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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Battle Rites of Spring pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Mar 18 2026
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 a bit of an in between week, with a mixture of initial forays into the new metagame and a few remaining holdouts from the old one. Early signs are the C'tan are still extremely good (shocking, we know), but on a more positive note there seems to be a bit of an uptick in experimentation with non-Ultramarine Astartes, which is nice (and also different Necron setups, to be fair). Plenty of diversity among the top finishes too, so perhaps we're getting a season of renewal.

This Week's Events

Part 1 on Wednesday:
  • The Colorado Cup '26 - Warhammer 40K
  • 12th Barrie Bash
  • Warzone Wellington 2026
  • Op luck of the Irish GT
  • Free State GT 2026
  • Aemona Open Nationals GT, 40k
Part 2 on Friday:
  • Ides of March 2026 [40k GT]
  • Warhammer 40K Spring GT
  • Adeptus Bastardes II
  • Palladium Games Presents "the dumpster fire gt" Spring Edition
  • Altos Terra Capilla Segundo GT
  • TORNEO RELAMPAGO

The Colorado Cup '26 - Warhammer 40K

189-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Brighton, CO, United States on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown



You know for some reason when I went to search the library of existing VS banners I was really sure Iron Hands vs, Tyranids wouldn't be in there for like two seconds, then I remembered that 9th Edition existed.

Take & Hold - Tipping Point

Matt Evans - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet)
Army List - Click to Expand


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Tyranids + DETACHMENT: Invasion Fleet (Hyper Adaptions) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: The Swarmlord + ENHANCEMENT: Perfectly Adapted (on Char3: Hive Tyrant) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 3 Characters - Cull The Horde: 2x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Deathleaper (80 pts): Lictor claws and talons Char3: 1x Hive Tyrant (210 pts): Monstrous bonesword and lash whip, Monstrous scything talons Enhancement: Perfectly Adapted (+15 pts) Char2: 1x The Swarmlord (220 pts): Warlord, Bone Sabres, Synaptic Pulse

10x Gargoyles (85 pts): 10 with Blinding venom, Fleshborer 10x Hormagaunts (65 pts): 10 with Hormagaunt talons 20x Termagants (120 pts) • 2x Termagant: 2 with Chitinous claws and teeth, Strangleweb • 18x Termagants: 18 with Chitinous claws and teeth, Termagant spinefist 20x Termagants (120 pts) • 2x Termagant: 2 with Chitinous claws and teeth, Strangleweb • 18x Termagants: 18 with Chitinous claws and teeth, Termagant spinefist

1x Biovores (50 pts): Chitin-barbed limbs, Spore mine launcher 1x Neurolictor (70 pts): Piercing claws and talons 1x Neurolictor (70 pts): Piercing claws and talons 1x Norn Emissary (260 pts): Monstrous rending claws, Monstrous scything talons, Psychic tendril 1x Norn Emissary (260 pts): Monstrous rending claws, Monstrous scything talons, Psychic tendril 6x Tyrant Guard (160 pts): 6 with Scything talons and rending claws 6x Tyrant Guard (160 pts): 6 with Scything talons and rending claws 3x Venomthropes (70 pts): 3 with Toxic lashes



vs.

Ben Neal - Iron hands (Hammer of Avernii)
Army List - Click to Expand
Chonky Bois (1970 points)

Space Marines Iron Hands Strike Force (2000 points) Hammer of Avernii

CHARACTERS

Caanok Var (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Axiom 1x Storm bolter

Captain in Terminator Armour (110 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Relic weapon • Enhancement: Steel Font

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (95 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancement: Iron Laurel

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Combat knife 1x Missile launcher

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

Terminator Assault Squad (360 points) • 1x Assault Terminator Sergeant • 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • 9x Assault Terminator • 9x Storm Shield 9x Thunder hammer

Terminator Assault Squad (360 points) • 1x Assault Terminator Sergeant • 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • 9x Assault Terminator • 9x Storm Shield 9x Thunder hammer

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (111), Data Version: v750

Thoughts

This is one of those fascinating Showdowns where you look at one side and think "wow, that's a really interesting spin on that detachment that leans in on a unique angle", then look at the other side and it's the same and it completely no sells what the other side is doing. That's very much what we have here - the Tyranid Invasion Fleet build is super cool, going hard on the Detachment's ability to set up multiple angles of Primary domination, which would crush enemy monster mash lists and give some dakka Marine lists pause, and it doesn't matter in the slightest because it runs face-first into two full bricks of Iron Hands Assault Terminators, who are going to sit on two objectives all game and beat anything that comes near them to death.

