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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Cast of Thousand pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Oct 29 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.

I feel like I'm saying this every week at this point, but it's been another huge week for tournaments. Pleasingly, according to our dashboard, exactly one thousand players participated in GT+ singles events this weekend, which saves me from having to workshop a title about the other big news of the week, which is that Sisters are on fire.

The Sororitas have been gathering momentum since the last Dataslate as skilled players return to the fold, but this weekend they've fully broken away from the pack, notching up a >60% win rate, and dominating on every statistic we track, including three very different event-winning builds.

We'll get to the first of those in just a moment as we kick off today's events, which are:

Part 1 on Wednesday:
  • THE COVENTRY 40K : 3-Day
  • Rumble on the Rivers 40k GT 2025
  • ÖKtoberspelen
  • Orktoberfest 2025!!
  • KnightFall: The Tracy Crusade GT
  • Dukkehammer GT I
  • Volos GrailFest 2025
Part 2 on Friday:
  • THE COVENTRY 40K : 2-Day
  • NRW Winter 40K Singles 2025 - Alpine Cup
  • Gaelcon 2025
  • Paragon City Games Warhammer 40K Store Championships
  • Wicked City Wargaming Open 2025
  • Manse GT II
Part 3 on Saturday:
  • Battle Brothers GT Hosted by Away Games
  • BZU 40K GT 10/25/25 - 10/26/25
  • Dicing Death IV
  • SA40k Commissar Cup GT - Presented by Dragon's Lair
  • RCM: Night of the Wolf
  • Hell's Basement GT (2025)

THE COVENTRY 40K : 3-Day

188-player, 8-round Supermajor in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, England, United Kingdom on October 24 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jack Tite - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) - 1st Place

Retributors. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
BOF goes Bosh (1995 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Bringers of Flame

CHARACTERS

Aestred Thurga and Agathae Dolan (70 points) • 1x Aestred Thurga • 1x Blade of Vigil 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Agathae Dolan • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Scribe's staff

Canoness (60 points) • 1x Hallowed chainsword 1x Inferno pistol • Enhancement: Iron Surplice of Saint Istalela

Dialogus (40 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Dialogus staff

Morvenn Vahl (170 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator autocannons 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator autocannons 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Dominion Squad (115 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Dominion Squad (115 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Paragon Warsuits (210 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon grenade launchers 1x Paragon war blade • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon grenade launchers 2x Paragon war blade

Retributor Squad (105 points) • 1x Retributor Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Retributor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Multi-melta

Retributor Squad (105 points) • 1x Retributor Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Retributor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Multi-melta

Retributor Squad (105 points) • 1x Retributor Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Retributor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Multi-melta

Sanctifiers (100 points) • 1x Miraculist • 1x Burning hands 1x Holy fire • 1x Salvationist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Salvationist Medikit • 1x Death Cult Assassin • 1x Death Cult blades • 2x Missionary • 1x Holy fire 1x Ministorum flamer 1x Plasma gun 2x Sanctifier melee weapon • 4x Sanctifier • 2x Close combat weapon 5x Ministorum hand flamer 2x Sanctifier melee weapon 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Sanctifiers (100 points) • 1x Miraculist • 1x Burning hands 1x Holy fire • 1x Salvationist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Salvationist Medikit • 1x Death Cult Assassin • 1x Death Cult blades • 2x Missionary • 1x Holy fire 1x Ministorum flamer 1x Plasma gun 2x Sanctifier melee weapon • 4x Sanctifier • 2x Close combat weapon 5x Ministorum hand flamer 2x Sanctifier melee weapon 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Exported with App Version: v1.42.1 (101), Data Version: v697

Archetype

Speedy Flame Sisters

Thoughts

We're right out of the gate with the big news via Jack unleashing this powerful Bringers of Flame concoction, which shows several of the things making Sisters tick right now. The faction have always been efficient all-rounders, but the release of the Sanctifiers datasheet and upgrade to Retributors (combined with points cuts) has really pushed them over the top. Sanctifiers are a hugely nasty source of Torrent weaponry, making them extremely good with Bringers of Flame's detachment rule and Stratagems, and even when you don't need the violence from them they're fairly efficient utility players, generating Miracle Dice and providing more ways to Scout Rhinos up the table. Meanwhile, Retributors just murder any heavy vehicle that has looked at you funny, and between these two units you have exceptionally solid trade-up options into plenty of key targets.

Even worse for the foe, this list can go out hunting fast if required, as it has lots of Scout that can be chucked on tanks, and the army-wide Assault of Bringers. That makes it hard for foes to avoid those good trades happening, very much letting Sisters operate in their happy place of efficiently neutralising foes. Well done to Jack on the big win, and unleashing this fiery concoction.

