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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Cast of Thousand pt.2

by Lowest of Men | Oct 31 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.

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 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 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 : 2-Day

103-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, England, United Kingdom on October 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Tony Barrett - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 1st Place

Ghostkeel Battlesuit. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Montka UKTC (1995 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Mont'ka

CHARACTERS

Commander Shadowsun (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Advanced Guardian Drone 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Command-link Drone (Aura) 1x Flechette launcher 2x High-energy fusion blaster 1x Light missile pod 1x Pulse pistol

Ethereal (65 points) • 1x Honour stave 1x Hover Drone 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Strategic Conqueror

Firesight Team (85 points) • 1x Close combat weapons 1x Longshot pulse rifles 1x Pulse pistol • Enhancement: Strike Swiftly

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Devilfish (85 points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 2x Seeker missile 2x Smart missile system

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (170 points) • 1x Broadside Shas'vre • 1x Crushing bulk 1x High-yield missile pods 2x Missile Drone 1x Twin smart missile system 1x Weapon Support System • 1x Broadside Shas'ui • 1x Crushing bulk 1x High-yield missile pods 2x Missile Drone 1x Twin smart missile system 1x Weapon Support System

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Cyclic ion raker 1x Ghostkeel fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Cyclic ion raker 1x Ghostkeel fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ion cannon 2x Seeker missile 2x Smart missile system

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ion cannon 2x Seeker missile 2x Smart missile system

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot pistol 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 8x Kroot rifle 1x Tanglebomb launcher

Kroot Hounds (40 points) • 5x Kroot Hound • 5x Ripping fangs

Kroot Hounds (40 points) • 5x Kroot Hound • 5x Ripping fangs

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Riders (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Krootox fists 1x Repeater cannon

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grav-inhibitor Drone 2x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Riptide Battlesuit (190 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin smart missile system

Vespid Stingwings (65 points) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader • 1x Neutron blaster 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwing • 4x Neutron blaster 4x Stingwing claws

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

Archetype

Mont'ka Pressure

Thoughts

Another event win here for the Greater Good, as T'au continue their recent vein of good form. Tony has gone for a really intriguing build here- the Riptide, typically credited for recent T'au fortunes, is only represented by a single unit. A brick of Rampagers adds a bit of counter melee threat. Elsewhere the standouts of current list are in abundance- Pathfinders are a sensational skirmishing unit now, and the Ion Hammerhead slaps Marines about in Mont'ka. An excellent pressure build, piloted to perfection. Well done Tony!

Vik Vijay - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Asurmen. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Vik Vijay | Fireside 40K | Team Ignite

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Asurmen (125 Points) • 1x Bloody Twins • 1x Sword of Asur

Fuegan (120 Points) • Warlord • 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

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

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

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

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

Fire Dragons (120 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Firepike • 4x Fire Dragon ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x 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

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 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

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 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

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

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

Archetype

Aspect Host Goodstuff

Thoughts

Five Phoenix Lords is proving a very acceptable number at the moment, and this list from Vik brings Maugan Ra along for some longer ranged support with the usual suspects. Cutting the Fuegan brick down to a 5 man creates additional transport space which can protect this list from certain pressure threats early game. I've been doing this myself in games of late-  as the meta moves away from pure mech stat checks, the need for the ten brick is diminishing, and being as MSU as you can be becomes more important. Deliciously balanced toolkit Aeldari - you love to see it. Great work on the top placing.

Fernando Soriano - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Pathfinder Team. Credit: Rockfish Pathfinder Team. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - T'au Empire + DETACHMENT: Mont'ka (Killing Blow) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Ethereal + ENHANCEMENT: Exemplar of the Mont'ka (on Char1: Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit) & Strike Swiftly (on Char2: Ethereal) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 20 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (10x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 2 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (90 pts) 1 with Cyclic ion blaster, 3x Missile pod, Battlesuit fists • Marker Drone, Shield Drone Enhancement: Exemplar of the Mont'ka (+10 pts)

Char2: 1x Ethereal (75 pts) 1 with Honour stave • Warlord Enhancement: Strike Swiftly (+25 pts)

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Kroot Carnivores (65 pts) * 1x Long-quill 1 with Close combat weapon, Kroot pistol, Kroot rifle * 9x Kroot Carnivores 9 with Close combat weapon, Kroot rifle

