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

[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Star God Mode pt.2

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Feb 06 2026
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.

Mild schedule shuffle - you'll be hearing from Lowest of Men tomorrow and it's me again today, because I'm travelling to the Beachhead Brawl supermajor this evening so won't have my normal part 3 writing slot. With that in mind, let's continue documenting the incredibly violent metagame that we're currently in, something I do not intend to help with at all in a personal capacity (he says, packing the third C'tan into his army case).

Event News - Goonhammer UK Teams March 2026

Tickets are still available for the first Goonhammer Open UK of 2026 - which this time is going to be our first Teams tournament. If you're interested in playing in a 5-player Team Tournament with WTC Terrain on 14th-15th March in Leicester, check out the details below:

This Week's Events

Part 2 on Friday:
  • I swear there was an LVO here 40k GT
  • 2026 Battleborn Open
  • Battle for the Bend III 40k GT 2026
  • January Grand Tournament at GG presented by Warhound Tournaments
  • Winter War 2
  • Fun n Games January GT
Part 1 on Wednesday:
  • OPEN TALAVERA 2026
  • Vault Hammer presents: Vault Hammer to the Face 40k GT
  • Dearg Doom V: V is for Volatile
  • 3. Schwarzwald GT
  • Red Dragon 2k GT - January 2026
  • Marcus Miniatures – New Year’s Rumble 2026
  • Cross-Swords PAW 2026
Part 3 on Saturday:
  • CaptainCon 2026 40K Event Hosted by Away Games
  • Torchlight Ironman 2000pts - January 31st 2026
  • Guild War II
  • Turbulent Games Warhammer 40K GT
  • 2026 Miniature Market Warhammer 40k Grand Tournament
  • El Rey en el Norte II - wh40k

I swear there was an LVO here 40k GT

69-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Calgary, Alberta, CA on January 31 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Supply Drop - Hammer and Anvil

Jonah Sinclair - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company)
Army List - Click to Expand
Cadian E-1337 (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Grizzled Company

CHARACTERS

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

Leman Russ Commander (255 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exterminator autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta • Enhancement: Aquilan Eye

Lord Solar Leontus (130 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin's hooves 1x Sol's Righteous Gaze

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Sergeant's autogun • 9x Shock Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 7x Lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

OTHER DATASHEETS

Artillery Team (95 points) • 1x Crew close combat weapons 1x Lasgun 1x Siege cannon

Cadian Heavy Weapons Squad (65 points) • 3x Heavy Weapon Team • 3x Laspistol 3x Mortar 3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Leman Russ Battle Tank (185 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 (185 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Leman Russ battle cannon 2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Exterminator (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exterminator autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Exterminator (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exterminator autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Exterminator (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exterminator autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 2x Multi-melta 1x Vanquisher battle 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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732



vs.

Frasier Parry - Emperor's Children (Court of the Phoenician)
Army List - Click to Expand
If you suddenly generated a necron army for this event you better win the whole thing or it's embarrassing (2000 Points)

BEHOLD MY 3-2 ASS LIST

Emperor's Children Court of the Phoenician Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (215 Points) • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon

Fulgrim (340 Points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonic blades • 1x Malefic lash • 1x Serpentine tail

Lord Exultant (80 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

Lord Exultant (80 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

Lord Exultant (80 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

BATTLELINE

Infractors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Infractor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Duelling sabre ◦ 1x Icon of Excess

Infractors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Infractor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Duelling sabre ◦ 1x Icon of Excess

Infractors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Infractor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Duelling sabre ◦ 1x Icon of Excess

Tormentors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Tormentor ◦ 2x Boltgun ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Excess ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun

Tormentors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Tormentor ◦ 2x Boltgun ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Excess ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (80 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (80 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (70 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Maulerfiend (130 Points) • 2x Magma cutters • 1x Maulerfiend fists

