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

[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Dog Days pt.2

by Lowest of Men | Apr 04 2025
Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

The Gauntlet: Phoenix 40K GT

83-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Hoofddorp, NH, Netherlands on March 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Cees Jan Stam - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) - 1st Place

Dark Reapers. Credit: Rockfish Dark Reapers. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Devoted of Ynnead

Number of Units: 22 Character Units (Models): 3 (15) Vehicle/Monster Models (Max Points): 3 (6) Cull the Horde units: 0

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Ynnari Kabalite Warriors (110 points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Phantasm grenade launcher 1x Sybarite weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dark lance 1x Shredder 1x Splinter cannon 5x Splinter rifle

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

Ynnari Raider (80 points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Dark lance

Ynnari Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (110 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

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

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

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

Warlock Skyrunners (45 points) • 1x Destructor 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Singing Spear 1x Twin shuriken catapult

Warlock Skyrunners (45 points) • 1x Destructor 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Singing Spear 1x Twin shuriken catapult

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 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

Archetype

Ynnari with Yvraine

Thoughts

The two main directions of build in Ynnari at present centre around the Yncarne and MSU infantry, or Yvraine with Incubi. This list leaves the Visarch at home to mount the murder brick in a Raider. There are plenty of upsides to this - it is faster, safer from indirect, and less vulnerable to being jumped by fast opposition. Transports are a real pain for the opponent in Ynnari too - demeching the contents is hard for a lot of armies without triggering a Lethal Intent move, AND the potential for the contents to have access to Fights First if they lose a model on the disembark. This opens up new angles of attack. Really well done on the event win!

Daan Van Herk - Orks (More Dakka) - 2nd Place

Wrecka Krew Tankbusta Gunners by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Player: Daan van Herk

Snowflaking to look cool (2000 points)

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) More Dakka!

Number of Units: 22 Character Units (Models): 6 (6) Vehicle/Monster Models: 3 (6) Cull the Horde Units: 2

Snowflaking to look cool (2000 points)

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) More Dakka!

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (80 points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (110 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grot Assistant 1x Shokk attack gun • Enhancement: Dead Shiny Shootas

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (90 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grot Assistant 1x Shokk attack gun • Enhancement: Targetin' Squigs

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

Painboy (80 points) • 1x Grot Orderly 1x Power klaw 1x 'Urty syringe

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

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 points) • 9x Beast Snagga Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga

Boyz (160 points) • 19x Boy • 17x Choppa 2x Close combat weapon 2x Rokkit launcha 17x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (80 points) • 1x Ammo Runt • 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

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

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

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

Stormboyz (65 points) • 4x Stormboy • 4x Choppa 4x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x 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: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

More Dakka Goodstuff

Thoughts

A greatest hits of the Dakka builds we have seen to date - plenty of Lootas, Tankbustas, a Snagga unit for punch and a Boyz brick as an anvil. Definitely still an incredible force in the game at this moment in time. Really well done on the top placing!

Chris Clayton - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) - 3rd Place

War Dog - Stalker. Credit: Rockfish War Dog - Stalker. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I'm just waiting until Emperors Children are legal! (2000 points)

Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Traitoris Lance

Units - 15 Bring it down - 24pts (12 dogs) Assassinate - 1 Character Cull the horde - No

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (155 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon • Enhancement: Lord of Dread * This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword.

BATTLELINE

War Dog Brigand (165 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (165 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (165 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (165 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (165 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

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

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

Archetype

War Dogs and Daemons

Thoughts

Chaos Knights continue their recent resurgence, slamming War Dogs on the table and wreaking havoc. Plaguebearers slot in well here for sticky objectives, and Nurglings open up a few cards without losing expensive pieces. Battle shock nonsense and strength 5 artillery goes a long way right now, and the CK OC game remains insufferable for many armies. Really well done on the top placing!

JC van der Lee - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) - 4th Place

Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
If you like it why not just take two? Theme song- Jim Bob by Hardy (1990 points)

Space Marines Deathwatch Strike Force (2000 points) Black Spear Task Force

CHARACTERS

Captain in Gravis Armour (105 points) • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet 1x Power fist 1x Relic chainsword • Enhancement: Thief of Secrets

Judiciar (70 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Executioner relic blade

Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Master-crafted bolt carbine 1x Paired combat blades

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

Watch Master (135 points) • Warlord • 1x Vigil spear • Enhancement: The Tome of Ectoclades

Watch Master (105 points) • 1x Vigil spear

BATTLELINE

Deathwatch Veterans (200 points) • 1x Watch Sergeant • 1x Astartes shield 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 Veterans (200 points) • 1x Watch Sergeant • 1x Astartes shield 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 Veterans (200 points) • 1x Watch Sergeant • 1x Astartes shield 1x Xenophase blade • 9x Deathwatch Veterans • 3x Astartes shield 2x Close combat weapon 4x Deathwatch thunder hammer 2x Frag cannon 3x Power weapon

