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.

What's going on in the metagame this week? Well, More Dakka and Ynnari still loom over proceedings, but the main new theme seems to be dogs. Not just War Dogs (though Chaos Knights are on the rise as an anti-elf option) - Daemons and Space Wolves are also surging, the former leveraging the big buffs on Greater Daemons and the utility of Flesh Hounds, and the latter sticking to the tried and true plan of hurling Thunderwolf Cavalry forward with abandon. People seem to be adapting as best they can to the Dakka menace by going for ultra aggressive builds with the speed to body them, and I say best of luck to them.

Let's see how it went, starting today with:

AdeptiCon 2025 40K Championships
Fantasia Fanatic XLVII
Sydney GT Autumn - NSWTC
Welcome to ThunderMania GT
Space Hawg GT

On Friday Lowest of Men will look at:

The Gauntlet: Phoenix 40K GT
Queen City Clash GT @ The Mighty Meeple
II GT Hispalis
Geek Shack GT - Battle of the Zia Sun

Our Showdowns for the week will be:

More Dakka vs Mont'ka T'au in the gunfight of the century at Fantasia Fanatic
Invasion Fleet vs Gladius Task Force at Queen City Clash

AdeptiCon 2025 40K Championships

291-player, 9-round Supermajor in Milwaukee, WI, United States on March 27 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Conan Jennings - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Cobalt Scions Ballistus Dreadnought. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

G for Glad (2000 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Captain in Gravis Armour (90 Points) • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet • 1x Power fist • 1x Relic chainsword • Enhancements: Artificer Armour

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

Marneus Calgar (210 Points) • 1x Marneus Calgar ◦ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 2x Victrix power sword

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 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 Reaper (160 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 2x Tempest bolter • 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

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

Invader ATV (60 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Twin bolt rifle

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

Vindicator (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Vindicator (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.29.1 (1), Data Version: v581

Archetype

Bobby G Gun Club

Thoughts

The Ultramarines remind everyone that More Dakka isn't the only ultra-shooty murder machine out there by taking down Adepticon (including scoring a fairly comfortable win against the Ork menace on the way). Ballistus and Vindicators are still incredibly efficient for their cost, and you get a nice bit of threat diversity for hosing down Aeldari from the Reaper. The high density of 2+ Saves in an Armour of Contempt army also gives you a key out against More Dakka, as it gives you a good shot of blanking one Loota volley on a go turn. Round out with a nice bit of late game melee push from the Primarch and Chapter Master, and this build has pretty much all the bases covered - well done to Conan for taking the trophy with them.

Folger Pyles - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) - 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

40k but with alternate activations (1985 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Devoted of Ynnead

CHARACTERS

Autarch (75 points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Star glaive

Autarch (75 points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Star glaive

The Visarch (90 points) • 1x Asu-var

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

Yvraine (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Kha-vir 1x Storm of Whispers

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fire Dragons (110 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

Fire Dragons (110 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

Fire Dragons (110 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

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

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

Rangers (55 points) • 5x Ranger • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Long rifle 5x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (85 points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Biting blade 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (85 points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Biting blade 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

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

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

Ynnari Incubi (150 points) • 1x Klaivex • 1x Demiklaives • 9x Incubi • 9x Klaive

Exported with App Version: v1.29.1 (74), Data Version: v581

Archetype

Yncarne Ynnari

Thoughts

In hot pursuit and second place we have the Devoted of Ynnead, here going in on the full Triumverate and (as is the fashion) supporting them with lots of Aspect Warrior MSUs. Fire Dragons shore up your game against hull-heavy builds, Banshee/Autarch units project threat miles across the board while providing excellent Heroic Intervention protection in your castle, and Spiders/Scorpions can roam, score, and die profitably to set up the Yncarne or Lethal Intent for a big play. If your opponent is more melee-focused, then the full Incubi/Visarch/Yvraine brick can dominate the board to a nigh-impossible extent. ALl of this stuff does die, but it can score incredibly well (see Monday's Hammer of Math) while doing so, and is really only ever looking for one wrong move from the foe to make their demise inevitable. Well done to Folger on the runner up spot.

Robin Roberts - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) - 3rd Place

Genestealer Cult Benefictus.

