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Tactics | Meta Analysis | Competitive Play | Goonhammer | 40K Competitive Innovations

[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Bang to Rights pt.2

by Lowest of Men | Mar 14 2025

Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

More meditations on the past weekend, today with Lowest of Men in charge.

Don't forget that we've had a Dataslate this week, and if you need to check out any of the changes to the game or dangerously fancy new detachments, you can check out our coverage below:

Main Reviews New Rules Back to Competitive Innovations, where Today we've got:
  • Cascade Clash: Ascent - 40k Major Spring 2025
  • 11th Barrie Bash
  • Wheat City Open 2025: 40k
  • Safety's Off "Go Outside, Nerd!" GT
  • Califato Wars
Part 1 on Wednesday covered:
  • Scorched Earth Open 2025 - 40K World Championships Qualifier
  • Ides of March 2025
  • 2 GT Bilbao
  • CM Games Warhammer 40K Tournament - Bluffhammer Brawl
  • MAD Warhammer 40k GT 03.08 - 03.09
Finally tomorrow on Saturday we'll look at:
  • BAYERN MAJOR #1 2025 40K
  • Hunter GT Autumn - NSWTC
  • Third Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT
  • Hyper 345: GT

Cascade Clash: Ascent - 40k Major Spring 2025

75-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Mount Vernon, WA, United States on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown - Orks (Taktikal Brigade) versus Genestealer Cults (Final Day)

Take and Hold - Hidden Supplies - Search and Destroy

Alex Schexnaydre - Orks (Taktikal Brigade)
Army List - Click to Expand
Xenos - Orks - +250 next Dataslate - [2000 pts]

# ++ Army Roster ++ [2000 pts] ## Configuration Battle Size: Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Taktikal Brigade Show/Hide Options

## Character [490 pts] Beastboss [80 pts]: Warlord, Beast Snagga klaw, Beastchoppa, Shoota Big Mek in Mega Armour [125 pts]: Mek Kaptin, Kustom mega-blasta, Grot oiler, Kustom force field Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun [65 pts]: Grot assistant Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun [80 pts]: Mork's Kunnin', Grot assistant Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun [65 pts]: Grot assistant Warboss [75 pts]: Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw

## Battleline [370 pts] Beast Snagga Boyz [95 pts]: • 9x Beast Snagga Boy Boyz [80 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw and slugga • 9x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa Stormboyz [65 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw • 4x Stormboy Stormboyz [65 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw • 4x Stormboy Stormboyz [65 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw • 4x Stormboy

## Infantry [750 pts] Breaka Boyz [140 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer • 4x Breaka Boy • 1x Breaka Boy w/ Tankhammer Flash Gitz [160 pts]: Ammo Runt • 9x Flash Gitz Gretchin [40 pts]: 1 Runtherd and 10 Gretchin Lootas [50 pts]: 1 Spanner and 4 Lootas • 1x Spanner: Kustom mega-blasta Tankbustas [120 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer • 1x Tankbusta w/ Pulsa rokkit • 4x Tankbusta w/ Rokkit launcha Tankbustas [120 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer • 1x Tankbusta w/ Pulsa rokkit • 4x Tankbusta w/ Rokkit launcha Tankbustas [120 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer • 1x Tankbusta w/ Pulsa rokkit • 4x Tankbusta w/ Rokkit launcha

## Dedicated Transport [390 pts] Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball


vs.

Alex Macdougall - Genestealer Cult (Final Day)
Army List - Click to Expand
Day 3 (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Final Day

CHARACTERS

Abominant (95 points) • 1x Power sledgehammer

Biophagus (70 points) • 1x Alchemicus Familiar 1x Autopistol 1x Chemical vials 1x Injector goad • Enhancement: Inhuman Integration

Patriarch (85 points) • Warlord • 1x Patriarch's claws • Enhancement: Enraptured Damnation

Reductus Saboteur (65 points) • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Demolition charges 1x Remote explosives

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult claws and knife 1x Hand flamer • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult claws and knife 1x Hand flamer • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult claws and knife 1x Hand flamer • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aberrants (135 points) • 1x Aberrant Hypermorph • 1x Aberrant weapons • 4x Aberrant • 4x Aberrant weapons

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunner • 2x Armoured hull 2x Heavy mining laser 2x Spotter 2x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunner • 2x Armoured hull 2x Heavy mining laser 2x Spotter 2x Twin heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Drilldozer blade 1x Heavy mining laser 1x Heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Drilldozer blade 1x Heavy mining laser 1x Heavy stubber

