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.

Look, we’re all busy people, sometimes articles trip, fall and appear one day late. Probably distortions from C’tan.

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 3 on ~~Saturday~~ Sunday:

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

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 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

CaptainCon 2026 40K Event Hosted by Away Games

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

The Showdown - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer) versus Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions)

Take and Hold - Search and Destroy

James Culpepper - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer)

Army List - Click to Expand

No matter how this works out no one is having a good time. (1995 Points)

Death Guard Mortarion's Hammer Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Lord of Contagion (120 Points) • 1x Manreaper

Lord of Contagion (120 Points) • 1x Manreaper

Lord of Contagion (120 Points) • 1x Manreaper

Lord of Poxes (75 Points) • 1x Great plague blade • 1x Plasma pistol

Lord of Virulence (130 Points) • 1x Power fist • 1x Twin plague spewer • Enhancements: Tendrilous Emissions

Tallyman (50 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma pistol

Typhus (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Lakrimae

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (95 Points) • 1x Plague Champion ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Plague Marine ◦ 1x Blight launcher ◦ 2x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 4x Plague knives ◦ 1x Plasma gun

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Deathshroud Terminators (160 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (160 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (160 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

Poxwalkers (65 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

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

vs.

Jonas Beardsley - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions)

Army List - Click to Expand

Glory in Honor (2000 Points)

Imperial Knights Questoris Companions Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cerastus Knight Atrapos (405 Points) • 1x Atrapos lascutter • 1x Graviton singularity cannon

Cerastus Knight Lancer (410 Points) • 1x Cerastus shock lance • Enhancements: Pennant of Silvered Fury

Knight Defender (425 Points) • Warlord • 1x Conversion beam obliterator • 1x Phosphor blaster • 1x Plasma executor • 1x Titanic feet • 1x Twin incendine combustor • Enhancements: Wyrmslayer Divination

OTHER DATASHEETS

Armiger Helverin (140 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (140 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

ALLIED UNITS

Inquisitorial Agents (60 Points) • 1x Tome‐skull • 5x Inquisitorial Agent ◦ 5x Agent firearm ◦ 5x Agent melee weapon ◦ 1x Eviscerator ◦ 1x Mystic stave ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Gun Servitor ◦ 1x Agent melee weapon ◦ 1x Multi-melta

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

Thoughts

The return of last summer's meta continues, as a recently resurgent Death Guard find themselves up against an even more recently resurgent Imperial Knights. The Questoris Companions find themselves able to roam free again in the absence of Aeldari to keep them down, and they are ready to rush and stat-check a whole bunch of armies teching for a previously infantry heavy meta.

The Mortarion's Hammer DG packs some cute tricks including the ability to cast Contagion around to get those many, many units of Deathshroud into spots they're not welcome. This was a really strong strategy in the summer and many of the other tricks here - getting vehicles through walls - are excellent in applying different types of pressure too. However, Hammer never loved big skew, and this is no different. Lots and lots of Armigers rushing forward, with higher OC than the drones, followed by several big Knights is areal issue for the Death Guard, and they were quite simply overwhelmed here! A very one-sided finale.

Result

Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions) Victory - 90 - 59

Jonas Beardsley - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions) - 1st Place

Knight Defender of House Cadmus by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Questoris Mixed Arms

Thoughts

A real grab-bag of Knight variants here, with lots of Armigers supported by a Lancer, Defender and Atropos. Knowing exactly when to use each component is key to making this work - the speed with which Questoris can stage and then spring big Knights into action is really something, but you have to be able to cripple the key enemy anti-tank in that moment to secure a big win. Once per game via the Pennant on the Lancer goes hard- and can help swat pesky things like C'tan who might think they have claim to central objectives. IK appear to be enjoying a sudden mini-resurgence in a meta that had forgotten just how fast and brutal they can be - it is awesome to see! Well done on the event win.

Jaime Paris - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Cerastus Knight Lancer. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

House of Hellwarderns (1995 Points)

Chaos Knights Infernal Lance Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Wyrm Slayer - Chaos Cerastus Knight Lancer (420 Points) • 1x Cerastus shock lance • Enhancements: Fleshmetal Fusion

Chain Storm - Chaos Cerastus Knight Lancer (385 Points) • 1x Cerastus shock lance

Ash Bringer - Knight Despoiler (410 Points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun • 1x Daemonbreath thermal cannon • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Ruinspear rocket pod • 1x Titanic feet • Enhancements: Bestial Aspect

Frost Fang - Knight Despoiler (390 Points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Ruinspear rocket pod • 1x Titanic feet

Soul Reaper - Knight Despoiler (390 Points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Ruinspear rocket pod • 1x Titanic feet

