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

[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Warping Time pt.2

by Lowest of Men | May 16 2025
Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

More Warhammer to cover as the denizens of the Warp warm up for a big summer. Today we've got:

Today:
  • SSG Miniature Metropolis - Meta Shuffle
  • Hyper 352: GT
  • Midgards May 40k ITC Grand Tournament
  • Ammonite Gaming - The May GT 25
Wednesday:
  • Münsterland Major 2
  • Dawn of Vår 2k25
  • Battle on the Bayou
  • Down Under 40k May Dawnbringer GT 2

SSG Miniature Metropolis - Meta Shuffle

93-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Stockholms län, Sverige on May 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Sebastian Larsson - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) - 1st Place

Credit: Swiftblade

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Knights + DETACHMENT: Traitoris Lance + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char1: War Dog Stalker + ENHANCEMENT: Aura of Terror (on Char1: War Dog Stalker) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 13 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (13x2) - Assassination: 1 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x War Dog Stalker (165 pts): Warlord, Havoc multi-launcher, Daemonbreath spear, Slaughterclaw Enhancement: Aura of Terror (+25 pts)

1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher

Archetype

War Dog Spam

Thoughts

With teasers of a new CK book on the horizon, will we be waving goodbye to pure War Dog spam? Only time will tell. In the meantime, this very well established build rocks out and claims a first place here with it's OC toting, stat checking goodness. Really well done on the event win!

Johan Nicolaisen - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Roboute Guilliman Roboute Guilliman by Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium + + WARLORD: Char2: Roboute Guilliman + ENHANCEMENT: The Honour Vehement (on Char1: Lieutenant with Combi-weapon) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (6x2) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 3x Marneus Calgar (210 pts) • 1x Marneus Calgar: Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard: 2 with Victrix Power Sword Char2: 1x Roboute Guilliman (345 pts): Warlord, Hand of Dominion, The Emperor's Sword Char3: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades Enhancement: The Honour Vehement (+15 pts)

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 4 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 4 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 4x Company Heroes (105 pts) • 2x Company Veteran 1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle 1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Heavy Bolter • 1x Ancient: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon • 1x Company Champion: Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon 5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) • 4x Infiltrator 2 with Infiltrator Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 1 with Infiltrator Comms Array, Infiltrator Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 1 with Helix Gauntlet, Infiltrator Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 2x Scout 1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher 1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle • 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Boltgun • 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Gladiator Lancer (160 pts): Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Lancer Laser Destroyer, 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launcher 1x Predator Destructor (140 pts): Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Predator Autocannon, Storm Bolter, 2x Lascannon 1x Vindicator (185 pts): Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter

Char4: 1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts): Neural shredder, Phase sword and poison blades Char5: 1x Ministorum Priest (40 pts): Zealot's vindictor

Archetype

Ultramarines Goodstuff

Thoughts

Another firmly established meta stalwart, Ultramarines gladius continues to take names. I like the tiny little budget priest to get you a super cheap action monkey. Otherwise it is very much business as usual here with souped up tanks taking names as the named characters play the objectives! Great work on the top placing.

Jacob Holmström - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 3rd Place

Credit: Dan "Swiftblade" Richardson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Haha, du får inte slänga ”Cull the horde” (2000 Points)

Tyranids Invasion Fleet Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Hive Tyrant (250 Points) • Warlord • 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip • 1x Monstrous scything talons • Enhancements: Adaptive Biology

BATTLELINE

Hormagaunts (130 Points) • 20x Hormagaunt ◦ 20x Hormagaunt talons

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Invasion Fleet Norn

Thoughts

Tyranids have felt fairly solved this slate, with less new toys given to them to play with. The Norn Emissary continues to make builds, offering solidity and a big OC bomb to compliment the relentless mission play toolkit of Invasion Fleet. Really well done on the top placing!

Kalle Abrahamsson - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 4th Place

Maleceptor. Credit: Rockfish Maleceptor. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Tyranids + DETACHMENT: Invasion Fleet + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Hive Tyrant + ENHANCEMENT: Adaptive Biology (on Char2: Hive Tyrant) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (7x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 2 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Broodlord (80 pts): Broodlord Claws and Talons Char2: 1x Hive Tyrant (250 pts): Warlord, Monstrous bonesword and lash whip, Heavy venom cannon Enhancement: Adaptive Biology (+25 pts)

10x Gargoyles (85 pts): 10 with Blinding venom, Fleshborer

1x Biovores (50 pts): Chitin-barbed limbs, Spore mine launcher 10x Genestealers (150 pts): 10 with Genestealers claws and talons 1x Lictor (60 pts): Lictor claws and talons 1x Lictor (60 pts): Lictor claws and talons 3x Raveners (75 pts): 3 with Armoured thorax, Ravener claws and talons 1x Exocrine (140 pts): Bio-plasmic cannon, Powerful limbs 1x Exocrine (140 pts): Bio-plasmic cannon, Powerful limbs 1x Exocrine (140 pts): Bio-plasmic cannon, Powerful limbs 1x Maleceptor (170 pts): Massive scything talons, Psychic overload 1x Maleceptor (170 pts): Massive scything talons, Psychic overload 1x Maleceptor (170 pts): Massive scything talons, Psychic overload 1x Norn Emissary (260 pts): Monstrous rending claws, Monstrous scything talons, Psychic tendril