Maulerfiend (130 Points) • 2x Magma cutters • 1x Maulerfiend fists

Noise Marines (145 Points) • 1x Disharmonist ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine ◦ 2x Blastmaster ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 Points) • 1x Disharmonist ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine ◦ 2x Blastmaster ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Sonic blaster

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Thoughts

Ooo-kay this is going to be one of our "talk about why this is a mismatch" setups because this would go bad for the guard on pretty much anything except maybe Purge the Foe, and on Hammer and Anvil Supply drop it's going to be an unmitigated disaster. The Grizzled list goes hard on Russes, creating a really broad setup of midweight threats that could potentially handle some foes by pulling them in too many directions. It will not achieve this here - the Emperor's Children can spend their first turn staging up, and then the Guard will never score any Primary ever again. Hammer makes the objectives too condensed and the attack lines far too obvious for the Slaaneshi forces, and without Bullgryn to tie something up or Dorns to inflict rapid damage, there's no real route to victory in the mission as it stands. Even on other missions, the Court Detachment Rule is really strong here, as it helps handle the number of 2+ saves that the EC can find themselves facing down in the current metagame, and being able to launch Maulerfiends through walls is a huge headache for a Guard build that's low on screening. A fun time for Fulgrim, this one!

Result

Emperor's Children (Court of the Phoenician) Victory - 79 - 29

Frasier Parry - Emperor's Children (Court of the Phoenician) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
If you suddenly generated a necron army for this event you better win the whole thing or it's embarrassing (2000 Points)

BEHOLD MY 3-2 ASS LIST

Emperor's Children Court of the Phoenician Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (215 Points) • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon

Fulgrim (340 Points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonic blades • 1x Malefic lash • 1x Serpentine tail

Lord Exultant (80 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

Lord Exultant (80 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

Lord Exultant (80 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

BATTLELINE

Infractors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Infractor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Duelling sabre ◦ 1x Icon of Excess

Infractors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Infractor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Duelling sabre ◦ 1x Icon of Excess

Infractors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Infractor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Duelling sabre ◦ 1x Icon of Excess

Tormentors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Tormentor ◦ 2x Boltgun ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Excess ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun

Tormentors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Tormentor ◦ 2x Boltgun ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Excess ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (80 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (80 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (70 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Maulerfiend (130 Points) • 2x Magma cutters • 1x Maulerfiend fists

Maulerfiend (130 Points) • 2x Magma cutters • 1x Maulerfiend fists

Noise Marines (145 Points) • 1x Disharmonist ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine ◦ 2x Blastmaster ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 Points) • 1x Disharmonist ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine ◦ 2x Blastmaster ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Sonic blaster

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Fulgrim and Wallhacking Friends

Thoughts

The mightiest Prince of Slaanesh claims a trophy here, deploying alongside Emperor's Children staples and Maulerfiends to smash through the metagame. Being able to hit hard (particularly from behind a wall) is especially strong right now, adding to the appeal of going big with Fulgrim, and the extra AP from the Detachment Rule is very valuable into popular hull builds too (as the Showdown covered). Congratulations Fraiser on the win!

Spike Haider - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Inquisitor Kyria Draxus. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I hear you like stat checks (2000 points)

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

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (190 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 4x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (190 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 4x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (150 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (150 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (150 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 4x Guardian spear

Custodian Guard (150 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 4x Guardian spear

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Venerable Land Raider (220 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Godhammer lascannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin heavy bolter

Venerable Land Raider (220 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Godhammer lascannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin heavy bolter

Venerable Land Raider (220 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Godhammer lascannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin heavy bolter

Witchseekers (45 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Talons Land Raider Spam

Thoughts

The Adeptus Custodes take second with the heaviest and most durable of their current setups. Triple Raider and that many Custodians with army-wide Mortal Wound protection is a gigantic lift to handle, and the third Raider gives them enough power to mitigate the Infantry's general weakness into C'tan. The list title is dead on - this vies with multi-C'tan builds for the title of nastiest stat check out there right now, so pack as much damage 3 stuff as possible. Great stuff from Spike.

