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

[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Going for Gold pt.2

by Lowest of Men | May 09 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.

As the metagame continues to churn, Lowest of Men is taking the reins today and looking at the following events:
  • Rataclysm 2025
  • IOWAAAGH! KennedyCon
  • GITHAMMER Cinco De Cuatro GT
  • 🔥Napalm Hobbies - SUMMER SWELTER GT - 40K - ITC
Finally tomorrow (Saturday) I'll be back looking at:
  • Gamers Shop 40k GT 2025
  • The 2025 Central Arkansas Warhammer 40K Grand Tournament
  • São Paulo GT 2025
  • MNM Kevät GT 2025
On Wednesday I looked at the following in part 1:
  • The Richmond Open 40K Event Hosted By Away Games
  • Turbulent Games GT @Ramkota Warhammer 40K Singles Tournament
  • Trono de Cráneos
  • Cross-Swords War At The Westward VII
  • The Collectors Market - Drop Bear Gaming 40k GT

Rataclysm 2025

87-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Ballarat East, Victoria, AU on May 02 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Adam Camilleri - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 1st Place

Imperial Knight Lancer. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
ik (1970 points)

Imperial Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Noble Lance

CHARACTERS

Cerastus Knight Lancer (455 points) • 1x Cerastus shock lance • Enhancement: Mysterious Guardian

Knight Warden (475 points) • Warlord • 1x Avenger gatling cannon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Stormspear rocket pod 1x Thunderstrike gauntlet • Enhancement: Mythic Hero

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

ALLIED UNITS

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

Sisters of Battle Squad (115 points) • 1x Sister Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Battle Sister • 9x Bolt pistol 7x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 1x Meltagun 1x Multi-melta 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (78), Data Version: v599

Archetype

Aww Hell Yeah

Thoughts

Household name Adam takes names with the big stompy robots as IK continue their sudden charge to the top. Canis stays at home in place of two enhancement carrying big lads - Mysterious Guardian is an excellent honesty policy, forcing the opponent to keep those angles covered all game long, and Mythic Hero helps you dole out some additional Bondsmen abilities. Chuck in Armigers and some cover stripping from an Immolator and you're ready to wreck faces. Well done on the event win!

Nic Burrows - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Warhammer+ Kasrkin "Unbroken" Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Ratlist 17 - or ‘Hugh talked me into the OBG’ edition (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Combined Arms Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Krieg Command Squad (65 Points) • 1x Lord Commissar ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 1x Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 1x Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Alchemyk Counteragents ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Servo-scribes • 1x Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Master Vox • 1x Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Regimental Standard • 1x Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun

Ogryn Bodyguard (40 Points) • 1x Brute Shield • 1x Bullgryn maul • 1x Close combat weapon

Rogal Dorn Commander (280 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Meltagun • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon • Enhancements: Grand Strategist

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

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 1x Chainsword ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Shock Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

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

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

Death Korps of Krieg (130 Points) • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 2x Plasma pistol ◦ 2x Power weapon • 18x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 18x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Death Korps Medi-pack ◦ 14x Lasgun ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox (65 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin autocannon

Taurox (65 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hellhound (125 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Inferno cannon

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

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

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

Leman Russ Battle Tank (175 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Leman Russ battle cannon • 2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Battle Tank (175 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Leman Russ battle cannon • 2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Battle Tank (175 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Leman Russ battle cannon • 2x Plasma cannon

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

Scout Sentinels (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (2), Data Version: v599

Archetype

Combined Arms Goodstuff

Thoughts

The Guard builds have started settling down into a groove now - chuck a Dorn with some Leman Russ, get transports full of Kasrkin out ahead, and decide on your preference of one or two big bricks of Krieg. In Combined Regiment this all gets to shoot considerably harder, and you can bring back a key unit via Reinforcements! At some stage to boot. Guard just pack a tonne of stuff to play mission and control space with, and if you can't chew through the wide mix of profiles quickly, you're in for a sad day. Congratulations!

