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 Victrix and AdMech world, the rest of us just live in it.

Part 2 on Friday:

ADFWGA Herocon 2025
Winchester 40K GT - November 2025
Heroes of the Mid Table Fall GT 2025
West Allotment at War 3 RTT ITC
Burn & Learn Vol.15

Part 1 on Wednesday:

ObSec presents the Perth GT 2025
The YYC Friendship 40K GT
Gonghammer 2025
Skövde Battle Forge V
Kirtonian Total Carnage VIII

ADFWGA Herocon 2025

57-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Campbell, ACT, Australia on November 28 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dale Mann - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort) - 1st Place

Skitarii Vanguard. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

$2607 RRP (1995 Points)

Adeptus Mechanicus Skitarii Hunter Cohort Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Belisarius Cawl (175 Points) • Warlord • 1x Arc scourge • 1x Cawl's Omnissian axe • 1x Mechadendrite hive • 1x Solar atomiser

Skitarii Marshal (60 Points) • 1x Control stave • 1x Mechanicus pistol • Enhancements: Cantic Thrallnet

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 Vanguard (95 Points) • 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha ◦ 1x Alpha combat weapon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Radium carbine • 9x Skitarii Vanguard ◦ 1x Arc rifle ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Omnispex ◦ 1x Plasma caliver ◦ 6x Radium carbine ◦ 1x Transuranic arquebus

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ironstrider Ballistarii (225 Points) • 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii ◦ 3x Ironstrider feet ◦ 3x Twin cognis lascannon

Ironstrider Ballistarii (225 Points) • 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii ◦ 3x Ironstrider feet ◦ 3x Twin cognis lascannon Ironstrider Ballistarii (225 Points) • 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii ◦ 3x Ironstrider feet ◦ 3x Twin cognis lascannon

Pteraxii Skystalkers (140 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 9x Pteraxii Skystalker ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Flechette carbine

Pteraxii Skystalkers (140 Points) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 9x Pteraxii Skystalker ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Flechette carbine

Sicarian Infiltrators (140 Points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 9x Sicarian Infiltrator ◦ 9x Flechette blaster ◦ 9x Taser goad

Sicarian Infiltrators (140 Points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 9x Sicarian Infiltrator ◦ 9x Flechette blaster ◦ 9x Taser goad

Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 Points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps ◦ 1x Transonic razor and chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker ◦ 9x Transonic razor and chordclaw

Sydonian Dragoons with Taser Lances (195 Points) • 3x Sydonian Dragoon ◦ 3x Phosphor serpenta ◦ 3x Taser lance

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Sielger Style SHC

Thoughts

A breakout build from Worlds, the massed Ironstrider Hunter Cohort strips back things like Disintegrators and transports to keep bodies on the board. Ten bricks of infantry are amazing here, where the 5+++ stratagem leaves opponents unsure of exactly what they need to commit and where. Fall short, and the momentum shifts massively to the Ad Mech. Ironstriders outshoot most of the competition right now thanks to the new Oaths rerolls, and the double Infiltrator bricks allows you to apply significant pressure from the get go. Those pistols are also very funny into Spectacle of Spite!

Oskar P - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battleclade) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Sicarian Infiltrators and Ruststalkers. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Ghostrusters

1x Belisarius Cawl (175 pts) • 1x Arc scourge • 1x Cawl's Omnissian axe • 1x Mechadendrite hive • 1x Solar atomiser • Warlord

1x Skitarii Marshal (35 pts) • 1x Control stave • 1x Mechanicus pistol

1x Tech-Priest Manipulus (70 pts) • 1x Omnissian staff • 1x Magnarail lance • Sanctified Ordnance (+10 pts)

BATTLELINE

10x Skitarii Rangers (85 pts) • 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 Plasma caliver • 1x Transuranic arquebus • Omnispex

10x Skitarii Vanguard (95 pts) • 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha • 1x Alpha combat weapon • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Radium carbine • 9x Skitarii Vanguard • 1x Arc rifle • 9x Close combat weapon • 6x Radium carbine • 1x Plasma caliver • 1x Transuranic arquebus • Omnispex

