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

[40K] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Imperium Inbound pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Nov 06 2024
Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

Slightly quieter this week after the chaos of the newly unleashed metagame, but still plenty to peruse, and an option for me to make one of the classic Competitive Innovations blunders. See, I chose the title for this week while looking through all the results for this week, and in the aggregate there's a definite resurgence of Imperium lists (beyond just guard) among the undefeateds. However, the sorting algorithm has put pretty much all of those in part 2, so uh, I promise there are non-Guard Imperium lists on Friday, rather than just the scattering amidst the Chaos forces today.

Speaking of today, we've got:
  • Gem City GT 2024
  • MID-MO Maelstrom
  • Atomic City Warzone
  • Liègea Primus Tournament Solo
On Friday Lowest of Men will cover:
  • Dark Sphere November GT
  • The Risky Rollers Open 2024
  • Winchester 40K GT - November 2024
  • Geek Shack Anniversary GT
Our Showdowns will be:
  • Death Guard vs Astra Militarum at the Gem City GT
  • War Horde Orks vs Biosanctic Broodsurge at the Winchester GT

Gem City GT 2024

92-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Dayton, OH, United States on November 02 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Scorched Earth - Stalwarts - Search and Destroy

Wesley St. Hines - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment)
Army List - Click to Expand
No Guard uniform sadly

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UNSC 42nd Infantry Regiment FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum DETACHMENT: Combined Regiment TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts

WARLORD: Char7: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad ENHANCEMENT: NUMBER OF UNITS: 24 SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) - Assassination: 9 Characters - Cull The Horde: 2x5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“Noble Team”: Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) “Jorge-052” with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Pistol, Grenade Launcher “Jun-A266” with Master Vox, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun “Kat-B320” with Medi-pack, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun “Cater-A259” with Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol, Lasgun, Regimental Standard “Emile-A239” Cadian Commander: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist

“Captain Jacob Keyes”: Death Korps Marshal (60 pts): Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“Commander Miranda Keyes”: Death Korps Marshal (60 pts): Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“Command Team Alpha”: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volley Gun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Tempestor Prime: Command Rod, Tempestus Dagger, Warlord

“Command Team Bravo”: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volley Gun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Tempestor Prime: Command Rod, Tempestus Dagger

“Command Team Eagle”: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volley Gun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Tempestor Prime: Command Rod, Tempestus Dagger

“Alpha Nine”: Gaunt's Ghosts (100 pts) “Spartan Taylor “Dutch” Miles” with Bragg's autocannon, Straight Silver Knife “Spartan Michael “Mickey” Crespo” with Corbec's Hot-shot Lascarbine, Straight Silver Knife “Spartan Kojo “Romeo” Agu” with Larkin's Long-las, Straight Silver Knife “Lance Corporal Jonathan “Rookie” Doherty” with Lascarbine, Mkoll's Straight Silver Knife “Spartan Edward Buck” with Rawne's Lascarbine, Straight Silver Knife “Captain Veronica Dare” Ibram Gaunt: Bolt Pistol, Gaunt's Chainsword

“Valkyrie One”: Ursula Creed (55 pts): Duty and Vengeance, Power Weapon

“Lone Wolf” Sly Marbo (65 pts): Envenomed Blade, Ripper Pistol

“Zulu Company” 10x Cadian Shock Troops (60 pts) • 9x Shock Trooper 6 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Drum-fed Autogun

“Recon Bravo” 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 pts) • 9x Jungle Fighter 6 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Flamer 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol

“Sierra Patrol” 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 pts) • 9x Jungle Fighter 6 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Flamer 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol

“Autumn Guard” 20x Death Korps of Krieg (130 pts) • 18x Death Korps Trooper 11 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 1 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster: 2 with Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“Foxtrot Battalion” 20x Death Korps of Krieg (130 pts) • 18x Death Korps Trooper 11 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 1 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster: 2 with Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“Fireteam Alpha” 10x Tempestus Scions (100 pts) • 9x Tempestus Scion 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol • 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol

“Fireteam Bravo” 10x Tempestus Scions (100 pts) • 9x Tempestus Scion 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol • 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol

“Fireteam Eagle” 10x Tempestus Scions (100 pts) • 9x Tempestus Scion 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol • 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol

“The Grim Dawn” 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Marksman Rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“The Crimson Rain” 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Marksman Rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“The Silent Thunder” 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Marksman Rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“Falcon's Wing” 10x Tempestus Aquilons (90 pts) • 9x Tempestus Aquilon 7 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot long las 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Melta carbine • 1x Tempestor Aquilon: Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol, Power Weapon, Sentry flamer

“Skyfall Brigade” 10x Tempestus Aquilons (90 pts) • 9x Tempestus Aquilon 7 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot long las 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Melta carbine • 1x Tempestor Aquilon: Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol, Power Weapon, Sentry flamer

“Helljumpers Prime” 10x Tempestus Aquilons (90 pts) • 9x Tempestus Aquilon 7 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot long las 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Melta carbine • 1x Tempestor Aquilon: Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol, Power Weapon, Sentry flamer

“Makgoro Mgalekgolo” Scout Sentinels (55 pts): Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Sentinel Chainsaw, Lascannon


vs.

Garrett Stacy - Death Guard (Plague Company)
Army List - Click to Expand
you can do alot with 4 inches (1995 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Plague Company

CHARACTERS

Death Guard Icon Bearer (45 points) • 1x Plague boltgun 1x Plague knife

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

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

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (90 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine • 2x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer 1x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (90 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 2x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (90 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 2x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (90 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine • 2x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Death Guard Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Plague combi-bolter

Death Guard Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Plague combi-bolter

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 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 5x Deathshroud Terminator • 5x Manreaper 5x Plaguespurt gauntlet

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

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

Poxwalkers (100 points) • 20x Poxwalker • 20x Improvised weapon

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (40 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Thoughts

Right out the gate here we've got a demonstration that guard are very much not a one-note army - this horde build is completely different to others that have been thriving, but is still super potent. Packing lots of Catachans and the big Death Korps units is going to force the foe to come out and engage, and when they do there's so much pain waiting in the wings to obliterate them, particularly the Kasrkin and Scions squads. The list can also spread out a lot, pulling the enemy in all sorts of directions, at which point the Aquilons can strike. This mission is also pretty great for them, as it lets them play a fairly static game while still scoring highly, letting them assign their forces wherever most needed.

I'll say this for their opposition mind - 18 Deathshrouds is absolutely what I want to be starting my list with if I'm up against a horde like this, because they can go through the guard like a hot knife, and are far more resilient to chip damage than most equivalent tools, especially if you switch on Miasma of Pestilence on Mortarion for cover in the open. The Guard can load up a few buffs to maybe put down one unit a turn, but reliably engaging multiple is going to be tricky. The mission cuts both ways here too - while it doesn't demand anything too exciting of the Militarum, the Death Guard can focus on seizing control of their home objective and one other through to the mid game, then try and make some more concerted pushes later on.

The main concern for the Death Guard is getting outpaced on Secondaries, and this is what probably does for them. They do have access to Assassinate as a good pick here, but nothing that's great to pair it with, and a real risk of getting screened and body blocked out of plenty of Tactical options. If there's enough terrain about for the Deathshrouds to be picking up cover naturally I think there's a theoretical option on sending Mortarion in one direction and everything else in another, because killing the Primarch will take a while, and he can reliably drop whole units if he wants to (particularly if the Death Guard take -1Sv as their Contagion, which I sort of think they might here). Or, they can just try and go aggro and see what happens - there are hardly any armies that can clear this guard list out, but the Death Guard here legitimiately might have the numbers to do it if they start early and the guard hit anything like a stumble turn.