Hybrid Metamorphs (80 points) • 1x Metamorph Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's cult weapons • 4x Hybrid Metamorph • 1x Cult Icon 3x Hand flamer 4x Metamorph mutations

Purestrain Genestealers (150 points) • 10x Purestrain Genestealer • 10x Cult claws and talons

ALLIED UNITS

Deathleaper (80 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Gargoyles (85 points) • 10x Gargoyle • 10x Blinding venom 10x Fleshborer

Gargoyles (85 points) • 10x Gargoyle • 10x Blinding venom 10x Fleshborer

Lictor (60 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Lictor (60 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Raveners (75 points) • 3x Ravener • 3x Ravener claws and talons 3x Thoracic bio-weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Thoughts

An extremely interesting showdown, as the Taktikal Orks face off with the GSC. Taktikal boasts an awful lot of volume firepower and melee, but these come on quite fragile bodies that can be isolated and picked off. They want to trade well with their big connects with Tankbustas and Flash Gitz, and get a strong board position late game.

Final Day in the other corner is a board control carpet list with some deceptively deadly shooting. Buffing the Mining Lasers up to higher accuracy makes them much more consistent, and you have a tonne of Lone Ops, OC blocking and mischief to call upon too. Sprinkling in some fights first definitely helps, and Lictors / Death Leaper are big fans of the 2 wound Ork bodies on offer over in Taktikal. It's a tight match up, but Tyranids of various ilks can give Orks trouble, and this proved to be the case again here!

Result

Genestealer Cult (Final Day) Victory - 89 - 80

Alex Macdougall - Genestealer Cult (Final Day) - 1st Place

Credit: keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Day 3 (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Final Day

CHARACTERS

Abominant (95 points) • 1x Power sledgehammer

Biophagus (70 points) • 1x Alchemicus Familiar 1x Autopistol 1x Chemical vials 1x Injector goad • Enhancement: Inhuman Integration

Patriarch (85 points) • Warlord • 1x Patriarch's claws • Enhancement: Enraptured Damnation

Reductus Saboteur (65 points) • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Demolition charges 1x Remote explosives

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult claws and knife 1x Hand flamer • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult claws and knife 1x Hand flamer • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult claws and knife 1x Hand flamer • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aberrants (135 points) • 1x Aberrant Hypermorph • 1x Aberrant weapons • 4x Aberrant • 4x Aberrant weapons

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunner • 2x Armoured hull 2x Heavy mining laser 2x Spotter 2x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunner • 2x Armoured hull 2x Heavy mining laser 2x Spotter 2x Twin heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Drilldozer blade 1x Heavy mining laser 1x Heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Drilldozer blade 1x Heavy mining laser 1x Heavy stubber

Hybrid Metamorphs (80 points) • 1x Metamorph Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's cult weapons • 4x Hybrid Metamorph • 1x Cult Icon 3x Hand flamer 4x Metamorph mutations

Purestrain Genestealers (150 points) • 10x Purestrain Genestealer • 10x Cult claws and talons

ALLIED UNITS

Deathleaper (80 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Gargoyles (85 points) • 10x Gargoyle • 10x Blinding venom 10x Fleshborer

Gargoyles (85 points) • 10x Gargoyle • 10x Blinding venom 10x Fleshborer

Lictor (60 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Lictor (60 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Raveners (75 points) • 3x Ravener • 3x Ravener claws and talons 3x Thoracic bio-weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Final Day!

Thoughts

Final Day claims an event win here - potent combination of mission play, amped up anti-tank and elite shooting, and a few key hard target removal units that can also resurrect and get back in the fight. I think there is a lot to be gained by marrying the Tyranid and GSC nonsense together, and Final Day might just be placed to emerge as the strongest GSC option! Well done on the event win.

Stu Angel - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) - 2nd Place

Genestealer Cult Benefictus.

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Genestealer Cults + DETACHMENT: Host of Ascension + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char4: Primus + ENHANCEMENT: Assassination Edict (on Char1: Benefictus) & Our Time is Nigh (on Char2: Benefictus) & A Chink in Their Armour (on Char4: Primus) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 22 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 5 Characters - Cull The Horde: 4x5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Benefictus (85 pts) 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Psionic Cascade Enhancement: Assassination Edict (+15 pts)

Char2: 1x Benefictus (90 pts) 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Psionic Cascade Enhancement: Our Time is Nigh (+20 pts)

Char3: 1x Benefictus (70 pts) 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Psionic Cascade