Jason Horne - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 3rd Place

Canoptek Wraiths. Credit: Rockfish Canoptek Wraiths. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
horney for wraiths (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Awakened Dynasty

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Overlord’s blade 1x Resurrection Orb

Illuminor Szeras (175 points) • 1x Eldritch Lance 1x Impaling legs

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

Skorpekh Lord (95 points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator 1x Flensing claw 1x Hyperphase harvester • Enhancement: Enaegic Dermal Bond

Skorpekh Lord (100 points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator 1x Flensing claw 1x Hyperphase harvester • Enhancement: Veil of Darkness

Skorpekh Lord (80 points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator 1x Flensing claw 1x Hyperphase harvester

Technomancer (85 points) • 1x Staff of light

Technomancer (85 points) • 1x Staff of light

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Wraiths (230 points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith • 6x Particle caster 6x Vicious claws

Canoptek Wraiths (230 points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith • 6x Particle caster 6x Vicious claws

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

Lokhust Destroyers (35 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gauss cannon

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer • 1x Plasmacyte 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer • 1x Plasmacyte 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer • 1x Plasmacyte 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Exported with App Version: v1.31.0 (76), Data Version: v589

Archetype

Awakened Dynasty Bricks

Thoughts

Two Wraith bricks AND a Warrior brick here for full Awakened Dynasty stat-checking goodness. Necrons have found their detachment for the times and getting characters back up and never letting that Warrior brick die is back in vogue once again! Loving the enhancements on the triple Skorpekh Lord - these are the coolest thing in the list and carry the redeploy and the feel no pain exceptionally well. Great list! Well done on the top placing.

Kyle Mackenzie - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) - 4th Place

Yncarne: Avatar of Ynnead. Credit: James "Boon" Kelling

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Yaaanari (1995 Points)

Aeldari Devoted of Ynnead Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

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

Rangers (55 Points) • 5x Ranger ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Long rifle ◦ 5x 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

Windriders (160 Points) • 6x Windrider ◦ 6x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Shuriken cannon

Wraithlord (140 Points) • 2x Bright lance • 2x Flamer • 1x Ghostglaive • 1x Wraithbone fists

Wraithlord (140 Points) • 2x Bright lance • 2x Flamer • 1x Ghostglaive • 1x Wraithbone fists

Exported with App Version: v1.31.0 (1), Data Version: v589

Archetype

Ynnari Goodstuff

Thoughts

The Yncarne / Wraithlords variant of Ynnari takes a top spot here, and the combination of solid objective pushers and brutal Lethal Intent plays if you shoot them is really quite something. Between the lords, Reapers and Fire Dragons this list has plenty of hard-target removal, which is something the Death Elves occasionally fall down on. A Wave Serpent feels a must in Ynnari right now to force a really brutal reactive move at some stage if the foe slipes up. Great work on the top placing!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Stuart Trainer - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): An actual bucket of Hormagaunts in Invasion Fleet, with some Tyrannofex lurking behind.
  • 6th - Duncan Caillard - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): A brick of Centurion Devastators slides in alongside the Terminators and Kill Teams for some Vanguard Space Marines energy. Love it.
  • 7th - Jesse Peterson - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Lots of Battle Sisters alongside Morvenn Vahl in Hallowed Martyrs.
  • 8th - Hugh Titchener - Orks (Green Tide): Big bricks of Boyz with Kommandos and Tank Bustas for troubleshooting.
  • 9th - Laurence Gutierrez - Death Guard (Plague Company): Mortarion leads a car park of Predators and Boat Drones to war, with Deathshroud alongside.

IOWAAAGH! KennedyCon

38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cedar Rapids, IA, US on May 03 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) versus Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead)

Dan Sammons - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance)
Army List - Click to Expand
Butt Stuff (1990 points)

Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Traitoris Lance

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (165 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Slaughterclaw • Enhancement: Aura of Terror * 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

ALLIED UNITS

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

Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) • 1x 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: v1.32.1 (78), Data Version: v599


vs.

