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

[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Battle Rites of Spring pt.2

by Lowest of Men | Mar 20 2026

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.

This Week's Events

Part 1 on Wednesday:
  • The Colorado Cup '26 - Warhammer 40K
  • 12th Barrie Bash
  • Warzone Wellington 2026
  • Op luck of the Irish GT
  • Free State GT 2026
  • Aemona Open Nationals GT, 40k
Part 2 on Friday:
  • Ides of March 2026 [40k GT]
  • Warhammer 40K Spring GT
  • Adeptus Bastardes II
  • Palladium Games Presents "the dumpster fire gt" Spring Edition
  • Altos Terra Capilla Segundo GT
  • TORNEO RELAMPAGO

Ides of March 2026 [40k GT]

75-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Rockport, ME, United States on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Travis Morton - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 1st Place

Militarum Tempestus Scions Command Squad. Credit: Rockfish Militarum Tempestus Scions Command Squad. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I didn't do enough crunches to play Recon.

Also, hi Joushi!

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Grizzled Company

CHARACTERS

Cadian Castellan (55 points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

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

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 points) • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Medi-pack 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 points) • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Medi-pack 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 points) • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Medi-pack 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger

Nork Deddog (60 points) • 1x Huge knife 1x Ripper gun

Rogal Dorn Commander (290 points) • Warlord • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (120 points) • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Chainsword • 18x Shock Trooper • 18x Close combat weapon 14x Lasgun 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (65 points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Death Korps Medi-pack 1x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (65 points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Death Korps Medi-pack 1x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Kasrkin (110 points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle 1x Melta Mine 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Kasrkin (110 points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle 1x Melta Mine 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Kasrkin (110 points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle 1x Melta Mine 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster • 1x Hand flamer 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer • 3x Autopistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Flamer 1x Remote Mine 2x Trench club

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster • 1x Hand flamer 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer • 3x Autopistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Flamer 1x Remote Mine 2x Trench club

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster • 1x Hand flamer 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer • 3x Autopistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Flamer 1x Remote Mine 2x Trench club

Tempestus Scions (140 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 (70 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (70 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (111), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Grizzled Infantry Spam

Thoughts

Guard are falling back increasingly on their massed OC and bodies to get the job done - in a world of C'tan, hordes are powerful, and Guard can put more OC on points than most armies in the game, with regeneration tricks to boot. The Dorns are cut back so much of the output rests on Scions and Kasrkin- but these can do plenty of work. Guard has a deep roster and seems to be able to innovate its way through any meta- love to see it.

Samuel Pope - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Broodlord. Credit: Rockfish Broodlord. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
In Dune, Frank Herbert wrote, "Fear is the mind-killer." This is a nod to the fact that Frank Herbert had not yet played against c'tan yet, the true mind-killers.

Yes, I could beat ctan with swarm nids. But I don't wanna play swarm nids. Instead, I'll just lose. So...there.

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Vanguard Onslaught

CHARACTERS

Broodlord (80 points) Broodlord (80 points) Broodlord (80 points) Deathleaper (80 points) Hyperadapted Raveners w/ Neuronode (redeploy) (185 points) Neurotyrant w/ Hunting Grounds (125 points) (warlord) Winged Tyranid Prime (65 points)

10x Gargoyles (85 points)

1x Biovore (50 points) 10x Genestealers (140 points) 10x Genestealers (140 points) 10x Genestealers (140 points) Lictor (60 points) Neurolictor (70 points) Neurolictor (70 points) Neurolictor (70 points) 5x Raveners (125 points) 6x Tyranid Warriors with Melee Bio-weapons (150 points) 6x Zoanthropes (200 points)

Archetype

All-in Vanguard

Thoughts

Sam returns to his beloved Vanguard, with a pure agro list that chucks Genestealer bricks in and looks to overrun the opponent. Vanguard is vicious into hordes and infantry heavy armies, but requires a skilled pilot - luckily Sam is exactly such a pilot! The Hunting Grounds enhancement forces battleshocks on reserves units, which is vicious into Scions and GSC units - not a bad thing to have at all in this meta...