Char4: 1x Primus (100 pts) 1 with Cult Bonesword, Scoped Needle Pistol, Toxin Injector Claw • Warlord Enhancement: A Chink in Their Armour (+20 pts)

Char5: 1x Reductus Saboteur (65 pts) 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Demolition Charges, Remote Explosives

BATTLELINE

5x Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 pts) • 1x Acolyte Leader 1 with Autopistol, Leader's Bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid 1 with Cult Claws and Knife • Cult Icon 3 with Heavy Mining Tool

5x Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 pts) • 1x Acolyte Leader 1 with Hand Flamer, Leader's Cult Weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid 1 with Cult Claws and Knife • Cult Icon 3 with Cult Claws and Knife, Hand Flamer

5x Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 pts) • 1x Acolyte Leader 1 with Hand Flamer, Leader's Cult Weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid 1 with Cult Claws and Knife • Cult Icon 3 with Cult Claws and Knife, Hand Flamer

20x Neophyte Hybrids (130 pts) • 1x Neophyte Leader 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Seismic Cannon 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Mining Laser 10 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm • Cult Icon 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Webber

20x Neophyte Hybrids (130 pts) • 1x Neophyte Leader 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Seismic Cannon 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Mining Laser 10 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm • Cult Icon 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Webber

20x Neophyte Hybrids (130 pts) • 1x Neophyte Leader 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Seismic Cannon 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Mining Laser 10 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm • Cult Icon 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Webber

20x Neophyte Hybrids (130 pts) • 1x Neophyte Leader 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Seismic Cannon 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Mining Laser 10 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm • Cult Icon 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 2 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Webber

10x Neophyte Hybrids (65 pts) • 1x Neophyte Leader 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm • 9x Neophyte Hybrid 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Mining Laser 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Seismic Cannon 4 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Hybrid Firearm • Cult Icon 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Webber 1 with Autopistol, Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Hybrid Metamorphs (80 pts) • 1x Metamorph Leader 1 with Leader's Bio-weapons, Hand Flamer • 4x Hybrid Metamorph 1 with Metamorph Mutations • Cult Icon 3 with Hand Flamer, Metamorph Mutations

5x Hybrid Metamorphs (80 pts) • 1x Metamorph Leader 1 with Leader's Bio-weapons, Hand Flamer • 4x Hybrid Metamorph 1 with Metamorph Mutations • Cult Icon 3 with Hand Flamer, Metamorph Mutations

10x Purestrain Genestealers (150 pts) • 10x Purestrain Genestealer 10 with Cult Claws and Talons

5x Purestrain Genestealers (75 pts) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer 5 with Cult Claws and Talons

5x Purestrain Genestealers (75 pts) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer 5 with Cult Claws and Talons

1x Achilles Ridgerunners (85 pts) • 1x Achilles Ridgerunner 1 with Armoured Hull, Twin Heavy Stubber, Heavy Mortar • Spotter

1x Achilles Ridgerunners (85 pts) • 1x Achilles Ridgerunner 1 with Armoured Hull, Twin Heavy Stubber, Heavy Mortar • Survey Augur

1x Achilles Ridgerunners (85 pts) • 1x Achilles Ridgerunner 1 with Armoured Hull, Twin Heavy Stubber, Heavy Mortar • Survey Augur

1x Goliath Truck (85 pts) 1 with Demolition Charge Cache, Goliath Wheels, Heavy Stubber, Twin Autocannon

Archetype

Host of Ascension Neophytes

Thoughts

Another GSC podium place! The cults make out like bandits here with the usual one-two of Neophyte bricks raining hell and some small melee pieces providing incision. I like a ten brick of Purestrains in Host - you can screen out the mid board with it in deployment, apply damage and then whisk it away if the opponent doesn't kill it on the first try. A powerful build that can put out some serious hurt. Well done on the top placing.

Alex Schexnaydre - Orks (Taktikal Brigade) - 3rd Place

Ork Deathskulls Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Xenos - Orks - +250 next Dataslate - [2000 pts]

# ++ Army Roster ++ [2000 pts] ## Configuration Battle Size: Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Taktikal Brigade Show/Hide Options

## Character [490 pts] Beastboss [80 pts]: Warlord, Beast Snagga klaw, Beastchoppa, Shoota Big Mek in Mega Armour [125 pts]: Mek Kaptin, Kustom mega-blasta, Grot oiler, Kustom force field Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun [65 pts]: Grot assistant Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun [80 pts]: Mork's Kunnin', Grot assistant Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun [65 pts]: Grot assistant Warboss [75 pts]: Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw

## Battleline [370 pts] Beast Snagga Boyz [95 pts]: • 9x Beast Snagga Boy Boyz [80 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw and slugga • 9x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa Stormboyz [65 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw • 4x Stormboy Stormboyz [65 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw • 4x Stormboy Stormboyz [65 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw • 4x Stormboy

## Infantry [750 pts] Breaka Boyz [140 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer • 4x Breaka Boy • 1x Breaka Boy w/ Tankhammer Flash Gitz [160 pts]: Ammo Runt • 9x Flash Gitz Gretchin [40 pts]: 1 Runtherd and 10 Gretchin Lootas [50 pts]: 1 Spanner and 4 Lootas • 1x Spanner: Kustom mega-blasta Tankbustas [120 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer • 1x Tankbusta w/ Pulsa rokkit • 4x Tankbusta w/ Rokkit launcha Tankbustas [120 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer • 1x Tankbusta w/ Pulsa rokkit • 4x Tankbusta w/ Rokkit launcha Tankbustas [120 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer • 1x Tankbusta w/ Pulsa rokkit • 4x Tankbusta w/ Rokkit launcha

## Dedicated Transport [390 pts] Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball Trukk [65 pts]: Wreckin' ball

Archetype

Taktikal Brigade Orks

Thoughts

The Taktikal list from the showdown - lots of rokkits, lots of Trukks! A very strong recipe indeed. A full six transports gives this list a lot of potential to jam and create early chaos, before styling to victory with a salvo of dakka. Well done on the top placing.

Jorge Alcantara - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) - 4th Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Yncarne (2000 Points)

Aeldari Devoted of Ynnead Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

The Yncarne (250 Points) • Warlord • 1x Swirling soul energy • 1x Vilith-zhar

BATTLELINE

Storm Guardians (100 Points) • 10x Storm Guardian ◦ 8x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 2x Fusion gun ◦ 2x Power sword ◦ 6x Shuriken pistol • 1x Serpent's Scale Platform ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Serpent shield

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (100 Points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Dragon fusion gun

Fire Dragons (100 Points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (90 Points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (90 Points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (90 Points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Shining Spears (120 Points) • 1x Shining Spear Exarch ◦ 1x Shimmershield ◦ 1x Shuriken cannon ◦ 1x Star lance • 2x Shining Spear ◦ 2x Laser lance ◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult

Shining Spears (120 Points) • 1x Shining Spear Exarch ◦ 1x Shimmershield ◦ 1x Shuriken cannon ◦ 1x Star lance • 2x Shining Spear ◦ 2x Laser lance ◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult

Shining Spears (120 Points) • 1x Shining Spear Exarch ◦ 1x Shimmershield ◦ 1x Shuriken cannon ◦ 1x Star lance • 2x Shining Spear ◦ 2x Laser lance ◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult

Shroud Runners (80 Points) • 3x Shroud Runner ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Long rifle ◦ 3x Scatter laser ◦ 3x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 Points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch ◦ 1x Biting blade ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion ◦ 4x Scorpion chainsword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 Points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch ◦ 1x Biting blade ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion ◦ 4x Scorpion chainsword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Warlock Conclave (110 Points) • 4x Warlock ◦ 4x Destructor ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol ◦ 4x Singing Spear

Warlock Conclave (55 Points) • 2x Warlock ◦ 2x Destructor ◦ 2x Shuriken pistol ◦ 2x Singing Spear

Warlock Conclave (55 Points) • 2x Warlock ◦ 2x Destructor ◦ 2x Shuriken pistol ◦ 2x Singing Spear

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death weavers ◦ 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death weavers ◦ 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Ynnari Shining Spears

Thoughts

This list packs in exactly the kind of Shining Spear heroism I demand from Ynnari players. Shining Spears aren't seeing as much use as some of the other aspects, but they sure do love Lethal Intent - you can get some quite absurd threat ranges out of them, walls be damned, and they can then cause jumping off points for the Yncarne as the opponent retaliates and tries to clear their lines. Really awesome stuff, great to see Spears in use! The little Warlock Conclaves are also extremely cool.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Liam Bath - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Go-wide MSU Awakened Dynasty.
  • 6th - Tarzan <3 - Orks (Taktikal Brigade): Battlewagon / Ghazgull Taktikal Brigade - epic.
  • 7th - Devin Smith - Orks (Green Tide): Massed Green Tide Boyz.
  • 8th - Gareth Hunt - Orks (Dread Mob): Dreadmob with triple Tankbustas.