There is simply nothing in the Tyranid army that kills the Terminators efficiently, and they absolutely can kill anything they touch, especially as both units can have the better of Lethal or Sustained up essentially all the time, and thanks to Vaar's double Oath. The only thing they might miss on is a Norn, but they have the models to physically body block those from getting onto objectives to flip them, which buys them time to put the boot in. They also have real shooting behind that front line, which the bugs have precisely zero ways to reach out and interact with, which accumulates to make this a vicious mismatch for the Tyranids. If they play cagey they probably won't get tabled or anything, but they have no way to prevent the Marines from holding two No-Man's Land objectives essentially indefinitely, and any attempt to try and stop them will probably just make things worse.

I'd say their only hope was for the Marines to go first and a Shadow turn to zero them on Primary, but even that shouldn't work if the Iron Hands are smart, as they have a sticky objective Stratagem that they should absolutely be spamming for exactly this reason, and that returns the situation to one where the Tyranids being unable to meaningfully touch more than one mid-field objective kills them. Shame to see an interesting bug build come up short, but it's a very clever build on the Marine side too, and won a resounding victory here.

Result

Iron Hands (Hammer of Avernii) Victory - 89 - 66

Ben Neal - Iron Hands (Hammer of Avernii) - 1st Place

A unit of 5 Iron Hands Incursors standing around, doing nothing Credit: head58

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Chonky Bois (1970 points)

Space Marines Iron Hands Strike Force (2000 points) Hammer of Avernii

CHARACTERS

Caanok Var (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Axiom 1x Storm bolter

Captain in Terminator Armour (110 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Relic weapon • Enhancement: Steel Font

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (95 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancement: Iron Laurel

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Combat knife 1x Missile launcher

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

Terminator Assault Squad (360 points) • 1x Assault Terminator Sergeant • 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • 9x Assault Terminator • 9x Storm Shield 9x Thunder hammer

Terminator Assault Squad (360 points) • 1x Assault Terminator Sergeant • 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • 9x Assault Terminator • 9x Storm Shield 9x Thunder hammer

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (111), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Terminator Tarpit Hammer

Thoughts

A bold new setup takes the trophy here, using the might of Iron Hands Terminators to brutally lock down scoring and shield shooting. This obviously paid off in the Showdown, and it'll be very strong into any melee build that can't threaten to lift a whole Terminator squad at one, which is most of them because 4W is such a good number to have in this metagame. It should also be great against C'tan, who really struggle to punch through the wall fast enough, even if unlike the Tyranid threats they can mostly shrug off the melee damage. This looksvery different to most Marine setups and really uses the detachment's toolkit to the max, congratulations Ben on taking the win with something exciting and new.

John Vuchetich - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Necron Warriors with Gauss Flayers

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I once had a night bringer fail to kill a leman russ battle tank over 3 rounds of combat, I am the "1s wizard" and I would like to share this curse with you!

Remember gladiator lancers can't melt necrodermis beams

Star shatter

Char1: 1x C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (295 pts): Cosmic insanity, Golden fists Char2: 1x C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (325 pts): Gaze of death, Scythe of the Nightbringer Char3: 1x Orikan the Diviner (80 pts): Staff of Tomorrow Char5: 1x Royal Warden (75 pts): Close combat weapon, Relic gauss blaster Enhancement: Chrono-impedance Fields (+25 pts) Char4: 3x The Silent King (400 pts): Warlord • 1x Szarekh: Sceptre of Eternal Glory, Staff of Stars, Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2 with Annihilator beam, Armoured bulk

20x Necron Warriors (200 pts): 20 with Close combat weapon, Gauss reaper

1x Canoptek Reanimator (75 pts): 2x Atomiser beam, Reanimator's claws 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 pts) 1 with Claws, Twin gauss reaper 1 with Claws, Dimensional isolator 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array 5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws 1x Lokhust Destroyers (40 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon

Archetype

Warrior Starshatter C'tan

Thoughts

It turns out even if you kick all the C'tan synergy out of Starshatter, adding a couple of them on top of an already powerful setup still rocks. This build does distinguish itself from the pre-slate versions by using Warriors instead of Wraths, which gives you a bit more of a solid Primary denial fallback if your damage output flops (which it can, kind of, now), but it's mostly business as usual, and a solid indication that Necrons are going to continue to be a top player in the metagame. Well done to John.

