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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Codex Chaos pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Oct 25 2023
Another week in the exciting world of Warhammer 40K, and in theory an eventful one, what with a whole new Space Marines Codex being released. In recent history this has often resulted in a great upending of metagames, wailing, gnashing of teeth, things of this nature, but this time around it's fair to say the initial impact is a bit more balanced - there are Marine lists out there, some doing very well and some pretty cool ones (shout out to the hero immediately racking up a 5-1 with a Thunderwolf Cavalry Stormlance list), but they haven't immediately taken over, with the current top dogs of Chaos Space Marines and Aeldari continuing to dominate.

That doesn't mean things are static mind - after last week's Sororitas surge, this week it's the turn of the Adeptus Mechanicus to put up some significantly improved results, alongside more powerful Ork finishes, a new spin on Grey Knights and a renewed surge from Daemons. Lots to talk about so let's get into it.

Today I'll be covering:
  • Frontline Gaming SoCal Open 2023 40K Championship (supermajor)
  • Battlefield Birmingham 21 (major)
  • Warzone: Three Taverns (major)
  • Gothic Games Canterbury October GT 2023
  • Rapid Fire GT 20
Lowest of Men will be taking the helm on Friday to look at:
  • Malmö Wargaming Weekend VII (major)
  • Dragon’s Lair Open (major)
  • Toronto Fall Open
  • Alba GT '23
  • MonsterCon - Armageddon Edition
  • Autumn Donut Single GT 2023
This week's Showdowns, as voted for by our beloved Patrons, are:
  • Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead) vs. Chaos Space Marines at the Rapid Fire GT
  • Adeptus Mechanicus vs. Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) at the Alba GT
Let's go!

Frontline Gaming SoCal Open 2023 40K Championship

190-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Del Mar, CA, US on October 21 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Arthur Tu - Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
War Bears (2000 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Slaves to Darkness Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (75 Points) • Warlord • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Plasma pistol

Dark Commune (55 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

Dark Commune (55 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

Master of Possession (80 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Rite of Possession 1x Staff of possession

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (55 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Chaos Cultist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 6x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Cultist grenade launcher 1x Flamer 1x Heavy stubber

Cultist Mob (55 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Chaos Cultist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 6x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Cultist grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber 1x Flamer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (190 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists (190 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Chosen (220 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Chosen Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Chaos Icon 1x Power fist • 9x Chosen • 6x Accursed weapon 5x Bolt pistol 3x Boltgun 4x Combi-weapon 2x Paired accursed weapons 4x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

Chosen (220 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Chosen Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Chaos Icon 1x Power fist • 9x Chosen • 6x Accursed weapon 5x Bolt pistol 3x Boltgun 4x Combi-weapon 2x Paired accursed weapons 4x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

Noise Marines (85 Points) • 1x Noise Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Doom siren 1x Power fist 1x Sonic blaster • 4x Noise Marine • 1x Blastmaster 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (85 Points) • 1x Noise Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Doom siren 1x Power fist 1x Sonic blaster • 4x Noise Marine • 1x Blastmaster 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Obliterators (340 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 4x Obliterator • 4x Crushing fists 4x Fleshmetal guns

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (35 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Archetype

Aggro CSM

Final Round Matchup

53 - 47 Victory against Mike McTyre - Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force).

Thoughts

With the departure of Custodes, Chaos Space Marines and Orks are left to vie over the title of "best at melee", and currently Chaos Space Marines are narrowly winning. This list packs a massive number of Advance/Charge murder machines, allowing it to quickly roll over foes that can't quickly thin the ranks. That's far easier said than done, because Accursed Communes offer a massive amount of durability for the price, and act as a very binary stat check for opponents to try and overcome. If they can't...things don't look great, and while the Blood Angels (who had a powerful mixture of melee, shooting and horde clearance) put in a serious try, eventually the servants of the dark gods triumphed.

The other thing worth highlighting as a mainstay Chaos strength is how small a commitment they need to make to get premium-quality shooting - the incredible power of Profane Zeal means that even a single Undivided-marked Obliterator unit or Forgefiend can provide adequate support to an otherwise all-melee strategy. Well done to Arthur on the win!

James Carmona - Black Legion (Slaves to Darkness) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
CSM (2000 points) Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Slaves to Darkness

CHARACTERS

Abaddon the Despoiler (310 points) • Warlord • 1x Drach’nyen 1x Talon of Horus

Dark Commune (55 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

Haarken Worldclaimer (90 points) • 1x Helspear 1x Herald’s Talon

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (55 points) • Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Chaos Cultist • 6x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Cultist grenade launcher 1x Flamer 1x Heavy stubber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (190 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Chaos Terminator Squad (195 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Terminator Champion • 1x Chainfist 1x Combi-weapon • 4x Chaos Terminator • 1x Accursed weapon 3x Combi-weapon 3x Power fist 1x Reaper autocannon

Forgefiend (180 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 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 (140 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Combi-bolter 1x Helbrute fist 1x Multi-melta

Noise Marines (85 points) • 1x Noise Champion • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Doom siren 1x Power fist 1x Sonic blaster • 4x Noise Marine • 1x Blastmaster 4x Bolt pistol 1x Chaos Icon 4x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Obliterators (340 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 4x Obliterator • 4x Crushing fists 4x Fleshmetal guns