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Scruffy Nerf Herder (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Host of Ascension

CHARACTERS

Benefictus (85 points) Ben Jamin • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade • Enhancement: Assassination Edict

Benefictus (70 points) Bid Head Todd • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade

Jackal Alphus (55 points) Karen • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Cult sniper rifle

Jackal Alphus (55 points) Eunice • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Cult sniper rifle

Primus (100 points) Cousin Tony • Warlord • 1x Cult bonesword 1x Scoped needle pistol 1x Toxin injector claw • Enhancement: A Chink In Their Armour

Primus (80 points) There is always that Guy • 1x Cult bonesword 1x Scoped needle pistol 1x Toxin injector claw

Sanctus (50 points) OH sooo Spooky • 1x Sanctus bio-dagger

BATTLELINE

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

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (140 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 9x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 9x Cult claws and knife 4x Demolition charges 4x Hand flamer

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Anointed pistol 1x Autopistol 1x Power weapon • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Flamer 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Anointed pistol 1x Autopistol 1x Power weapon • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Flamer 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Anointed pistol 1x Autopistol 1x Power weapon • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Flamer 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunner • 2x Armoured hull 1x Flare launcher 2x Heavy mining laser 1x Spotter 2x Twin heavy stubber

Atalan Jackals (160 points) • 8x Atalan Jackal • 4x Atalan power weapon 6x Atalan small arms 4x Close combat weapon 2x Grenade launcher • 2x Atalan Wolfquad • 2x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 2x Mining laser

Atalan Jackals (160 points) • 8x Atalan Jackal • 4x Atalan power weapon 6x Atalan small arms 4x Close combat weapon 2x Grenade launcher • 2x Atalan Wolfquad • 2x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 2x Mining laser

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.29.1 (74), Data Version: v581 The emperor is a Chad, come join us we have free cookies. For sure you will not be eaten, that is fake news, you can't trust the emperor leaning media.

Archetype

Horde Host

Thoughts

The Genestealer Cults take third here, with Robin adapting to the points hits on big Neophyte units by cutting one out in favour of an Acolyte unit, plus keeping his signature Jackals. Those create a lot more early pressure for foes, and can certainly cause some headaches for anyone relying on hiding T3 Infantry behind walls (especially with their Mortal threat). Combining the Alphus buff with Assassination Edict on a Benefictus also lets you tee up a second Neophyte block to near the lethality of the Primus/Chink in their Armour squad, allowing you to go very hard on a big turn if required. Speaking of big turns, while a full Demo Charge Acolyte unit isn't as nasty as it once was, it's still extremely vicious, and here lines up very well with the respawn costs - if the game needs some heavy lifting, your 10 points will rebuy one big Neophyte unit and the big Acolyte squad. Combining that with Back to the Shadows, you can get alarmingly close to doing the full alpha strike two turns running, which many foes will struggle to deal with. Cults - still up to their old tricks, it would seem. Well done Robin.

Justin Curtis - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion) - 4th Place

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

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

not six DPs (1985 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Scintillating Legion

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Chaos (220 points) • Daemonic Allegiance: Tzeentch • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Improbable Shield (Aura)

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

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

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

The Changeling (90 points) • 1x Infernal Flames 1x The Trickster's Staff

BATTLELINE

Blue Horrors (125 points) • 10x Blue Horror • 10x Blue claws 10x Coruscating Blue Flames

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Soul Grinder (180 points) • Daemonic Allegiance: Tzeentch • 1x Harvester cannon 1x Iron claw 1x Warp gaze 1x Warpsword

Soul Grinder (180 points) • Daemonic Allegiance: Tzeentch • 1x Harvester cannon 1x Iron claw 1x Warp gaze 1x Warpsword

Soul Grinder (180 points) • Daemonic Allegiance: Tzeentch • 1x Harvester cannon 1x Iron claw 1x Warp gaze 1x Warpsword

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Shooty Tzeentch

Thoughts

Oh good, it's time for the "Justin Curtis makes me learn some rules" show. Love that series.

Anyway, while this list wears the confusing guise of Tzeentch, it's actually relatively simple in terms of what's going on - it's just a tremendously powerful old-school shooty castle, spiced up with some strong mobility options and a good melee counter-punch. Thanks to the Daemon Prince handing out Stealth and Improbable Shield, anything chilling out in the castle is going to be tough to take down, while hurling forth serious pain in response. Exactly how many targets it exposes can be modulated too, thanks to Infernal Puppeteer if the speed of the game needs to be controlled, and it's also pretty resilient to being rushed down. Kairos hiking the cost of Stratagems and access to Flux re-rolls makes it really tough to guarantee a kill on the bigger threats, and they can then just zap away using Delirium Unmade and leave the Soul Grinders to execute a brutal counter-charge. All seems pretty great, and I think my only question mark would be whether the last Grinder should be two units of Screamers for extra board control instead - but the recipe clearly worked super well, and only the devious Ynnari were eventually able to take Justin down.

The Best of the Rest

The rest of the top eight were:

5th - Christian Valle - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): A fairly elite World Eaters build with double Winged Daemon Prince and a Terminator brick.
6th - Matthew Root - Orks (More Dakka): Max Lootas, max Tankbustas, some Flash Gitz MSUs, Zodgrod's super Grots, things of this nature.
7th - Logan Schmidt - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Be'lakor and four Bloodthirsters (one obviously being Skarbrand), which sure, yeah that's definitely one way to make your point.
8th - Nick Keever - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): A teleporting nightmare build combining the resetting Bloodthirster with lots of Accursed and regular Cultists to warp around the table.