Marshall Peterson - Necrons (Canoptek Court) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Immortals. Credit: Rockfish Immortals. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
“Oops No Wraiths” (2000 Points)

Necrons Canoptek Court Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (295 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (325 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Illuminor Szeras (165 Points) • Warlord • 1x Eldritch Lance • 1x Impaling legs

Nekrosor Ammentar (185 Points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) • 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Plasmancer (55 Points) • 1x Plasmic lance

Plasmancer (55 Points) • 1x Plasmic lance

Plasmancer (65 Points) • 1x Plasmic lance • Enhancements: Metalodermal Tesla Weave

Royal Warden (50 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Relic gauss blaster

Royal Warden (50 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Relic gauss blaster

BATTLELINE

Immortals (150 Points) • 10x Immortal ◦ 10x Close combat weapon ◦ 10x Gauss blaster

Immortals (150 Points) • 10x Immortal ◦ 10x Close combat weapon ◦ 10x Gauss blaster

Immortals (150 Points) • 10x Immortal ◦ 10x Close combat weapon ◦ 10x Gauss blaster

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 Points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers ◦ 2x Claws ◦ 1x Transdimensional isolator ◦ 1x Twin gauss reaper

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 Points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers ◦ 2x Claws ◦ 1x Transdimensional isolator ◦ 1x Twin gauss reaper

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 Points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers ◦ 2x Claws ◦ 1x Transdimensional isolator ◦ 1x Twin gauss reaper

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

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (1), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Immortal Canoptek C'tan

Thoughts

Although, as above, the popular detachments remain strong, the changes to Starshatter do help bring more varied Necron setups to the fore, such as this one from Marshall. It's not the first time he's taken it to the top, but I suspect you'll see more imitators in the new environment. This list combines Szeras and Ammentar's auras with Canoptek-ified gauss Immortal/Plasmancer squads to create truly universal damage dealers, able to shred wounds off pretty much anything at a decent clip, especially factoring in easy access to Ignore Cover in Canoptek. As I mentioned above with the Iron Hands, one of the ways you can beat C'tan is by handing them a defensive profile they can't work through, but there is essentially no target that's fully robust against this build if it's standing on an objective, which is a great asset. That doesn't mean it's unbeatable - I think some full send melee builds might be able to roll it over, for example, but it does a really effective job of addressing some common Necron counters. Well done to Marshall for rounding out an undefeated podium.

Andrew Champion - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
...many hard men (1995 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Khârn the Betrayer (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Gorechild 1x Plasma pistol

Lord on Juggernaut (120 points) • 1x Bladed horn 1x Exalted chainblade 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne

Lord on Juggernaut (105 points) • 1x Bladed horn 1x Exalted chainblade 1x Plasma pistol

Slaughterbound (100 points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw

BATTLELINE

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

Khorne Berzerkers (360 points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Plasma pistol • 19x Khorne Berzerker • 15x Bolt pistol 15x Chainblade 4x Khornate eviscerator 4x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (360 points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Plasma pistol • 19x Khorne Berzerker • 15x Bolt pistol 15x Chainblade 4x Khornate eviscerator 4x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (90 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (90 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Eightbound (135 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (111), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Berzerker Horde

Thoughts

A return of the big Berzerker horde to complete this top four, and yes to be clear this is absolutely the build you want for trying to roll over the many Immortals above. The sheer numbers also give it an angle into C'tan that more all-rounder Warband setups lack, as you can bog them down with sheer numbers and/or kill them with Lethals. Interesting to see if this makes a more concerted comeback - I guess the previous reduction in the power of Grizzled followed up by a few less Victrix squads being out there probably doesn't hurt its chances either. Well done Andrew.

