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

[40K] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Cult Hits pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Dec 04 2024
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.

Picture me walking into the office of our stats team and finding red lights flashing and  sirens blaring, with TheChirurgeon and Curie wearing grim expressions and stylish military hats talking about triggering "The Iron Hands Protocol". After a few weeks where Guard and Genestealer Cults have been jointly pulling ahead of the rest of the metagame, some sort of Brood Brothers cell has triggered their takeover plan, and GSC are now leaving everyone else in the dust, landing only narrowly short of an incredible 70% win rate (with a firmly middle-of-the-road player count) and taking a third of all event trophies for the week. Only factions with the quality melee backbone to throw back a cult push (mostly melee Marines and Custodes) are managing to keep up, and the adoption of a Cult build that can just roll people over has suddenly plunged us into one of the biggest metagame skews for a long while.

We do, of course, have a bunch of new Detachments arriving to provide new tools across the game, but hopefully we've also got some balance changes on the horizon, because it is clear that Cults are adapting faster than the metagame is.

Let us survey the carnage - today we're covering:
  • The Leicester 40k Super Major
  • 5. 40Kings Cup
  • Bembel Clash #11
  • WARPSTORM GT CYPRUS
  • Incursion Events 40K Singles GT 30/11 - 01/12/24
  • Athens Warlord
On Friday we'll review:
  • Gonghammer 2024
  • ADFWGA-HEROCON 24
  • Heroes Of The Mid Table Fall GT 2024
  • MAD Warhammer 40k GT 11.30 - 12.01
  • Open Chemmer Grand Tournament
  • Viking Games - Rise of the Valkyries
A spicy selection of Showdowns has been chosen by our Patrons this week, and we'll be digging into the following finals:
  • Bringers of Flame Sororitas vs Imperialis Fleet Agents at Incursion Events
  • World Eaters vs Imperial Knights at Gonghammer

The Leicester 40k Super Major

201-player, 7-round Supermajor in England, GB on November 30 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ben Jones - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge) - 1st Place

Genestealer Cults Biophagus - Credit: RichyP

The List

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

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Biosanctic Broodsurge

CHARACTERS

Abominant (95 points) • 1x Power sledgehammer • Enhancement: Predatory Instincts

Abominant (75 points) • 1x Power sledgehammer

Abominant (75 points) • 1x Power sledgehammer

Biophagus (50 points) • 1x Alchemicus Familiar 1x Autopistol 1x Chemical vials 1x Injector goad

Biophagus (50 points) • 1x Alchemicus Familiar 1x Autopistol 1x Chemical vials 1x Injector goad

Clamavus (50 points) • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon

Patriarch (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Patriarch's claws • Enhancement: Biomorph Adaptation

Sanctus (50 points) • 1x Sanctus bio-dagger

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 1x Cult claws and knife 3x Heavy mining tool

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Anointed pistol 1x Autopistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Neophyte Hybrid • 9x Autopistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 1x Flamer 5x Hybrid firearm 1x Mining laser 1x Seismic cannon 1x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Anointed pistol 1x Autopistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Neophyte Hybrid • 9x Autopistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 1x Flamer 5x Hybrid firearm 1x Mining laser 1x Seismic cannon 1x Webber

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Goliath Truck (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Heavy stubber 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Achilles Ridgerunners (75 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Spotter 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (75 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Spotter 1x Twin heavy stubber

Hybrid Metamorphs (160 points) • 1x Metamorph Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's cult weapons • 9x Hybrid Metamorph • 1x Cult Icon 8x Hand flamer 9x Metamorph mutations

Hybrid Metamorphs (160 points) • 1x Metamorph Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's cult weapons • 9x Hybrid Metamorph • 1x Cult Icon 8x Hand flamer 9x Metamorph mutations

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

Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer • 5x Cult claws and talons

Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer • 5x Cult claws and talons

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507

Archetype

Muscle Beach 2K24

Thoughts

Always good to have an example of the metagame menace right out the gate - this build is what has pushed Cults fully over the top, as its explosive, overwhelming nature ensures that almost everyone is fighting against it from behind. With "other cult players" being one of the biggest threats, you're starting to see players like Ben who are ahead of the curve tooling for the mirror, here in the form of a second squad of flamer Metamorphs, increasing the possible Overwatch coverage you can set up. The Sanctus also helps with that, double dipping as both a very cheap Infiltrator to block out space in deployment and a tool to neutralise enemy Metamorph units - if you pick them for his re-rolls, he'll deck most of a squad, and maybe take the rest with him via Saintly Paroxysm. Tooling for the mirror definitely paid off for Ben here, as his gatekeeper for the top four was frequent column subject Mike Porter also on Broodsurge, and from there he took down Thousand Sons and Ultramarines to win - congratulations Ben.

