ flail: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Flail of corruption, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ icon
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

Poxwalkers [3 PL, 50pts]
. 10x Poxwalker: 10x Improvised weapon

+ Elites +

Blightlord Terminators [10 PL, -1CP, 205pts]
. Blightlord Champion: Balesword, Champion of Disease, Combi-bolter, Plague Skull of Glothila
. Blightlord Terminator: Balesword, Combi-bolter
. Blightlord Terminator: Balesword, Combi-bolter
. Blightlord Terminator: Balesword, Combi-bolter
. Blightlord Terminator: Flail of corruption

Deathshroud Terminators [10 PL, 160pts]
. Deathshroud Champion: 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet, Unstable Sickness
. 2x Deathshroud Terminator: 2x Manreaper, 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators [9 PL, 150pts]
. Deathshroud Champion: 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
. 2x Deathshroud Terminator: 2x Manreaper, 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Tallyman [4 PL, 70pts]: 4. Arch-Contaminator, Fugaris’ Helm, Warlord

+ Fast Attack +

Foetid Bloat-drone [7 PL, 120pts]: Fleshmower

+ Heavy Support +

Plagueburst Crawler [8 PL, 145pts]: 2x Entropy cannon, Rothail volley gun

++ Total: [114 PL, 5CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Derek Apsche – 1st Place – Goonhammer Open US

Inexorable Pressure with Mortarion

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment -3CP (Chaos – Death Guard) [93 PL, , 1,550pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Plague Company: The Inexorable

+ Stratagems +

Gifts of Decay [-2CP]: 2x Additional Relics

+ HQ +

Lord of Contagion [7 PL, -1CP, 130pts]: Ferric Blight, Plague Skull of Glothila, Plaguechosen, Plaguereaper, Unstable Sickness

Malignant Plaguecaster [5 PL, 90pts]: 1. Miasma of Pestilence, 4. Putrescent Vitality, 5. Curse of the Leper, Bolt pistol, Putrid Periapt

+ Troops +

Plague Marines [12 PL, 210pts]
. Plague Champion: Daemonic plague blade, Plasma pistol, Power fist
. 2x Plague Marine w/ cleaver: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Great plague cleaver, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ flail: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Flail of corruption, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ icon
. 2x Plague Marine w/ mace and axe: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Bubotic Axe, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Mace of Contagion, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

Plague Marines [6 PL, 105pts]
. Plague Champion: Daemonic plague blade, Plasma pistol, Power fist
. Plague Marine w/ cleaver
. Plague Marine w/ flail
. Plague Marine w/ mace and axe
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

Poxwalkers [3 PL, 50pts]
. 10x Poxwalker: 10x Improvised weapon

+ Elites +

Deathshroud Terminators [18 PL, 200pts]
. Deathshroud Champion: 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
. 3x Deathshroud Terminator: 3x Manreaper, 3x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Tallyman [4 PL, 70pts]

+ Fast Attack +

Dreadclaw Drop Pod [6 PL, 115pts]

Foetid Bloat-drone [7 PL, 120pts]: Fleshmower

+ Heavy Support +

Plagueburst Crawler [8 PL, 145pts]: 2x Entropy cannon, Heavy slugger

+ Dedicated Transport +

Chaos Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]

++ Supreme Command Detachment +3CP (Chaos – Death Guard) [25 PL, 2CP, 450pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [3CP]

Plague Company: The Inexorable

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Mortarion [25 PL, -1CP, 450pts]: 1. Revoltingly Resilient, 2. Gift of Contagion, 2. Living Plague, 4. Arch-Contaminator, 5. Curse of the Leper, 6. Gift of Plagues, Gloaming Bloat, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord

++ Total: [118 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Daniel Reddehase – 4th Place – Palm Springs Open 40K GT by Dicehammer

Ferryman Infantry Spam

Army List - Click to Expand

Death Guard Ferrymen Battalion

+ HQ +

Lord of Contagion [7 PL, 135pts, -2CP]: 4. Arch-Contaminator, Acidic Malady, Fugaris’ Helm, Plaguereaper, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord

Malignant Plaguecaster [5 PL, 90pts]: 1. Miasma of Pestilence, 6. Gift of Plagues

+ Troops +

Plague Marines [12 PL, 210pts]
. Plague Champion: Plague knife, Plasma gun, Power fist
. Plague Marine w/ blight launcher
. 2x Plague Marine w/ cleaver: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Great plague cleaver, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ flail: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Flail of corruption, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Plague knife
. 2x Plague Marine w/ mace and axe: 2x Blight grenades, 2x Bubotic Axe, 2x Krak grenades, 2x Mace of Contagion, 2x Plague knife
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun
. Plague Marine w/ special weapon: Meltagun

Poxwalkers [6 PL, 100pts]
. 20x Poxwalker: 20x Improvised weapon

+ Elites +

Biologus Putrifier [4 PL, 65pts]

Deathshroud Terminators [19 PL, 215pts, -1CP]
. Deathshroud Champion: Champion of Disease, Plague Skull of Glothila, 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet, Virulent Fever
. 3x Deathshroud Terminator: 3x Manreaper, 3x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators [18 PL, 200pts, -1CP]
. Deathshroud Champion: Champion of Disease, 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet, Reaper of Glorious Entropy
. 3x Deathshroud Terminator: 3x Manreaper, 3x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foul Blightspawn [6 PL, 95pts, -1CP]: 2. Living Plague, Plaguechosen, Revolting Stench-vats, Viscous Death

Tallyman [4 PL, 70pts]

+ Fast Attack +

Chaos Spawn [3 PL, 69pts]
. 3x Chaos Spawn: 3x Hideous mutations

Foetid Bloat-drone [7 PL, 120pts]: Fleshmower

++ Total: [127 PL, 0CP, 1,999pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 2?

Plague Marines with free equipment and Armour of Contempt turn out to be a really, really good Troops unit, completing the “suite” of tools the army needed to really excel, and they’re been on a real tear the last few weeks. General point drops to other strong units helped too, and Spread the Sickness being an excellent Secondary now makes Nurgle’s favoured extremely competitive.

Do They Need Changes?

Need no, though their other two Secondaries are kind of weak, and could benefit from improvement. Fleeing Vectors should probably give 2VP for its first condition, and Despoiled Ground is very win-more. I might add a sixth condition to it so you only need 5/6 to max it, and have more angles to play for? Something like “No enemy units are on the battlefield, or every enemy unit on the battlefield is in range of a Contagion Ability.”

Chaos Knights

Sample List(s)

Ben Hampshire – 3rd Place – UKTC Leeds Supermajor

Herpetrax Dogwalker

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Supreme Command Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [15 PL, 6CP, 300pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

Legion: Black Legion

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Abaddon the Despoiler [15 PL, 300pts]

++ Super-Heavy Detachment -3CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [93 PL, -4CP, 1,700pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

+ Lord of War +

War Dog Executioner Squadron [17 PL, 325pts]: Iconoclast Dreadblade, Precision Cruelty
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber, Tzeentch – Mirror of Fates
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Karnivore Squadron [26 PL, 450pts]: House Herpetrax
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber, Khorne – Blood Shield
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Karnivore: Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Moirax Squadron [9 PL, 180pts]: Bold Tyrants, Iconoclast Dreadblade
. War Dog Moirax: 2x Lightning lock, Undivided – Warp-borne Stalker

War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, -1CP, 310pts]: House Herpetrax
. War Dog Stalker: Character (Traitoris Lance), Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Helm of Dogs, Reaper chaintalon, Stratagem: Relic, Undivided – Blessing of the Dark Master
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon

War Dog Stalker Squadron [24 PL, 435pts]: House Herpetrax
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon

++ Total: [108 PL, 2CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Eduardo Muñoz Serrano – 4th Place – Madrid GT

Vextrix with two big Knights and War Dogs

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Super-Heavy Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [96 PL, 2CP, 1,830pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ Lord of War +

Knight Abominant [24 PL, -1CP, 460pts]: Character (Traitoris Lance), Heretek Power Core, House Vextrix, Stratagem: Relic, Undivided – Blessing of the Dark Master, Vortex Terrors, Warlord, Winds of the Warp

Knight Desecrator [22 PL, -2CP, 440pts]: 6. Aura of Terror, Character (Tyrannical Court), Corrupted Heirlooms, House Vextrix, Reaper chainsword, The Diamonas, Undivided – Mark of the Dread Knight

War Dog Executioner Squadron [17 PL, 325pts]: House Vextrix
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Executioner: Diabolus heavy stubber, Tzeentch – Mirror of Fates

War Dog Huntsman Squadron [16 PL, 290pts]: House Vextrix
. War Dog Huntsman: Diabolus heavy stubber
. War Dog Huntsman: Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Huntsman Squadron [17 PL, -1CP, 315pts]: House Vextrix
. War Dog Huntsman: Character (Tyrannical Court), Diabolus heavy stubber, Favour of the Dark Mechanicum (Vextrix), The Storm Malevolent, Tzeentch – Pyrothrone
. War Dog Huntsman: Diabolus heavy stubber

++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment 0P (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [10 PL, -1CP, 170pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [0CP]

+ Lord of War +

War Dog Karnivore Squadron [10 PL, -1CP, 170pts]: House Vextrix
. War Dog Karnivore: Corrupted Heirlooms, Diabolus heavy stubber, Helm of Dogs, Khorne – Blood Shield

++ Total: [106 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Eric Mullins – 5th Place – Grand Onslaught 4

Herpetrax with three big Knights.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Super-Heavy Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Knights) [104 PL, 2,000pts, ] ++

+ Configuration +

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ Lord of War +

Knight Abominant [24 PL, 460pts, -3CP]: 4. Knight Diabolus, Arch-Tyrant, Balemace, Bow to None (Herpetrax), Character (Traitoris Lance), Diabolus heavy stubber, Electroscourge, Iconoclast Household, Infamous Heredity (Herpetrax), Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Storm Malevolent, Titanic feet, Undivided – Blessing of the Dark Master, Veil of Medrengard, Volkite combustor, Warlord, Winds of the Warp

Knight Abominant [24 PL, 470pts, -2CP]: 6. Aura of Terror, Balemace, Character (Tyrannical Court), Corrupted Heirlooms, Diabolus heavy stubber, Electroscourge, Iconoclast Household, Infamous Heredity (Herpetrax), Soul-Raptor Swarm, Spitesquall, Titanic feet, Undivided – Mark of the Dread Knight, Volkite combustor, Winds of the Warp

Knight Desecrator [22 PL, 435pts, -1CP]: 5. Infernal Quest, Character (Tyrannical Court), Desecrator laser destructor, Diabolus heavy stubber, Iconoclast Household, Infamous Heredity (Herpetrax), Reaper chainsword, Titanic feet, Tzeentch – Cursed Rune of Fate

War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, 315pts]: Iconoclast Household, Infamous Heredity (Herpetrax)
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Havoc multi-launcher, Slaughterclaw, Tzeentch – Mirror of Fates
. War Dog Stalker: Avenger chaincannon, Havoc multi-launcher, Slaughterclaw

War Dog Stalker Squadron [17 PL, 320pts]: Iconoclast Household, Infamous Heredity (Herpetrax)
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher, Reaper chaintalon, Tzeentch – Pyrothrone, Vortex Terrors
. War Dog Stalker: Daemonbreath spear, Diabolus heavy stubber, Reaper chaintalon

++ Total: [104 PL, 2,000pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 2?

War Dogs are extremely good all-rounder units these days, especially in Herpetrax or Vextrix. They do good damage, pressure objectives well, and have access to lots of very aggressively priced upgrades in Chaos. Herpetrax has also thrown up a decent number of builds using big Knights, usually an Abominant and/or Desecrator, both very efficiently costed.

Off to one side, the Chaos Space Marine codex has also created what is known as the Dogwalker list, where Abaddon takes his very good boys (again, usually Herpetrax or Vextrix, the former being the better build for my money) for a walk/rampage across the battlefields of the galaxy. Because of how good the Chaos Knight upgrades are (rather than Warlord Traits or Relics), you lose very little to do this, and the combination is ferocious.

Do They Need Changes?

Not much, though there’s a definite argument that War Dogs are overtuned at the expense of most of the rest of the book (with the partial exception of the two big Knights listed above). That’s probably a problem for points costs in the next Chapter Approved though. The only change I’d make right now is to add a “complete at the end of the game” condition to Storm of Darkness, as it really feels like there’s no good reason it should be capped at 12 when arguably easier Secondaries are not.