Anthony Dalla Lana - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place

Victrix Guard Chapter Ancient Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Blueberry Cheesecake

Turns out, even in the grimdark future of the 42nd millennium, the fifth element is still love. Weird.

Slava Ukraini Heroyam Slava!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force (Combat Doctrines) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Marneus Calgar + ENHANCEMENT: Artificer Armour (on Char3: Captain in Gravis Armour) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char3: 1x Captain in Gravis Armour (90 pts) 1 with Boltstorm Gauntlet, Power Fist, Relic Chainsword Enhancement: Artificer Armour (+10 pts)

Char1: 1x Captain Sicarius (85 pts) 1 with Artisan Plasma Pistol, Talassarian Tempest Blade

Char4: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts) 1 with Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades

Char2: 3x Marneus Calgar (200 pts) • 1x Marneus Calgar 1 with Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard 2 with Victrix Power Sword • Warlord

BATTLELINE

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant 1 with Bolt pistol, Astartes grenade launcher, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist • 4x Intercessor 4 with Bolt pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

1x Ballistus Dreadnought (150 pts) 1 with Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter

1x Ballistus Dreadnought (150 pts) 1 with Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter

5x Desolation Squad (200 pts) • 4x Desolation Marine 4 with Bolt pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close combat weapon, Superkrak Rocket Launcher • 1x Desolation Sergeant 1 with Bolt pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close combat weapon, Vengor Launcher

1x Impulsor (80 pts) 1 with Armoured Hull, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Storm Bolter, Shield Dome

5x Incursor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Incursor 3 with Bolt pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 1 with Bolt pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades, Haywire Mine • 1x Incursor Sergeant 1 with Bolt pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades

6x Victrix Honour Guard (220 pts) • 1x Chapter Champion 1 with Blades of Honour, Attached Unit • 5x Victrix Honour Guard 5 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted Power Weapon, Attached Unit

6x Victrix Honour Guard (220 pts) • 1x Chapter Ancient 1 with Master-crafted Power Weapon, Banner of Macragge, Attached Unit • 5x Victrix Honour Guard 5 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted Power Weapon, Attached Unit

1x Vindicator (185 pts) 1 with Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Storm Bolter

1x Vindicator (185 pts) 1 with Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Storm Bolter

Archetype

Double Victrix Gladius

Thoughts

In third place, a resurgence for a double Victrix setup, deploying them alongside several popular Ultramarine shooting options to create an all-rounder high quality build. You may be noticing a trend in the top builds right now, and your eyes are not deceiving you - at the moment, there is a much higher premium on sheer violence and efficiency of output, driven by a mixture of C'tan and some of the point drops from the January Dataslate. Bear this in mind if you're planning something a bit more techy - you may just get run over. Luckily, playing Ultramarines is good insurance against that, as Anthony showed here.

Gordon Sundin - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe) - 4th Place

Transcendent C'tan Shard of Nyadra'zatha, the Burning One by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen Transcendent C'tan Shard of Nyadra'zatha, the Burning One by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Big boo (2000 Points)

Necrons Pantheon of Woe Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (325 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (345 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (330 Points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades • 1x Spear of the Void Dragon • 1x Voltaic storm

Geomancer (75 Points) • Warlord • 1x Tremorglaive

Geomancer (75 Points) • 1x Tremorglaive

Transcendent C'tan (330 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

Transcendent C'tan (330 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

OTHER DATASHEETS

Lokhust Destroyers (40 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

Lokhust Destroyers (40 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic exterminator