Josh Roberts - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 2nd Place

Marneus Calgar Credit: Alfredo Ramirez Marneus Calgar Credit: Alfredo Ramirez

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Leicester GT List (1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (80 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancement: Artificer Armour

Marneus Calgar (185 points) • 1x Marneus Calgar • 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard • 2x Victrix power sword

Roboute Guilliman (285 points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor's Sword 1x Hand of Dominion

Uriel Ventris (75 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Invictus 1x Sword of Idaeus

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

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

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

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

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 (65 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

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

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

Archetype

Triumverate of Terror

Thoughts

In second place Josh unleashes the full terrible triumverate of Guilliman, Calgar and Ventris, the latter two with Company Heroes, which provides all the mid-table control you could possibly need (well, almost all accounting for Cults) while a bunch of Ballistus Dreadnoughts and Vindicators pound the foe into oblivion. The sheer (and on brand) stratagem dominance that the terrible trio provides goes a huge way to stacking the deck in your favour, and it is extremely clear at this point that post-Dataslate Ultramarines are the real deal. Well done Josh on second place.

Michael Costello - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 3rd Place

Tempestus Aquilons. Credit: Rockfish Tempestus Aquilons. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
It's Over Anakin, I Have Air Superiority! (1995 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Regiment

CHARACTERS

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

Death Korps Marshal (60 points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon

Lord Solar Leontus (125 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin's hooves 1x Sol's Righteous Gaze

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (110 points) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger • Enhancement: Kurov's Aquila • 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

Ursula Creed (55 points) • 1x Duty and Vengeance 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (60 points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Drum-fed autogun • 9x Shock Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher 7x Lasgun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (130 points) • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster • 2x Plasma pistol 2x Power weapon • 18x Death Korps Trooper • 18x Close combat weapon 1x Death Korps Medi-pack 2x Grenade launcher 12x Lasgun 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun

OTHER DATASHEETS

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 • 1x Goad lance 3x Hunting lance 4x Lasgun 4x Laspistol 4x 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 • 1x Goad lance 3x Hunting lance 4x Lasgun 4x Laspistol 4x Steed's hooves

Avenger Strike Fighter (130 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Avenger bolt cannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Lascannon

Avenger Strike Fighter (130 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Avenger bolt cannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Lascannon

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 2x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Melta Mine 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Leman Russ Exterminator (170 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exterminator autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

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

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator gatling cannon 1x Co-axial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Co-axial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Tempestus Aquilons (90 points) • 1x Tempestor Aquilon • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lascarbine 1x Sentry flamer • 8x Tempestus Aquilon • 8x Close combat weapon 6x Hot-shot lascarbine 1x Hot‐shot long‐las 1x Plasma carbine • 1x Gunfighter • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lascarbine

Tempestus Scions (100 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 5x Hot-shot lasgun 2x Hot-shot volley gun 2x Plasma gun

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507

Archetype

Anti-Cult Guard

Thoughts

It isn't just Genestealer Cults players who are engaged in an arms race - Michael's guard list here looks similarly tuned towards suppressing the good news about the four-armed emperor. Even after the repeat (and deserved) downgrades that planes have seen to their move-blocking abilities over the years, being able to use large bases to block off possible Deep Strike positions and interfere with melee movement/wrap attempts is still high-value into Cults, which is handy in the current metagame. The current UKTC terrain pack is very rewarding for cheap and cheerful planes like the Avenger as well, where they provide good attrition, so you're not too far out of pocket if you stick a couple in your list alongside standard Guard hits like the Dorn and Aquilons. Small units of Rough Riders also provide useful ways of prising yourself out of tough situations.