Scott Morris - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault) - 2nd Place

Trygon Prime. Credit: Rockfish Trygon Prime. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Sub assault (1995 Points)

Tyranids Subterranean Assault Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Hyperadapted Raveners (165 Points) • 1x Ravener Prime ◦ 1x Prime claws and talons • 4x Raveners ◦ 4x Ravener heavy claws and talons ◦ 1x Venom bolt

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

The Swarmlord (220 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bone sabres • 1x Synaptic pulse

Trygon (160 Points) • Subterranean Assault Keywords: Character • 1x Bio-electric pulse • 1x Trygon scything talons • Enhancements: Trygon Prime

BATTLELINE

Gargoyles (85 Points) • 10x Gargoyle ◦ 10x Blinding venom ◦ 10x Fleshborer

Gargoyles (85 Points) • 10x Gargoyle ◦ 10x Blinding venom ◦ 10x Fleshborer

Hormagaunts (65 Points) • 10x Hormagaunt ◦ 10x Hormagaunt talons

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (50 Points) • 1x Chitin-barbed limbs • 1x Spore Mine launcher

Exocrine (140 Points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon • 1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (140 Points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon • 1x Powerful limbs

Lictor (60 Points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Neurolictor (70 Points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

Raveners (125 Points) • 5x Ravener ◦ 5x Ravener claws and talons

Raveners (125 Points) • 5x Ravener ◦ 5x Ravener claws and talons

Tyrannofex (200 Points) • 1x Rupture Cannon • 1x Powerful limbs • 1x Stinger salvoes

Zoanthropes (200 Points) • 1x Neurothrope ◦ 1x Chitinous claws and teeth ◦ 1x Warp Blast • 5x Zoanthrope ◦ 5x Chitinous claws and teeth ◦ 5x Warp Blast

Exported with App Version: v1.42.1 (1), Data Version: v697

Archetype

Zoanthrope Assault

Thoughts

Speaking of hunting down the foe, Scott's Tyranid build here was absolutely decking enemies left, right, and centre all weekend. It's mostly on the standard suite of Subterranean tools, but where some other spins have been cutting down on Raveners, this retains a good number to ensure it can always put tunnels down where required. That lets the threats get their jobs done, and also combines nicely with some Primary denial from the Battleline to keep foes on the back foot. A really strong finish here, big congratulations to Scott!

David Gaylard - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon) - 3rd Place

Aethon Shaan. Credit: Dan Boyd

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Raven Guard + DETACHMENT: Shadowmark Talon + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + ENHANCEMENT: Hunter's Instincts (on Char3: Captain with Jump Pack) & Coronal Susurrant (on Char4: Lieutenant with Combi-weapon) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Trygon Shaan (85 pts) • 1x Claws of Severax • 1x Heavy Bolt Pistol

1x Kayvaan Shrike (100 pts) • 1x Blackout • 1x The Raven's Talons

1x Captain with Jump Pack (100 pts) • 1x Power Fist • 1x Hand Flamer • Hunter's Instincts (+25 pts)

1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (100 pts) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired Combat Blades • Coronal Susurrant (+30 pts)

BATTLELINE

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Bolt Rifle • 1x Power Fist • Intercessor Sergeant • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Bolt Rifle • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes grenade launcher • 4x Intercessor Squad

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Centurion Devastator Squad (330 pts) • 4x Devastator Centurion • 4x Centurion Fists • 4x Centurion missile launcher • 4x Twin Lascannon • 4x Devastator Centurion • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant • 1x Centurion Fists • 1x Centurion missile launcher • 1x Twin Lascannon • Devastator Centurion Sergeant

6x Inceptor Squad (240 pts) • 5x Inceptor • 5x Close combat weapon • 5x Plasma Exterminators • 5x Inceptor Squad • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma Exterminators • Inceptor Sergeant

3x Inceptor Squad (120 pts) • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Assault Bolters • 2x Inceptor Squad • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Assault Bolters • Inceptor Sergeant

3x Inceptor Squad (120 pts) • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Assault Bolters • 2x Inceptor Squad • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Assault Bolters • Inceptor Sergeant

5x Incursor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Incursor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Occulus Bolt Carbine • 4x Paired Combat Blades • 4x Incursor Squad • 1x Incursor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Occulus Bolt Carbine • 1x Paired Combat Blades • Incursor Sergeant

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Combat Knife • Scout Sergeant • 4x Scouts • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Combat Knife • 4x Scout Squad

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Combat Knife • Scout Sergeant • 4x Scouts • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Combat Knife • 4x Scout Squad

10x Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (190 pts) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Vanguard Veteran Weapon • 1x Inferno Pistol • Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 9x Vanguard Veterans with Jump Packs • 9x Vanguard Veteran Weapon • 9x Inferno Pistol • 9x Vanguard Veterans with Jump Packs

10x Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (190 pts) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Vanguard Veteran Weapon • 1x Inferno Pistol • Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 9x Vanguard Veterans with Jump Packs • 9x Vanguard Veteran Weapon • 9x Inferno Pistol • 9x Vanguard Veterans with Jump Packs

1x Invictor Tactical Warsuit (125 pts) • 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher • 1x Heavy Bolter • 1x Invictor Fist • 1x Twin Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Incendium Cannon

Archetype

Infantry Shadowmark

Thoughts

The Raven Guard menace in third place, with David adding a spicy single Invictor to the normal recipe, because it is apparently a week for getting straight into the opponent's face. The Warsuit has the PHOBOS keyword, making it eligible for Shadowmark's Advance/Charge Stratagem (on top of it having a Scout move), so amidst all the other early tricks opponents have to worry about, they also have to consider a robot sprinting across the battlefield, wasting an infantry unit that was skulking behind a wall, then punching them. Which I'm sure they love having to worry about. It's also eligible for the uppy-downy Stratagem, also very powerful. I'm convinced, well done David for adding another twist to an already strong list.