Fantasia Fanatic XLVII

82-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Västerbottens län, SE on March 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

For this event, all top four players finished on 4.5-0.5.

The Showdown

Linchpin - Stalwarts - Crucible of Battle

Sami Sjolander - T'au Empire (Mont'ka)

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Theme song - Path of victory - Bob dylan + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - T'au Empire + DETACHMENT: Mont'ka + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Commander Shadowsun + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (11x2) - Assassination: 2 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Commander Shadowsun (100 pts) 1 with Battlesuit fists, Flechette launcher, 2x High-energy fusion blaster, Light missile pod, Pulse pistol • Warlord

Char2: 1x Darkstrider (60 pts) 1 with Close combat weapon, Shade

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Pathfinder Team (90 pts) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui 1 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol, Semi-automatic grenade launcher • 2x Shield Drone, Grav-inhibitor drone • 9x Pathfinders 6 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol 3 with Close combat weapon, Ion rifle, Pulse pistol

10x Pathfinder Team (90 pts) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui 1 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol, Semi-automatic grenade launcher, Drone burst cannon • 2x Shield Drone, Recon droneDrone burst cannon • 9x Pathfinders 6 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol 3 with Close combat weapon, Ion rifle, Pulse pistol

3x Stealth Battlesuits (60 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre 1 with Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon

3x Stealth Battlesuits (60 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre 1 with Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon

3x Stealth Battlesuits (60 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre 1 with Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon

1x Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 pts) 1 with Ghostkeel fists, Cyclic ion raker, Twin fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system

1x Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts) 1 with Armoured hull, Ion cannon, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system

1x Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts) 1 with Armoured hull, Ion cannon, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system

1x Piranha (60 pts) • 1x Piranhas 1 with Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile

1x Piranha (60 pts) • 1x Piranhas 1 with Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile

1x Piranha (60 pts) • 1x Piranhas 1 with Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile

1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts) 1 with Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system

1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts) 1 with Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system

1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts) 1 with Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system

1x Sky Ray Gunship (140 pts) 1 with Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system

1x Sky Ray Gunship (140 pts) 1 with Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system

vs.

Björn Eriksson - Orks (More Dakka)

Army List - Click to Expand

Q: Whats the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything? A: More Dakka!

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) More Dakka!

CHARACTERS

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shokk attack gun

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shokk attack gun

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shokk attack gun

Mek (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kustom mega-slugga • Enhancement: Targetin' Squigs

Warboss (75 points) • 1x Attack squig 1x Kombi-weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin sluggas

Warboss (75 points) • 1x Attack squig 1x Kombi-weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin sluggas

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Da Grabzappa 1x Squigstoppa

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels

OTHER DATASHEETS

Battlewagon (160 points) • 4x Big shoota 1x Deff rolla 1x Zzap gun

Battlewagon (160 points) • 4x Big shoota 1x Deff rolla 1x Zzap gun

Flash Gitz (80 points) • 1x Kaptin • 1x Choppa 1x Snazzgun • 4x Flash Git • 4x Choppa 4x Snazzgun

Flash Gitz (80 points) • 1x Kaptin • 1x Choppa 1x Snazzgun • 4x Flash Git • 4x Choppa 4x Snazzgun

Gretchin (80 points) • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Grot blasta • 2x Runtherd • 2x Runtherd tools 2x Slugga

Gretchin (40 points) • 10x Gretchin • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Grot blasta • 1x Runtherd • 1x Runtherd tools 1x Slugga

Gretchin (40 points) • 10x Gretchin • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Grot blasta • 1x Runtherd • 1x Runtherd tools 1x Slugga

Lootas (100 points) • 2x Spanner • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Kustom mega-blasta • 8x Loota • 8x Close combat weapon 8x Deffgun

Nobz (105 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 4x Nob • 4x Power klaw 4x Slugga

Nobz (105 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 4x Nob • 4x Power klaw 4x Slugga

Stormboyz (65 points) • 4x Stormboy • 4x Choppa 4x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga

Tankbustas (135 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 1x Rokkit pistol 1x Smash hammer • 5x Tankbusta • 5x Close combat weapon 1x Pulsa Rokkit 5x Rokkit launcha

Tankbustas (135 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 1x Rokkit pistol 1x Smash hammer • 5x Tankbusta • 5x Close combat weapon 1x Pulsa Rokkit 5x Rokkit launcha

Tankbustas (135 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 1x Rokkit pistol 1x Smash hammer • 5x Tankbusta • 5x Close combat weapon 1x Pulsa Rokkit 5x Rokkit launcha

Exported with App Version: v1.29.1 (74), Data Version: v581

Thoughts

In their infinite wisdom, the patrons decided I should write about a More Dakka game. Either they think they're being clever, or they're part of the alarmingly effective T'au voting block we've accumulated. A spectre haunts our discord, the spectre of T'au'va.