10x Skitarii Vanguard (95 pts) • 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha • 1x Alpha combat weapon • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Radium carbine • 9x Skitarii Vanguard • 1x Arc rifle • 9x Close combat weapon • 6x Radium carbine • 1x Plasma caliver • 1x Transuranic arquebus • Omnispex

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

5x Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 pts) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha • 1x Flechette blaster • 1x Taser goad • Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha • 4x Pteraxii Skystalkers • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Flechette carbine

9x Servitor Battleclade (60 pts) • 1x Servitor Underseer • 1x Dataspikes • 1x Mechanicus pistol • Servitor Underseer • 2x Gun Servitor • 1x Heavy arc rifle • 2x Servo-claw • 1x Heavy bolter • 6x Combat Servitor • 2x Phosphor blaster • 6x Servo-claw • 1x Meltagun • 3x Incendine igniter

5x Sicarian Infiltrators (70 pts) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps (Taser goad & flechette blaster) • 1x Flechette blaster • 1x Taser goad • 4x Sicarian Infiltrator (Taser goad & flechette blaster) • 4x Flechette blaster • 4x Taser goad

10x Sicarian Infiltrators (140 pts) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps (Taser goad & flechette blaster) • 1x Flechette blaster • 1x Taser goad • 9x Sicarian Infiltrator (Taser goad & flechette blaster) • 9x Flechette blaster • 9x Taser goad

10x Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 pts) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps (Transonic blades & chordclaw) • 1x Transonic blades & chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker (Transonic razor & chordclaw) • 9x Transonic razor & chordclaw

10x Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 pts) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps (Transonic blades & chordclaw) • 1x Transonic blades & chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker (Transonic razor & chordclaw) • 9x Transonic razor & chordclaw

3x Serberys Raiders (60 pts) • 1x Serberys Raider Alpha • 1x Cavalry sabre & clawed limbs • 1x Galvanic carbine • 1x Mechanicus pistol • 2x Serberys Raider • 2x Cavalry sabre & clawed limbs • 2x Galvanic carbine • Enhanced data-tether

3x Ironstrider Ballistarii (225 pts) • 3x Ironstrider Ballistarius (Twin cognis lascannon) • 3x Ironstrider feet • 3x Twin cognis lascannon • 6x Ironstrider Ballistarii

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

Archetype

Haloscreed Goodstuff

Thoughts

A well established build now, the added reach and melee punch of Haloscreed has drawn in many of the recent Ad Mech faithful. This list trades far more on transports for reach and reactive move nonsense, with a Destroyer brick for deleting large bricks of infantry (World Eaters beware!). The solo Armiger is an interesting inclusion - one assumes this is the classic 'small footprint decent OC' rationale for bringing one along, but it could be one of the Techpriests built it and simply refuses to leave home without it. Great work on the undefeated run!

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd - Joe Loke - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Morty, mini-Morty, and a Plague Marine brick.
4th - Rowan Kennett - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Textbook big bug little bug Invasion Fleet with Exos and Maleceptors.
5th - Jawad Salah - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): A Hammer tank car park with Dorns and Leman Russ, and the intriguing inclusion of some Death Rider msu...
6th - Ewart Searle - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Brutal Thunderwolf / Wulfen rush Stormlance.
7th - Jonathan Smyth - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack): 18 Rampager, triple Riptide Kroot Hunting Pack. Glorious.
8th - Robert Bennett - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar): New Ultras rules, with two slabs of Victrix and some Gladiators backlining.
9th - Sean Baker - Black Templars (Stormlance Task Force): A twist on the Templars goodstuff we've seen by incorporating the Rep Ex / Storm Brethren packages in Stormlance for extra zoomie!
10th - Ziggy Goiser - Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread): An absolute grab bag of big Knight chassis in the now largely forgotten Lords of Dread. Bet this ruined some days!

