The Dataslate has had time to sink in, and as well as re-shuffling the factions it's brought a wider meta shift. Crunch meta is (mostly) OUT and melee meta is IN. Between Space Wolves, Orks, World Eaters and Blood Angels, we've got hyper-aggressive pressure armies rampaging across tabletops in greater numbers than we've seen at any point thus far this edition, so if you're rocking up to a tournament, make sure you're ready to handle foes both belligerent and numerous.

Some high threat shooting armies like Thousand Sons and Ironstorm Dark Angels/Templars are managing to keep pace, and Grey Knights are finding that their crunch builds adapt well to an Orky world, but elsewhere some keepaway scoring armies like Aeldari and Hypercrypt Necrons are having a tough time.

All change out in the world, so let's get the hot details. Today I'm looking at:

III GT Andorra & Open Ordino
Frontline Gaming BAO 2024 Warhammer 40K Champs
ObSec presents War Calls 40k 2024
CTC Warhammer 40k Championship Open
Xtraschicht 3.0
South Yorkshire GT 24

On Friday we'll have Lowest of Men examining:

40k Rocky Top Rumble 2024
The Alamo GT ‘24 (major)
Dutch Masters Grand tournament | golden ticket qualifier
Capital Clash - Get 'em Boyz!
Heroes Of The Mid Table Spring Gt, 2024
GRIMDARK 21: New venues to conquer!

Our Showdowns, as voted for by the Goonhammer Patrons, are:

Leagues of Votann vs. Death Guard at the BAO Champs.
Mont'ka Tau vs Stormlance Space Wolves at Capital Clash.

III GT Andorra & Open Ordino

203-player, 8-round Supermajor in Ordino, Ordino, AD on May 24 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Terroxer El Rojo - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Trinity 21 Cabals (2000 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Cult of Magic

CHARACTERS

Ahriman (130 points) • 1x Black Staff of Ahriman 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Psychic Stalk

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (135 points) • 1x Arcane Fire 1x Force weapon 1x Prosperine khopesh 1x Warpflame pistol • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points) • 1x Arcane Fire 1x Force weapon 1x Prosperine khopesh 1x Warpflame pistol

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points) • 1x Arcane Fire 1x Force weapon 1x Prosperine khopesh 1x Warpflame pistol

Infernal Master (115 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Screamer Invocation • Enhancement: Arcane Vortex

Magnus the Red (440 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus 1x Gaze of Magnus 1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm

Thousand Sons Sorcerer (130 points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol • Enhancement: Lord of Forbidden Lore

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (105 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol 1x Warpsmite • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (105 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol 1x Warpsmite • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (105 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol 1x Warpsmite • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (105 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol 1x Warpsmite • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (105 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol 1x Warpsmite • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Thousand Sons Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Inferno combi-bolter 1x Inferno combi-weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Mutalith Vortex Beast (165 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 points) • 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Thousand Sons Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Archetype

Characters, Rubricae and a Beast

Thoughts

Thousand Sons care not for the twisting and turning of the metagame, they'll just keep on winning. To be fair, their overall is down quite a bit this week, falling behind some of the melee threats, but they took the trophies at two of the biggest majors out there, and in the right hands they continue to be (probably) the most powerful faction in the game. I do think it's interesting to see a Beast out and about, which Euro lists have mostly eschwed up till now - my assumption is that it's to give you something that can bog down melee pressure for a turn if you need it, and is particularly nice against Space Wolves where it can move block the Cavalry. Congratulations Terroxer on the win!

Alejandro Mancuso Serrano - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) - 2nd Place

Grey Knights Paladins. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

es aquí lo de los golden tickets? (1995 points)

Grey Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Teleport Strike Force

CHARACTERS

Brotherhood Librarian (120 points) • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purge Soul

Brotherhood Librarian (150 points) • Warlord • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purge Soul • Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence

Castellan Crowe (75 points) • 1x Black Blade of Antwyr 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter

BATTLELINE

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 points) • 1x Terminator Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Brotherhood Terminator • 1x Ancient’s Banner 1x Incinerator 1x Narthecium 4x Nemesis force weapon 2x Storm bolter