Tom Cohen - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead)
Army List - Click to Expand
Ynarri fire power v2 (1990 Points)

Aeldari Devoted of Ynnead Strike Force (2000 Points)

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 Phantasm grenade launcher ◦ 1x Splinter rifle ◦ 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 Venom (70 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 1x Splinter cannon • 1x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (195 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher • 9x Dark Reaper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (195 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher • 9x Dark Reaper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x 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 (180 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 9x Howling Banshee ◦ 9x Banshee blade ◦ 9x Shuriken pistol

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

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

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

Windriders (160 Points) • 6x Windrider ◦ 6x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Scatter laser

Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (2), Data Version: v599

Thoughts

Ok then! Two current meta menaces have at it, as the Ynnari take their antics into the claws of the Chaos Knights. The Ynnari list is packing much of what makes the faction strong as the moment - huge Reaper bricks to fire away at range, forcing you either to kill them and trigger Lethal Intent, half kill them and get shot back at in your own turn, or ignore them and, well, get shot more. Fun ain't it! There are some transport shenanigans with the Wave Serpent and Venom and Banshees make up the Fights First melee contingent. It is very, very good at picking apart shooting and mixed armies on it's own terms.

What it is a little less good at, is fighting a full skew of Vehicles with great OC and battle-shocking who don't actually have to shoot it if they don't feel like. The Chaos Knights list packs tonnes of War Dogs, but also multiple Nurgling and Beast units to force bad trades. Beasts of Nurgle are especially obnoxious for Ynnari - none of the melee units really want to fight them, and no shooting unit you could send is a good trade! Massed indirect does the CK no harm either though as ever with Ynnari, the key is to recognise when shooting anything at all will make things worse rather than better. I suspect with the tools available the Ynnari are going to feel pressured to make things happen in this match up - when they do, I'm not entirely sure they have enough pieces to keep up with the rate of attrition. In the end this went down as a medium CK win!

Result

Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) Victory - 81 - 68

Dan Sammons - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) - 1st Place

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

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Butt Stuff (1990 points)

Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Traitoris Lance

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (165 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Slaughterclaw • Enhancement: Aura of Terror * 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

ALLIED UNITS

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

Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) • 1x 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: v1.32.1 (78), Data Version: v599

Archetype

War Dogs and Daemons

Thoughts

Whatever dark pact the Chaos Knights have made with Nurgle this edition, it's held up extremely well. As alluded to above, Beasts of Nurgle are a delightful early trade piece / scoring option for CK, and Nurglings help you block and get into hard to reach places without giving up valuable assets. CK in general sit in a very solid place in the game with a full skew that is obnoxious for many armies teching for each other to manage. Really well done on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Cody Jiru - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager): Glorious pressure Drukhari with triple Beastmasers and a forward deploy Harlequins brick. It's coming in hot!
  • 3rd - Tom Cohen - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): The Ynnari Reapers and Banshee bricks list from the showdown.
  • 4th - Bill Boysen - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Chunky Crusher nids with double Norn and triple Tyrannodex. Woof.
  • 5th - Jared Myers - Space Wolves (Champions of Russ): Mixed arms Champions Space Wolves with some Lancers, Thunderwolves and plenty of MSU.
  • 6th - Matthew Doughman - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, plenty of Armigers and the Sisters / Immolator combo.
  • 7th - Aaron Cook - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): A damage centred Custodes list with loads of Guard, Allarus and Praetors.
  • 8th - Colin Dunlop - Adeptus Mechanicus (Data-Psalm Conclave): An exceptionally cool Data-Psalm list with loads of Priests and Breachers led by Cawl.