Chaos Space Marines

Sample List(s)

Anthony Vanella – 1st Place – Salt City GT

Emperor’s Children

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Supreme Command Detachment +3CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [15 PL, 300pts, 2CP] ++

+ 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, Stratagem: Warlord Trait

++ Battalion Detachment -3CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [85 PL, 1,699pts, ] ++

+ Configuration +

Legion: Emperor’s Children

+ HQ +

Dark Apostle [6 PL, 110pts]: Illusory Supplication, Mark of Slaanesh
. 2x Dark Disciple: 2x Close combat weapon

Lord Discordant on Helstalker [10 PL, 190pts, -2CP]: 1. Flames of Spite, Aspiring Lord, Baleflamer, Gifts of Chaos, Mantle of Traitors, Mark of Slaanesh, Techno-virus injector

Lucius the Eternal [5 PL, 120pts]

+ Troops +

Cultist Mob [2 PL, 50pts]
. 9x Chaos Cultist w/ cultist firearm: 9x Cultist firearm, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Cultist Champion: Autopistol

Noise Marines [12 PL, 244pts]
. Marine w/ blastmaster: Blastmaster
. 7x Marine w/ sonic blaster: 7x Bolt pistol, 7x Frag & Krak grenades, 7x Sonic blaster
. Noise Champion: Astartes chainsword, Sonic blaster

+ Elites +

Chaos Terminator Squad [19 PL, 375pts, -1CP]: Mark of Slaanesh
. Chaos Terminator: Chainfist, Combi-bolter
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-bolter, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-bolter, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-bolter, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-bolter, 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
. Terminator Champion: Black Rune of Damnation, Chainfist, Combi-bolter, Trophies of the Long War

Possessed [7 PL, 140pts]: Possessed Champion
. 4x Possessed: 4x Hideous mutations

+ Fast Attack +

Raptors [7 PL, 120pts]: Mark of Slaanesh
. 4x Raptor: 4x Astartes chainsword, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Raptor Champion: Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol

+ Heavy Support +

Havocs [8 PL, 160pts]: Mark of Slaanesh
. Havoc Champion: Astartes chainsword, Astartes chainsword
. 4x Havoc w/ lascannon: 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Lascannon

++ Total: [100 PL, 1,999pts, 2CP] ++

—

Louis Fitzsimmons – 1st Place – St. Albans GT

Creations of Bile Pressure

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment -3CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [93 PL, 1,645pts, -3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Legion: Creations of Bile

+ HQ +

Daemon Prince with Wings [11 PL, 180pts]: Death Hex, Hellforged sword, Mark of Slaanesh, Wings

Lord Discordant on Helstalker [10 PL, 190pts, -2CP]: 1. Flames of Spite, Aspiring Lord, Baleflamer, Gifts of Chaos, Intoxicating Elixir, Mark of Slaanesh, Techno-virus injector

Lord Discordant on Helstalker [10 PL, 190pts, -2CP]: 2. Unholy Fortitude, Aspiring Lord, Baleflamer, Gifts of Chaos, Gorget of Eternal Hate, Mark of Slaanesh, Techno-virus injector

+ Troops +

Accursed Cultists [3 PL, 75pts]
. 5x Mutant: 5x Blasphemous appendages
. 3x Torment: 3x Hideous mutations

Cultist Mob [2 PL, 50pts]
. 9x Chaos Cultist w/ cultist firearm: 9x Cultist firearm, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Cultist Champion
. . Autopistol and brutal assault weapon

Legionaries [7 PL, 110pts]: Chaos Icon, Mark of Khorne
. Aspiring Champion: Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol
. 4x Marine w/ astartes chainsword: 4x Astartes chainsword, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades

+ Elites +

Chosen [15 PL, 255pts, -1CP]: Chaos Icon, Mark of Slaanesh
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen: Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. Chosen Champion: Black Rune of Damnation, Bolt pistol, Combi-melta, Trophies of the Long War

Master of Executions [5 PL, 80pts]: Mark of Slaanesh

Possessed [7 PL, 140pts]: Possessed Champion
. 4x Possessed: 4x Hideous mutations

+ Fast Attack +

Chaos Bikers [16 PL, 265pts, -1CP]: Chaos Icon, Mark of Khorne
. Biker Champion: Power maul, The Black Mace, Trophies of the Long War
. 7x Chaos Biker w/ astartes chainsword: 7x Astartes chainsword, 7x Combi-bolter, 7x Frag & Krak grenades

++ Supreme Command Detachment +3CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [15 PL, 300pts, 3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [3CP]

Legion: Black Legion

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Abaddon the Despoiler [15 PL, 300pts] warlord

++ Total: [108 PL, 1,945pts] ++

—

Colin Kay – 2nd Place – Denver 40k Fight Club Major

Night Lords

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [114 PL, 1,999pts, ] ++

+ Configuration +

Legion: Night Lords

+ HQ +

Daemon Prince with Wings [11 PL, 180pts, -1CP]: G’holl’ax, the Decayed, Hellforged sword, Mark of Nurgle, Stratagem: Relic, Warptime, Wings

Lord Discordant on Helstalker [10 PL, 190pts, -2CP]: 6. Dirty Fighter, Aspiring Lord, Baleflamer, Gifts of Chaos, Intoxicating Elixir, Mark of Slaanesh, Techno-virus injector

Master of Possession [7 PL, 120pts]: Mark of Slaanesh, Mutated Invigoration, Pact of Flesh, Warlord

+ Troops +

Cultist Mob [2 PL, 50pts]
. 9x Chaos Cultist w/ cultist firearm: 9x Cultist firearm, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Cultist Champion: Cultist firearm

Legionaries [13 PL, 148pts]: Chaos Icon, Mark of Khorne
. Aspiring Champion: Astartes chainsword, Power fist
. 4x Marine w/ astartes chainsword: 4x Astartes chainsword, 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Marine w/ heavy chainaxe: Heavy chainaxe

Legionaries [7 PL, 125pts]: Mark of Slaanesh
. Aspiring Champion: Astartes chainsword, Astartes chainsword
. 3x Marine w/ astartes chainsword: 3x Astartes chainsword, 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Marine w/ balefire tome: Balefire tome, Prescience

+ Elites +

Chaos Terminator Squad [19 PL, 420pts, -1CP]: Mark of Slaanesh
. Chaos Terminator: Chainfist, Combi-melta
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-melta, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-melta, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Power fist, Reaper autocannon
. Chaos Terminator: Power fist, Reaper autocannon
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-flamer, Power fist
. Chaos Terminator: Combi-bolter, Power fist
. 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

Master of Executions [5 PL, 80pts, -2CP]: 1. Night Haunter’s Curse, Aspiring Lord, Gifts of Chaos, Mark of Slaanesh, The Warp’s Malice

Possessed [7 PL, 140pts]: Possessed Champion
. 4x Possessed: 4x Hideous mutations

+ Fast Attack +

Raptors [12 PL, 141pts]: Chaos Undivided
. 3x Raptor: 3x Astartes chainsword, 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Raptor Champion: Bolt pistol, Power sword
. Raptor w/ special weapon: Flamer
. Raptor w/ special weapon: Flamer

Venomcrawler [6 PL, 105pts]

Warp Talons [7 PL, 140pts]: Warp Talon Champion
. 4x Warp Talon: 4x Warp claws

+ Heavy Support +

Havocs [8 PL, 160pts]: Mark of Slaanesh
. Havoc Champion: Astartes chainsword, Astartes chainsword
. 2x Havoc w/ lascannon: 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Lascannon
. 2x Havoc w/ missile launcher: 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Missile launcher

++ Total: [114 PL, 1,999pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 2?

The new Chaos Space Marine book is definitely one of the bigger design triumphs of the edition – there’s lots of stuff you can do with it, plenty of cool depth, enough power for winning lists, but nothing that’s overwhelmingly busted either. Very good stuff.

Do They Need Changes?

Although good results are being posted, the Chaos Space Marine secondaries are notably underwhelming, and could safely be brought up a bit. Variously:

All the Legion-specific Shadow Operations Action Secondaries should be brought in line with changes to other Shadow Operations secondaries in Nephilim, requiring you to control the objective you want to perform them on rather than there being no enemy units in range at all. Accumulated experience from 9th has shown that the “old” version was too easy to counter, and the “new” version plays much better, so give CSM that. This would plausibly help with list diversity.
Rise to Glory should probably be 3VP per kill.
The Long War should cap at 4VP per turn rather than 3VP.

Thousand Sons

Sample List(s)

Brad Townsend – 2nd Place – Lone Star Open 40K Champs

Cult of Duplicity

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Thousand Sons) [102 PL, 2CP, 22 Cabal Points, 1,998pts] ++

Cults of the Legion: Cult of Duplicity

Detachment Command Cost

+ Stratagems +

Sorcerous Arcana [-1CP]: Additional Relics

+ No Force Org Slot +

Sorcerer [6 PL, -1CP, 2 Cabal Points, 100pts]: 13. Doombolt, 23. Temporal Surge, 6. Aetherstride, Force sword, High Acolytes, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Loyal Thrall

+ HQ +

Ahriman [9 PL, 3 Cabal Points, 180pts]: 12. Glamour of Tzeentch, 21. Presage, 22. Weaver of Fates, Disc of Tzeentch

Exalted Sorcerer [8 PL, 3 Cabal Points, 145pts]: 11. Tzeentch’s Firestorm, 13. Doombolt, Athenaean Scrolls, Disc of Tzeentch, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Master Misinformator, Rehati, Warlord

Infernal Master [5 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 90pts]: 21. Temporal Manipulation, 4. Diabolic Savant, 6. Malefic Maelstrom, Umbralefic Crystal

+ Troops +

Rubric Marines [6 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 110pts]: Icon of Flame
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 31. Empyric Guidance, Inferno Bolt Pistol
. 3x Rubric Marine w/ inferno boltgun: 3x Inferno boltgun
. Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon: Soulreaper cannon

Rubric Marines [6 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 117pts]: Icon of Flame
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 32. Pyric Flux, Warpflame pistol
. 4x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 4x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines [6 PL, 2 Cabal Points, 119pts]: Icon of Flame
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 23. Temporal Surge, Warpflame pistol
. Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon: Soulreaper cannon
. 3x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 3x Warpflamer

Thousand Sons Cultists [2 PL, 50pts]
. Cultist Champion: Autogun
. 9x Cultist w/ autogun: 9x Autogun

+ Elites +

Scarab Occult Terminators [21 PL, 1 Cabal Points, 435pts]: 2x Hellfyre missile rack
. Scarab Occult Sorcerer: 23. Temporal Surge, Ardent Automata, Inferno combi-bolter
. 9x Terminator: 9x Inferno combi-bolter, 9x Prosperine khopesh

Scarab Occult Terminators [21 PL, 1 Cabal Points, 425pts]: 2x Hellfyre missile rack
. Scarab Occult Sorcerer: 21. Presage, 23. Temporal Surge, Inferno combi-bolter, Protégé
. 9x Terminator: 9x Inferno combi-bolter, 9x Prosperine khopesh

++ Total: [22 Cabal Points, 102 PL, 2CP, 1,998pts] ++

—

Grischa Gerwert – 3rd Place – Bedburger Scheunenkloppen GT

Cult of Time

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Thousand Sons) [20 Cabal Points, 102 PL, 1,999pts, 4CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Cults of the Legion: Cult of Time

+ Stratagems +

Sorcerous Arcana [-2CP]: 2x Additional Relics

+ HQ +

Ahriman [3 Cabal Points, 8 PL, 160pts]: 12. Glamour of Tzeentch, 21. Presage, 22. Weaver of Fates

Exalted Sorcerer [3 Cabal Points, 8 PL, 145pts]: 11. Tzeentch’s Firestorm, 13. Doombolt, Athenaean Scrolls, Disc of Tzeentch, Inferno Bolt Pistol, Rehati, Warlord

Infernal Master [2 Cabal Points, 5 PL, 90pts]: 23. Temporal Surge, 5. Glimpse of Eternity, 6. Malefic Maelstrom, Umbralefic Crystal

+ Troops +

Rubric Marines [2 Cabal Points, 6 PL, 110pts]: Icon of Flame
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 11. Gaze of Hate, Warpflame pistol
. 3x Rubric Marine w/ inferno boltgun: 3x Inferno boltgun
. Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon: Soulreaper cannon

Rubric Marines [2 Cabal Points, 6 PL, 117pts]: Icon of Flame
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 12. Twist of Fate, Warpflame pistol
. 4x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 4x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines [2 Cabal Points, 12 PL, 189pts]: Icon of Flame
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 32. Pyric Flux, Warpflame pistol
. 7x Rubric Marine w/ warpflamer: 7x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines [2 Cabal Points, 6 PL, 110pts]: Icon of Flame
. Aspiring Sorcerer: 31. Empyric Guidance, Inferno Bolt Pistol
. 3x Rubric Marine w/ inferno boltgun: 3x Inferno boltgun
. Rubric Marine w/ soulreaper cannon: Soulreaper cannon

+ Elites +

Scarab Occult Terminators [1 Cabal Points, 21 PL, 440pts]: 2x Hellfyre missile rack
. Scarab Occult Sorcerer: 23. Temporal Surge, Inferno combi-bolter, Rites of Coalescence
. 7x Terminator: 7x Inferno combi-bolter, 7x Prosperine khopesh
. Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Soulreaper cannon
. Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Soulreaper cannon

Scarab Occult Terminators [1 Cabal Points, 10 PL, 215pts]: Hellfyre missile rack
. Scarab Occult Sorcerer: 11. Gaze of Hate, Inferno combi-bolter
. 3x Terminator: 3x Inferno combi-bolter, 3x Prosperine khopesh
. Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Soulreaper cannon

Scarab Occult Terminators [1 Cabal Points, 10 PL, 215pts]: Hellfyre missile rack
. Scarab Occult Sorcerer: 31. Cacodaemonic Curse, Inferno combi-bolter
. 3x Terminator: 3x Inferno combi-bolter, 3x Prosperine khopesh
. Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Soulreaper cannon

Tzaangor Shaman [1 Cabal Points, 4 PL, 70pts]: 21. Temporal Manipulation

+ Fast Attack +

Chaos Spawn [5 PL, 115pts]
. 5x Chaos Spawn: 5x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn [1 PL, 23pts]: Chaos Spawn

++ Total: [20 Cabal Points, 102 PL, 4CP, 1,999pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 2?

Exceptional Psychic might, super-powerful ObSec Terminators, and very good Characters and core Troops. This book has been a lasting success – it does its thing very well in a way that feels special, but is focused enough on that one area that it doesn’t become overwhelmingly powerful.

Do They Need Changes?