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

Archetype

Whoops all Bigs

Thoughts

Speaking of a sudden return for a summer meta monster, CK are also back. Delicious. This, kids, is why you need Fuegan around. Look what you did! The Despoiler list does away with any pretense at early trading and instead shoves in EVEN MORE BIG KNIGHTS, with two Lancers to stride out ahead. The play pattern here is actually a fantastic example of push play in action - two Knights you don't really need walk forward with a 4++ built in, forcing the enemy to commit all their anti-tank to deal with them. Then the REAL bullies, the Gatling Despoilers, can come out, kill said anti-tank, and run the game. Delicious, simple, and you are going to need a plan for it out there at the moment!

Tony Phillips - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 3rd Place

Cobalt Scions Repulsor Executioner. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

For the ctan winter, the codex instructs to use more dakka (2000 Points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Blade of Ultramar Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Marneus Calgar (200 Points) • 1x Marneus Calgar ◦ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 2x Victrix power sword

Roboute Guilliman (340 Points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor's Sword • 1x Hand of Dominion

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Incursor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Paired combat blades

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

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

Victrix Honour Guard (110 Points) • 1x Chapter Ancient ◦ 1x Banner of Macragge ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Chapter Champion ◦ 1x Blades of honour • 1x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 1x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon

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

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

Wardens of Ultramar (90 Points) • 1x Ancient Gadriel ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Storm Shield • 1x Gaius Silva ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Refractor Field • 1x Aemelia Minervas ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 1x Dainal Komelius ◦ 1x Astropathic Blast ◦ 1x Force stave • 1x Lucia Vestha ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon

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

Archetype

Shoot Them In The Face

Thoughts

A brutal Ultramarine response to the new stat-check era, This Blades list goes HARD on the guns, and doesn't apologise for it. Getting two turns of doctrine out of the guns and pressuring the opponent or reversing out of a jam to finish the job feels very useful here, and you have plenty of counter-melee punch in Gulliman and Calgar to get things done in a scrap. Ultras feel better placed to navigate the sudden... turn the game has taken, with their violent lifting of hard targets and tactical flexibility. Great stuff.

James Culpepper - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Deathshroud Hammer

Thoughts

The DG list from the showdown, as alluded to above this trades hard on the ability to sneak Deathshroud in behind the lines via the detachment rule. It abandons the pure gunline approach of the earlier Hammer lists but still shoots damn hard, and looks quite well tooled up for dealing with various Marine and Custodes menaces. Excellent work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Nicholas Kudriavetz - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar): Another stacked Ultramar gunline.
6th - Alex Ing - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): Triple C'tan with DDAs behind in Pantheon.
7th - Michael Chrystal - Orks (War Horde): War Horde pressure with triple Breakas and some Tankbustas for hard targets.
8th - Ed Miller - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): The triple Land Raider Custodes list.
9th - Ryan Schaum - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Morty and mini-Morty in Virulent.
10th - John Kitzmiller - Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Shooty Ultramarines with lots of Sternguard.
11th - Trevy 🐢 - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Melee heavy Sub Assault with Raveners and a Warrior brick... oh, also, there's a freaking Harridan.
12th - Matthew Mills - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Scintillating with Skarbrand in for some counter punch. Love this list.

Torchlight Ironman 2000pts - January 31st 2026

46-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Burlington, ON, Canada on January 31 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Troy Freiburger - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) - 1st Place

Adeptus Mechanicus Tech-Priest Belisarius Cawl by Pendulin

Belisarius Cawl. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

League (1990 Points)

Adeptus Mechanicus Haloscreed Battle Clade Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Belisarius Cawl (210 Points) • Warlord • 1x Arc scourge • 1x Cawl's Omnissian axe • 1x Mechadendrite hive • 1x Solar atomiser

BATTLELINE

Skitarii Rangers (85 Points) • 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha ◦ 1x Alpha combat weapon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Galvanic rifle • 9x Skitarii Ranger ◦ 1x Arc rifle ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Galvanic rifle ◦ 1x Omnispex ◦ 1x Plasma caliver ◦ 1x Transuranic arquebus

Skitarii Rangers (85 Points) • 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha ◦ 1x Alpha combat weapon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Galvanic rifle • 9x Skitarii Ranger ◦ 1x Arc rifle ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Galvanic rifle ◦ 1x Omnispex ◦ 1x Plasma caliver ◦ 1x Transuranic arquebus

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ironstrider Ballistarii (255 Points) • 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii ◦ 3x Ironstrider feet ◦ 3x Twin cognis lascannon