Winchester 40K GT - November 2025

47-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on November 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Martyn Cooper - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager) - 1st Place

Archon with Soul Trap and Huskblade. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Santas little helpers (2000 Points)

Drukhari Reaper's Wager Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Archon (95 Points) • Warlord • 1x Agoniser • 1x Shadowfield • 1x Soul Trap • Enhancements: Webway Walker

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

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (115 Points) • 1x Sybarite ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Dark lance ◦ 1x Shredder ◦ 1x Splinter cannon ◦ 5x Splinter rifle

Kabalite Warriors (115 Points) • 1x Sybarite ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Dark lance ◦ 1x Shredder ◦ 1x Splinter cannon ◦ 5x Splinter rifle

Wyches (90 Points) • 1x Hekatrix ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Wych ◦ 3x Gladiatorial weapons ◦ 6x Hekatarii blade ◦ 6x Splinter pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hellions (85 Points) • 1x Helliarch ◦ 1x Hellglaive ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Splinter pods • 4x Hellion ◦ 4x Hellglaive ◦ 4x Splinter pods

Hellions (170 Points) • 1x Helliarch ◦ 1x Hellglaive ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Splinter pods • 9x Hellion ◦ 9x Hellglaive ◦ 9x Splinter pods

Incubi (180 Points) • 2x Incubi Shrine Token • 1x Klaivex ◦ 1x Demiklaives • 9x Incubi ◦ 9x Klaive

Mandrakes (75 Points) • 1x Nightfiend ◦ 1x Baleblast ◦ 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake ◦ 4x Baleblast ◦ 4x Glimmersteel blade

Mandrakes (75 Points) • 1x Nightfiend ◦ 1x Baleblast ◦ 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake ◦ 4x Baleblast ◦ 4x Glimmersteel blade

Reavers (70 Points) • 1x Arena Champion ◦ 1x Bladevanes ◦ 1x Cluster caltrops ◦ 1x Heat lance ◦ 1x Splinter pistol • 2x Reaver ◦ 2x Bladevanes ◦ 2x Splinter pistol ◦ 2x Splinter rifle

Reavers (70 Points) • 1x Arena Champion ◦ 1x Bladevanes ◦ 1x Cluster caltrops ◦ 1x Heat lance ◦ 1x Splinter pistol • 2x Reaver ◦ 2x Bladevanes ◦ 2x Splinter pistol ◦ 2x Splinter rifle

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 Points) • 1x Solarite ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Shardcarbine • 4x Scourge ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Dark lance

Talos (160 Points) • 2x Talos ◦ 4x Macro-scalpel ◦ 2x Twin haywire blaster

Talos (160 Points) • 2x Talos ◦ 4x Macro-scalpel ◦ 2x Twin haywire blaster

ALLIED UNITS

Solitaire (115 Points) • 1x Flip Belt • 1x Solitaire weapons

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Classic Reaper

Thoughts

A slight reskin for the new book, but this is Reaper's Wager doing what it does best. Loads of Kabalites for sticky and pressure, Haywire for days flying out of the improved Talos, and some big bricks of Incubi and Hellions as your hammer pieces. Drukhari are still adapting, with Spite emerging as the current favourite, but Reaper has a brilliant toolkit, and it will go the distance this edition, without a doubt. Great work.

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Shaun Turner - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Bringers of Flame Hulls with Retributors, Jack Tite style.
3rd - Jonathan Aylett - Orks (War Horde): Double Battlewagon pressure War Horde.
4th - Dan M.K - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): An absolute slew of Commanders and Suits.
5th - Seth bryan - Orks (War Horde): Battlewagon War Horde pressure with the Ghaz brick.
6th - Paddy Dunford - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Really chunky triple Redemptor / Vindicator / melee MSU Inheritors.
7th - Alex Stewart - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force): Speedy Lion / DWK with some tanks in support.
8th - Ryan Newman - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Belly, Skarbs and the GUO leading a horde of MSU infantry.
9th - Tom Mitchell - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic Mixed Arms Warband.

