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

[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Bang to Rights pt.3

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Mar 15 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.

It's our final part from the week, with four more events to blast through even as many players across the world hit the tourney tables for their last pre-Dataslate tournaments.

As a reminder, if you've missed any of our extensive coverage of the new Dataslate, you can find it below:

Main Reviews New Rules Now events. Today we have:
  • BAYERN MAJOR #1 2025 40K
  • Hunter GT Autumn - NSWTC
  • Third Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT
  • Hyper 345: GT
On Wednesday I covered:
  • Scorched Earth Open 2025 - 40K World Championships Qualifier
  • Ides of March 2025
  • 2 GT Bilbao
  • CM Games Warhammer 40K Tournament - Bluffhammer Brawl
  • MAD Warhammer 40k GT 03.08 - 03.09
On Friday we had Lowest of Men covering:
  • Cascade Clash: Ascent - 40k Major Spring 2025
  • 11th Barrie Bash
  • Wheat City Open 2025: 40k
  • Safety's Off "Go Outside, Nerd!" GT
  • Califato Wars

BAYERN MAJOR #1 2025 40K

72-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Regensburg, BY, Deutschland on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Matthias Murr - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) - 1st Place

Blood Ravens Assault Squad. Credit - Soggy

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
0 BA Bayern Major( No Blood Angel Units = +1 to wound auf oath) (1995 points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Liberator Assault Group

CHARACTERS

Captain (105 points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • Enhancement: Speed of the Primarch

Captain (105 points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Master-crafted bolter 1x Master-crafted power weapon • Enhancement: Rage-fuelled Warrior

Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Master-crafted bolt carbine 1x Paired combat blades

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

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Thunder hammer • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

Inceptor Squad (120 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Assault bolters 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor • 2x Assault bolters 2x Close combat weapon

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

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

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

Predator Destructor (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon 1x Storm bolter

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Combat knife

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Combat knife

Vindicator (175 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Vindicator (175 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Bloodless Angels

Thoughts

Of all the lists this week that you need to pour one out for, this needs it the most. Many other lists have been nerfed. Only this one has straight up been hit with a "no". It dies as it lived - putting way more "real" threats on the table than should really be possible thanks to the combination of the Liberator Detachment rule and boosted Oaths. Liberator isn't going to vanish or anything, because it's also good as actual Blood Angels, but you will see the actual Blood Angels units feature once more. Congratulations to Matthias for sending it out on a high.

David Szymanski - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 2nd Place

Asurmen. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
4 Könige auf dem Hügel

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Aspect Host WYSIWYG: A) Alle Mirrorswords an Modellen stellen Executioner dar.

CHARACTERS

Asurmen (135 points) • Warlord • 1x Bloody Twins 1x Sword of Asur

Autarch (75 points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Star glaive

Autarch Wayleaper (80 points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Star glaive

Fuegan (120 points) • 1x Fire Axe 1x Searsong

Jain Zar (105 points) • 1x Blade of Destruction 1x Silent Death

Lhykhis (120 points) • 1x Brood Twain 1x Spider's Fangs 1x Weaverender

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (115 points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

Wave Serpent (115 points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dire Avengers (75 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch • 2x Avenger shuriken catapult 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Dire Avenger • 4x Avenger shuriken catapult 4x Close combat weapon

Fire Dragons (100 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Exarch's Dragon fusion gun • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

Fire Dragons (200 points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 9x Fire Dragon • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

Rangers (55 points) • 5x Ranger • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Long rifle 5x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Scorpion chainsword 1x Scorpion's claw 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Scorpion chainsword 1x Scorpion's claw 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death weavers 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death weavers 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Aspect Host

Thoughts

The second strongest Aeldari detachment features in second place, unfortunately reminding us that it got hit surprisingly hard while Ynnari skated by. This build puts loads of threats and scoring pieces on the board, and can hit with nuclear force via the Fire Dragons when required. Post Dataslate is has to lose an entire unit, which probably doesn't kill it, but should keep it pretty honest, and likely accelerate the adoption of Ynnari as the best Aeldari build. Shooty Orks and Ynnari - good enough, welcome back 8th Edition. Well done to David for resisting the Ynnari lure and going for the high speed murder elves.