Ironstrider Ballistarii (255 Points) • 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii ◦ 3x Ironstrider feet ◦ 3x Twin cognis lascannon

Servitor Battleclade (60 Points) • 1x Servitor Underseer ◦ 1x Dataspikes ◦ 1x Mechanicus pistol • 2x Gun Servitor ◦ 1x Heavy arc rifle ◦ 1x Heavy bolter ◦ 2x Servo-claw • 6x Combat Servitor ◦ 3x Incendine igniter ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 2x Phosphor blaster ◦ 6x Servo-claw

Servitor Battleclade (60 Points) • 1x Servitor Underseer ◦ 1x Dataspikes ◦ 1x Mechanicus pistol • 2x Gun Servitor ◦ 1x Heavy arc rifle ◦ 1x Heavy bolter ◦ 2x Servo-claw • 6x Combat Servitor ◦ 3x Incendine igniter ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 2x Phosphor blaster ◦ 6x Servo-claw

Sicarian Infiltrators (155 Points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 9x Sicarian Infiltrator ◦ 9x Flechette blaster ◦ 9x Taser goad

Sicarian Infiltrators (75 Points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 4x Sicarian Infiltrator ◦ 4x Flechette blaster ◦ 4x Taser goad

Sicarian Infiltrators (75 Points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 4x Sicarian Infiltrator ◦ 4x Flechette blaster ◦ 4x Taser goad

Sicarian Ruststalkers (165 Points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps ◦ 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker ◦ 9x Transonic razor and chordclaw

Sicarian Ruststalkers (80 Points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps ◦ 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 4x Sicarian Ruststalker ◦ 4x Transonic razor and chordclaw

Sicarian Ruststalkers (80 Points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps ◦ 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 4x Sicarian Ruststalker ◦ 4x Transonic razor and chordclaw

Skorpius Disintegrator (165 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 3x Cognis heavy stubber • 1x Disruptor missile launcher • 1x Ferrumite cannon

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

Archetype

Haloscreed MSU

Thoughts

A real go-wide Ad Mech MSU here highlighting that the faction isn't finished just yet despite taking some nerfs in the slate. Halo packs reactive moves and juicy damage where you need it, and stripping back character support except for Cawl and his Oaths keeps things lean and mean. Infiltrators and Ruststalkers remain excellent in this detachment where the added speed and reach makes them a massive pain for the opponent. Excellent work on the event win!!

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Dan Bruce - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Big brick Space Wolves with Terminators and Wulfen leading the charge.
3rd - Nick (Ben) Greenlay - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Mixed arms Warpbane with Dreadknights, some Razorbacks and an Armiger.
4th - Ryan Pearce - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): Five C'tan Pantheon, vicious stuff.
5th - Matt Wakefield - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Gunline style Renegade Raiders with Vindicators and Predators.
6th - Nick Jagiello - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Triple Vanquisher, Rogal Dorn Grizzled with Cavalry out ahead.
7th - Ryan Bell - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Angron / Double Forgefiend WE.
8th - David Paton - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus / double Forgefiend Grand Coven, love it.

Guild War II

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

Jordan Nach - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

Canoptek Wraiths. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Necrons triple wraith Aw crons (2000 Points)

Necrons Awakened Dynasty Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (150 Points) • 1x Gauss cannon • 1x Overlord's blade • 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancements: Enaegic Dermal Bond

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

Technomancer (100 Points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancements: Nether-realm Casket

Technomancer (80 Points) • 1x Staff of light

Technomancer (80 Points) • 1x Staff of light

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

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

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

PTSD

Thoughts

18 Wraith Awakened makes vicious come back with the Deceive in tow. This list doesn't make as much use of the usual ressurrecting characters nonsense that Awakened likes to pull, but it can mission like a monster and still has a C'tan and the Silent King to retaliate against any effort to clear the Wraiths. Necrons are in a very, very strong spot- whatever build you plan for, they have another one waiting in the wings. It's going to be a long month. Amazing work on the innnovative list and the GT win!!

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - David T. - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): Triple Terminator brick Rubricae.
3rd - John Miller - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): The Custodes Land Raider list.
4th - Kevin Leonard - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): The full triple Chicken / Kairos / Belly Tzeentch build.
5th - Brandon Woods - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): Rage Cursed bricks of doom with double Vindicator in support.
6th - Jason Moskalik - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar): Double Repulsor Blades of Ultramar.
7th - Nick Braun - (Coterie of the Conceited): Coterie Goodstuff.
8th - Jeff Miller - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double C'tan, Warrior Brick, 12 Wraiths. Yikes.