Strike Squad (120 points) • 1x Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Grey Knight • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Incinerator 3x Nemesis force weapon 3x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (260 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Flamestorm cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Paladin Squad (225 points) • 1x Paragon • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 1x Paladin Ancient • 1x Ancient’s Banner 1x Incinerator 1x Nemesis force weapon • 3x Paladin • 2x Incinerator 3x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter

Purifier Squad (250 points) • 1x Knight of the Flame • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter • 9x Purifier • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Incinerator 5x Nemesis force weapon 9x Purifying Flame 5x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Archetype

All-Rounder Grey Knights

Thoughts

Hot on the heels of the Thousand Sons (and listed in BCP as a 100-100 draw, no idea what happened there and I've had no response to an email) we have Grey Knights, sporting a relatively all-rounder build with elements of crunch. Pivoting back towards a few Infantry units, especially Paladins with the Sigil, lets you take advantage of Grey Knight stratagems to confuse and confound melee builds, and also ensures you have the rate of fire to carve through hordes. That's particularly true with Crowe's Purifiers, for whom a metagame containing lots of Orks is very much a target-rich environment. Add in great counterpunch from the Dreadknights and you have an extremely solid all-rounder that's can tangle with the best. Congratulations to Alejandro.

Alvaro Perez - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Army Roster (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Black Templars) [2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size:2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Detachment: Gladius Task Force

Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible, Legends are visible, Titans are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible

+ Epic Hero +

High Marshal Helbrecht [120pts]

The Emperor's Champion [75pts]

+ Character +

Apothecary Biologis [85pts]: Fire Discipline, Warlord

Captain [95pts]:The Honour Vehement

. Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle, Melee Weapon: Power Fist

+ Infantry +

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts]

. Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist . 3x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol . Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack w/ Plasma Pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts]

. Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist . 3x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol . Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack w/ Plasma Pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts]

. Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist . 3x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol . Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack w/ Plasma Pistol

Eradicator Squad [190pts]

. 3x Eradicator: 3x Bolt Pistol, 3x Close Combat Weapon, 3x Melta Rifle . Eradicator Sergeant . Eradicator with Multi-melta . Eradicator with Multi-melta

Inceptor Squad [130pts]: Assault Bolters

. 2x Inceptor: 2x Close Combat Weapon . Inceptor Sergeant

Primaris Sword Brethren [150pts]

. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol . Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Thunder Hammer . Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol . Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws . Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon

Primaris Sword Brethren [150pts]

. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol . Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Thunder Hammer . Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol . Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws . Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon

Primaris Sword Brethren [150pts]

. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol . Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Thunder Hammer . Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol . Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws . Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon

Scout Squad [65pts]

. Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword . Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Heavy Bolter . Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle . 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon

+ Vehicle +

Land Raider Redeemer [260pts]: Hunter Killer Missile, Multi-melta, Storm Bolter

+ Dedicated Transport +

Impulsor [80pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome

Impulsor [80pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome

Impulsor [80pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome

+ Allied Units +

Inquisitorial Henchmen [50pts]

. 2x Inquisitorial Acolyte: 2x Acolyte firearm, 2x Acolyte melee weapon . Inquisitorial Acolyte w/ eviscerator . Inquisitorial Acolyte w/ plasma pistol

++ Total: [2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Counterattack Templars

Thoughts

Our third place build here is one I really like, as it's already very effectively tuned for a melee-heavy metagame. Even with 10th Edition's more generous pile-in rules after charging, foot/paw-slogging melee lists can struggle with Transports packed with counter-charge threats, as it's very tricky for them to control the terms of engagement. This build leans into that via four transports packed with horrific stuff - three tooled-up Character and Brethren units, and one big Eradicator unit to melt anyone sticking to crunch meta, or failing that Meganobz. Thanks to running as Gladius, if the opponent doesn't want a melee clash you can force them to have one via Assault Doctrine, and overall you get a very adaptable and potent list, and a well-deserved third place for Alvaro.

Fredy Blanco - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) - 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

No es país para Calvos (2000 points)

Si Vd está leyendo esto debe creer que sé lo que hago, pero no es verdad. Son los muñecos pintados que tenía por casa.

