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.

Another week of the new metagame, and this time it's the Aeldari's turn to tentatively place a delicate boot upon the 60% win rate naughty step. At those lofty heights, they're duelling with Genestealer Cults on win rate (a mere fraction behind at 59.8%), while both Thousand Sons and Marines are putting in good numbers on top performances. Guard are also quietly thriving on that metric, and a relatively strong game into Aeldari could prove a real asset for them.

Things are still shaking out, all told, but for my money that puts Aeldari, Thousand Sons and Genestealer Cults at the top of any watch lists, with the best Marine builds just behind.

Let's delve deeper, starting today with Part 1:

Bajío Open 40k 2025, El Bunker
Italian Grand Tournament - Road to Atlanta
Goonhammer Open UK September 2025
108. Bedburger Scheunenkloppen
Pergőtűz Combined Arms PRO singles
MAD Warhammer 40k GT 09.06 - 09.07

Part 2 on Friday:

Smite Club Open 2025 - 40K World Championships Qualifier
Bloodshed Bay
The Bendigo Open 2025
Warhammer 40K Midtcon Fall 2025
Battle in the Bush 11
6. 40KingsCup (OTV) Ironman

Part 3 on Saturday:

Springs Thundercluckers September GT
WarZone Houston
Wasteland Wars GT 4
The GR: Meme Team - 2025 GT
2025 Eagle Rock Open

Bajío Open 40k 2025, El Bunker

96-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., México on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Malaki Fowler - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

El Final Boss (2000 Points)

Thousand Sons Grand Coven Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Infernal Master (110 Points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • Enhancements: Eldritch Vortex of E'Taph

Magnus the Red (420 Points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus • 1x Gaze of Magnus • 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

Sorcerer (95 Points) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • 1x Pandaemonic Delusion • 1x Prosperine khopesh • Enhancements: Umbralefic Crystal

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

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (190 Points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Malefic Curse ◦ 1x Warpflame pistol • 9x Rubric Marine ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Flame ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon ◦ 8x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (100 Points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Malefic Curse ◦ 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Flame ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon ◦ 3x Warpflamer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Forgefiend (140 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 Points) • 1x Betentacled maw • 1x Mutalith claws • 1x Warp vortex

Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 Points) • 1x Betentacled maw • 1x Mutalith claws • 1x Warp vortex

Scarab Occult Terminators (180 Points) • 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 1x Malefic Curse • 4x Scarab Occult Terminator ◦ 1x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 3x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 4x Prosperine khopesh ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon

Tzaangor Enlightened (50 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Divining spear • 2x Enlightened ◦ 2x Divining spear

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 5x Enlightened ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 5x Enlightened ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 5x Enlightened ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Fatecaster greatbow

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675

Archetype

Grand Coven Goodstuff

Thoughts

A crunchy spin on Grand Coven kicks us off today, supplementing the usual Magnus and Multaliths with an expanded Rubricae unit, a Scarab MSU, and an extra Forgefiend. This feels like a solid choice in an Aeldari world - most builds are on a single Dragon bus as their big anti-tank, and this saturates that target-wise, while also reducing the number of units that can be easily picked off by Lhykhis/Jain Zar. I do think there's a flip side that this potentially creates better targets for things like Black Templars and Space Wolves with their murder units, but the better baseline matchup into those lists just off the back of the output profile could render that irrelevant. Scarabs are showing up in plenty of successful builds of Tsons right now, so it's definitely worth getting them out to try if you haven't already. Well done Malaki for taking down the biggest event of the week!

Julio Villarreal - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 2nd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

COVID en el milenio 41 (1990 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Virulent Vectorium

CHARACTERS

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

Daemon Prince of Nurgle (215 points) • Warlord • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Revolting Regeneration

Lord of Contagion (145 points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancement: Furnace of Plagues

Lord of Contagion (130 points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancement: Daemon Weapon of Nurgle

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Deathshroud Terminators (160 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (160 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

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

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

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

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 points) • 1x Bile spurt 1x Gnashing maw 1x Missile launcher 1x Multi-melta

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675

Archetype

Vectorium Goodstuff

Thoughts

In second place here we've got the Vectorium version of the "cut one unit and keep trucking" plan, leaning on the power of Bloat-Drones as a counterattack into whatever the opponent uses to un-sticky the mid-board early on. It also leans on several of the tools that stayed a bargain, notably the Daemon Prince and a full Plague Marine unit with only one point-hiked Character. The resulting build still has enough threats to force opponents into a tremendously uphill battle, and honestly this build still just looks mean, very judicious selection of where to trim stuff from Julio.