Anyway if they're in the latter category they uh, may be about to be disappointed. You would look at this T'au list and think surely, surely this is enough ranged killing power to give the Orks a run for their money? So many shooty tanks, so many Riptides, and all running as Mont'ka to give them maximum reach to go hard early on. You've even got Pathfinders to Infiltrate and pick off survivors. Surely that's something?

The answer is a resounding no, with Orks taking a 20-0 victory against T'au in a gunfight. Being fair to the T'au, the accumulated tools they have available here means that with the first turn, they probably do have a shot at just reaching out and blasting the Orks into oblivion, and I think you're fully at "deploy on the line, hope you win the roll" hours here. That does, naturally, come with a big failure case if you don't go first, and the fact that the Orks have brought wagons does make it a little riskier to lock in a win even with the first turn. Still. I'm going to believe in my heart that the Orks went first and just blew the T'au off the table, because the thought of the T'au getting 20-0ed in this game if they went first is just too horrible to contemplate.

Result

Orks (More Dakka) Victory - 20 - 0

Björn Eriksson - Orks (More Dakka) - 1st Place

Bad Moons Ork Battlewagons

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Wagon Dakka

Thoughts

Here we see More Dakka hit the point of "how can I adapt to the mirror/possible counters" and it looks like the answer was Battlewagons. Very durable transports can really mess with the calculations of other Dakka builds due to their relatively low activation count, and even if they get shot to bits, a well positioned disembark can minimise the onward damage. It also helps (like in the Showdown) against armies that can just try and alpha strike you off the table. Great stuff, top marks, and an impressive victory for Björn.

Joel Larsson - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) - 2nd Place

Adeptus Custodes Custodian Guard Squad. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Shield Host

Blade Champion (120pts): Vaultswords, Warlord Blade Champion (120pts): Vaultswords Blade Champion (120pts): Vaultswords

4x Custodian Guard, Spears (170pts) 4x Custodian Guard, 3 Spears, 1 Shield + Banner (170pts)

2x Allarus Custodians, Spears (130pts) 5x Custodian Wardens, Spears & Banner (260pts) 5x Custodian Wardens, Spears & Banner (260pts) 5x Custodian Wardens, Spears & Banner (260pts) 4x Prosecutors (40pts) 4x Prosecutors (40pts) 3x Venatari Custodians, Spears (165pts) 4x Witchseekers (50pts)

Inquisitor Draxus (95pts): Dirgesinger, Power fist, Psychic Tempest

Archetype

Infantry Spam Shield Host

Thoughts

Hot on the heels of the Orks we have the Emperor's shiniest sons, who actually held Björn's Orks to a draw in the penultimate round. This build just goes hard and fast with murder infantry, and leans on the Warden Feel No Pain to let it roll with whatever response the foe can muster. Worth saying that this build feels especially good into Ynnari, as it can just roll straight over them without really worrying about ever triggering Lethal Intent. Congratulations to Joel on taking second.

Tim Nordin - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force) - 3rd Place

On nuclear-powered motorbikes, the enemies of Unst will burn

Ravenwing Outriders. Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Wings of Purpouse (2000 points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Stormlance Task Force

CHARACTERS

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

Ravenwing Command Squad (145 points) • 1x Ravenwing Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma talon • Enhancement: Hunter's Instincts • 1x Ravenwing Apothecary • 1x Black Knight combat weapon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma talon • 1x Ravenwing Ancient • 1x Black Knight combat weapon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma talon

Ravenwing Command Squad (120 points) • 1x Ravenwing Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma talon • 1x Ravenwing Apothecary • 1x Black Knight combat weapon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma talon • 1x Ravenwing Ancient • 1x Black Knight combat weapon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma talon

Ravenwing Command Squad (120 points) • 1x Ravenwing Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma talon • 1x Ravenwing Apothecary • 1x Black Knight combat weapon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma talon • 1x Ravenwing Ancient • 1x Black Knight combat weapon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma talon

Sammael (115 points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Master-crafted plasma cannon 1x The Raven Sword 1x Twin storm bolter

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Invader ATV (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Multi-melta 1x Twin bolt rifle

Invader ATV (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Multi-melta 1x Twin bolt rifle

Outrider Squad (80 points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Twin bolt rifle

Outrider Squad (80 points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Twin bolt rifle

Outrider Squad (80 points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Twin bolt rifle

Ravenwing Black Knights (180 points) • 1x Ravenwing Huntmaster • 1x Black Knight combat weapon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma talon • 5x Ravenwing Black Knight • 5x Black Knight combat weapon 5x Bolt pistol 5x Plasma talon

Ravenwing Black Knights (180 points) • 1x Ravenwing Huntmaster • 1x Black Knight combat weapon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma talon • 5x Ravenwing Black Knight • 5x Black Knight combat weapon 5x Bolt pistol 5x Plasma talon