Raptors (180 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Raptor Champion • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Raptor • 5x Astartes chainsword 5x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun

Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (26), Data Version: v283

Archetype

Abaddon Gunline

Thoughts

More Chaos Space Marines in second place, showcasing the versitility of the Index in how much the army differs from the one in first. Some hits remain (Accursed Communes and Obliterators - pretty good!) but here we see Abaddon using his aura to buff up a wider range of shooting threats, plus an unusual additional melee threat in the Raptors with Haarken. They're pretty attractively priced, and having Abaddon around definitely makes them more interesting, as being able to counter-charge with a 4+ Invulnerable Save up in a mirror match or against other pressure builds seems good. It's clear that the Chaos Space Marine Index needs a little bit of tuning down, but it's certainly throwing up a nice broad range of stuff, and congratulations to James for bringing some unique toys on the way to an undefeated second place.

Ruben Zhao - Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Blood Angels Librarian Dreadnought. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
White angels (2000 Points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (85 Points) • Warlord • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • Enhancements: Fire Discipline

Techmarine (55 Points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aggressor Squad (220 Points) • 1x Aggressor Sergeant • 1x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Twin power fists • 5x Aggressor • 5x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 5x Fragstorm grenade launcher 5x Twin power fists

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

Eradicator Squad (95 Points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle • 2x Eradicator • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle 1x Multi-melta

Inceptor Squad (110 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Assault bolters 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor • 2x Assault bolters 2x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (110 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

Incursor Squad (85 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 (240 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Godhammer lascannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin heavy bolter

Librarian Dreadnought (170 Points) • 1x Blood Lance 1x Furioso fist 1x Furioso force halberd 1x Meltagun

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 (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes shotgun 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 3x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolter

Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (160 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Stormfury missiles 1x Thunderstrike las-talon 1x Twin Icarus rocket pod

Whirlwind (145 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher

Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (20), Data Version: v283

Archetype

Gladius Goodstuff

Thoughts

Our first post-Marine Codex undefeated finish...doesn't really do much with the new toys. We'll see a bit more of that later, but here we've got the tried and tested Fire Discipline Aggressors, a Land Raider with some spicy stuff in it (here a trio of Assault Centurions), some more good shooting and lots of Phobos support. There's one exciting unique trick (sporting a Librarian Dreadnought to teleport the Aggressors with Wings of Sanguinius, which yeah that whips), but we broadly know how this goes down. That doesn't take away from the achievement here though - it's great to see fancy red Marines going undefeated, and I like the unique tech piece that helped enable it, congratulations Ruben.

Alex Spathopoulos - Dark Angels (Unforgiven Task Force) - 4th Place

Deathwing Terminator Praetor Deathwing Terminator Praetor. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Hellblasters No transport (1995 Points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Unforgiven Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Ancient in Terminator Armour (85 Points) • 1x Power fist 1x Storm bolter • Enhancements: Pennant of Remembrance

Azrael (105 Points) • Warlord • 1x Lion’s Wrath 1x The Lion Helm 1x The Sword of Secrets

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (95 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancements: Shroud of Heroes

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathwing Command Squad (420 Points) • 1x Deathwing Ancient • 1x Power fist 1x Storm bolter • 1x Deathwing Apothecary • 1x Chainfist 1x Storm bolter • 1x Deathwing Champion • 1x Halberd of Caliban • 7x Deathwing Command Terminator • 2x Cyclone missile launcher 2x Power fist 5x Storm Shield 2x Storm bolter 5x Thunder hammer

Hellblaster Squad (250 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

Inceptor Squad (110 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

Ravenwing Darkshroud (125 Points) • 1x Assault cannon 1x Close combat weapon

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

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 (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 3x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (90 Points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (20), Data Version: v283

Archetype

Crunchy Dark Angels

Thoughts

More Marines in fourth place, here making use of some of the unique tricks that the Dark Angels bring to bear in their detachment, and skewing heavily towards durability. With more melee armies out there in the metagame, Unbreakable Lines becomes more of a real consideration, as does always having access to Intractable to pull out of combat. In addition, with wound re-rolls leaving Oaths, having access to Unforgiven Fury on Hellblasters to punch up into hefty targets gets a bit more appealing too. The wound re-roll problem is also addressed by the improved version of the Lieutenant with Combi-weapon, who can really help interdict a crucial objective.

This army takes serious output to meaningfully degrade, an ultra-durable centrepiece in the Deathwing block and has very high output in response to the enemies. All good stuff, and a fantastic Dark Angels showing, well done Alex.

