This website uses cookies. Learn more.

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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Double Trouble pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Jul 10 2024
Two Goonhammer Opens? Two? At this time of year? In two different latitudes? Incredible stuff. It also saw our terrain partner Bandua Wargames kits make it over to the US GHO for the first time, debuting some of their new sets designed to combine with their area mats for GW terrain layouts, which will be available for purchase soon (stay tuned for a review in the near future, and check out the link below for the area mats).

This is an affiliate link. Goonhammer will receive a proportion of sales made via it.

Also, plenty of other events, though mercifully not quite as many as last week. The metagame is very much still in flux too, with strong performances from quite a few factions but no definitive leader just yet.

Let's see what's going on, starting today with:
  • Goonhammer Open GT US
  • Goonhammer Open GT Canada
  • II GT Tormenta de Hostias
  • Geelong 40k Town Open
  • Geekfest - Summer Heat - Warhammer 40K GT
On Friday Lowest of Men will be in charge, looking at:
  • Dark Sphere July 40k GT
  • Central Island Open
  • Bembel Clash #10
  • Winchester 40K GT - July 2024
We'll also have showdowns from both GHOs, plus one more voted for by our patrons, which is:
  • T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) vs Adepta Sororitas (Penitent Host) at the Winchester GT

2024 US Goonhammer Open GT

29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Linthicum Heights, MD, United States on July 06 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

This game was streamed, you can ">watch it on our YouTube channel, starting at around 4:02.

The Showdown

Terraform - Swift Action - Sweeping Engagement

Joshua Campbell - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion)
Army List - Click to Expand
Six inches is perfectly average for deep strike (2000 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Daemonic Incursion

CHARACTERS

Bloodmaster (65 points) • 1x Blade of blood

Great Unclean One (260 points) • Warlord • 1x Bilesword 1x Plague flail 1x Putrid vomit • Enhancement: The Endless Gift

Lord of Change (285 points) • 1x Bolt of Change 1x Staff of Tzeentch • Enhancement: The Everstave

Rendmaster on Blood Throne (150 points) • 1x Attendants' hellblades 1x Blade of blood

Shalaxi Helbane (450 points) • 1x Lash of Slaanesh 1x Pavane of Slaanesh 1x Snapping claws 1x Soulpiercer

Skarbrand (305 points) • 1x Bellow of endless fury 1x Slaughter and Carnage

BATTLELINE

Bloodletters (120 points) • 1x Bloodreaper • 1x Hellblade • 9x Bloodletter • 1x Daemonic Icon 9x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flamers (75 points) • 1x Pyrocaster • 1x Flamer mouths 1x Flickering Flames • 2x Flamer • 2x Flamer mouths 2x Flickering Flames

Flesh Hounds (70 points) • 1x Gore Hound • 1x Burning roar 1x Collar of Khorne 1x Gore-drenched fangs • 4x Flesh Hound • 4x Collar of Khorne 4x Gore-drenched fangs

Flesh Hounds (70 points) • 1x Gore Hound • 1x Burning roar 1x Collar of Khorne 1x Gore-drenched fangs • 4x Flesh Hound • 4x Collar of Khorne 4x Gore-drenched fangs

Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (45), Data Version: v430


vs.

Tony Phillips - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame)
Army List - Click to Expand
Fast and Furious (2000 Points)

Adepta Sororitas Bringers of Flame Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Canoness with Jump Pack (95 Points) • 1x Ministorum hand flamer 1x Power weapon • Enhancements: Fire and Fury

Dialogus (30 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Dialogus staff

Morvenn Vahl (160 Points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

Triumph of Saint Katherine (190 Points) • 1x Bolt pistols 1x Relic weapons

BATTLELINE

Battle Sisters Squad (115 Points) • 1x Sister Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Condemnor boltgun 1x Power weapon • 9x Battle Sister • 9x Bolt pistol 7x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 1x Meltagun 1x Multi-melta 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (150 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (150 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator autocannons 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

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

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

Seraphim Squad (85 Points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (170 Points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Seraphim • 10x Bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 8x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (85 Points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

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

Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (40), Data Version: v430

Thoughts

Two recently empowered factions clash on the top tables here. On one side we have turbo-charged Daemons, with Skarbrand hurling Rendmaster-empowered Flesh Hounds at the foe and the Everstave Lord and Gift Unclean One able to do their thing with total impunity. The GuO creates a great anvil for the list to work around, while the rest of the tools create a nice mix of hammer and speed.