Y como decía el Gran Juanma: - Jugaremos por intención - El único mal rollo es el que quieras plantear - Me fío de tí, pero me pongo triste si me engañas - Almendra

Grey Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Teleport Strike Force

CHARACTERS

Brotherhood Librarian "Manueh" (135 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purge Soul • Enhancement: Inescapable Wrath

Brotherhood Librarian "Lentuso" (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purge Soul

Castellan Crowe "Wimel" (75 points) • 1x Black Blade of Antwyr 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight "Marco Cabezón" (230 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer • Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence

BATTLELINE

Strike Squad (120 points) • 1x Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Grey Knight • 4x Nemesis force weapon 4x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer "la moto de Alex" (260 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Flamestorm cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

Nemesis Dreadknight "Montxito" (195 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight "Pinturillo" (195 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight "Papinurgle" (195 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Paladin Squad (225 points) • 1x Paragon • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 1x Paladin Ancient • 1x Ancient’s Banner 1x Incinerator 1x Nemesis force weapon • 3x Paladin • 2x Incinerator 3x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter

Purifier Squad (250 points) • 1x Knight of the Flame • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter • 9x Purifier • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Incinerator 5x Nemesis force weapon 9x Purifying Flame 5x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Si has llegado hasta aquí, te preguntarás los nombres de los strike, paladines y purificadores... y si, tienen nombre: Strike: César Metachaser Dani Papadopoulos Alucheboy Slazayn toledano Iker "compracacas"

Paladines: Juanmaravilla Loker Terrozeh El Riiiiiichaaal Vlad el temido más delgado que nunca

Purificadores: Alex Kraken Saulion Pollo Guille descamisao Taylor que siempre está en el discord Toxo que me cae bien Pedro y su horda templaria Vinklander de mi corason Showa Mi vecino del 5ºA, que el del B me cae mal

Archetype

Crunch-ish Grey Knights

Thoughts

More Grey Knights here, swapping out one Terminator squad for the GMDK, but keeping some Purifiers and Paladins. I do think the Sigil should still be with the Paladins in the current meta, but there are clearly varying preferences across the Grey Knights community. I do, however, feel it important to question whether anyone who tries to name their Dreadknight "Papinurgle" has a long-term future in the Knights of Titan. Well done Fredy.

The Best of the Rest

The rest of the top eight was:

5th - Borja FM - Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force): An intriugngly crunchy Blood Angels list leveraging Baal Predators and Death Company Dreadnoughts to put down big threats, plus a Librarian Dreadnought ready to zoom some Eradicators across the table.
6th - César MP - Orks (Bully Boyz): The hordier end of Bully Boyz, supplementing the mandatory Meganobz with two big Boyz units.
7th - Koldo Besga - Genestealer Cult: Infantry horde with 3x5 Genestealers to screen.
8th - Eric Ramentol - Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple C'tan and triple Wraiths, with a single Doomstalker adding shooting.

Frontline Gaming BAO 2024 Warhammer 40K Champs

154-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Burlingame, CA, United States on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold - Chilling Rain - Search and Destroy

Junior Aflleje - Leagues of Votann (Oathband)

Army List - Click to Expand

Sand Mouse (2000 Points)

Leagues of Votann Oathband Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Brôkhyr Iron-master (85 Points) • 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master • 1x Graviton hammer 1x Graviton rifle • Enhancements: Appraising Glare • 1x Ironkin Assistant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Las-beam cutter • 1x E-COG • 1x Plasma torch • 1x E-COG • 1x Manipulator arms • 1x E-COG • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon

Einhyr Champion (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest • Enhancements: Grim Demeanour

Einhyr Champion (60 Points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 Points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kin melee weapon 1x Weavefield Crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 7x Autoch-pattern bolter 9x Close combat weapon 1x Comms Array 1x HYLas auto rifle 1x Magna-rail rifle 1x Medipack 1x Pan Spectral Scanner

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (115 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x L7 missile launcher 1x Sagitaur missile launcher 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x L7 missile launcher 1x Sagitaur missile launcher 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x L7 missile launcher 1x Sagitaur missile launcher 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (170 Points) • 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 6x Close combat weapon 6x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (85 Points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul

Einhyr Hearthguard (320 Points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x Concussion hammer 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher 1x Teleport Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x Exo-armour grenade launcher 9x Volkanite disintegrator

Einhyr Hearthguard (160 Points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x Concussion hammer 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher 1x Teleport Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard • 4x Concussion gauntlet 4x Exo-armour grenade launcher 4x Volkanite disintegrator

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x MATR autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 1x SP heavy conversion beamer 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379

vs.