Stefan Brotzer - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 3rd Place

Credit: Mildnorman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
"sieben auf einen streich"

(1985 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Daemonic Incursion

CHARACTERS

Be'lakor (325 points) • Warlord

Great Unclean One (260 points) • 1x Bileblade 1x Bilesword • Enhancement: The Endless Gift

Great Unclean One (230 points) • 1x Bileblade 1x Bilesword

Great Unclean One (230 points) • 1x Bileblade 1x Bilesword

Lord of Change (285 points) • 1x Bolt of Change 1x Rod of sorcery 1x Staff of Tzeentch • Enhancement: The Everstave

Rotigus (230 points)

Shalaxi Helbane (425 points)

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Mega Monster Mash

Thoughts

In third place we have a demonstration of another important factor that's going to shape the post-Dataslate metagame - Nurgle Daemons (and GUOs in particular) were already good! sure, the points changes means this list is going to need to reconfigure a bit, likely dropping Shalaxi and building in a bunch of utility pieces, but Rotigus' Damage boost has always made GUOs hit harder than people expect, and with boosts to both their offence and defence they look ready to make a (disgusting) splash as we march onwards. If you're going for mixed god fun like this you also have the option of Skarbrand with built-in Advance/Charge, or Flesh Hounds for free uppy-downy. Just so many exciting things to consider. Well done to Stefan, and look forward to your future work.

Marc E. - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) - 4th Place

Yvraine & The Visarch. Credit: James "Boon" Kelling

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Bayern Major (2000 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Devoted of Ynnead

CHARACTERS

Autarch (75 points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Star glaive

The Visarch (90 points) • 1x Asu-var

Yvraine (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Kha-vir 1x Storm of Whispers

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (120 points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mistshield 1x Power sword 1x Shuriken rifle • 9x Corsair Voidreaver • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 7x Power sword 1x Shredder 7x Shuriken pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (115 points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (100 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

Fire Dragons (100 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

Fire Dragons (100 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (90 points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

Rangers (55 points) • 5x Ranger • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Long rifle 5x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Chainsabres • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Scorpion chainsword 1x Scorpion's claw 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

War Walkers (95 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Scatter laser 1x War Walker feet

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death weavers 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death weavers 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death weavers 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Go-wide Asurynnari

Thoughts

Finally for our top four, another big winner from the Dataslate in Ynnari, albeit quite an unusual spin on them. No big Incubi blocks, no Drukhari skimmers, just loads of cheap Aspects, a War Walker to tee up all the Hawks, and a big squad of Corsairs for Yvraine and the Visarch to rock around with. Not quite sure how to feel about the Corsairs, as it does feel like finding the 30pts for Incubi is kind of just better here, but I do like the use of lots of Hawks with a War Walker, which I think is a setup that's not been explored enough. This build does lose a few more points than most Ynnari builds by dint of having so many Aspects, which may end up making the Corsair/Incubi question moot, because you probably just cut a unit and use the change to bump that brick up. Fun to see some different Ynnari setups thriving as well, great work from Marc.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Jens Gottfried - Genestealer Cult (Final Day): Mid-tier melee and shooty Vehicles with lots of Gargoyles and Lone Operatives to tee up bonuses.
  • 6th - Max Herzog - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): A defiant showing for a fairly classic speedy flame Sisters build, which we'll probably see a lot more of soon!
  • 7th - Jason Lee - Chaos Space Marines (Soulforged Warpack): Vashtorr and a Lord of Skulls, with plenty of smaller hulls backing them up.

Hunter GT Autumn - NSWTC

55-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Singleton, NSW, Australia on March 07 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Burdern of Trust - Prepared Positions (probably) - Search and Destroy

No event pack, but the Primary and Map were obvious from the stream, and by a process of "checking the PTC"...

Andrew Sherman - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force)
Army List - Click to Expand
firestorm - Hunter GT (1995 points)

Space Marines Salamanders Strike Force (2000 points) Firestorm Assault Force

CHARACTERS

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Ironhail skytalon array 2x Storm bolter

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Ironhail skytalon array 2x Storm bolter

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Ironhail skytalon array 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Company Heroes (95 points) • 1x Ancient • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Company Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 2x Company Veteran • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

Inceptor Squad (120 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Assault bolters 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor • 2x Assault bolters 2x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (120 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Assault bolters 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor • 2x Assault bolters 2x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (120 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

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

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

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

Predator Destructor (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon 1x Storm bolter

Predator Destructor (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon 1x Storm bolter

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

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher 1x Melta destroyer

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher 1x Melta destroyer

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574


vs.