10x Pathfinder Team (90 pts) * 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui 1 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol, Semi-automatic grenade launcher, Drone burst cannon • 2x Shield Drone, Recon droneDrone burst cannon • Pathfinder Shas'ui (2x Shield Drones) * 9x Pathfinders 6 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol • Pathfinder Team 3 with Close combat weapon, Ion rifle, Pulse pistol • Pathfinder Team

10x Pathfinder Team (90 pts) * 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui 1 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol, Semi-automatic grenade launcher, Drone burst cannon • 2x Shield Drone, Recon droneDrone burst cannon • Pathfinder Shas'ui (2x Shield Drones) * 9x Pathfinders 6 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol • Pathfinder Team 3 with Close combat weapon, Ion rifle, Pulse pistol • Pathfinder Team

10x Pathfinder Team (90 pts) * 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui 1 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol, Semi-automatic grenade launcher, Drone burst cannon • 2x Shield Drone, Recon droneDrone burst cannon • Pathfinder Shas'ui (2x Shield Drones) * 9x Pathfinders 6 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol • Pathfinder Team 3 with Close combat weapon, Ion rifle, Pulse pistol • Pathfinder Team

3x Stealth Battlesuits (80 pts) * 1x Stealth Shas'vre 1 with Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone, Stealth Shas'vre (Shield Drone) * 2x Stealth Shas'ui 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon • Stealth Shas'ui

3x Stealth Battlesuits (80 pts) * 1x Stealth Shas'vre 1 with Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone, Stealth Shas'vre (Shield Drone) * 2x Stealth Shas'ui 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon • Stealth Shas'ui

3x Stealth Battlesuits (80 pts) * 1x Stealth Shas'vre 1 with Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone, Stealth Shas'vre (Shield Drone) * 2x Stealth Shas'ui 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon • Stealth Shas'ui

5x Vespid Stingwings (65 pts) * 1x Vespid Strain Leader 1 with Neutron blaster, Stingwing claws * 4x Vespid Stingwings 4 with Neutron blaster, Stingwing claws

1x Broadside Battlesuits (80 pts) * 1x Broadside Shas'vre 1 with Crushing bulk, 2x Missile pod, High-yield missile pods, Twin smart missile system • Weapon support system, Broadside Shas'vre

3x Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (120 pts) * 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre 1 with 2x Missile pod, Battlesuit fists, Twin pulse carbine • Shield Drone, Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre (Shield Drone) * 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui 2 with Battlesuit fists, 2x Missile pod, Twin pulse carbine • Shield Drone, Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui (Shield Drone)

1x Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 pts) 1 with Ghostkeel fists, Cyclic ion raker, Twin fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system

1x Piranha (60 pts) * 1x Piranhas 1 with Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile • Piranha

1x Piranha (60 pts) * 1x Piranhas 1 with Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile • Piranha

1x Piranha (60 pts) * 1x Piranhas 1 with Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile • Piranha

1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts) 1 with Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system

1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts) 1 with Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system

1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts) 1 with Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system

1x Devilfish (85 pts) 1 with Accelerator burst cannon, Armoured hull, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system

Archetype

Piranha Spam Mont'ka

Thoughts

Another T'au pressure build, this one goes hard on Piranha to rush the opponent and blast things / tie things up early game. The scout on these means they will get places you really don't want turn one on UKTC terrain, and they can also do a bit of cheeky charging and tagging as the rest of the army moves up. I love the Broadside brick as a bit of a hammer activation - a very solid potential reserves piece. Great work on the top placing!

James McMurray - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 4th Place (Undefeated)

Necron Skorpekh Lord

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Starshitter (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Starshatter Arsenal

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (150 points) • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Overlord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancement: Dread Majesty (Aura)

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 points) • 1x Gauntlet of Fire 1x Staff of the Destroyer

Psychomancer (55 points) • 1x Abyssal lance

Skorpekh Lord (115 points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator 1x Flensing claw 1x Hyperphase harvester • Enhancement: Chrono-impedance Fields

Skorpekh Lord (90 points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator 1x Flensing claw 1x Hyperphase harvester