The Sisters, meanwhile, have brought fire. Lots of Immolators with various split squads provide a great mix of board control and firepower, Vahl's unit is an absurdly nasty hammer, and we've also got the new tech of the full Seraphim flamer unit with a Fire and Fury. This setup lets you unleash 8d6+8 S5 flamer hits at the speed of an Advancing Seraphim unit, then slink away with impunity. Also, you can have Devastating Wounds if you want, which gives you a cool six Mortals on average (plus one if you throw a Miracle dice). Incredibly nasty into anything with toughness less than ten, great on Overwatch, and still dangerous into big targets thanks to access to the Stratagem.

How do we stack up here on Terraform? This is quickly emerging as both a final-round favourite and fairly skewing mission, and I think some of that is at play here - if you can terraform multiple objectives early you end up with a big advantage, so being able to either force that or stop the opponent is really good. Both armies here feel like they have a good line on Terraforming their near objective, but reaching out further and staying there will be tough for either, and I think this probably turns into a bloodbath battle over Primary. While Khorne obviously loves those, I think the Daemons do have a problem of being stretched on resources - they don't have as many units as the Sisters, and the Sororitas force is very good at locking in a few kills at speed. With the mission wanting Actions, and the Sisters also having an easier time dodging some Secondaries (e.g. Assassinate), I think they can probably out-score the Daemons in the end, especially with the Immolators providing layered defences that the mostly melee build will struggle to crack. Skarbrand does have some shot of blowing that wide open if he can trap things in combat, and being very pushy with him seems like the best bet to try and flip the script, but it looks like the Sisters were able to hold on for the win.

Result

Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) Victory - 66 - 43

Tony Phillips - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) - 1st Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Fast and Furious (2000 Points)

Adepta Sororitas Bringers of Flame Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Canoness with Jump Pack (95 Points) • 1x Ministorum hand flamer 1x Power weapon • Enhancements: Fire and Fury

Dialogus (30 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Dialogus staff

Morvenn Vahl (160 Points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

Triumph of Saint Katherine (190 Points) • 1x Bolt pistols 1x Relic weapons

BATTLELINE

Battle Sisters Squad (115 Points) • 1x Sister Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Condemnor boltgun 1x Power weapon • 9x Battle Sister • 9x Bolt pistol 7x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 1x Meltagun 1x Multi-melta 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (150 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (150 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator autocannons 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

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

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

Seraphim Squad (85 Points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (170 Points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Seraphim • 10x Bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 8x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (85 Points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

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

Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (40), Data Version: v430

Archetype

Mechanised Flame Sisters

Thoughts

The title says it all - this build is brutally fast and extremely angry, and the big Seraphim squad with the Enhancement feels like a uniquely powerful tool across the entire game right now. Congratulations to Tony on joining the esteemed ranks of GHO winners!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Joshua Campbell - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): See showdown
  • 3rd - Steven Fitch - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Ultra-aggro Blood Angels with a bunch of jump Characters and some nasty footslogging killers (Bladeguard and a full Death Company unit) to boot.
  • 4th - Zach Point - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Boat-heavy Skysplinter with three Raiders and three Ravagers.
  • 5th - Michael Roberts - Imperial Knights: Triple bigs with a shooty Crusader to go with Canis and a Lancer out front.
  • 6th - JC Watts - Salamanders (Gladius Task Force): Triple Land Raider (two Redeemers and a Crusader) with Bladeguard, Aggressors and Eradicators stashed inside for lethal pushes.

2024 Canada Goonhammer Open GT

All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Scorched Earth - Stalwarts - Search and Destroy

Justin Signer-Delorme - Death Guard

Army List - Click to Expand


DG Double Double (GHO) (2000 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Plague Company

CHARACTERS

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

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

Foul Blightspawn (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plague sprayer

Foul Blightspawn (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plague sprayer

Lord of Virulence (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Heavy plague fist 1x Twin plague spewer

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (180 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 9x Plague Marine • 2x Bubotic weapons 3x Heavy plague weapon 2x Meltagun 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer

Plague Marines (180 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 9x Plague Marine • 2x Bubotic weapons 3x Heavy plague weapon 2x Meltagun 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Death Guard Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Plague combi-bolter

Death Guard Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Plague combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Guard Cultists (50 points) • 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Death Guard Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Death Guard Cultists (50 points) • 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Death Guard Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Death Guard Predator Destructor (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 2x Plague heavy bolter 1x Predator autocannon

Deathshroud Terminators (240 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Manreaper 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 5x Deathshroud Terminator • 5x Manreaper 5x Plaguespurt gauntlet

ALLIED UNITS

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

War Dog Brigand (170 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Brigand (170 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Diabolus heavy stubber 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw



vs.