Thousand Sons are about right on power level, but do have a couple of small problems, notably that they’re bad into the Adepta Sororitas, and some of their secondaries are pretty narrow. Wrath of Magnus only being active against armies with Psykers makes the No Mercy category pretty weak for them in many games, and Sorcerous Prowess relies a bit too much on their being some enemy Psykers too to be fully worth it, and underwhelms on average score as a result. One secondary being this narrow would be fine, two is maybe not given that in the games where they’re bad, the opponent will also likely be taking Abhor the Witch. I’d probably tune Prowess up slightly by making the middle 3VP condition “Other Psyker or Character”, just to make it that much spicier against armies that lack the former.

Drukhari

Sample List(s)

Matthew Morosoli – 1st Place – North and South GT

Drukhari Goodstuff

Army List - Click to Expand

== Drukhari – Realspace Raid – Battalion Detachment = +0CP, [121PL, 1999pts] ==
<Kabal of the Black Heart> <Artists of the Flesh> <Precise Killers, Test of Skill>

HQ: Archon: Huskblade, Splintered Genius, Warlord (-1CP),
– Warlord Trait: Hatred Eternal,
– Relic (-1CP), Djinn Blade [5pl, -2CP, 90pts]
HQ: Haemonculus: Alchemical Maestro, Alliance of Agony,
– Warlord Trait: Twisted Animator [5pl, 90pts]
HQ: Succubus: Show Stealer, Alliance of Agony,
– Warlord Trait: Precision Blows.
– Prizes from the Dark City (-1CP), Triptych Whip,
– Combat Drug Adrenalight [5pl, -1CP, 95pts]

TR: 10 Haemoxytes: Electrocorrosive Whip [8PL, 105pts]
TR: 10 Hekatrix Bloodbrides: Combat Drug Adrenalight [8pl, 140pts]
TR: 5 Kabalite Warriors [3pl, 40pts]
TR 5 Wracks [3pl, 40pts]
TR 5 Wracks [3pl, 40pts]
TR 5 Wracks [3pl, 40pts]

EL: 4 Grotesques [10pl, 140pts]
EL: 4 Grotesques [10pl, 140pts]
EL: 4 Grotesques [10pl, 140pts]
EL: 5 Incubi [4pl, 90pts] Demi-Klaives
EL: 5 Incubi [4pl, 90pts] Demi-Klaives
EL: 5 Incubi [4pl, 90pts] Demi-Klaives

FA: 7 Hellions: Combat Drug Adrenalight [8pl, 119pts]
FA: 7 Hellions: Combat Drug Adrenalight [8pl, 119pts]

DT: Raider: Dark Lance, Grisly Trophies [6pl, 110pts]
DT: Raider: Dark Lance, Grisly Trophies [6pl, 110pts]
DT: Raider: Dark Lance [6pl, 105pts]

NFO: 4 Court of the Archon: 3x UrGhuls, 1x Sslyth [5pl, 66pts]

—

Paulie Wallis – 3rd Place – The St Albans GT

Another Drukhari Goodstuff build.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Drukhari) [58 PL, 860pts, 6CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Obsession: Kabal of the Black Heart: Thirst for Power

+ No Force Org Slot +

Court of the Archon [10 PL, 100pts]: As Detachment (Kabal)
. Lhamean: Shaimeshi blade
. Sslyth: Shardcarbine, Splinter Pistol, Sslyth battle-blade
. Sslyth: Shardcarbine, Splinter Pistol, Sslyth battle-blade
. Ur-Ghul: As Detachment (Kabal), Ur-Ghul Talons
. Ur-Ghul: As Detachment (Kabal), Ur-Ghul Talons
. Ur-Ghul: As Detachment (Kabal), Ur-Ghul Talons

+ HQ +

Archon [5 PL, 95pts]: As Detachment (Kabal), Blast Pistol, Hatred Eternal, Huskblade, Overlord, The Djin Blade, Warlord
. Splintered Genius (Black Heart): Splintered Genius

+ Troops +

Kabalite Warriors [3 PL, 40pts]: As Detachment (Kabal)
. 4x Kabalite Warrior: 4x Splinter Rifle
. Sybarite: Splinter Rifle

Wracks [3 PL, 40pts]: As Detachment (Coven)
. Acothyst: Wrack Blade
. 4x Wracks: 4x Wrack Blade

+ Elites +

Mandrakes [8 PL, 90pts]
. 5x Mandrake: 5x Baleblast, 5x Glimmersteel Blade
. Nightfiend: Baleblast, Glimmersteel Blade

+ Heavy Support +

Ravager [8 PL, 130pts]: As Detachment (Kabal), Bladevanes, 3x Dark Lance

+ Dedicated Transport +

Raider [6 PL, 110pts]: As Detachment, Bladevanes, Dark Lance, Grisly Trophies

Raider [6 PL, 105pts]: As Detachment, Bladevanes, Disintegrator Cannon, Phantasm Grenade Launcher

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Drukhari) [37 PL, 685pts, -2CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost

Obsession
. *Custom Coven*: Artists of the Flesh (All-Consuming)

Raiding Forces – CP Refund

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Prizes from the Dark City [-1CP]: Additional Relics

+ HQ +

Drazhar [8 PL, 145pts]: The Executioner’s Demiklaives

Haemonculus [5 PL, 90pts, -1CP]: As Detachment (Coven), Haemonculus Tools, Ichor Injector, Scissorhand, Stinger Pistol, Stratagem: Tolerated Ambition, Twisted Animator
. Alchemical Maestro (Custom): Alchemical Maestro

+ Troops +

Haemoxytes [8 PL, 135pts]: As Detachment (Coven)
. 7x Haemoxyte: 7x Wrack Blade
. Haemoxyte Acothyst: Electrocorrosive Whip, Liquifier Gun
. Haemoxyte w/ Special Weapon: Liquifier Gun, Wrack Blade
. Haemoxyte w/ Special Weapon: Liquifier Gun, Wrack Blade

Wracks [3 PL, 65pts]: As Detachment (Coven)
. Acothyst: Electrocorrosive Whip, Liquifier Gun
. Wrack w/ Special Weapon: Liquifier Gun, Wrack Blade
. 3x Wracks: 3x Wrack Blade

Wracks [3 PL, 40pts]: As Detachment (Coven)
. Acothyst: Wrack Blade
. 4x Wracks: 4x Wrack Blade

+ Elites +

Incubi [4 PL, 90pts]
. 4x Incubi: 4x Klaive
. Klaivex: Demiklaives

+ Fast Attack +

Reavers [3 PL, 60pts]: 3 – Hypex (Combat Drug), As Detachment (Wych Cult)
. Arena Champion: Bladevanes, Splinter Pistol, Splinter Rifle
. 2x Reaver: 2x Bladevanes, 2x Splinter Pistol, 2x Splinter Rifle

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Drukhari) [22 PL, 455pts, -2CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Obsession: Cult of the Cursed Blade: Only The Strong Will Survive

Raiding Forces – CP Refund

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Prizes from the Dark City [-1CP]: Additional Relics

+ HQ +

Succubus [4 PL, 80pts, -1CP]: 1 – Adrenalight (Combat Drug), As Detachment (Wych Cult), Precision Blows, Stratagem: Tolerated Ambition, The Triptych Whip
. Agoniser & Archite Glaive: Agoniser, Archite Glaive

+ Troops +

Wyches [3 PL, 55pts]: 2 – Grave Lotus (Combat Drug), As Detachment (Wych Cult)
. Hekatrix: Hekatarii Blade, Plasma Grenades, Splinter Pistol
. 4x Wych: 4x Hekatarii Blade, 4x Plasma Grenades, 4x Splinter Pistol

Wyches [3 PL, 60pts]: 3 – Hypex (Combat Drug), As Detachment (Wych Cult)
. Hekatrix: Hekatarii Blade, Phantasm Grenade Launcher, Plasma Grenades, Splinter Pistol
. 4x Wych: 4x Hekatarii Blade, 4x Plasma Grenades, 4x Splinter Pistol

+ Elites +

Incubi [4 PL, 90pts]
. 4x Incubi: 4x Klaive
. Klaivex: Demiklaives

+ Fast Attack +

Hellions [4 PL, 85pts]: 1 – Adrenalight (Combat Drug), As Detachment (Wych Cult)
. Helliarch: Hellglaive, Splinter Pods
. 4x Hellion: 4x Hellglaive, 4x Splinter Pods

—

Why are they Tier 2?

It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for Drukhari, but they’ve finally ended up in a pretty good spot – playable, putting up good finishes, but not overwhelming. They’re maybe ever so slightly below where the power wants to be, but not by too much, and give experienced players a lot to work with.

Do They Need Changes?

Not massively, though I think you could safely give CORE back to Talos and Cronos at this point, as the former are seeing essentially zero play, and without the old, uncapped Artists of the Flesh, they shouldn’t be abusive. It would also let the Army of Renown actually do some work.

Orks

Sample List(s)

Michael Mann – 4th Place – Denver Fight Club 40k Major

Goff Pressure

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Orks) [127 PL, 1,996pts, -4CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Clan Kultur: Goffs

+ No Force Org Slot [4 PL, 65pts, -2CP] +

Nob on Smasha Squig [4 PL, 65pts, -2CP]: 4. Brutal but Kunnin, Big Choppa, Headwoppa’s Killchoppa, Slugga, Smasha Squig Jaws, Stratagem: Big Boss [-1CP], Stratagem: Extra Gubbinz [-1CP]

+ HQ [15 PL, 270pts, -2CP] +

Beastboss on Squigosaur [9 PL, 160pts, -2CP]: 3. ‘Ard as Nails, Beastchoppa, Beasthide Mantle, Slugga, Squigosaur’s Jaws, Stratagem: Relic [-1CP], Stratagem: Warlord Trait [-1CP], Warlord

Boss Zagstruk [6 PL, 110pts]: Blitz Missiles, Choppa, Da Vulcha’s Klaws, Slugga

+ Troops [24 PL, 386pts] +

Beast Snagga Boyz [5 PL, 100pts]
. 9x Beast Snagga Boy [90pts]: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga
. Beast Snagga Nob [10pts]: Power Snappa, Slugga

Boyz [10 PL, 106pts]: Trukk Boyz
. Boss Nob [18pts]: Choppa, Power Klaw [10pts], Stikkbombs
. 11x Ork Boy w/ Slugga & Choppa [88pts]: 11x Choppa, 11x Slugga, 11x Stikkbombs

Gretchin [2 PL, 40pts]
. 10x Gretchin [40pts]: 10x Grot Blaster

+ Elites [32 PL, 400pts] +

Kommandos [4 PL, 60pts]
. Boss Nob [16pts]: Power Klaw [5pts], Slugga, Stikkbombs
. 4x Kommando [44pts]: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga, 4x Stikkbombs

Meganobz [12 PL, 150pts]
. Boss Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs

Meganobz [12 PL, 120pts]
. Boss Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs
. Meganob [30pts]: Kustom Shoota, Power Klaw, Stikkbombs

Nob with Waaagh! Banner [4 PL, 70pts]: Kustom Shoota, Stikkbombs, Waaagh! Banner

+ Fast Attack [17 PL, 290pts] +

Squighog Boyz [4 PL, 75pts]
. 3x Squighog Boy [75pts]: 3x Saddlegit Weapons, 3x Squighog Jaws, 3x Stikka

Stormboyz [9 PL, 140pts]
. Boss Nob [10pts]: Choppa, Slugga, Stikkbombs
. 13x Stormboy [130pts]: 13x Choppa, 13x Slugga, 13x Stikkbombs

+ Heavy Support [31 PL, 515pts] +

Battlewagon [8 PL, 120pts]: Deff Rolla [15pts]

Kill Rig [12 PL, 205pts]: ‘Eavy Lobba, 2. Frazzle, 6. Squiggly Curse, Butcha Boyz, Savage Horns and Hooves, Saw Blades, Squig-hide Tyres [1 PL, 15pts], Stikka Kannon, Wurrtower

Kill Rig [11 PL, 190pts]: ‘Eavy Lobba, 1. Roar of Mork, 2. Frazzle, Butcha Boyz, Savage Horns and Hooves, Saw Blades, Stikka Kannon, Wurrtower

+ Dedicated Transport [4 PL, 70pts] +

Trukk [4 PL, 70pts]: Big Shoota

++ Total: [127 PL, -4CP, 1,996pts] ++

—

Robert Hawkins – 3rd Place – Grand Onslaught 4

Blood Axe Infantry Spam

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Brigade Detachment 0CP (Orks) [110 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Clan Kultur: Blood Axes

+ HQ +

Beastboss on Squigosaur [9 PL, -2CP, 160pts]: 4. Brutal but Kunnin, Beastchoppa, Beasthide Mantle, Slugga, Squigosaur’s Jaws, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord

Boss Snikrot [5 PL, 95pts]: Mork’s Teeth, Stikkbombs

Weirdboy [4 PL, 70pts]: 2. Warpath, 3. Da Jump, Weirdboy Staff

+ Troops +

Beast Snagga Boyz [5 PL, 100pts]
. 9x Beast Snagga Boy: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga
. Beast Snagga Nob: Power Snappa, Slugga

Gretchin [2 PL, 40pts]
. 10x Gretchin: 10x Grot Blaster

+ Elites +

Kommandos [8 PL, 120pts]: Bomb Squig
. Boss Nob: Power Klaw, Slugga, Stikkbombs
. 9x Kommando: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga, 9x Stikkbombs

+ Fast Attack +

Squighog Boyz [4 PL, 75pts]
. 3x Squighog Boy: 3x Saddlegit Weapons, 3x Squighog Jaws, 3x Stikka

Stormboyz [3 PL, 50pts]
. Boss Nob: Choppa, Slugga, Stikkbombs
. 4x Stormboy: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga, 4x Stikkbombs

+ Heavy Support +

Kill Rig [11 PL, -1CP, 190pts]: ‘Eavy Lobba, 4. Spirit of Gork, 6. Squiggly Curse, Butcha Boyz, Madboyz, Morgog’s Finkin’ Cap (Blood Axes), Savage Horns and Hooves, Saw Blades, Stikka Kannon, Stratagem: Extra Gubbinz, Wurrtower

Mek Gunz [2 PL, 45pts]
. Mek Gun: Kustom Mega Kannon

+ Flyer +

Wazbom Blastajet [10 PL, 210pts]: 2x Tellyport Mega-Blastas, Smasha Gun, Stikkbomb Flinga, 2x Supa Shoota

+ Dedicated Transport +

Trukk [4 PL, 70pts]: Big Shoota

++ Total: [110 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 2?

