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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: A Challenger Approaches pt.2

by James "One_Wing" Grover | May 02 2024


Me again. Did you know there was a whole tonne of Warhammer this past weekend? That includes one event (Warzone: Dice Goblin) which I shamefully failed to notice had used the Dataslate and new Ork/Custodes books, so well done to them, and we get to enjoy looking at that today alongside:
  • Ozcon GT
  • High Noon Showdown 2024
  • Warzone: Dice Goblin
  • Incursion Events 40K GT 27-28/04/2024
  • Red Dragon April GT
Tomorrow Lowest of Men will regale you with tales from:
  • 2024 St. Louis Annual Last Minute Tournament (SALT)
  • 4. Nurglemania (2-täger)
  • War At The Westward IV
  • Triple Cities GT @ Dragon Master Games
  • Saarhammer 40k #36 GT 2 Tage
If you're looking for any of the following, you want part 1 from yesterday:

  • Squig City: Casino Royale
  • Frontier Open 2024
  • Kennedy-Con 40K
  • ValleyCon 2024
  • The Deck Box Masters Grand Tournament April 27th-28th

Ozcon GT

48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in West Plains, MO, United States on April 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Kyle Lamperez - Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead) - 1st Place

Azrael. Credit: Rockfish Azrael. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
iron angels (2000 points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Ironstorm Spearhead

CHARACTERS

Azrael (105 points) • Warlord • 1x Lion’s Wrath 1x The Lion Helm 1x The Sword of Secrets

Techmarine (80 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: Adept of the Omnissiah

Techmarine (75 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: Master of Machine War (Aura)

Techmarine (65 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: The Flesh Is Weak

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

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

Inceptor Squad (130 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

Inceptor Squad (130 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

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

Ravenwing Darkshroud (115 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolter

Redemptor Dreadnought (210 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin storm bolter

Stormraven Gunship (240 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Hurricane bolter 2x Stormstrike missile launcher 1x Twin lascannon 1x Twin multi-melta

Exported with App Version: v1.12.0 (40), Data Version: v357

Archetype

Darkstormraven

Thoughts

The Stormraven's pre-dataslate rampage continues here, alongisde some common dakka options and some popular support choices from Dark Angels, providing protection and CP galore. Although the Stormraven catches a points increase in the Dataslate, I suspect this version of the build is very much still real, as it needs to free up fewer additional points than either double Stormraven builds or Black Templar ones. I would not be surprised to see Kyle back with this again in the near future, for now congratulations!

Caleb Bauder - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Maleceptor. Credit: Rockfish Maleceptor. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
++ JT if you hit pair round, and I pair into Connor, please for the love of god, re pair the round(Xenos - Tyranids) [1,990pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size

Detachment: Invasion Fleet

Show/Hide Options: Legends are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible

+ Epic Hero +

Deathleaper [80pts]

Old One Eye [140pts]

+ Character +

Hive Tyrant [260pts]: Adaptive Biology, Monstrous Bonesword and Lash Whip, Monstrous Scything Talons, Warlord

Neurotyrant [105pts]

+ Battleline +

Gargoyles [80pts] . 10x Gargoyles: 10x Blinding Venom, 10x Fleshborer

Gargoyles [80pts] . 10x Gargoyles: 10x Blinding Venom, 10x Fleshborer

Gargoyles [80pts] . 10x Gargoyles: 10x Blinding Venom, 10x Fleshborer

+ Infantry +

Biovores [75pts]: Biovore

Neurolictor [80pts]

Neurolictor [80pts]

Pyrovores [35pts]: Pyrovore

Pyrovores [35pts]: Pyrovore

+ Monster +

Carnifexes [250pts] . Carnifex: Bio-plasma, Deathspitters with Slimer Maggots, Deathspitters with Slimer Maggots, Spine Banks . Carnifex: Bio-plasma, Deathspitters with Slimer Maggots, Deathspitters with Slimer Maggots, Spine Banks

Exocrine [135pts]

Exocrine [135pts]

Maleceptor [170pts]

Maleceptor [170pts]

++ Total: [1,990pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe ()

Archetype

Monsters Whoms't Mash

Thoughts

Bugs! Big bugs! We've seen plenty of this sort of thing, so there's not too much to explain beyond highlighting the continuing power and flexibility of the One-Eye/Dakkafex brick. I expect to see more of this sort of army post-dataslate simply because the multi-C'tan builds that give it fits will be less common (and this build already has 10pts spare to cover the increase on two of its three Gargoyle units, so not much change needed). Well done Caleb for taking an undefeated second even while those big predators are still on the rampage!