Jeffrey Colpitts - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 3rd Place

Marneus Calgar in the Armour of Antilochus. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
List name: Bobby G Rides Again

Space Marines Ultramarines Strike Force (2000 points) Blade of Ultramar

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades

Marneus Calgar in Armour of Antilochus (140 points) • 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar

Roboute Guilliman (340 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 Weapon • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Bolt rifle 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Gladiator Lancer (160 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Lancer laser destroyer

Gladiator Lancer (160 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Lancer laser destroyer

Incursor Squad (80 points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Occulus bolt carbine 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor • 4x Bolt pistol 1x Haywire Mine 4x Occulus bolt carbine 4x Paired combat blades

Repulsor Executioner (230 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (230 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

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 Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Victrix Honour Guard (220 points) • 1x Chapter Ancient • 1x Banner of Macragge 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Chapter Champion • 1x Blades of honour • 4x Victrix Honour Guard • 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine 4x Master-crafted power weapon

Wardens of Ultramar (105 points) • 1x Ancient Gadriel • 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Storm Shield • 1x Gaius Silva • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Power weapon 1x Refractor Field • 1x Aemelia Minervas • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Power weapon • 1x Dainal Komelius • 1x Astropathic Blast 1x Force stave • 1x Lucia Vestha • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Close combat weapon

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Lancerlot

Thoughts

Ultramarines aren't going anywhere, and this list shows the general modular flexibility they can call on right now. Two Lancers offer some big tank killing capacity- good into mech mirrors, and good into Custodes Land Raiders too. The Marine toolkit is so adaptable, and gives you an awful lot of ways to play. Fantastic work on the top placing.

Nicholas Kudriavetz - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 4th Place

Cobalt Scions Ballistus Dreadnought. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Blasting away Ides of March part D'uh (2000 Points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Blade of Ultramar Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades

Marneus Calgar in Armour of Antilochus (140 Points) • Warlord • 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar

Uriel Ventris (95 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Invictus • 1x Sword of Idaeus

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (150 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (150 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Company Heroes (105 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

Gladiator Lancer (160 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Lancer laser destroyer • 2x Storm bolter

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

Repulsor Executioner (230 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Boltgun ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Boltgun ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Victrix Honour Guard (220 Points) • 1x Chapter Ancient ◦ 1x Banner of Macragge ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Chapter Champion ◦ 1x Blades of honour • 4x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon

Wardens of Ultramar (105 Points) • 1x Ancient Gadriel ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Storm Shield • 1x Gaius Silva ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Refractor Field • 1x Aemelia Minervas ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 1x Dainal Komelius ◦ 1x Astropathic Blast ◦ 1x Force stave • 1x Lucia Vestha ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (1), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Highlander Ultramarines

Thoughts

As if to verify my claim, this Ultras list packs in a whole grab bag of options in a near highlander style list! Inceptors are a cheeky include in a meta where folks are leaving that back objective increasingly exposed. Company of Heroes gives you bait / commitment forcing units alongside the Wardens too. Lots to like! very well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Marshall Arthurs - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Cawl and some Chickens lead up an absolute horde of stealthy infantry bodies including two full Skystalker bricks.
  • 6th - Connor Flotten - Aeldari (Corsair Coterie): Triple Fire Prisms, Baharroth brick and Corsairs with Yriel - genuine, awesome innovation, well done.
  • 7th - Matthew Mills - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): Full on Shadow Legion battleline and Screamer spam. Brutally stodgy.
  • 8th - George Gennis - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar): Terminator brick Ultramarines with double Rep Ex.
  • 9th - Matthew Wood - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): That goddamned Land Raider list.
  • 10th - Cullen Burns - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Double Dorn / infantry carpet Grizzled.
  • 11th - Braden Beaudoin - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Vintage tank car park pactbound with new Huron in the mix.
  • 12th - Nick Hardy - Thousand Sons (Hexwarp Thrallband): Thrallband with 20 Terminators and a Daemon Prince.
  • 13th - Andres Alvarado - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Go fast Devilfish and Riptide spam, with a Skyray in support.