I think the Secondary deficiency is enough that it makes a Death Guard victory very unlikely, if not totally impossible. In the event, it looks like the Guard managed to get a decisive lead going, preventing the battlefield being added to Nurgle's Garden.

Result

Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) Victory - 100 - 75

Wesley St. Hines - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 1st Place

Death Korps of Krieg infantry squad. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
No Guard uniform sadly

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UNSC 42nd Infantry Regiment FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum DETACHMENT: Combined Regiment TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts

WARLORD: Char7: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad ENHANCEMENT: NUMBER OF UNITS: 24 SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) - Assassination: 9 Characters - Cull The Horde: 2x5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“Noble Team”: Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) “Jorge-052” with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Pistol, Grenade Launcher “Jun-A266” with Master Vox, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun “Kat-B320” with Medi-pack, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun “Cater-A259” with Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol, Lasgun, Regimental Standard “Emile-A239” Cadian Commander: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist

“Captain Jacob Keyes”: Death Korps Marshal (60 pts): Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“Commander Miranda Keyes”: Death Korps Marshal (60 pts): Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“Command Team Alpha”: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volley Gun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Tempestor Prime: Command Rod, Tempestus Dagger, Warlord

“Command Team Bravo”: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volley Gun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Tempestor Prime: Command Rod, Tempestus Dagger

“Command Team Eagle”: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volley Gun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Tempestor Prime: Command Rod, Tempestus Dagger

“Alpha Nine”: Gaunt's Ghosts (100 pts) “Spartan Taylor “Dutch” Miles” with Bragg's autocannon, Straight Silver Knife “Spartan Michael “Mickey” Crespo” with Corbec's Hot-shot Lascarbine, Straight Silver Knife “Spartan Kojo “Romeo” Agu” with Larkin's Long-las, Straight Silver Knife “Lance Corporal Jonathan “Rookie” Doherty” with Lascarbine, Mkoll's Straight Silver Knife “Spartan Edward Buck” with Rawne's Lascarbine, Straight Silver Knife “Captain Veronica Dare” Ibram Gaunt: Bolt Pistol, Gaunt's Chainsword

“Valkyrie One”: Ursula Creed (55 pts): Duty and Vengeance, Power Weapon

“Lone Wolf” Sly Marbo (65 pts): Envenomed Blade, Ripper Pistol

“Zulu Company” 10x Cadian Shock Troops (60 pts) • 9x Shock Trooper 6 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Drum-fed Autogun

“Recon Bravo” 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 pts) • 9x Jungle Fighter 6 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Flamer 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol

“Sierra Patrol” 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 pts) • 9x Jungle Fighter 6 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Flamer 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol

“Autumn Guard” 20x Death Korps of Krieg (130 pts) • 18x Death Korps Trooper 11 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 1 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster: 2 with Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“Foxtrot Battalion” 20x Death Korps of Krieg (130 pts) • 18x Death Korps Trooper 11 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 1 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster: 2 with Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“Fireteam Alpha” 10x Tempestus Scions (100 pts) • 9x Tempestus Scion 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol • 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol

“Fireteam Bravo” 10x Tempestus Scions (100 pts) • 9x Tempestus Scion 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol • 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol

“Fireteam Eagle” 10x Tempestus Scions (100 pts) • 9x Tempestus Scion 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol • 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol

“The Grim Dawn” 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Marksman Rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“The Crimson Rain” 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Marksman Rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“The Silent Thunder” 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Marksman Rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol

“Falcon's Wing” 10x Tempestus Aquilons (90 pts) • 9x Tempestus Aquilon 7 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot long las 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Melta carbine • 1x Tempestor Aquilon: Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol, Power Weapon, Sentry flamer

“Skyfall Brigade” 10x Tempestus Aquilons (90 pts) • 9x Tempestus Aquilon 7 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot long las 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Melta carbine • 1x Tempestor Aquilon: Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol, Power Weapon, Sentry flamer