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

Indomitor Kill Team (270 points) • 4x Kill Team Heavy Intercessors • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle 2x Deathwatch heavy bolter • 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with power fists • 3x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 3x Fragstorm grenade launcher 3x Twin power fists • 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with melta rifle • 3x Bolt pistol 3x Close combat weapon 2x Melta rifle 1x Multi-melta

Indomitor Kill Team (270 points) • 4x Kill Team Heavy Intercessors • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle 2x Deathwatch heavy bolter • 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with power fists • 3x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 3x Fragstorm grenade launcher 3x Twin power fists • 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with melta rifle • 3x Bolt pistol 3x Close combat weapon 2x Melta rifle 1x Multi-melta

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

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

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

Archetype

Deathwatch Indomitors

Thoughts

The uppy-downy nonsense of Deathwatch continues to creep into the meta, and this list packs in cheap marine utility via the Lieutenant and ATVs. That core chassis of Marine cheap stuff helps the rest of it to crack on with the business at hand - murdering Xenos both frail and green. Lord knows there's enough of it in the meta right now! Well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Florian den Uijl - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Florian breaks out the triple AC/DC and 30 Possessed to absolutely BODY people on primary. Awesome stuff.
  • 6th - Dino Kho - Death Guard (Plague Company): Chunky Death Guard here with 12 Deathshroud, a Plague brick and Blighthaulers for cheap hard target removal.
  • 7th - Dick van der Harst - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): More CK / Nurgle Daemon tag-teaming.
  • 8th - Stefan Meertens - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Logan Grimnar leads a Thunderwolf charge with Lancer support.

Queen City Clash GT @ The Mighty Meeple

48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Concord, NC, US on March 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - Tyranids versus Space Wolves

Ryan Karrer - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet)
Army List - Click to Expand
comp v1 (2000 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Invasion Fleet

CHARACTERS

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

Hive Tyrant (225 points) • 1x Heavy venom cannon 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip

Neurotyrant (105 points) • Warlord • 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes 1x Psychic scream

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (50 points) • 1x Chitin-barbed limbs 1x Spore Mine launcher

Exocrine (140 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (140 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (140 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

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

Maleceptor (170 points) • 1x Massive scything talons 1x Psychic overload

Neurolictor (80 points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

Raveners (75 points) • 3x Ravener • 3x Armoured Thorax 3x Ravener claws and talons

Raveners (75 points) • 3x Ravener • 3x Armoured Thorax 3x Ravener claws and talons

Raveners (75 points) • 3x Ravener • 3x Armoured Thorax 3x Ravener claws and talons

Tyrannofex (200 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Tyrannofex (200 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Zoanthropes (100 points) • 1x Neurothrope • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth 1x Warp Blast • 2x Zoanthrope • 2x Chitinous claws and teeth 2x Warp Blast

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


vs.

A. Lee - Space Marines (Gladius Task Force)
Army List - Click to Expand
I FEAR NOT THE MAN WHO HAS PRACTICED 10,000 LISTS ONCE...

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Space Wolves + DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Captain + ENHANCEMENT: Artificer Armour (on Char1: Captain) & The Honour Vehement (on Char2: Judiciar) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Captain (90 pts): Warlord, Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Bolter, Power Fist Enhancement: Artificer Armour (+10 pts) Char2: 1x Judiciar (85 pts): Absolver Bolt Pistol, Executioner Relic Blade Enhancement: The Honour Vehement (+15 pts) Char3: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades Char4: 1x Techmarine (55 pts): Forge Bolter, Grav-pistol, Omnissian Power Axe, Servo-arm

5x Assault Intercessor Squad (75 pts) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist • 4x Assault Intercessors: 4 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Astartes Grenade Launcher, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist • 4x Intercessor: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack 3 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist 4x Company Heroes (105 pts) • 2x Company Veteran 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Heavy Bolter, Close Combat Weapon • 1x Ancient: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon • 1x Company Champion: Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon 5x Incursor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Incursor 3 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 1 with Haywire Mine, Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades • 1x Incursor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) • 4x Infiltrator 2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 1 with Infiltrator Comms Array, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 1 with Helix Gauntlet, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 1x Scout: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Heavy Bolter • 3x Scouts: 3 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife 3x Outrider Squad (80 pts) • 2x Outrider: 2 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Twin Bolt Rifle • 1x Outrider Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Twin Bolt Rifle 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Land Raider (240 pts): Armoured Tracks, 2x Godhammer Lascannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Multi-melta, Storm Bolter, Twin Heavy Bolter 1x Redemptor Dreadnought (210 pts): Icarus Rocket Pod, Redemptor Fist, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Redemptor Dreadnought (210 pts): Icarus Rocket Pod, Redemptor Fist, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Impulsor (80 pts): Shield Dome, Armoured Hull, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launcher

Thoughts

Tyranids versus Marines. The box art showdown. The recent video game smash hit blood bath everybody craves. Both these books are SO deep, stocked with a tonne of ways to reframe and use their wide model ranges. Match ups between the two often come down to which flavour they have opted for, and we have an interesting example here, albeit from the two 'staple' choices for the factions since release: Invasion Fleet versus Gladius. Both flexible, wide ranging tool kits that give you answers for the widest range of situations, it is no surprise to see them in a final!