Jordan McGregor - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance)
Army List - Click to Expand


GT Threepeat with IK to confuse the Statcheck team (2000 points)

Imperial Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Noble Lance

BATTLELINE

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Moirax (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Conversion beam cannon 1x Rad cleanser 1x Siege claw

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

Watch Captain Artemis (65 points) • 1x Hellfire Extremis 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Thoughts

Once in a while it's nice to be reminded that Codex Marines has stuff that isn't just Ultramarines in it. Andrew has found a rather nifty setup here - the way that Vulkan's flamer buff works means that you can get the benefit from it while doing sick drive-bys from an Impulsor, letting you properly lean in on all the cool Transport tricks that Firestorm Assault Force offers you. In combination with the boosted Strength from the Detachment, cleansing fire from Infernus Marines ends up as a surprisingly universal problem solver as long as you're not saturated with crunchy threats. I also like 3x Inceptor MSUs as a pick even more post-Dataslate, as they're very good into Orks, which is going to be pretty important, and in general I think this is Marine list with potential...in most matchups.

Unfortunately, here the threat saturation problem bites - the Salamanders list is super cool, but it's not built for taking out a whoops all Armigers build unless the Knights hit a very unlucky turn when the two armies smash into one another. It's even more of an issue on Burden, as the Marines are best at taking out the Knights up close, and will struggle with the reach to point at a Helverin on a distant objective and take it off, whereas Warglaives can easily flip the scoring in the other direction. I don't think this is quite an auto-loss like the Necrons vs. Aspects game we looked at earlier in the week, as either a really bad turn for the Knights or a spike turn for the Marines could tilt the attrition race in the latter's direction, but it's going to take an unlikely series of events to make it happen, and it looks like it didn't.

Result

Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) Victory 80-51

Jordan McGregor - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 1st Place

Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


GT Threepeat with IK to confuse the Statcheck team (2000 points)

Imperial Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Noble Lance

BATTLELINE

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Moirax (160 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Conversion beam cannon 1x Rad cleanser 1x Siege claw

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

Watch Captain Artemis (65 points) • 1x Hellfire Extremis 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Archetype

Armiger Spam

Thoughts

Sorry man, you're not surprising Stat Check or us any more - others have cottoned on to the fact that running loads of Armigers with a devious Agents support setup is really good. Luckily it's still really good in the new metagame, other than the same Ork-shaped problem many armies have, so we look forward to seeing you back for a fourpeat or even fivepeat. Quadpeat and quinpeat? So many options.

Ryan Duchatel - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) - 2nd Place

Blood Ravens Ballistus Dreadnought. Credit - Soggy

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Bloodless angels (2000 Points) test

Space Marines Blood Angels Liberator Assault Group Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain (105 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Rage-fuelled Warrior

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

Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolt carbine • 1x Paired combat blades

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

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Ballistus Dreadnought (130 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (130 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (130 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Reiver Squad (80 Points) • 1x Reiver Sergeant ◦ 1x Combat knife ◦ 1x Special issue bolt pistol • 4x Reiver ◦ 4x Combat knife ◦ 4x Special issue bolt pistol

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

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (110 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 4x Inferno pistol ◦ 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (110 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 4x Inferno pistol ◦ 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vindicator (175 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Vindicator (175 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Bloodless Agents

Thoughts

Imagine the coffin dance meme but with a Ballistus Dreadnought.

For my money the triple Ballistus build was the best variant of this, so good job Ryan for providing a demonstration of the power.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Andrew Sherman - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force): See Showdown.
  • 4th - Nathan Stern - Astra Militarum (Mechanised Assault): Dorn Commanders and Kasrkin/Engineers in Transports. Should see a lot more experimentation with this detachment now the bonus is more unique compared to Bridgehead.
  • 5th - Mitchell Corrigan - Aeldari (Aspect Host): A full Reaper/Autarch/Serpent brick and lots of small Aspect units backing them.
  • 6th - Michael House - Orks (Taktikal Brigade): All-rounder Taktikal with Snaggas and Tankbustas.
  • 7th - Greg Maginnity - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Lots of MSU Aspects, some Wraithlords and a big unit each of Windriders and Incubi.
  • 8th - Gary Morris - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Triple Land Fortress and lots of Beserks.
  • 9th - Steven Hammond - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Double big Reaper brick.