Warhammer 40K Spring GT

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Pensacola, FL, United States on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Christopher DeBoe - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) - 1st Place

Vulkan He'stan / Salamanders Praetor. Credit - Soggy

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Mommy's wittle melta simp UwU

CHARACTER

Adrax Agatone (85 pts) • 1x Drakkis • 1x Malleus Noctum

Lieutenant (65 pts) • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Neo-volkite Pistol • 1x Storm Shield • Champion of Humanity (+10 pts)

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 pts) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired Combat Blades

Vulkan He'stan (100 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Gauntlet of the Forge • 1x Spear of Vulkan • Warlord

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Astartes grenade launcher • 1x Bolt Rifle • 1x Power Fist • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Bolt Rifle • 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (170 pts) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Neo-volkite Pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veterans • 5x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 5x Master-crafted Power Weapon

Company Heroes (105 pts) • 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

Eradicator Squad (90 pts) • 1x Eradicator • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator with Multi-melta • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta

Eradicator Squad (90 pts) • 1x Eradicator • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator with Multi-melta • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta

Gladiator Valiant (150 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Twin Las-talon

Gladiator Valiant (150 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Twin Las-talon

Gladiator Valiant (150 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Twin Las-talon

Impulsor (80 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Ironhail Skytalon Array • 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher

Impulsor (80 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Ironhail Skytalon Array • 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher

Infernus Squad (90 pts) • 4x Infernus Marines • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Pyreblaster • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (90 pts) • 4x Infernus Marines • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Pyreblaster • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Pyreblaster

Land Raider Redeemer (270 pts) • 1x Armoured Tracks • 2x Flamestorm Cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm Bolter • 1x Twin Assault Cannon

Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes Chainsword • 2x Scout • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy Bolter • 1x Scout Sniper Rifle • 2x Scouts • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Combat Knife

Archetype

Salamanders

Thoughts

Salamanders are quietly having a great time at the moment- being able to slap tonnes of wounds on via +1 to wound flamers and dev wounds is a recipe for pushing through the stat checks in this meta. The Valiants and Eradicators shine here too, and they're deliciously on theme. There isn't a tonne of variety amidst the Ultras lists - well done to the sons of Vulkan for providing some flavour.

Patrick Wyllie - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
hot girl summer (1985 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Hallowed Martyrs

CHARACTERS

Canoness (70 points) • 1x Blessed blade 1x Inferno pistol • Enhancement: Saintly Example

Canoness (60 points) • 1x Blessed blade 1x Inferno pistol

Canoness (60 points) • 1x Blessed blade 1x Inferno pistol

Hospitaller (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Hospitaller (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Hospitaller (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Junith Eruita (80 points) • 1x Mace of Castigation 1x Twin Ministorum heavy flamer

Morvenn Vahl (185 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Celestian Sacresants (140 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Ministorum hand flamer 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Hallowed mace

Celestian Sacresants (140 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Ministorum hand flamer 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Hallowed mace

Celestian Sacresants (140 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Ministorum hand flamer 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Hallowed mace

Paragon Warsuits (210 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon grenade launchers 1x Paragon war mace • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon grenade launchers 2x Paragon war mace

Seraphim Squad (80 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (80 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (80 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Exported with App Version: v1.47.0 (110), Data Version: v743

Archetype

Hallowed Sacrosanct Spam

Thoughts

The Champions of Faith Sacrosanct build finds itself repurposed into Hallowed Martyrs. There are a lot of benefits to this - you gain fight phase control techniques, character resurrection, and the general stodginess that has made Hallowed a classic 'draw' list in teams since its inception. In a meta where armies are leading hard into themes, punishing single phase builds definitely gets you through a good chunk of the field. Excellent work on the top placing!

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Anthony Carter - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Loads of big bugs in Invasion Fleet.
  • 4th - Garrett Camilleri - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): Pantheon C'tan.
  • 5th - Shawn Schlumpf - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar): Victrix and Vindicator heavy Blade.
  • 6th - Jonathon Neff - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): C'tan / Silent King Starshatter, with a single Stalker as bait.
  • 7th - John Boover - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Lots of Bloodletters and Plaguebearers in a push ahead of the Kairos / Big Bird shooting.
  • 8th - Jason Bingham - Thousand Sons (Changehost of Deceit): Kairos leading two full Terminator bricks in this unusual Changehost list.