The marine list leans hard on 2+ saves and AoC with Redemptors and a Land Raider to jam and absorb pressure. It goes light on combat pressure and the shooting is largely anti-elite. By contrast the Nids list is packing lots of big bugs, with some great hard target shooting in the Tyrannofex and Exocrines for marine bodies. If the Tfex's can pop off early game (and with their volume of shots this is never guaranteed), then Marine tanks start dropping and the game can spiral. The Nids also have more utility and mission play in their Arsenal to get them over the line and all the right units for hunting for the Marine bodies. It's a knife edge game, with a lot riding on the early exchanges. In the event, it looks like the big guns of the Tyranids were able to do enough damage to carry the day!

Result

Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) Victory - 99 - 79

Ryan Karrer - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 1st Place

Deathleaper. Credit: Rockfish Deathleaper. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
comp v1 (2000 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Invasion Fleet

CHARACTERS

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

Hive Tyrant (225 points) • 1x Heavy venom cannon 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip

Neurotyrant (105 points) • Warlord • 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes 1x Psychic scream

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (50 points) • 1x Chitin-barbed limbs 1x Spore Mine launcher

Exocrine (140 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (140 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (140 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

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

Maleceptor (170 points) • 1x Massive scything talons 1x Psychic overload

Neurolictor (80 points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

Raveners (75 points) • 3x Ravener • 3x Armoured Thorax 3x Ravener claws and talons

Raveners (75 points) • 3x Ravener • 3x Armoured Thorax 3x Ravener claws and talons

Raveners (75 points) • 3x Ravener • 3x Armoured Thorax 3x Ravener claws and talons

Tyrannofex (200 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Tyrannofex (200 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Zoanthropes (100 points) • 1x Neurothrope • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth 1x Warp Blast • 2x Zoanthrope • 2x Chitinous claws and teeth 2x Warp Blast

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

Archetype

Shooty Invasion Fleet

Thoughts

The long term success of Invasion Fleet lies in it's incredible versatility. You can tech into hard skew or enemy infantry on a per game basis, and you have stratagems to help all of the key tools sing. Raveners as a plug in have moved over from recent Vanguard Onslaught lists and I love these as early skirmishers / uppy-downy scoring pieces. A well rounded list piloted to a glorious GT win, very well done!

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Mario Madera - Chaos Space Marines (Chaos Cult): Massed Accursed and Cultists with a bunch of tanks in support.
  • 3rd - A. Lee - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): The Space Wolves Gladius list from the Showdown.
  • 4th - Duncan Bluhm - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Double Dorn and plenty of Leman Russ.
  • 5th - Andrew Vawter - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and the Armigers ride again.
  • 6th - Christopher Johnson - Orks (Green Tide): Cheeky Tankbusta plug ins alongside the Green Tide of Boyz.
  • 7th - Amelia Pollard - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Double Norn Invasion Fleet.
  • 8th - Timothy Huebscher - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): The Fadethirster, a tonne of infantry Daemons, and a Terminator brick.

II GT Hispalis

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Dos Hermanas, AN, España on March 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dario Gallego - Space Wolves (Champions of Russ) - 1st Place

Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Space Wolves + DETACHMENT: Champions of Russ + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Logan Grimnar + ENHANCEMENT: Black Death (on Char1: Captain) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 21 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Bjorn the Fell-Handed (190 pts) 1 with Heavy Flamer, Trueclaw, Twin LasCannon

Char2: 1x Logan Grimnar (115 pts) 1 with Storm Bolter, The Axe Morkai • Warlord

Char3: 1x Ragnar Blackmane (90 pts) 1 with Bolt Pistol, Frostfang

Char4: 1x Ulrik the Slayer (70 pts) 1 with Artificer crozius, Plasma pistol

Char5: 1x Captain (105 pts) 1 with Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon, Relic Shield Enhancement: Black Death (+25 pts)

Char6: 1x Judiciar (70 pts) 1 with Absolver Bolt Pistol, Executioner Relic Blade

BATTLELINE

5x Assault Intercessor Squad (75 pts) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant 1 with Hand Flamer, Thunder Hammer • 4x Assault Intercessors 4 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol

10x Blood Claws (140 pts) • 1x Blood Claw Pack Leader 1 with Power Fist, Plasma Pistol • 9x Blood Claw 9 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt Pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

3x Bladeguard Veteran Squad (80 pts) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant 1 with Master-crafted Power Weapon, Heavy Bolt Pistol • 2x Bladeguard Veterans 2 with Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon

3x Bladeguard Veteran Squad (80 pts) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant 1 with Master-crafted Power Weapon, Heavy Bolt Pistol • 2x Bladeguard Veterans 2 with Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon

5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) • 4x Infiltrator 2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine • Infiltrator Comms Array 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine • Helix Gauntlet • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine

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

5x Wulfen (95 pts) • 5x Wulfen 5 with Stormfrag auto-launcher, Wulfen hammer • Storm shield

5x Wulfen (95 pts) • 5x Wulfen 5 with Stormfrag auto-launcher, Wulfen hammer • Storm shield

3x Outrider Squad (80 pts) • 2x Outrider 2 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Twin Bolt Rifle • 1x Outrider Sergeant 1 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Twin Bolt Rifle

3x Outrider Squad (80 pts) • 2x Outrider 2 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Twin Bolt Rifle • 1x Outrider Sergeant 1 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Twin Bolt Rifle

5x Fenrisian Wolves (30 pts) • 5x Fenrisian Wolf 5 with Teeth and claws

1x Repulsor (180 pts) 1 with Armoured Hull, Hunter-slayer Missile, Repulsor Defensive Array, Twin Lascannon, Las-talon

1x Rhino (75 pts) 1 with Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter

Archetype

Space Wolves Combat Rats

Thoughts

Go-wide MSU Space Wolves is a real vibe in Champions of Russ, where Oaths and Lethals / Sustained takes even the cheapest units up to damage levels worthy of a saga. Lots of the top predators trade on their ability to dunk expensive units in short order, so denying them targets, and hitting them in lots of places at once (looking at your elves) is a great recipe for managing them. Really well done on the event win!!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Capi 🦁 - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Nightbringer, Silent King, and tripple DDA.
  • 3rd - Javier Naranjo - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, Armigers, and a smattering of Imperial Agents.
  • 4th - Borja FM - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Vindicators, Baal Preds, and plenty of fast moving infantry.
  • 5th - Fernando Martín Ávalos - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): A little bit of everything in a glorious golden Lions list.
  • 6th - Adri Bispe - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, Armigers, Imperial Agents. The Knight template!!

Geek Shack GT - Battle of the Zia Sun

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Las Cruces, NM, US on March 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Adrian Lopez - Orks (More Dakka) - 1st Place

Ork Deathskulls Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
(1995 points)

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) More Dakka!

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (80 points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota

Beastboss (80 points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota

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

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 points) • 9x Beast Snagga Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 points) • 9x Beast Snagga Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (160 points) • 1x Ammo Runt • 1x Kaptin • 1x Choppa 1x Snazzgun • 9x Flash Git • 9x Choppa 9x Snazzgun

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

Flash Gitz (80 points) • 1x Ammo Runt • 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

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

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

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

Tankbustas (135 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 2x Rokkit pistol • 5x Tankbusta • 5x Close combat weapon 1x Pulsa Rokkit 5x Rokkit launcha

Tankbustas (135 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 2x Rokkit pistol • 5x Tankbusta • 5x Close combat weapon 1x Pulsa Rokkit 5x Rokkit launcha

Tankbustas (135 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 2x Rokkit pistol • 5x Tankbusta • 5x Close combat weapon 1x Pulsa Rokkit 5x Rokkit launcha

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

Archetype

Dakka Gitz

Thoughts

This more Dakka list goes exceptionally hard on Flash Gitz, who provide you some additional heft alongside the Tankbustas. Lootas slap but the single wound does leave them susceptible to melting sometimes, so having more support shooting to cash in on the army rule feels sensible. Really well done on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Jon Camacho - Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): Good old lots of Dreads in Solar Spearhead.
  • 3rd - Anthony Brito - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): SIX Greater Daemons and some Plaguebearers in the list of the weekend.
  • 4th - Taylor John-Morton - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Triple Dorn Combined Arms.
  • 5th - Brandon Byford - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Mixed Arms Templars with a Crusader brick.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! The meta seems to be reasonably diverse, as the community feels it's way through the Dakka issue, though that hasn't stopped it claiming some results. Not long now til a host of Chaos armies arrive to make mischief- I can't wait!

Lowest of Men, out.

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Tags: Space Marines | tyranids | space wolves | Deathwatch | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | Chaos Knights | competitive play | Orks | Competitive Innovations

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