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

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

Triarch Praetorians (90 points) • 5x Triarch Praetorian • 5x Rod of covenant

Triarch Praetorians (90 points) • 5x Triarch Praetorian • 5x Rod of covenant

Triarch Stalker (110 points) • 1x Heat ray 1x Stalker's forelimbs

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

Archetype

Starshatter Goodstuff

Thoughts

Silent King / triple DDA Starshatter is a firmly established meta entity at this stage. Being able to hit hard and range and pull some reactive move tricks suits the 'Crons at this moment in time, and despite the adjustments to his auras the SK still seems to be an absolute must-take. I like the baby Praetorian squads and MSU Lords for some early skirmishing. Great work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 15 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Stephen Titmus - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force):  Templars Gladius Goodstuff with Helbrecht along for the ride.
  • 6th - Richard Forrest - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): A Slaanesh Discolord leading an absolute wall of Nurgle tanks in Pactbound.
  • 7th - Alexander England - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): Terminator brick style Space Wolves with some MSU melee out ahead.
  • 8th - Byron 🔥🎲 Sidhu - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Big boy Daemons with a smattering of Screamers.
  • 9th - Samuel Smith - Chaos Space Marines (Veterans of the Long War): Liam VSL Veterans of the Long War CSM.
  • 10th - Leigh Churchward - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Coteries Goodstuff with a cheeky Spawn unit.
  • 11th - Matthew McCurdy - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Wolf Jail with some Redemptors and Terminators behind the Thunderwolves.
  • 12th - Luke Quadling - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Aspect Goodstuff with some cheeky Shadow Weavers.
  • 13th - James Read - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double Annihilation Barge with triple Triarch Stalkers in Starshatter.
  • 14th - Jack Heath - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): Raven Guard Goodstuff.
  • 15th - Jordan Penning - Grey Knights (Brotherhood Strike): Purifier brick GK with a squad of Paladins.
  • 16th - Thomas France - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven with Predators in place of Vortex Beasts!
  • 17th - David Irving - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): Exceptionally angry Raven Guard with loads of Devastators.
  • 18th - James "One_Wing" Grover - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): My boss rocks out on deliciosuly stodgy double Wraith / Warrior Awakened.
  • 19th - Jamie Chapman - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Abaddon / Bile brick Renegade Raiders.

NRW Winter 40K Singles 2025 - Alpine Cup

65-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Schmallenberg, NRW, Germany on October 23 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Liam Vsl - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: liam vsl + TEAM NAME: Ignite + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Emperor's Children + DETACHMENT: Coterie of the Conceited (Pledges to the Dark Prince) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Lucius the Eternal + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Lucius the Eternal (150 pts): Warlord, Blade of the Laer, Lash of Torment Char2: 1x Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 pts): Hellforged weapons, Infernal cannon Char3: 1x Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 pts): Hellforged weapons, Infernal cannon Char4: 1x Lord Exultant (80 pts): Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Phoenix power spear, Rapture lash Char5: 1x Lord Exultant (80 pts): Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Phoenix power spear, Rapture lash Char6: 1x Lord Exultant (80 pts): Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Phoenix power spear, Rapture lash

5x Infractors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist: Rapture lash, Plasma pistol • 4x Infractor: 4 with Bolt pistol, Duelling sabre 5x Infractors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist: Rapture lash, Plasma pistol • 4x Infractor: 4 with Bolt pistol, Duelling sabre 5x Infractors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist: Rapture lash, Plasma pistol • 4x Infractor: 4 with Bolt pistol, Duelling sabre 5x Tormentors (85 pts) • 4x Tormentor 2 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Obsessionist: Plasma pistol, Rapture lash 5x Tormentors (85 pts) • 4x Tormentor 2 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Obsessionist: Plasma pistol, Rapture lash

3x Flawless Blades (110 pts): 3 with Blissblade, Bolt pistol 6x Noise Marines (145 pts) • 5x Noise Marine 2 with Noise Marines, Blastmaster, Close combat weapon 3 with Noise Marines, Close combat weapon, Sonic blaster • 1x Disharmonist: Close combat weapon, Sonic blaster 6x Noise Marines (145 pts) • 5x Noise Marine 2 with Noise Marines, Blastmaster, Close combat weapon 3 with Noise Marines, Close combat weapon, Sonic blaster • 1x Disharmonist: Close combat weapon, Sonic blaster 6x Noise Marines (145 pts) • 5x Noise Marine 2 with Noise Marines, Blastmaster, Close combat weapon 3 with Noise Marines, Close combat weapon, Sonic blaster • 1x Disharmonist: Close combat weapon, Sonic blaster 2x Chaos Spawn (80 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations 1x Chaos Rhino (80 pts): Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-weapon 1x Chaos Rhino (80 pts): Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-weapon

Archetype

Coteries Goodstuff

Thoughts

Liam rocks out on EC goodstuff here, going hard on Exultant / Infractor pieces and slotting a single Spawn unit in. The reactive move there is nice for giving you a tiny bit of give and go before the inevitable full send. EC seem to be in a quite unusual spot where specialists can make them sing with Coteries specifically, but their global representation and win rate has dropped right off. It'll be very interesting to see if adjustments can make some of the other detachments relevant in the future!