Kian Tan - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 4th Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adepta Sororitas + DETACHMENT: Hallowed Martyrs (The Blood of Martyrs) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium + + WARLORD: Char3: Morvenn Vahl + ENHANCEMENT: Saintly Example (on Char6: Canoness) & Through Suffering, Strength (on Char9: Palatine) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 10 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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 (170 pts): Warlord, Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon missile launcher Char4: 1x Triumph of Saint Katherine (235 pts): Bolt Pistols, Relic Weapons Char5: 1x Canoness (50 pts): Null Rod, Hallowed Chainsword, Condemnor boltgun Char6: 1x Canoness (60 pts): Null Rod, Hallowed Chainsword, Condemnor boltgun Enhancement: Saintly Example (+10 pts) Char7: 1x Dialogus (40 pts): Bolt pistol, Dialogus Staff Char8: 1x Ministorum Priest (50 pts): Zealot's vindictor Char9: 1x Palatine (75 pts): Palatine blade, Plasma pistol Enhancement: Through Suffering, Strength (+25 pts)

10x Arco-Flagellants (140 pts): 10 with Arco-flails 10x Arco-Flagellants (140 pts): 10 with Arco-flails 3x Arco-Flagellants (45 pts): 3 with Arco-flails 10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior: Spear of the Faithful, Inferno pistol • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd): 9 with Anointed Halberd, Bolt pistol 9x Sanctifiers (100 pts) • 2x Missionary 1 with Ministorum flamer, Sanctifier melee weapon 1 with Holy fire, Sanctifier melee weapon, Plasma gun • 4x Sanctifier 2 with Ministorum hand flamer, Sanctifier melee weapon 1 with Close combat weapon, 2x Ministorum hand flamer 1 with Simulacrum Imperialis, Close combat weapon, Ministorum hand flamer • 1x Miraculist: Burning hands, Holy fire • 1x Salvationist: Salvationist Medikit, Close combat weapon • 1x Death Cult Assassin: Death Cult blades 10x Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 pts) • 1x Novitiate Superior: Plasma pistol, Power weapon • 2x Novitiate with Ministorum Flamer: 2 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Ministorum flamer • 1x Novitiate with Sacred Banner: Sacred Banner, Autopistol, Close combat weapon • 1x Novitiate with Simulacrum Imperialis: Simulacrum Imperialis, Autopistol, Close combat weapon • 5x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon): 5 with Autopistol, Novitiate melee weapon 3x Paragon Warsuits (210 pts) • 1x Paragon Superior: Bolt pistol, Paragon Storm Bolters, Paragon War Mace, Multi-melta • 2x Paragon Warsuit: 2 with Bolt pistol, Paragon Storm Bolters, Paragon War Blade, Multi-melta 1x Immolator (115 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta 1x Sororitas Rhino (75 pts): Armoured tracks, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

Char10: 1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts): Neural shredder, Phase sword and poison blades

Archetype

Herohammer Martyrs

Thoughts

A completely different Sisters build to round out our top four, here using a fairly thin defensive line of Arco-flagellants and Sacresants to anchor a bumper crop of Character shenanigans. Lots of good scoring tricks, Miracle dice manipulation to turbo-charge the units that are here, and Vahl as a power piece to neutralise the foe's biggest threats. This is definitely the kind of list that opponents need to know inside-out to avoid getting flummoxed and eliminated, unless they can really pressure it (Kian's only loss was to an ultra-aggressive Ork build). A very technical build requiring some serious finesse, and a demonstration of how varied Sisters can be, as this is completely different to the Bringers list, well done Kian for using it so effectively.

The Best of the Rest

There were 19 more players on 6-2+ records. They were:
  • 5th (7-1) - Ben Jones - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Fuegan Serpent and Asurmen Falcon with lots of MSU support.
  • 6th (7-1) - Scott McCutcheon - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Dorn and Karskin with two protective Bullgryn units.
  • 7th (6.5-0.5) - Craig Bedford - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): RepEx/Brethren Gladius with the added big Assault Intercessor/Grimaldus unit.
  • 8th - Josh P - Orks (War Horde): Ghaz Boyz and and a mix of shooting and melee units in transports.
  • 9th - Lewis Smith - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Mont'ka Triptide with two Commander/Fireknife units layered on top.
  • 10th - Jay Seebarun - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force): Stormlance Stormraven as Dark Angels, going for the Lion and Azrael with Inner Circle Companions in the Guilliman/Calgar slots, and adding some Ravenwing Speeders.
  • 11th - Will B - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): A very Character-heavy Martyrs build anchored by a mix of Sacresants and Arco-Flagellants.
  • 12th - Nathan Steward - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): General Needgard goodstuff with a couple of Forts and a big unit wach of Ironkin and Thunderkyn as centrepieces.
  • 13th - Mitch Beard - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): More Character-heavy Martyrs with extra Sanctifiers.
  • 14th - Jerome Connolly - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Triple Dorn Commander and some Russes/Kasrkin.
  • 15th - Patrick Carroll - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Pressure Gladius with the Lion, Deathwing Knights and ICCs.
  • 16th - Simon Evans - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Dorn Commanders with Bullgryn screen and Kasrkin.
  • 17th - Jakob Sparrow - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights and Purifiers.
  • 18th - Craig Farrell - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Loads of Characters and a big Plague Marine unit in a Land Raider (plus small Terminator/Character units that could swap in).
  • 19th - Matthew Langton - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Full send Genestealer/Ravener Onslaught.
  • 20th - Jonathan Summerfield - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Cult Marine-heavy brawler raiders, using Rhinos full of Noise Marines, Chosen and Rubricae to cause menace, and backing them with some Predators.
  • 21st - Mikey Rzasa - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Shooty Martyrs with triple Castigator and a toolbox of other stuff.
  • 22nd - Kevin Weaver - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Kataphrons, Ruststalkers and Ironstriders, with a bunch of other elite Skitarii supporting.
  • 23rd - Mark Pilkington - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Fuegan/Maugan Falcon/Serpent Aspect Host.