Thanks to the boosts to Waaaagh! and some pretty decent Secondaries, Ork lists built around lots of bodies can apply some serious pressure, and pressure wins games. Goffs have been the dominant force just due to their sheer killiness, but recently some players are experimenting relatively successfully with Blood Axes as well, with the extra Stratagems for Kommandos helping make them very tough to shift.

Do They Need Changes?

Probably not. The problem that Orks currently have is that they’re particularly weak into the top three factions, which can just outclass them on the kind of game they want to play. Taking them down a bit should do more to help Orks than it does for most armies. It would be nice to see a bit more list diversity, and something to help out the Speedwaaagh certainly wouldn’t go amiss. Their biggest problem is that they struggle to rack up Secondaries, and also run out of detachment slots without burning a tonne of CP, so maybe let BIKER CORE units perform Get Da Good Bits in that list, and also let them take nine Fast Attack slots rather than six in an Outrider.

Good Space Marines

Sample List(s)

Stephen Box – 2nd Place – St. Albans GT

Blood Angels Jet Pack Spam

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Blood Angels) [125 PL, 2,000pts, 3CP] ++

+ Configuration [6CP] +

**Chapter Selector**: Blood Angels

+ Stratagems [-2CP] +

Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter [-2CP]: 2x Number of Extra Relics [-2CP]

+ HQ [22 PL, 420pts, ] +

Commander Dante [9 PL, 165pts, 1CP]: Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol, The Axe Mortalis, Warlord [1CP]

Death Company Captain [7 PL, 135pts, -1CP]: 5. Gift of Foresight, Bolt pistol, Death Company Captain [1 PL, 15pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol, Jump Pack [1 PL, 25pts], Relic blade [10pts], Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [-1CP], The Armour Indomitus

Sanguinary Priest [6 PL, 120pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack [1 PL, 30pts]

+ Troops [20 PL, 395pts] +

Assault Intercessor Squad [5 PL, 95pts]
. 4x Assault Intercessor [76pts]: 4x Astartes Chainsword, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessor Sgt [19pts]: Astartes Chainsword, Frag & Krak grenades, Heavy Bolt Pistol

Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts]
. 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

Tactical Squad [5 PL, 90pts]
. 4x Space Marine [72pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant [18pts]: Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Frag & Krak grenades

+ Elites [65 PL, 915pts, -1CP] +

Death Company Marines [8 PL, 165pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 15pts]
. Death Company Marine [33pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer [15pts]
. Death Company Marine [33pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer [15pts]
. Death Company Marine [33pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer [15pts]
. Death Company Marine [33pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Thunder hammer [15pts]
. Death Company Marine [18pts]: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Bolt pistol and chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt pistol

Death Company Marines [8 PL, 175pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 15pts]
. Death Company Marine [33pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol [5pts], Power fist [10pts]
. Death Company Marine [33pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol [5pts], Power fist [10pts]
. Death Company Marine [33pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol [5pts], Power fist [10pts]
. Death Company Marine [33pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol [5pts], Power fist [10pts]
. Death Company Marine [28pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, Inferno pistol [5pts], Power sword [5pts]

Sanguinary Ancient [7 PL, 110pts, -1CP]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [-1CP], Wrath of Baal

Sanguinary Guard [17 PL, 150pts]
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades
. Sanguinary Guard [30pts]: Angelus boltgun, Encarmine sword, Frag & Krak grenades

+ Fast Attack [18 PL, 270pts] +

Assault Squad [6 PL, 90pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL]
. 2x Space Marine [36pts]: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant [18pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Lightning Claw
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon [18pts]: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Plasma pistol
. Space Marine w/Special Weapon [18pts]: Frag & Krak grenades
. . Plasma Pistol & Chainsword: Astartes Chainsword, Plasma pistol

++ Total: [125 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Paul Woodman – 2nd Place – TJ Cafe & Games GT

Dark Angels Deathwing with splashed-in Infiltrators for Stubborn Defiance

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels) [13 PL, 4CP, 235pts] ++

+ Configuration [4CP] +

**Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels

+ HQ [7 PL, 115pts] +

Ezekiel [7 PL, 115pts]: Frag & Krak grenades, The Deliverer, Traitor’s Bane

+ Troops [6 PL, 120pts] +

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 120pts]
. 4x Infiltrator [96pts]: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant [24pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Marksman bolt carbine

++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels) [86 PL, 3CP, 1,765pts] ++

+ Configuration [3CP] +

**Chapter Selector**: Dark Angels

+ HQ [16 PL, 2CP, 295pts] +

Azrael [9 PL, 2CP, 160pts]: Bolt pistol, Frag & Krak grenades, Sword of Secrets, Warlord
. Lion’s Wrath: Lion’s Wrath – Master-crafted boltgun, Lion’s Wrath – Master-crafted Plasma gun

Interrogator-Chaplain [7 PL, 135pts]: 1. Litany of Faith (Aura), 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Bolt pistol, Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity [1 PL, 25pts], Crozius arcanum, Frag & Krak grenades, Jump Pack [1 PL, 25pts], Litany of Hate, Wise Orator

+ Elites [70 PL, -2CP, 1,470pts] +

Deathwing Ancient [6 PL, -1CP, 120pts]: Pennant of Remembrance, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter [-1CP]
. Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield [20pts]: Storm shield [10pts], Thunder hammer [10pts]

Deathwing Knights [22 PL, -1CP, 430pts]
. 9x Deathwing Knight [387pts]: 9x Mace of Absolution, 9x Storm shield
. Knight Master [-1CP, 43pts]: Flail of the Unforgiven, Master-Crafted Weapon, Storm shield, Stratagem: Marked for Command [-1CP]

Deathwing Terminator Squad [18 PL, 405pts]: Watcher in the Dark [5pts]
. Deathwing Sergeant [43pts]
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield [10pts]: Storm shield, Thunder hammer [10pts]
. Deathwing Terminator [63pts]
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Chainfist [30pts]: Chainfist [5pts], Cyclone missile launcher [25pts], Storm bolter
. Deathwing Terminator [63pts]
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Chainfist [30pts]: Chainfist [5pts], Cyclone missile launcher [25pts], Storm bolter
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]: Lightning Claw (Pair)
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]: Lightning Claw (Pair)
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]: Lightning Claw (Pair)
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]: Lightning Claw (Pair)
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]: Lightning Claw (Pair)
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]: Lightning Claw (Pair)
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]: Lightning Claw (Pair)

Deathwing Terminator Squad [9 PL, 210pts]: Watcher in the Dark [5pts]
. Deathwing Sergeant [43pts]
. . Thunder Hammer & Storm Shield [10pts]: Storm shield, Thunder hammer [10pts]
. Deathwing Terminator [63pts]
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter, Chainfist [30pts]: Chainfist [5pts], Cyclone missile launcher [25pts], Storm bolter
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]: Lightning Claw (Pair)
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]: Lightning Claw (Pair)
. Deathwing Terminator [33pts]: Lightning Claw (Pair)

Ravenwing Apothecary [6 PL, 135pts]: Bolt pistol, Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary [1 PL, 35pts], Frag & Krak grenades, Selfless Healer
. Black Knight Bike: Astartes grenade launcher

Relic Terminator Squad [9 PL, 170pts]
. Relic Terminator [34pts]: Combi-bolter, Lightning Claw
. Relic Terminator [34pts]: Combi-bolter, Lightning Claw
. Relic Terminator [34pts]: Combi-bolter, Lightning Claw
. Relic Terminator [34pts]: Combi-bolter, Lightning Claw
. Relic Terminator Sergeant [34pts]: Combi-bolter, Lightning Claw

++ Total: [99 PL, 7CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Nassim Fouchane – 1st Place – DZTV Warhammer 40,000 GT July 2022

Iron Hands

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Iron Hands) [101 PL, 2,000pts, ] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Custom Chapter, Iron Hands Successor, Master Artisans, Whirlwind of Rage

+ HQ +

Primaris Lieutenant [4 PL, 75pts, -2CP]: Bolt pistol, Master-crafted auto bolt rifle, Rites of War, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, The Vox Espiritum, Warlord

Techmarine [4 PL, 70pts, -1CP]: Boltgun, Omnissian power axe, Servo-arm, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Target Protocols

+ Troops +

Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts]
. 4x Incursor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant

Tactical Squad [5 PL, 100pts]
. 3x Space Marine: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Boltgun, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Space Marine Sergeant: 2x Astartes Chainsword
. Space Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon

+ Elites +

Redemptor Dreadnought [10 PL, 190pts]: 2x Storm Bolters, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon

Redemptor Dreadnought [10 PL, 195pts]: 2x Storm Bolters, Icarus Rocket Pod, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon

Relic Contemptor Dreadnought [8 PL, 195pts, -3CP]: Cyclone missile launcher, Merciless Logic, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: March of the Ancients, 2x Twin volkite culverin

Vanguard Veteran Squad [7 PL, 130pts]: Jump Pack
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Power fist

+ Fast Attack +

Land Speeders [3 PL, 70pts]
. Land Speeder: Multi-melta

+ Heavy Support +

Devastator Squad [8 PL, 155pts]: Armorium Cherub
. Devastator Marine Sergeant: 2x Astartes Chainsword
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Grav-cannon
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta
. Devastator Marine w/Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

+ Dedicated Transport +

Drop Pod [4 PL, 70pts]: Storm bolter

++ Total: [101 PL, 2,000pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 2?

I’ve grouped Marines into three buckets because this is going to be long enough without having eleven Marine sections. These three Chapters are the ones that are basically doing fine at the moment, and only really need the top three factions to come down a bit. Variously, Blood Angels ultra-aggro packs enough power to roll almost anything (and the recent trend of people building for Fury of the Lost actually looks legit), Dark Angels Deathwing are still an incredible anchor (and lists featuring Ravenwing have been seen doing well too), and Iron Hands still have an outstanding stratagem sheet that lets them totally murderise stuff at range, and get enough power from the Whirlwind of Rage as Successors to cover melee too.

Do They Need Changes?

No, and in fact they need to be borne in mind when considering what buffs other Marines need, as any general buff will push these up to. The only internal change to look at would be tweaking Stubborn Defiance so that it’s not capped at 10 unless you hold it game-long with a unit of Infiltrators. Maybe have it score one additional time at the end of the game (so that would be a 14 if you moved on turn one and held it from there)?

Imperial Knights

Sample List(s)

Kayron Caruana – 3rd Place – The Grand Battery

House Taranis with the Crusader/Princeps Paladin combo.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Super-Heavy Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [103 PL, 2,000pts, 1CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [6CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Chivalric Oath: Oath: Lay Low The Tyrants, Oath: Refuse No Challenge

Questor Allegiance: House Taranis, Questor Mechanicus

+ Lord of War +

Armiger Helverins [8 PL, 155pts]
. Armiger Helverin: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber

Armiger Warglaives [16 PL, 290pts]
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber

Knight Crusader [27 PL, 545pts, -1CP]: Exalted Court: Master of Vox, Knight Baron, Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber, Stormspear Rocket Pod, Warlord Trait (Taranis): Knight of Mars
. Rapid-Fire Battle Cannon w/ Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber

Knight Paladin [25 PL, 480pts, -2CP]: Character (Knight Lance), Exalted Court: Princeps, Heirloom: Sanctuary, Ironstorm Missile Pod, Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Thunderstrike gauntlet, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Ion Bulwark
. Rapid-Fire Battle Cannon w/ Questor Cognis Heavy Stubber

Questoris Knight Magaera [27 PL, 530pts, -2CP]: Exalted Court: Master Tactician, Heirloom: The Heart of Ion, Heirlooms of the Household, Knight Baron, Martial Tradition: Blessed Arms, Warlord Trait: Revered Knight
. Hekaton Siege Claw and Twin Rad-Cleanser

++ Total: [103 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Ben Neal – 5th Place – Denver 40K Fight Club August Major

House Griffith Maximum Gallantry

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Super-Heavy Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [104 PL, 2,000pts, 1CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Chivalric Oath: Oath: Defend the Realm, Oath: Lay Low The Tyrants

Questor Allegiance: House Griffith, Questor Imperialis

+ Lord of War +

Armiger Helverins [24 PL, 465pts]
. Armiger Helverin: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Helverin: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Helverin: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber

Armiger Warglaives [16 PL, 300pts]
. Armiger Warglaive: Meltagun
. Armiger Warglaive: Meltagun

Armiger Warglaives [16 PL, 290pts]
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Warglaive: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber

Knight Gallant [23 PL, 435pts, -2CP]: Exalted Court: Master of Justice, Heirloom: Helm of the Nameless Warrior, Heirlooms of the Household, Knight Baron, Martial Tradition: Noble Combatants, Meltagun, Warlord Trait (Griffith): Master of the Joust

Knight Paladin [25 PL, 510pts, -3CP]: Character (Knight Lance), Exalted Court: High Monarch, Heirloom: Banner of Macharius Triumphant, Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Reaper Chainsword, Revered Paragon, Stormspear Rocket Pod, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Ion Bulwark, Warlord Trait: Revered Knight
. Rapid-Fire Battle Cannon w/ Questor Ironhail Stubber

++ Total: [104 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 2?