The Best of the Rest

There were 15 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Scott Ketcham - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Sacresant shieldwall with Retributors behind it.
  • 6th - Joshua Birchfield - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Quad Birds and Be'lakor.
  • 7th - Jake Herrod - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Mid-weight all-rounder Ultramarines with a Storm of Fire Hellblasters squad, Lancers, a Vindicator, and double Victrix with new Calgar and a Captain.
  • 8th - Phillip Schwan - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): New Calgar Hulltramarines with a small Terminator Assault Squad for the big man to lead around.
  • 9th - Camden Holt - Leagues of Votann (Mercenary Oathband): A fairly go-wide take on Oathband with double Fort and double Kapricus/Yaegirs, with a full Beserk squad to use the melee Stratagems.
  • 10th - Mike Lynch - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Horde host with lots of big Neophyte squads, many MSUs, and one large squad of Metamorphs for a bit of melee heft.
  • 11th - Mason Mutz - Orks (War Horde): Melee pressure War Horde with double big Boyz, one with Ghaz and one in a Battlewagon.
  • 12th - Matt Evans - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Durable scoring Invasion Fleet with two big Termagant squads, two Norns and Tyrant Guard to go with Swarmy and a Hive Tyrant.
  • 13th - Bryan Gorny - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): Double Scarab block, lots of Rubricae, and a couple of Predator Annihilators.
  • 14th - John Kilcommons - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Triptide, Pathfinders and some Devilfish-riding Infantry.
  • 15th - Trae Burnett - Chaos Space Marines (Huron’s Marauders): Big presure units (Terminators and a full Chosen squad) followed by Rhino-riding brawlers/Noise Marines, with the Masters to slot in somewhere.
  • 16th - Ted Michalakes - Chaos Space Marines (Huron’s Marauders): More Chosen, Noise Marines and Masters, here with an extra Discolord.
  • 17th - Treynor Wolfe - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): New Calgar Hulltramarines.
  • 18th - Evan Begner - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): the Silent King, the two big C'tan, and then one each of Wraiths and a Doomsday with plenty of utility support.
  • 19th - Lane Nusbaum - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Triple Dorn and double Bullgryn.

12th Barrie Bash

58-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Thornton, ON, CA on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Nick Jagiello - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 1st Place

Lord Solar. Credit: Rockfish Lord Solar. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
🚫🆓🍕(2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Grizzled Company

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 points) • 1x Cadian Commander • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma gun 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Lasgun 1x Master Vox • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Lasgun 1x Medi-pack • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma gun

Lord Solar Leontus (130 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin's hooves 1x Sol's Righteous Gaze

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 points) • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Medi-pack 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

Taurox (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Attilan Rough Riders (60 points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Hunting lance 1x Lasgun 1x Laspistol 1x Power sabre 1x Steed's hooves • 4x Rough Rider • 4x Hunting lance 4x Lasgun 4x Laspistol 4x Steed's hooves

Death Riders (60 points) • 1x Ridemaster • 1x Death Rider lascarbine 1x Frag lance 1x Power sabre 1x Savage claws • 4x Death Rider • 4x Death Rider lascarbine 4x Frag lance 4x Power sabre 4x Savage claws

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

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

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

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer • 1x Autopistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Combat shotgun 1x Flamer 1x Remote Mine

Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta 1x Vanquisher battle cannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (260 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (260 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Tempestus Scions (70 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (111), Data Version: v750

Archetype

High Damage Grizzled

Thoughts

Grizzled Company is still here. This is the high damage version. Previous metagame I preferred the Bullgryn version. Will that still be true in the new metagame? Probably still need a few weeks to figure that out. Both are great, and this iteration earned Nick a trophy, congratulations!