Turbulent Games Warhammer 40K GT

38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, US on January 31 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Matthew Doughman - Imperial Knights (Valourstrike Lance) - 1st Place

Imperial Knight Castellan. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I come in Peace (1990 points)

Imperial Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Valourstrike Lance

CHARACTERS

Cerastus Knight Atrapos (405 points) • 1x Atrapos lascutter 1x Graviton singularity cannon

Knight Castellan (425 points) • Warlord • 1x Plasma decimator 2x Shieldbreaker missile launcher 1x Titanic feet 2x Twin meltagun 1x Twin siegebreaker cannon 1x Volcano lance • Enhancement: Bearer of the Evanescent Ion

Knight Castellan (435 points) • 1x Plasma decimator 2x Shieldbreaker missile launcher 1x Titanic feet 2x Twin meltagun 1x Twin siegebreaker cannon 1x Volcano lance • Enhancement: Bearer of the Judicant's Helm

Knight Crusader (385 points) • 1x Avenger gatling cannon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Ironstorm missile pod 2x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Rapid-fire battle cannon 1x Titanic feet

ALLIED UNITS

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

Ministorum Priest (40 points) • 1x Zealot's vindictor

Subductor Squad (100 points) • 1x Proctor-Subductor • 1x Arbites shotpistol 1x Nuncio-acquila 1x Shock maul • 9x Subductor • 9x Arbites shotpistol 9x Shock maul • 1x Cyber-mastiff • 1x Mechanical bite

Subductor Squad (100 points) • 1x Proctor-Subductor • 1x Arbites shotpistol 1x Nuncio-acquila 1x Shock maul • 9x Subductor • 9x Arbites shotpistol 9x Shock maul • 1x Cyber-mastiff • 1x Mechanical bite

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

Archetype

STOMPY STOMP

Thoughts

Another triumph for the Imperial Knights, who are breaking out in style this week. Assault on those big shooty Knights creates... some spicy possibilities in game, let's put it that way. Double Subductors gives you the means to buy time for the big bois to stage up, or they can hang back and hold / screen depending on your need. Brutal, effective. Excellent work on the event win!

Chad Compton - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Bladeguard. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Mega Fista (1995 Points)

Space Marines Salamanders Firestorm Assault Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Adrax Agatone (85 Points) • 1x Drakkis • 1x Malleus Noctum

Judiciar (80 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x Executioner relic blade • Enhancements: Champion of Humanity

Lieutenant (80 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: War-tempered Artifice

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

Vulkan He'stan (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Gauntlet of the Forge • 1x Spear of Vulkan

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Shield Dome • 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (170 Points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 5x Bladeguard Veteran ◦ 5x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (170 Points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 5x Bladeguard Veteran ◦ 5x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Eradicator Squad (90 Points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Melta rifle • 2x Eradicator ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Melta rifle ◦ 1x Multi-melta

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

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

Infernus Squad (90 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Pyreblaster

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

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

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

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

ALLIED UNITS

Ministorum Priest (40 Points) • 1x Zealot's vindictor

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

Archetype

Sally Forth!

Thoughts

Salamanders have quietly plugged away as a solid option in this meta, despite being a little way down the Marine pecking order. A Land Raider Redeemer punches HARD here, especially into the Oath target, and the mission play and re-embarkationon possibilities allow you to get a lot of value out of the Blade Guard bricks. I think Salamanders are basically a unique unit or two away from being a really interesting rule set and prospect- I'd love to see them get that in 11th Edition so I can return to mine!! Great work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd - Harout Baltayan - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer): Old school hulls and big Knight Hammer - with a cheeky DEFILER in there! Love it.
4th - Treynor Wolfe - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar): Gunline heavy Blade of Ultramar.
5th - Cyle Thompson - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Accursed brick, Chosen brick, plenty of tanks.
6th - Sean Lengenfelder - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): The Custodes Land Raider list.
7th - Noah Westergaard - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): A solitary Rampager and ALL the War Dogs.

2026 Miniature Market Warhammer 40k Grand Tournament

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in St. Peters, MO, United States on January 31 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Connor Johnson - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Post Feliz (2000 Points)

Thousand Sons Grand Coven Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with Wings (205 Points) • 1x Dark Blessing • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Eldritch Vortex of E'Taph

Magnus the Red (435 Points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus • 1x Gaze of Magnus • 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

Sorcerer (100 Points) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • 1x Pandaemonic Delusion • Enhancements: Umbralefic Crystal

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (85 Points) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Gaze of Hate • 1x Inferno combi-bolter

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (100 Points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Malefic Curse ◦ 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Flame ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon ◦ 3x Warpflamer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Helbrute (110 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Heavy flamer • 1x Helbrute fist • 1x Helbrute fist