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic exterminator

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Full Send Pantheon

Thoughts

Another exhibit in the gut punch gallery to round out this top four, combining the night unstoppable durability of five C'tan with some Geomancers to try and manage the pace at which foes confront them via a mixture of Deep Strike protection and their debuff. Definitely notable to see a second finding a place in the list, which does seem plausible - while it'll win a grinding battle against most things, this army doesn't sweep lists quickly, so getting run over on Primary for several turns is one of its primary failure states. I will admit to having been a little skeptical of Geomancers because of how fragile they are, but if you literally just need a turn 1/2 speedbump to slow the enemy down, that clearly isn't as much of a problem as I thought. Great work from Gordon.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Scotty Bee - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Wraith/Doomsday/Silent King Starshatter with added Deceiver.
  • 6th - Kass Kielly-Burke - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Deathshrouds, Bloat Drones and a big Plague Marine unit.
  • 7th - Jacob Lamb - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): The somehow even fuller send of four C'tan and a Tesseract Vault.
  • 8th - Thomas Walker - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): 30 Scarabs and some scoring pieces.
  • 9th - Benjamin Hauser - Necrons (Cursed Legion): Double C'tan, an extra Angry Wraith unit, Nekrosor and lots of small Skorpekh units.
  • 10th - Jonah Sinclair - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Many, many Russes.
  • 11th - bryce holdner - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Lots of Guard, a big Allarus squad, and two bike units.
  • 12th - Kenneth Taylor - White Scars (Spearpoint Task Force): The Khan, floaty hulls, and a Stormraven full of Hunter's Eye Hellblasters.
  • 13th - Dominic Horstmann - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): Mostly the standard mixed Spectacle setup, but going for 1 Reavers/3 Dark Lance Scourges instead of 2/2.

2026 Battleborn Open

44-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Rexburg, ID, United States on January 31 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Thomas Moore - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught) - 1st Place

Death Company Dreadnought. Credit: Rockfish Death Company Dreadnought. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I don't know - my daughter picked this name (1990 Points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Rage-cursed Onslaught Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (75 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist

Chaplain with Jump Pack (105 Points) • 1x Crozius arcanum • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Carmine Reliquary

Chaplain with Jump Pack (75 Points) • 1x Crozius arcanum • 1x Power fist

Commander Dante (120 Points) • 1x Perdition Pistol • 1x The Axe Mortalis

Lemartes (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x The Blood Crozius

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Death Company Dreadnought (160 Points) • 1x Blood fist bolt rifles • 1x Blood fists • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin multi-melta

Death Company Dreadnought (160 Points) • 1x Blood fist bolt rifles • 1x Blood fists • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin multi-melta

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (230 Points) • 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs ◦ 5x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Eviscerator ◦ 7x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 2x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 3x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (120 Points) • 5x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Eviscerator ◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 2x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (230 Points) • 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs ◦ 5x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Eviscerator ◦ 7x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 2x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 3x Power fist

Sanguinary Guard (125 Points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard ◦ 2x Angelus boltgun ◦ 3x Encarmine spear ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Sanguinary Banner

Sanguinary Guard (125 Points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard ◦ 2x Angelus boltgun ◦ 3x Encarmine spear ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Sanguinary Banner

Sanguinary Guard (125 Points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard ◦ 2x Angelus boltgun ◦ 3x Encarmine spear ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Sanguinary Banner

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

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Dreadnought Rage-Cursed

Thoughts

The full sends will continue until morale improves. This very much is one of the lists that could get all up in the C'tan's business for long enough to close the deal, especially because of how good btoth Lemartes' squad and Feel No Pains are against D2 output from C'tan. It's also another fairly brutal stat check to handle, and has great threat redundancy. Another key piece of the metagame puzzle on show, and congratulations to Thomas for making Sanguinius proud.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - John Holbrook - Ultramarines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar): Blade Hulltramarines with 6/3 Victrix.
  • 3rd - Jim Wetmore - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): One big Berzerker unit, Forgefiends and Helbrutes, cutting down on the normal ration of Eightbound (keeping just one Exalted/Slaughter unit) to fit it.
  • 4th - Kyle Cleveland - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Double Sacresants in Martyrs, backed by Castigators.
  • 5th - Matthew Hartnett - Necrons (Cursed Legion): Double C'tan, big units each of Lokhusts/Ankhed Lychguard, and lots of Skorpekh MSUs.

