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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Cold as Ice pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Jun 25 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.

Do the horrors persist? Somewhat, but this week is a bit more encouraging in terms of challengers, which is always nice to see (although mitigated here by there being the looming threat of the new Knight Index coming soon).

Also - a Goonhammer Open happened up in Canada, hosted by our partners at Gaming Under the Ice. Huge thanks to them for putting on a successful event, and we'll see the winning lists from that front-and-centre in just a moment, because today we're covering:
  • Goonhammer Open 2025 Presented By Gaming Under the Ice
  • Mountain West Classic Grand Tournament '25 - Warhammer 40K
  • ITA 40K SINGLES GRAND TOURNAMENT 2025
  • Behind Enemy Lines 2025
  • Iron Man RTT - J&B
  • Málaga Open
On Friday Lowest of Men will cover:
  • WarGamesCon 15 Warhammer 40K Championship
  • Huzzah Hobbies Road to NOVA 40K Event Hosted by Away Games
  • Second City Games 40K GT June
  • Feel No Pain GT
  • RAW 2025, a charity matched play event
Our Showdowns this week will feature two voted by the patrons and one bonus as it features one of our team, giving us:
  • Kauyon T'au vs. Gladius Black Templars at the Mountain Classic
  • Mortarion's Hammer vs. NEW Stormlance Space Wolves at the Feel No Pain GT
  • Aeldari Warhost vs. Combined Arms Militarum at Huzzah Hobbies

Goonhammer Open 2025 Presented By Gaming Under the Ice

62-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA on June 21 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

You can check out a bunch of photos from the event here.

Frasier Parry - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Welcome to World Eaters on WTC Terrain

World Eaters Berzerker Warband Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Khorne (220 Points) • Warlord • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Helm of Brazen Ire

Khârn the Betrayer (85 Points) • 1x Gorechild • 1x Plasma pistol

Master of Executions (75 Points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment • 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne

Slaughterbound (110 Points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Eightbound (150 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Eightbound (150 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (160 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Forgefiend (150 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

Forgefiend (150 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

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

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (1), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Berzerker Warband

Thoughts

The new version of Berzerker Warband hotness takes the Goonhammer champions belt, utilising the increasingly standard template of two Berzerker units to pressure the board,  Spawn to fill space, Forgefiends for dakka and a mixture of Eightbound with a Slaughterbound to slot in where needed as troubleshooting pieces. As the title suggests, this is especially strong with larger WTC-style terrain pieces on the GW mats (as we tend to deploy for our events), and it's ideal for slamming into the foe and then keeping them on the backfoot. Frasier carved through melee and shooting lists alike, and was abel to narrowly find the damage to carve through even the durable Tyranid build we'll look at in a second, leaving the World Eaters the undisputed champions of the north. Congratulations!

David Boer - Tyranids (Assimilation Swarm) - 2nd Place

Tyrant Guard. Credit: Rockfish Tyrant Guard. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Gaming under the Ice GT (2000 Points)

Tyranids Assimilation Swarm Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Deathleaper (80 Points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Hive Tyrant (210 Points) • 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip • 1x Monstrous scything talons • Enhancements: Instinctive Defence

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Haruspex (125 Points) • 1x Grasping tongue • 1x Ravenous maw • 1x Shovelling claws

Haruspex (125 Points) • 1x Grasping tongue • 1x Ravenous maw • 1x Shovelling claws

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

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

Psychophage (110 Points) • 1x Psychoclastic torrent • 1x Talons and betentacled maw

Pyrovores (105 Points) • 3x Pyrovore ◦ 3x Chitin-barbed limbs ◦ 3x Flamespurt

Pyrovores (40 Points) • 1x Chitin-barbed limbs • 1x Flamespurt

Ripper Swarms (25 Points) • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth

Ripper Swarms (25 Points) • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth

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

Tyrant Guard (160 Points) • 6x Tyrant Guard ◦ 6x Scything talons and rending claws

Archetype

Crunchy Monster Mash

Thoughts

In second place we've got the perpetual sleeper build that is Assimilation Swarm, which has been the real deal since the big boosts it got in the spring, but is still underplayed. This build can ram some chunky pressure into the middle of the board and keep it there, as it's super tricky to fully clear out the already tough Tyrant Guard when they're re-spawning models (and their Feel No Pain mitigates the impact of any D4 weaponry people have brought along for Blightlords). While they hold one position, the tag team of Haruspex can make a solid play for more, especially as once they claim a point, they can easily cling on via the Feel No Pain stratagem. Both they and the Tyrant Guard also benefit from the buff the new version of the Psychophage hands out (who is kind of just a fine tertiary threat here too), as it boosts their AP to acceptable levels. This build is really great if you want a really solid wall of threats, and David was able to repulse some high threat armies before the World Eaters finally got him, well done on second place.