Heroes of the Mid Table Fall GT 2025

38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Langley Twp, BC, CA on November 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Kasra Houshidar - Ultramarines (Stormlance Task Force) - 1st Place

Ultramarines Cato Sicarius. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The Lance of Ultramar and 12 Angry Men (2000 Points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Stormlance Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain Sicarius (85 Points) • 1x Artisan plasma pistol • 1x Talassarian Tempest Blade

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

Roboute Guilliman (340 Points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor's Sword • 1x Hand of Dominion

Uriel Ventris (95 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Invictus • 1x Sword of Idaeus

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

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

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

Stormraven Gunship (280 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Hurricane bolter • 2x Stormstrike missile launcher • 1x Twin heavy plasma cannon • 1x Twin multi-melta

Victrix Honour Guard (210 Points) • 1x Chapter Ancient ◦ 1x Banner of Macragge ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 5x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 5x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (210 Points) • 1x Chapter Champion ◦ 1x Blades of honour • 5x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 5x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Ultras Stormraven - but wait, it's better now!

Thoughts

The classic Stormraven Ultramarines pressure pioneered by John Lennon and Josh Roberts goes up a level, with the inclusion of bricks of Victrix Honour Guard. The last thing an army trying to navigate this nonsense needs is the added threat of reactive moving murder bricks, but that's the world we live in, so get ready for it! Awesome to see such a marriage of brutal formulae in this list, great work on the event win.

Patrick Greatbatch - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Fabius Bile. Credits: That Gobbo

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Can Openers and Spoons (2000 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Renegade Raiders Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (105 Points) • 1x Daemon hammer • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Dread Reaver

Chaos Lord (90 Points) • 1x Daemon hammer • 1x Power fist

Cypher (90 Points) • Warlord • 1x Cypher's bolt pistol • 1x Cypher's plasma pistol

Fabius Bile (85 Points) • 1x Fabius Bile ◦ 1x Chirurgeon ◦ 1x Rod of Torment ◦ 1x Xyclos Needler • 1x Surgeon Acolyte ◦ 1x Surgeon Acolyte's tools

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 Points) • 1x Cultist Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 Points) • 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

Legionaries (90 Points) • 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

Legionaries (90 Points) • 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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Bikers (70 Points) • 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 (140 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator autocannon

Chosen (250 Points) • 1x Chosen Champion ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Chosen ◦ 6x Accursed weapon ◦ 6x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Boltgun ◦ 4x Combi-weapon ◦ 2x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 3x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist

Nemesis Claw (110 Points) • 1x Visionary ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Legionary ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Nostraman chainglaive ◦ 1x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 1x Voice Eater

Warp Talons (270 Points) • 1x Warp Talon Champion ◦ 1x Warp claws • 9x Warp Talon ◦ 9x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

Beasts of Nurgle (65 Points) • 1x Putrid appendages

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

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Raiders MSU

Thoughts

A classic Raiders list, with Warp Talons complimenting plenty of MSU trading and reliable fire support in the Predators. The Bile brick gives you your push piece, and Cypher and Nemesis claw help you to boss combat match ups. An enduring heavyweight of the game, piloted expertly here to a great placing. Well done!!

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Brendan McKenzie - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Massed Hallowed Martyrs Characters and combat Infantry.
4th - Aiden McFaull - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic mixed arms World Eaters.
5th - Jordan Galaugher - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): Raven Guard goodstuff.
6th - Ken Lindsay - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband): Well rounded Hearthband with double Land Forts alongside the Hearthguard bricks.
7th - AJ Wong - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Bricks of Wardens and Guard, supported by double Caladius.