Logan Antonation - Space Wolves (Champions of Russ)

Army List - Click to Expand


the champs (2000 points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Strike Force (2000 points) Champions of Russ

CHARACTERS

Logan Grimnar on Stormrider (180 points) • Warlord • 1x Flurry of teeth and claws 1x Storm bolter 1x The Axe Morkai

Ragnar Blackmane (90 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Frostfang

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (105 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancement: Black Death

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (90 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Power fist 1x Storm Shield • Enhancement: The Pelt of the Balewolf

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Power fist 1x Storm Shield

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (115 points) • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Twin lightning claws • Enhancement: Frost Weapon

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Intercessor Squad (80 points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor • 1x Astartes grenade launcher 4x Bolt pistol 4x Bolt rifle 4x Close combat weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Orbital comms array (Aura)

OTHER DATASHEETS

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (105 points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Storm Shield 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack • 4x Storm Shield 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Wulfen (180 points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 9x Wulfen • 9x Storm Shield 9x Stormfrag auto-launcher 9x Wulfen hammer

Wulfen (90 points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 4x Wulfen • 4x Storm Shield 4x Stormfrag auto-launcher 4x Wulfen hammer

Thoughts

Our second final pits the improved Champions of Russ against some defiant Death Guard, holding firm to the plan of stacking a couple of big Plague Marine units in Rhinos. That is, to be fair, pretty great in this matchup, as the Fights First Plague Marines are a somewhat daunting threat for the Wolves to get their teeth into, though plausibly not scary enough to fully disuade one of the bigger units having a go, especially if they've started with Saga of the Bear up (which they almost certainly do here). In addition to that, there's not really anything else here that one of the big ThunderCav units doesn't maul brutally, and the fact that Logan's namesake is in charge reduces the impact of one of Death Guard's answers to that, as a turn of hit re-rolls is going to mitigate the impact of -1WS.

Once that's factored in, I think the big issue is that the Death Guard don't really have enough shooting to try and flip to a backup plan - there's enough investment in the melee core that an army being able to trump it is probably terminal. Were I on the Death Guard side, I think I'd be hoping to go first, then get the Plague Marines out of the Rhino and send those off to move block, trying to buy enough time to soften some of the Thunderwolf bricks enough that they can't confidently push into the Plague Marines. I think that's far easier said than done though, and there's the extra challenge here that the Wolves have far better troubleshooters for going out and preventing a Scorch. All things considered, this is going to be tough for the Death Guard, and in the event they weren't able to match the fury of Russ.

Result

Space Wolves Victory - 80-57

Logan Antonation - Space Wolves (Champions of Russ) - 1st Place

Logan Grimnar Santa Mode Logan Grimnar as Santa Claus. Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Champion ThunderCav

Thoughts

The Champions upgrade is legit, I repeat, the Champions upgrade is legit. Now that you can either add an army-wide Feel No Pain or keep access to Advance/Charge from the get-go, Champions is a legit competitor to Stormlance, particularly because it spices up the ThunderCav units with powerful upgrades, and has incidental access to an ultra-powerful counter into Thousand Sons via the Runic Wards stratagem. Great to see the Index finally getting airtime, and well done to Logan on the win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Justin Signer-Delorme - Death Guard: See showdown.
  • 3rd - Ryan Block - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force): A shooting pressure build, using Vindicators alongside Firestorm favourites to blast straight through the enemy.
  • 4th - Corey Trumbley - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Shooty Sisters with a unit of Paragons and some Retributors, including Aestred for Devastating Wounds in one unit. Also packs a surprisingly heavy Infiltration team in the form of a Rogue Trade Entourage and some Voidsmen.
  • 5th - Jason Wells - Astra Militarum: Loads of Scions in Tauroxes, some Russes and a Bullgryn brick, with Armiger Warglaives adding extra pressure.