Battle for the Bend III 40k GT 2026

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in South Bend, Indiana, US on January 31 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Travis King - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

The Deceiver. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
GW said we're sorry for Ctan but it's a lie (2000 Points)

Necrons Starshatter Arsenal Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (285 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Hexmark Destroyer (100 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols • Enhancements: Chrono-impedance Fields

The Silent King (400 Points) • 1x Szarekh • Warlord ◦ 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory ◦ 1x Staff of Stars ◦ 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir ◦ 2x Annihilator beam ◦ 2x Armoured bulk

Transcendent C'tan (305 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

Transcendent C'tan (305 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Flayed Ones (60 Points) • 5x Flayed One ◦ 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Destroyers (40 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

Lokhust Destroyers (40 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Quad C'tan Silent King

Thoughts

The escalating nastiness of full sends somehow continues to continue, with the Silent King and a Damage Reduction Hype Hexmark substituting in for a fifth C'tan, and bringing the joy of re-rolls to Star Gods everywhere. Which I am sure is delightful for anyone who faces it. I also like the Reanimators as being mostly just a surprisingly durable thing to park on an objective in the mid-field, as surprisingly few things can one-shot them through the 4+ Feel No Pain, and Starshatter's post-being shot movement Stratagem lets you catch opponents out for wasting an activation on them. I can personally attest that when opponents get bored of shooting at C'tan and go to shoot at your little utility robot and you tell them it has a 4+ FNP, you get to watch the light die a little in their eyes. It whips. Congratulations Travis.

Scott Ketcham - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
3 Nundams (edited) (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Bringers of Flame

CHARACTERS

Morvenn Vahl (185 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Twin multi-melta

Immolator (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Twin multi-melta

Immolator (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Twin multi-melta

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Arco-flagellants (45 points) • 3x Arco-flagellant • 3x Arco-flails

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

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

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

Dominion Squad (120 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Dominion Squad (120 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Ministorum hand flamer 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum flamer 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Paragon Warsuits (210 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon storm bolters 1x Paragon war blade • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon storm bolters 2x Paragon war blade

Retributor Squad (120 points) • 1x Retributor Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Retributor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Multi-melta

Retributor Squad (120 points) • 1x Retributor Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Retributor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Multi-melta

Seraphim Squad (80 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 points) • 1x Novitiate Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Sister Novitiate • 9x Autopistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Ministorum flamer 5x Novitiate melee weapons 1x Sacred Banner 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Speedy Flame Sisters 2026

Thoughts

Oh you were expecting perhaps a Sacresant Shield Wall? Maybe some Martyrs Herohammer? *Bzzzzt*, wrong, it's full send hulls and melta Sisters. All the cool kids are doing it, after all. Among heavy hitting builds, Sisters also distinguish themselves by being one of the only lists that can often deck two C'tan in a turn if the opponent is insufficiently wary - Vahl's unit and Retributors will put them down very smoothly unless your opponent pulls off a big spike on saves, and having Transports for the Retributors to lurk in ups the chances of getting a solid swing in. I was faintly surprised by how big the drop-off in Bringers builds was post Dataslate, as they got hit, but not that badly, so it's good to see a bit of a resurgence, and well done to Scott for making them work.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Justin Hackert - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Hull-tastic Warpbane with Dreadknights and Purifiers, the latter riding a mix of Razorbacks and a Land Raider.
  • 4th - Phillip McColly - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Pressure Raiders with Vashtorr, a Discolord and an Accursed Commune leading the charge ahead of Noise Marines and Forgefiends.
  • 5th - Zachary Robertson - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): Another build cutting down one big unit of Reavers to Scourgemax, also buying Malys some Incubi as a treat.
  • 6th - Sam Wells - Black Templars (Bastion Task Force): As predicted, the best way to use this detachment appears to be to jam massive, Charactered-up units of Crusaders at people, supporting them with a big Brethren unit that's Battleline-ified via Hero of the Chapter.