11th Barrie Bash

60-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Thornton, ON, CA on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Nick Jagiello - Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike) - 1st Place

Tempestus Scions. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Legalize Asbestos (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Bridgehead Strike

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 points) • 1x Cadian Commander • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma gun 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Lasgun 1x Master Vox • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Lasgun 1x Medi-pack • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma gun

Gaunt's Ghosts (110 points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Gaunt's chainsword • 1x Colm Corbec • 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Elim Rawne • 1x Rawne's lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Hlaine Larkin • 1x Larkin's long-las 1x Straight silver knife • 1x 'Try Again' Bragg • 1x Bragg's autocannon 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Oan Mkoll • 1x Lascarbine 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (100 points) • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lasgun 2x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Master Vox 1x Medi-pack 1x Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor Prime • Warlord • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger • Enhancement: Bombast-class Vox-array

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (90 points) • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Medi-pack 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Regimental Standard • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger • Enhancement: Shroud Projector

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (75 points) • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Medi-pack 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Regimental Standard • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger

Ursula Creed (65 points) • 1x Duty and Vengeance 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Sergeant's autogun • 9x Shock Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 7x Lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (130 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 4x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 2x Hot-shot volley gun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (130 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 4x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (130 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 4x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (130 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 4x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (65 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (120 points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Hunting lance 1x Lasgun 1x Laspistol 1x Power sabre 1x Steed's hooves • 9x Rough Rider • 9x Hunting lance 9x Lasgun 9x Laspistol 9x Steed's hooves

Attilan Rough Riders (60 points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Hunting lance 1x Lasgun 1x Laspistol 1x Power sabre 1x Steed's hooves • 4x Rough Rider • 4x Hunting lance 4x Lasgun 4x Laspistol 4x Steed's hooves

Catachan Heavy Weapons Squad (50 points) • 3x Heavy Weapons Team • 3x Lasgun 3x Mortar 3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Catachan Heavy Weapons Squad (50 points) • 3x Heavy Weapons Team • 3x Lasgun 3x Mortar 3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Catachan Heavy Weapons Squad (50 points) • 3x Heavy Weapons Team • 3x Lasgun 3x Mortar 3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Cyclops Demolition Vehicle (25 points) • 1x Costco rotisserie chicken

Field Ordnance Battery (100 points) • 2x Ordnance Team • 2x Battery close combat weapons 2x Bombast field gun 2x Lasgun 2x Laspistol

Krieg Heavy Weapons Squad (75 points) • 3x Heavy Weapons Gunner • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krieg heavy flamer 3x Laspistol • 1x Fire Coordinator • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol

Krieg Heavy Weapons Squad (75 points) • 3x Heavy Weapons Gunner • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krieg heavy flamer 3x Laspistol • 1x Fire Coordinator • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol

Ogryn Squad (60 points) • 1x Ogryn Bone 'ead • 1x Ripper gun • 2x Ogryn • 2x Ripper gun

Ogryn Squad (60 points) • 1x Ogryn Bone 'ead • 1x Ripper gun • 2x Ogryn • 2x Ripper gun

Ogryn Squad (60 points) • 1x Ogryn Bone 'ead • 1x Ripper gun • 2x Ogryn • 2x Ripper gun

Ratlings (60 points) • 5x Ratling Sniper • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Bridgehead Goodstuff

Thoughts

Bridgehead gets some licks in here, with the usual drop-blast from Scions coupled with a carpet of utility options on the ground. I really like the Krieg flamers- nasty things that play havoc with the enemy as they try to engage you in the midboard. Massed MSU Ogryn give you plenty of options for cheap screening and scoring. A really nicely designed list, well done.

Josh Crowe - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 2nd Place

Armiger Warglaive Armiger Warglaive. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Rex immolator (2000 Points)

Imperial Knights Noble Lance Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (450 Points) • Warlord • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor • 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser • 1x Freedom's Hand

BATTLELINE

Armiger Helverin (130 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (100 Points) • 1x Neural shredder • 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Sisters of Battle Immolator (115 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Immolation flamers

Sisters of Battle Squad (115 Points) • 1x Sister Superior ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Ministorum hand flamer ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Battle Sister ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 7x Boltgun ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Ministorum flamer ◦ 1x Ministorum heavy flamer ◦ 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Canis / Armigers / Immolator

Thoughts

Imperial Knights continue to slide up the rankings, with another high placing for the tried and tested Big Knight, little Knights, Sisters Box,(hehe).  Knights can present a serious stat challenge in the game at the moment and they have enough stuff on the board to outlast the anti-heavy activations of many of the games top predators. Are they just good now, then?!