That's clearly served Michael very well here, putting him into the top four after blasting through a wide range of different factions. Congratulations to Michael on third place.

Alex Fowler - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
WCW made me want more!

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Cult of Magic

CHARACTERS

Ahriman on Disc of Tzeentch (150 points) • 1x Black Staff of Ahriman 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Psychic Stalk

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points) • 1x Arcane Fire 1x Force weapon 1x Prosperine khopesh 1x Warpflame pistol

Infernal Master (130 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Screamer Invocation • Enhancement: Arcane Vortex

Infernal Master (125 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Screamer Invocation • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

Infernal Master (140 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Screamer Invocation • Enhancement: Lord of Forbidden Lore

Magnus the Red (465 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus 1x Gaze of Magnus 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (110 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol 1x Warpsmite • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (110 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol 1x Warpsmite • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (110 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol 1x Warpsmite • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Tzaangors (65 points) • 1x Twistbray • 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor • 1x Brayhorn 1x Herd banner 9x Tzaangor blades

OTHER DATASHEETS

Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 points) • 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Thousand Sons Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 points) • 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Thousand Sons Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Tzaangor Enlightened (50 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Fatecaster greatbow

Archetype

Double Mutalith

Thoughts

Rounding out the top four, Thousand Sons specialist Alex continues to put up spectacular results with his spin on double Mutalith, dialing back on Rubricae a bit in favour of extra cultists for board control. This is helpful to me, the writer of this column, as after suffering the psychic violence of having to look up the stats of a forge world unit, I can just say "you know how this works (psychic violence)" and move on. Well done to Alex on the excellent run.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-0 records after the Swiss. They were:
  • 5th - Jack Tite - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Board control Skitarii spam, ready to bleed all points out of the foe through superior Pteraxii technology.
  • 6th - Sam Nash - Space Wolves (Champions of Russ): Melee pressure Wolves with a mighty 30 Wulfen to sweep through foes, backed by some Lancers and herohammer units to secure Objectives in the wake of the jorts brigade.
  • 7th - Charles Gould - Astra Militarum: Hydra and Russ hull spam with lots of Aquilons in the sky.
Also, you know what - I've had a very busy few weeks, so I'm going to be self-indulgent - I went to this, and won Best Aeldari with 4-1 finish, so hooray for me.



Wings' Aeldari - Click to Expand


Elfiesta 6 (2000 Points)

Aeldari Battle Host Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (150 Points) • Warlord • 1x Dragon fusion gun • 1x Howling Banshee Mask • 1x Star glaive • Enhancements: The Phoenix Gem

Avatar of Khaine (335 Points) • 1x The Wailing Doom

Death Jester (105 Points) • 1x Jester’s blade • 1x Shrieker cannon • Enhancements: Fate’s Messenger

Farseer (80 Points) • 1x Eldritch Storm • 1x Shuriken pistol • 1x Witchblade

Karandras (90 Points) • 1x Arhra’s Bane • 1x Isirmathil • 1x The Scorpion’s Bite

BATTLELINE

Storm Guardians (100 Points) • 10x Storm Guardian ◦ 2x Aeldari flamer ◦ 2x Aeldari power sword ◦ 8x Guardian combat weapon ◦ 2x Guardian fusion gun ◦ 6x Shuriken pistol • 1x Serpent’s Scale Platform ◦ 1x Guardian combat weapon ◦ 1x Serpent shield

OTHER DATASHEETS

Falcon (130 Points) • 1x Bright lance • 1x Pulse laser • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Wraithbone hull

Night Spinner (210 Points) • 1x Doomweaver • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Wraithbone hull

Rangers (55 Points) • 5x Ranger ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Ranger long rifle ◦ 5x Shuriken pistol

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

Skyweavers (105 Points) • 2x Skyweaver ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Skyweaver haywire cannon ◦ 2x Zephyrglaive

Skyweavers (105 Points) • 2x Skyweaver ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Skyweaver haywire cannon ◦ 2x Zephyrglaive