Ben Greenlay - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force) - 2nd Place

Grey Knights Razorbacks. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
GK - Barrie Bash (1995 Points)

Grey Knights Warpbane Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Brotherhood Librarian (80 Points) • 1x Nemesis force weapon • 1x Vortex of Doom

Brotherhood Librarian (80 Points) • 1x Nemesis force weapon • 1x Vortex of Doom

Castellan Crowe (90 Points) • Warlord • 1x Black Blade of Antwyr • 1x Purifying Flame • 1x Storm bolter

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (225 Points) • 1x Gatling psilencer • 1x Heavy psycannon • 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (225 Points) • 1x Gatling psilencer • 1x Heavy psycannon • 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Razorback (85 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin lascannon

Razorback (85 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin lascannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Interceptor Squad (125 Points) • 1x Interceptor Justicar ◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 1x Storm bolter • 4x Interceptor ◦ 4x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 4x Storm bolter

Interceptor Squad (125 Points) • 1x Interceptor Justicar ◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 1x Storm bolter • 4x Interceptor ◦ 4x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 4x 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

Purifier Squad (125 Points) • 1x Knight of the Flame ◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 1x Purifying Flame ◦ 1x Storm bolter • 4x Purifier ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 2x Psycannon ◦ 4x Purifying Flame ◦ 2x Storm bolter

ALLIED UNITS

Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) • 1x Questoris heavy stubber • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 Points) • 1x Questoris heavy stubber • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

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

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (1), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Warglaive Warpbane

Thoughts

A rare sighting of Warpbane in second place, and it is worth saying that Grey Knight win rates did, finally, recover just a little this week, albeit at a low enough player count that it could be a blip. Ben's build combines some normal Warpbane hits with a lean towards hulls, including both Razorbacks and some Armiger Warglaives alongside the normal Dreadknights. I'm assuming the play with the Armigers is to provide a middle-of-the-road bait option; not so expensive that you're distraught if the opponent smoothly eliminates it, not so sqishy or low OC that it's trivial to flip a point back from (and also able to speedily deny an objective to a C'tan in an emergency). It seems to have worked well here, with Ben carving through multiple C'tan builds and several other powerful lists, only stumbling against T'au who presumably just enjoyed an even more target rich environment. Well done Ben!

Dan Morris - Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw) - 3rd Place

Genestealer Cult Jackal Alphus Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
!!! Made in Australia (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Outlander Claw

CHARACTERS

Jackal Alphus (65 points) • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Cult sniper rifle • Enhancement: Serpentine Tactics

Jackal Alphus (55 points) • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Cult sniper rifle

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Anointed pistol 1x Autopistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Neophyte Hybrid • 9x Autopistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 5x Hybrid firearm 1x Mining laser 1x Seismic cannon

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Anointed pistol 1x Autopistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Neophyte Hybrid • 9x Autopistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 5x Hybrid firearm 1x Mining laser 1x Seismic cannon

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Anointed pistol 1x Autopistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Neophyte Hybrid • 9x Autopistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 5x Hybrid firearm 1x Mining laser 1x Seismic cannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Goliath Truck (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Heavy stubber 1x Twin autocannon

Goliath Truck (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Heavy stubber 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Achilles Ridgerunners (95 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mining laser 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (95 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Atalan Jackals (150 points) • 8x Atalan Jackal • 4x Atalan power weapon 6x Atalan small arms 4x Close combat weapon 2x Grenade launcher • 2x Atalan Wolfquad • 2x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 2x Mining laser

Atalan Jackals (85 points) • 4x Atalan Jackal • 2x Atalan power weapon 3x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad • 1x Atalan small arms 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mining laser

Atalan Jackals (85 points) • 4x Atalan Jackal • 2x Atalan power weapon 3x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad • 1x Atalan small arms 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mining laser

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Clearance incinerator 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Drilldozer blade 1x Heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Clearance incinerator 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Drilldozer blade 1x Heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Clearance incinerator 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Drilldozer blade 1x Heavy stubber

Hybrid Metamorphs (70 points) • 1x Metamorph Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's cult weapons • 4x Hybrid Metamorph • 4x Hand flamer 4x Metamorph mutations

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (111), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Outlander

Thoughts

Outlander claw returns in third place, bringing the ultimate in high-speed Primary denial (and a fair bit of chip damage) back to the top tables. This list is almost unparallelled in its ability to put 10 OC somewhere in a hurry, and it's enormously tough to pin down and eliminate thanks to movement and defensive tricks. It does have a vulnerability to some categories of full send melee setups (I'd expect Bastion Templars to be able to roll it, for example), but it's exceptionally good into lots of popular lists, and even in its rougher matchups has the classic Genestealer fallback plan of an opponent missing an oncoming trick and getting picked apart. Fun to see a blast from the past returning in style, great job Dan.