Nicholas Redford - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots) - 3rd Place

Credit: Swiftblade

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Space Marines + DETACHMENT: Pact-bound Zealots + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + ALLIED UNITS: Chaos Knights + + WARLORD: Char1: Cypher + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (7x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters - Cull The Horde: 1x5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Cypher (90 pts): Warlord, Cypher's bolt pistol, Cypher's plasma pistol Char2: 1x Chaos Lord (90 pts): Mark of Slaanesh, Daemon hammer, Power fist Char3: 5x Dark Commune (80 pts): Mark of Chaos Undivided • 2x Blessed Blades: 2 with Commune blade • 1x Cult Demagogue: Autopistol, Commune stave • 1x Iconarch: Chaos icon, Autopistol, Close combat weapon • 1x Mindwitch: Close combat weapon, Warp Curse

10x Cultist Mob (50 pts): Mark of Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon, Autopistol • 9x Cultist: 9 with Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon 10x Cultist Mob (50 pts): Mark of Tzeentch • 1x Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon, Autopistol • 9x Cultist: 9 with Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon 5x Legionaries (90 pts): Mark of Slaanesh • 4x Legionary 2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Reaper chaincannon • 1x Aspiring Champion: Chaos icon, Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon, Plasma pistol 5x Legionaries (90 pts): Mark of Slaanesh • 4x Legionary 2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Reaper chaincannon • 1x Aspiring Champion: Chaos icon, Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon, Plasma pistol 5x Legionaries (90 pts): Mark of Slaanesh • 4x Legionary 2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Reaper chaincannon • 1x Aspiring Champion: Chaos icon, Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon, Plasma pistol

16x Accursed Cultists (195 pts): Mark of Chaos Undivided • 10x Mutant: 10 with Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment: 6 with Hideous mutations 5x Nemesis Claw (110 pts): Mark of Slaanesh • 4x Legionary 1 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Nostraman chainglaive 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Paired accursed weapons 1 with Voice eater, Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon • 1x Visionary: Power fist, Plasma pistol 5x Warp Talons (125 pts): Mark of Slaanesh, 5 with Warp claws 1x Chaos Predator Destructor (140 pts): Mark of Nurgle, Armoured tracks, Havoc launcher, Predator autocannon, Combi-weapon, 2x Lascannon 1x Chaos Predator Destructor (140 pts): Mark of Nurgle, Armoured tracks, Havoc launcher, Predator autocannon, Combi-weapon, 2x Lascannon 1x Chaos Vindicator (185 pts): Mark of Nurgle, Armoured tracks, Demolisher cannon, Havoc launcher, Combi-weapon 1x Chaos Vindicator (185 pts): Mark of Nurgle, Armoured tracks, Demolisher cannon 1x Chaos Rhino (75 pts): Mark of Slaanesh, Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-weapon 1x Chaos Rhino (75 pts): Mark of Slaanesh, Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-weapon

Char4: 1x War Dog Stalker (140 pts): Havoc multi-launcher, Daemonbreath spear, Slaughterclaw

Archetype

Pactbound Mixed Arms

Thoughts

A pleasingly balanced Pactbound list that marries some Nurgle shooting tanks to a spicy undivided brick of Accursed. A cheeky Stalker provides heft and OC here much as they do in Creations of Bile. With Lone Op strats, excellent output, and decent MSU, this list is really well poised and balanced to style its way through a range of enemies. Fantastic work on the top placing with a detachment we don't see as much these days!

Chase Bandl - Death Guard (Plague Company) - 4th Place

Plagueburst Crawler - Credit Beanith

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Mothman and friends (2000 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Plague Company

CHARACTERS

Mortarion (300 points) • Warlord • 1x Rotwind 1x Silence 1x The Lantern

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Guard Chaos Spawn (70 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Death Guard Cultists (50 points) • 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Death Guard Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 9x Cultist firearm

Death Guard Cultists (50 points) • 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Death Guard Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 9x Cultist firearm

Death Guard Predator Destructor (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 2x Plague heavy bolter 1x Predator autocannon

Death Guard Predator Destructor (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 2x Plague heavy bolter 1x Predator autocannon

Death Guard Predator Destructor (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 2x Plague heavy bolter 1x Predator autocannon

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points) • 1x Plague probe 2x Plaguespitter

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points) • 1x Plague probe 2x Plaguespitter

Plagueburst Crawler (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy slugger 1x Plagueburst mortar 2x Plaguespitter

Plagueburst Crawler (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy slugger 1x Plagueburst mortar 2x Plaguespitter

Plagueburst Crawler (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy slugger 1x Plagueburst mortar 2x Plaguespitter

ALLIED UNITS

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Stalker (140 points) • 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Stalker (140 points) • 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Slaughterclaw

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Death Guard chonk.