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Connor Johnson - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Another showing for the Forgefiend spin on Tsons, adding a Mutalith as well for target saturation.
  • 4th - Kenton Evans - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Crunch meta World Eaters with a Lord of Skulls and a Maulerfiend.
  • 5th - Eli Harvey - Adepta Sororitas: Infantry/Transport-heavy Sisters.
  • 6th - Chris Campbell - Chaos Knights: Desecrator and Dogs.
  • 7th - Samuel Manuel - Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead): Another Darkstormraven build, elevated by a literary list name.
  • 8th - Dana Thibeau- World Eaters: Lots of Eightbound and a Lord of Skulls.

High Noon Showdown 2024

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Oklahoma City, OK, United States on April 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Kyle Kachelmeyer - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 1st Place

TY7 Devilfish. Credit: Rockfish TY7 Devilfish. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
OKc list pre codex (2000 points)

T’au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kauyon

CHARACTERS

Cadre Fireblade (55 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Exemplar of the Kauyon

Cadre Fireblade (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone

Cadre Fireblade (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone

Longstrike (140 points) • Warlord • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

BATTLELINE

Breacher Team (90 points) • 1x Support turret missile system • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team (90 points) • 1x Support turret missile system • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team (90 points) • 1x Support turret missile system • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Devilfish (75 points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Devilfish (75 points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Devilfish (75 points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin smart missile system

Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin smart missile system

Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin smart missile system

Kroot Carnivores (55 points) • 10x Kroot Carnivore • 10x Kroot rifle

Piranha (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranha (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha burst cannon 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranha (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha burst cannon 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Riptide Battlesuit (165 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Riptide Battlesuit (165 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Sky Ray Gunship (130 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Tetras (80 points) • 2x Tetra • 2x Close combat weapons 4x Pulse rifle

Tetras (80 points) • 2x Tetra • 2x Close combat weapons 4x Pulse rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.12.0 (40), Data Version: v357

Archetype

Triptide and Hulls

Thoughts

Overwhelm them with gunships and Riptides - it already works for Tau in Kauyon, and it’s probably going to be even better once their Codex finally limps into playability. Almost there. Not much more to say here other than that I enjoy the Exemplar of Kauyon Fireblade for an extra nasty turn 2 Breacher surprise. Well done Kyle.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Douglas Labov - Khorne Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Hell yeah pure Khorne Daemons, always fun to see. Here we’ve got a Daemon Prince, Skarbrand and a Bloodthirster as the biggest hitters, with two Rendmasters providing a bit of flexibility as to where the really big damage falls.
  • 3rd - Steve Goodrich - Orks (Waaagh! Tribe): Aggro Trukk spam with Ghaz and Mozrog to provide additional hammers.
  • 4th - Sean Hemingway - Aeldari (Battle Host): Avatar, shooty hulls and speedy Aspects.
  • 5th - Hayden Webb - Chaos Knights: Dogs and Nurglings.
  • 6th - Cam Hawkins - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): ALl in on Jump Pack death Company, packing three full units with Astaroth, Lemartes and a Chaplain in charge, then finishing with a full Assault Intercessor squad lead by Corbulo in a Redeemer. Chainswords go brr.
  • 7th - Trevor Madden - Imperial Knights: An aggressive triple big build, combining a Lancer, Errant and Canis.
  • 8th - John Storm - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): An unusual double Monolith Awakened build, leveraging the Phasal Subjugator to boost up their output.

Warzone: Dice Goblin

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cumming, GA, US on April 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

I didn’t notice when splitting up parts, but this event was post-dataslate. Normally I like to reward such dedication to the advancement of the meta with a front-and-centre showing, apologies for missing it!

The Showdown

Supply Drop - Chilling Rain - Search & Destroy

Kris Ku - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance)
Army List - Click to Expand
WTC CK List (1990 Points)

Chaos Knights Traitoris Lance Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (150 Points)* • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Slaughterclaw

* This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword

BATTLELINE

War Dog Brigand (170 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

Beasts of Nurgle (70 Points) • 1x Putrid appendages

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.13.0 (36), Data Version: v373


vs.

Z Martin - Aeldari (Battle Host)

Army List - Click to Expand
Z-dari. This is my Eldar. There are many like it, but this one is mine. 2. My Eldar is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. 3. My Eldar, without me, is useless. Without my Eldar, I am useless. I must fire my Eldar true. 4. My Eldar and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit…. 5. My Eldar is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my Eldar clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will …. (2000 Points)

Aeldari Battle Host Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Farseer Skyrunner (125 Points) • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Witchblade • Enhancements: The Phoenix Gem

Yvraine (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Kha-vir, the Sword of Sorrows 1x Storm of Whispers

BATTLELINE

Storm Guardians (100 Points) • 10x Storm Guardian • 2x Aeldari flamer 2x Aeldari power sword 8x Guardian combat weapon 2x Guardian fusion gun 6x Shuriken pistol • 1x Serpent’s Scale Platform • 1x Guardian combat weapon 1x Serpent shield