Matthias Bellmann - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 2nd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Name: Matthias Bellmann Team: Kings of the Hill Factions used: World Eaters Detachements used: Berzerker Warband Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne (Lord on Juggernaut), Berzerker Glaive (Slaughterbound) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WE chose Violence! (2000 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

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

Lord on Juggernaut (105 points) • 1x Bladed horn 1x Exalted chainblade 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne

Lord on Juggernaut (90 points) • 1x Bladed horn 1x Exalted chainblade 1x Plasma pistol

Slaughterbound (110 points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Berzerker Spam WE

Thoughts

50 Berzerkers hits a sweet spot in singles that gives you enough surge nonsense to overwhelm a great many armies but doesn't leave you inflexible / unable to play a slower game with trading missiles before committing. WE are one of the strongest armies in the game on WTC terrain (as was used here) and Mathias demonstrated that ably. Amazing work!

Pascal Haberstroh - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) - 3rd Place

Sicarian Infiltrators and Ruststalkers Sicarian Infiltrators and Ruststalkers. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Name: Pascal Haberstroh Team: Team Firebug Factions used: Adeptus Mechanicus Detachments used: Haloscreed Battle Clade Enhancements: Tech-priest Manipulus - Sanctified Ordnance

CHARACTER

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

1x Tech-Priest Manipulus (70 pts) • 1x Omnissian staff • 1x Transonic cannon • 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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

5x Sicarian Ruststalkers (75 pts) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps (Transonic blades & chordclaw) • 1x Transonic blades & chordclaw • 4x Sicarian Ruststalker (Transonic razor & chordclaw) • 4x Transonic razor & chordclaw

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

1x Skorpius Disintegrator (165 pts) • 1x Armoured hull • 3x Cognis heavy stubber • 1x Disruptor missile launcher • 1x Ferrumite cannon

1x Skorpius Disintegrator (165 pts) • 1x Armoured hull • 3x Cognis heavy stubber • 1x Disruptor missile launcher • 1x Ferrumite cannon

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

Archetype

Ruststalker Spam

Thoughts

Haloscreed seems to have quietly overtaken Hunter Cohort as the weapon of choice for new Ad Mech. The damage and speed buffs here are simply too much to ignore in a very agressive meta game, where every activation counts! Massed Ruststalkers and Disintegrators do the heavy lifting here, but there is still a tremendous amount of MSU to play with as well.  Ad Mech can go-wide like few others at this moment in time. Great work on the top placing!

Luis Stiemerling - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 4th Place

War Dog - Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish War Dog - Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + NAME: Luis Stiemerling + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Knights + DETACHMENT: Infernal Lance (Malefic Surge) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + TEAM: Zugzwang Schlusslicht + WARLORD: Char1: Knight Despoiler + ENHANCEMENT: - + NUMBER OF UNITS: 9 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (6x2) + (3x6) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Larping as Byzantiboo, one Last time before EUV releases

CHARACTER

1x Knight Despoiler (375 pts) - Konstantinus Tigurius Augustus Palaiologos, Pilot of the Knight Despoiler "Throne Breaker" • 1x Titanic feet • 1x Ruinspear rocket pod • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon - Mars Pattern Mark III Relic Gattling "Fun" • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon - Mars Pattern Mark II Relic Gattling "Balanced" • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Diabolus heavy stubber • Warlord

1x Knight Despoiler (375 pts) - Aetius Flaminius Herculius Palaiologos, Pilot of the Knight Despoiler "The Befouler" • 1x Titanic feet • 1x Ruinspear rocket pod • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon - Ryza Pattern Mark III Relic Gattling "Vor" • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon - Ryza Pattern Mark III Relic Gattling "Schieben" • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

1x Knight Despoiler (375 pts) - Regulus Nero Jovian Palaiologos, Pilot of the Knight Despoiler "The Suneater" • 1x Titanic feet • 1x Ruinspear rocket pod • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon - Styges Pattern Mark I Relic Gattling "5 Stunden" • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon - Lucuis Pattern Mark IV Relic Gattling "Mittagspause" • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

OTHER DATASHEETS

1x War Dog Karnivore (150 pts) - "The Faithless" • 1x Reaper chaintalon • 1x Slaughterclaw • 1x Havoc multi-launcher