Thoughts

Loads of Death Guard tanks is still very much a vibe, and Mortarion is there to lead them to war! Brutal, stodgy, and merciless once the debuffs start flying. Really well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Cody Brown - Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Slaanesh with Shalaxi AND three Keepers, christ.
  • 6th - Tim Deetlefs - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Double Wave Serpent Aspect Host, absolutely ALL IN on the Phoenix Lords too, love it.
  • 7th - Pat Johnson - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Kairos and triple Lord of Change in Scintillating Legion with loads of Tzeentch MSU - epic.

Wheat City Open 2025: 40k

47-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Brandon, Manitoba, CA on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Brenden Chrustie - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders) - 1st Place

Black Templars Marshal in Terminator Armor. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Black Templars + DETACHMENT: Righteous Crusaders + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Ancient in Terminator Armor + ENHANCEMENT: Tannhauser's Bones (on Char1: Ancient in Terminator Armor) & Sigismund's Seal (on Char2: Captain in Terminator Armour) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) - Assassination: 2 Characters - Cull The Horde: 2x5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Ancient in Terminator Armor (110 pts): Warlord, Terminator Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer Enhancement: Tannhauser's Bones (+35 pts)

Char2: 1x Captain in Terminator Armour (115 pts): Storm Bolter, Relic Fist Enhancement: Sigismund's Seal (+20 pts)

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Astartes Grenade Launcher, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist • 4x Intercessor: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack 3 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack 3 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack 3 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist

5x Incursor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Incursor 3 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 1 with Haywire Mine, Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades • 1x Incursor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades

5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) • 4x Infiltrator: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine

5x Reiver Squad (80 pts): Grapnel Launchers, Reiver Grav-chute • 1x Reiver Sergeant: Combat Knife, Special Issue Bolt Pistol • 4x Reivers: 4 with Special Issue Bolt Pistol, Combat Knife

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 1x Scout: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher • 3x Scouts: 3 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife

10x Terminator Assault Squad (360 pts) • 1x Assault Terminator Sergeant: Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer • 9x Assault Terminator: 9 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer

10x Terminator Squad (340 pts) • 9x Terminator 2 with Power Fist, Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter 7 with Power Fist, Storm Bolter • 1x Terminator Sergeant: Storm Bolter, Power Fist

1x Ballistus Dreadnought (130 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter

1x Ballistus Dreadnought (130 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter

1x Ballistus Dreadnought (130 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter

Archetype

Black Templars CHONK

Thoughts

Black Templars have gone quiet of late, so it is awesome to see a quite terrifying 20 Terminators build take first place here. Lots of trading MSU before it's time to jam two big bricks of Termies down the throat and use the Righteous Crusaders strats to cause mayhem. Get a decent trap off somewhere (particularly on the Tannhauser's Bones unit) and you're rolling through to Victory. I really like the list, the innovation, and the result! Very well done.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Logan Antonation - T'au Empire (Kauyon): Triple Riptide Kauyon with supporting Breachers and Hammerheads.
  • 3rd - Curtis Strong - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Classic monster mash invasion fleet with some little bugs.
  • 4th - Anthony Richardson - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Massed Skysplinter boats with Talos and a Voidraven in support.
  • 5th - Darren Jac - Orks (War Horde): War Horde melee with triple Tankbusta.
  • 6th - Austin Tame - Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw): A nice spin on Outlander that packs some tasteful Aberrant squads in amidst the flamers.
  • 7th - Logan Litzenberger - Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Shalaxi / double Keeper Slaanesh.
  • 8th - Frederick Schellenberg - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic Eightbound rush WE.