Logan Antonation - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 3rd Place

Tau Devilfish with Breacher Squad. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
the Pontiac Sunfire of armies (2000 points)

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

CHARACTERS

Cadre Fireblade (50 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 2x Gun Drone

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

Kroot Trail Shaper (80 points) • 1x Kroot rifle 1x Shaper's blade • Enhancement: Strike Swiftly

BATTLELINE

Breacher Team (100 points) • 1x Support turret • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team (100 points) • 1x Support turret • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Kroot Carnivores (140 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot carbine 1x Kroot pistol • 19x Kroot Carnivore • 19x Close combat weapon 17x Kroot rifle 2x Tanglebomb launcher

Kroot Farstalkers (85 points) • 1x Kroot Kill-broker • 1x Kroot pistol 1x Ritual blade 1x T'au-tech rifle • 9x Kroot Farstalker • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dvorgite skinner 8x Farstalker firearm 9x Kroot pistol 1x Pech'ra • 2x Kroot Hound • 2x Ripping fangs

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

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

Piranhas (60 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranhas (60 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranhas (60 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

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

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

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

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack 2x Smart missile system

Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

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: v1.35.0 (83), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Mont'ka Triptide

Thoughts

T'au players are having a solid go at proving the doubters wrong this week via a couple of very strong performance, with Logan waving the flag for a speedy Mont'ka build. This list can Scout forward with a lot of units out of the gate, allowing it to put the foe in jail and control their access to firing lanes, then lean on the fact that the Riptides are very speedy in Mont'ka to line up its own shooting. This plan is, once again, especially strong on heavier terrain, and the big Kroot block is a real lean in on having access to the jail plan. I also like the sneaky combo of Strategic Conqueror and lots of Kroot Hounds, which provides an ultra cheap supply of throwaway objective grabbers. Definitely good to see some players getting T'au to work, and good to see Logan back on a Goonhammer Open podium as well, great stuff.

Adam Green - Leagues of Votann (Oathband) - 4th Place

Trans-Hyperion Alliance Hernkyn Pioneer - Leagues of Votann. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Leagues of Votann + DETACHMENT: Oathband + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1975pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Brôkhyr Iron-master + ENHANCEMENT: Appraising Glare (on Char1: Brôkhyr Iron-master) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 13 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 1 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

5x Brôkhyr Iron-master (85 pts) • 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master • 1x Graviton hammer • 1x Graviton rifle • Brôkhyr Iron-master • 3x E-COG • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma torch • 1x Manipulator arms • E-COG • 1x Ironkyn Assistant • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Las-beam cutter • Ironkyn Assistant, Warlord • Appraising Glare (+20 pts)

BATTLELINE

10x Hearthkyn Warriors (100 pts) • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol • 9x Close combat weapon • 7x Autoch-pattern bolter • 1x HYLas auto rifle* • 1x HYLas rotary cannon* • Pan spectral scanner, Medipack, Comms array • 1x Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Etacarn plasma pistol • 1x Autoch-pattern bolter • Weavefield crest

10x Hearthkyn Warriors (100 pts) • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol • 9x Close combat weapon • 7x Autoch-pattern bolter • 1x HYLas auto rifle* • 1x HYLas rotary cannon* • Pan spectral scanner, Medipack, Comms array • 1x Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Etacarn plasma pistol • 1x Autoch-pattern bolter • Weavefield crest

OTHER DATASHEETS

6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (160 pts) • 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 6x Close combat weapon • 6x Graviton blast cannon

10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts) • 10x Beserk • 10x Concussion maul • 2x Mole grenade launcher • 8x Beserk, 2x Beserk w/ mole grenade launcher, 2x Subterranean Explosives