West Allotment at War 3 RTT ITC

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in West Allotment, England, GB on November 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

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

Victrix Guard Chapter Ancient Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

wolves in sheep's clothing (1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

Captain (80 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Master-crafted bolter 1x Power fist

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

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 4x Heavy bolt 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 4x Heavy bolt pistol

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

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

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

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

Victrix Honour Guard (210 points) • 1x Chapter Ancient • 1x Banner of Macragge 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Chapter Champion • 1x Blades of honour • 4x Victrix Honour Guard • 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine 4x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (210 points) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard • 6x Master-crafted bolt carbine 6x Master-crafted power weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Chunky Gladius Gunline

Thoughts

After the initial 'as many Victrix as possible' hype dies down, what we are seeing is a blend of classic Ultras gunline lists with the new boys in tow. Redemptors are excellent here, and also a VERY effective unit in the mirror, where the -1 damage 2+ can give Victrix issues, as can the offensive output. Ultras are going to have a very good few months, and this gunline plus Victrix archetype looks a leading option. Amazing work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Tom Wright - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Combined with Bullgryn AND 20 bricks, and two Dorns behind.
3rd - Matthew Dickinson - Imperial Knights (Spearhead-at-Arms): Spearhead Knights with a Warden, a Defender, and many tiny baby knights.
4th - Michael craigs - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Classic mixed arms Warpbane with multiple Dreadknights and lots of Purifiers.
5th - Daniel Sneap - Aeldari (Aspect Host): A truckload of Aspect Warriors and Phoenix Lords, with Baharroth alongside the usual suspects.
6th - Adam Sargeant - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Sang Guard bricks, a Rep Ex, and a Blade Guard brick. Send Adam, send.

Burn & Learn Vol.15

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on November 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold - Search and Destroy - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) versus Grey Knights (Warpbane Taskforce)

Edward Kemnitz - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms)

Army List - Click to Expand

Scorpion Traitor Guard 🦂 (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Combined Arms Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Gaunt's Ghosts (100 Points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • Warlord ◦ 1x Bolt Pistol ◦ 1x Gaunt's chainsword • 1x Colm Corbec ◦ 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Elim Rawne ◦ 1x Rawne's lascarbine ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Hlaine Larkin ◦ 1x Larkin's long-las ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x 'Try Again' Bragg ◦ 1x Bragg's autocannon ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Oan Mkoll ◦ 1x Lascarbine ◦ 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife

Rogal Dorn Commander (290 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon • Enhancements: Grand Strategist

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Meltagun • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Meltagun • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Basilisk (140 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Earthshaker cannon • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Hunter-killer missile

Leman Russ Battle Tank (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Leman Russ battle cannon • 2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Exterminator (180 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Exterminator autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 2x Multi-melta

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

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

Scout Sentinels (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Scout Sentinels (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Scout Sentinels (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Tempestus Aquilons (100 Points) • 1x Tempestor Aquilon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Sentry flamer • 8x Tempestus Aquilon ◦ 8x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Hot-shot lascarbine ◦ 1x Hot‐shot long‐las ◦ 1x Plasma carbine • 1x Gunfighter ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lascarbine

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

vs.

Ash Power - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force)

Army List - Click to Expand

The rerolls are definitely why I clock out [2000 points] Grey Knights Battle Size: Strike Force (2000 point limit)

Detachment Choice: Warpbane Task Force

Brotherhood Librarian [80 points] • Combi-weapon, Nemesis force weapon and Vortex of doom

Brotherhood Librarian [80 points] • Combi-weapon, Nemesis force weapon and Vortex of doom

Castellan Crowe [90 points] • Warlord • Black blade of antwyr, Purifying flame and Storm bolter

Grand Master In Nemesis Dreadknight [225 points] • Fragstorm grenade launcher, Heavy psycannon, Nemesis daemon greathammer and Sublimator

Grand Master In Nemesis Dreadknight [225 points] • Fragstorm grenade launcher, Heavy psycannon, Nemesis daemon greathammer and Sublimator

Interceptor Squad [130 points] • 1 Interceptor Justicar with Nemesis force weapon and Storm bolter • 4 Interceptors with Nemesis force weapon and Storm bolter

Interceptor Squad [130 points] • 1 Interceptor Justicar with Nemesis force weapon and Storm bolter • 4 Interceptors with Nemesis force weapon and Storm bolter