1x War Dog Karnivore (150 pts) - "The Bloodborn" • 1x Reaper chaintalon • 1x Slaughterclaw • 1x Havoc multi-launcher

1x War Dog Karnivore (150 pts) - "The Deathseeker" • 1x Reaper chaintalon • 1x Slaughterclaw • 1x Havoc multi-launcher

1x War Dog Stalker (140 pts) - "The Outcast" • 1x Havoc multi-launcher • 1x Daemonbreath spear • 1x Slaughterclaw

1x War Dog Stalker (140 pts) - "The Forsaken" • 1x Havoc multi-launcher • 1x Daemonbreath spear • 1x Slaughterclaw

1x War Dog Stalker (140 pts) - "The Abandoned" • 1x Havoc multi-launcher • 1x Daemonbreath spear • 1x Slaughterclaw

Archetype

Triple Despoiler Gatling

Thoughts

I'm sorry, CK players, I really am. Every time we hit the point at which the build you all play has nothing I can really add comment on! Triple Despoiler marches on, this build doesn't take Nurgle Daemons. I do really like that you named all of your knights, Luis. Fantastic work on the top placing!

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Mario Titz - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Melee Stormlance with loads of MSU Thunderwolves, Wulfen and Headtakers.
  • 6th - Niklas Frerichs - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): Raven Guard goodstuff.
  • 7th - Daniel Klammer - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Siegler style SK / DDA / Wraith brick Starshatter.
  • 8th - Patrick Schmitt - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Old school big bug little bug Invasion Fleet with lots of Gaunts.
  • 9th - Jakub Jansa - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Mixed arms WE with Eightbound and Forgefiends.
  • 10th - Thomas Büttelmann - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Aspect Host Goodstuff with Hawk bricks.

Gaelcon 2025

46-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Dublin, D, Ireland on October 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Supply Drop - Tipping Point

Paul Quigley - Leagues of Votann (Dêlve Assault Shift)
Army List - Click to Expand
Maggie Thatcher, I will fight you! (1985 points)

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Dêlve Assault Shift

CHARACTERS

Brôkhyr Iron-master (100 points) • 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master • Warlord • 1x Graviton hammer 1x Graviton rifle • Enhancement: Dêlvewerke Navigator • 1x Ironkin Assistant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Las-beam cutter • 1x E-COG • 1x Plasma torch • 1x E-COG • 1x Manipulator arms • 1x E-COG • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon

Kâhl (85 points) • 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancement: Piledriver

Ûthar the Destined (95 points) • 1x Blade of the Ancestors 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator

BATTLELINE

Cthonian Beserks (200 points) • 10x Cthonian Beserk • 10x Concussion maul 2x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul 1x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (200 points) • 10x Cthonian Beserk • 10x Concussion maul 2x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul 1x Mole grenade launcher

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Einhyr Hearthguard (270 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x EtaCarn plasma gun 9x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 1x SP heavy conversion beamer 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 1x SP heavy conversion beamer 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Bolt shotgun 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 1x APM launcher 7x Bolt shotgun 9x Close combat weapon 1x Magna-coil rifle

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



vs.

Peter Dunlea - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs)
Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adepta Sororitas + DETACHMENT: Hallowed Martyrs (The Blood of Martyrs) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts + + WARLORD: Char3: Morvenn Vahl + ENHANCEMENT: Saintly Example (on Char5: Canoness) & Through Suffering, Strength (on Char8: Palatine) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (6x2) - Assassination: 8 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

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

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

Char3: 1x Morvenn Vahl (170 pts) 1 with Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon missile launcher • Warlord

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

Char5: 1x Canoness (60 pts) 1 with Hallowed Chainsword, Condemnor boltgun • Null Rod Enhancement: Saintly Example (+10 pts)

Char6: 1x Canoness (50 pts) 1 with Hallowed Chainsword, Bolt Pistol • Null Rod

Char7: 1x Hospitaller (50 pts) 1 with Bolt pistol, Chirugeon's tools

Char8: 1x Palatine (75 pts) 1 with Palatine blade, Plasma pistol Enhancement: Through Suffering, Strength (+25 pts)

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Arco-Flagellants (140 pts) • 10x Arco-Flagellant 10 with Arco-flails

10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior 1 with Spear of the Faithful, Inferno pistol • Celestian Sacresant • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace) 9 with Bolt pistol, Hallowed Mace • Celestian Sacresant