Scott Toebe - Death Guard (Plague Company)

Army List - Click to Expand

GT list mk 2 (2000 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Plague Company

CHARACTERS

Lord of Virulence (105 points) • 1x Heavy plague fist 1x Twin plague spewer • Enhancement: Shamblerot

Mortarion (325 points) • Warlord • 1x Rotwind 1x Silence 1x The Lantern

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Guard Cultists (50 points) • 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Death Guard Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 9x Cultist firearm

Deathshroud Terminators (120 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Manreaper 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (120 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Manreaper 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

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

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

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

Plagueburst Crawler (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Entropy cannon 1x Heavy slugger 1x Plagueburst mortar

Plagueburst Crawler (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Entropy cannon 1x Heavy slugger 1x Plagueburst mortar

Plagueburst Crawler (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Entropy cannon 1x Heavy slugger 1x Plagueburst mortar

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Thoughts

As is going to become a bit of a theme this week, one of the ways players can adapt to a melee-heavy metagame is with their own counterpunch threats in Transports, and Votann are pretty well placed for that. Sagitaurs are tiny, easy to hide and can disgorge a vicious squad of Beserks to go ham on something, while a Fire Support Land Fortress with Hearthguard can do some very nasty stuff across two phases. You can also build in quite a bit of insurance against residual crunch meta on the cheap with Thunderkyn, who are priced to move at the moment and showing up a lot.

They're going to be vital here, as there are lots of hulls on the Death Guard side of the table, and a very real failure case for the Votann here is if they just can't quite chew through them. Votann play on their very efficient numbers game to win, and having one of their biggest pieces (the Hearthguard brick) lack any great targets is a big problem for that plan. The Thunderkyn can definitely make up for that a bit, and it's helpful to have an Iron Master's spare bodies to shield the big squad from Mortars, but even they are going to struggle into Mortarion, and I do think getting pushed in and overwhelmed is a potential risk.

With that in mind, I think a cautious and methodical strategy is called for, which is very on brand for the Votann. While the Hearthguard brick might not be fantastic as burst out of Deep Strike, they are still a threat in melee, and pretty challenging for a lot of the Death Guard stuff to shift, so ideally you either park them on an objective at speed, or use them as a terrifying Rapid Ingress threat to flip a Bloat-drone off a point then sit there. The Votann also have better tech for flipping objectives thanks to more mobile Infantry and two Sagitaurs full of Hearthkyn, which means they can plausibly try and inflict some 5VP turns on the Death Guard, while they'll really struggle to keep the Votann off 10VP a turn.

From the Death Guard's side, I think your focus needs to be moving in force onto a second objective, and then picking up as many of the Votann's mobile tools as possible to try and secure Primary parity. Your advantage is that you probably do have a slightly better suite of Deep Strike Tactical Objective tools, and if you can keep level on Primary, you might be able to turn that into a narrow win. The WS/BS reduction Contagion will also do a lot of work here thanks to the Votann's lack of re-rolls, especially as the Death Guard list goes wide enough that the pre-game counters aren't quite enough.

All taken together, I honestly think this one is too close to easily call - either player could grab it, and I even think both sides can play a reasonable game going first or second. A classic final then - which the Votann narrowly secured.

Result

Leagues of Votann (Oathband) Victory - 84 - 74

Junior Aflleje - Leagues of Votann (Oathband) - 1st Place

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

All-rounder Votann

Thoughts

The Votann's reliable all-rounder tools secure another trophy in Junior's hands here, deploying a list that's versatile enough to take down anything except maybe full-on Tyranid or Daemon monster mash. Those certainly exist in the meta, but they're far from common, and this build has great game into many of the top players. Good work from Junior.