Good Secondaries, lots of power from Armigers, and two good ways you can turbo-charge big Knights – either going very fast with House Griffith, or using the slightly convoluted combo of putting the Knight Paladin Bondsman buff onto a Crusader, using Master Tactician to use a stratagem for free with them, and then combining Calculated Targeting with various abilities that give you an automatic 6 to obliterate something with Mortal Wounds. It’s the kind of combo that sounds like it has too many steps to work, but because all the pieces are still good in their own right and the payoff is spectacular, it’s worth building for.

Do They Need Changes?

Probably not, to be honest, especially if the top three factions get a suitable level of debuff. At that point, Knights should be pretty broadly competitive, and if anything the Mortal combo above needs an eye kept on it, as it’s potentially unfun to play against.

Tier 3

Craftworlds

Sample List(s)

Sami Keinänen – 1st Place – Ropecon 2022

Hail of Doom

Army List - Click to Expand

== Asuryani – Far-flung Craftworld – Patrol Detachment = -2CP, [51PL 1040pts] == Craftworld Attribute: Hail of Doom

HQ: Farseer Skyrunner [6PL, 125pts] (WARLORD)
– – – Psychic Powers: Doom, Guide
– – – Warlord Trait: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter (-1CP)
– – – Relic: Kurnous’ Bow (-1CP)

TR: 5 Rangers [4PL, 65pts]

EL: 10 Dire Avengers [6PL, 130pts] Additional Avenger Shuriken Catapult
EL: 10 Dire Avengers [6PL, 130pts] Additional Avenger Shuriken Catapult

FA: 10 Swooping Hawks [8PL, 200pts]
FA: 10 Swooping Hawks [8PL, 200pts]

HS: 1 War Walkers [5PL, 65pts]
HS: 1 War Walkers [5PL, 65pts]

NFO: 1 Warlock Skyrunners [3PL, 60pts]
– – – Psychic Powers: Protect/Jinx

== Asuryani – Far-flung Craftworld – Outrider Detachment = -3CP, [55PL, 960pts] == Craftworld Attribute: Hail of Doom

HQ: Baharroth [7PL, 160pts]

EL: 10 Dire Avengers [6PL, 130pts] Additional Avenger Shuriken Catapult
EL: 5 Howling Banshees [4PL, 110pts] Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes

FA: 6 Windriders [8PL, 120pts]
FA: 6 Windriders [8PL, 120pts]
FA: 6 Windriders [8PL, 120pts]
FA: 1 Vypers [3PL, 45pts]
FA: 1 Vypers [3PL, 45pts]
FA: 1 Vypers [3PL, 45pts]

HS: 1 War Walkers [5PL, 65pts]

END OF ROSTER

—

James “Boon” Kelling – 2nd Place – Iowaaagh! Open

Ulthwe Goodstuff with Wraithguard

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [105 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Craftworld Selection: Ulthwe: Foresight of the Damned

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP]

Stratagem: Seer Council [-1CP]

Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP]

+ No Force Org Slot +

Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 40pts]
. Warlocks: 4. Protect/Jinx, Seer Council (Warlocks Unit)
. . Warlock: Witchblade
. . Warlock: Witchblade

Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 60pts]
. Warlock Skyrunners: 5. Focus Will, 5. Quicken/Restrain
. . The Ghosthelm of Alishazier
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade

+ HQ +

Baharroth [7 PL, 160pts]

Eldrad Ulthran [8 PL, 145pts]: 1. Guide, 3. Fortune, 5. Will of Asuryan, Seer Council (Farseer), Ulthwe: Fate Reader, Warlord

Farseer [5 PL, 95pts]: 1. Fateful Divergence, 2. Doom, Witchblade

+ Troops +

Rangers [4 PL, 75pts]: Wireweave Net
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol

Rangers [4 PL, 65pts]
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol

+ Elites +

Howling Banshees [5 PL, 110pts]
. 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes

Striking Scorpions [5 PL, 110pts]
. 4x Striking Scorpion: 4x Mandiblasters, 4x Scorpion Chainsword, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Striking Scorpion Exarch: Biting Blade, Crushing Blows

Wraithguard [20 PL, 315pts]: D-scythe, 7x Wraithguard

+ Fast Attack +

Shining Spears [6 PL, 125pts]
. 2x Shining Spear: 2x Laser Lance, 2x Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Paragon Sabre, Shuriken Cannon

Shroud Runners [5 PL, 105pts]
. 3x Shroud Runner: 3x Ranger Long Rifle, 3x Scatter Laser, 3x Shuriken Pistol

Vypers [3 PL, 40pts]
. Vyper w/ Scatter Laser

+ Heavy Support +

Support Weapons [9 PL, 195pts]: 3x Support Weapon w/ D-Cannon

Support Weapons [6 PL, 130pts]: 2x Support Weapon w/ D-Cannon

+ Dedicated Transport +

Wave Serpent [8 PL, 165pts]: Twin Bright Lance, Twin Shuriken Catapult

++ Total: [105 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Chase Chappell – 1st Place – Palm Springs Open 40K GT by Dicehammer

Mortal Wound Ynnari

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [94 PL, 5CP, 1,840pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Craftworld Selection: Ynnari: Strength From Death

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP]

+ No Force Org Slot +

Seer Council (Unit) [5 PL, 105pts]
. Warlock Skyrunners: 4. Protect/Jinx, 5. Quicken/Restrain
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade
. . Warlock Skyrunner: Witchblade

+ HQ +

Farseer [5 PL, 95pts]: 3. Ghostwalk, 5. Focus Will, 6: Seer of the Shifting Vector, Warlord, Witchblade

Shadowseer [5 PL, 100pts]: 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), 5. Shards of Light (Witchfire), Shuriken Pistol

The Yncarne [13 PL, 260pts]

+ Troops +

Kabalite Warriors [3 PL, 40pts]: As Detachment (Kabal)
. 4x Kabalite Warrior: 4x Splinter Rifle
. Sybarite: Splinter Rifle

Rangers [4 PL, 65pts]
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol

+ Elites +

Howling Banshees [5 PL, 110pts]
. 4x Howling Banshee: 4x Banshee Blade, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Cronescream (Shrine Relic), Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes

Striking Scorpions [5 PL, 110pts]
. 4x Striking Scorpion: 4x Mandiblasters, 4x Scorpion Chainsword, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Striking Scorpion Exarch: Biting Blade, Crushing Blows

Warlocks [2 PL, 40pts]: 2. Embolden/Horrify
. Warlock: Witchblade

+ Fast Attack +

Shroud Runners [5 PL, 105pts]
. 3x Shroud Runner: 3x Ranger Long Rifle, 3x Scatter Laser, 3x Shuriken Pistol

+ Heavy Support +

Falcon [9 PL, 145pts]: Scatter Laser, Twin Shuriken Catapult

Support Weapons [9 PL, 195pts]: 3x Support Weapon w/ D-Cannon

+ Flyer +

Hemlock Wraithfighter [11 PL, 215pts]: 2. Storm of Whispers (Witchfire)

Voidraven Bomber [9 PL, 190pts]: As Detachment, Voidraven missiles
. Two void lances

++ Auxiliary Support Detachment -2CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [7 PL, -2CP, 160pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Craftworld Selection

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

+ HQ +

Baharroth [7 PL, 160pts]

++ Total: [101 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 3?

Craftworlds can still win events, and have been performing at a level on par with many Tier 2 factions. The main issue they currently have is that their Secondaries are extremely constricting in what builds are viable – they all need reasonable commitment in your list, and the one that theoretically doesn’t, Hidden Path, is borderline unplayable on half the missions. Craftworlds don’t need much help, but something to make the Secondaries that much less painful would probably be healthy. This is also a particular problem for Ynnari, where not being able to take Phoenix Lords in their main list either makes Wrath of Khaine extremely marginal, or makes them use an Auxiliary detachment to sneak one in as seen in the sample list above. Also, there are still some fraught arguments over whether Ynnari can take the Craftworlds Secondaries at all – for my money they’re clearly meant to be able to, but the wording needs fixing.

Do They Need Changes?

I would suggest:

Hidden Path loses the >6″ from your deployment zone rider. It’s not necessary, and few similar objectives have it. If you’re really worried about how it plays on Secure Missing Artefacts, change the >6″ to >3″.
Scout the Enemy lets Shroud Runners finish it at end of turn. People have come round to one unit of these as a utility piece, and being able to do that and shore up your Secondary plans at the same time would be great.
Straight up give Ynnari their own, different No Mercy, No Respite Secondary from Wraith of Khaine (or a Purge one instead). They don’t even worship Khaine!
Let the Avatar count for Wrath of Khaine as well as Aspect Warriors. He is Khaine!

Medium Marines

Sample List(s)

Austin Wingfield – 1st Place – Coastal Wargaming & Warp Charged Gaming Major

Black Templars

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Black Templars) [103 PL, 2,000pts, 1CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Chapter Selection: Black Templars

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter [-1CP]: Number of Extra Relics

Stratagem: Revered Repositories [-1CP]

+ Agents of the Imperium +

Inquisitor [4 PL, 70pts, -1CP]: Blade of the Ordo, Inferno pistol, Ordo Xenos, Power sword, Psyker, Stratagem: Arbiter of the Emperor’s Will, Xenos – Esoteric Lore, Xenos – Psychic Veil

+ HQ +

High Marshal Helbrecht [8 PL, 160pts]

Primaris Chaplain [6 PL, 110pts]: 3. Exhortation of Rage, 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity, Litany of Hate, Warlord, Wise Orator

Primaris Chaplain [5 PL, 85pts, -1CP]: 1. Litany of Divine Protection, Litany of Hate, Rites of War, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter

+ Troops +

Crusader Squad [5 PL, 90pts]
. 4x Initiate: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Sword Brother: Bolt pistol, Boltgun

Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts]
. 4x Incursor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant

+ Elites +

Apothecary [5 PL, 110pts, -1CP]: Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Teeth of Terra

Bladeguard Veteran Squad [6 PL, 120pts]: Icon of Heinmann
. 2x Bladeguard Veteran: 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol, 2x Master-crafted power sword, 2x Storm Shield
. Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Heavy Bolt Pistol

Judiciar [5 PL, 85pts]

Terminator Squad [19 PL, 445pts]: The Crux Obsidian
. Terminator Sergeant
. 7x Terminator w/ Chainfist: 7x Chainfist, 7x Storm bolter
. Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Chainfist
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher and Storm Bolter: Cyclone missile launcher
. Terminator w/ Heavy Weapon: Chainfist
. . Cyclone Missile Launcher and Storm Bolter: Cyclone missile launcher

Vanguard Veteran Squad [15 PL, 265pts]: Fist of Balthus, Jump Pack
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Power fist

Vanguard Veteran Squad [15 PL, 265pts]: Holy Orb, Jump Pack
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Lightning Claw
. Vanguard Veteran Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Power sword, Sword of Judgement

++ Total: [103 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Mikael Klangeby – 1st Place – Viking Games Warhammer 40.000 Summer Grand Tournament

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Deathwatch) [115 PL, 1,998pts, 3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Army of Renown – Kill Team Strike Force

Chapter Selection: Deathwatch

+ HQ +

Librarian in Phobos Armour [5 PL, 100pts, -1CP]: 1. Premorphic Resonance, 2. Fortified With Contempt, 2. Lord of Deceit, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter

Primaris Chaplain on Bike [8 PL, 150pts, -2CP]: 4. Optimised Priority (Aura), 5. Recitation of Focus, 6. Canticle of Hate (Aura), Chapter Command: Master of Sanctity, Litany of Hate, Stratagem: A Vigil Unmatched, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, The Beacon Angelis, Wise Orator

Watch Master [7 PL, 130pts]: Warlord

+ Troops +

Indomitor Kill Team [20 PL, 350pts]: Aquila
. Heavy Intercessor Sergeant: Heavy Bolt Rifle
. 4x Heavy Intercessor w/ Heavy Bolt RIfle: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Heavy Bolt Rifle
. 5x Inceptor w/ Assault Bolters: 5x 2x Assault Bolters

Indomitor Kill Team [20 PL, 350pts]: Aquila
. 4x Aggressor w/ Flamestorm Gauntlets: 8x Flamestorm Gauntlets
. Heavy Intercessor Sergeant: Hellstorm Bolt Rifle
. 4x Heavy Intercessor w/ Hellstorm Bolt Rifle: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Hellstorm Bolt Rifle
. Inceptor w/ Assault Bolters

Proteus Kill Team [18 PL, 324pts]: Deathwatch Teleport Homer, Dominatus, Jump Packs
. Black Shield: Astartes Chainsword, Thunder hammer
. Deathwatch Terminator
. . Power sword and Storm bolter
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Deathwatch Veteran: Astartes Chainsword, Deathwatch Boltgun
. Deathwatch Veteran: Deathwatch Boltgun, Storm shield
. Vanguard Veteran: Heavy thunder hammer
. Vanguard Veteran: Heavy thunder hammer
. Veteran Biker: Astartes Chainsword
. Watch Sergeant: Heavy thunder hammer

Spectrus Kill Team [19 PL, 270pts]: Venator
. 5x Eliminator w/ Las Fusil: 5x Bolt pistol, 5x Camo cloak, 5x Frag & Krak grenades, 5x Las Fusil
. 3x Infiltrator: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Frag & Krak grenades, 3x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Helix Adept
. Infiltrator Sergeant