January Grand Tournament at GG presented by Warhound Tournaments

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Lehi, UT, US on January 31 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Scott Rumple - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Gladius (2000 Points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Arjac Rockfist (105 Points) • 1x Foehammer

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

Logan Grimnar (110 Points) • Warlord • 1x Axe Morkai • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Tyrnak and Fenrir

Ragnar Blackmane (100 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Frostfang

BATTLELINE

Blood Claws (135 Points) • 1x Blood Claw Pack Leader ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Blood Claw ◦ 9x Astartes chainsword ◦ 9x Bolt pistol

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (150 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Centurion Devastator Squad (175 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Twin lascannon

Fenrisian Wolves (40 Points) • 5x Fenrisian Wolf ◦ 5x Teeth and claws

Land Raider Redeemer (270 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Boltgun ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

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

Wolf Guard Terminators (170 Points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader ◦ 1x Relic greataxe • 4x Wolf Guard Terminator ◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 4x Storm Shield

Wolf Guard Terminators (340 Points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader ◦ 1x Relic greataxe • 9x Wolf Guard Terminator ◦ 9x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 9x Storm Shield

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Wolf Gladius

Thoughts

It feels weird to describe a list with a Land Raider and a full 10-model Wolf Guard Terminator unit as a bit of breathing room, but that's where we are right now, and this technically is a little bit more all-rounder than some of the rest of what we've looked at, while still being very, very brutal. The most notable thing to pull out of it mirrors a wider trend - because of Custodes and 3W Victrix, the Metagame is now tuning pretty hard for killing 3W models (and the Deceiver is probably the most undercosted model in the whole game, and swings for D3). That means that 4W stuff is at a premium, and we're seeing quite a few people making successful use of 10-model storm shield Terminator units, as is on show here. If you want an anchor for something a bit more flexible it's a great way to go. Congratulations to Scott.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Nathan Pearson - Orks (War Horde): Mechanised/Ghaz Boyz melee pressure.
  • 3rd - Tyler M - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): The terrible trio, the Silent King, and one big Wraith unit.
  • 4th - Caden Steele - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): 20 Scarabs, some Mutaliths and some Rubricae/Character units.
  • 5th - Evan Stump - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): A slightly different spin on Blade, using it to power relentless pressure from lots of MSU melee, while keeping the option to push with Vindicators.
  • 6th - Mason Newton - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Mortarion Vectorium goodstuff.

Winter War 2

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Buffalo, NY, United States on January 31 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Joe Guzowski - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
CSM Three Brothers (1980 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Pactbound Zealots Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (105 Points) • Warlord • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Daemon hammer • 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancements: Intoxicating Elixir

Chaos Lord (90 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Daemon hammer • 1x Plasma pistol

Chaos Lord (105 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Khorne • 1x Daemon hammer • 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancements: Talisman of Burning Blood

Master of Executions (80 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Khorne • 1x Axe of dismemberment • 1x Bolt pistol

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Chaos Land Raider (220 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Khorne • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher • 2x Soulshatter lascannon • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher • 2x Heavy bolter • 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher • 2x Heavy bolter • 1x Predator autocannon

Chosen (250 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Khorne • 1x Chosen Champion ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Chosen ◦ 6x Accursed weapon ◦ 6x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Boltgun ◦ 4x Combi-weapon ◦ 2x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 3x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist

Raptors (110 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Raptor Champion ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Raptor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 2x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun

Raptors (110 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Raptor Champion ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Raptor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 2x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Brawler Pactbound