 

The Best of the Rest

There were 16 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Mike McTyre  - Blood Angels (GTF): Hull and melee Blood Angels - Vindicators, Gladiators and a Land Raider as crunch, Aggressors, Death Company and VanVets for aggro.
  • 6th - Ben Jurek  - Aeldari: Triple Spinner and Wraithguard.
  • 7th - Cooper Waddell  - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Speedy pressure Vanguard with lots of Genestealers and a pair of Flyrants.
  • 8th - Matthew Geyer  - Adeptus Mechanicus: Triple Breachers blocks and a bunch of Vanguard in Duneriders.
  • 9th - Junior Aflleje  - Leagues of Votann: General goodstuff with a bit of everything.
  • 10th= - Adam Dye  - Chaos Space Marines: Abaddon gunline with a bunch of Nurglings to screen.
  • 10th= - Benjamin Britt  - Blood Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead): Sanguine hull spam, adding Flamestorm Baal Predators and Death Company Dreads into the mix.
  • 12th - Keith Berry  - Adepta Sororitas: All-rounder Sisters with a couple of big Arco-Flagellant squads alongside the usual mix of guns, nuns and Warsuits.
  • 13th - Jordan Gledhill  - Chaos Daemons: An unusual spin on monster mash focusing on Soul Grinders and Keepers of Secrets.
  • 14th - Grant Kauffman - Death Guard: An odd hull spam list, taking a couple of Rhinos with just a Character in, lots of Daemon engines, and some War Dog Brigands.
  • 15th - Matthew Green  - Grey Knights: Terminator-heavy Grey Knights, with a big block each of Paladins and Brotherhood, plus two more Brotherhood units.
  • 16th - Andrew Dickinger  - Astra Militarum: Tank time, with a Banesword and a bunch of Leman Russes.
  • 17th - James Davis  - Ynnari: Go-wide Ynnari with Ravagers and Night Spinners.
  • 18th - Jeff Poole  - Chaos Space Marines: Abaddon gunline with two Accursed Communes as aggro pieces.
  • 19th - Tyler Russo  - Orks: Speedy-skewed Goodstuff with a bunch of mounted heroes and extra bikers.
  • 20th - Richard Kilton  - Orks: Trukk spam.

Battlefield Birmingham 21

68-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on October 21 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ritchie Balan - Orks (Waaagh! Tribe) - 1st Place

Credit: Tom Alexander

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
++ Army Roster (Xenos - Orks) [1,995pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size

Detachment Waaaagggghhh tribe

+ Epic Hero +

Ghazghkull Thraka [235pts]: Warlord

+ Character +

Warboss [65pts]: Power Klaw

Warboss [65pts]: Power Klaw

Warboss [65pts]: Power Klaw

+ Battleline +

Beast Snagga Boyz [105pts] . 9x Beast Snagga Boy: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga

Beast Snagga Boyz [105pts] . 9x Beast Snagga Boy: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga

Boyz [85pts] . Boss Nob . . Power klaw and slugga . 9x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga

Boyz [85pts] . Boss Nob . . Power klaw and slugga . 9x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga

Boyz [85pts] . Boss Nob . . Power klaw and slugga . 9x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa: 9x Choppa, 9x Slugga

+ Infantry +

Burna Boyz [120pts] . 8x Burna Boy: 8x Burna, 8x Cuttin’ flames . 2x Spanner w/ Kustom mega-blasta: 2x Close combat weapon, 2x Kustom mega-blasta

Gretchin [40pts] . 10x Gretchin: 10x Close combat weapon, 10x Grot blasta . Runtherd

Gretchin [40pts] . 10x Gretchin: 10x Close combat weapon, 10x Grot blasta . Runtherd

Gretchin [40pts] . 10x Gretchin: 10x Close combat weapon, 10x Grot blasta . Runtherd

Meganobz [60pts] . 2x Meganob w/ Kustom shoota and power klaw: 2x Kustom shoota, 2x Power klaw

Stormboyz [65pts] . Boss Nob: Power klaw . 4x Stormboy: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga

Stormboyz [65pts] . Boss Nob: Power klaw . 4x Stormboy: 4x Choppa, 4x Slugga

+ Vehicle +

Battlewagon [185pts]: Tracks and wheels, ’Ard Case

Battlewagon [185pts]: Tracks and wheels, ’Ard Case

+ Dedicated Transport +

Trukk [60pts]: Wreckin' ball

Trukk [60pts]: Wreckin' ball

Trukk [60pts]: Wreckin' ball

Trukk [60pts]: Wreckin' ball

Trukk [60pts]: Wreckin' ball

++ Total: [1,995pts] ++

Archetype

Mech Orks

Final Round Matchup

95 - 80 Victory against Matt Bell - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force).

Thoughts

Is it complicated? No. Does it get the job done? Absolutely! Removing this many Trukks and wagons is really hard, making it quite likely that this army will strike the enemy in force, at which point only the most vicious killers are going to be able to pull themselves out. Some armies can certainly have a go, and I imaging running this up against the aggro Chaos Space Marine lists would create an utter bloodbath, but here no one was able to stand up to the might of the Waaagh. Congratulations to Ritchie.