Rumble on the Rivers 40k GT 2025

66-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Fort Wayne, IN, United States on October 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Zachary Morales - Ultramarines (Ironstorm Spearhead) - 1st Place

Ultramarines Primaris Techmarine. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Lords Of Machismo (2000 points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Strike Force (2000 points) Ironstorm Spearhead

CHARACTERS

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

Techmarine (85 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: Target Augury Web

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

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

Brutalis Dreadnought (160 points) • 1x Brutalis talons 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin multi-melta

Gladiator Reaper (160 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 2x Tempest bolter 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

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

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 Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Combat knife 1x Heavy bolter

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: v1.42.1 (101), Data Version: v697

Archetype

Bobby G Gun Glub

Thoughts

The ever-iconic combination of Roboute Guilliman and a bunch of tanks and Dreadnoughts returns here, taking advantage of the improvement to Redemptors to provide a solid central anvil alongside the Primarch. There is not much more to say about this - it smashes foes into tiny pieces with maximum prejudice. Great work Zachery.

Brenton Weiss - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Kayvaan Shrike infiltrating as a Crimson Fist Kayvaan Shrike infiltrating as a Crimson Fist. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Rumble Cawwwww! (2000 Points)

Space Marines Raven Guard Shadowmark Talon Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Aethon Shaan (85 Points) • Warlord • 1x Claws of Severax • 1x Heavy bolt pistol

Captain with Jump Pack (100 Points) • 1x Relic Shield • 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancements: Hunter's Instincts

Kayvaan Shrike (100 Points) • 1x Blackout • 1x The Raven's Talons

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (100 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancements: Coronal Susurrant

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

Centurion Devastator Squad (330 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 5x Devastator Centurion ◦ 5x Centurion fists ◦ 5x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 5x Twin lascannon

Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Twin lascannon

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 (240 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma exterminators • 5x Inceptor ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Plasma exterminators

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (190 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 9x Inferno pistol ◦ 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (190 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 9x Inferno pistol ◦ 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.42.1 (1), Data Version: v697

Archetype

Infantry Shadowmark

Thoughts

More Shadowmark for our second undefeated list here, going for the standard Infantry-heavy variant (just not yet with the UK Invictor tech). This build continues to be exceptionally good in the right hands, and Brenton has more than enough appearences in this column for me to be confident he knows how to use it to the max, congratulations.

Jay Kinney - Aeldari (Warhost) - 3rd Place

Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Eldar Warhost (1995 Points)

Aeldari Warhost Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Eldrad Ulthran (110 Points) • Warlord • 1x Mind War • 1x Shuriken pistol • 1x The Staff of Ulthamar and witchblade

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

Maugan Ra (100 Points) • 1x Maugetar

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (65 Points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mistshield ◦ 1x Neuro disruptor ◦ 1x Power sword • 4x Corsair Voidreaver ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Power sword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Corsair Voidreavers (65 Points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mistshield ◦ 1x Neuro disruptor ◦ 1x Power sword • 4x Corsair Voidreaver ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Power sword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Twin bright lance • 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Falcon (130 Points) • 1x Bright lance • 1x Pulse laser • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Dragons (220 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 (95 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

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

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Exarch's lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Exarch's lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Exarch's lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

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: v1.43.0 (1), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Warhost

Thoughts

Fuegan/Maugan bob-and-weave Warhost here, supported by the standard maxed-out Spider/Hawk contingent. Every Aeldari build I review causes me mild existential horror, because I do not want to paint five more Spiders, and yet that's the obvious path in front of me. Alas. Congratulations Jay.