Ravenwing Black Knights (180 points) • 1x Ravenwing Huntmaster • 1x Black Knight combat weapon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma talon • 5x Ravenwing Black Knight • 5x Black Knight combat weapon 5x Bolt pistol 5x Plasma talon

Ravenwing Darkshroud (115 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x 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 Heavy bolter 1x Scout sniper rifle

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

Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (150 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Stormfury missiles 1x Thunderstrike las-talon 1x Twin Icarus rocket pod

Exported with App Version: v1.29.1 (74), Data Version: v581

Archetype

Ravenwing Stormlance

Thoughts

Hell yeah let's goooo. Maximum biker stacks, minimum mercy. There's not a massive amount to explain here, as this army's plan is very obvious - surge across the board and ride foes down/blast them with plasma. Because it can reach with a mix of plasma and melee that gives it a decent shot of pulling an alpha strike on almost anything, and the buffs to Dark Knight melee from a few Dataslates back means that they can chip down pretty much whatever they tangle with. Their big stacks are also tough to crack in response thanks to Ride Fast, Ride Hard, especially with an invulnerable save and the option to use the banner bearer as an ablative 4W model, and that actually starts being the kind of defensive setup that gives even More Dakka pause. Look, I was a bit skeptical about stacks of expensive 3W models in a More Dakka meta, but Tim pulled off a 20-0 win against them in round 5, so there's clearly something working here!

Mattias Lindvall-Östling - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Samma sak fast mindre sak(er).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Thousand Sons + DETACHMENT: Cult of Magic + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Magnus the Red + ENHANCEMENT: Umbralefic Crystal (on Char4: Infernal Master) & Arcane Vortex (on Char5: Infernal Master) & Lord of Forbidden Lore (on Char6: Thousand Sons Daemon Prince) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 7 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Magnus the Red (465 pts, 4 Cabal Points): Warlord, Blade of Magnus, Gaze of Magnus, Tzeentch's Firestorm Char2: 1x Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 pts, 2 Cabal Points): Arcane Fire, Force weapon, Warpflame pistol Char3: 1x Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 pts, 2 Cabal Points): Arcane Fire, Force weapon, Warpflame pistol Char4: 1x Infernal Master (105 pts, 2 Cabal Points): Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Screamer Invocation Char5: 1x Infernal Master (125 pts, 2 Cabal Points): Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Screamer Invocation Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal (+20 pts) Char6: 1x Infernal Master (130 pts, 2 Cabal Points): Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Screamer Invocation Enhancement: Arcane Vortex (+25 pts, +0 Cabal Points) Char7: 1x Thousand Sons Daemon Prince (205 pts, 2 Cabal Points): Hellforged weapons, Infernal cannon Enhancement: Lord of Forbidden Lore (+35 pts, +0 Cabal Points)

5x Rubric Marines (110 pts, 1 Cabal Points) • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Icon of Flame, Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon 3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer: Force weapon, Warpsmite, Warpflame pistol 5x Rubric Marines (110 pts, 1 Cabal Points) • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Icon of Flame, Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon 3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer: Force weapon, Warpsmite, Warpflame pistol 5x Rubric Marines (110 pts, 1 Cabal Points) • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Icon of Flame, Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon 3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer: Force weapon, Warpsmite, Warpflame pistol

10x Thousand Sons Cultists (55 pts, 0 Cabal Points) • 9x Cultist 6 with Brutal assault weapon, Cultist firearm 1 with Brutal assault weapon, Flamer 1 with Brutal assault weapon, Grenade launcher 1 with Brutal assault weapon, Heavy stubber • 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon, Cultist firearm 10x Thousand Sons Cultists (55 pts, 0 Cabal Points) • 9x Cultist 6 with Brutal assault weapon, Cultist firearm 1 with Brutal assault weapon, Flamer 1 with Brutal assault weapon, Grenade launcher 1 with Brutal assault weapon, Heavy stubber • 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon, Cultist firearm 2x Thousand Sons Chaos Spawn (65 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations 2x Thousand Sons Chaos Spawn (65 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations 1x Mutalith Vortex Beast (165 pts, 0 Cabal Points): Betentacled maw, Mutalith claws, Warp vortex

Archetype

Herohammer Tsons

Thoughts

I would like to issue our regular update that you can still take the same Tsons stuff that's been great for over 18 months to the top if you know what you're doing. Nasty Overwatch threats are at a particularly high premium right now, so you've even got an active draw to the triple Infernal Master/Flamer setup you see here. Well done Matthias for putting up numbers with what is now the most venerable top build in 10th.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Jesper Unander - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Mega monster mash with Be'lakor and four monstrouts friends, backed up by a pretty standard utility package of one Plaguebearer squad to sticky objectives, one Flesh Hound unit for teleporting, and Screamers for early position play.
6th - Arvid Kaykhosravi - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): A sticky Necron build with double Wraiths, double Doomsday and double Transcendent C'tan.
7th - Elias Holmgren - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): All-rounder Oathband with a bit of everything.
8th - Fredrik Hägglund - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Maximum herohammer Ultramarines with Bobby, Calgar, Ventris and Sicarius (the latter three all with Company Heroes) and one full Librarian/Sternguard unit for heavy lifting.
9th - Victor Bergenholtz - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Crunchy Grey Knights with six Dreadknights and some Helverins.
10th - Rasmus Haglund - Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Mostly the standard-issue double Possessed Bile build, but throwing in a couple of Obliterator units for fire support and prising stuff out of cover.