10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts) • 10x Beserk • 10x Concussion maul • 2x Mole grenade launcher • 8x Beserk, 2x Beserk w/ mole grenade launcher, 2x Subterranean Explosives

10x Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 pts) • 10x Hernkyn Yaegir • 10x Close combat weapon • 8x Bolt revolver and plasma knife • 1x APM launcher • 1x Magna-coil rifle

6x Hernkyn Pioneers (180 pts) • 6x Hernkyn Pioneer • 6x Bolt revolver • 6x Bolt shotgun • 6x Magna-coil autocannon • 6x Plasma knife • 2x HYLas rotary cannon • Comms array, 2x Hernkyn Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon, Pan-spectral scanner, Rollbar searchlight

6x Hernkyn Pioneers (180 pts) • 6x Hernkyn Pioneer • 6x Bolt revolver • 6x Bolt shotgun • 6x Magna-coil autocannon • 6x Plasma knife • 2x HYLas rotary cannon • Comms array, 2x Hernkyn Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon, Pan-spectral scanner, Rollbar searchlight

1x Hekaton Land Fortress (225 pts) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x MATR autocannon • 1x Cyclic ion cannon • 2x Twin bolt cannon • Pan spectral scanner

1x Hekaton Land Fortress (225 pts) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x MATR autocannon • 1x Cyclic ion cannon • 2x Twin bolt cannon • Pan spectral scanner

1x Sagitaur (115 pts) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x Twin bolt cannon • 1x HYLas beam cannon

1x Sagitaur (115 pts) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x Twin bolt cannon • 1x HYLas beam cannon

Archetype

Beserk Votann

Thoughts

Closing out our theme of tooling for heavy terrain, we've got a Beserk-skewed build of Votann, ready to send angry hammer-wielding dwarves in to punch out anything lurking behind the walls, and using bikes to zip around and get shots off. Because it's Votann there are still some more guns than that, with the full Thunderkyn unit (something that I expect to become even more standard as Knights arise) providing some shooty heavy lifting, but the threat projection from the Beserks is clearly the star of the show here, and Adam used them to take fourth place, only losing to champion Frasier in a fairly close bloodbath round 3!

The Best of the Rest

There was 1 more players on a 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Rudy Friesen - Orks (Bully Boyz): A surprise return for massed Meganobz Bully Boyz, with a big blob of regular Nobz to add volume.

Mountain West Classic Grand Tournament '25 - Warhammer 40K

123-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Provo, UT, United States on June 21 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Tipping Point - Linchpin

Durante "Glynisir" Bozzini - T'au Empire (Kauyon)
Army List - Click to Expand
Railguns Have 2 Shots & Ignore Mods

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Dante (Glynisir) + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - T'au Empire + DETACHMENT: Kauyon + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Commander Shadowsun + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (10x2) - Assassination: 1 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Commander Shadowsun (100 pts): Warlord, Battlesuit fists, Flechette launcher, 2x High-energy fusion blaster, Light missile pod, Pulse pistol

10x Breacher Team (100 pts) • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui: Guardian Drone, Shield Drone, Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol, Support turret • 9x Breacher Fire Warriors: 9 with Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol

10x Kroot Carnivores (65 pts) • 1x Long-quill: Close combat weapon, Kroot pistol, Kroot carbine • 1x Kroot Carnivore: Close combat weapon, Tanglebomb launcher • 8x Kroot Carnivores: 8 with Close combat weapon, Kroot rifle

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

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

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

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

2x Krootox Riders (60 pts): 2x Close combat weapon, 2x Krootox fists, 2x Repeater cannon 1x Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 pts): Battlesuit support system, Ghostkeel fists, Cyclic ion raker, Twin fusion blaster 1x Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts): Armoured hull, Railgun, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system 1x Piranha (60 pts): Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile 1x Piranha (60 pts): Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Sky Ray Gunship (140 pts): Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system 1x Sky Ray Gunship (140 pts): Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system 1x Devilfish (85 pts): Accelerator burst cannon, Armoured hull, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system



vs.