“Helljumpers Prime” 10x Tempestus Aquilons (90 pts) • 9x Tempestus Aquilon 7 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot long las 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Melta carbine • 1x Tempestor Aquilon: Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol, Power Weapon, Sentry flamer

“Makgoro Mgalekgolo” Scout Sentinels (55 pts): Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Sentinel Chainsaw, Lascannon

Archetype

Guard Horde

Thoughts

That's so many models man. I think I would die if I tried to play a whole GT with this list. Great work Wesley for rising to both the physical and gaming challenge of winning with a rogue build.

Brian Daugherty - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Angry Red Gorillas (2000 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Angron (435 points) • Warlord • 1x Samni'arius and Spinegrinder

Lord Invocatus (140 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Coward's Bane 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn

World Eaters Master of Executions (135 points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (65 points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

Jakhals (65 points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

Khorne Berzerkers (180 points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Berzerker chainblade 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Khorne Berzerker • 7x Berzerker chainblade 7x Bolt pistol 1x Icon of Khorne 2x Khornate eviscerator 2x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (90 points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Berzerker chainblade 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Khorne Berzerker • 3x Berzerker chainblade 3x Bolt pistol 1x Khornate eviscerator 1x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

World Eaters Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (310 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (155 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Eightbound chainfist 2x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Chaos Spawn (70 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Archetype

World Eaters Classic

Thoughts

As ever I don't want to sound reductive, but it's hard not to with this list. This is The World Eaters list. It's good! It's scary! It does, however, require very careful application of resources to navigate through a whole event with it, as while World Eaters had a very strong win rate this week, only Brian made it to an undefeated finish across the eight events covered, so great job.

Folger Pyles - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Adeptus Custodes Blade Champion painted by Crab-stuffed Mushrooms

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Still mid AF (2000 points)

Adeptus Custodes Strike Force (2000 points) Talons of the Emperor

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (110 points) • Warlord • 1x Vaultswords

Blade Champion (110 points) • 1x Vaultswords

Blade Champion (110 points) • 1x Vaultswords

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (180 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Custodian Wardens (250 points) • 5x Custodian Warden • 5x Guardian spear 1x Vexilla

Custodian Wardens (250 points) • 5x Custodian Warden • 5x Guardian spear 1x Vexilla

Custodian Wardens (250 points) • 5x Custodian Warden • 5x Guardian spear 1x Vexilla

Prosecutors (40 points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior • 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor • 3x Boltgun 3x Close combat weapon

Witchseekers (50 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

Witchseekers (50 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

ALLIED UNITS

Inquisitor Draxus (95 points) • 1x Dirgesinger 1x Power fist 1x Psychic Tempest

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Archetype

All-Rounder Talons

Thoughts

Hey speaking of archetypal builds for factions, this here is pretty much The Custodes list, though spiced up in this instance by running as Talons instead of Shield Host for increased flexibility over raw killing power. Much like with World Eaters, there are plenty of variations and spins people try on Custodes, but I really think this core is pretty much dead on what you should be taking, so well done Folger for running it out undefeated, even if he still thinks it's mid AF.

Garrett Stacy - Death Guard (Plague Company) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
you can do alot with 4 inches (1995 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Plague Company

CHARACTERS

Death Guard Icon Bearer (45 points) • 1x Plague boltgun 1x Plague knife

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

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

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (90 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine • 2x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer 1x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (90 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 2x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (90 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 2x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (90 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine • 2x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Death Guard Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Plague combi-bolter

Death Guard Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Plague combi-bolter

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 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 5x Deathshroud Terminator • 5x Manreaper 5x Plaguespurt gauntlet

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

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

Poxwalkers (100 points) • 20x Poxwalker • 20x Improvised weapon

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (40 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Melee Death Guard