Xavier Barrera - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 3rd Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

in Jeff i trust (1995 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Hallowed Martyrs

CHARACTERS

Canoness (60 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Brazier of holy fire 1x Hallowed chainsword • Enhancement: Saintly Example

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

Imagifier (65 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon

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

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

Palatine (75 points) • 1x Palatine blade 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Through Suffering, Strength

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

BATTLELINE

Battle Sisters Squad (105 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

Battle Sisters Squad (105 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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Mortifiers (70 points) • 1x Anchorite Sarcophagus 2x Heavy bolter 1x Twin penitent buzz-blades

Mortifiers (70 points) • 1x Anchorite Sarcophagus 2x Heavy bolter 1x Twin penitent buzz-blades

Mortifiers (70 points) • 1x Anchorite Sarcophagus 2x Heavy bolter 1x Twin penitent buzz-blades

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 mace

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: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675

Archetype

All-rounder Martyrs

Thoughts

Another build that can force opponents to play on its terms in third place, with the combination of cheap, revivable Characters and Mortifiers to trigger Suffering and Sacrifice providing lots of ways to force bad deals on a foe. Support that with Miracle Dice and some units with solid fundamentals like the Castigators and Vahl, and you've got a solid build, though noticeably the only bright spot in an otherwise terrible week for the Sisters. Great work from Xavier bucking that trend.

Kennith! Onyeabor - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault) - 4th Place

Norn Emissary. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

- Bajio Hive Fleet Moby Thicc (2000 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Subterranean Assault

CHARACTERS

Hyperadapted Raveners (180 points) • 1x Ravener Prime • Warlord • 1x Prime claws and talons • Enhancement: Vanguard Intellect • 4x Raveners • 4x Ravener heavy claws and talons 1x Venom bolt

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Raveners (125 points) • 5x Ravener • 5x Ravener claws and talons

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674

Archetype

Tunnel Norns

Thoughts

My man can and will keep getting away with it. No one else is operating on this triple Norn level. I even think going that hard on them is legitimately good into Aeldari - they can't be in enough places at once with their big hitters to handle them, and you can just overwhelm them on Primary (and I think that's somewhat true into Thousand Sons as well). I'd wonder about making one Tyrannofex an acid spray one to further shore that up (they can only pop no Overwatch on one unit, after all), but that might not even be necessary, since Kennith took them out in round 6 comfortably. Continued excellence from the world's number one Norn appreciator.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

5th - Amador Perez - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Vectorium goodstuff, determinedly sticking to Deathshrouds and Bloat-Drones.
6th - Gustavo Martinez - Leagues of Votann (Brandfast Oathband): Thunderkyn and Land Forts, plus Kapricus Carriers and Yaegirs for board presence.
7th - Manuel Albert - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Elite Beastslayer with various herohammer units, a ThunderCav brick and a Land Raider.

Italian Grand Tournament - Road to Atlanta

62-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Pavia, Lombardia, Italia on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ludovico Mazza - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Cobalt Scions Ballistus Dreadnought. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Heroes of Maccrage (1995 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

Captain with Jump Pack (100 points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • Enhancement: Fire Discipline

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

Inceptor Squad (240 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Assault bolters 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Inceptor • 5x Assault bolters 5x Close combat weapon

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

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 2x Combat knife 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675

Archetype

Ultramarine Gladius

Thoughts

In case you were wondering whether Ultramarines are still good - yes. Yes they are. Both the Gladius and (as we'll see shortly) Stormlance versions are still just foundationally excellent builds that will take on the best of them. Here, you've got one unusual interesting piece of tech in the Vanguard Veterans, who are pretty great at picking up a fastball of a second Oath from Guilliman and then using their Inferno Pistols to kill a whole entire tank, especially with Fire Discipline added to the squad. Honestly, just in general that's a really interesting piece of tech to try and counter Knights or a RepEx staging behind a wall - your opponent has to account for a massive threat range, and while not cheap, sub 300pts is relatively good value for that kind of projection. Interesting reach into the Codex that's clearly worked out really well, great work Ludovico