Grant Bullard - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Is that a Helbrute in your pocket or are you excited to see me? (1995 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Pactbound Zealots Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Abaddon the Despoiler (270 Points) • Warlord • 1x Drach'nyen • 1x Talon of Horus

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

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (80 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Chaos Familiar • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Force weapon • 1x Infernal Gaze

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Cultist Champion ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon

Cultist Mob (50 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 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) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 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) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Bikers (70 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch • 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 Vindicator (185 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Vindicator (185 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Havoc launcher

Forgefiend (180 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured limbs • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Forgefiend (180 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured limbs • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Helbrute (130 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Helbrute hammer • 1x Helbrute plasma cannon

Warp Talons (270 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion ◦ 1x Warp claws • 9x Warp Talon ◦ 9x Warp claws

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (1), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Abaddon Guns and Talons

Thoughts

It does feel like the current metagame is trending towards a damage dealing arms race - Bringers are back, Ironstorm Ultramarines return with a vengeance, and here we've got a classic Abaddon gunline with Nurgle Forgefiends and Vindicators. Remember those? They never actually stopped being good, and there's enough elite Infantry and light vehicles out there (T'au in particular) that the Fiends are in a target-rich environment. The big Talon unit also feels especially great here, as Slaanesh both gives them reach and maximises the chance of flensing their target and getting to bug out. Some real blasts from the past here, but very effective ones. They're damage 3, after all. Good job Grant.

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Ben Isenhoff - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Chaos Terminator spam, of all things.
  • 6th - Ryan LaDuke - Genestealer Cult (Final Day): High threat Final Day, bringing Ridgerunner and Neophyte shooting and two Hyperadapted Ravener units.
  • 7th - CJ Lamkins - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon): The Infantry Shadowmark build, but cutting the big Inceptor unit to get in more board presence from Invader ATVs.
  • 8th - Jake Gray - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Scoring-skewed Invasion Fleet, adding more cheap Infantry and a full Tyrant Guard unit with the Swarmlord to some of the normal toys.
  • 9th - Isaac Clark - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): 30 Scarab Occults and support.
  • 10th - Phillip McColly - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): All-rounder brawler Raiders with Vashtorr and some Noise Marines.
  • 11th - Dylan "DLake" Lake - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple Despoiler, two gatling one battle cannon.
  • 12th - Matthew Wattle - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Two big ThunderCav stacks, a Blood Claw horde, and some supporting Armigers and Gladiators.

ÖKtoberspelen

48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Örebro län, Sverige on October 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Martin Hultgren - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Termietown (2000 Points)

Thousand Sons Rubricae Phalanx Strike Force (2 000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (85 Points) • Warlord • 1x Force weapon • 1x Gaze of Hate • 1x Inferno combi-bolter

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (85 Points) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Gaze of Hate • 1x Inferno combi-bolter

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (85 Points) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Gaze of Hate • 1x Inferno combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Predator Annihilator (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator twin lascannon

Chaos Predator Annihilator (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator twin lascannon

Scarab Occult Terminators (360 Points) • 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 1x Malefic Curse • 9x Scarab Occult Terminator ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 7x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 9x Prosperine khopesh ◦ 2x Soulreaper cannon

Scarab Occult Terminators (360 Points) • 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 1x Malefic Curse • 9x Scarab Occult Terminator ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 7x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 9x Prosperine khopesh ◦ 2x Soulreaper cannon

Scarab Occult Terminators (360 Points) • 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 1x Malefic Curse • 9x Scarab Occult Terminator ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 7x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 9x Prosperine khopesh ◦ 2x Soulreaper cannon

Sekhetar Robots (80 Points) • 2x Sekhetar Robot ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Heavy warpflamer ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 2x Pyreflux meltagun

Sekhetar Robots (80 Points) • 2x Sekhetar Robot ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Heavy warpflamer ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 2x Pyreflux meltagun

Tzaangor Enlightened (55 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Divining spear • 2x Enlightened ◦ 2x Divining spear

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (60 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (60 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangors (70 Points) • 1x Twistbray ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainsword • 9x Tzaangor ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 1x Brayhorn ◦ 9x Chainsword ◦ 1x Herd banner

Exported with App Version: v1.42.1 (1), Data Version: v697

Archetype

Scarab Spam Phalanx

Thoughts

Despite the horrific nerfs they caught in the Dataslate, Thousand Sons have crept up to a 50% win rate this week, almost entirely driven by Scarab spam Rubricae builds. A substantial proportion of the metagame is going to struggle into this if it just walks forward up the table, and adding in the Sekhetars as great bait pieces really helps it force foes into confrontations they're doomed to lose. I can quite honestly say that this is probably the army I least want to see across the table if I'm packing Aeldari, and I can see some of the Sisters build struggling here too - all those high threat glass cannon lists can maybe clear a brick if they commit, but the vengeance they'll suffer is catastrophic. I also particularly like the ever-present threat of choosing to let a squad sergeant die to trigger Revenge of the Rubricae, providing a way to hit back against things like Aspect Host Fire Dragons. Always nice to see a faction finding some ways to thrive in adversity, good stuff Martin.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Johan Norrman - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Triple Sacresant Martyrs.
  • 3rd - Mathias Selemark - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Mortarion Vectorium Goodstuff.
  • 4th - Patric Wreeth - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple gatling Despoiler.
  • 5th - Frank Kummel - Chaos Daemons (Plague Legion): Headache/Battle-shock-inducing tarpit Plague Legion.

Orktoberfest 2025!!