Zachery Riegling - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 4th Place

Credit: Evan "Felime" Siefring

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Weegwings retribution

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adepta Sororitas + DETACHMENT: Hallowed Martyrs (The Blood of Martyrs) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts + + WARLORD: Char3: Morvenn Vahl + ENHANCEMENT: Saintly Example (on Char5: Canoness) & Through Suffering, Strength (on Char6: Canoness) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 17 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (6x2) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char5: 1x Canoness (70 pts): Blessed blade, Inferno pistol Enhancement: Saintly Example (+10 pts)

Char6: 1x Canoness (85 pts): Blessed blade, Inferno pistol Enhancement: Through Suffering, Strength (+25 pts)

Char1: 2x Daemonifuge (85 pts) • 1x Ephrael Stern: Bolt pistol, Sanctity • 1x Kyganil of the Bloody Tears: The Outcast's Blades

Char2: 1x Junith Eruita (80 pts): Mace of Castigation, Twin Ministorum Heavy Flamer

Char3: 1x Morvenn Vahl (185 pts): Warlord, Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon missile launcher

Char4: 3x Saint Celestine (150 pts) • 2x Geminae Superia: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Power Weapon • 1x Saint Celestine: The Ardent Blade

10x Battle Sisters Squad (105 pts) • 9x Battle Sister 6 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Simulacrum Imperialis, Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Meltagun • 1x Sister Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Plasma pistol

10x Dominion Squad (120 pts) • 9x Dominion 4 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Simulacrum Imperialis, Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Meltagun • 1x Dominion Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Ministorum hand flamer

10x Dominion Squad (120 pts) • 9x Dominion 4 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Simulacrum Imperialis, Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Meltagun • 1x Dominion Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Ministorum hand flamer

1x Immolator (115 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta

1x Immolator (115 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta

1x Immolator (115 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta

3x Paragon Warsuits (210 pts) • 1x Paragon Superior: Bolt pistol, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade, Multi-melta • 2x Paragon Warsuit: 2 with Bolt pistol, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade, Multi-melta

5x Retributor Squad (120 pts) • 1x Retributor Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Ministorum hand flamer • 4x Retributor: 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta

5x Retributor Squad (120 pts) • 1x Retributor Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Ministorum hand flamer • 4x Retributor: 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta

5x Retributor Squad (120 pts) • 1x Retributor Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Ministorum hand flamer • 4x Retributor: 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta

1x Sororitas Rhino (75 pts): Armoured tracks, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

Archetype

Melta Martyrs

Thoughts

Sisters close out our second top four, sporting a Hallowed Martyrs build that's even denser on the melta weaponry than normal. This leans it extra hard into the Martyrs plan of using a respawning Character (Celestine is here to double dip on that) to bait foes into doing something, then brutally punishing them with a counterattack. Anything that has killed a unit is not going to be long for the world with three Retributor squads around, which makes this absolutely brutal into any sort of hull build, though it is again pretty vulnerable to hordier strategies (Zachery's loss was to the GSC above). Clearly are some changes afoot as people figure out where the metagame stands, and this extreme anti-heavy skew is a fascinating part of that overall puzzle, great work from Zachery.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Tim Deetlefs - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Castigators and lots of Retributors and Sanctifiers with Transports to play with.
  • 6th - Pat "ponyboy" Johnson - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Triple bird with extra utility and tarpitting from double Pinks, also a Neverblade Daemon Prince.