Archetype

Invasion Fleet Big Bugs

Thoughts

Another Norn list here, this one packs the full 3 Exocrines and Maleceptors in to take arms against the sea of elite infantry currently out there in the game. It lacks a little for raw anti-tank shooting but packs the threats wide and any marines had best watch out! Very well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Joel Larsson - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Massed Wardens in Shield Host.
  • 6th - Jesper Unander - Emperor's Children (Coteries of the Conceited): Coteries goodstuff with triple Daemon Prince.
  • 7th - Hugo Nissar - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Massed big bugs in Invasion Fleet.
  • 8th - Sebastian Andersson - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Old school wolf jail with massed Wulfen and Thunderwolves.
  • 9th - Kaj Börjeson - Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Ultramarines Gladius Goodstuff with Vindicators and Ballistus.
  • 10th - Juan Manuel Sánchez Molina - Orks (More Dakka): Massed Flash Gitz and Tankbustas with Shokk Attak Meks in More Dakka!
  • 11th - Mattias Levin - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): No detachment included but based on the build (massed infantry bodies, Krieg, Dorn) I am going to guess Combined Regiment!
  • 12th - Markus Hederberg - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Dorns, Russ and Taurox in Hammer of the Emperor.
  • 13th - Douglas Svensson - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Massed Wardens and some Guard in Lions of the Emperor.

Hyper 352: GT

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Москва, Москва, Россия on May 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Anton Vasin - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 1st Place

Be'lakor, the Dark Master. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + TEAM: Rocket + HIN: 167 + PLAYER: VAS + Number of Units: 11 + Character Units (Models): 7 (7) + Vehicle/Monster Models (Max Points): 6 (25) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

== Daemonic Incursion Army Roster 1995 pts ==

EH1: Be'lakor: Warlord [375 pts] EH2: Rotigus [250 pts] EH3: Skarbrand [305 pts] EH4: Syll'esske [120 pts]

CH1: Bloodmaster [65 pts] CH2: Great Unclean One: Bileblade, Bilesword, The Endless Gift [295 pts] CH3: Rendmaster on Blood Throne [165 pts]

BL1: Bloodletters: 9xBloodletter (Hellblade), Bloodreaper (Hellblade), Daemonic Icon, Instrument of Chaos [110 pts]

BE1: Beasts of Nurgle: Beast of Nurgle [65 pts] BE2: Beasts of Nurgle: Beast of Nurgle [65 pts]

VE1: Slaanesh Soul Grinder: Warpclaw [180 pts]

Archetype

Big Boi Time

Thoughts

Big boi time Daemons is eternal, and quietly growing into the meta a the moment. A fair few of the dominant forces in the game really dislike Lone Op auras and high toughness skew - Aeldari, EC and Guard all hate different versions of these tricks, which gives Daemon lists surprising levels of game despite the low numbers of bodies on the field. Daemonic Incursion helps you apply these where you need constantly, and this build packs just enough mission play in to support Rotigus and the gang as they slam you on the primary. Amazing work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Vladimir Dudkevich - Astra Militarum (Siege Regiment): Triple Dorn in Siege Regiment with supporting Rough Riders, baller list.
  • 3rd - Kirill "Carstaneedos" Abdullaev - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Double Maulerfiends in Coteries-  a serious vibe!
  • 4th - Maxim Dokin - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Wardens, Guard, and double Caladius in Lions of the Emperor.
  • 5th - Nikita Borzunov - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Multiple Kill Teams and some Assault Terminators in Deathwatch.

Midgards May 40k ITC Grand Tournament

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Derry, NH, US on May 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Scorched Earth - Swift Action - Tipping Point

Wesley Martin - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty)
Army List - Click to Expand
You get that Thing I sent you? (1995 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Awakened Dynasty

CHARACTERS

Hexmark Destroyer (75 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Gauntlet of Fire 1x Staff of the Destroyer

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

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

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

Technomancer (85 points) • 1x Staff of light

Technomancer (85 points) • 1x Staff of light

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Doomsday Ark (200 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

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

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (165 points) • 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Enmitic exterminator

Ophydian Destroyers (80 points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer • 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons 1x Plasmacyte

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

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

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

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


vs.

Drew Salzborn - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack)
Army List - Click to Expand
Harambe's Revenge (1980 points)

T’au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kroot Hunting Pack

CHARACTERS

Commander Shadowsun (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Advanced Guardian Drone 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Command-link Drone (Aura) 1x Flechette launcher 2x High-energy fusion blaster 1x Light missile pod 1x Pulse pistol

BATTLELINE

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot pistol 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 8x Kroot rifle 1x Tanglebomb launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Ion cannon 2x Seeker missile

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Burst cannon 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Burst cannon 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Burst cannon 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.33.0 (79), Data Version: v609

Thoughts

Ok, buckle up for quite an entertaining showdown. In the Necron corner we have the current emergent meta-choice - Awakened Dynasty antics with resurrecting characters, to secure play into a wide range of armies and exploit mono-phase builds. Double wraith brick gives it plenty of solidity, and there are Lords to cause mischief after refusing to die the firs time around. It asks a serious durability question of the opponent, and it will immediately punish undercommitment.