Sydney GT Autumn - NSWTC

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Padstow, NSW, AU on March 28 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Woody Wu - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) - 1st Place

Credit: "Contemptor" Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Dude furry's have everything worked out Yummy yummy (1995 Points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Stormlance Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Bjorn the Fell-Handed (190 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Helfrost cannon • 1x Trueclaw

Harald Deathwolf (85 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Crushing teeth and claws • 1x Glacius

Logan Grimnar on Stormrider (180 Points) • Warlord • 1x Flurry of teeth and claws • 1x Storm bolter • 1x The Axe Morkai

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Crushing teeth and claws • 1x Storm Shield • 1x Thunder hammer

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Crushing teeth and claws • 1x Storm Shield • 1x Thunder hammer

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Crushing teeth and claws • 1x Storm Shield • 1x Thunder hammer

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (125 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Crushing teeth and claws • 1x Relic Shield • 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancements: Fury of the Storm

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Combat knife ◦ 1x Missile launcher

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Combat knife ◦ 1x Missile launcher

Thunderwolf Cavalry (240 Points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader ◦ 1x Crushing teeth and claws ◦ 1x Heirloom weapon ◦ 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry ◦ 5x Crushing teeth and claws ◦ 5x Heirloom weapon ◦ 5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (120 Points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader ◦ 1x Crushing teeth and claws ◦ 1x Heirloom weapon ◦ 1x Storm Shield • 2x Thunderwolf Cavalry ◦ 2x Crushing teeth and claws ◦ 2x Heirloom weapon ◦ 2x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (120 Points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader ◦ 1x Crushing teeth and claws ◦ 1x Heirloom weapon ◦ 1x Storm Shield • 2x Thunderwolf Cavalry ◦ 2x Crushing teeth and claws ◦ 2x Heirloom weapon ◦ 2x Storm Shield

Wulfen (190 Points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader ◦ 1x Storm Shield ◦ 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher ◦ 1x Wulfen hammer • 9x Wulfen ◦ 9x Storm Shield ◦ 9x Stormfrag auto-launcher ◦ 9x Wulfen hammer

Wulfen (190 Points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader ◦ 1x Storm Shield ◦ 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher ◦ 1x Wulfen hammer • 9x Wulfen ◦ 9x Storm Shield ◦ 9x Stormfrag auto-launcher ◦ 9x Wulfen hammer

Wulfen (95 Points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader ◦ 1x Storm Shield ◦ 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher ◦ 1x Wulfen hammer • 4x Wulfen ◦ 4x Storm Shield ◦ 4x Stormfrag auto-launcher ◦ 4x Wulfen hammer

Exported with App Version: v1.29.1 (1), Data Version: v581

Archetype

Wulfen Jail

Thoughts

OK yeah, best I can tell if you want to ruin the day of both More Dakka and Ynnari you just go as fast and hard as possible and hope to sweep them off the table. Wolf Jail (a particularly Wulfen-heavy variant here) is pretty much perfect for that, and thus it returns to the top of a tournament once more. Great stuff from Woody.

Richard Hill - Death Guard (Plague Company) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Myphitic Blight-Haulers - Credit Beanith

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I was saying boo-urns (1995 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Plague Company

CHARACTERS

Death Guard Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (70 points) • 1x Curse of the Leper 1x Force weapon 1x Plague combi-bolter

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

Tallyman (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Infected plasma pistol • Enhancement: Shamblerot

Typhus (80 points) • 1x Master-crafted manreaper

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Deathshroud Terminators (220 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 5x Deathshroud Terminator • 5x Manreaper 5x Plaguespurt gauntlet

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

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

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (255 points) • 3x Myphitic Blight-hauler • 3x Bile spurt 3x Gnashing maw 3x Missile launcher 3x Multi-melta

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (170 points) • 2x Myphitic Blight-hauler • 2x Bile spurt 2x Gnashing maw 2x Missile launcher 2x Multi-melta

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (170 points) • 2x Myphitic Blight-hauler • 2x Bile spurt 2x Gnashing maw 2x Missile launcher 2x Multi-melta