Thoughts

Again, even the more skirmishy builds have Land Raiders now. It's just the way things are. This list is another one that's very ready to defeat the C'tan menace by keeping them busy - lots of Legionaries out of Rhinos provides solid access to high OC brawler pieces, and the big Khorne Chosen unit is a fairly universal threat thanks to 5+ Lethal Hits. You do basically have to hope you don't run into the triple Raider Custodes build might, as I think that's a real blindspot in what the army can handle. Just in general, it feels like this is going to be quite white knuckle to play, because it's going to be more fragile than most of what it's up against (Land Raider or no), but it's a good deployment of the solid Chaos Space Marine fundamentals (and the fact they can have lots of mid-scary units if you build right) to good success. Congratulations to Joe.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Dan Heigl - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Double Sacresants and double Paragons, plus Celesting roving around with some Seraphim.
  • 3rd - Trevor DeVantier - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Dreads galore and Bobby G.
  • 4th - Justin Besch - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Whoops al(most al)l tanks, triple Dorn Commander supported by Russes, Enginseers and Gaunt's Ghosts.
  • 5th - Matthew Worth - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer): Destructors, Bloat-drones, a full Deathshroud unit and a battle cannon Despoiler.
  • 6th - Jeremy Legasse - T'au Empire (Kauyon): Kauyon Triptide that also features Hammerheads and a missile Fireknife unit.

Fun n Games January GT

26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Blacksburg, VA, United States on January 31 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jonathan Spear - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 1st Place

Warhammer+ Kasrkin "Unbroken" Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Grizzled Company (Ruthless Discipline) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 17 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (6x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char3: 5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun, Plasma pistol 1 with Master vox, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Medi-pack, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Regimental standard • 1x Cadian Commander: Power fist, Laspistol Char1: 6x Gaunt's Ghosts (100 pts) • 5x Tanith Ghost 1 with Bragg's autocannon, Straight silver knife 1 with Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine, Straight silver knife 1 with Larkin's long-las, Straight silver knife 1 with Lascarbine, Mkoll's straight silver knife 1 with Rawne's lascarbine, Straight silver knife • 1x Ibram Gaunt: Bolt pistol, Gaunt's chainsword Char4: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Heavy stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon Char5: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Heavy stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon Char2: 1x Ursula Creed (85 pts): Duty and Vengeance, Power weapon

10x Cadian Shock Troops (65 pts) • 9x Shock Trooper 6 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant: Chainsword, Laspistol 10x Death Korps of Krieg (65 pts) • 9x Death Korps Trooper 5 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster: Chainsword, Bolt pistol 10x Death Korps of Krieg (65 pts) • 9x Death Korps Trooper 5 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster: Chainsword, Bolt pistol

10x Attilan Rough Riders (120 pts) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant: Lasgun, Laspistol, Steed's hooves, Hunting lance • 9x Rough Rider: 9 with Hunting lance, Lasgun, Laspistol, Steed's hooves 1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber 1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber 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 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 1x Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 pts): Armoured tracks, Vanquisher battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy stubber 1x Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 pts): Armoured tracks, Vanquisher battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy stubber 1x Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 pts): Armoured tracks, Vanquisher battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy stubber 1x Scout Sentinels (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Hunter-killer missile, Sentinel chainsaw, Lascannon

Archetype

Vanquisher Grizzled

Thoughts

Guard sneak in at the end with another Grizzled Company build, this one on the Vanquisher plan. I mean - you've seen the metagame, you absolutely want to be able to threaten foes with getting headshot for 12 damage, and they're super cheap for how much they enhance your capabilities into C'tan and the like. Just don't roll 2s to hit. Outside those, it's the classic hits - Kasrkin, Dorns and cheap Infantry, cutting the Bullgryn here for more tank, and using just a Rough Rider squad as an emergency counter-charge piece. Seems to have worked well, congratulations to Jonathan!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Joshua Campbell - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double C'tan, herohammer, and a big Warrior unit.
  • 3rd - Jeremy Landrum - Necrons (Canoptek Court):  Triple Doomstalker, triple Wraiths, and the Deceiver.
  • 4th - Gavin Schober - Thousand Sons (Hexwarp Thrallband): Double Prince (one of each flavour) and double big Scarab squad, with Forgefiends to add extra firepower.
  • 5th - Blake Sawyer - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Double Atrapos and triple Lancer. Maybe the least scared of C'tan of any non-objective play list out there.

Wrap Up

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Tags: Warhammer 40k | Emperor's Children | Astra Militarum | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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