++ Total: [115 PL, 1,998pts, 3CP] ++

—

Olivier Weiss – 3rd Place – WTC Warmaster GT

Salamanders

Army List - Click to Expand

== Adeptus Astartes – Salamanders – Battalion Detachment = -4CP, [99PL, 1996pts] == Chapter Tactic: Forged in Battle
HQ: Librarian [6PL, 115pts] [Warlord] Jump Pack, Boltgun, Force Sword
– – – Psychic powers : Null Zone, Veil of Time
– – – Warlord Trait : Rite of War (-1CP)
– – – Exemplar of the Promethean Creed : Never Give Up (-1CP)
– – – Relic : The Armor Indomitus (-1CP)
HQ: Vulkan He’stan [7PL, 120pts]

TR: 5 Assault Intercessor Squad [5PL, 95pts]
TR: 5 Incursor Squad [5PL, 105pts]
TR: 5 Incursor Squad [5PL, 105pts]

EL: 10 Vanguard Veteran [14PL, 268pts] Jump Packs, Sergeant with Thunder Hammer and Astartes Chainsword, 1 Vanguard with Thunder Hammer and Astartes Chainsword, 8 Vanguard with Lighting Claw and Astartes Chainsword
EL: 10 Vanguard Veteran [14PL, 268pts] Jump Packs, Sergeant with Thunder Hammer and Astartes Chainsword, 1 Vanguard with Thunder Hammer and Astartes Chainsword, 8 Vanguard with Lighting Claw and Astartes Chainsword
EL: 6 Aggressor Squad [12PL, 240pts] 2×6 Flamesorm Gauntlets
EL: 3 Aggressor Squad [6PL, 120pts] 2×3 Flamesorm Gauntlets
EL: Apothecary [5PL, 110pts] Chief Apothecary
– – – Hero of The Chapter : Selfless Healer (-1CP)

FA: 1 Land Speeders [3PL, 70pts] Multi-melta
FA: 1 Land Speeders [3PL, 70pts] Multi-melta

HS: 6 Eradicator Squad [14PL, 310pts] Sergent with Heavy melta rifle, 2 Eradicators with Multi-melta, 3 Eradicators with Heavy melta rifle

—

Scott Rumple – 2nd Place – Salt Lake Open Major

Space Wolves Successors

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Space Wolves) [96 PL, 1,999pts, 1CP] ++

+ Configuration [6CP] +

**Chapter Selector**: Custom Chapter, Master Artisans, Space Wolves Successor, Whirlwind of Rage

+ 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] +

+ Elites [39 PL, 894pts] +

Wolf Guard [7 PL, 161pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 20pts]
. 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 [7 PL, 149pts]: Jump Pack [1 PL, 20pts]
. 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 [6 PL, 145pts]
. Wulfen Pack Leader [25pts]: Wulfen Frost claws [5pts]
. 4x Wulfen w/ thunder hammer & storm shield [120pts]: 4x Storm Shield, 4x Thunder Hammer [40pts]

+ Fast Attack [12 PL, 255pts] +

Land Speeder Tornadoes [4 PL, 85pts]
. Land Speeder Tornado [4 PL, 85pts]: Assault cannon [5pts], Multi-melta [10pts]

+ Heavy Support [15 PL, 225pts] +

Eliminator Squad [5 PL, 75pts]: Las Fusil
. 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

++ Total: [96 PL, 1CP, 1,999pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 3?

Our next Marine bucket, and these are the books that are still putting up the odd decent result, but far fewer than the top three Marine books, to a degree that clearly suggests they need more direct targeting. Oliver Weiss’s Salamanders list above looks genuinely pretty good, but he’s basically the only player to break through with them, and that was at the Warmaster GT, which has a very high player skill level, but also lots of weirder skew lists. Black Templars are probably on the borderline between Tier 2 and Tier 3 – it might just be that no one’s been bothering to take them, but they’re declined sharply in Nephilim compared to Nachmund, suggesting something isn’t right. Deathwatch Kill Team Strike Force is good, but it’s also the only build that ever does well for them, and has also declined since Nachmund. Finally, Wolves are doing surprisingly poorly in Nephilim despite having two pretty decent Secondaries. Along with Templars, this is probably because they struggle to take ground against the top three factions.

Note: This was written before Scott Rumple took Wolves all the way to a draw in the top eight finals at the Salt Lake City Major. Nothing will more reliably make someone take a faction to the top than me putting pen to paper saying it hasn’t been happening, apparently.

Do They Need Changes?

Yes. As mentioned above, I think Wolves and Templars are probably among the biggest winners from some hits to Tyranids and Sisters in particular, but more is still needed. Here I think both some general rules buffs and Secondary changes are needed, but we need to keep in mind that there are some better Marine factions in play as well.

The big issues holding these factions back compared to the top ones appear to be:

Weak Secondaries.
Less ability to either outright annihilate the enemy early on (Iron Hands or Ravenwing) or put together a set of rolling brawlers that can take on all comers (Blood Angels and Dark Angels).

Where I’m currently at is as follows:

Secondaries:
- Change Codex Warfare to give 2pts per Tactical as well as Devastator – it’s still horrible even in its current, buffed form.
- Change Oaths‘ second criteria to “No Marine Units from your army Fell Back this battle round or more enemy units were destroyed this battle round than Marine Units fell back”. With the lower scoring cap, this condition ends up being a bit too harsh as is. This is the one where that might cause an issue with Iron Hands though.
- Change Shock Tactics to four per proc, it’s too harsh as is.
- Review the subfaction Secondaries for Templars and Deathwatch (Wolves and Salamanders are fine).
Rules:
- Add a new rule called “Tip of the Spear”, granting ObSec to Vanguard Veterans (or the basic Wolf Guard unit in Wolves) and Bladeguard Veterans. The latter ensures that all Marines have some mobile power to play with, and gives Bladeguard a real reason to exist again in an Armour of Contempt world. This does end up helping the best Marines a little, but because there’s a degree to which they’re doing their own thing unit wise, helps the wider pack more. If we’re very worried about Vanguard Veterans in other chapters, even just handing it to Bladeguard would help fill the brawler slot in Marines that don’t have dedicated units.
- Make it so that Marine Troops count as two models for objective control.

Try some or all of that, see where it ends up.

Grey Knights

Sample List(s)

Aaron Towler – 1st Place – Armed Forces Day GT

Prescient Brethren with a big Paladin block, infantry and Dreadknights.

Army List - Click to Expand

+ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Grey Knights) [109 PL, 2,000pts, -1CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Brotherhood: Prescient Brethren

Detachment Command Cost

+ HQ +

Brotherhood Champion [4 PL, 70pts]: 1: Gate of Infinity, Brotherhood Psyker Power, Frag & Krak grenades, Iron Halo, Nemesis Force Sword, Storm Bolter

Brotherhood Techmarine [4 PL, 80pts, -1CP]: 5: Warp Shaping, Boltgun, Brotherhood Psyker Power, Divination, Frag & Krak grenades, Omnissian Power Axe, Shield of Humanity
. Servo Arms: Flamer, Plasma cutter, 2x Servo-arm

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight [11 PL, 235pts]: 2: Empyric Amplification, 3: Unyielding Anvil, 4: Vortex of Doom, Brotherhood Psyker Power, Dreadfist, Dreadknight teleporter, Gatling Psilencer, Grand Master Chapter, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Servant of the Throne, Sigil of Exigence, Warlord

+ Troops +

Strike Squad [6 PL, 110pts]: Brotherhood Psyker Power, Frag & Krak grenades
. 4x Grey Knight (Sword): 4x Nemesis Force Sword, 4x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar: Storm Bolter
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword

+ Elites +

Paladin Squad [26 PL, 405pts]: Frag & Krak grenades
. 8x Paladin (Sword): 8x Nemesis Force Sword, 8x Storm Bolter
. Paragon: Storm Bolter
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword

Servitors [2 PL, 30pts]
. 4x Servitor: 4x Servo-Arm

+ Fast Attack +

Interceptor Squad [8 PL, 130pts]: Brotherhood Psyker Power, Frag & Krak grenades
. 4x Interceptor (Sword): 4x Nemesis Force Sword, 4x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar: Frag & Krak grenades, Storm Bolter
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword

+ Heavy Support +

Nemesis Dreadknight [8 PL, 170pts]: Brotherhood Psyker Power, Dreadfist, Dreadfist, Gatling Psilencer, Heavy Psycannon

Purgation Squad [6 PL, 130pts]: Brotherhood Psyker Power, Frag & Krak grenades
. 4x Purgator (Psycannon): 4x Psycannon
. Purgator Justicar: Storm Bolter
. . Nemesis Force Sword: Nemesis Force Sword

+ Dedicated Transport +

Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]: Storm bolter

++ Total: [109 PL, -3CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Adam Camilleri – 2nd Place – North And South GT 2022

All-infantry Rapiers (don’t @ me about the Rhino, you know what I mean)

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Grey Knights) [121 PL, 5CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Brotherhood: Rapiers

+ HQ +

Brotherhood Librarian [7 PL, 120pts]: 2: Empyric Amplification, 4: Vortex of Doom, Gem of Inoktu
. Nemesis Force Sword
. Storm Bolter

Kaldor Draigo [9 PL, 180pts]: 1: Gate of Infinity, 2: Empyric Amplification, 3: Sanctuary

+ Troops +

Strike Squad [6 PL, 110pts]
. 4x Grey Knight (Sword): 4x Nemesis Force Sword, 4x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Sword

+ Elites +

Brotherhood Apothecary [8 PL, -1CP, 125pts]: 3: Unyielding Anvil, 5: Warp Shaping, Foretelling of Locus, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord
. Nemesis Force Halberd

Paladin Squad [26 PL, 450pts]: 5: Armoured Resilience, 6: Etheral Castigation
. 9x Paladin (Sword): 9x Nemesis Force Sword, 9x Storm Bolter
. Paragon
. . Nemesis Force Sword

Paladin Squad [13 PL, 135pts]: 5: Armoured Resilience, 6: Etheral Castigation
. 2x Paladin (Sword): 2x Nemesis Force Sword, 2x Storm Bolter
. Paragon
. . Nemesis Force Sword

Servitors [2 PL, 30pts]
. 4x Servitor: 4x Servo-Arm

+ Fast Attack +

Interceptor Squad [16 PL, 260pts]
. 9x Interceptor (Sword): 9x Nemesis Force Sword, 9x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Sword

Interceptor Squad [16 PL, 260pts]
. 9x Interceptor (Halberd): 9x Nemesis Force Halberd, 9x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Halberd

+ Dedicated Transport +

Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]

++ Total: [121 PL, 5CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 3?

Another one where I was surprised at how few top finishes the Grey Knights have actually racked up in Nephilim when I went and looked, as they’re certainly not bad. Interceptors are great, their suite of points upgrades is very welcome in Nephilim, and Paladins can be built into a pretty nasty tarpit. Purifying Ritual is also still pretty good, even after being fairly heavily nerfed. My guess is that they struggle with bouncing off Tyranids, getting shut down by Sororitas just in general, and can’t score Ritual against ObSec Necrons.

Do They Need Changes?

Grey Knights Troops are really good, so I’d definitely start with giving them the same double counting for Troops on objectives that I’m suggesting for other Marines. This would make their Terminator Troops particularly attractive, and would help ensure Purifying Ritual was still achievable against ObSec Necrons or Armiger-heavy Knights. I’d also consider knocking the Warp Charges on Gate of Infinity and Empyric Amplification down to 6 – both aren’t quite reliable enough for how fundamental they are to the Grey Knight plan. A dangerous part of my mind wonders if Dreadknights actually need to be excluded from Armour of Contempt too, but that might upset people too much.