9x Sanctifiers (100 pts) • 1x Miraculist 1 with Burning hands, Holy fire • 1x Salvationist 1 with Close combat weapon • Salvationist Medikit • 1x Death Cult Assassin 1 with Death Cult blades • 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 Close combat weapon, Ministorum hand flamer • Simulacrum Imperialis

10x Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 pts) • 1x Novitiate Superior 1 with Plasma pistol, Power weapon • Novitiate Superior • 2x Novitiate with Ministorum Flamer 2 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Ministorum flamer • Sister Novitiate • 1x Novitiate with Simulacrum Imperialis 1 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon • Simulacrum Imperialis, Sister Novitiate • 6x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon) 6 with Autopistol, Novitiate melee weapon • Sister Novitiate

5x Zephyrim Squad (80 pts) • 1x Zephyrim Superior 1 with Power Weapon, Plasma pistol • Sacred Banner • 4x Zephyrim 4 with Bolt pistol, Power Weapon

1x Castigator (160 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, 3x Heavy bolter, Castigator battle cannon, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

1x Castigator (160 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, 3x Heavy bolter, Castigator battle cannon, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

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

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

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

Thoughts

A tasty showdown here, between the stodgy Votann and the saintly Sisters. There are some very interesting dimensions to unpack here, so let's dig in!

Hallowed Martyrs is a sensational take-all-comers detachment, with lots of tricks for frustrating both shooting and combat centric armies. It doesn't have the raw reach and damage of some other Sisters detachments, but the ability to anti-trade by resurrecting characters digs it out of many a hole. Speaking of digging holes, Delve is much more in the specialised, agro camp of 40k detachments, able to make Votann fast and brutally dangerous in combat.

Both lists are mixed arms, with solid options in combat and shooting, but on reach and delivery I like the Votann here. Being able to slingshot big murder bricks of Berzerkers out of the Forts is going to let it control space significantly better than the Vahl unit, which, whilst deadly, is clumsier to move around terrain. The Forts and Hearthguard ensure that the Delve list is multi-phasal in damage which negates the Sisters resurrection tricks quite handsomely, and this is a relatively melta-light build for the Sisters, which is their best weapon for carving open the Dwarf armour. On supply drop, whoever can get a firm mid-board foothold is going to dominate proceedings, and the short but lethal threat ranges of the Votann are ideally suited to a mid-board ruckus. In the end, the Dwarves took the day!

Result

Leagues of Votann (Dêlve Assault Shift) Victory - 76 - 41

Paul Quigley - Leagues of Votann (Dêlve Assault Shift) - 1st Place

Cthonian Beserks. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Maggie Thatcher, I will fight you! (1985 points)

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Dêlve Assault Shift

CHARACTERS

Brôkhyr Iron-master (100 points) • 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master • Warlord • 1x Graviton hammer 1x Graviton rifle • Enhancement: Dêlvewerke Navigator • 1x Ironkin Assistant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Las-beam cutter • 1x E-COG • 1x Plasma torch • 1x E-COG • 1x Manipulator arms • 1x E-COG • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon

Kâhl (85 points) • 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancement: Piledriver

Ûthar the Destined (95 points) • 1x Blade of the Ancestors 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator

BATTLELINE

Cthonian Beserks (200 points) • 10x Cthonian Beserk • 10x Concussion maul 2x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul 1x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (200 points) • 10x Cthonian Beserk • 10x Concussion maul 2x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul 1x Mole grenade launcher

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Einhyr Hearthguard (270 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x EtaCarn plasma gun 9x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 1x SP heavy conversion beamer 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 1x SP heavy conversion beamer 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Bolt shotgun 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 1x APM launcher 7x Bolt shotgun 9x Close combat weapon 1x Magna-coil rifle

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

Archetype

Glorious Union Dwarves

Thoughts

Dwarves rise up against their common oppressors here, as the Delve Assault Shift claims a GT win. This is probably the coolest Votann detachment, able to resurrect entire Berzerk bricks via the Delve Shift Navigator enhancement, FINALLY unlock some advance and charge melee for the dwarves, and issue a crucial -1 to wound to throw the opponent off at times too. It is amazing to see this excellent detachment claim a GT, and I think the nods to making it an all rounder build via Land Forts and Hearthguard are key to making it function in a wider range of match ups. Fantastic work!