II GT Tormenta de Hostias

62-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Lliçà d'Amunt, CT, España on July 06 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Garsa Garseta - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) - 1st Place

Drukhari Raider. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
pariah tech (2000 points)

Drukhari Strike Force (2000 points) Skysplinter Assault

CHARACTERS

Archon (95 points) • Warlord • 1x Blast pistol 1x Huskblade • Enhancement: Nightmare Shroud

Archon (75 points) • 1x Blast pistol 1x Huskblade

Archon (75 points) • 1x Blast pistol 1x Huskblade

Beastmaster (105 points) • 1x Beastmaster • 1x Agoniser 1x Splinter pods • 1x Clawed Fiend • 1x Clawed Fiend fists • 2x Khymerae • 2x Khymerae talons • 3x Razorwing Flock • 3x Razorwing feathers

Drazhar (75 points) • 1x The Executioner's demiklaives

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

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (110 points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Phantasm grenade launcher 1x Sybarite weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dark lance 1x Shredder 1x Splinter cannon 5x Splinter rifle

Wyches (90 points) • 1x Hekatrix • 1x Blast pistol 1x Hekatarii blade 1x Phantasm grenade launcher • 9x Wych • 9x Hekatarii blade 9x Splinter pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Raider (80 points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Dark lance

Raider (80 points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Dark lance

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

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Court of the Archon (85 points) • 1x Lhamaean • 1x Shaimeshi blade • 1x Medusae • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Eyeburst • 1x Sslyth • 1x Shardcarbine 1x Splinter pistol 1x Sslyth battle-blade • 1x Ur-ghul • 1x Ur-ghul talons

Cronos (50 points) • 1x Spirit syphon 1x Spirit vortex 1x Spirit-leech tentacles

Incubi (150 points) • 9x Incubi • 9x Klaive • 1x Klaivex • 1x Demiklaives

Incubi (75 points) • 4x Incubi • 4x Klaive • 1x Klaivex • 1x Demiklaives

Mandrakes (65 points) • 1x Nightfiend • 1x Baleblast 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake • 4x Baleblast 4x Glimmersteel blade

Mandrakes (65 points) • 1x Nightfiend • 1x Baleblast 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake • 4x Baleblast 4x Glimmersteel blade

Scourges (120 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Scourges (120 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Drukhari haywire blaster

Scourges (120 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Archetype

Skysplinter

Thoughts

The classic 2/4 Raider/Venom Skysplinter takes the trophy at our biggest major of the week, making great use of the mobility and relatively flexible damage dealers of the Drukhari to take down all comers. Of note in this particular build is the Court of the Archon - anything that lets you build an unusually impressive Battleline unit gets considerably better in Pariah, particularly in lists fast enough to potentially take advantage of the War of Attrition Secret Mission. In fact, if you put a non-Warlord Archon with the Court, this build is unusually good at keeping the opponent guessing as to which mission you're going for, as Command Insertion is also very plausible. It's a neat extra angle, and particularly good for Drukhari as it lets them sacrifice early primary to focus on clean trades if they need to. Congratulations to Garsa for soaring to the top!

Usukane RR - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
zerkers (2000 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Angron (415 points) • Warlord • 1x Samni'arius and Spinegrinder

Lord Invocatus (140 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Coward's Bane 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn

World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (125 points) • 1x Exalted chainblade 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Helm of Brazen Ire

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (65 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

Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (310 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (310 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

World Eaters Forgefiend (145 points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

World Eaters Forgefiend (145 points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Heavy World Eaters

Thoughts

Pariah looks to have had a surprisingly big impact on World Eaters, despite their small roster, as this is a second top finish for a build that leans much more towards the heavy hitters than the classic mix. Cheaper Eightbound let you throw big hammer blows, while Forgefiends give you an out against enemy heavy infantry that can potentially trump them. The popularity of Blood Angels and Thousand Sons means that people will be teching pretty hard for killing 2W Marines, so avoiding Berzerkers can plausibly negate the opponents tricks some of the time, and it's cool to see some novelty in a faction that was pretty "solved" at one point. Great stuff from Usukane, tsking undefeated second!

David Necron Anducas - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) - 3rd Place

Monolith with Death Rays. Credit: Rockfish Monolith with Death Rays. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
TdH (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Hypercrypt Legion

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (295 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

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

Lokhust Lord (100 points) • 1x Lord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancement: Osteoclave Fulcrum

Overlord with Translocation Shroud (85 points) • 1x Overlord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb

Plasmancer (90 points) • 1x Plasmic lance • Enhancement: Arisen Tyrant

Technomancer (85 points) • 1x Staff of light

BATTLELINE

Immortals (150 points) • 10x Immortal • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Tesla carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Wraiths (250 points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith • 6x Particle caster 6x Vicious claws

Deathmarks (60 points) • 5x Deathmark • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Synaptic disintegrator

Deathmarks (60 points) • 5x Deathmark • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Synaptic disintegrator