Jake Herrod - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force)
Army List - Click to Expand
Feeder of crows (2000 Points)

Space Marines Black Templars Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaplain Grimaldus (120 Points) • 1x Chaplain Grimaldus • Warlord ◦ 1x Artificer crozius ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 3x Cenobyte Servitor ◦ 3x Close combat weapon

Lieutenant (90 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolter • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Fire Discipline

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

BATTLELINE

Primaris Crusader Squad (310 Points) • 1x Primaris Sword Brother ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Pyre pistol • 11x Primaris Initiate ◦ 7x Astartes chainsword ◦ 11x Bolt pistol ◦ 11x Close combat weapon ◦ 11x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 4x Power fist • 8x Primaris Neophyte ◦ 8x Astartes chainsword ◦ 8x Bolt pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (170 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Lancer laser destroyer • 1x Multi-melta

Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (170 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Lancer laser destroyer • 1x Multi-melta

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

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Assault bolters ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Assault bolters ◦ 2x Close combat weapon

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

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Plasma exterminators

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

Invader ATV (60 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Twin bolt rifle

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Combat knife

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (1), Data Version: v629

Thoughts

As mentioned above, the Greater Good is on the march this week, with Kauyon getting its workout here. Durante's build leverages the slightly reduced need for spotters to pack in plenty of threats, giving it a healthy mix of different offensive profiles to play with. It's more than ready to blow up lots of Marines here, and the Riptides are something of a headache for the Lancers on the other side of the table to engage, as the 4+ invulnerable save creates a high chance of them just bouncing, after which the Sky Rays/Hammerhead pop out and do violence.

That's not to say this is all in the T'au's favour though, as although they have the tools to kill lots of Marines, that full Crusader unit with Grimaldus still needs a lot of killing, and is going to be heading towards the T'au lines at speed, making it difficult for them to score that much in the way of Primary early. Because this is Linchpin, that creates a followon failure case that if the Marines can pop them off their home objective for a turn (which with three Inceptor units, seems somewhat possible), they might not be able to recover any sort of early scoring deficit, whereas the Infiltrators on the Marine home are going to be safe deep into the game.

Despite that, I think the damage race is sufficiently in the T'au's favour that they should still take this unless they badly flop on killing the big Crusader unit when it matters. The Marines don't have quite enough sacrificial units to keep the T'au off objectives for long enough to cap their scoring the way they need to, especially if they're holding the big Inceptor unit for something. They clearly had a good go at it though, as this game was low scoring (suggesting effective points denial in both directions) and close, with the T'au taking things by only three VP.

Result

T'au Empire (Kauyon) Victory - 69 - 66

Durante "Glynisir" Bozzini - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 1st Place

XV104 Riptide Battlesuit. Credit: Rockfish XV104 Riptide Battlesuit. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Railguns Have 2 Shots & Ignore Mods

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Dante (Glynisir) + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - T'au Empire + DETACHMENT: Kauyon + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Commander Shadowsun + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (10x2) - Assassination: 1 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Commander Shadowsun (100 pts): Warlord, Battlesuit fists, Flechette launcher, 2x High-energy fusion blaster, Light missile pod, Pulse pistol

10x Breacher Team (100 pts) • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui: Guardian Drone, Shield Drone, Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol, Support turret • 9x Breacher Fire Warriors: 9 with Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol

10x Kroot Carnivores (65 pts) • 1x Long-quill: Close combat weapon, Kroot pistol, Kroot carbine • 1x Kroot Carnivore: Close combat weapon, Tanglebomb launcher • 8x Kroot Carnivores: 8 with Close combat weapon, Kroot rifle

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

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

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

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

2x Krootox Riders (60 pts): 2x Close combat weapon, 2x Krootox fists, 2x Repeater cannon 1x Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 pts): Battlesuit support system, Ghostkeel fists, Cyclic ion raker, Twin fusion blaster 1x Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts): Armoured hull, Railgun, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system 1x Piranha (60 pts): Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile 1x Piranha (60 pts): Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Sky Ray Gunship (140 pts): Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system 1x Sky Ray Gunship (140 pts): Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system 1x Devilfish (85 pts): Accelerator burst cannon, Armoured hull, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system

Archetype

Go-wide Kauyon

Thoughts

Kauyon hulls return for a target rich elite Infantry environment, going extra wide to maximise presence and killing power. I'll say I'm very worried about whether T'au can handle Knights or not, looking at this list, but if somehow all our predictions are wrong and no one plays them, this is great into a Marine/Cult Marine heavy metagame, presumably why Durante has unleashed it to such great success now!