Thoughts

Garrett makes it to a top finish for the second week running with his melee Death Guard build, which can both gum up the board or go for a serious aggressive push as the situation demands. It's a huge amount of Infantry presence, and plenty of lists are going to be overwhelmed with the pressure it can put out, especially with the Contagions. Love seeing something unique thriving, good job Garrett.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Peter Elias - Aeldari: Avatar, Falcons and Aspects.
  • 6th - Malaki Fowler - Thousand Sons: Who will be brave enough to stand up and say you should still run three Mutaliths? Malaki, apparently.
  • 7th - Thomas Lynn - Chaos Daemons: Monster mash with decked out big Daemons and a Soul Grinder.
  • 8th - Jeff Grogan - Leagues of Votann: Double Fort Votann with extra Yaegirs.
  • 9th - Kevin Leonard - Nurgle Daemons: Pure nurgle heft with all the GUOs and Soul Grinders you can handle.
  • 10th - Pat Lacher - World Eaters: Many of the normal toys, but dialed back a bit to squeeze in two Brigands.
  • 11th - Geoff Perry - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): C'tan spam plus a Monolith.
  • 12th - Ben Vandyne - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Infantry-heavy Custodes with some bonus Venatari and Allarus alongside the core stuff.
  • 13th - Donald Freeborn - Imperial Knights: Canis and a Castigator with lots of Helverins backing them up.
  • 14th - James Wallin - Death Guard: Go-wide crunch with lots of cheap Daemon Engines, small Terminator units and Brigands.
  • 15th - Conan Jennings - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): Calgar/Ventris/Sicarius triumverate backed by a full Centurion brick.
  • 16th - Jamie Miller - World Eaters: World Eaters that cuts out the Exalted Eightbound for a Lord of Skulls.

MID-MO Maelstrom

61-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ashland, MO, United States on November 02 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dan Sammons - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 1st Place

Rogal Dorn. Credit: Rockfish Rogal Dorn. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Double D's (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Regiment

CHARACTERS

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

Gaunt's Ghosts (100 points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Gaunt's chainsword • 1x Colm Corbec • 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Elim Rawne • 1x Rawne's lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Hlaine Larkin • 1x Larkin's long-las 1x Straight silver knife • 1x 'Try Again' Bragg • 1x Bragg's autocannon 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Oan Mkoll • 1x Lascarbine 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife

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

Tank Commander (225 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Tank Commander (225 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (60 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 (55 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 (55 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 (55 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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (70 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy flamer 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (70 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy flamer 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (70 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy flamer 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Double Dorn Dakka

Thoughts

Dan has a long and storied history of bringing brutally efficient versions of top factions to the table, and this list is no different - it's a honed, well tuned engine that seizes space with Sentinels and Scouting Chimeras, and then makes anything that tries to take that space back regret it. This is a very strong plan, and I feel like it's only possible vulnerability is against fast melee builds, but even there Dan faced off against Blood Angels and took a (low scoring, so presumably cagey) win against them. A great build piloted by a great player, congratulations!

Ryan Verbeck - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Cult of Sirens Aberrants. Credit: Lupe

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Chord Claws (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Biosanctic Broodsurge

CHARACTERS

Abominant (75 points) • 1x Power sledgehammer

Abominant (75 points) • 1x Power sledgehammer

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

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

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (130 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 9x Acolyte Hybrid • 2x Autopistol 1x Cult Icon 3x Cult claws and knife 6x Heavy mining tool

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult claws and knife 1x Hand flamer • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult claws and knife 1x Hand flamer • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult claws and knife 1x Hand flamer • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

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 Flamer 5x Hybrid firearm 1x Mining laser 1x Seismic cannon 1x Webber

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Ultra Aggro Broodsurge

Thoughts

See I want to call this a YOLO build, but that would be inaccurate because you're really hoping that at least some of these units L at least T. This army hurls an enormous amount of punishment straight at the foe, fast enough to stop them really spreading out and taking the board, and while some lists can punch out from that eventually, their early Primary scoring will be tanked, and the Secondary potential of this build from all the small Deep Strike units means it can reliably rack up healthy victories. I continue to be a particular fan of how punishing it is for people to try and properly deal with Abominants, doing on Mortals on Death then getting up again is just rude if you're up against any melee list, and as we're seeing there are a fair few of those seeded among the dakka hull builds. Cool to see Cult maintaining momentum, and the spirit of muscle beach living on into 2024, great stuff Ryan.