Lee Smith - Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Blackstone Fortress Black Legion Legionnaires by Crab-stuffed Mushrooms

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
The Eightfold Path (1995 points) Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Slaves to Darkness

CHARACTERS

Abaddon the Despoiler (310 points) • Warlord • 1x Drach’nyen 1x Talon of Horus

Chaos Lord (75 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Plasma pistol

Dark Commune (55 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (55 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Close combat weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Cultist grenade launcher 1x Flamer 1x Heavy stubber

Legionaries (180 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Legionary • 6x Astartes chainsword 9x Bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Havoc autocannon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (190 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Chaos Bikers (85 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Biker Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Combi-bolter 1x Plasma pistol • 2x Chaos Biker • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Close combat weapon 2x Combi-bolter 2x Plasma gun

Chosen (220 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Chosen Champion • 1x Accursed weapon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Chaos Icon • 9x Chosen • 7x Accursed weapon 5x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 4x Combi-weapon 4x Plasma pistol 2x Power fist

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

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

Obliterators (170 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 2x Obliterator • 2x Crushing fists 2x Fleshmetal guns

Obliterators (170 points) • Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch • 2x Obliterator • 2x Crushing fists 2x Fleshmetal guns

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

The Changeling (90 points) • 1x Infernal Flames 1x The Trickster’s Staff

Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (26), Data Version: v283

Archetype

Chaos Space Marine Goodstuff

Thoughts

Hey speaking of Chaos Space Marines - this is more of a balanced build than a pure aggro one, but no less effective for it, and also sports the surprisingly nasty combo of Legionnaires with Abaddon. Turns out being able to essentially go full Oaths mode on something on an objective is pretty good, and having all marks makes the unit very flexible for use with Stratagems. I've seen this on the table and it's pretty nasty, so definitely give it a go if you haven't already - and great stuff from Lee putting it into practice and going undefeated.

Billy Sutter - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 3rd Place

Tau Commander Tau Commander. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Tau (2000 points) T’au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kauyon

CHARACTERS

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (125 points) • Warlord • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Cyclic ion blaster 1x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Exemplar of the Kauyon

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (110 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Cyclic ion blaster 1x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (130 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Marker Drone 1x Plasma rifle 3x Plasma rifle 1x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Precision of the Patient Hunter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle

Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle

Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin smart missile system

Crisis Battlesuits (360 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Airbursting fragmentation projector 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Cyclic ion blaster 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 5x Crisis Shas’ui • 5x Battlesuit fists 5x Cyclic ion blaster 10x Cyclic ion blaster 10x Shield Drone 4x Shield Generator

Crisis Battlesuits (180 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Plasma rifle 2x Plasma rifle 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 2x Crisis Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 1x Plasma rifle 4x Plasma rifle 4x Shield Drone 2x Shield Generator 1x Airbursting fragmentation projector

Crisis Battlesuits (180 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 2x Crisis Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Cyclic ion blaster 4x Cyclic ion blaster 4x Shield Drone 2x Shield Generator

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

Piranha (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranha (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranha (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Tetras (80 points) • 2x Tetra • 2x Close combat weapons 4x Pulse rifle

Tetras (80 points) • 2x Tetra • 2x Close combat weapons 4x Pulse rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (26), Data Version: v283

Archetype

Suit Spam

Thoughts

The gun show next, with another relatively uncomplicated but very effective build, packing tonnes of durable, speedy shooting to blow opponents away. There's one cute and unusual choice in the Plasma-armed Crisis Team, presumably intended to help lift Marines without having to lose a bunch of models to Hazardous, but otherwise we know the drill here. Good stuff from Billy.

Matt Bell - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) - 4th Place

Brotherhood Librarian. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Short Kings & Goateaz (1995 points) Grey Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Teleport Strike Force

CHARACTERS

Brother-Captain (105 points) • Warlord • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Psycannon • Enhancement: Inescapable Wrath

Brotherhood Librarian (135 points) • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purge Soul • Enhancement: First to the Fray

Brotherhood Librarian (130 points) • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purge Soul • Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence

Castellan Crowe (75 points) • 1x Black Blade of Antwyr 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter

BATTLELINE

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 points) • 1x Terminator Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Brotherhood Terminator • 1x Ancient’s Banner 1x Incinerator 1x Narthecium 4x Nemesis force weapon 2x Storm bolter

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 points) • 1x Terminator Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Brotherhood Terminator • 1x Ancient’s Banner 1x Incinerator 1x Narthecium 4x Nemesis force weapon 2x Storm bolter

Strike Squad (125 points) • 1x Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Grey Knight • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Incinerator 3x Nemesis force weapon 3x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Interceptor Squad (135 points) • 1x Interceptor Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Interceptor • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Incinerator 3x Nemesis force weapon 3x Storm bolter

Interceptor Squad (135 points) • 1x Interceptor Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Interceptor • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Incinerator 3x Nemesis force weapon 3x Storm bolter

Paladin Squad (225 points) • 1x Paragon • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 3x Paladin • 3x Nemesis force weapon 2x Psycannon 1x Storm bolter • 1x Paladin Ancient • 1x Ancient’s Banner 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Psycannon

Purgation Squad (135 points) • 1x Purgator Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Purgator • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Incinerator

Purifier Squad (260 points) • 1x Knight of the Flame • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter • 9x Purifier • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Incinerator 5x Nemesis force weapon 9x Purifying Flame 5x Storm bolter

ALLIED UNITS

Inquisitor Coteaz (75 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Nemesis daemon hammer 1x Psychic Blast

Inquisitorial Henchmen (40 points) • 4x Inquisitorial Acolyte • 4x Acolyte firearm 4x Acolyte melee weapon 1x Eviscerator 1x Plasma pistol