Chase Chappell - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Salamanders Impulsor Salamanders Impulsor. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
1 Flaming Dragon MWC (2000 points)

Space Marines Salamanders Strike Force (2000 points) Firestorm Assault Force

CHARACTERS

Adrax Agatone (85 points) • 1x Drakkis 1x Malleus Noctum

Judiciar (80 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Executioner relic blade • Enhancement: Champion of Humanity

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

Vulkan He'stan (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Gauntlet of the Forge 1x Spear of Vulkan

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield Dome 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Eradicator Squad (100 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

Eradicator Squad (100 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

Eradicator Squad (100 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

Infernus Squad (90 points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Pyreblaster

Invader ATV (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Multi-melta 1x Twin bolt rifle

Invader ATV (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Multi-melta 1x Twin bolt rifle

Land Raider Redeemer (285 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Flamestorm cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

Repulsor (180 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Hunter-slayer missile 1x Las-talon 1x Repulsor defensive array 1x Twin lascannon

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

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v640

Archetype

Mechanised Melta

Thoughts

A showing for a consistently cool (or I guess hot) fringe Marine build in undefeated second place, using the power of Firestorm's Detachment rule and transport tricks in combination with Vulkan He'stan for some devastating close-ranged shooting, including the party trick of an ultimate Infernus drive-by. Honestly - if Knights do take over the metagame there's a lot to love here, as S10 Firestorm Eradicators are maybe the single biggest winners from the Armiger T change across the entire game; a squad still probably won't reliably one-shot an Armiger, but it's something the Knight player has to at least consider, and 3x3 creates plenty of space where they have to tread their gigantic metal feet carefully. You also still get plenty of tools for handling the elite infantry parts of the metagame too, including the Bladeguard/Champion of Humanity Judiciar unit that should really have been a staple of lists from day 1 of the Marine codex launching. Quite legitimately, this army looks incredibly well positioned for the metagame we're about to enter, and it wouldn't shock me to see Chase back again soon - well done on the great performance!

Jake Herrod - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place

Black Templars Chaplain Grimaldus and Retinue. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Feeder of crows (2000 Points)

Space Marines Black Templars Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaplain Grimaldus (120 Points) • 1x Chaplain Grimaldus • Warlord ◦ 1x Artificer crozius ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 3x Cenobyte Servitor ◦ 3x Close combat weapon

Lieutenant (90 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolter • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Fire Discipline

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

BATTLELINE

Primaris Crusader Squad (310 Points) • 1x Primaris Sword Brother ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Pyre pistol • 11x Primaris Initiate ◦ 7x Astartes chainsword ◦ 11x Bolt pistol ◦ 11x Close combat weapon ◦ 11x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 4x Power fist • 8x Primaris Neophyte ◦ 8x Astartes chainsword ◦ 8x Bolt pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (170 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Lancer laser destroyer • 1x Multi-melta

Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (170 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Lancer laser destroyer • 1x Multi-melta

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

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Assault bolters ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Assault bolters ◦ 2x Close combat weapon

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

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Plasma exterminators

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

Invader ATV (60 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Twin bolt rifle

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Combat knife

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (1), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Templar Gladius

Thoughts

Seen in the Showdown, it's Gladius Task force with a big central melee threat, and a mix of very high S and twin-linked supporting firepower to make up for losing super Oaths. The big Crusader unit is a nightmare lift for many armies, which definitely appeals, and the (now cheaper) big Hellblaster unit is fairly cool for hunting other elite armies. It's nice to see the Crusader unit get some airtime after a while away, so great work Jake.