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Tom Maher - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Belakor, two Chickens, Kairos, and lots of Screamers.
  • 3rd - Colin Power - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Coteries Goodstuff.
  • 4th - Peter Dunlea - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): The Martyrs mixed arms from the showdown.
  • 5th - Peter Scott - Death Guard (Shamblerot Vectorium): Shamblerot DG with a Knight Despoiler?! This has my attention!
  • 6th - Pearce Condren - Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners): Tallyband with Rotigus, Plague Marines Deathshroud and Plaguebearers / Nurglings. Spicy.
  • 7th - Stephen Kelly-Hannon - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Virulent Goodstuff.

Paragon City Games Warhammer 40K Store Championships

37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Sandy, UT, US on October 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Derek Holder - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) - 1st Place

Solar Watch Shield Host Legio Custodes Caladius Grav-Tank with Iliastus accelerator cannon by Crab-stuffed Mushrooms

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


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

CHARACTERS

Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armour (140 points) • 1x Balistus grenade launcher 1x Castellan axe • Enhancement: Admonimortis

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (165 points) • 1x Interceptor lance 1x Salvo launcher • Enhancement: Fierce Conqueror

Valerian (110 points) • 1x Gnosis

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (200 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 5x Guardian spear

OTHER DATASHEETS

Allarus Custodians (180 points) • 3x Allarus Custodian • 3x Balistus grenade launcher 3x Guardian spear

Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Custodian Wardens (260 points) • 5x Custodian Warden • 5x Guardian spear 1x Vexilla

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

Vertus Praetors (225 points) • 3x Vertus Praetor • 3x Interceptor lance 3x Salvo launcher

Witchseekers (50 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

ALLIED UNITS

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

Inquisitor Draxus (95 points) • Warlord • 1x Dirgesinger 1x Power fist 1x Psychic Tempest

Exported with App Version: v1.41.0 (98), Data Version: v687

Archetype

Mixed Arms Custodes

Thoughts

In a testament to the balanced meta game we are in, mixed arms Custodes with Caladius grabs a GT win! Lions is an excellent detachment but has fallen somewhat by the way side in recent times. This list does a bit of everything well - it has some durability pieces in Wardens, the Grav Tanks to win ranged duels, and the Praetors for some precision strikes in melee. I can't stress enough that winning events with Custodes is no easy thing right now- phenomenal work on achieving this.

Jeff Petersen - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Tyrannofex. Credit: Rockfish Tyrannofex. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
🤷‍♂️ (1995 Points)

Tyranids Invasion Fleet Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

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) • Warlord • 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes • 1x Psychic scream

BATTLELINE

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

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

Genestealers (140 Points) • 10x Genestealer ◦ 10x Genestealers claws and talons

Genestealers (75 Points) • 5x Genestealer ◦ 5x Genestealers claws and talons

Genestealers (75 Points) • 5x Genestealer ◦ 5x Genestealers claws and talons

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

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

Neurogaunts (45 Points) • 1x Neurogaunt Nodebeast ◦ 1x Chitinous claws and teeth • 10x Neurogaunt ◦ 10x Chitinous claws and teeth

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

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Invasion Fleet Mixed Arms

Thoughts

One of the lifer detachments of the edition, Invasion Fleet claims a top placing. The patent combination of flexible damage buffs and the ability to chuck a 5+++ out is hard to beat, and the mission toolkit of Tyranids and the kneecapping effect of Shadows are still more than capable of grinding out wins even in a somewhat hostile meta game. Fantastic work on the event placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Wesley Hale - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Purifier spam in Warpbane.
  • 4th - Nicolas Wenker - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer): Mortarion's Hammer with Defilers in place of the PBCs! Oh I LIKE that.
  • 5th - Evan Stump - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): Raven Guard Goodstuff.

Wicked City Wargaming Open 2025

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in North Charleston, SC, United States on October 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Trevor Wylie - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith) - 1st Place

Credit: Greg Narro

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
SoB CoF Triple Sacs for Triple the Fun (1995 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Champions of Faith

CHARACTERS

Daemonifuge (85 points) • 1x Ephrael Stern • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Sanctity • 1x Kyganil of the Bloody Tears • 1x The Outcast's Weapons

Hospitaller (75 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools • Enhancement: Sanctified Amulet

Hospitaller (65 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools • Enhancement: Triptych of Judgement

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Battle Sisters Squad (105 points) • 1x Sister Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Inferno pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Battle Sister • 9x Bolt pistol 7x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 1x Meltagun 1x Multi-melta 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