Archetype

Go-wide Grey Knights

Thoughts

Something new in fourth here (and fifth too as it happens), go-wide Grey Knights. Lots of small units able to zap around the board and control the table, good Mortal output from the Librarians relatively durable all-round, and with the one nasty full Purifier/Crowe brick. Definitely a fan of seeding Coteaz into a Brotherhood Terminator unit as well, his shooting can be really nasty, so having him in a unit that's mobile and tough is excellent (as is providing CP if the enemy has brought their own farm). I figure the rise of brawler/Goodstuff Ork and Chaos Space Marine builds is probably why this army is popping up now - it can play very effectively against those thanks to its mobility and every unit having a decent amount of punch. It even put up a good fight against the overwhelming armoued might of the winning Ork build in the final, which many armies will get completely rolled by. Definitely looks like this is a new strategy worth exploring, good stuff from Matt leading the way.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Ed Watts  - Grey Knights: Go-wide Grey Knights with lots of small units and the full Crowe Purifier brick.
  • 6th - Billy Guest - Orks: Trukk Spam with some Grot Tanks and Kommandos joining the charge.
  • 7th - John Spence - Death Guard: Infantry and Character-heavy Death Guard with lots of Plague Marines.
  • 8th - Dan Bates  - Aeldari: Extra go-wide Aeldari with some Scorpions and Karandras in a Serpent as a unique flourish.
  • 9th - Adam Ryland - Chaos Space Marines: Goodstuff brawler Chaos Space Marines with Chosen in Rhinos and Warp Talons for melee and the Obliterator/Forgefiend setup for dakka.
  • 10th - Ryan Garrett - Asuryani: Double Avatar.
  • 11th - Charles Gould  - Leagues of Votann: Hearthguard spam, 25 of the diminuative killers.
  • 12th - Luke Quadling  - Ynnari: Spinners and Wraithguard with some Drukhari Scourges as backup.
  • 13th - Mark Underhill  - Grey Knights: Three big Terminator blocks and change.

Warzone: Three Taverns

58-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Decatur, GA, US on October 21 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

TJ Spaeth - Adeptus Astartes (Ironstorm Spearhead) - 1st Place

Blood Ravens Invictor Warsuit. Credit: Scott White

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Black Templar Ironstorm (2000 Points)

Space Marines Black Templars Ironstorm Spearhead Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Techmarine (95 Points) • Warlord • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancements: Target Augury Web (Aura)

Techmarine (80 Points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancements: Adept of the Omnissiah

BATTLELINE

Crusader Squad (65 Points) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grav-pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Initiate • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt Pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Meltagun 1x Multi-melta

Crusader Squad (65 Points) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grav-pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Initiate • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt Pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Lascannon 1x Meltagun

Crusader Squad (65 Points) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grav-pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Initiate • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt Pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Lascannon 1x Meltagun

Crusader Squad (65 Points) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grav-pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Initiate • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt Pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Lascannon 1x Meltagun

Crusader Squad (65 Points) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grav-pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Initiate • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt Pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Lascannon 1x Meltagun

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (165 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Lancer laser destroyer 1x Multi-melta 2x Storm bolter

Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (165 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Lancer laser destroyer 1x Multi-melta 2x Storm bolter

Black Templars Gladiator Reaper (155 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Multi-melta 2x Tempest bolter 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

Black Templars Gladiator Reaper (155 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Multi-melta 2x Tempest bolter 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

Invictor Tactical Warsuit (140 Points) • 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Heavy bolter 1x Incendium cannon 1x Invictor fist 1x Twin ironhail heavy stubber

Redemptor Dreadnought (200 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes shotgun 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Combat knife 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (160 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Stormfury missiles 1x Thunderstrike las-talon 1x Twin Icarus rocket pod

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (90 Points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Eversor Assassin (75 Points) • 1x Executioner pistol 1x Power sword and neuro gauntlet

Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (20), Data Version: v283

Archetype

Ironstorm Spearhead Templars

Final Round Matchup

69 - 53 Victory against Chris Dailey - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment).

Thoughts

Aha, here's our first use of the new Marine Detachments, and it is naturally the Iron Hands one. Some things never change. Hull-heavy builds are hard to shift (especially with a floating damage no-sell from Adept of the Omnissiah), lots of re-rolls and  Lethal Hits make them super reliable for taking the enemy down, and running as Templars makes a lot of sense. Extra multi-meltas on many of the hulls maximises the chance of getting full value from the re-rolls on each unit, and Crusaders provide the best cheap Battleline to support the tanks that Marines have access to. Big fan of the singleton Warsuit, presumably intended to switch on Ancient Fury, go on an early rampage, then die messily with Vengeful Animus. Shame they don't still go up for d6 Mortals, but still a nice touch to help sow some early chaos to buy the tanks time to do their work. congratulations to TJ on an inaugural event win for a new book.