James Walsh - Dark Angels (Company of Hunters) - 4th Place

On nuclear-powered motorbikes, the enemies of Unst will burn Ravenwing Outriders. Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Gotta Go Fast (2000 Points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Company of Hunters Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Ravenwing Command Squad (130 Points) • 1x Ravenwing Champion • Warlord ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Plasma talon ◦ Enhancements: Master-crafted Weapon • 1x Ravenwing Apothecary ◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma talon • 1x Ravenwing Ancient ◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma talon

Ravenwing Command Squad (140 Points) • 1x Ravenwing Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Plasma talon ◦ Enhancements: Recon Hunter • 1x Ravenwing Apothecary ◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma talon • 1x Ravenwing Ancient ◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma talon

Ravenwing Command Squad (135 Points) • 1x Ravenwing Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Plasma talon ◦ Enhancements: Master of Manoeuvre • 1x Ravenwing Apothecary ◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma talon • 1x Ravenwing Ancient ◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma talon

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Grav-cannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Grav-cannon

Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Grav-cannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Grav-cannon

Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Grav-cannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Grav-cannon

Invader ATV (60 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Twin bolt rifle

Invader ATV (60 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Twin bolt rifle

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 2x Astartes shotgun ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy bolter ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (1), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Speedy Hullwing

Thoughts

Another high-speed Marine build here, this one planning to keep the foe under pressure with high-speed Ravenwing Command Squad/Outrider units while Ballistus Dreads and Centurion Devastators do a rapid combat waddle into position to unleash their firepower, the latter leaning on the Storm Speeders for Ignore Cover for their grav. The grav choice does have quite a bit to recommend it both now and for what's coming, and I like it a lot in Dark Angels as a solution for big stuff that circumvents the lack of super Oaths (though these would also be interesting in Firestorm, anywhere they get Assault really). I also like how stacking them and the Ballistus Dreadnoughts gives the army massive amounts of re-rolls that aren't oath dependent, and I think it would be easy to underestimate just how reliable this build is when engaging on multiple fronts. I'll admit to being a little skeptical whether a metagame that rewards being able to kill 4W elite models is ideal for this army, but I like the smart heads up that Grav Centurions with Advance/Shoot are Probably Real Now, and James didn't run into any of the really nasty D4 builds like Starshatter, ending up in 4th place with a loss only to a Vectorium Death Guard list.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Scott Nagao - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): The stock non-Mortarion Death Guard core with two units of Plague Marines built out to maximise the detachment.
  • 6th - Derek Holder - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): The standard four Infantry two Tank Custodes setup with a couple of Witchseeker units to switch on buffs.
  • 7th - Jordan Gledhill - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): A slightly more elite Custodes build with an Allarus and a Bike unit alongside a couple of Tanks and a couple of Warden squads.
  • 8th - Evan Stump - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Blood Angels herohammer with lots of Character-lead Sanguinary Guard MSUs, the foot Librarian/Devastator combo, and some Vindicators for extra fire support.
  • 9th - Joseph Petramalo - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Mega monster mash with Be'lakor and all the biggest hitters, plus three squads of Plaguebearers to seize positions in their wake.
  • 10th - Michael Estrada - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Go-wide big suit and hull Mont'ka.
  • 11th - Andrew Cox - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): A shooty mechanised World Eaters build that backs the standard double Forgefiend with double Land Raider as well, also doubling up on Slaughterbounds to fire out of them.

ITA 40K SINGLES GRAND TOURNAMENT 2025

41-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ipswich, QLD, Australia on June 20 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Brodie Strongman - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Kharn the Betrayer. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
zerkin' around (1985 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Khorne (220 points) • Warlord • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Helm of Brazen Ire

Khârn the Betrayer (85 points) • 1x Gorechild 1x Plasma pistol

Master of Executions (85 points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive

Slaughterbound (100 points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne

BATTLELINE

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Eightbound (150 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Eightbound (150 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Eightbound (150 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Forgefiend (150 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Forgefiend (150 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Helbrute (120 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Heavy flamer 2x Helbrute fist

Helbrute (120 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Heavy flamer 2x Helbrute fist

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

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (83), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Helbrute Warband

Thoughts

World Eaters and solving army lists, name a more iconic duo. This build is very similar to the standard-issue version we've already looked at today, but does tweak the tooling for enemy elites a little by swapping out some Spawn for Helbrutes, which also means you can skip the Exalted unit as they'll handle mid-weight enemy hulls. The result has ever so slightly less ground coverage, but can set up parts of the board that are really hard for other melee lists to charge for fear of Helbrute punchbacks, which is always nice. World Eaters have really hit their stride after a shaky start, and congratulations to Brodie for helping accumulate the all important skulls they so desire.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Jacob O’Donnell - Thousand Sons (Warpforged Cabal): Predators, Forgefiends and a Vindicator to play with the Detachment rules, plus a couple of Mutaliths to screen.
  • 3rd - Connor Gryphon - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Three Infantry and two Tanks, with some flexible troubleshooting from small Allarus and Venatari units.
  • 4th - Dylon Hopkins - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and Armigers.
  • 5th - Keith Birkett - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): Unusual board flood Shadow Legion with loads of Plaguebearers backing up the inevitable Fadethirster.
  • 6th - Zakary Martin - Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners): Crunchy Nurgle Daemonkin using maximum GUOs and Rotigus with cheap Daemon Engines.