Warzone Wellington 2026

43-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand on March 13 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Michael Stewart - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) - 1st Place

Tech-Priest Manipulus. Credit: Rockfish Tech-Priest Manipulus. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
01000010 01100101 01100101 01110000 00100000 01100010 01101111 01101111 01110000 (2000 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

Tech-Priest Manipulus (95 Points) • 1x Omnissian staff • 1x Transonic cannon • Enhancements: Cognitive Reinforcement

Tech-Priest Manipulus (70 Points) • 1x Omnissian staff • 1x Transonic cannon • Enhancements: Sanctified Ordnance

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Corpuscarii Electro-Priests (130 Points) • 10x Corpuscarii Electro-Priest ◦ 10x Electrostatic gauntlets

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

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

Kataphron Destroyers (210 Points) • 6x Kataphron Destroyer ◦ 6x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Cognis flamer ◦ 6x Kataphron plasma culverin

Pteraxii Skystalkers (75 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 4x Pteraxii Skystalker ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Flechette carbine

Pteraxii Skystalkers (75 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 4x Pteraxii Skystalker ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Flechette carbine

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

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (1), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Shooty Haloscreed

Thoughts

Our next winner brings an exceptionally shooty AdMech build to the table, bringing guns for every situation. Need to kill C'tan? Double Ironstriders. Marines? Plasma Destroyers. Hordes? Still kind of the Destroyers and an Electropriest squad. The army has a plan to solve any problem with gun-based violence given enough time, and supports that with loads of small harrassment/scoring units that can ensure that it gets that time, creating a daunting prospect for foes to try and challenge. No one managed (though some Orks came very close in the final with a go-wide list), leaving Michael as champion, great work.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - CJ Kane - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): Go-wide-ish Spectacle with an extra Archon to presumably zip round with Kabalites in a Venom doing free Grenades.
  • 3rd - Sean Sullivan - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Triple Fortis and double Indomitor with one Judiciar/Veteran squad, and Artemis dropped into one of the other units.
  • 4th - Wez Jesson-Moore - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Triple C'tan and a fully buffed-up Warrior setup.
  • 5th - Matt van Wijk - Orks (More Dakka): An amusing testimony to just how silly More Dakka was, this is a very go-wide Ork army that seems to be built entirely around access to the extra Waaagh Stratagem, and barely touches guns at all.
  • 6th - Liam Ma - Grey Knights (Banishers): Extra-heavy Banishers with double GMDK, a full Paladin unit with a Grand Master toting the Sixty-Sixth Seal, and a Land Raider Redeemer packed with Crowe's Purifiers.
  • 7th - Liam Sampson - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Double Custodians, double Bikes and Canis Rex.
  • 8th - Karris Fleming - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): High-thread Vectorium with double Plague Marines and a full Deathshroud unit.

Op luck of the Irish GT

39-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Santa Rosa, CA, US on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Nick Farmer - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) - 1st Place

Necron Doom Scythe Necron Doom Scythe. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
You Were Expecting Something Else? (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Hypercrypt Legion

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (325 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Illuminor Szeras (165 points) • 1x Eldritch Lance 1x Impaling legs

The Silent King (400 points) • 1x Szarekh • Warlord • 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory 1x Staff of Stars 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir • 2x Annihilator beam 2x Armoured bulk

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Spyders (75 points) • 1x Automaton claws 1x Fabricator Claw Array (Aura) 1x Gloom Prism (Aura) 2x Particle beamer

Doom Scythe (230 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Heavy death ray 1x Twin tesla destructor

Doom Scythe (230 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Heavy death ray 1x Twin tesla destructor

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

Triarch Stalker (110 points) • 1x Heavy gauss cannon array 1x Stalker's forelimbs

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Doom Scythe Hypercrypt

Thoughts

Look, I said there was Necron variety, I didn't promise it wouldn't be deeply upsetting. This list brings back Hypercrypt, able to put a bona fide shooting alpha strike wherever it needs to be on the table by teleporting around the Scythes, which also ruins the foe's ability to stage safely. If blasting stuff isn't needed, or if the enemy has no good way of engaging the planes (say they're World Eaters or something), the army can also teleport around the Nightbringer or durable scoring units as needed - people have clocked recently that the Canoptek Reanimator is an incredibly good thing to just park on objectives, as it's much more durable than a 75pts model has any right to be, and will heal itself if not killed in one fell swoop. It's different, it's deadly, and it smashed through some tough matchups on the way to the win, well done Nick.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Clint Ozbirn - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): The good clean fun of double Crusaders and triple Templar RepEx.
  • 3rd (4.5-0.5) - Brian Benn - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Extra-shooty Martyrs with Castigators and shooty Infantry.
  • 4th - Josh Meeker - Chaos Space Marines (Huron’s Marauders): Shooty Marauders with Obliterators and Noise Marines, plus one big Terminator unit and the Masters (presumably here going with a Legionary squad in a Rhino).
  • 5th - Emma Park - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Shooty Martyrs with three solo Mortifiers as disruption pieces.
  • 6th - Charles Depew - Orks (Da Big Hunt): Hefty melee hunt with lots of Snaggas, lots of Squighogs and Ghaz with Meganobz.