Adam Dye - Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Rhino Rush (2000 points)

Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Slaves to Darkness

CHARACTERS

Abaddon the Despoiler (310 points) • Warlord • 1x Drach’nyen 1x Talon of Horus

Warpsmith (70 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Flamer tendril 1x Melta tendril 1x Plasma pistol 1x Warp hammer

Warpsmith (70 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Flamer tendril 1x Melta tendril 1x Plasma pistol 1x Warp hammer

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 6x Close combat weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Cultist grenade launcher 1x Flamer 1x Heavy stubber

Legionaries (80 points) • Mark of Chaos: Khorne • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Vindicator (175 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Vindicator (175 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Vindicator (175 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Havoc launcher

Forgefiend (200 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Armoured limbs 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Helbrute (130 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Helbrute hammer 1x Twin lascannon

Obliterators (360 points) • Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch • 4x Obliterator • 4x Crushing fists 4x Fleshmetal guns

Raptors (85 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Raptor Champion • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Raptor • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 2x Meltagun

ALLIED UNITS

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

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: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Abaddon Gunline

Thoughts

Weird looking Rhinos. Anyway, we're in the twilight of the Chaos Space Marine Index, so there's not a massive amount to say here other than that comboing Abaddon with a bunch of Vindicators still seems real good in various detachments in the Codex, so I'm sure we'll see more experimentation in this area. Well done to Adam on the undefeated second place.

Ruben Zhao - Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place

Blood Angels Hellblasters. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

White angels (2000 Points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Apothecary (50 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Reductor pistol

Lieutenant (95 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Master-crafted bolter • Enhancements: Fire Discipline

Techmarine (55 Points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Centurion Assault Squad (150 Points) • 1x Assault Centurion Sergeant • 1x Centurion bolters 1x Siege drills 1x Twin meltagun • 2x Assault Centurion • 2x Centurion bolters 2x Siege drills 2x Twin meltagun

Death Company Dreadnought (145 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Magna-grapple 1x Meltagun 1x Twin Furioso fists

Gladiator Reaper (150 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 2x Tempest bolter 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

Hellblaster Squad (230 Points) • 1x Hellblaster Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma incinerator 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Hellblaster • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 9x Plasma incinerator

Inceptor Squad (130 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Assault bolters 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor • 2x Assault bolters 2x Close combat weapon

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

Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Flamestorm cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

Librarian Dreadnought (170 Points) • 1x Blood Lance 1x Furioso fist 1x Furioso force halberd 1x Heavy flamer

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 (65 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes shotgun 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

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Incredible Flying Hellblasters

Thoughts

This is a hell of a flex in third place (at 5.5-0.5 no less), as it's doing something quite different from the norm and pulling off a great finish. You've got a spicy mix of counterpunch threats and some classic Marine utility tools, but the centrepiece is obviously the Hellblaster/Wings of Sanguinius combo to unleash plasma death. It's honestly doing a decent job of convincing me that it might finally be time for Hellblasters to truly shine - they're good into all of Space Wolves, Thousand Sons, Orks, other Blood Angels and Grey Knights, and that's a sizeable chunk of the metagame. Wings also isn't the only thing you can set them up with, I'm sure there's scope to play around with them in some other Detachments. Always enjoy a surprise breakout unit, congratulations to Ruben on bringing one to my desk!

Troy Cagle - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 4th Place

Von Ryan's Leapers. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Hivefleet Ultra (2000 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Invasion Fleet

CHARACTERS

Broodlord (95 points) • 1x Broodlord claws and talons • Enhancement: Perfectly Adapted

Broodlord (80 points) • 1x Broodlord claws and talons

Neurotyrant (105 points) • 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes 1x Psychic scream

Winged Hive Tyrant (235 points) • Warlord • 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip 1x Tyrant talons • Enhancement: Adaptive Biology

BATTLELINE

Gargoyles (85 points) • 10x Gargoyle • 10x Blinding venom 10x Fleshborer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (75 points) • 1x Chitin-barbed limbs 1x Spore Mine launcher

Exocrine (135 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (135 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Genestealers (150 points) • 10x Genestealer • 10x Genestealers claws and talons

Genestealers (150 points) • 10x Genestealer • 10x Genestealers claws and talons

Lictor (55 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Lictor (55 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

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

Neurolictor (80 points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

Raveners (75 points) • 3x Ravener • 3x Armoured Thorax 3x Ravener claws and talons

Ripper Swarms (20 points) • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth 1x Spinemaws