Adeptus Bastardes II

41-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Østfold, Norge on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Rasmus Valand Fredriksen - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

Psychomancer. Credit: Rockfish Psychomancer. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Of Gods and Metal Men (1995 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Awakened Dynasty

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (325 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (320 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm

Illuminor Szeras (165 points) • 1x Eldritch Lance 1x Impaling legs

Nekrosor Ammentar (185 points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils 1x Enmitic disintegrators 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Orikan the Diviner (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Staff of Tomorrow

Psychomancer (55 points) • 1x Abyssal lance

Psychomancer (55 points) • 1x Abyssal lance

Royal Warden (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Relic gauss blaster • Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket

Skorpekh Lord (120 points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator 1x Flensing claw 1x Hyperphase harvester • Enhancement: Enaegic Dermal Bond

BATTLELINE

Necron Warriors (200 points) • 20x Necron Warrior • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Gauss reaper

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Ghost Ark (115 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 2x Gauss flayer array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 points) • 2x Atomiser beam 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (80 points) • 6x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 6x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers • 2x Claws 2x Twin gauss reaper

Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Destroyers (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gauss cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (111), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Awakaned Character Spam

Thoughts

I'm going to dedicate this entire section to the 6 brick of Scarabs. Look at them! Look how adorable they are! That's a lot of wounds for 80 points, and you can shove them up to frustrate just like you might use a brick of Nurglings. They also do cute little explosions which can be very annoying in a pinch. I think the 6 brick of Scarabs is probably the game winning pivot around the various other cute tech pieces in this list like the C'tan and Necron Warriors hinge. Fantastic work on using a 6 brick of Scarabs to win the event!!

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Eirik Rokne Stensland - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple Gatling CK.
  • 3rd - Sebastian Magnusson - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Massed Dorns in Grizzled, you naughty sausage.
  • 4th - Jonathan Arkin - Space Marines (Astartes) (Hammer of Avernii): Triple Redemptor and a full Terminator brick in Hammer.
  • 5th - Kjetil Andre Liknes - Astra Militarum (Recon Element): Recon Guard horde.
  • 6th - Thomas Harkestad - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Zoan brick Sub Assault with some cheeky Carnifexes.
  • 7th - Ingvar Buli - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Sacrosanct spam.
  • 8th - Emil Sæternes - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): That goddamned Land Raider list.
  • 9th - Robert H - Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Naughty Gladius with Desolators and Inceptors for reach.

Palladium Games Presents "the dumpster fire gt" Spring Edition

37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Phoenixville, PA, US on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) versus T'au Empire (Auxillary Cadre)