Striking Scorpions (65 Points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch ◦ 1x Mandiblasters ◦ 1x Scorpion chainsword ◦ 1x Scorpion’s claw • 4x Striking Scorpion ◦ 4x Mandiblasters ◦ 4x Scorpion chainsword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Aeldari power sword ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk’s talon • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Aeldari power sword ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk’s talon • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

War Walkers (110 Points) • 2x Bright lance • 1x War Walker feet

War Walkers (110 Points) • 2x Bright lance • 1x War Walker feet

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (3), Data Version: v507



As you may be able to tell from the title, I've been iterating on this for a while, and am very happy with where it's ended up - if you enjoy a more proactive style of Aeldari list, I highly endorse the products or services featured above.

I'd also like to say a particular thank-you to my opponents from the weekend - five out of five exciting, enjoyable and friendly games, and a really great way to close out the season, so big props to Josh, Adam, Ryan, Ollie and Dale.

5. 40Kings Cup

52-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Emden, NDS, Deutschland on November 30 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Sebastian Müller - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

The Lion. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
DA: Der König der Möwen (1995 Points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Azrael (115 Points) • 1x Lion's Wrath • 1x The Lion Helm • 1x The Sword of Secrets

Lion El'Jonson (285 Points) • Warlord • 1x Arma Luminis • 1x Fealty

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Deathwing Knights (250 Points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master ◦ 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight ◦ 4x Mace of absolution

Deathwing Knights (250 Points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master ◦ 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight ◦ 4x Mace of absolution

Deathwing Knights (250 Points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master ◦ 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight ◦ 4x Mace of absolution

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

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

Inner Circle Companions (180 Points) • 6x Inner Circle Companion ◦ 6x Calibanite greatsword ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol

Scout Squad (65 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 1x Astartes shotgun ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (3), Data Version: v507

Archetype

Lion GTF

Thoughts

Taking the trophy at our second event we have the ever-reliable wall of Deathwing Knights, which very much fits into the bracket of "melee Marines that can handle GSC nonsense", while also being able to go ham and play the role of pressure build against shootier opponents. The Lion acting as a Fight First bulwark further helps dominate against the prevalent melee builds, including other elite melee, and it does feel a little like we've hit a pivot point where the Lion should be a default include in these builds for the current metagame rather than the optional bit. Well done to Sebastian for keeping the Unforgiven in the conversation.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Manuel "BEL" Wieczorek - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Double Dorn Militarum goodstuff.
  • 3rd - Thomas Büttelmann - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): One big Grimaldus/Crusader block anchoring a massive number of tanks.
  • 4th - Jamil Seif - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Ultra-killy monster mash that cuts the Great Unclean One in favour of high threat pieces like Shalaxi and Skarbrand, and supports them with lots of cheap speedy stuff.
  • 5th - Nico Ringer - Imperial Knights: Canis and a Lancer with Armigers.
  • 6th - Ignaz "RexXxuS" Biegler - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Heavy Hypercrypt with a Vault, Silent King and Doomsdays, plus the Deceiver to potentially go very light on the board.
  • 7th - Andreas Eckle - Nurgle Daemons: Hefty-ish Nurgle Daemons with Rotigus and the Gift GUO, two Soul Grinders and supporting infantry/beasts. A couple of Brigands add extra Firepower.
  • 8th - Finn Howell - Aeldari: Double anvil herohammer with both the Avatar and a full Wraithguard unit, plus a full Yvraine/Visarch Troupe as a counterpunch threat.
  • 9th - Alexander Tepe - Astra Militarum: Double Tank Commander plus go-wide hulls.
  • 10th - Frank Wieczorek - Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): Shooty Nexus monster mash with a few objective grabbers.