ALLIED UNITS

Beasts of Nurgle (130 points) • 2x Beast of Nurgle • 2x Putrid appendages

Beasts of Nurgle (130 points) • 2x Beast of Nurgle • 2x Putrid appendages

Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) • 1x Putrid appendages

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Blight Hauler Spam

Thoughts

Looks like inexorably trundling up the table is an option too. This build goes wide on threats that are just durable enough to need something very real committed to them, allowing it to exert pressure across lots of the table at once, and creating plenty of opportunities for your opponent to stumble on a key kill then get rolled. The Terminators and Mortarion create a nice set of troubleshooting tools on top of that, able to check in and salvage a situation if the opponent has started causing you problems. Death Guard have fallen a little from the peak they hit a few months back, but they've still got a great toolbox of stuff, and both cheaper Blight Haulers and better Beasts of Chaos are a nice addition to that. Good to see them keep on trucking, well done Richard.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd - Zakk Futura - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): Whoops all War Dogs.
4th - Jamie Wilkins - Dark Angels (Lion's Blade Task Force): Neat, fun to see this get some use. Deathwing Knights and Ballistus, plus a full Outrider/Samael squad to tee up stratagem fun.
5th - Joshua Brodie - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Accursed Cultist spam Raiders wth Predator backup, which I can only assume no one previously bothered to re-check as to whether it was still good.
6th - Alex Rymill - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force): Impulsor Vulkan drive-by fiesta.
7th - Andrew Sherman - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force): ...and again.
8th - Michael House - Orks (More Dakka): If I asked you to guess this list from memory you'd get it 90%+ correct. Kommandos are a little unusual I guess?

Welcome to ThunderMania GT

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Tipp City, OH, United States on March 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

David DeLisle - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Shadow Khorne (2000 Points)

Chaos Daemons Shadow Legion Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Be'lakor (375 Points) • Warlord • 1x Betraying Shades • 1x The Blade of Shadows

Bloodthirster (320 Points) • 1x Great axe of Khorne • 1x Hellfire breath • Enhancements: Fade to Darkness

Bloodthirster (305 Points) • 1x Great axe of Khorne • 1x Hellfire breath

Bloodthirster (320 Points) • 1x Great axe of Khorne • 1x Hellfire breath • Enhancements: Leaping Shadows

BATTLELINE

Nurglings (35 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm ◦ 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm ◦ 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Pink Horrors (140 Points) • 10x Pink Horror ◦ 10x Coruscating Pink Flames ◦ 10x Pink claws

Plaguebearers (110 Points) • 1x Plagueridden ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer ◦ 9x Plaguesword

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flesh Hounds (75 Points) • 1x Gore Hound ◦ 1x Burning roar ◦ 1x Collar of Khorne ◦ 1x Gore-drenched fangs • 4x Flesh Hound ◦ 4x Collar of Khorne ◦ 4x Gore-drenched fangs

Flesh Hounds (75 Points) • 1x Gore Hound ◦ 1x Burning roar ◦ 1x Collar of Khorne ◦ 1x Gore-drenched fangs • 4x Flesh Hound ◦ 4x Collar of Khorne ◦ 4x Gore-drenched fangs

Screamers (80 Points) • 3x Screamer ◦ 3x Lamprey bite

Screamers (80 Points) • 3x Screamer ◦ 3x Lamprey bite

ALLIED UNITS

Cultist Mob (50 Points) • 1x Cultist Champion ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.29.1 (1), Data Version: v581

Archetype

Shadow Speed Bloodthirsters

Thoughts

Behold the mysterious disappearing Bloodthirster! Just joking - it's back, next to Be'lakor, about to charge you again. This list throws exceptional fast pressure at the foe, can comfortably play caution against shooting if it needs to thanks to the Be'lakor aura, and crams in great scoring tools to hoover up Secondaries while the opponent is dealing with aforementioned Bloodthirsters. Big fan of the Pink Horror unit to provide a durable high OC tarpit in an emergency to round that all out. Nice to see lots of strong variety in the successful Daemon builds, and well played by David to take down the event.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

2nd - Michael Magdycz - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and Armigers.
3rd - Hulk Hogan - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Triple Dorn Commander and triple Russ.
4th - Charles Roller - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King, Doomsdays, Destroyers and a Wraith unit.
5th - Dakota Schwan - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Deathwing GTF with Lancers instead of Vindicators and a full Inceptor unit to threaten reprisal against any 2W Orks sticking their heads above the parapet.
6th - Bobby Steele - Aeldari (Ghosts of the Webway): Clown car shenanigans, maxing out on MSU Troupes and fielding them in a mixture of Starweavers and their choice of Falcons or a Wave Serpent, with Fire Dragons to take the other Transport seats.