Take and Hold - Hammer and Anvil

Git Gud - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband)
Army List - Click to Expand
⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢋⡔⢊⣥⣶⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠿⠿⣿⠘⣰⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⢛⣩⣭⣶⣶⣶⣶⣶⣶⣶⣬⣴⣦⣭⣭⣍⡛⠿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⢛⣡⣶⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣤⣍⠻⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⢋⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣤⡙⠻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠃⡷⢉⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⢋⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡏⢻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡅⢻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣧⡈⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡁⠦⣹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⠿⠿⠏⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⢡⡘⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣗⢀⠙⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⠀⣬⣭⣭⣭⣉⣘⣛⠛⠿⠿⢿⣿ ⣿⡿⢛⠛⣩⣭⣭⣤⣶⣶⣶⣾⢃⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡟⢡⣭⡇⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡏⣼⣦⡈⢻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⡘⡛⠻⠿⠿⠿⠿⠿⠇⢘⡄⢹ ⣿⢰⣾⣤⣉⣛⣛⣛⣛⣋⣭⢀⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠟⣰⣿⣿⣿⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡟⣰⣿⣿⣿⣄⠹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⡘⢿⣿⣿⣷⣶⣿⣿⣿⣿⡈ ⣿⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠇⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢋⣼⠿⠿⠿⢿⡆⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠟⣰⣟⣛⠿⠙⠛⠓⠌⠻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⡘⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢡ ⣿⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⢰⡟⢹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠟⠁⢈⡁⠀⠈⣉⡑⢳⢸⣿⣿⣿⠏⣴⣿⣏⡄⣒⣭⣍⠒⢦⣄⡀⠙⠿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡃⡇⢻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢸ ⣿⡀⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠃⣿⠇⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⡟⠉⣠⡶⢋⣴⢞⡳⣄⠙⣿⢨⣿⡿⢋⣼⣿⣿⡏⣴⠏⣵⡌⣷⡄⢻⣿⣆⠐⢈⠻⢿⣿⣇⠸⠸⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠟⢁⣾ ⣿⣷⣌⡛⠿⠿⠿⠿⠟⡁⡟⢠⣿⣿⣿⠿⠋⠀⣴⣿⠃⣻⣇⢞⢫⢸⠇⣿⢸⠋⣠⣾⣿⣿⣿⣧⠉⢻⣆⣒⣸⠏⣸⣿⣿⡆⣼⣿⣦⡍⠻⢧⡀⢶⣶⣤⡄⢀⢺⣿⣿ ⡿⢙⢿⢡⡀⠶⠿⠟⢛⠂⢠⣿⡿⠟⣡⣶⡆⢼⣿⣿⣦⡙⠟⣛⣀⣭⣬⣍⣠⣾⣿⡛⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣶⣮⣥⡤⢟⡛⢽⠃⣿⣿⣿⣿⠁⢰⢀⡀⠲⣶⣶⣾⢸⣿⣿ ⣷⣦⣿⢸⣿⣿⣿⣿⡟⠠⢛⠉⢰⣿⣿⣿⣇⢸⣷⠭⠕⢘⣻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣧⣔⣂⡜⣨⣿⣿⣿⡏⠀⡌⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢸⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⠸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⡦⢹⡆⠀⣿⣿⣿⣿⡈⣿⣧⣦⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠿⠿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢟⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢁⣿⣿⣿⣿⠁⠀⡀⠭⣉⣛⡛⠛⣉⣼⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣶⡆⠉⠭⠥⠖⣂⡄⡑⠀⠸⣿⣿⣿⣇⠸⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣝⣛⣻⣭⣵⣶⣿⣿⣶⣶⣶⣶⣶⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢃⣼⣿⣿⣿⠇⣴⡇⢿⣶⣶⣬⣥⠆⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣧⢹⣿⣿⣿⡿⠃⣿⣦⠀⢻⣿⣿⣿⣆⢻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠃⣾⣿⣿⣿⠏⣼⣿⣷⡬⢉⣉⣉⠉⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⢠⣶⣦⡐⢺⣿⣿⣧⡄⢝⣛⠿⠿⠆⠻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠿⠿⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠟⠁⠀⣿⣿⣿⡏⣰⣿⣿⣿⣆⠻⠟⢋⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠶⢈⡙⢁⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⡄⢿⣿⣿⣿⠀⠰⣶⣶⣶⣶⣦⣭⣥⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⡿⢨⣿⣿⠏⣴⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⣙⣠⣽⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣶⣶⣶⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⡌⢿⣿⣿⡀⠀⠬⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠇⣾⣿⠋⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡄⠻⣿⡇⢸⣷⣬⣙⡛⠿⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠿⠛⢩⡔⣸⠛⡡⣸⠘⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⠙⣿⡌⣿⣿⣿⡇⠰⣤⡀⢤⣉⣉⣉⣉⡩⢀⣴⡿⠀⠸⠐⣡⣾⢣⣿⠀⣮⡻⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⢋⣶⣌⠳⠘⣿⣿⡇⡀⢻⣿⡷⢂⡉⠋⣄⣚⡻⢿⠃⡄⣡⣾⣿⡏⠾⢁⣼⣿⣿⠊⠍⠿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡟⡣⢿⣿⣿⣷⡄⠹⣿⣿⠰⡄⢋⣾⣿⡇⠷⢻⣿⣿⠦⠐⠸⢿⣿⣿⢣⣶⣿⣿⣿⣿⣦⣀⡀⡙⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡟⠀⠀⣰⣿⣿⣿⣿⡔⢿⡇⣂⣡⡶⢸⣿⣇⣄⢸⣿⣇⠚⣋⣙⢃⡿⠁⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠣⣹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ ⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡑⠱⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡆⠙⢬⣭⣵⣿⣿⡆⠀⢸⣿⣿⣷⣶⣶⠞⣱⡇⠹⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠃⣱⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - World Eaters + DETACHMENT: Berzerker Warband (Relentless Rage) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Khârn the Betrayer + ENHANCEMENT: Battle-lust (on Char3: Lord on Juggernaut) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 12 + SECONDARY: - Assassination: 3 Characters - Cull The Horde: 3x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Khârn the Betrayer (100 pts): Warlord, Gorechild, Plasma pistol Char2: 1x Lord Invocatus (110 pts): Bladed horn, Bolt pistol, Coward's Bane Char3: 1x Lord on Juggernaut (115 pts): Bladed horn, Exalted chainblade, Plasma pistol Enhancement: Battle-lust (+10 pts)