Peyton Preece - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort) - 3rd Place

Sicarian Infiltrators and Ruststalkers Sicarian Infiltrators and Ruststalkers. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Weaponized wallet (1985 Points)

Adeptus Mechanicus Skitarii Hunter Cohort Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Skitarii Marshal (60 Points) • 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 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 (80 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Sterylizor Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Pteraxii talons ◦ 1x Taser goad • 4x Pteraxii Sterylizor ◦ 4x Phosphor torch ◦ 4x Pteraxii talons

Pteraxii Sterylizors (80 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Sterylizor Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Pteraxii talons ◦ 1x Taser goad • 4x Pteraxii Sterylizor ◦ 4x Phosphor torch ◦ 4x Pteraxii talons

Serberys Raiders (60 Points) • 1x Serberys Raider Alpha ◦ 1x Cavalry sabre and clawed limbs ◦ 1x Galvanic carbine ◦ 1x Mechanicus pistol • 2x Serberys Raider ◦ 2x Cavalry sabre and clawed limbs ◦ 1x Enhanced data-tether ◦ 2x Galvanic carbine

Serberys Raiders (60 Points) • 1x Serberys Raider Alpha ◦ 1x Cavalry sabre and clawed limbs ◦ 1x Galvanic carbine ◦ 1x Mechanicus pistol • 2x Serberys Raider ◦ 2x Cavalry sabre and clawed limbs ◦ 1x Enhanced data-tether ◦ 2x Galvanic carbine

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

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: v1.22.0 (48), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Board Flood Cohort

Thoughts

Next up we've got an AdMech build that's on a bait and smash plan pretty similar to Dan's guard, albeit with speedy, murderous Ruststalkers as the hammer that gets dropped, ready to turn fleshier opposition into a fine mist. Sterylizors also provide a volume shooting threat to mix things up a bit, and for emergencies you've got some big guns on the Skorpii to try and pop enemy tanks. This build can definitely be a bit fragile, and came unstuck against the Broodsurge cults in the final round, but the amount of reach and flexible output it has via the Ruststalkers is really nice, and it's always cool to see AdMech doing some work. Good stuff from Peyton.

Chris Green - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) - 4th Place

Blood Angels. Credit: Mike Bettle-Shaffer

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
If you don't know David Clark, wow have you been living under a rock. I hear he makes podcasters and 40K coaches tremble in their boots. I mean the only other man or creature you have to know is, Ryan “Bugdaddy” Verbeck, this man is the Megalodon of this shark tank. If they weren't bad enough you may over look Caleb “I eat steel and shit nails” Balder this man will make you wish you were from Arkansas if you know what I mean!

Good Luck

Blood Angels (1995 Points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Liberator Assault Group Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Blood Angels Captain (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Inferno pistol • 1x Power fist

Judiciar (80 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x Executioner relic blade • Enhancements: Rage-fuelled Warrior

Lemartes (110 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x The Blood Crozius

Sanguinary Priest (90 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x Astartes chainsword

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (150 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Assault Intercessor ◦ 9x Astartes chainsword ◦ 9x Heavy bolt pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 4x Heavy bolt pistol

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (240 Points) • 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs ◦ 5x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Eviscerator ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 2x Inferno pistol ◦ 2x Plasma pistol ◦ 3x Power fist