There will be no such concerns from the T'au side though!  Kroot Hunting Pack is not a detachment that takes it's time getting stuck in, and it brings several phases of damage to the table. Layered up buffs take the Rampagers and Riders to some very scary places, with impact mortals on top that Necrons really are not fans of. Behind these a wall of Skyray and Hammerheads can blast away at the (relatively) limited number of Necron shooting platforms. IF the Kroot go first here, they are putting an awful lot of pressure on, with lone ops behind, at which point it becomes quite hard to see how the Awakened list gets out and starts responding. Even if they don't, they have the teeth to answer the stat check, and Necron lists aren't typically very pleased when that happens... Big T'au win.

Result

T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) Victory - 91 - 42

Drew Salzborn - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) - 1st Place

Krootox Rampager Krootox Rampager. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Harambe's Revenge (1980 points)

T’au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kroot Hunting Pack

CHARACTERS

Commander Shadowsun (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Advanced Guardian Drone 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Command-link Drone (Aura) 1x Flechette launcher 2x High-energy fusion blaster 1x Light missile pod 1x Pulse pistol

BATTLELINE

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot pistol 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 8x Kroot rifle 1x Tanglebomb launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Ion cannon 2x Seeker missile

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Burst cannon 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Burst cannon 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Burst cannon 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.33.0 (79), Data Version: v609

Archetype

Kroot Krootox Spam

Thoughts

As above, glorious forward pressure Krootox spam wins the day, by slamming a host of tough bodies into the opponent as big guns blast at them from behind. As the edition goes on some builds are discovering the optimal blend of 'detachment supported' to 'plug in' units- Kroot Hunting Pack is definitely one such detachment, as getting some self supporting guns in to compliment the pressure is a recipe for success. Great job on the event win!!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Wesley Martin - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): The Awakened Wraith brick list from the showdown.
  • 3rd - Jared Vail - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Kabalite heavy Ynnari with the Yncarne for mischief making.
  • 4th - Ari Chang - Orks (Dread Mob): Lots of Grots and Tankbustas in Dreadmob.
  • 5th - Ian Power - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): German-style Votann goodstuff with the two ten bricks of Berzerkers.

Ammonite Gaming - The May GT 25

26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on May 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Stephen Platten - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) - 1st Place

Genestealer Cult Benefictus.

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Lots of dudes (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Host of Ascension

CHARACTERS

Benefictus (85 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade • Enhancement: Assassination Edict

Benefictus (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade

Benefictus (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade

Biophagus (70 points) • 1x Alchemicus Familiar 1x Autopistol 1x Chemical vials 1x Injector goad • Enhancement: Our Time is Nigh

Primus (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Cult bonesword 1x Scoped needle pistol 1x Toxin injector claw • Enhancement: A Chink In Their Armour

Reductus Saboteur (65 points) • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Demolition charges 1x Remote explosives

Reductus Saboteur (65 points) • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Demolition charges 1x Remote explosives

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Leader’s bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 1x Cult claws and knife 3x Heavy mining tool

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 Hand flamer 1x Leader’s bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 4x Cult claws and knife 3x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader’s bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 4x Cult claws and knife 3x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader’s bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 4x Cult claws and knife 3x Hand flamer

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 2x Heavy stubber 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunner • 2x Armoured hull 2x Heavy mining laser 2x Spotter 2x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

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: v1.32.1 (78), Data Version: v599

Archetype

Host of Ascension Mixed Arms

Thoughts

Steve is a man after my own heart, plugging in a melee piece and some laser Ridgerunners to smooth out some of the component weak spots of Host of Ascension. The full Neophyte builds are absolutely deadly but also very polarising, prone to sometimes being run off the board going second into speedy pressure. A bit of on-board shooting mitigates this somewhat, as does having a good melee swing back available. The Biophagus helps melee Acolytes pop off here with access to Critical hits on 5s for Lethal AND Sustained from reserves. A very potent build indeed! Well done on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Matthew Dickinson - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and the Armigers reunite for a support slot.
  • 3rd - Simon Leonard - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, a Crusader, AND a Gallant! Epic list.
  • 4th - Joshua Melding - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Terminator / triple Vortex Beast Tsons gets a run out as the new book looms.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! The meta marches on, lots of unusual contenders (an event win for Kroot Hunting Pack is especially fun), but new chaos forces are about to land - will they bring balance to the force, or new levels of disorder? We shall see!

Lowest of Men, out.

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | tyranids | Necrons | Warhammer 40k | Chaos Knights | competitive play | chaos daemons | Genestealer Cults | tau | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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