20x Khorne Berzerkers (360 pts) • 19x Khorne Berzerker 11 with Bolt pistol, Chainblade 4 with Chainblade, Plasma pistol 4 with Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion: Icon of Khorne, Chainblade, Plasma pistol 20x Khorne Berzerkers (360 pts) • 19x Khorne Berzerker 11 with Bolt pistol, Chainblade 4 with Chainblade, Plasma pistol 4 with Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion: Icon of Khorne, Chainblade, Plasma pistol 20x Khorne Berzerkers (360 pts) • 19x Khorne Berzerker 11 with Bolt pistol, Chainblade 4 with Chainblade, Plasma pistol 4 with Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion: Icon of Khorne, Chainblade, Plasma pistol

2x Chaos Spawn (90 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations 2x Chaos Spawn (90 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations 3x Eightbound (135 pts) • 1x Eightbound Champion: Chainblades • 2x Eightbound: 2 with Chainblades 3x Eightbound (135 pts) • 1x Eightbound Champion: Chainblades • 2x Eightbound: 2 with Chainblades 8x Goremongers (75 pts) • 1x Blood Herald: Autopistol, Chainblade, Close combat weapon • 7x Goremonger: 7 with Autopistol, Chainblade, Close combat weapon 10x Jakhals (65 pts) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader: Autopistol, Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured: Paired manglers • 8x Jakhal: 8 with Autopistol, Chainblades



vs.

Brian Zhu - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre)
Army List - Click to Expand
TBDI2 (2000 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Auxiliary Cadre

CHARACTERS

Commander Shadowsun (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Advanced Guardian Drone 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Command-link Drone (Aura) 1x Flechette launcher 2x High-energy fusion blaster 1x Light missile pod 1x Pulse pistol

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (95 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Marker Drone

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (95 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Marker Drone

Kroot Lone-spear (80 points) • 1x Blast javelin 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunting javelin 1x Kalamandra's bite

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (140 points) • 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 2x Gun Drone 2x Shield Drone

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (140 points) • 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 2x Gun Drone 2x Shield Drone

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot pistol 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Kroot rifle

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot pistol 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Kroot rifle

Kroot Hounds (40 points) • 5x Kroot Hound • 5x Ripping fangs

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Riptide Battlesuit (200 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin plasma rifle

Riptide Battlesuit (200 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin plasma rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

Thoughts

An intriguing match up here that left me curious! On paper, Berzerker bricks look like a lot of trouble for this T'au list. The surge is a real pain, and none of the T'au shooting activations are chunky enough to put a serious dent into them. There are also a lot of MSU  Spawn / Eightbound for hunting down the T'au chaff.

If there is a difference maker here, then, it is the massed Krootox. The threat of a big old counter charge, impact mortals, and massed attacks (with full rerolls thanks to the Lonespear / Stratagem support) might just be enough to clean the bricks out. Fortunately, our winner Brian was on hand to provide some commentary confirming exactly this!

Brian's path to victory:
  1. They'll never expect a Tau player to run their units into melee.
  2. The Rampagers trade well berserker bricks. With Invocatus in reserve to Rapid Ingress, there's not much CP left for Heroic Integration and -1 Damage and Interrupt all at once. Meanwhile, I will want -1AP and Reroll Wounds, so I'll want to save CP on the advance and charge strategems. So I want to lure the berzerker bricks closer by killing the small units.
  3. To deal with blood surge I'll want to half-wrap my Rampagers with another unit in a banana shaped formation, to be the only blood surge target and also not move block friendly gorillas.
  4. I go first, and Pathfinders screen berserkers, kill spawn, and get charged spawn. The berzerks are then in range of Rampagers.
  5. To deal with 2 bricks at once, one gets the lone spear rerolls and the second gets shot twice. I mess up on the first brick when Karnivores are in a banana formation arcing away from their rampager buddies, allowing the blood surge to move away from the Rampagers. However, I make the 8 inch charge, so Khorne is not displeased with the Rampagers. I do give up some primary though, so lessons learned. Does Khorne like bananas?
  6. The second brick has their blood surge screened by a Sunforge unit in a thick plantain shaped formation, because they've got nothing better to do into an all infantry opponent. But they shoot in combat once they get surged. This second brick is so small it's no longer worth targeting with interrupt.
  7. At the bottom of 2, there are 12 and 4 Berzerkers left, with 3 Eightbound buddies and some backline jackhals, which are quick to get cleaned up. The last unit of Rampagers can rapid to chase down Invocatus, along with 2 Riptides, 2 Sunforge teams, Pathfinders, 10 Rampagers, and Shadowsun.
  8. The 4 straggling berzerkers do kill Shadowsun before dying, but was it really Shadowsun? Or was it another commander whose death will enrage a certain pair of twins? Tune in next time to find out!
Thanks Brian - loads of clever technical tips in there!