Bembel Clash #11

45-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Hirzenhain, HE, DE on November 29 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Christian Breuer - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge) - 1st Place

Abominant Abominant. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Genestealer Cults + DETACHMENT: Biosanctic Broodsurge + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char5: Patriarch + ENHANCEMENT: Predatory Instincts (on Char1: Abominant) & Biomorph Adaption (on Char5: Patriarch) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 20 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Abominant (95 pts): Predatory Instincts, Power Sledgehammer Char2: 1x Abominant (75 pts): Power Sledgehammer Char3: 1x Abominant (75 pts): Power Sledgehammer Char4: 1x Biophagus (50 pts): Autopistol, Chemical Vials, Injector Goad Char5: 1x Patriarch (100 pts): Warlord, Biomorph Adaption, Patriarch's Claws

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

5x Aberrants (135 pts) • 4x Aberrant: 4 with Aberrant Weapons • 1x Aberrant Hypermorph: Aberrant Weapons 5x Aberrants (135 pts) • 4x Aberrant: 4 with Aberrant Weapons • 1x Aberrant Hypermorph: Aberrant Weapons 5x Aberrants (135 pts) • 4x Aberrant: 4 with Aberrant Weapons • 1x Aberrant Hypermorph: Aberrant Weapons 10x Hybrid Metamorphs (160 pts) • 9x Hybrid Metamorph 1 with Cult Icon, Metamorph Mutations 8 with Hand Flamer, Metamorph Mutations • 1x Metamorph Leader: Leader's Bio-weapons, Hand Flamer 10x Purestrain Genestealers (150 pts): 10 with Cult Claws and Talons 5x Purestrain Genestealers (75 pts): 5 with Cult Claws and Talons 5x Purestrain Genestealers (75 pts): 5 with Cult Claws and Talons 1x Achilles Ridgerunners (75 pts): Survey Augur, Armoured Hull, Twin Heavy Stubber, Heavy Mortar 2x Achilles Ridgerunners (150 pts): 2 with Spotter, Armoured Hull, Twin Heavy Stubber, Heavy Mining Laser 2x Achilles Ridgerunners (150 pts): 2 with Spotter, Armoured Hull, Twin Heavy Stubber, Heavy Mining Laser 1x Goliath Truck (85 pts): Demolition Charge Cache, Goliath Wheels, Heavy Stubber, Twin Autocannon

Archetype

Muscle Beach 2K24 (shooty version)

Thoughts

More muscular cultists over in Germany, albeit here with a bit more shooting support rather than mirror match tooling. A quick glance at the 5-1s below suggests this broadly was the right call for the local top metagame, as additional anti-tank reach will have come in very handy against a lot of what's in the pool here. Well done to Christian on the smart pick.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Daniel Klammer - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double Wraiths and double Doomsdays in Awakened, with Szarekh overseeing proceedings.
  • 3rd - Patrick Schmitt - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monster mash with some extra push pressure from the Swarmlord and a Haruspex.
  • 4th - Mathieu Clerc - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Double Land Fortress with 10/5 Hearthguard.
  • 5th - Ben Hackländer - Death Guard: Ultracrunch Death Guard with Daemon Engines of all flavours (including two Defilers) and some Destructors, plus Morty as a melee hammer.

WARPSTORM GT CYPRUS

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Limassol, Limassol, Cyprus on November 30 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Alexander Kondakov - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots) - 1st Place

Credit: Dan "Swiftblade" Richardson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Pactbound Zealots

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (90 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • Warlord • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Power fist

Chaos Lord (90 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Power fist

Cypher (90 points) • 1x Cypher's bolt pistol 1x Cypher's plasma pistol

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (80 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Chaos Familiar 1x Combi-weapon 1x Force weapon 1x Infernal Gaze

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 points) • Mark of Chaos: Khorne • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon

Legionaries (90 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon

Legionaries (90 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Bikers (70 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Biker Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Combi-bolter 1x Power fist • 2x Chaos Biker • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Close combat weapon 2x Combi-bolter 2x Meltagun

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Vindicator (185 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Vindicator (185 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Vindicator (185 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Havoc launcher

Chosen (125 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Chosen Champion • 1x Boltgun 1x Chaos Icon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Chosen • 3x Accursed weapon 3x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 2x Combi-weapon 1x Paired accursed weapons 1x Plasma pistol

Possessed (240 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Possessed Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Hideous mutations • 9x Possessed • 9x Hideous mutations

Warp Talons (125 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 4x Warp Talon • 4x Warp claws