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

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

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

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

Seraphim Squad (80 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 points) • 1x Novitiate Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Sister Novitiate • 9x Autopistol 3x Close combat weapon 2x Ministorum flamer 6x Novitiate melee weapons 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

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

Archetype

Champions of Faith Sacrosancts

Thoughts

Sacrosanct spam appears to be the frontrunner amongst the myriad Sisters builds that are now performing across the globe. The ability to force the commitment from the foe, and then launch the vicious counter-attack that Sisters are capable of, is proving very flexible. These lists need to leverage Vahl and the Castigators to good effect, as it is somewhat light on damage beyond that, but if opponents fail the Sacrosanct check they will find themselves drowning pretty quickly. Great work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Andrew Donegan - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Warrior Awakened with the Void Dragon and Silent King.
  • 3rd - Anthony Sardelli - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Big boy time Daemons with Flesh Hounds in support.
  • 4th - D Mukerji - Space Marines (Astartes) (Forgefather's Seekers): Salamanders with Vulkan and lots of Impulsors with Infernus Marines in.
  • 5th - Kody Drake - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Triple Abominant and twenty Aberrants - delicious.
  • 6th - Curtis Myers - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre): Cadre with massed Kroot MSU out in front of suit shooting platforms.

Manse GT II

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

Arto Lampila - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Arto + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - World Eaters + DETACHMENT: Berzerker Warband (Relentless Rage) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Daemon Prince of Khorne + ENHANCEMENT: Helm of Brazen Ire (on Char2: Daemon Prince of Khorne) & Berzerker Glaive (on Char3: Master of Executions) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 13 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 3 Characters - Cull The Horde: 2x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Khârn the Betrayer (100 pts): Gorechild, Plasma pistol Char2: 1x Daemon Prince of Khorne (220 pts): Warlord, Hellforged weapons, Infernal cannon Enhancement: Helm of Brazen Ire (+20 pts) Char3: 1x Master of Executions (85 pts): Axe of dismemberment, Bolt pistol Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive (+25 pts)

20x Khorne Berzerkers (360 pts) • 19x Khorne Berzerker 15 with Bolt pistol, Chainblade 4 with Khornate eviscerator, Plasma pistol • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion: Icon of Khorne, Chainblade, Plasma pistol 20x Khorne Berzerkers (360 pts) • 19x Khorne Berzerker 15 with Bolt pistol, Chainblade 4 with Khornate eviscerator, Plasma pistol • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion: Icon of Khorne, Chainblade, Bolt pistol

3x Eightbound (135 pts) • 1x Eightbound Champion: Chainblades • 2x Eightbound: 2 with Chainblades 3x Eightbound (135 pts) • 1x Eightbound Champion: Chainblades • 2x Eightbound: 2 with Chainblades 3x Exalted Eightbound (140 pts) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion: Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2 with Chainblades 10x Jakhals (65 pts) • 8x Jakhal 7 with Autopistol, Chainblades 1 with Autopistol, Mauler chainblade • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader: Icon of Khorne, Autopistol, Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured: Skullsmasher and mangler 2x Chaos Spawn (90 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations 2x Chaos Spawn (90 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations 2x Chaos Spawn (90 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations 1x Helbrute (120 pts): Close combat weapon, Heavy flamer, Helbrute fist, Heavy flamer, Helbrute fist

Archetype

Melee Rush WE

Thoughts

All-in on Spawn, Berzerkers and Eightbound. Definitely the correct way to live your life! This list slaps, and rushes the opponent down hard from the get go and applies unbearable pressure. WE are having their moment, and this list highlights the full send potential if you cut back on Forgefiends and the like. Sensational work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Eero Saukkonen - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Haloscreed with Tonnes of Ruststalkers.
  • 3rd - Niklas Ojalainen - Orks (Green Tide): Ghaz leads four huge bricks of Boyz to battle.
  • 4th - Kaarle Tukia - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Vanguard style Invasion Fleet with all-in Raveners and Broodlord bricks.
  • 5th - Sami Kekki - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Full MSU Haloscreed with some cheeky Dragoons!!

Wrap Up

There you have it folks - that's it for this time. The meta is wide open, Ad Mech are flourishing, finally, and there is a lot to play for out there. How will our inbound Drukhari and new Marine rules shake things up? Only time will tell!

Lowest of Men, out.

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Tags: tyranids | world eaters | Necrons | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | Chaos Knights | Emperor's Children | Adeptus Mechanicus | competitive play | Adeptus Custodes | tau | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Leagues of Votann

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