Ryan Shaw - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 2nd Place

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank. Credit: Scott Horras "Heresy"

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Infantry is for scrubs (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Combined Regiment Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Lord Solar Leontus (125 Points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin’s hooves 1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze

Tank Commander (205 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Militarum plasma cannon

Tank Commander (205 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Executioner plasma cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Militarum plasma cannon

Tank Commander (205 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Executioner plasma cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Militarum plasma cannon

BATTLELINE

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (70 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy flamer 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (70 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy flamer 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Basilisk (135 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Earthshaker cannon 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile

Basilisk (135 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Earthshaker cannon 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile

Bullgryn Squad (160 Points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone ’ead • 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon 1x Slabshield • 5x Bullgryn • 3x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon 2x Slabshield

Leman Russ Eradicator (160 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Eradicator nova cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Plasma cannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (260 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Co-axial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Meltagun 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Scout Sentinels (60 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Archetype

Tanks Galore

Thoughts

Another build heavy on hulls and guns, though a little more complex than its title might indicate, packing Bullgryn as a core tarpit, and the unusual choice of Catachan Jungle Fighters. Honestly? They seem pretty neat - Scouts applying to a Transport you're in means they get some extra screening reach out the gate, vital to protect all those clunky tanks in a list like this, and Firing Deck 2 is perfect for getting some value out of the two flamers they get. Nice unique touch to spice up the build, and a strong second place.

Steven Tosky - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 3rd Place

Daemon Prince Credit: Swiftblade

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
The Boss Squad (1990 Points)

World Eaters Berzerker Warband Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Angron (415 Points) • Warlord • 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

World Eaters Daemon Prince (225 Points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Helm of Brazen Ire

World Eaters Daemon Prince (230 Points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (70 Points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

Jakhals (70 Points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

Jakhals (70 Points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

Jakhals (70 Points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

Jakhals (70 Points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

OTHER DATASHEETS

World Eaters Predator Destructor (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon

World Eaters Predator Destructor (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon

World Eaters Predator Destructor (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon

World Eaters Terminator Squad (190 Points) • 1x World Eaters Terminator Champion • 1x Chainfist 1x Combi-bolter • 4x World Eaters Terminator • 1x Accursed Weapon 3x Combi-bolter 3x Power fist 1x Reaper autocannon

World Eaters Terminator Squad (190 Points) • 1x World Eaters Terminator Champion • 1x Chainfist 1x Combi-bolter • 4x World Eaters Terminator • 1x Accursed Weapon 3x Combi-bolter 3x Power fist 1x Reaper autocannon

Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (20), Data Version: v283

Archetype

Crunch-skewed World Eaters

Thoughts

An unusual build here with a deeply suspicious number of guns. Not sure Khorne is into that sort of thing, but apparently he deigned to allow it. The Daemon Princes are definitely pretty nasty riding shotgun with Angron, and having two of them here also makes the Jakhals really good, because a 4+ Invulnerable Save removes their key weakness. They provide a valuable skirmish screen that can take a good chunk out of any enemy that gets too close. The Daemon Princes, Terminators and Angron can then roll over anything that gets tangled up with them, and the Predator Destructors provide a nice clip of damage while the enemy works out how to navigate all that. Pleasingly unique, and really cool to see, great stuff from Steven.

Chris Dailey - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 4th Place

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

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Spikey Guard (2000 points) Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Regiment

CHARACTERS

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

Lord Solar Leontus (125 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin’s hooves 1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze

Platoon Command Squad (60 points) • 1x Platoon Commander • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Veteran Guardsman • 4x Close combat weapon 3x Lasgun 4x Laspistol 1x Master Vox 1x Medi-pack 1x Plasma gun 1x Regimental Standard

Tank Commander (205 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Tank Commander (205 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

BATTLELINE

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

Infantry Squad (60 points) • 1x Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 7x Guardsman • 7x Close combat weapon 6x Lasgun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster • 1x Heavy Weapons Team • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Mortar

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (70 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy flamer 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (70 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy flamer 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bullgryn Squad (160 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone ’ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

Leman Russ Demolisher (200 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Eradicator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Eradicator nova cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Rapier Laser Destroyer Battery (35 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laser destroyer

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

Scout Sentinels (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Scout Sentinels (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Scout Sentinels (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (26), Data Version: v283

Archetype

Guard and Guns

Thoughts

More Tanks, Bullgryn and screening here, this time with a little more infantry and variety. Smae basic plan as a lot of the lists here though - great speed bumps with great guns behind them - and opponents will quake. Congratulation to Chris.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Joe MacMillan  - Chaos Space Marines: Brawler goodstuff with some Plague Marines as a unique touch.
  • 6th - Spencer Feuerstein - Chaos Knights: Max aggro Rampager/Dogs.
  • 7th - Noah Neundorfer  - Death Guard: Infantry spam, going for three big Plague Marine units and two large Terminator squads.

Gothic Games Canterbury October GT 2023

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on October 21 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ryan Williams - Aeldari (Battle Host) - 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Aeldari v3.2000 (1990 points) Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Battle Host

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (140 points) • Warlord • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Howling Banshee Mask 1x Star glaive • Enhancement: The Phoenix Gem

Avatar of Khaine (335 points) • 1x The Wailing Doom

Farseer (80 points) • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witchblade

Spiritseer (80 points) • 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witch staff • Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger

The Yncarne (350 points) • 1x Swirling soul energy 1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls

OTHER DATASHEETS

Night Spinner (180 points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Night Spinner (180 points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Swooping Hawks (75 points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk’s talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Warp Spiders (115 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (115 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Wraithguard (340 points) • 10x Wraithguard • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Wraithcannon

Archetype

Double Avatar and Wraithguard

Final Round Matchup

82 - 58 Victory against Ciaran Furlong - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders).