Tier 4

Adeptus Custodes

Sample List(s)

Keenan Elliot – 1st Place – Mork’s Maritime Open

Emperor’s Chosen Goodstuff with Armigers

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) [83 PL, 4CP, 1,680pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Type / Shield Host: Adeptus Custodes, Emperor’s Chosen

+ Agents of the Imperium +

Voidsmen-At-Arms [2 PL, 40pts]: Voidmaster
. 4x Voidsman: 4x Lasgun, 4x Laspistol

+ HQ +

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike [9 PL, -2CP, 165pts]: 3. Superior Creation, Castellan’s Mark, Misericordia, Salvo Launcher, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: The Emperor’s Heroes

Trajann Valoris [8 PL, 200pts]: 1. Master of Martial Strategy, 2. Champion of the Imperium, Stratagem: Warlord Trait

+ Troops +

Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 135pts]
. 3x Custodian w/ Guardian Spear & Misericordia: 3x Guardian Spear, 3x Misericordia

Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 150pts]
. 3x Custodian w/ Sentinel Blade & Praesidium Shield: 3x Praesidium Shield, 3x Sentinel Blade

Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 150pts]
. 3x Sagittarum w/ Misericordia: 3x Adrastus Bolt Caliver, 3x Misericordia

+ Elites +

Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought [9 PL, 170pts]: 2x Lastrum Storm Bolter

Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought [9 PL, 180pts]

+ Heavy Support +

Caladius Grav-tank [11 PL, 205pts]: Twin Iliastus Accelerator Cannon

++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment -3CP (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [16 PL, -3CP, 320pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

+ Lord of War +

Armiger Helverins [16 PL, 320pts]: Freeblade, Martial Tradition: Hunters of Beasts, Questor Imperialis
. Armiger Helverin: Meltagun
. Armiger Helverin: Meltagun

++ Total: [99 PL, 1CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Indran Yogaswaran – 2nd Place – Ropecon 2022

Shadowkeepers with lots of Bikes

Army List - Click to Expand

== Adeptus Custodes – Shadowkeepers – Battalion Detachment = 3CP, [99PL, 2,000pts] ==
Shield Host Fighting Style:Shadowkeepers – Wardens of the Dark Cells
HQ1:Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (10PL, 175pts): Hurricane Bolter,Misericordia
—The Emperor’s Heroes:Lockwarden (-1CP)
—Victor of the Blood Games:Superior Creation (-1CP)
—Captain-Commander:Tip of the Spear
—Relic:Statis Oubliette (-1CP)
HQ2:Trajann Valoris (+1CP) (8PL, 200pts)(WARLORD)
—Warlord TraitS:Champion of the Imperium,Master of Martial Strategy
TR1:4 Custodian Guard Squad (11PL, 200pts) 4 Sentinel Blade, 4 Praesidium Shield
TR2:4 Custodian Guard Squad (11PL, 200pts) 4 Sentinel Blade, 4 Praesidium Shield
TR3:3 Custodian Guard Squad (7PL, 135pts) 3 Misericordia
TR4:5 Prosecutors (3PL, 60pts)
FA1:4 Vertus Praetors (16PL, 340pts) 4 Misericordia,4 Salvo Launcher
FA2:4 Vertus Praetors (16PL, 340pts) 4 Misericordia,4 Salvo Launcher
FA3:3 Vertus Praetors (12PL, 255pts) 3 Misericordia,3 Salvo Launcher
NFO:Inquisitor Coteaz (5PL, 95pts)

—

Jory Eichholtz – 9th Place – Grand Onslaught

Shooty Emissaries Imperatus

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) [82 PL, 1CP, 1,685pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Type / Shield Host: Adeptus Custodes, Emissaries Imperatus

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Open the Vaults [-1CP]: Additional Relics

+ Agents of the Imperium +

Inquisitor Coteaz [5 PL, 95pts]: 4) Mental Interrogation

+ HQ +

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike [10 PL, -2CP, 175pts]: (Emissaries Imperatus): Halo of the Torchbearer, 3. Superior Creation, 5. Radiant Mantle, Hurricane Bolter, Misericordia, Stratagem: The Emperor’s Heroes, Stratagem: Victor of the Blood Games, Tip of the Spear

Trajann Valoris [8 PL, 200pts]: 1. Master of Martial Strategy, 2. Champion of the Imperium, Stratagem: Warlord Trait

+ Troops +

Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 150pts]
. 3x Custodian w/ Sentinel Blade & Praesidium Shield: 3x Praesidium Shield, 3x Sentinel Blade

Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 150pts]
. 3x Sagittarum w/ Misericordia: 3x Adrastus Bolt Caliver, 3x Misericordia

+ Elites +

Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought [9 PL, 180pts]: Lastrum Storm Bolter, Twin Adrathic Destructor

Vexilus Praetor [6 PL, -2CP, 105pts]: (Emissaries Imperatus): Voice of the Emperor, Fulminaris Aggressor, Guardian Spear, Misericordia, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: The Emperor’s Heroes, Vexilla Magnifica

++ Super-Heavy Auxiliary Detachment -3CP (Imperium – Imperial Knights) [16 PL, , 310pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Questor Allegiance: Custom, Martial Tradition: Hunters of Beasts, Questor Imperialis

+ Lord of War +

Armiger Helverins [16 PL, 310pts]
. Armiger Helverin: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber
. Armiger Helverin: Questor Ironhail Heavy Stubber

++ Total: [98 PL, 1CP, 1,995pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 4?

No fall has been so precipitous as that of the Custodes. Bluntly, the nerfs they got from when they were on top were probably a bit too harsh, their Secondaries are very weak if they go first, and their game plan flatly does not work into almost any flavour of Tyranids.

Do They Need Changes?

Yes.

Both Stand Vigil and Might of Terra are too easy to mess with – scoring at the end of the Battle Round gives enormous agency to the opponent to prevent Vigil if they go second, while preventing the opponent killing any Custodes units is too much of a tall order for Might, and our numbers have it as one of the worst Secondaries in the game. I would suggest that Vigil should be split so that it’s two points at the end of your turn then two points at the end of the battle round, giving you more control over it, and Might…I don’t really know, it’s a very hard one to fix. You could probably split this one too – 2pts for destroying an enemy unit, 2pts if you did that and no Custodes unit was destroyed? That might then be too good, I guess you could make it 2VP for destroyed, 1VP for also not losing any units, making it a pretty reliable middle-of-the-road choice?

Rules-wise, the big thing is that all the INFANTRY options that are not CHARACTERs should get ObSec back. ObSec Trajann bad, ObSec Terminators good. Maybe also return to letting Bikers use Arcane Genetic Alchemy – my theory when we spitballed nerf ideas here was that hitting both Alchemy and Auspice would be too harsh, and I think that’s broadly played out. Auspice was the much bigger problem, so let Alchemy run free again.

Adeptus Mechanicus

Sample List(s)

Rickard Nilsson – 4th Place – Viking Games Warhammer 40.000 Summer Grand Tournament

Lucius Veteran Cohort

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Mechanicus) [102 PL, , 1,999pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Army of Renown – Skitarii Veteran Cohort

Forge World Choice: Forge World: Lucius

+ No Force Org Slot +

Brotherhood of the Cog [5 PL, 85pts]
. Technoarcheologist : Magi

+ HQ +

Skitarii Marshal [3 PL, -2CP, 55pts]: Relic (Skitarii Veteran Cohort): Cantic Thrallnet, Stratagem: Relic, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait (Skitarii Veteran Cohort): Calculate Without Diversion

Tech-Priest Dominus [5 PL, -1CP, 110pts]: Artisans, Macrostubber, Relic (Lucius): The Solar Flare, Stratagem: Relic, Volkite Blaster

Tech-Priest Manipulus [6 PL, -2CP, 120pts]: Logi, Magnarail lance, Mechanicus Locum, Relic: Raiment of the Technomartyr, Stratagem: Relic, Warlord Trait (Lucius): Luminescent Blessings

+ Troops +

Skitarii Rangers [14 PL, -1CP, 230pts]: Omnispex
. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle, Host of the Intermediary, Warlord Trait (Codex 5): Firepoint Telemetry Cache
. 19x Skitarii Ranger: 19x Galvanic Rifle

Skitarii Rangers [14 PL, 245pts]: Enhanced Data-Tether, Omnispex
. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle, Power sword
. 19x Skitarii Ranger: 19x Galvanic Rifle

Skitarii Vanguards [3 PL, 55pts]
. 4x Skitarii Vanguard: 4x Radium Carbine
. Vanguard Alpha: Radium Carbine

+ Elites +

Sicarian Ruststalkers [8 PL, 180pts]
. Ruststalker Princeps (Blades)
. 9x Sicarian Ruststalker (Blades): 9x Transonic Blades

+ Fast Attack +

Ironstrider Ballistarii [24 PL, 510pts]
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon

Pteraxii Sterylizors [8 PL, 190pts]: Pteraxii Sterylizor Alpha
. 9x Pteraxii Sterylizor: 9x Phosphor torch, 9x Pteraxii Talons

Serberys Raiders [3 PL, 54pts]: Serberys Raider Alpha
. 2x Serberys Raider: 2x Cavalry Sabre, 2x Clawed Limbs, 2x Galvanic Carbine

++ Total: [102 PL, 1,999pts] ++

—

Boden Cabble – 3rd Place – Sunken City Slugfest

Stygies heavy armour

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Imperium – Adeptus Mechanicus) [103 PL, 3CP, 1,974pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Forge World Choice: Forge World: Stygies VIII

+ No Force Org Slot +

Brotherhood of the Cog [3 PL, 55pts]
. Tech-Priest Enginseer

+ HQ +

Skitarii Marshal [3 PL, 55pts]

Tech-Priest Dominus [6 PL, 105pts]: Macrostubber, Magi, Volkite Blaster, Warlord

+ Troops +

Kataphron Breachers [12 PL, 210pts]
. Kataphron Breacher: Arc Claw, Heavy Arc Rifle
. Kataphron Breacher: Arc Claw, Heavy Arc Rifle
. Kataphron Breacher: Arc Claw, Heavy Arc Rifle
. Kataphron Breacher: Arc Claw, Heavy Arc Rifle
. Kataphron Breacher: Arc Claw, Heavy Arc Rifle
. Kataphron Breacher: Arc Claw, Heavy Arc Rifle

Skitarii Rangers [6 PL, 90pts]
. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle
. 9x Skitarii Ranger: 9x Galvanic Rifle

Skitarii Vanguards [6 PL, 90pts]
. 9x Skitarii Vanguard: 9x Radium Carbine
. Vanguard Alpha: Radium Carbine

+ Elites +

Cybernetica Datasmith [4 PL, 80pts]: Logi

Sicarian Infiltrators [4 PL, 95pts]
. Infiltrator Princeps (Stub/Sword)
. 4x Sicarian Infiltrator (Stub/Sword): 4x Power Sword, 4x Stubcarbine

+ Fast Attack +

Ironstrider Ballistarii [4 PL, 85pts]
. Ironstrider Ballistarius: Twin Cognis Lascannon

Pteraxii Skystalkers [4 PL, 85pts]: Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha
. 4x Pteraxii Skystalker: 4x Flechette carbine

Serberys Raiders [3 PL, 54pts]: Serberys Raider Alpha
. 2x Serberys Raider: 2x Cavalry Sabre, 2x Clawed Limbs, 2x Galvanic Carbine

+ Heavy Support +

Kastelan Robots [10 PL, 190pts]
. Kastelan Robot: Incendine Combustor, Kastelan Fist, Kastelan Phosphor Blaster
. Kastelan Robot: Incendine Combustor, Kastelan Fist, Kastelan Phosphor Blaster

Onager Dunecrawler [6 PL, 120pts]: Broad Spectrum Data-Tether
. Neutron Laser and Cognis Heavy Stubber: Cognis Heavy Stubber

+ Flyer +

Archaeopter Fusilave [8 PL, 170pts]: Chaff Launcher

++ Total: [103 PL, 3CP, 1,974pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 4?

Godawful Secondaries. Quite a few AdMech nerfs got rolled back, and they can put together some pretty compelling armies, but their Secondaries suck, and don’t even have the saving grace of a good inherent plan for Psychic Interrogation like some other armies in the same spot.

Do They Need Changes?

Yes, and essentially purely in the realm of Secondaries. Both Uncharted Sequencing and Hidden Archaeovault could comfortably be scored end of the turn. The reason you don’t have Secondaries score EOT is because it limits counterplay, but here that’s not an issue – the opponent gets to designate your Archaeovault target after deployment, so can shape what the goal is adaptively, while Uncharted Sequencing has your goal telegraphed from the word go. Meanwhile, Accretion of Knowledge needs a complete rethink in Nephilim, as there are simply far fewer models that are going to meet the criteria with the lower CP. The logical thing to do would probably be to extend eligibility to anything that has purchased a points upgrade – not quite sure how you word that (“Paid points for an upgrade that was not part of their datasheet”?) but I think it would help. Alternatively, maybe something like “in addition, score 1VP for each unique datasheet in your opponent’s army where a unit was fully destroyed, excluding units that already met the above criteria”?

Genestealer Cults

Sample List(s)

Greg Chamberlain – 3rd Place – The Beast in the East Midlands

Industrial Affinity Biker and Troop Spam

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids – Genestealer Cults – 2022) [97 PL, 3CP, 1,998pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Cult Creeds: Agile Guerrillas +2, Industrial Affinity, Myriad Cults, War Convoy

+ HQ +

Acolyte Iconward [4 PL, 75pts]

Magus [5 PL, 95pts]: Meditations in Shadow, Power: Mass Hypnosis, Power: Might From Beyond, Power: Psychic Stimulus, The Unwilling Orb

Primus [5 PL, 95pts]: Exacting Planner, Warlord

+ Troops +

Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 74pts]
. 2x Acolyte Hybrid w/ Hand Flamer: 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Cult Claws and Knife, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Hybrid w/ Industrial Weapon: Heavy Rock Cutter
. Acolyte Hybrid w/ Industrial Weapon: 2x Demolition Charges
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Hand Flamer

Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 74pts]
. 2x Acolyte Hybrid w/ Hand Flamer: 2x Blasting Charges, 2x Cult Claws and Knife, 2x Frag Grenades, 2x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Hybrid w/ Industrial Weapon: 2x Demolition Charges
. Acolyte Hybrid w/ Industrial Weapon: Heavy Rock Cutter
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Hand Flamer

Neophyte Hybrids [9 PL, 200pts]: Lying in Wait
. 15x Neophyte Hybrid w/ Shotgun: 15x Autopistol, 15x Blasting Charges, 15x Frag Grenades, 15x Shotgun
. Neophyte Hybrid wi/ Heavy Weapon: Seismic Cannon
. Neophyte Hybrid wi/ Heavy Weapon: Seismic Cannon
. Neophyte Hybrid wi/ Heavy Weapon: Seismic Cannon
. Neophyte Hybrid wi/ Heavy Weapon: Seismic Cannon
. Neophyte Leader: Autogun

+ Elites +

Kelermorph [4 PL, -1CP, 80pts]: Gene-Sire’s Gifts, Wyrmtooth Rounds

Nexos [3 PL, -1CP, 50pts]: Cranial Inlay, Gene-Sire’s Gifts

Purestrain Genestealers [8 PL, 150pts]: 10x Purestrain Genestealer, They Came From Below

+ Fast Attack +

Achilles Ridgerunners [13 PL, 250pts]: From Every Angle
. Achilles Ridgerunner: Flare Launcher, Heavy Mining Laser
. Achilles Ridgerunner: Flare Launcher, Heavy Mining Laser
. Achilles Ridgerunner: Heavy Mining Laser, Spotter