Behind Enemy Lines 2025

35-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia on June 20 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jack Blanche - Chaos Daemons (Plague Legion) - 1st Place

Credit: MildNorman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Jack Blanche Veterans of the Longneck Chaos Daemons Plague Legion

CHARACTERS

Great Unclean One (270 Points) • 1x Bilesword • 1x Plague flail • 1x Putrid vomit • Enhancements: Font of Spores (Aura)

Great Unclean One (285 Points) • 1x Bilesword • 1x Plague flail • 1x Putrid vomit • Enhancements: Droning Shroud (Aura)

Poxbringer (55 Points) • 1x Foul balesword

Rotigus (250 Points) • Warlord • 1x Gnarlrod • 1x Streams of brackish filth

Sloppity Bilepiper (55 Points) • 1x Marotter

Sloppity Bilepiper (55 Points) • 1x Marotter

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

Plaguebearers (110 Points) • 1x Plagueridden ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer ◦ 1x Daemonic Icon ◦ 1x Instrument of Chaos ◦ 9x Plaguesword

Plaguebearers (110 Points) • 1x Plagueridden ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer ◦ 1x Daemonic Icon ◦ 1x Instrument of Chaos ◦ 9x Plaguesword

Plaguebearers (110 Points) • 1x Plagueridden ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer ◦ 1x Daemonic Icon ◦ 1x Instrument of Chaos ◦ 9x Plaguesword

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Plague Drones (110 Points) • 1x Plaguebringer ◦ 1x Death's heads ◦ 1x Foul mouthparts ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 2x Plague Drone ◦ 1x Daemonic Icon ◦ 2x Death's heads ◦ 2x Foul mouthparts ◦ 1x Instrument of Chaos ◦ 2x Plaguesword

Plague Drones (110 Points) • 1x Plaguebringer ◦ 1x Death's heads ◦ 1x Foul mouthparts ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 2x Plague Drone ◦ 1x Daemonic Icon ◦ 2x Death's heads ◦ 2x Foul mouthparts ◦ 1x Instrument of Chaos ◦ 2x Plaguesword

Plague Drones (110 Points) • 1x Plaguebringer ◦ 1x Death's heads ◦ 1x Foul mouthparts ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 2x Plague Drone ◦ 1x Daemonic Icon ◦ 2x Death's heads ◦ 2x Foul mouthparts ◦ 1x Instrument of Chaos ◦ 2x Plaguesword

Soul Grinder (180 Points) • Daemonic Allegiance: Nurgle • 1x Harvester cannon • 1x Iron claw • 1x Phlegm bombardment • 1x Warpclaw

1995pts

Archetype

Crunchy Plague Legion

Thoughts

A win for Plague Legion here, going deep on Plague Drones to set up Nurgle Daemon's favourite trick - suddenly revealing to the foe that they can actually kill stuff! the combined shock of this and a massive number of morale checks is often enough to create unstoppable momentum, especially because of lots of Plaguebearers to sticky objectives in the wake of the bow wave. I've got Plague Legion down as another build that could do surprisingly well into new Knights also, as the combination of morale tricks to counter-bully Armigers and T13 on the biggest stuff seems really good in that matchup. We'll find out soon enough I'm sure, in this instance great work from Jack showing off a more unusual Daemon strategy!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Shane Meys - Orks (Green Tide): Pure board flood, 120 Boyz, 30 Kommandos, some Characters, love it.
  • 3rd - Paul Yates - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and Armigers.
  • 4th - Aidan Hopkins - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): A showing for Fulgrim, making his way into the double Prince Coterie shell in place of one of the Princes and an Infractor unit.
  • 5th - James GALE - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): An extra eager big Knight build using two Gallants with Canis and a Castellan.