Nemesis Dreadknight [210 points] • Heavy incinerator, Heavy psycannon and Nemesis daemon greathammer

Purgation Squad [125 points] • 1 Purgator Justicar with Nemesis force weapon and Storm bolter • 4 Purgators with psilencer and close combat weapon

Purifier Squad [250 points] • 1 Knight of the Flame with Nemesis force weapon, Purifying flame and Storm bolter • 9 Purifiers with Nemesis force weapon, Purifying flame and Storm bolter

Purifier Squad [125 points] • 1 Knight of the Flame with Nemesis force weapon, Purifying flame and Storm bolter • 4 Purifiers with Nemesis force weapon, Purifying flame and Storm bolter

Purifier Squad [125 points] • 1 Knight of the Flame with Nemesis force weapon, Purifying flame and Storm bolter • 4 Purifiers with Nemesis force weapon, Purifying flame and Storm bolter

Razorback [85 points] • Armoured tracks, Hunter-killer missile, Storm bolter and Twin lascannon

Strike Squad [120 points] • 1 Justicar with Nemesis force weapon and Storm bolter • 4 Grey Knights with Nemesis force weapon and Storm bolter

Created with WarOrgan ()

Thoughts

A fascinating showdown here, and a rare incidence of 'Tom getting his predicted winner wrong.' On paper, the Guard list here is so brutally chock full of armour - something that GK can find quite stressful. If the Dreadknights in the beautifully balanced Warpbane list go down then how they handle multiple Leman Russ and Dorns is anybodys guess.

I suspect what blew this one open is some combination of: A much lower number of actual Guard bodies on the ground, opening up primary play options for the GK, a potential early game blocking / tying up of tanks that bought the necessary space to play, and some very careful and sensible use of Dreadknights to bop tanks without being gunned down too early. I'd have absolutely loved to watch this one, and I think a GK win here is really very impressive, great stuff!

Result

Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force) Victory - 74 - 66

Ash Power - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force) - 1st Place

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Textbook Warpbane

Thoughts

Grey Knights, eh. The fanbase haven't massively loved the book, which didn't open up much by way of fresh pathways to play, or at least it has been perceived as much. At the end of the day, however, the massed relocation of 2+ bodies with decent shooting (especially in Warpbane) is always going to have ins and options in a game of 40k, and it really does reward skill. No better demonstration of that here, where they've topped the event! Fantastic work.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Maciek "Magic" Chamier - Cieminski - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Aspect Host Goodstuff.
3rd - Edward Kemnitz - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): The Guard tank-skew from the showdown.
4th - Thomas Merrick - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Aspect Host Goodstuff.

Wrap Up

Intriguing, very intriguing. The Ultramarines are in, but the meta continues to throw up a real mix, and some heroes have gone all the way on armies you wouldn't place at the tip top. That is very reassuring to see - how will it hold up?! Have fun out there!

Lowest of Men, out.

Have any questions or feedback? Drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com. Want articles like this linked in your inbox every Monday morning? Sign up for our newsletter. And don’t forget that you can support us on Patreon for backer rewards like early video content, Administratum access, an ad-free experience on our website and more.

Thank you for being a friend.

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Blue His House, With a Blue Little Meta pt.2

ADFWGA Herocon 2025

Dale Mann - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Oskar P - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battleclade) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Winchester 40K GT - November 2025

Martyn Cooper - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Heroes of the Mid Table Fall GT 2025

Kasra Houshidar - Ultramarines (Stormlance Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Patrick Greatbatch - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

West Allotment at War 3 RTT ITC

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

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Burn & Learn Vol.15

The Showdown

Take and Hold - Search and Destroy - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) versus Grey Knights (Warpbane Taskforce)

Thoughts

Result

Ash Power - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

Latest

Patreon

Fashion Accessories

AGE OF SIGMAR 4th EDITION

WARHAMMER 40,000 10th EDITION

ABOUT US

OUR SOCIALS