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

Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Helix Gauntlet ◦ 1x Infiltrator Comms Array ◦ 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Land Raider Redeemer (285 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

Scout Squad (65 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat knife ◦ 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

Suppressor Squad (75 Points) • 1x Suppressor Sergeant ◦ 1x Accelerator autocannon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Suppressor ◦ 2x Accelerator autocannon ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon

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

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (48), Data Version: v488

Archetype

All-rounder Liberator

Thoughts

Rounding out the top four we've got all-rounder Blood Angels, mixing a sprinkling of Death Company in with some Marine staples. The centrepiece other than the Death Company brick is the full Assault Intercessor squad some Leader options. With the Judiciar they can pose a nigh-insurmountable challenge for melee builds, particularly with the threat of Savage Echoes and the once-per-game super mode from the Character. Alternatively, if you just need an all-round durable bruiser unit, you can stick the Sanguinary Priest with them so they die hard, while the killier Characters go with smaller units to cause mischief. I assume the latter is the default, and is something I think will turn up in lots of Blood Angels lists now that Priests are foot only, but it's cool that there's a bit of configurability here. I think more generally this build also highlights the difference that cheaper Death Company make - they're not as violent as they once were, but they're now inexpensive enough that they can supplement an all-rounder list rather than drawing you towards an all-in strategy. Interesting to see what experimentation is going on with the newest Marine book, and good job Chris on making it into the top four (losing only a narrow game against Dan).

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Thomas Congdon - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Bringer hull spam.
  • 6th - Howard Watts - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Calgar/Ventris mid-board goodstuff.
  • 7th - Sam Anderson - Death Guard: Plague Marines in Rhinos, Destructors and Brigands.
  • 8th - Bill Boysen - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Mega monster mash centred around a Norn.
  • 9th - Kyle McCord - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Deathwing GTF.
  • 10th - Joshua Shirley - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Double Land Raider pressure Crusaders.
  • 11th - Joseph Kirk - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Double C'tan, double Doomsday, double Immortals, all overseen by Szarekh.
  • 12th - Jason Merten - Leagues of Votann: Hearthguard MSU-maxing Votann.

Atomic City Warzone

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Pasco, Washington, US on November 02 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Trenton Bates - Death Guard (Plague Company) - 1st Place

Credit: PierreTheMime

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Warmachine All Over Again (2000 Points)

Death Guard Plague Company Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (50 Points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades • 1x Injector pistol • 1x Plague knives

Biologus Putrifier (50 Points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades • 1x Injector pistol • 1x Plague knives

Death Guard Chaos Lord (65 Points) • 1x Plague fist • 1x Plasma pistol

Foul Blightspawn (60 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plague sprayer

Malignant Plaguecaster (65 Points) • 1x Corrupted staff • 1x Plague Wind • 1x Plague bolt pistol

Tallyman (45 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Infected plasma pistol

Typhus (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Master-crafted manreaper

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (180 Points) • 1x Plague Champion ◦ 1x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 9x Plague Marine ◦ 1x Bubotic weapons ◦ 4x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 9x Plague knives ◦ 2x Plague spewer ◦ 2x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (180 Points) • 1x Plague Champion ◦ 1x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 9x Plague Marine ◦ 1x Bubotic weapons ◦ 4x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 9x Plague knives ◦ 2x Plague spewer ◦ 2x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (90 Points) • 1x Plague Champion ◦ 1x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine ◦ 2x Bubotic weapons ◦ 1x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 4x Plague knives

Plague Marines (90 Points) • 1x Plague Champion ◦ 1x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine ◦ 2x Bubotic weapons ◦ 1x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 4x Plague knives

Plague Marines (125 Points) • 1x Plague Champion ◦ 1x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 6x Plague Marine ◦ 2x Bubotic weapons ◦ 2x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 6x Plague knives ◦ 1x Plague spewer