38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ipswich, QLD, Australia on October 24 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Joshua Woods - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
virulent No DP (1990 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Virulent Vectorium

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (60 points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades 1x Injector pistol 1x Plague knives

Biologus Putrifier (60 points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades 1x Injector pistol 1x Plague knives

Malignant Plaguecaster (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind

Malignant Plaguecaster (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind

Mortarion (380 points) • Warlord • 1x Lantern 1x Rotwind 1x Silence

Tallyman (50 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (190 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 9x Plague Marine • 2x Blight launcher 3x Heavy plague weapon 2x Meltagun 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer

Plague Marines (190 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 9x Plague Marine • 2x Blight launcher 3x Heavy plague weapon 2x Meltagun 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Foetid Bloat-Drone (100 points) • 1x Plague probe 2x Plaguespitter

Foetid Bloat-Drone (100 points) • 1x Plague probe 2x Plaguespitter

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Poxwalkers (65 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (65 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.42.0 (100), Data Version: v696

Archetype

Mortarion Vectorium Plague Marines

Thoughts

Vectorium takes down an event here, diverging a bit from the norm to pack both Mortarion and two Plague Marine units built for damage, eschewing the normal Deathshrouds. That makes the build a little more brittle on the defensive, but brings the upside of absolutely phenomenal destructive power. Plague Marines are apocalyptically when set up with the damage build here, and Mortarion also gives you some extra tricks to pull with them like shooting back into foes or retreating into a Rhino with a reactive move. Also, Mortarion is the kind of threat that just closes out games if opponents get too thoroughly de-fanged by the Plague Marines - he takes a lot of killing, and is fast and damaging enough that you can't really just ignore him and win either. Death Guard still kicking here, good work from Joshua.

Oliver Johnson - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Leagues of Votann Einhyr Champion. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
orktoberfest (2000 points)

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Hearthband

CHARACTERS

Einhyr Champion (70 points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest

Einhyr Champion (95 points) • Warlord • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest • Enhancement: Bastion Shield

Einhyr Champion (70 points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest

Memnyr Strategist (45 points) • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Kapricus Carrier (75 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Smoke Launcher 1x Twin magna‑coil autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Cthonian Earthshakers (110 points) • 2x Cthonian Earthshakers • 2x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 2x Plasma picks 2x Tremor shells

Cthonian Earthshakers (110 points) • 2x Cthonian Earthshakers • 2x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 2x Plasma picks 2x Tremor shells

Einhyr Hearthguard (135 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard • 4x Concussion gauntlet 4x EtaCarn plasma gun 4x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (135 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard • 4x Concussion gauntlet 4x EtaCarn plasma gun 4x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (135 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard • 4x Concussion gauntlet 4x EtaCarn plasma gun 4x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Hernkyn Pioneers (80 points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (80 points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (80 points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Bolt revolver 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma knife • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 1x APM launcher 8x Bolt revolver 9x Close combat weapon 8x Plasma knife

Ironkin Steeljacks with Heavy Volkanite Disintegrators (180 points) • 1x Steeljack Theyn • 1x Heavy volkanite disintegrator 1x Plasma knife 1x Preymark Crest • 5x Ironkin Steeljack • 5x Heavy volkanite disintegrator 5x Plasma knife

Ironkin Steeljacks with Melee Weapons (90 points) • 1x Steeljack Theyn • 1x Autoch-pattern bolter 1x Plasma sword 1x Preymark Crest • 2x Ironkin Steeljack • 2x Autoch-pattern bolter 2x Plasma sword

Ironkin Steeljacks with Melee Weapons (90 points) • 1x Steeljack Theyn • 1x Autoch-pattern bolter 1x Plasma sword 1x Preymark Crest • 2x Ironkin Steeljack • 2x Autoch-pattern bolter 2x Plasma sword

Ironkin Steeljacks with Melee Weapons (90 points) • 1x Steeljack Theyn • 1x Autoch-pattern bolter 1x Plasma sword 1x Preymark Crest • 2x Ironkin Steeljack • 2x Autoch-pattern bolter 2x Plasma sword

Exported with App Version: v1.42.0 (100), Data Version: v696

Archetype

Go-wide Hearthband

Thoughts

An unusual Votann build in second place here, skipping out on Land Fortresses entirely in favour of putting lots of units on the table, taking advantage of the generically high-value Detachment rule of Hearthband to deliver high damage output. It's an interesting way to adapt to a high threat metagame - while nothing here dies super hard, the baseline high toughness of Votann means most of it won't just melt to incidental firepower either, forcing foes to potentially bring out high value units that can then be neutralised,while never really letting the foe get full value from their stuff. Chip damage from the artillery further helps with that, and creates some serious psychological pressure against armies leaning on T3 units.

I can see this really working against some of the Sisters lists that have surged this week, so definitely one to keep an eye on. Fun to see something so completely different do well, congratulations Oliver.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Zakary Martin - Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners): Triple GUO backed by lots of Bloat-Drones.
  • 4th - Luke Husdell - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Dorns and Vanquishers with lots of Krieg Engineer MSUs to do some Mortals, plus a central Cadian stack.
  • 5th - Bodee Bignell - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Infantry-heavy Assault, using two shockcannon Hive Guard units for a ranged offence and a mix of Raveners and Screamer-killers for close work.
  • 6th - Sean Kempel - Adeptus Custodes (Unknown Detachment): Army List consigned to the black vaults.