Lokhust Destroyers (180 points) • 6x Lokhust Destroyer • 6x Close combat weapon 6x Gauss cannon

Lychguard (170 points) • 10x Lychguard • 10x Dispersion Shield 10x Hyperphase sword

Monolith (375 points) • 4x Death ray 1x Particle whip 1x Portal of exile

Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (45), Data Version: v430

Archetype

All-rounder Hypercrypt

Thoughts

Hats off to David in third - rather than fleeing to haymaker shooting builds he's put together a relatively "normal" looking all-rounder Hypercrypt army and performed excellently with it. You've got Destroyers and Immortals for various shooty targets, and Lychguard to do a precision push at a key moment, creating an enjoyably flexible build overall. It's another one with great flexibility at scoring Secret Missions as well, so if it needs to it can prioritise Secondaries early on. Great work David!

Manel Tulla - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) - 4th Place

Sanguinary Priest with jump pack. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
platoon (2000 points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Sons of Sanguinius

CHARACTERS

Lemartes (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x The Blood Crozius

Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (100 points) • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt Pistol

Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (100 points) • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt Pistol

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor • 1x Astartes grenade launcher 4x Bolt pistol 4x Bolt rifle 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 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

Baal Predator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Baal flamestorm cannon 2x Heavy flamer 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Baal Predator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Baal flamestorm cannon 2x Heavy flamer 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (280 points) • 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack • 10x Inferno pistol 10x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (140 points) • 5x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack • 5x Inferno pistol 5x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (140 points) • 5x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack • 5x Inferno pistol 5x Power fist

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 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

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 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

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (210 points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Storm Shield 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack • 9x Storm Shield 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (210 points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Storm Shield 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack • 9x Storm Shield 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Archetype

Jump Pack Spam

Thoughts

Sons of Sanguinius round out the top four here, sporting a build that really doubles down on the overwhelmingness of the list. Full units with Sanguinary Priests are a nightmare to clear, and going for Vanguard Veterans with shields minimises the list of threats that clear them efficiently, while also taking top-tier advantage of the AP boost. Elsewhere, the list packs in unit after unit instead of investing in Characters, ensuring there's always more stuff for another push. Congratulations to Manel!

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Tkila Grey - Grey Knights: Quad Dreadknight and a big unit of Paladins.
  • 6th - Aarron Wilson - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Go-wide Infantry with lots of small Allarus and Venatari units, plus some Caladius tanks.
  • 7th - Dekkers - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Shooty Szarekh Hypercrypt that adds a big unit of Warriors to zap around.
  • 8th - Xavo Melenero L'Escamarlà - Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): Monster mash, taking advantage of the improvement to Hive Tyrants' interaction with most Stratagems.
  • 9th - Ferran Bayerri - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Mechanised melee Templars, using lots of Sword Brethren and Assault Intercessors in Transports.
  • 10th - Curro La Orden - Aeldari: The Rhana Dandra special, packing all six Phoenix Lords and an Avatar, with Wave Serpents to finish off the setup.
  • 11th - hector sola arroyo - Death Guard: Melee crunch, going for Mortarion, Rhino Plague Marines, a big unit of Deathshroud and three Karnivores.
  • 12th - Luis González Hernández - Grey Knights: Five Dreadknights and Crowe's Purifiers.

Geelong 40k Town Open

52-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in North Shore, VIC, Australia on July 05 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jerome El'Dussey - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) - 1st Place

Credit: Evan "Felime" Siefring

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
jez4dussy (1985 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Bringers of Flame

CHARACTERS

Canoness with Jump Pack (95 points) • 1x Ministorum hand flamer 1x Power weapon • Enhancement: Fire and Fury

Morvenn Vahl (160 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

Triumph of Saint Katherine (190 points) • 1x Bolt pistols 1x Relic weapons

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Immolation flamers

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (150 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (150 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Dominion Squad (115 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chainsword 1x Close combat weapon 1x Ministorum hand flamer • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum flamer 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Dominion Squad (115 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chainsword 1x Close combat weapon 1x Ministorum hand flamer • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum flamer 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

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

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

Seraphim Squad (170 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 2x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Seraphim • 10x Bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 8x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (170 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 2x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Seraphim • 10x Bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 8x Ministorum hand flamer

Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (45), Data Version: v430

Archetype

Mechanised Flame Sisters

Thoughts

Sisters take their second trophy of the week here via another Bringers of Flame build. This version goes hard on the value of Dominions in Immolators, and also sports two big units of Seraphim. A mix of boosted melta and flamers, all operating at extreme speeds, ensures that no one is safe from the Emperor's toasty wrath, and Jerome's win here helps cement flame Sisters as a list to beat.