Von Ryan’s Leapers (150 points) • 6x Von Ryan’s Leaper • 6x Leaper’s talons

Von Ryan’s Leapers (150 points) • 6x Von Ryan’s Leaper • 6x Leaper’s talons

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Skirmishy Invasion Fleet

Thoughts

Another fairly unusual build to round out the top four, here leaning into the skirmishing tools that Tyranids have access to, but sticking in Invasion Fleet to keep them as semi-relevant threats into big crunch targets via the option of Lethal Hits, and to access the Feel No Pain in a world that's tooled up for killing 2W and 3W models. You can then adapt your plan to the foe - less melee-focused lists can be pressured, while melee armies can either get bogged down in layered defences or fall to a well-timed countercharge from the Genestealers. The build can dominate early Primary scoring, and then lean on the very effective Secondary scoring Tyranids have access to in order to lock down victories, particularly with the mid-late game option of Shadow in the Warp to shut down an opposing comeback play. Deliciously different here, great stuff from Troy in fourth.

The Best of the Rest

There were 11 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

5th - Ben Jurek - Orks (Bully Boyz): Nobz and Meganobz galore with some shooting support from some Flash Gitz.
6th - Eulis Sanders - Necrons (Canoptek Court): Canoptek Court with a central Warrior tarpit, protected against the vicious depredations of the Thousand Sons with Orikan.
7th - Floof Cox - Genestealer Cult: GSC had a pretty great weekend all-round, usually sporting the classic Neophyte and Acolyte package then filling out with some early board control for the metagame, which Floof's version gets from some Purestrains.
8th - Travis Petersen - Chaos Space Marines (Index): Double Accursed Commune with a Nurgle Vindicator gunline behind it.
9th - Scott Toebe - Death Guard: See Showdown.
10th - Majd Kuteifan - Adepta Sororitas: The Vahl core, lots of Arco-flagellants and Castigators, plus Celestine and a large Seraphim squad for some board control and roving threat.
11th - Alex D - Genestealer Cult: More Neophytes and Acolytes, this time with an Infiltrating Aberrant brick and some Scouting Catachans to play with early on.
12th - MATT DOMNAUER - Grey Knights: Dreadknights galore, Draigo with a Terminator MSU, and Crowe's Purifiers.
13th - Linton Rowan - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Max ThunderCav and Wulfen.
14th - Taylor Davis - World Eaters: Extremely Eightbound-tastic World Eaters, passing up on Berzerkers entirely.
15th - Marshall Peterson - Astra Militarum: Astra Militarum getting their melee kicks via a maxed out cavalry build, packing in as many Rough Riders and Death Riders as possible.

ObSec presents War Calls 40k 2024

48-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Kelmscott, WA, AU on May 24 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jördÿŋ Berresford - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) - 1st Place

Ragnar vs. Ghazkull. Credit Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Awoo (2000 Points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Stormlance Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Bjorn the Fell-Handed (180 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Multi-melta 1x Trueclaw

Harald Deathwolf (85 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Glacius

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

Logan Grimnar on Stormrider (180 Points) • 1x Flurry of teeth and claws 1x Storm bolter 1x The Axe Morkai

Ragnar Blackmane (90 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Frostfang

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (90 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancements: Hunter’s Instincts

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (95 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancements: Portents of Wisdom

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (125 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Power fist 1x Relic Shield • Enhancements: Fury of the Storm

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield dome

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Whirlwind (180 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher

Archetype

Stormlance with Tech

Thoughts

Awoo indeed. As always for Stormlance, the massive quantities of ThunderCav are the stars of the show, but Jördÿŋ's got a few more unusual tricks in support. It turns out that Ragnar is the latest Marine Epic Hero who fully pops off once you buy them the 75pts re-roll wounds upgrade that's also known as an "Assault Intercessor Squad", and that provides you a neat roving/counterpunch threat in the Impulsor. Bjorn also seems pretty neat as a sort of mini-C'tan once he gets Advance/Charge as well, and seems particularly valuable against Orks, where his defences stack up very well against Meganobz. Neat additions to the standard formula, and always fun to see Ragnar out and about, great stuff!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Harrison Darge - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Heavy-duty Talons with two Caladius tanks and a Land Raider, then adding a big unit each of the three major Infantry units, and three Witchseeker MSUs to hand out buffs. Definitely one of the best ways of setting up Custodes after their book.
3rd - Hayden Walduck - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack): Two big Carnivore bricks supported by Hammerheads and Riptides.
4th - Lachlan Rigg - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Six Dreadknights and a big Terminator brick.
5th - Jarred Lohse - World Eaters: Mostly the standard setup, but swapping out Exalted Eightbound for a Maulerfiend.