Mutalith Vortex Beast (170 Points) • 1x Betentacled maw • 1x Mutalith claws • 1x Warp vortex

Mutalith Vortex Beast (170 Points) • 1x Betentacled maw • 1x Mutalith claws • 1x Warp vortex

Scarab Occult Terminators (360 Points) • 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 1x Malefic Curse • 9x Scarab Occult Terminator ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 7x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 9x Prosperine khopesh ◦ 2x Soulreaper cannon

Sekhetar Robots (80 Points) • 2x Sekhetar Robot ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Heavy warpflamer ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 2x Power claw ◦ 2x Warpflame projector

Tzaangor Enlightened (45 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Divining spear • 2x Enlightened ◦ 2x Divining spear

Tzaangors (70 Points) • 1x Twistbray ◦ 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 1x Brayhorn ◦ 9x Chainsword ◦ 1x Herd banner

Tzaangors (70 Points) • 1x Twistbray ◦ 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor ◦ 1x Brayhorn ◦ 1x Herd banner ◦ 9x Tzaangor blades

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

Archetype

Grand Coven Goodstuff

Thoughts

Magnus / Terminator brick Tsons has landed as the way to run them in this stat-checky meta, where the combination of Doombolt, Oaths, and AP stacking all helps them to chew through the many elite targets doing the rounds. It's a firmly established template and another summer menace that has returned to dominance - lovely to see, PTSD inducing too. Amazing work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Chris Green - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Double Lancer / Redeemer / Melee MSU LAG.
3rd - Kris Schmidt - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Lots of Bullgryn, Leman Russ, and Chimaera.
4th - Eric Darais - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): Crunchy Needgaard with lots of Hearthguard and Land Fortresses.
5th - Mike Annarelli - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Pressure Mont'ka with Triptide, a Hammerhead and a Skyray.
6th - Ben Murowchick - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): More Triptide, this time supported by Crisis Suits in Ret Cadre.

El Rey en el Norte II - wh40k

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Monterrey, N.L., México on January 31 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Xavier Barrera - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 1st Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The last march of the Bullgryns(before the nerf)(2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Grizzled Company

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 points) • 1x Cadian Commander • Warlord • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Plasma gun • 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

Commissar (50 points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • Enhancement: Abhuman Detail

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Meltagun 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Meltagun 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (120 points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Hunting lance 1x Lasgun 1x Laspistol 1x Steed's hooves • 9x Rough Rider • 9x Hunting lance 9x Lasgun 9x Laspistol 9x Steed's hooves

Bullgryn Squad (200 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (200 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (200 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

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

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

Krieg Combat Engineers (95 points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Krieg Combat Engineer • 1x Autopistol 9x Close combat weapon 7x Combat shotgun 1x Flamer 1x Remote Mine

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

Archetype

The 18 Professors

Thoughts

Bullgryn eh. A slab of muscle for every occasion. This list pivots around the full 18 professors of yesteryear, with double Dorn behind to take advantage as the foe attempts to grapple with them. Guard are plugging away very happily with Grizzled giving them just the toolkit they need to return to relevance. Fantastic work on the even win!

The Best of the Rest

There was 1 more player on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Amador Perez - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Ultras gunline with lots of tanks.
3rd - Enrique Ibarra - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): 18 Bullgryn Grizzled.
4th - Julio Villarreal - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre): Massed Rampagers with Riptides behind, love this.

Wrap Up

I'll level with you, readers. This meta ain't great. We have a LOT of dominant stat checks in play with the main meta movement being about finding the next one to beat up the previous - the apparent resurgence of Imperial Knights is the next step in this saga. Will the new arrival of CSM / Elf reinforcements shake the meta up, or release even more death stars to trouble the conscience of sleepy Goonhammer writers? Only time will tell...

Have fun out there!

Lowest of Men, out.

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[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Star God Mode pt.3

Event News - Goonhammer UK Teams March 2026

This Week's Events

CaptainCon 2026 40K Event Hosted by Away Games

The Showdown - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer) versus Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions)

Take and Hold - Search and Destroy

Thoughts

Result

Jonas Beardsley - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jaime Paris - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Tony Phillips - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

James Culpepper - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Torchlight Ironman 2000pts - January 31st 2026

Troy Freiburger - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Guild War II

Jordan Nach - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Turbulent Games Warhammer 40K GT

Matthew Doughman - Imperial Knights (Valourstrike Lance) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Chad Compton - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

2026 Miniature Market Warhammer 40k Grand Tournament

Connor Johnson - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

El Rey en el Norte II - wh40k

Xavier Barrera - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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