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Dylan Cowan - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Lots of Death Company of both flavours, plus some shooting from Baal Predators.
  • 3rd - Michael Hamilton - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Big blocks of Death Company and a Vanguard Veteran unit.
  • 4th - Jason Horne - Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple Wraiths, double Doomstalker, double C'tan. Somehow. Still.
  • 5th - Terence Drew - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Max ThunderCav, some Jump Intercessors and the unusual choice of Heavy Intercessors, perhaps to take advantage of Battleline rules.
  • 6th - Patrick Burns - World Eaters: Eightbound galore with a couple of Forgefiends.
  • 7th - Liam Stephens - World Eaters: A more standard World Eaters mix with a bit of everything.
  • 8th - Anthony Marshall - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Bobby G strides back onto the battlefield, adding heft and free Stratagems to a bunch of Marine favourites.
  • 9th - Samuel Collins - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Destroyer-heavy Awakened with a lot of Lokhusts.

Geekfest - Summer Heat - Warhammer 40K GT

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Shearwater, NS, CA on July 06 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Blair Macdonald - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
This is a list. There is no joke. I couldnt think of one that wasn't khorney (2000 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Daemonic Incursion

CHARACTERS

Bloodthirster (325 points) • 1x Great axe of Khorne 1x Hellfire breath • Enhancement: A'rgath, The King of Blades

Great Unclean One (260 points) • Warlord • 1x Doomsday bell 1x Plague flail 1x Putrid vomit • Enhancement: The Endless Gift

Rendmaster on Blood Throne (150 points) • 1x Attendants' hellblades 1x Blade of blood

Skulltaker (85 points) • 1x The Slayer Sword

BATTLELINE

Bloodletters (120 points) • 1x Bloodreaper • 1x Hellblade • 9x Bloodletter • 1x Daemonic Icon 9x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Beasts of Nurgle (70 points) • 1x Putrid appendages

Beasts of Nurgle (70 points) • 1x Putrid appendages

Bloodcrushers (220 points) • 1x Bloodhunter • 1x Hellblade 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn • 5x Bloodcrusher • 1x Daemonic Icon 5x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos 5x Juggernaut's bladed horn

Bloodcrushers (220 points) • 1x Bloodhunter • 1x Hellblade 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn • 5x Bloodcrusher • 1x Daemonic Icon 5x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos 5x Juggernaut's bladed horn

Skull Cannon (95 points) • 1x Attendants' hellblades 1x Biting maw 1x Skull cannon

Skull Cannon (95 points) • 1x Attendants' hellblades 1x Biting maw 1x Skull cannon

ALLIED UNITS

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (45), Data Version: v430

Archetype

Aggro Daemons

Thoughts

It's not all going the Imperium's way of course, and the newly empowered Daemons are also flexing their muscles. This build uses the extreme power of the new Shadow auras on Greater Daemons to create pressure and flexibility, able to surgically unleash a Bloodcrusher stampede, Plaguebearers for scoring or Skulltaker to ruin the day of a troublesome Character. The end product will really keep a foe guessing, and looks like a tonne of fun to boot - well done Blair!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Darren Thomas - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Triple Mutalith Tsons.
  • 3rd - Keenan Elliot - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Various Infantry blocks, a couple of Venatari units and a solo Bike Captain.
  • 4th - Jonathon Betteridge - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Infantry blocks and double Monolith.
  • 5th - Stefan Samson - World Eaters: Angron-free World Eaters with a bunch of Eightbound instead.
  • 6th - Adrian Collings - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Terrifyingly over the top Sons with 30 Jump Death Company and a full VanVet unit.

Wrap Up

That's it for part one, check back in on Friday for more exciting clashes from across the 40k world!

Tags: Space Marines | blood angels | space wolves | world eaters | Necrons | Death Guard | Warhammer 40k | drukhari | competitive play | chaos daemons | adepta sororitas | Competitive Innovations

Thank you for being a friend.

AGE OF SIGMAR 4th EDITION

AoS 4th Edition

WARHAMMER 40,000 10th EDITION

40k 10th Edition

Support us on Patreon to get access to our Discord and exclusive App features.

Thank you for being a friend.

ABOUT US

Tabletop Battles is a very real website full of Posts and Friends.

OUR SOCIALS
Facebook | Instagram | Bsky | YouTube

Sick of the ads? Login with Patreon.

Manage your cookie settings