KnightFall: The Tracy Crusade GT

32-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Tracy, CA, United States on October 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Scorched Earth - Crucible of Battle

Majd Kuteifan - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs)
Army List - Click to Expand
30 sacs (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Hallowed Martyrs

CHARACTERS

Canoness (50 points) • 1x Hallowed chainsword 1x Inferno pistol 1x Null Rod

Canoness with Jump Pack (100 points) • 1x Blessed halberd • Enhancement: Through Suffering, Strength

Dialogus (40 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Dialogus staff

Hospitaller (50 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Junith Eruita (80 points) • 1x Mace of Castigation 1x Twin Ministorum heavy flamer

Ministorum Priest (50 points) • 1x Zealot's vindictor

Morvenn Vahl (170 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

Palatine (50 points) • 1x Palatine blade 1x Plasma pistol

Triumph of Saint Katherine (235 points) • 1x Bolt pistols 1x Relic weapons

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Celestian Sacresants (130 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Hallowed mace

Celestian Sacresants (130 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Anointed halberd 9x Bolt pistol

Celestian Sacresants (130 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Hallowed mace

Paragon Warsuits (210 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon grenade launchers 1x Paragon war blade • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon grenade launchers 2x Paragon war blade

Retributor Squad (105 points) • 1x Retributor Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Condemnor boltgun 1x Power weapon • 4x Retributor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Multi-melta

Sanctifiers (100 points) • 1x Miraculist • 1x Burning hands 1x Holy fire • 1x Salvationist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Salvationist Medikit • 1x Death Cult Assassin • 1x Death Cult blades • 2x Missionary • 1x Holy fire 1x Ministorum flamer 1x Plasma gun 2x Sanctifier melee weapon • 4x Sanctifier • 2x Close combat weapon 5x Ministorum hand flamer 2x Sanctifier melee weapon 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 points) • 1x Novitiate Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Sister Novitiate • 9x Autopistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Ministorum flamer 5x Novitiate melee weapons 1x Sacred Banner 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Zephyrim Squad (80 points) • 1x Zephyrim Superior • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon 1x Sacred Banner • 4x Zephyrim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Power weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705



vs.

Ruben Zhao - White Scars (Spearpoint Task Force)
Army List - Click to Expand
Scarsss (2000 Points)

Space Marines White Scars Spearpoint Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Suboden Khan 115

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

Captain (80 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolter • 1x Power fist Spearpoint Paragon? (+2 Str, + 2 AP) (25)

Lieutenant (65 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolter • 1x Power fist Hunter's Eye (Ignore Cover, Sustained) 20

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

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

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

Hellblaster Squad (220 Points) • 1x Hellblaster Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma incinerator ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Hellblaster ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Plasma incinerator

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

Land Raider Redeemer (270 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

Outrider Squad (80 Points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 2x Twin bolt rifle

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Scout Squad (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

Exported with App Version: v1.42.1 (1), Data Version: v697

Thoughts

The White Scars zoom out onto the battlefield here, unleashing the toys from their new detachment, but a defiant wall of Sisters stands in their way, so can they overcome them? The good news for the White Scars is that one of the tools they've brought along, the Hunter's Eye Hellblaster squad, is pretty fantastic into Sacresants - volume D2 firepower out of a transport is the perfect thing to make a good chunk of a unit just go away, particularly when supported by a Redeemer. Obviously the Sisters have tools to hit back, but the wall of big transports here is going to be a problem for them when they've just got the one Retributor unit and Vahl to really go for them, and a swing and miss would be catastophic in either case. That's especially true as the Marines have good counters into those - the Assault Intercessors can come pick up Retributors easy, and the Assault Centurions are a pretty nasty deterrant for Vahl.

It's still not entirely the Marine's way of course - they're much shorter on activations than the Sororitas, and Hallowed Martyrs exacerbates that with its Character revival tools, and the combination of this might let the Sisters set the terms of engagement on Scorched Earth, which is particularly ideal for this kind of army. there's also not really anything super exciting for Suboden to go hunt, though his unit is certainly not bad as another tool to lift Sacresants, and can at least go pick up the Retributors if they try and be more cagey.

I think I'd lean a Sisters win here on their greater redundancy, caveated with the fact that if they go for a big swing with the Retributors or Vahl and one of the big Marine tanks survives, it's probably game over for them. Whether that happened or some maverick lightning strike won them the day, the White Scars were able to push past this and triumph.