Storm Guardians (100 Points) • 10x Storm Guardian • 2x Aeldari flamer 2x Aeldari power sword 8x Guardian combat weapon 2x Guardian fusion gun 6x Shuriken pistol • 1x Serpent’s Scale Platform • 1x Guardian combat weapon 1x Serpent shield

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (120 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

Wave Serpent (120 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (80 Points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

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

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

Support Weapons (135 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x D-cannon 1x Shuriken catapult

Support Weapons (135 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x D-cannon 1x Shuriken catapult

Swooping Hawks (80 Points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk’s talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

ALLIED UNITS

Drazhar (75 Points) • 1x The Executioner’s demiklaives

Incubi (75 Points) • 4x Incubi • 4x Klaive • 1x Klaivex • 1x Klaive

Lelith Hesperax (85 Points) • 1x Lelith’s blades

Reavers (60 Points) • 1x Arena Champion • 1x Agoniser 1x Bladevanes 1x Cluster caltrops 1x Heat lance 1x Splinter pistol • 2x Reaver • 2x Bladevanes 2x Splinter pistol 2x Splinter rifle

Reavers (60 Points) • 1x Arena Champion • 1x Agoniser 1x Bladevanes 1x Cluster caltrops 1x Heat lance 1x Splinter pistol • 2x Reaver • 2x Bladevanes 2x Splinter pistol 2x Splinter rifle

Reavers (60 Points) • 1x Arena Champion • 1x Agoniser 1x Bladevanes 1x Cluster caltrops 1x Heat lance 1x Splinter pistol • 2x Reaver • 2x Bladevanes 2x Splinter pistol 2x Splinter rifle

Scourges (110 Points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Drukhari haywire blaster

Scourges (110 Points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Venom (70 Points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter cannon 1x Splinter cannon

Wyches (90 Points) • 1x Hekatrix • 1x Blast pistol 1x Hekatarii blade 1x Phantasm grenade launcher • 9x Wych • 9x Hekatarii blade 9x Splinter pistol

Exported with App Version: v1.12.0 (35), Data Version: v357

Thoughts

Oh no, I’m being tempted. Anyone who saw what I was playing for most of 8th and 9th will know that I love transport-heavy Aeldari/Drukhari mixed builds, and we’ve got a premium example on show here. Taking advantage of newly cheaper Storm Guardians to provide sticky objectives and (via the Yvraine unit) a surprisingly durable midfield position holder, this list can bait foes into position where all its big guns can do horrible things to them, with reprisals mostly landing on expendable Reavers. I’m a little surprised we haven’t seen more of 3x3 Reavers in Ynnari as they’re an incredibly good value unit, bringing a combination of speed, expendability and a heat lance shot that benefits from the re-rolls. This list looks awesome, I want to play it, now let’s see what it’s up against.

Chaos Knights haven’t really changed in the Dataslate, but they’re still very strong and this list is pretty scary to the Aeldari even with all their big guns. Brigands will chew through pretty much any of the opposition here, and there’s just lots of Knights to deal with.

Sticky objectives definitely help with that though, and the Aeldari definitely want to aim for a cautious game here. There big advantage is that they can definitely kill enough Knights over the game to max Bring it Down and should trivially get a good score on Homers at the same time. The Knights don’t have nearly as good options for forcing Secondaries, so as long as the Aeldari can focus on denying Primary to the Knights, or at least keeping pace with them, they’ve got a good chance of taking a win. Supply drop is essentially the perfect mission for this plan too!

As ever in response to that kind of play, the Knights need to just get aggressive and aim to create a turn where the Aeldari don’t kill enough of the imminent threats, and then get rolled over. Both outcomes seem plausible, but the mission tips it in the Aeldari’s favour to lock in a low-scoring win, and from the margin I’m guessing that’s what happened.

Result

Aeldari (Battle Host) Victory - 66 - 42

Z Martin - Aeldari (Battle Host) - 1st Place

Craftworld Mymeara Storm Guardians. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

See showdown

Archetype

Combined Arms Ynnari

Thoughts

I am in love with this army list. It has so many of my favourite things. Can I face painting a second unit of Storm Guardians? God help me I might need to find out. Well done Z.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Kris Ku - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): See showdown
  • 3rd - Chris Dailey - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Double Dorns, dodging the newly increased artillery tax in a very direct fashion.
  • 4th - David Purcell - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Alternatively, invest in Russes - massed Tank Commanders, an Exterminator, an Eradicator and somehow three Vanquishers for the second time this week. I guess they are real cheap for what they are now. Crunch meta might be reaching a middle.
  • 5th - Dustin Brown - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Lots of ThunderCav and some shooty tanks, including a newly cheap Vindicator.
  • 6th - Cameron Zareie - Thousand Sons: Lots of Rubricae and Characters, mixing things up a bit by adding two Tzaangor units with Shamans as mid-quality board control.