Plague Marines (125 Points) • 1x Plague Champion ◦ 1x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 6x Plague Marine ◦ 2x Bubotic weapons ◦ 2x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 6x Plague knives ◦ 1x Plague spewer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Death Guard Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Plague combi-bolter • 1x Plague combi-bolter

Death Guard Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Plague combi-bolter • 1x Plague combi-bolter

Death Guard Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Plague combi-bolter • 1x Plague combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Guard Helbrute (130 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Helbrute fist • 1x Plague combi-bolter • 1x Twin lascannon

Death Guard Helbrute (130 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Helbrute fist • 1x Plague combi-bolter • 1x Twin lascannon

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 Points) • 1x Fleshmower • 1x Plague probe

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

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (40 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm ◦ 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (48), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Plague Marine Spam

Thoughts

Death Guard's strong run in the post dataslate meta continues here with another melee-focused build, this time ramming a bunch of Plague Marines into the enemy while scoring with Characters, and hoping cheap Daemon Engines and Helbrutes can troubleshoot. Seems to have worked out well, and the Helbrutes being able to tag the -1 WS/BS Contagion onto stuff at range seems particularly nice into Votann and Guard. Well done Trenton.

Lukas Troller - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

War Dog - Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish War Dog - Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
The CK army rules don't deserve the gigachad karnivore datasheet

(1985 points)

Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Traitoris Lance

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (145 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath Spear 1x Havoc Multi-launcher 1x Slaughterclaw * 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

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

Plaguebearers (110 points) • 1x Plagueridden • 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer • 9x Plaguesword

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Whoops all Dogs

Thoughts

We're nearly 18 months into the Karnivore and Brigand datasheets hard-carrying an entire Index, and there's no real sign of that stopping. Good job Lukas for being the one who let the dogs out today.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Tanner Lauerman - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): The Templar classic of a full Assault Terminator brick backed up by Brethren and Redemptors.
  • 4th - Alex Pina - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Speedy Flame Sisters.
  • 5th - Joel Rodgers - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): All-rounder Blood Angels with two big Sanguinary Guard units as the centrepieces.
  • 6th - Nicholas Fromme - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Speedy Flame Sisters.

Liègea Primus Tournament Solo

33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Grâce-Hollogne, Région Wallonne, Belgique on November 02 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Pierre Debey - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) - 1st Place

Cerastus Knight Lancer. Credit: Rockfish Cerastus Knight Lancer. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos Knights + DETACHMENT: Traitoris Lance + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1980 + WARLORD: Char1: Chaos Cerastus Knight Lancer + ENHANCEMENT: / + NUMBER OF UNITS: 12 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHARACTERS

Chaos Cerastus Knight Lancer (420 points) • Warlord • 1x Cerastus shock lance

BATTLELINE War Dog Brigand (165 points) x 5 • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) x 4 • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

ALLIED UNITS

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

Plaguebearers (110 points) • 1x Plagueridden • 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer • 9x Plaguesword

Archetype

Dogs and a Lancer

Thoughts

You can take a Lancer with your dogs if you like. The cops can't stop you.

More seriously, the Cerastus Knights in general are doing great right now, as slightly fewer armies can jsut hard dunk one, and the Chaos one gives you lots of flexibility for sudden strikes via the aura. Congratulations to Pierre.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Robin Paris - Death Guard (Plague Company): Mortarion leading Plague Marines, Brigands and Bloat-Drones to war.
  • 3rd - Yves Mombaerts - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Crunchy-but-not-quite-hull-spam flame Sisters.
  • 4th - Gilles Kaye - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Top-heavy Guard on triple Tank Commander, two full Bullgryn units and two Aquilon squads, plus full Scout Sentinel and drop Scion units.

Wrap Up

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Tags: Space Marines | blood angels | world eaters | Death Guard | Warhammer 40k | Chaos Knights | Adeptus Mechanicus | Genestealer Cults | Astra Militarum | Adeptus Custodes | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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