Thoughts

See, the one downside of all these fancy new tank builds is that it means Eldar players can just go super top heavy on Avatars and Wraithguard and still blow everyone up. Despicable. Well done Ryan.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Ciaran Furlong - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Templars with a big Primaris Crusader brick as a central anchor and a Land Raider double-stacked with Sword Brethren.
  • 3rd - Edmund Dymott - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Angron, Invocatus and 900pts of Exalted Eightbound.
  • 4th - Dominic Mathews - Adeptus Mechanicus (Rad-Cohort): Melee aggro AdMech. No really - punchbots and lots of Dragoons.

Rapid Fire GT 2023

29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Scotland, GB on October 21 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold - Hidden Supplies - Hammer and Anvil

Allan Davidson - Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead):  Redemptors, Whirlwinds and a Darkshroud, with Inceptors and Scouts as utility pieces.
Army List - Click to Expand
Dark Angels (1995 points) Space Marines Dark Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Ironstorm Spearhead

CHARACTERS

Techmarine (95 points) • Warlord • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: Target Augury Web (Aura)

Techmarine (80 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: Adept of the Omnissiah

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Inceptor Squad (110 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

Inceptor Squad (110 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

Inceptor Squad (110 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

Ravenwing Darkshroud (125 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolter

Redemptor Dreadnought (200 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Redemptor Dreadnought (200 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Redemptor Dreadnought (200 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Scout Squad (55 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 1x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (55 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 1x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (55 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 1x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Whirlwind (145 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher

Whirlwind (145 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher

Whirlwind (145 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (90 points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.5.0 (26), Data Version: v283


vs.

Innes Wilson - Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness): Brawler Goodstuff.
Army List - Click to Expand
++++++++++++++ Player: Innes "Has Brian Moved to England Yet?" Wilson Team: Stat Check Army Faction: Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Daemons Detachment: Slaves to Darkness Total Points: 1985

Enhancements: N/A Warlord: Chaos Lord

Bring it Down: 12 Assassination: 20 +++++++++++++

CHA: Chaos Lord, Daemon Hammer, Plasma Pistol - [75] Mark of Chaos Undivided

CHA: Chaos Lord, Daemon Hammer, Plasma Pistol - [75] Mark of Chaos Undivided

CHA: Chaos Lord, Daemon Hammer, Plasma Pistol - [75] Mark of Chaos Undivided

BL: 10 Cultist Mob, 7 Cultist Firearm, Heavy Stubber, Flamer, Grenade Launcher - [55] Mark of Nurgle

OTH: 5 Chosen [110] 1 Power Fist, Plasma Pistol, Boltgun, Chaos Icon 1 Paired Accursed Weapons, Plasma Pistol 2 Accursed Weapons, Combi-Weapon, Bolt Pistol 1 Accursed Weapon, Boltgun, Bolt Pistol Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 5 Chosen [110] 1 Power Fist, Plasma Pistol, Boltgun, Chaos Icon 1 Paired Accursed Weapons, Plasma Pistol 2 Accursed Weapons, Combi-Weapon, Bolt Pistol 1 Accursed Weapon, Boltgun, Bolt Pistol Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 5 Chosen [110] 1 Power Fist, Plasma Pistol, Boltgun, Chaos Icon 1 Paired Accursed Weapons, Plasma Pistol 2 Accursed Weapons, Combi-Weapon, Bolt Pistol 1 Accursed Weapon, Boltgun, Bolt Pistol Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 5 Warp Talon [100] Mark of Slaanesh

OTH: 5 Warp Talon [100] Mark of Slaanesh

OTH: 2 Obliterator [170] Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 2 Obliterator [170] Mark of Nurgle

VEH - Forgefiend, 3 Ectoplasm Cannons - [180] Mark of Nurgle

VEH - Forgefiend, 3 Ectoplasm Cannons - [180] Mark of Chaos Undivided

DT: Chaos Rhino, Combi-Weapon, Combi-Bolter, Havoc Launcher - [75] Mark of Nurgle

DT: Chaos Rhino, Combi-Weapon, Combi-Bolter, Havoc Launcher - [75] Mark of Nurgle

++Daemomic Pact

EH: Syll'Esske- [120]

EH: The Blue Scribes - [65]

BL: 3 Nurgling - [35]

++The Lost and the Damned

BL: 5 Rubric Marines, Icon of Flame, 3 Warpflamers, Warpflame Pistol, Soulreaper Cannon - [105]

Thoughts

A second appearance for the Ironstorm Spearhead, this time rolling as Dark Angels for access to the Ravenwing Darkshroud. This is extremely good with Redemptors, as it can hide behind a wall and provide them Cover in the open, rendering them extremely tough to shift once you factor in Armour of Contempt access as well. Adept of the Omnissiah is also great with it, as it means that if your opponent manages to get an angle on it to try and remove it, you can just no-sell it. Inceptors also work very well in this detachment, as a small number of good shots you can put wherever they're needed is perfect with the re-rolls.