Archetype

Brawler Pactbound

Thoughts

A return of a classic here, all-rounder Transport Brawler/efficient shooting Pactbound, adding some Possessed in as an extremely hard-hitting counterpunch against other melee builds, and ensuring they can still punch up into all-hull builds via making them Undivided for Wound re-roll access. As with a lot of Chaos lists, this ends up being an assembly of units that get pushed to being just good at their job via Pacts, though I do like the solo Nurgle sorcerer as a dual purpose tech piece - AP boosts for Possessed if they need it, a deep strike scorer you can use Festering Miasma on if you don't. A great little addition, and a great win for a 10th Edition classic, well done Alexander.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Georgios Floros - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): All-rounder Liberator with two big big Sanguinary Guard blocks.
  • 3rd - Todor Mitev - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Lion GTF that squeezes in extra board presence by importing some Sisters and an Immolator.
  • 4th - Leonid Popov - Imperial Agents (Imperialis Fleet): Hey, someone actually did it! Two big Kill Teams, one infiltrating and one dropping from a Corvus, give you heavy hitters, Rogue Traders and support provide even more Infiltrate power, and some generic cheap Infantry and a Grey Knight Terminator unit set up to do the rest.
  • 5th - Dor Cohen - Aeldari: Another one for double Anvil herohammer, this time with supporting Warp Spiders.

Incursion Events 40K Singles GT 30/11 - 01/12/24

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on November 30 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Scorched Earth – Inspired Leadership - Crucible of Battle

Ross Tully - Imperial Agents (Imperialis Fleet)
Army List - Click to Expand
Deathwatch (1990 points)

Imperial Agents Strike Force (2000 points) Imperialis Fleet

CHARACTERS

Eversor Assassin (110 points) • 1x Executioner pistol 1x Power sword and neuro gauntlet

Inquisitor (55 points) • Warlord • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Force weapon 1x Psychic Gifts 1x Psychic Shock Wave

Inquisitor Draxus (75 points) • 1x Dirgesinger 1x Power fist 1x Psychic Tempest

Navigator (70 points) • 1x Force-orb cane 1x Laspistol • Enhancement: Combat Landers

Rogue Trader Entourage (90 points) • 1x Rogue Trader • 1x Household pistol 1x Monomolecular cane-rapier • Enhancement: Clandestine Operation • 1x Death Cult Assassin • 1x Dartmask 1x Death Cult power blade • 1x Lectro‐Maester • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Voltaic pistol • 1x Rejuvenat Adept • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Healing serum 1x Laspistol

Vindicare Assassin (110 points) • 1x Exitus pistol 1x Exitus rifle 1x Vindicare combat knife

Watch Captain Artemis (65 points) • 1x Hellfire Extremis 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Watch Master (115 points) • 1x Vigil spear • Enhancement: Digital Weapons

BATTLELINE

Deathwatch Kill Team (200 points) • 1x Watch Sergeant • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Xenophase blade • 9x Deathwatch Veterans • 1x Astartes shield 4x Close combat weapon 4x Deathwatch thunder hammer 2x Frag cannon 2x Infernus heavy bolter 1x Power weapon

Deathwatch Kill Team (200 points) • 1x Watch Sergeant • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Xenophase blade • 9x Deathwatch Veterans • 1x Astartes shield 4x Close combat weapon 4x Deathwatch thunder hammer 2x Frag cannon 2x Infernus heavy bolter 1x Power weapon

Deathwatch Kill Team (200 points) • 1x Watch Sergeant • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Xenophase blade • 9x Deathwatch Veterans • 1x Astartes shield 4x Close combat weapon 4x Deathwatch thunder hammer 2x Frag cannon 2x Infernus heavy bolter 1x Power weapon

Deathwatch Kill Team (100 points) • 1x Watch Sergeant • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Xenophase blade • 4x Deathwatch Veterans • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Deathwatch thunder hammer 1x Frag cannon 1x Infernus heavy bolter

Deathwatch Kill Team (100 points) • 1x Watch Sergeant • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Xenophase blade • 4x Deathwatch Veterans • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Deathwatch thunder hammer 1x Frag cannon 1x Infernus heavy bolter