Free State GT 2026

35-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Holton, Kansas, US on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

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

Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I come in Peace (1990 points)

Imperial Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Valourstrike Lance

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (111), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Close Enough, Welcome Back House Raven

Thoughts

A real blast from the past here that asks the question - what if we just Advanced some Knights around the table blowing everything up? What if that, apparently. It's not super complicated, but two Castellans stomping round at speed with a Crusader in tow gives you shooting to solve most problems that exist, especially with No Cover to drop on one of them. This list feels pretty ready to carve up the Marine melee hordes that feel strong into many of the other lists we've seen today, and enemy heavy builds will have to show at least some respect to the double volcano lance setup. I've felt for a while that the Castellan has been a little bit under explored, so maybe it's finally time for them to really shine.  Congratulations Matthew.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Chase Campbell - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Mont'ka pressure with Triptide, Breacherfish and the Twin Lance.
  • 3rd - Dan Sammons - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Double Dorn, double Bullgryn and Leman Russes.
  • 4th - David Valle - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Quad C'tan and herohammer.
  • 5th - Broc Bowman - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): All-melee Warband with Angron.
  • 6th - Matt Neeley - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Vectorium Mortarion Goodstuff with a Plague Marine unit.
  • 7th - Joe Guzowski - Orks (Bully Boyz): Many Meganobz, Ghaz, and double Battlewagon.

Aemona Open Nationals GT, 40k

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ljubljana, SI on March 14 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Filip Jakob Pogacnik - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor) - 1st Place

Adeptus Custodes – Custodian Guard Adeptus Custodes – Custodian Guard
Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
lol (2000 points)

Adeptus Custodes Strike Force (2000 points) Talons of the Emperor

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (200 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 2x Praesidium Shield 1x Sentinel blade 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (200 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 2x Praesidium Shield 1x Sentinel blade 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (200 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 2x Praesidium Shield 1x Sentinel blade 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (200 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 4x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (200 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 4x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

OTHER DATASHEETS

Prosecutors (40 points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior • 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor • 3x Boltgun 3x Close combat weapon

Venerable Land Raider (220 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Godhammer lascannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin heavy bolter

Venerable Land Raider (220 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Godhammer lascannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin heavy bolter

Venerable Land Raider (220 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Godhammer lascannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin heavy bolter

Witchseekers (45 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

Witchseekers (45 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

ALLIED UNITS

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

Inquisitor Draxus (110 points) • Warlord • 1x Dirgesinger 1x Power fist 1x Psychic Tempest

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (111), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Talons Land Raider/Custodian Spam

Thoughts

Another contender from the previous metagame continues to thrive here, largely shrugging off the mild nerfs and continuing to dominate boards with the mixture of durability, staging and melee threat. Really doesn't want to run into double Castellan, mind. So uh, watch out for that if anyone else starts doing it. Congratulations Filip.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Thomas Faulkner - Aeldari (Spirit Conclave): Wraithlords, Wraithblades, Wraithguard, lots of Warlocks of various flavours, and many bike MSUs.
  • 3rd - Ivan Rozga - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus Grand Coven with a big squad each of Rubricae, Scarabs, and Robots.
  • 4th - Zan Pockar - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Guard hits marching two by two, Dorns, Kasrkin, Bullgryn and Vanquishers.
  • 5th - David Kraljić - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): A fairly diversified Rage-Cursed setup with Vindicators and some inferno Vanguard Veterans alongside the normal melee hits.
  • 6th - Tomislav Turic - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Very hordey Host.

Wrap Up

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Tags: Space Marines | imperial knights | world eaters | Necrons | Warhammer 40k | Iron Hands | Adeptus Mechanicus | grey knights | competitive play | Genestealer Cults | Astra Militarum | Adeptus Custodes | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Adepa Sororitas

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