Third Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Charlottesville, VA, United States on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Mark Hertel - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Guilliman's Autozone 2, electric boogaloo (2000 Points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Librarian (65 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Force weapon • 1x Smite

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

Roboute Guilliman (345 Points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor's Sword • 1x Hand of Dominion

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Company Heroes (95 Points) • 1x Ancient ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Company Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 2x Company Veteran ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle ◦ 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

Desolation Squad (200 Points) • 1x Desolation Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Castellan launcher ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Vengor launcher • 4x Desolation Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Castellan launcher ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Superkrak rocket launcher

Land Raider Redeemer (285 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

Land Raider Redeemer (285 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

Sternguard Veteran Squad (200 Points) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sternguard bolt pistol ◦ 1x Sternguard bolt rifle • 9x Sternguard Veteran ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Sternguard bolt pistol ◦ 7x Sternguard bolt rifle ◦ 2x Sternguard heavy bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Bobby G Redeemer Club

Thoughts

Mark's Land Raider-based mischief continues apace, with Bobby G and Calgar directing torrents of flame at any foes unfortunate enough to show themselves, and a full Sternguard brick mopping up any stragglers. Unsure about how to rate this one post-Dataslate; on the one hand, it feels very good into Ynnari, and the Sternguard are a great tool into Nurgle Daemons. However, I worry that Land Raiders in particular may just not cut it in a world of More Dakka, though it does depend a bit on how the split between Lootas and Tankbustas ends up averaging out, because Redeemer overwatch can potentially just smoke a whole Tankbusta squad, and Armour of Contempt can no-sell a Loota volley pretty impressively. I suspect two Raiders ends up not working, because it's hard to protect both, but I can believe one will end up surprisingly good. I'm sure Mark will show me which answer is correct soon enough.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Brett Perkins - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Aggro melee Raiders with Possessed and Abaddon alongside some of the normal Transport choices.
  • 3rd - Jeffrey Kolodner - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): All-rounder Martyrs with a few more Battle Sisters than the norm and Mortifiers as cheap space fillers.
  • 4th - Nick Antzoulatos - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Bobby G and Calgar with a pair of Redeemers.
  • 5th - Walker Julliard - Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Keepers, two big Fiend units and a Soul Grinder.
  • 6th - Don Belec - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Herohammer jump melee galore and a big squad of Inceptors to maximise Stratagems.
  • 7th - Joshua Campbell - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): A big Warrior brick supported by triple Doomsday and Skorpekh.
  • 8th - James Lovett - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Bloodless Angels wilding out with 30 Jump Intercessors.

Hyper 345: GT

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Москва, Москва, Россия on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Anton Vasin - Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess) - 1st Place

Credit: Liebot - https://instagram.com/liebot_pics

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + TEAM: Rocket + HIN: 167 + PLAYER: VAS + ROSTER NAME: Наслаждение ради наслаждения + Number of Units: 13 + Character Units (Models): 4 (4) + Vehicle/Monster Models (Max Points): 6 (20) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

== Legion of Excess 2000 pts == EH1: Syll'esske: Warlord [120 pts]

CH1: Keeper of Secrets: Shining aegis, Soul Glutton [300 pts] CH2: Keeper of Secrets: Avatar of Perfection, Shining aegis [305 pts] CH3: Keeper of Secrets: Shining aegis [290 pts]

BL1: Daemonettes: 8xDaemonette [100 pts], 1хDaemonette Daemonic Icon, 1хDaemonette Instrument of Chaos

MO1: Seeker Chariot: Seeker Chariot [65 pts] MO2: Seekers: 3xSeeker [80 pts], 1хSeeker Daemonic Icon, 1хSeeker Instrument of Chaos

BE1: Beasts of Nurgle: Beast of Nurgle [65 pts] BE2: Fiends: 3xFiends [105 pts] BE3: Fiends: 3xFiends [105 pts] BE4: Fiends: 3xFiends [105 pts]

VE1: Slaanesh Soul Grinder: Warpclaw [180 pts] VE2: Slaanesh Soul Grinder: Warpclaw [180 pts]

Archetype

Heavy Legion

Thoughts

Legion of Excess gives us another encore here, closing out the week with a version that's especially dead. Weaker Keepers and no more Thieves of Pain on Soulgrinders mean that there is simply no reason to run a Monster Mash build in this detachment, at least not when you have other far more exciting choices across the Index. I hope Anton had a euphoric time giving them their final outing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Andrey "DatLucker" Evdokimov - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis Rex, 10 Armigers and some Assassins.
  • 3rd - Kirill "Carstaneedos" Abdullaev - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King with triple Doomsday and a Wraith brick.
  • 4th - Roman Brabusov - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King with triple Doomsdays who went back to the tomb at 4AM for more doom (two Doomstalkers).

Wrap Up

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | imperial knights | blood angels | Aeldari | craftworlds | Salamanders | chaos daemons | Ynnari

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