Incursion Events 40K GT 27-28/04/2024

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on April 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Rob Lebeau - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 1st Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Priory of the Silent Heart (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Hallowed Martyrs

CHARACTERS

Morvenn Vahl (145 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

Palatine (65 points) • 1x Palatine blade 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Blade of Saint Ellynor

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Arco-flagellants (150 points) • 10x Arco-flagellant • 10x Arco-flails

Arco-flagellants (150 points) • 10x Arco-flagellant • 10x Arco-flails

Castigator (140 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Crusaders (25 points) • 2x Crusader • 2x Power weapon

Crusaders (25 points) • 2x Crusader • 2x Power weapon

Dominion Squad (110 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

Paragon Warsuits (170 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon grenade launchers 1x Paragon war mace • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon grenade launchers 2x Paragon war blade

Repentia Squad (110 points) • 1x Repentia Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Neural whips • 9x Sister Repentia • 9x Penitent eviscerator

Repentia Squad (110 points) • 1x Repentia Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Neural whips • 9x Sister Repentia • 9x Penitent eviscerator

Retributor Squad (105 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 (70 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

Seraphim Squad (70 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 (85 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

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (90 points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.12.0 (40), Data Version: v357

Archetype

Board Control Sisters

Thoughts

That’s so much stuff, good grief. Going relatively light on Characters ensures this spin on Sororitas has a lot of units on the table, and lots of Transports means they have layered defences. Add in some hammer blows from Repentia and Vahl’s unit and it’s a very potent all-round recipe, well done Rob.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Ross Tully - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): An unusually Berzerker-heavy spin on World Eaters, packing in 30 of them and going lighter on Eightbound than the norm to compensate. Angron and a Winged Prince provide big hammers on top of that.
  • 3rd - James Shapiro - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): Teleporting Centurion/Infiltrating Calgar spectacular, with Eradicators as the partners of choice for the latter.
  • 4th - Tom Hamshire - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Standard 2/4 Raider/Venom setup Skysplinter.
  • 5th - Craig Douglas - T'au Empire: Suits galore, with Riptides, Broadsides and a Crisis unit.

Red Dragon April GT

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ottawa, ON, CA on April 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

François Lalonde - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) - 1st Place

Flesh Tearers Death Company. Credit: Drybrush Threepwood

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
April GT (1995 Points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Sons of Sanguinius Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (85 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

Captain with Jump Pack (85 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

Lemartes (110 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x The Blood Crozius

Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (100 Points) • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt Pistol • Enhancements: Icon of the Angel

Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (90 Points) • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt Pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (170 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 9x Astartes chainsword 7x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Plasma pistol

Death Company Marines (115 Points) • 5x Death Company Marine • 5x Inferno pistol 5x Power fist

Death Company Marines (115 Points) • 5x Death Company Marine • 5x Inferno pistol 5x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (260 Points) • 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack • 10x Inferno pistol 10x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (130 Points) • 5x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack • 5x Inferno pistol 5x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (130 Points) • 5x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack • 5x Inferno pistol 5x Power fist

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

Scout Squad (65 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (65 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (210 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Storm Shield 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack • 9x Storm Shield 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (90 Points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.12.0 (35), Data Version: v357

Archetype

Trade-focused Jump Pack Spam

Thoughts

A lot of unsurprising choices for a Blood Angels build here, but there is some tinkering with the formula that I think adds a good amount of value. Packing 2x5 Jump Company after the main squad and 2x5 foot ones in a staging Rhino gives the list lots of moderately expendable ways to project threat and make value trades. That helps mitigate the main risk for hammer blow builds like this, which is that if the opponent can roll with it and hit back, you can sometimes just lose. Adding options for a cagier game seems like a smart move, and well-rewarded for François here, congratulations!

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on X-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Matthew Salouros - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Dreadknights and two big Terminator bricks, a Brotherhood unit with Draigo and a Paladin squad with a Grand Master and the Sigil. I continue to highly endorse the Sigil on Paladins instead of a GMDK in these builds, glad to see some evidence in support of that!
  • 3rd - Zach Comeau - T'au Empire (Kauyon): Cyclic crisis MSUs and Riptides.
  • 4th - Jeremy "Curie" Atkinson - Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead): Double Darkstormraven.

Wrap Up

Whoaaa we're (more than) halfway there. Come back tomorrow for the final part of this week's roundup, just in time for you all to head out and rack up a bunch of post-dataslate games for me to dig into!

Tags: Space Marines | tyranids | blood angels | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | Chaos Knights | Dark Angels | competitive play | Ynnari | tau | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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