Those Inceptors feel like a particular asset in this matchup, as they mean the Chaos side has to be much more careful with how it deploys its toys than normal. Alongside the Scouts (helped by Whirlwinds to clear backfield screens), they also mean the list has a lot of tools for forcing through Secondaries, particularly Teleport Homers, which makes a nice combo with Assassinate in the matchup (I'm cheating slightly here, as Innes has shown me what was picked). That's probably enough to give the Marines advantage on Secondaries, so it's on the Chaos side to try and dominate the Primary. Happily for Chaos, that's definitely their plan here - they've got lots of tools to stage up towards the mid-board, and the Advance/Charge reach to make it tricky for the Marines to score 10s safely.

I think the biggest risk for Chaos here is just running out of stuff - they do have the shooting to lift some of the big targets, but not quickly through the defences that the Marines have, and the withering of their forces in response is going to be extremely real. Careful measuring out of melee threats to ensure the Marines don't land a decisive blow is going to be vital. For the Marines, pop those Rhinos ASAP so you can start chipping the Chosen, and try to open up routes to start scoring 10s as quickly as possible. Definitely feels like you want to go second as the Marines here to try and squeeze out end-game value, as I don't think you're the one at risk of losing on resources, though equally the Chaos side getting more staging time isn't great.

All that is to say - there's routes for both sides to triumph here. In the event, Innes was able to carefully manage his resources to achieve victory, but Allan put in a strong showing in opposition.

Result

Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) Victory - 85 - 74

Innes Wilson - Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
++++++++++++++ Player: Innes "Has Brian Moved to England Yet?" Wilson Team: Stat Check Army Faction: Chaos Space Marines, Chaos Daemons Detachment: Slaves to Darkness Total Points: 1985

Enhancements: N/A Warlord: Chaos Lord

Bring it Down: 12 Assassination: 20 +++++++++++++

CHA: Chaos Lord, Daemon Hammer, Plasma Pistol - [75] Mark of Chaos Undivided

CHA: Chaos Lord, Daemon Hammer, Plasma Pistol - [75] Mark of Chaos Undivided

CHA: Chaos Lord, Daemon Hammer, Plasma Pistol - [75] Mark of Chaos Undivided

BL: 10 Cultist Mob, 7 Cultist Firearm, Heavy Stubber, Flamer, Grenade Launcher - [55] Mark of Nurgle

OTH: 5 Chosen [110] 1 Power Fist, Plasma Pistol, Boltgun, Chaos Icon 1 Paired Accursed Weapons, Plasma Pistol 2 Accursed Weapons, Combi-Weapon, Bolt Pistol 1 Accursed Weapon, Boltgun, Bolt Pistol Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 5 Chosen [110] 1 Power Fist, Plasma Pistol, Boltgun, Chaos Icon 1 Paired Accursed Weapons, Plasma Pistol 2 Accursed Weapons, Combi-Weapon, Bolt Pistol 1 Accursed Weapon, Boltgun, Bolt Pistol Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 5 Chosen [110] 1 Power Fist, Plasma Pistol, Boltgun, Chaos Icon 1 Paired Accursed Weapons, Plasma Pistol 2 Accursed Weapons, Combi-Weapon, Bolt Pistol 1 Accursed Weapon, Boltgun, Bolt Pistol Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 5 Warp Talon [100] Mark of Slaanesh

OTH: 5 Warp Talon [100] Mark of Slaanesh

OTH: 2 Obliterator [170] Mark of Chaos Undivided

OTH: 2 Obliterator [170] Mark of Nurgle

VEH - Forgefiend, 3 Ectoplasm Cannons - [180] Mark of Nurgle

VEH - Forgefiend, 3 Ectoplasm Cannons - [180] Mark of Chaos Undivided

DT: Chaos Rhino, Combi-Weapon, Combi-Bolter, Havoc Launcher - [75] Mark of Nurgle

DT: Chaos Rhino, Combi-Weapon, Combi-Bolter, Havoc Launcher - [75] Mark of Nurgle

++Daemomic Pact

EH: Syll'Esske- [120]

EH: The Blue Scribes - [65]

BL: 3 Nurgling - [35]

++The Lost and the Damned

BL: 5 Rubric Marines, Icon of Flame, 3 Warpflamers, Warpflame Pistol, Soulreaper Cannon - [105]

Archetype

Brawler Goodstuff

Thoughts

You know the drill here - lots of powerful mobile brawlers, and great shooting at low low process. Rubricae with Warpflamers for Overwatch nonsense is a nice extra addition, giving opponents an extra headache to handle, but beyond that this is all a known quantity - just a very, very good one in the hands of a very, very good player. Congratulations Innes.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Ryan Kerr - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Antiherohammer World Eaters, adding Kharn and an extra Juggerlord to the mix.
  • 3rd - Nicholas Malone - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Lots of Sagitaurs, lots of Heathguard.
  • 4th - Conar Leach - T'au Empire (Kauyon): Suits and Tetras for days.
  • 5th - Bruce Duffy - Chaos Space Marines: Brawler goodstuff with some Rubricae as a flex pick.

Wrap Up

That's it for part 1, but as seems to be increasingly common, we've got a bumper-sized part 2 for you on Friday, so make sure you check back in then.

Tags: Space Marines | chaos space marines | world eaters | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | grey knights | Astra Militarum | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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