Result

T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre) Victory - 100 - 69

Brian Zhu - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre) - 1st Place

XV86 Coldstar Battlesuit. Credit: Rockfish XV86 Coldstar Battlesuit. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
TBDI2 (2000 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Auxiliary Cadre

CHARACTERS

Commander Shadowsun (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Advanced Guardian Drone 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Command-link Drone (Aura) 1x Flechette launcher 2x High-energy fusion blaster 1x Light missile pod 1x Pulse pistol

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (95 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Marker Drone

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (95 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Marker Drone

Kroot Lone-spear (80 points) • 1x Blast javelin 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunting javelin 1x Kalamandra's bite

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (140 points) • 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 2x Gun Drone 2x Shield Drone

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (140 points) • 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 2x Gun Drone 2x Shield Drone

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot pistol 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Kroot rifle

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot pistol 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Kroot rifle

Kroot Hounds (40 points) • 5x Kroot Hound • 5x Ripping fangs

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Riptide Battlesuit (200 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin plasma rifle

Riptide Battlesuit (200 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin plasma rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Epic Aux Cadre

Thoughts

Look, I'm biased here. I freaking love Kroot, and the Auxillary side of the T'au range. This list goes hard on the benefits of Aux Cadre- Lone Op 18 for Kroot, added AP for T'au guns, and Rampagers with a bunch of benefits including 6 inch auto advance and advance and charge via stratagems. A truckload of Sun Forge suits bring the hard target removal. This list is pure pressure, with waves of infantry, Krootox and Vehicles to push the opponent out and dominate the primary. Super cool, original, and it's amazing to see T'au take a GT with another detachment!!

Charles Burgard - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Nekrosor Ammentar. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Szarekh, the Teflon Don (1995 Points)

Necrons Starshatter Arsenal Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (295 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (325 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Hexmark Destroyer (100 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols • Enhancements: Chrono-impedance Fields

Illuminor Szeras (165 Points) • 1x Eldritch Lance • 1x Impaling legs

Nekrosor Ammentar (185 Points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) • 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

The Silent King (400 Points) • 1x Szarekh • Warlord ◦ 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory ◦ 1x Staff of Stars ◦ 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir ◦ 2x Annihilator beam ◦ 2x Armoured bulk

Transcendent C'tan (315 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Flayed Ones (60 Points) • 5x Flayed One ◦ 5x Flayer claws

Exported with App Version: v1.48.2 (1), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Starshatter Goodstuff

Thoughts

Beep Boop! The Starshatter run goes on - C'tan are good, the Silent King is good, Reanimators help it all heal up. Ruin those hopes and dreams! I do like the inclusion of the Transcendent in these lists - it gives you a bit of additional guile and reach as the rest of it gets into position. Fantastic work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Cory White - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): That goddamned Custodes Land Raider list.
  • 4th - Michael Butler - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Warrior brick / C'tan Awakened.
  • 5th - Austin Warfel - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Horde Invasion Fleet with Termagants and Genestealers.
  • 6th - Matthew DeFranza - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): Old school Centurion Raven Guard.
  • 7th - Kyle Myers - Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead): Grindy Dark Angels Ironstorm with lots of Speeders and Redemptors.