Deathwatch Kill Team (100 points) • 1x Watch Sergeant • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Xenophase blade • 4x Deathwatch Veterans • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Deathwatch thunder hammer 1x Frag cannon 1x Infernus heavy bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Voidsmen-at-Arms (50 points) • 1x Voidmaster • 1x Artificer shotgun 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 4x Voidsman • 4x Close combat weapon 3x Lasgun 4x Laspistol 1x Voidsman rotor cannon • 1x Canid • 1x Vicious bite

Voidsmen-at-Arms (50 points) • 1x Voidmaster • 1x Artificer shotgun 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 4x Voidsman • 4x Close combat weapon 3x Lasgun 4x Laspistol 1x Voidsman rotor cannon • 1x Canid • 1x Vicious bite

ALLIED UNITS

Armiger Warglaive (150 points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Exported with App Version: v1.22.1 (57), Data Version: v488


vs.

Rob Lebeau - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame)
Army List - Click to Expand
Priory of the Silent heart (1990 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Bringers of Flame

CHARACTERS

Canoness (60 points) • 1x Brazier of holy fire 1x Hallowed chainsword 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Iron Surplice of Saint Istalela

Morvenn Vahl (170 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Twin multi-melta

Immolator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Twin multi-melta

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator auto cannons 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

Dominion Squad (125 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Dominion Squad (125 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Exorcist (190 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exorcist missile launcher 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile

Exorcist (190 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exorcist missile launcher 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile

Paragon Warsuits (220 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x multi meltas 1x Paragon storm bolters 1x Paragon war blade • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x multi meltas 2x Paragon storm bolters 2x Paragon war blade

Seraphim Squad (90 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 2x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (90 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 2x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507

Thoughts

I mean first up, obviously, a big resounding "hell yeah" for taking the aggro Imperial Agents concept and actually making it work - hurling loads of Kill Teams at the enemy via Infiltrate and backing them up with more Kill Teams is extremely cool, and reasonably well suited to the current metagame to boot. Being able to tangle up close helps against Cults or other melee armies, and some shooty lists will fold to the broad pressure.

Unfortunately, this Sisters build probably isn't one of them. One of the issues Agents has, even when built like this, is a lack of ranged anti-tank, so it's relying heavily on getting to combat to cleave through hulls, of which the Sisters here have many. Adding a few Warglaives helps a bit with that in some games, but does little to mitigate it against an army with Miracle Dice.

That means you're firmly relying, as the Agents here, on pushing the Sisters back hard and outscoring them. Access to Combat Landers to create a bunch of cheap Deep Strikers helps with this, as does the aggression of the list combined with Displacer Field to make it harder to fully eliminate a large Deathwatch squad.

If the Deathwatch go second they might be able to make that stick, as the army is very hideable and has the tools to properly punish early expansion from the Sororitas, neutralising any momentum advantage from the first turn, though Vahl's unit is a nasty wildcard. If the Deathwatch have to go first they're in for a rough time - it's too easy for the Sisters to focus on cleaning them out for a few turns, then backload some scoring by burning objectives to the ground, especially with a couple of Seraphim units to quickly zip to where they're needed. Not a totally foregone conclusion overall, but the Sisters clearly have the edge, and it looks like they used it.

Result

Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) Victory - 100 - 65

Rob Lebeau - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) - 1st Place

Adepta Sororitas Castigator Battle Tank - Order of the Gilded Cilice - Credit: Colin Ward Adepta Sororitas Castigator Battle Tank - Order of the Gilded Cilice - Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Priory of the Silent heart (1990 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Bringers of Flame

CHARACTERS

Canoness (60 points) • 1x Brazier of holy fire 1x Hallowed chainsword 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Iron Surplice of Saint Istalela

Morvenn Vahl (170 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Twin multi-melta

Immolator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Twin multi-melta

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator auto cannons 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

Dominion Squad (125 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Dominion Squad (125 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Exorcist (190 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exorcist missile launcher 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile

Exorcist (190 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exorcist missile launcher 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile

Paragon Warsuits (220 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x multi meltas 1x Paragon storm bolters 1x Paragon war blade • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x multi meltas 2x Paragon storm bolters 2x Paragon war blade

Seraphim Squad (90 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 2x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (90 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 2x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507