Iron Man RTT - J&B

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Quinte West, ON, Canada on June 21 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Adam Westmanchesterfield - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Chapter Master Arcus Pluvius of the Rainbow Warriors armed with the gauntlets Rainbows Duplex Rainbow Warriors Chapter Master Arcus Pluvius by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I am just here to re-connect with my son (2000 points)

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

CHARACTERS

Captain in Gravis Armour (90 points) • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet 1x Power fist 1x Relic blade • Enhancement: Artificer Armour

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

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

Roboute Guilliman (320 points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor's Sword 1x Hand of Dominion

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

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

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

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

Company Heroes (105 points) • 1x Ancient • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Company Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 2x Company Veteran • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

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

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

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

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

Exported with App Version: v1.36.0 (84), Data Version: v638

Archetype

Bobby G and Calgar, two great tastes that somehow still taste great together.

Thoughts

GW I am begging you to stop giving compensatory buffs or point cuts to Bobby G when you nerf him. You don't need to! Stop it! Look what you did!

Anyway, I'll say that sticking to a tried and true build like this that's high threat is generally a smart play for any sort of Ironman event, because the absolute last thing you want to be doing is trying to do 200 IQ Genestealer Cult plays after 13hrs+ of playing Warhammer. Better just to kill things. Ultramarines do that for you. Well done to Adam for unleashing them.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Grinning Demon - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): What appears to be the new Knight Index using Canis, a teleporting Castellan and a double Bond Crusader.
  • 3rd - Jordan Hovey - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Extreme hull go-wide, dipping into solo Broadsides just to make wide wide.
  • 4th - Beaulieu Anthony - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Four Dreadknights, 10/5/5 Purifiers and Draigo with a Terminator MSU.
  • 5th - Isaac Bates - Aeldari (Seer Council): A tricky Seer Council build looking to maximise the value of Psychic Shield and the teleport with big Aspect/Phoenix units.
  • 6th - Matt Palmer - Death Guard (Shamblerot Vectorium): The other Vectorium, fully leaning into the theme with 120 Poxwalkers with various Leaders, supported by a big Deathshroud squad and triple Bloat-Drone to kill stuff.

Málaga Open

26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Las Lagunas de Mijas, Andalucía, ES on June 21 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Francisco Javier Domínguez Granado - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Host (2000 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Aspect Host

CHARACTERS

Autarch (85 points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Star glaive

Fuegan (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Fire Axe 1x Searsong

Jain Zar (105 points) • 1x Blade of Destruction 1x Silent Death

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 points) • 1x Twin bright lance 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Reaper launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Reaper launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Reaper launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

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

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

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

Fire Dragons (220 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 9x Fire Dragon • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (95 points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (95 points) • 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

Vypers (65 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Wraithbone hull

Vypers (65 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Wraithbone hull

War Walkers (85 points) • 2x Bright lance 1x War Walker feet

War Walkers (85 points) • 2x Bright lance 1x War Walker feet

War Walkers (85 points) • 2x Bright lance 1x War Walker feet

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (83), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Go-wide Aspect Host

Thoughts

Aeldari join T'au in doing a little better this week as players find ways to just about cling on in a hostile metagame. Francisco's build stocks the god-slaying Fire Dragon unit as a core threat, and supports it with three triplets of Falcon, Dark Reaper and War Walker. This lets you set up fairly nasty gut punches in multiple places at once, and all the units involved are good in their own right too. After all their hits, Aeldari struggle to get the combination of enough damage and enough activations on the table, and this feels like a very nice way to attack that challenge, well rewarded with a first place finish, great job Francisco.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Jesus Caos - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Pactbound Abaddon gunline with some Nurgle Daemon support.
  • 3rd - Sergio Galán - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Hearthguard-heavy Votann with two squads in Fortresses and one big one in the sky.
  • 4th - Kameni Rodríguez - Salamanders (Gladius Task Force): Vulkan drive-bys but as Gladius rather than Firestorm.
  • 5th - Paco Melero - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Big gut punch squads of Reapers and Bansheers supported by various MSUs, including double Spears.

Wrap Up

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | tyranids | world eaters | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | Dark Angels | Black Templars | chaos daemons | tau | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Leagues of Votann

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