GITHAMMER Cinco De Cuatro GT

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cypress, CA, United States on May 03 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Kennith! Onyeabor - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede) - 1st Place

Norn Emissary. Credit: Rockfish Norn Emissary. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Hive Fleet Moby Thicc (2000 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Crusher Stampede

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

Neurogaunts (45 points) • 1x Neurogaunt Nodebeast • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth • 10x Neurogaunt • 10x Chitinous claws and teeth

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Ripper Swarms (25 points) • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth

Ripper Swarms (25 points) • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (78), Data Version: v599

Archetype

Crusher Stampede

Thoughts

Tyranids have been casting around for the way forwards lately, and Crusher seems to have had a great weekend! Triple Norn / multiple Tfex is a very potent skew that packs an awful lot of OC for someone looking to dig them out from behind cover. The Tyrant keeps the strat support going and allows the army to spring forwards with ASSAULT and LETHAL HITs at a key moment. Very scary, is this the skew the Hivemind need right now?! Very well done on the event win Kenneth!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Tomas Rosas - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, Armigers, and two cheeky squads of Sanctifiers.
  • 3rd - Keaton Barr - Death Guard (Plague Company): Rhino rush Plague Marines with some Crawlers in support.
  • 4th - Wyatt Swift-Ramirez - Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation): A glorious all-in Goliath Truck and combat Xenocreed list. This will come at you fast!
  • 5th - Jeff Jew - Orks (Taktikal Brigade): Literal Trukkloads of Beast Snaggas and Tankbustas with Grot and Kommando support.

🔥Napalm Hobbies - SUMMER SWELTER GT - 40K - ITC

29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on May 03 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Daniel Latham - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) - 1st Place

Rainbow Warriors Judiciar by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Space Marines Ultramarines Strike Force (2000 points) Vanguard Spearhead

CHARACTERS

Judiciar (95 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Executioner relic blade • Enhancement: The Blade Driven Deep

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Bellicatus missile array 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 2x Storm bolter

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

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Centurion Devastator Squad (330 points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant • 1x Centurion fists 1x Centurion missile launcher 1x Twin lascannon • 5x Devastator Centurion • 5x Centurion fists 5x Centurion missile launcher 5x Twin lascannon

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

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

Inceptor Squad (120 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

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

Reiver Squad (80 points) • 1x Reiver Sergeant • 1x Combat knife 1x Grapnel Launcher 1x Reiver Grav-chute 1x Special issue bolt pistol • 4x Reiver • 4x Combat knife 4x Grapnel Launcher 4x Reiver Grav-chute 4x Special issue bolt pistol

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

Archetype

Ultramarines Vanguard

Thoughts

One of the classic marine builds of the addition claims another event win, as uppy-downy Centurions, MSU, and the Ultramarines characters go to town. Vanguard thrives on certain terrain types even after nerfs to Ventris altered their delivery systems, and still packs a sensational bag of tricks for bamboozling the foe. At their new, cheaper price point Blade Guard are a wonderful low-investment caddy for Blade Driven Deep to give you some crucial early board presence with a Judiciar. Awesome to see this continuing to thrive. Really well done on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Ashley Brown - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Daemon Prince / Noise Marines in Coteries, excellent stuff.
  • 3rd - Patrick Dawson - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Pure mech here, with Canis, a Cerastus, and ALL the Armigers.
  • 4th - Matthew Harrington - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): A very spicy six Guard units in this punchy Lions build - it will absolutely wreck face when it connects!
  • 5th - James Clark - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Another massed Guard and Allarus build - are Custodes players moving away from Wardens?! Huge if true!

Wrap Up

There you have it folks - the Imperium hit back hard with a bunch of solid placings for Knights, Marines and Custodes, but the forces of Xenos and Chaos continue to hold their own too. An awful lot of builds in the mix - but how will the arrival of Death Guard and World Eaters shape things?! We should know pretty soon!

Have a blast out there, and we will see you again next week.

Lowest of Men, out.

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | tyranids | imperial knights | Necrons | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | Chaos Knights | competitive play | Astra Militarum | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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