Archetype

Crunchy Bringers

Thoughts

Tanks for days, sufficient to shrug off all but the most over-the-top offence, and with enough firepower to give as good as it gets. Having Vahl around helps reduce the risk of getting fully bogged down by pressure lists, as does bringing back flamer Seraphim who can screen and/or threaten Overwatch. Still a much harsher environment for this right now than it was a few months back, so well done to Rob for keeping the faith.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Liam Macindoe - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): World Eaters with extra Berzerkers and Kharn.
  • 3rd - Ross Tully - Imperial Agents (Imperialis Fleet): The hero we need, packing Deathwatch Kill Team spam with spicy Leaders and supported by some Warglaives, plus a few Voidsmen units as utility.
  • 4th - Callum Stanley - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Full send jump pack spam with a bunch of Epic Heroes to lead them.
  • 5th - Luke Vincent - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Muscle Beach 2K24, adding some extra speedy support/utility instead of the standard double Ridgerunner squad.
  • 6th - Markus Welbourne - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Genestealers out front, Haruspex/Maleceptors in the middle, big shooty bugs at the back.

Athens Warlord

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Αθήνα, Ελλάδα on November 30 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Panos Papadoc - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge) - 1st Place

Genestealers Genestealers. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Genestealer Cults + DETACHMENT: Biosanctic Broodsurge + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char5: Patriarch + ENHANCEMENT: Predatory Instincts (on Char1: Abominant) & Mutagenic Regeneration (on Char2: Abominant) & Biomorph Adaption (on Char5: Patriarch) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 21 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Abominant (95 pts) • 1x Power Sledgehammer • Predatory Instincts

1x Abominant (85 pts) • 1x Power Sledgehammer • Mutagenic Regeneration

1x Abominant (75 pts) • 1x Power Sledgehammer

1x Biophagus (50 pts) • 1x Autopistol • 1x Chemical Vials • 1x Injector Goad • Alchemicus Familiar

1x Patriarch (100 pts) • 1x Patriarch's Claws • Warlord, Biomorph Adaption

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

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

5x Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 pts) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult Claws and Knife • 1x Autopistol • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult Claws and Knife • 4x Hand Flamer

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Aberrants (135 pts) • 4x Aberrant • 4x Aberrant Weapons • 1x Aberrant Hypermorph • 1x Aberrant Weapons

5x Aberrants (135 pts) • 4x Aberrant • 4x Aberrant Weapons • 1x Aberrant Hypermorph • 1x Aberrant Weapons

5x Aberrants (135 pts) • 4x Aberrant • 4x Aberrant Weapons • 1x Aberrant Hypermorph • 1x Aberrant Weapons

10x Hybrid Metamorphs (160 pts) • 1x Metamorph Leader • 1x Leader's Bio-weapons • 1x Hand Flamer • 9x Hybrid Metamorph • 9x Metamorph Mutations • 8x Hand Flamer • Cult Icon

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

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

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

1x Achilles Ridgerunners (75 pts) • 1x Achilles Ridgerunner • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Twin Heavy Stubber • 1x Heavy Mortar • Survey Augur

2x Achilles Ridgerunners (150 pts) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunner • 2x Armoured Hull • 2x Twin Heavy Stubber • 2x Heavy Mining Laser • 2x Spotter

1x Achilles Ridgerunners (75 pts) • 1x Achilles Ridgerunner • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Twin Heavy Stubber • 1x Heavy Mortar • Spotter

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

Archetype

Muscle Beach 2K24

Thoughts

More Biosanctic to finish, this version splitting the difference by keeping a double Ridgerunner unit to project shooting threat, but also taking loads of extra hand flamer Acolytes to help out in the mirror. Beyond that, you know the score on this one by now. Congratulations Panos.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Guanbo Liu - Death Guard (Plague Company): Crunchy Death Guard with Mortarion, Destructors and Brigands.
  • 3rd - Odysseas Lignos - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Monster mash focused on reach and utility, doubling up on large birds, taking Shalaxi and supporting with lots of Seekers and Screamers.

Wrap Up

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | Warhammer 40k | Thousand Sons | Dark Angels | Genestealer Cults | Astra Militarum | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Imperial Agents

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