CTC Warhammer 40k Championship Open

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ottawa, ON, Canada on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Brian Daugherty - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Comp (2000 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Angron (415 points) • Warlord • 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

Khârn the Betrayer (100 points) • 1x Gorechild 1x Khârn’s plasma pistol

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

World Eaters Master of Executions (125 points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (145 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (320 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Eightbound chainfist 1x Eightbound eviscerator • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

World Eaters Maulerfiend (140 points) • 1x Lasher tendrils 1x Maulerfiend fists

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Classic World Eaters with added Maulerfiend

Thoughts

Obviously the World Eaters were hardly going to be idle during melee meta. They practically invented it. Don't listen to anyone trying to tell you about that Sigismund guy, he sounds fake. You've got all the classic toys here, with the transport-riding big Berzerker squad being a particularly nice counter for other melee builds, and Brian has added in a Maulerfiend to provide a neat Strategic Reserves and/or move blocking piece. All good stuff, and carved through the rest of the field nicely, congratulations!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Benjamin Pau - Orks (Bully Boyz): Lots of Meganobz, 10/5 Nobz, and a full Boyz unit.
3rd - Chris Hanes - Orks (Bully Boyz): Horde version Bully Boyz with two big Boyz units.
4th - Éric Marcoux - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis Rex and many Armigers.
5th - Nick Jagiello - Astra Militarum: Rough Rider spam. Even Guard want to play melee meta!
6th - Hamza Syed - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): All-Venom go-wide Skysplinter.

Xtraschicht 3.0

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in DO, NRW, DE on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Grischa Gerwert - Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) - 1st Place

Credit: Swiftblade

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

CSM (2000 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Slaves to Darkness Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (95 Points) • Warlord • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Plasma pistol

Chaos Lord (95 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Plasma pistol

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

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 6x Close combat weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Cultist grenade launcher 1x Flamer 1x Heavy stubber

Legionaries (80 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Balefire tome 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Reaper chaincannon

Legionaries (80 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Balefire tome 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Reaper chaincannon

Legionaries (80 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Balefire tome 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon

Legionaries (80 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Balefire tome 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Bikers (75 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Biker Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Combi-bolter 1x Power fist • 2x Chaos Biker • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Close combat weapon 2x Combi-bolter 2x Meltagun

Chaos Predator Destructor (130 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (130 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Vindicator (175 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Vindicator (175 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Havoc launcher

Chosen (130 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Chosen Champion • 1x Boltgun 1x Chaos Icon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Chosen • 3x Accursed weapon 3x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 2x Combi-weapon 1x Paired accursed weapons 1x Plasma pistol

Chosen (130 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Chosen Champion • 1x Boltgun 1x Chaos Icon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Chosen • 3x Accursed weapon 3x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 2x Combi-weapon 1x Paired accursed weapons 1x Plasma pistol

Warp Talons (110 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 4x Warp Talon • 4x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

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: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Brawler CSM

Thoughts

Another CSM Index classic getting a last showing here - a bunch of brawler units in Rhinos to stage and pressure, supported by a cheap and potent gunline amped up by the Mark of Nurgle. I'm expecting the new book to start kicking in from this weekend, but this is a very fitting way to see the Index off back into the Eye of Terror, well done Grischa.

Artur Güttler - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Grey Knights Nemesis Dreadknights. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Libbys are overrated :p

++ Army Roster (Imperium - Grey Knights) [2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Detachment: Teleport Strike Force

Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible

+ Epic Hero +

Brother-Captain Stern [90pts]

Castellan Crowe [75pts]

Kaldor Draigo [125pts]: Warlord

+ Character +

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight [215pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Inescapable Wrath, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer

+ Battleline +

Brotherhood Terminator Squad [420pts] . 5x Terminator: 5x Nemesis Force Weapon, 5x Storm Bolter . Terminator with Ancient's Banner: Storm Bolter . Terminator with Heavy Weapon: Incinerator . Terminator with Heavy Weapon: Incinerator . Terminator with Narthecium