Space Hawg GT

26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Springdale, AR, United States on March 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Peyton Preece - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort) - 1st Place

Pteraxii Sterylizor. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Hunter (1995 Points)

Adeptus Mechanicus Skitarii Hunter Cohort Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Skitarii Marshal (65 Points) • 1x Control stave • 1x Mechanicus pistol • Enhancements: Battle-sphere Uplink

Skitarii Marshal (60 Points) • Warlord • 1x Control stave • 1x Mechanicus pistol • Enhancements: Cantic Thrallnet

BATTLELINE

Skitarii Vanguard (95 Points) • 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha ◦ 1x Alpha combat weapon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Radium carbine • 9x Skitarii Vanguard ◦ 1x Arc rifle ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Omnispex ◦ 1x Plasma caliver ◦ 6x Radium carbine ◦ 1x Transuranic arquebus

Skitarii Vanguard (95 Points) • 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha ◦ 1x Alpha combat weapon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Radium carbine • 9x Skitarii Vanguard ◦ 1x Arc rifle ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Omnispex ◦ 1x Plasma caliver ◦ 6x Radium carbine ◦ 1x Transuranic arquebus

Skitarii Vanguard (95 Points) • 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha ◦ 1x Alpha combat weapon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Radium carbine • 9x Skitarii Vanguard ◦ 1x Arc rifle ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Omnispex ◦ 1x Plasma caliver ◦ 6x Radium carbine ◦ 1x Transuranic arquebus

Skitarii Vanguard (95 Points) • 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha ◦ 1x Alpha combat weapon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Radium carbine • 9x Skitarii Vanguard ◦ 1x Arc rifle ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Omnispex ◦ 1x Plasma caliver ◦ 6x Radium carbine ◦ 1x Transuranic arquebus

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Skorpius Dunerider (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Cognis heavy stubber array

Skorpius Dunerider (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Cognis heavy stubber array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Pteraxii Skystalkers (140 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 9x Pteraxii Skystalker ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Flechette carbine

Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 4x Pteraxii Skystalker ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Flechette carbine

Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 4x Pteraxii Skystalker ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Flechette carbine

Pteraxii Sterylizors (160 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Sterylizor Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Pteraxii talons ◦ 1x Taser goad • 9x Pteraxii Sterylizor ◦ 9x Phosphor torch ◦ 9x Pteraxii talons

Pteraxii Sterylizors (160 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Sterylizor Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Pteraxii talons ◦ 1x Taser goad • 9x Pteraxii Sterylizor ◦ 9x Phosphor torch ◦ 9x Pteraxii talons

Sicarian Infiltrators (70 Points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 4x Sicarian Infiltrator ◦ 4x Flechette blaster ◦ 4x Taser goad

Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 Points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps ◦ 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker ◦ 9x Transonic blades

Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 Points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps ◦ 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker ◦ 9x Transonic blades

Skorpius Disintegrator (175 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 3x Cognis heavy stubber • 1x Disruptor missile launcher • 1x Ferrumite cannon

Skorpius Disintegrator (175 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 3x Cognis heavy stubber • 1x Disruptor missile launcher • 1x Ferrumite cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.29.1 (1), Data Version: v581

Archetype

Elite Skitarii Spam

Thoughts

Endless elite Skitarii to round things out for the day, putting down enough fast, 2W models (with access to a 5+ Feel No Pain) to dominate the board against most opponents, and with enough punch from the Ruststalkers and Sterylizors that the foe can't go all in on trying to push them back. These builds do tend to gradually get forced off the table against higher threat opposition, but they score and deny so effectively up till that point that they can usually take victory regardless. The Omnissiah does not even slightly care about sacrificing Skitarii to get the job done. Sterylizors are also another unit that are especially high in value right now, as flamer overwatch potent enough to toast an Ork or Ynnari squad is at a premium. Well done to Peyton for rounding off today's winners with a rarer faction.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Bryce Watson - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): A variety pack of tanks centred around two Dorn Commanders, one big Krieg unit, and a couple squads of Aquilons to finish.
3rd - Howard Watts - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): Post-nerf Vanguard Centurions, switching to three MSUs for more flexibility and supporting them with Guilliman/Calgar.
4th - Kenton Evans - Death Guard (Plague Company): Ultra-hefty Death Guard with the trio of Rotigus, Mortarion and a Knight Despoiler, and also a Land Raider full of Deathshrouds if that wasn't enough.
5th - Jeremy Capko - Imperial Fists (1st Company Task Force): Fully going hero mode here with a stacked Terminator unit as the centrepiece, incorporating both Lysander and an Ancient, then supporting with Bladeguard and Dreadnoughts.

Wrap Up

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[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Dog Days pt.1

AdeptiCon 2025 40K Championships

Conan Jennings - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Folger Pyles - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) - 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Robin Roberts - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Justin Curtis - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Fantasia Fanatic XLVII

The Showdown

Linchpin - Stalwarts - Crucible of Battle

Thoughts

Result

Björn Eriksson - Orks (More Dakka) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Joel Larsson - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) - 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Tim Nordin - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Mattias Lindvall-Östling - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Sydney GT Autumn - NSWTC

Woody Wu - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Richard Hill - Death Guard (Plague Company) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Welcome to ThunderMania GT

David DeLisle - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Space Hawg GT

Peyton Preece - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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