Atalan Jackals [8 PL, 174pts]
. Atalan Jackal: Atalan Small Arms, Demolition Charge
. Atalan Jackal: Atalan Small Arms
. Atalan Jackal: Atalan Small Arms
. Atalan Jackal: Atalan Small Arms
. Atalan Jackal: Atalan Small Arms
. Atalan Jackal: Atalan Small Arms
. Atalan Jackal: Atalan Small Arms
. Atalan Leader: Atalan Small Arms, Demolition Charge
. Atalan Wolfquad: Atalan Incinerator
. Atalan Wolfquad: Atalan Incinerator

+ Dedicated Transport +

Goliath Truck [5 PL, 95pts]: Cache of Demolition Charges

++ Total: [97 PL, 4CP, 1,998pts] ++

—

Jon Saucier – 4th Place – War for the Forge GT

Twisted Helix

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids – Genestealer Cults) [107 PL, 2CP, 1,999pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Cult Creed: The Twisted Helix

+ Stratagems +

Gene-sire’s Gifts [-2CP]: 2x Extra Relic

Relic [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Magus [4 PL, 90pts]: Power: Might From Beyond, Power: Mutagenic Deviation, Power: Psychic Stimulus, Psychic Familiar, Relic: The Crouchling

Patriarch [7 PL, -1CP, 140pts]: Power: Mass Hypnosis, Power: Might From Beyond, Power: Mutagenic Deviation, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Bio-alchemist
. Relic: Elixir of the Prime Specimen: Enhanced Musculature

+ Troops +

Acolyte Hybrids [12 PL, 210pts]: Proficient Planning: A Trap Sprung
. 8x Acolyte Hybrid: 8x Autopistol, 8x Blasting Charges, 8x Cult Claws and Knife, 8x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): Heavy Rock Drill
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife

Acolyte Hybrids [7 PL, 108pts]
. 8x Acolyte Hybrid (Hand Flamer): 8x Blasting Charges, 8x Cult Claws and Knife, 8x Frag Grenades, 8x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Hand Flamer

Acolyte Hybrids [4 PL, 75pts]: Proficient Planning: Lying in Wait
. 3x Acolyte Hybrid: 3x Autopistol, 3x Blasting Charges, 3x Cult Claws and Knife, 3x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Hybrid (Heavy Weapon): 2x Demolition Charge
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife

Acolyte Hybrids [8 PL, 135pts]: Proficient Planning: A Perfect Ambush
. 9x Acolyte Hybrid (Hand Flamer): 9x Blasting Charges, 9x Cult Claws and Knife, 9x Frag Grenades, 9x Hand Flamer
. Acolyte Leader: Cult Claws and Knife, Hand Flamer

Acolyte Hybrids [3 PL, 45pts]
. 4x Acolyte Hybrid: 4x Autopistol, 4x Blasting Charges, 4x Cult Claws and Knife, 4x Frag Grenades
. Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Claws and Knife

Neophyte Hybrids [4 PL, 60pts]
. 9x Neophyte Hybrid (Shotgun): 9x Autopistol, 9x Blasting Charges, 9x Cult Shotgun, 9x Frag Grenades
. Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult Shotgun

+ Elites +

Kelermorph [3 PL, 80pts]: Relic: Wyrmtooth Rounds

Purestrain Genestealers [8 PL, 150pts]: Proficient Planning: They Came From Below
. 10x Purestrain Genestealer: 10x Cult Claws and Talons

Purestrain Genestealers [7 PL, 140pts]
. 10x Purestrain Genestealer: 10x Cult Claws and Talons

Sanctus [3 PL, 70pts]: Cult Sniper Rifle

+ Fast Attack +

Achilles Ridgerunners [9 PL, 170pts]: Proficient Planning: From Every Angle
. Achilles Ridgerunner: Achilles Missile Launcher, Survey Augur
. Achilles Ridgerunner: Achilles Missile Launcher, Survey Augur

Atalan Jackals [3 PL, 58pts]: 2x Demolition Charge
. 3x Atalan Jackal (Small Arms): 3x Atalan Small Arms, 3x Blasting Charges
. Atalan Leader: Atalan Small Arms

+ Dedicated Transport +

Goliath Truck [5 PL, 90pts]

++ Total: [107 PL, 2CP, 1,999pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 4?

Too fragile, basically. I still love the Genestealer Cults codex, and a small number of people make it work, but you’re constantly at risk of falling apart when something goes wrong, and whenever there are overtuned factions in the metagame Cult suffer especially hard, as they can’t push back against them. Unlike for some of the other low-end factions, Secondaries aren’t fully the problem – Broodswarm is in the top five game-wide, Ambush is maybe a little undertuned but at least rewards you for things you already wanted to do, and while Sabotage is bad, you’re not going to struggle to just RND. The issue instead seems to be a mix of running out of Command Points to power your nonsense, and running out of units, with maybe a side-order of not having chunky enough Brawlers.

Do They Need Changes?

Ambush can probably have the rider where the target had to be properly Exposed, not Exposed by an ability, taken away. The scores on this are below par currently, this would likely move it to be more within the norm.

As for rules, there’s a few things you can try. Meticulous Uprising and Roving Engagement could both bear to drop to 1CP, they’re too pricy for the Nephilim world. Alternatively, some sort of built-in mechanism for regaining CP would be nice – maybe once per battle round for destroying a unit with a Crossfire marker? Finally, give Aberrants CORE and see what happens.

Astra Militarum

Sample List(s)

Nick Steeves – 2nd Place – Mork’s Maritime Open 2022

Demo Russes and Infantry

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Astra Militarum) [108 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Regimental Doctrine: Gunnery Experts, Spotter Details

+ Stratagems +

Tank Ace [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Company Commander [2 PL, 35pts]: Laspistol

Tank Commander [12 PL, -1CP, 255pts]: Lascannon, Steel Commander, Stratagem: Warlord Trait, Track guards, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon, Warlord
. 2 Multi-meltas

Tank Commander [12 PL, 255pts]: Lascannon, Track guards, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon
. 2 Multi-meltas

+ Troops +

Infantry Squad [3 PL, 60pts]
. 5x Guardsman: 5x Lasgun
. Guardsman W/ Special Weapon: Meltagun
. Guardsman w/ Vox-caster
. Heavy Weapon Team: Lascannon
. Sergeant: Laspistol

+ Elites +

Command Squad [2 PL, 25pts]
. Veteran: Lasgun
. Veteran w/ Medi-pack: Lasgun
. Veteran w/ Regimental Standard: Lasgun
. Veteran w/ Vox-caster: Lasgun

Platoon Commander [2 PL, -1CP, 25pts]: Laspistol, Relic: The Dagger of Tu’Sakh, Stratagem: Relic

Platoon Commander [2 PL, 25pts]: Laspistol

+ Heavy Support +

Basilisks [14 PL, 250pts]
. Basilisk: Full Payload, Heavy Bolter
. Basilisk: Heavy Bolter

Leman Russ Battle Tanks [30 PL, 540pts]
. Leman Russ Demolisher: Heavy Bolter, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon
. . 2 Heavy Bolters
. Leman Russ Demolisher: Heavy Bolter, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon
. . 2 Heavy Bolters
. Leman Russ Demolisher: Heavy Bolter, Turret-mounted Demolisher Siege Cannon
. . 2 Heavy Bolters

Manticore [9 PL, 155pts]: Heavy Bolter

+ Dedicated Transport +

Chimera [5 PL, 75pts]: Heavy Bolter, Multi-laser

++ Total: [108 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

Why are they Tier 4?

Look, genuinely guard are nearly there at this point. The accumulated pile of buffs that have been layered upon them have got them into some top table showdowns, and having played against a Scion list recently the firepower they throw out is quite spooky. They also have two great Secondaries in Boots on the Ground and Inflexible Command. They just need something more to help pressure objectives.

Do They Need Changes?

Make all Russes ObSec, even when not in Spearheads, and count as 5 models for objectives. That’s basically the only buff left to hand out, and it honestly might be enough.

Bad Marines

This covers the following Marine Factions:

Ultramarines
White Scars
Imperial Fists
Raven Guard

I have only pulled up a list for Ultramarines, because straight up there are no high performing lists in Nephilim for the other three.

Sample List(s)

Thomas Byrd – 2nd Place Team – ATC

General Ultramarines. This is a Team Event list, but it’s probably broadly what you’d run for a regular event too.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Supreme Command Detachment +3CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Ultramarines) [19 PL, 6CP, 300pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Ultramarines

Detachment Command Cost [3CP]

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Roboute Guilliman [19 PL, 3CP, 300pts]: Warlord

++ Battalion Detachment -3CP (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Ultramarines) [83 PL, -3CP, 1,700pts] ++

+ Configuration +

**Chapter Selector**: Ultramarines

Gametype: 4. Chapter Approved: War Zone Nephilim

+ Agents of the Imperium +

Inquisitor Eisenhorn [5 PL, -1CP, 85pts]: 6) Castigation, Stratagem: Arbiter of the Emperor’s Will, Xenos – Psychic Veil

+ HQ +

Chaplain Cassius [5 PL, 95pts]: 2. Catechism of Fire, 5. Recitation of Focus, Litany of Hate

Chief Librarian Tigurius [7 PL, 135pts]: 1) Veil of Time, 3) Null Zone (Aura), 6) Psychic Fortress (Aura)

+ Troops +

Incursor Squad [5 PL, 105pts]
. 4x Incursor: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Occulus bolt carbine, 4x Paired combat blades
. Incursor Sergeant

Infiltrator Squad [6 PL, 130pts]: Helix gauntlet
. 4x Infiltrator: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Marksman bolt carbine
. Infiltrator Sergeant

Intercessor Squad [10 PL, 220pts]: 2x Astartes Grenade Launcher, Auto Bolt Rifle
. 9x Intercessor: 9x Bolt pistol, 9x Frag & Krak grenades
. Intercessor Sergeant: Power fist

+ Elites +

Judiciar [5 PL, -2CP, 85pts]: Seal of Oath, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic, Warden of Macragge

Primaris Apothecary [5 PL, -2CP, 115pts]: Chapter Command: Chief Apothecary, Selfless Healer, Stratagem: Hero of the Chapter, Stratagem: Relic of the Chapter, The Vox Espiritum

Victrix Honour Guard [3 PL, 60pts]: Victrix Honour Guard, Victrix Honour Guard

+ Heavy Support +

Eliminator Squad [4 PL, 75pts]: Las Fusil
. Eliminator Sergeant: Instigator Bolt Carbine
. 2x Eliminators: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Camo cloak, 2x Frag & Krak grenades

Eradicator Squad [14 PL, 310pts]: Heavy melta rifle
. 3x Eradicator: 3x Bolt pistol
. Eradicator Sgt
. Eradicator with MM: Multi-melta
. Eradicator with MM: Multi-melta

Hellblaster Squad [8 PL, -1CP, 165pts]: Assault Plasma Incinerator
. 4x Hellblaster: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades
. Hellblaster Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Master-Crafted Weapon, Stratagem: Honoured Sergeant

++ Total: [102 PL, 3CP, 2,000pts] ++

—

Why are they Tier 4?

The same reasons as the Tier 3 Marines, but without even a compelling niche that they can sometimes excel in.

Do They Need Changes?

The general Marine changes suggested in Tier 3 are very much also aimed at these armies. ObSec VanVets and Bladeguard and the Oaths change would probably be enough for White Scars, especially as their Secondary is at least OK. Ultramarines do OK out of the Troops change, and would benefit strongly from the suggested change to Codex Warfare. Raven Guard again would enjoy the VanVet and Secondary changes. That just leaves Imperial Fists. Poor Imperial Fists. Un-nerf the superdoctrine GW, or I guess if you really want to not do that, add an additional rider applying to all heavy weapons (even those below S7) that prevents their damage characteristic being reduced by enemy abilities while in the Devastator Doctrine.

Wrap Up

I hope you’ve enjoyed this mammoth tour through the state of the game, and I want to say again that, for all that I have plenty of suggestions, I think this is one of the best periods of 9th Edition we’ve had so far, and I am extremely looking forward to three or four more months of it! Comments, questions and suggestions to contact@goonhammer.com.

Competitive Innovations: Nephilim Mid-Season Review and Tier List

How the Tier List Works

What Happened to the Old Tier List Format?

How Factions are Rated

The Tiers

Tier 1 – Top Factions

Tier 2 – Good Factions

Tier 3 – OK Factions

Tier 4 – Lagging Factions

The Tier List Rankings

Any Mission Pack Rules Changes?

Faction Breakdown

Tier 1

Necrons

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 1?

Do They Need Changes?

Adepta Sororitas

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 1?

Do They Need Changes?

Tyranids

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 1?

Do They Need Changes?

Tier 2

Tau

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 2?

Do They Need Changes?

Harlequins

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 2?

Do They Need Changes?

Death Guard

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 2?

Do They Need Changes?

Chaos Knights

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 2?

Do They Need Changes?

Chaos Space Marines

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 2?

Do They Need Changes?

Thousand Sons

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 2?

Do They Need Changes?

Drukhari

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 2?

Do They Need Changes?

Orks

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 2?

Do They Need Changes?

Good Space Marines

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 2?

Do They Need Changes?

Imperial Knights

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 2?

Do They Need Changes?

Tier 3

Craftworlds

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 3?

Do They Need Changes?

Medium Marines

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 3?

Do They Need Changes?

Grey Knights

Sample List(s)

Why are they Tier 3?

Do They Need Changes?

Tier 4