Altos Terra Capilla Segundo GT

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Capilla de Guadalupe, Jal., México on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Joseph Walsh - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe) - 1st Place

The Deceiver. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I got a golden I get to have fun (2000 Points) (This list is now 2145 points, thank god for rules cutoff dates)

Necrons Pantheon of Woe Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (325 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (345 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (330 Points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades • 1x Spear of the Void Dragon • 1x Voltaic storm

Hexmark Destroyer (75 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 Points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) • 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Transcendent C'tan (330 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

Transcendent C'tan (330 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flayed Ones (60 Points) • 5x Flayed One ◦ 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Destroyers (40 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.47.0 (1), Data Version: v743

Archetype

Pantheon C'tan Spam

Thoughts

What C'tan we say about this list that hasn't been said before, eh? It C'tan play the primary really well, and you C'tan't kill it very easily. I C'tan't say it's the most exciting or diverse Necron list in the world, but you C'tan see the theme very clearly and it C'tan look really nice on the tabletop with all the big monsters arrayed. C'tan't see anyone stopping it anytime soon, that's for sure! Amazing work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Ragnar Armenta - Chaos Space Marines (Huron’s Marauders): Legios, Accursed and Noise Marines in Marauders.
  • 3rd - Amador Perez - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Fortis / Indomitor spam.
  • 4th - Zaid De anda - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): All-in Infantry Grizzled.
  • 5th - Ari Baez - Chaos Space Marines (Huron’s Marauders): More Legio / Lord / Noise Marine Marauders.
  • 6th - Xavier Barrera - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Standard Victrix / Vehicle Ultras.

TORNEO RELAMPAGO

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jaime Cruz - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force) - 1st Place

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
grey knigths (2000 points)

Grey Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Warpbane Task Force

CHARACTERS

Castellan Crowe (90 points) • Warlord • 1x Black Blade of Antwyr 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (225 points) • 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer 1x Sublimator

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (225 points) • 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer 1x Sublimator

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (225 points) • 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer 1x Sublimator

BATTLELINE

Strike Squad (120 points) • 1x Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Grey Knight • 1x Close combat weapon 3x Nemesis force weapon 1x Psycannon 3x Storm bolter

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Razorback (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin lascannon

Razorback (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin lascannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Interceptor Squad (125 points) • 1x Interceptor Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Interceptor • 4x Nemesis force weapon 4x Storm bolter

Interceptor Squad (125 points) • 1x Interceptor Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Interceptor • 4x Nemesis force weapon 4x Storm bolter

Interceptor Squad (125 points) • 1x Interceptor Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Interceptor • 4x Nemesis force weapon 4x Storm bolter

Purifier Squad (125 points) • 1x Knight of the Flame • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter • 4x Purifier • 4x Nemesis force weapon 4x Purifying Flame 4x Storm bolter

Purifier Squad (250 points) • 1x Knight of the Flame • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter • 9x Purifier • 9x Nemesis force weapon 9x Purifying Flame 9x Storm bolter

ALLIED UNITS

Imperial Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Inquisitorial Agents (60 points) • 1x Tome‐skull • 5x Inquisitorial Agent • 5x Agent firearm 5x Agent melee weapon 1x Eviscerator 1x Mystic stave 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Gun Servitor • 1x Agent melee weapon 1x Multi-melta

Inquisitorial Agents (60 points) • 1x Tome‐skull • 5x Inquisitorial Agent • 5x Agent firearm 5x Agent melee weapon 1x Eviscerator 1x Mystic stave 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Gun Servitor • 1x Agent melee weapon 1x Multi-melta

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Vintage Warpbane

Thoughts

GK are a bit quiet at the moment, so it's nice to see a classic Warpbane with Dreadknights list punch through to the top tables. In theory, Dreadknights can bring down hard targets in the meta pretty well - it's just navigating to the late game with enough stuff intact to capitalise. I really like the baby Inquisition units to get you a bit of cheap screening and scoring. No easy thing pulling off a GT win with GK right now - amazing work!!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Damian Flores - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Eightbound MSU with some tasteful Rhinos full of stabby men.
  • 3rd - Atl Meléndez - Imperial Knights (Valourstrike Lance): A carpet of Armigers ahead of 3 bigs.
  • 4th - Ruben Araiza Plant - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): Lots of Thunderkyn in Needgard.
  • 5th - Luis German Giles - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Fortis / Indomitor spam.

Wrap Up

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | tyranids | Necrons | Warhammer 40k | grey knights | Astra Militarum | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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