Safety's Off "Go Outside, Nerd!" GT

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Taylors, SC, United States on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Robert Birmingham - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Master has given Dobby Gucci inceptors. If a man does not have the sauce, then he is lost. the same man can be lost in the sauce. (2000 Points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades

Marneus Calgar (200 Points) • 1x Marneus Calgar ◦ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 2x Victrix power sword

Roboute Guilliman (345 Points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor's Sword • 1x Hand of Dominion

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (130 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (130 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Company Heroes (95 Points) • 1x Ancient ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Company Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 2x Company Veteran ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle ◦ 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

Inceptor Squad (240 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Assault bolters ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Inceptor ◦ 5x Assault bolters ◦ 5x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Assault bolters ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Assault bolters ◦ 2x Close combat weapon

Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Helix Gauntlet ◦ 1x Infiltrator Comms Array ◦ 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 2x Astartes shotgun ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy bolter ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 2x Astartes shotgun ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy bolter ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Vindicator (175 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Vindicator (175 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Ultramarines Gladius

Thoughts

A triumph for the 'bit of everything' Ultramarines build, with Vindicators and Inceptors providing the ranged punch as Gulliman and his cute butler friend yeet about the board hammering fools. Ultragladius is flexible, packs a few tricks, and has the right gun for every situation - the key is applying them all and it's not as straightforward as it can seem! Very well done on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Josh Catron - Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): THE FULL BILE, with 30 Possessed and 10 Chosen. Brutal.
  • 3rd - Luke Henderson - Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): Massed hull / dreadnought Solar Spearhead.
  • 4th - Stuart King - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Go-wide can't believe it's not Blood Angels with lots of MSU and some tanks.
  • 5th - Joshua Henderson - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Triple Wraithlord / Aspect MSU Ynnari.

Califato Wars

26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Córdoba, AN, Spain on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Andres Taco - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion) - 1st Place

Credit: Liebot - https://instagram.com/liebot_pics

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Chen (1990 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Scintillating Legion

CHARACTERS

Fluxmaster (70 points) • 1x Arcane Fireball 1x Herald combat weapon • Enhancement: Inescapable Eye

Fluxmaster (90 points) • 1x Arcane Fireball 1x Herald combat weapon • Enhancement: Improbable Shield (Aura)

Kairos Fateweaver (270 points) • 1x Infernal Gateway 1x Staff of Tomorrow

Lord of Change (270 points) • 1x Bolt of Change 1x Rod of sorcery 1x Staff of Tzeentch • Enhancement: Infernal Puppeteer

The Blue Scribes (75 points) • Warlord • 1x Sharp quills

BATTLELINE

Nurglings (40 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Pink Horrors (140 points) • 10x Pink Horror • 10x Coruscating Pink Flames 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 10x Pink claws

Pink Horrors (140 points) • 10x Pink Horror • 10x Coruscating Pink Flames 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 10x Pink claws

Plaguebearers (110 points) • 1x Plagueridden • 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 9x Plaguesword

OTHER DATASHEETS

Burning Chariot (115 points) • 1x Fire of Tzeentch 1x Flamer mouths 1x Screamer bites

Burning Chariot (115 points) • 1x Fire of Tzeentch 1x Flamer mouths 1x Screamer bites

Flamers (150 points) • 1x Pyrocaster • 1x Flamer mouths 1x Flickering Flames • 5x Flamer • 5x Flamer mouths 5x Flickering Flames

Flamers (150 points) • 1x Pyrocaster • 1x Flamer mouths 1x Flickering Flames • 5x Flamer • 5x Flamer mouths 5x Flickering Flames

Screamers (85 points) • 3x Screamer • 3x Lamprey bite

Screamers (85 points) • 3x Screamer • 3x Lamprey bite

Screamers (85 points) • 3x Screamer • 3x Lamprey bite

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Scintillating Legion

Thoughts

Look, sometimes you just have to salute. Tzeentch wins an event, and I am over the moon about it. This detachment is everything a 40k detachment should be - mobile, dangerous, and a little bit bonkers. Handing over rerolls to the opponent is a suitably maddening mini-game, but the actual toolkit in this detachment can bamboozle the unwary and has solid game into fragile MSU, as the redeploying chickens gradually pick off everything on the board aided by their minions. That said, an event win is a very impressive achievement - really well done.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Many CL - Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Ultramarines Gladius with Whirlwinds behind the Vindicators.
  • 3rd - Eric Ramentol - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Full 18 Wraith Awakened Dynasty.
  • 4th - Capi 🦁 - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King / Doomsday Ark goodness in Starshatter.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! World that was, fading into the background as the car speeds forwards into the wild west. New detachments, new rules, all sorts of madness - and, to toot the self promotional horn, the 6++ GT this weekend as a testing ground for absolutely all of it! Next week we can see how it's looking. My predictions?! A touch more dakka in the meta. It's gonna be funny.

Lowest of Men, out.

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | chaos space marines | gsc | genestealer cult | imperial knights | Death Guard | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | Black Templars | chaos daemons | Ynnari | Orks | Astra Militarum | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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