Result

White Scars (Spearpoint Task Force) Victory - 84 - 70

Ruben Zhao - White Scars (Spearpoint Task Force) - 1st Place

Rainbow Warriors Suboden Khan by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Scarsss (2000 Points)

Space Marines White Scars Spearpoint Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Suboden Khan 115

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

Captain (80 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolter • 1x Power fist Spearpoint Paragon? (+2 Str, + 2 AP) (25)

Lieutenant (65 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolter • 1x Power fist Hunter's Eye (Ignore Cover, Sustained) 20

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

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

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

Hellblaster Squad (220 Points) • 1x Hellblaster Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma incinerator ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Hellblaster ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Plasma incinerator

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

Land Raider Redeemer (270 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

Outrider Squad (80 Points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 2x Twin bolt rifle

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Scout Squad (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

Exported with App Version: v1.42.1 (1), Data Version: v697

Archetype

Spearpoint Tanks

Thoughts

White Scars get some immediate airtime, and the Hellblaster/Hunter's Eye combo even made it in! This build brings surprisingly few melee threats for a Stormlance list, but uses the Transports to build a super solid anvil that the deadlier stuff can work with, leaning on its rapid retribution capabilities (and the option for the Hellblasters to bug out into a Transport with Hunter's Instincts) to make it tougher for high pressure lists to roll it than some other Marine flavours. Fall Back/shoot for the big tanks does also further assist there. I'll say I'm a little surprised not to see one Storm Speeder to maximise the value from the Stratagem sheet, but it's still super cool seeing a new Detachment go straight to it, well done Ruben.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Erik Sousa - T'au Empire (Kauyon): Kauyon hulls and a Breacherfish.
  • 3rd - Nicholas Larson - Imperial Knights (Valourstrike Lance): A mix of hefty Knights and wide support, going for an upgraded Castellan, Crusader and Atrapos, and backing them with double Immolator.

Dukkehammer GT I

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Viborg, Danmark on October 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Martin Bræmer Nielsen - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors) - 1st Place

Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
BA Inheritors 2.0 (2000 points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Angelic Inheritors

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (75 points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

Captain with Jump Pack (75 points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

Chief Librarian Mephiston (120 points) • 1x Fury of the Ancients 1x Plasma pistol 1x Vitarus

Commander Dante (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Perdition Pistol 1x The Axe Mortalis

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

The Sanguinor (140 points) • 1x Encarmine broadsword

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Bolt rifle 1x Thunder hammer • 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

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

Sanguinary Guard (125 points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard • 2x Angelus boltgun 3x Encarmine blade 1x Inferno pistol 1x Sanguinary Banner

Sanguinary Guard (125 points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard • 2x Angelus boltgun 3x Encarmine blade 1x Inferno pistol 1x Sanguinary Banner

Sanguinary Guard (125 points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard • 2x Angelus boltgun 3x Encarmine blade 1x Inferno 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

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: v1.42.1 (101), Data Version: v697

Archetype

Hull Shooty Inheritors

Thoughts

After the White Scars, we're straight onto another Marine build that uses the threat of extreme retribution to keep foes at bay from its tanks. The brutal herohammer units here will happily counterpunch any enemy melee Marines that get too close, and the Sanguinor is just consistently a nightmare for a lot of popular builds to deal with. A good all-rounder construct from Martin.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Simon Oberlander - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband): A big Bastion Shield Hearthguard squad, double Fort, and lots of scoring support from many Yaegirs and two Kaprici.
  • 3rd - Simon Darre - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager): Talos and Herohammer-heavy Wager.
  • 4th - Alexandre Cavagnaro - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic all-rounder Warband.
  • 5th - Anton Engelbredt - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Big Tank sighted - an Astraeus and a host of smaller hulls. The list title says it was a wedding gift, and taking that and going 4-1 is an absolute king move.

Volos GrailFest 2025

26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Βόλος, Ελλάδα on October 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Nikolas Papadopoulos - Aeldari (Warhost) - 1st Place

Wave Serpent. Credit: Rockfish Wave Serpent. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Volos tour (1990 Points)

Aeldari Warhost Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Eldrad Ulthran (110 Points) • Warlord • 1x Mind War • 1x Shuriken pistol • 1x The Staff of Ulthamar and witchblade

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

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (65 Points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Power sword ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Corsair Voidreaver ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol ◦ 3x Shuriken rifle

Storm Guardians (100 Points) • 10x Storm Guardian ◦ 8x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 2x Fusion gun ◦ 2x Power sword ◦ 6x Shuriken pistol • 1x Serpent's Scale Platform ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Serpent shield

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Twin bright lance • 1x Wraithbone hull

Wave Serpent (125 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Twin bright lance • 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fire Dragons (220 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

Fire Dragons (220 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 (95 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

Swooping Hawks (170 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk's talon • 9x Swooping Hawk ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

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

Exported with App Version: v1.42.1 (1), Data Version: v697

Archetype

Double Dragon Warhost

Thoughts

Well, the theme of the day has been escalating violence, and double Dragon bus definitely accomplishes that. I'm not certain there are that many metagame players where this isn't just spectacular overkill, but there's a big Hawk unit too if a Dragon squad isn't needed on a turn, and all the scoring tricks of the Aeldari to fall back on. Congratulations Nikolas.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Georgios Floros - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): MSU Sanguinary Guard herohammer backed by a big Inceptor unit and some Lancers.
  • 3rd - Andreas Boutos - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Triple Riptide/triple Ghostkeel with one Starscythe unit.
  • 4th - George Durieux - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): One of each Crisis flavour and Triptide.
  • 5th - Tolis Astartes - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): The Lion, Deathwing Knights, and a toolbox of Dark Angels support.

Wrap Up

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | chaos space marines | tyranids | blood angels | Death Guard | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | Thousand Sons | White Scars | Raven Guard | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Leagues of Votann

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