Strike Squad [120pts] . 4x Grey Knight: 4x Nemesis Force Weapon, 4x Storm Bolter . Justicar

Strike Squad [120pts] . 4x Grey Knight: 4x Nemesis Force Weapon, 4x Storm Bolter . Justicar

+ Infantry +

Purifier Squad [250pts] . Knight of the Flame . 5x Purifier: 5x Nemesis Force Weapon, 5x Purifying Flame, 5x Storm Bolter . 4x Purifier w/ incinerator: 4x Close combat weapon, 4x Incinerator, 4x Purifying Flame

+ Vehicle +

Nemesis Dreadknight [195pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight [195pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight [195pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer

Created with BattleScribe ()

Archetype

Librarian-free Grey Knights

Thoughts

It's a bold claim there in the list title, but going undefeated is the best way to follow up one of those, so props from me. Other than having no Librarian, most of the tools here are familiar, with Draigo and a big Terminator brick adding a sticky, persistent melee unit to the mix alongside Dreadknights and Purifiers. The only other standout is solo Stern, who's a nice little scoring/tech piece thanks to Strands of Fate, and certainly a nice way to spend the points you've saved on Librarians. Great stuff from Artur.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd - Ben Hackländer - Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple Doomstalker and Triple Wraiths (so far so normal) but also triple Reanimator, presumably aiming to squeeze max value out of the Wraith blocks.
4th - Pascal Haberstroh - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Full Arco-spam, apparently not going anywhere.
5th - Florian Schmidt - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): The teleporting Centurion special, also apparently not going anywhere.
6th - Manuel Wayand - Death Guard: Rhino Plague Marines, Destructors, and Brigands.
7th - Rob "RaZZputin" Fritz - Chaos Knights: A Knight Lancer (again, love to get into the spirit of melee meta, even if Chaos Knights always do that pretty well) and a bunch of Dogs.
8th - Alessandro Liessem - Aeldari: Go-wide MSUs, adding Skyweavers to the usual speedy threats.

South Yorkshire GT 24

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Mikey Herbert - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) - 1st Place

Blood Angels. Credit: Mike Bettle-Shaffer

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Blood Angels (1990 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Captain (80 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

Captain (80 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

Captain with Jump Pack (95 Points) • Warlord • 1x Relic Shield 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancements: Icon of the Angel

Lemartes (120 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x The Blood Crozius

Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (100 Points) • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt Pistol

The Sanguinor (140 Points) • 1x Encarmine broadsword

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Hand flamer 1x Thunder hammer • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Hand flamer 1x Thunder hammer • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield dome 2x Storm bolter

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield dome 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Baal Predator (125 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Baal flamestorm cannon 2x Heavy flamer 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Baal Predator (125 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Baal flamestorm cannon 2x Heavy flamer 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (280 Points) • 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack • 10x Inferno pistol 10x Power fist

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

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Aggro Sons

Thoughts

Mr. Hellstorm Wargaming himself gets in on the melee meta action, unleashing a powerful Sons of Sanguinius list that combines high pressure jump pack units with great tech against other melee builds. Overwatch from Baal Predators, cheap and lethal counterpunch units out of Impulsors and the looming threat of the Sanguinor all make things a bit of a headache for foes with a similarly aggressive plan, while if the opponent has tried to tech for a bunch of D2 attacks from Orks, they're likely to find themselves shredded by the VanVets, one of the very nastiest volume D1 threats in the game. Great stuff from Mikey as always!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Christopher Langton - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Warriors and Immortals with a Monolith.
3rd - Mark Pilkington - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Hull-heavy Sisters with Castigators and Immolators.
4th - Ryan Elliott - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Tsons with extra heft from a Daemon Prince and Mutalith.
5th - Callam Taylor - Orks (Bully Boyz): Bully Boyz with the unusual choice of two regular Nobz units with Painboyz.
6th - Jim Tasker - Chaos Daemons: Monster Mash with double GuO (one being Rotigus), Shalaxi and Skarbrand. Melee meta is so intense that you can apparently just cut Be'lakor now.

Wrap Up

Part 1 complete, but plenty more melee fun coming your way on Friday, so tune back in then.

Thank you for being a friend.

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