Edoardo Rinaldi - Astra Militarum (Mechanised Assault) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: BuffaloChicken

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Not brave enough for Recon (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Mechanised Assault

CHARACTERS

Gaunt's Ghosts (110 points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Gaunt's chainsword • 1x Colm Corbec • 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Elim Rawne • 1x Rawne's lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Hlaine Larkin • 1x Larkin's long-las 1x Straight silver knife • 1x 'Try Again' Bragg • 1x Bragg's autocannon 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Oan Mkoll • 1x Lascarbine 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife

Rogal Dorn Commander (265 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Commander (265 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

BATTLELINE

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Taurox (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin autocannon

Taurox (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hellhound (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon

Kasrkin (110 points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle 1x Melta Mine 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Kasrkin (110 points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle 1x Melta Mine 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Kasrkin (110 points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle 1x Melta Mine 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Ogryn Squad (60 points) • 1x Ogryn Bone 'ead • 1x Ripper gun • 2x Ogryn • 2x Ripper gun

Ogryn Squad (60 points) • 1x Ogryn Bone 'ead • 1x Ripper gun • 2x Ogryn • 2x Ripper gun

Ogryn Squad (60 points) • 1x Ogryn Bone 'ead • 1x Ripper gun • 2x Ogryn • 2x Ripper gun

Ratlings (100 points) • 10x Ratling Sniper • 10x Close combat weapon 1x Demolition Gear 1x Ratling Battlemutt 9x Sniper rifle 1x Tankstopper rifle

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674

Archetype

Kasrkin and Dorn Assault

Thoughts

In undefeated Second place here we have the Astra Militarum, leaning into two of their best units in Dorns and Kasrkin. Mechanised Assault does nothing for the tanks, but makes the Kasrkin ultra mean even by their normal standards, threatening big damage into almost anything, and with access to plenty of tricks to keep them operational in this detachment. The big threat range from small footprint transports makes it quite hard for opponents to engage on their terms, while layered defences also make it harder for burst builds to reliably set up the kills they want. I think you definitely could just run this as Combined Arms as well, but the choice to go mechanised makes it a little more adaptable in some matchups, which is valuable when things are in flux. Good work from Edoardo.

Giorgio castelli - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) - 3rd Place

Krootox Rampager. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

tauu (2000 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kroot Hunting Pack

CHARACTERS

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

Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (80 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone

BATTLELINE

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

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

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

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: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675

Archetype

Hulls and Krootox

Thoughts

Next up, we have the hull-spam version of Hunting Pack, leaning on the fact that Sky Rayss and Hammerheads don't really need any flashy buffs to thrive, and that protecting them with Krootox counter-charge is pretty neat. You also get a bargain on some respawnable chaff by taking a few basic Kroot units, and average durability outside those is also pretty high, keeping you on the board into high threat builds. The last thing this build does is add a solo fusion Enforcer, who I assume is pretty much just a psychological threat to hold in Deep Strike. That's honestly fine for 80pts, especially as multiple popular builds like to skimp on home objective holders in favour of solo CP farming Characters, who have to be very worried about an Ingress > Melta incident. A nice way to add a little spice, just what we want to see here, congratulations Giorgio on third place.

Edoardo Pierini - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I cast Fist (1995 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Grand Coven

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with Wings (195 points) • 1x Dark Blessing 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E'Taph

Exalted Sorcerer (95 points) • 1x Astral Blast 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Prosperine khopesh • Enhancement: Incandaeum

Infernal Master (105 points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

Infernal Master (85 points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol

Magnus the Red (420 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus 1x Gaze of Magnus 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

Sorcerer (75 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Pandaemonic Delusion 1x Prosperine khopesh

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (190 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 9x Rubric Marine • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 8x Inferno boltgun 1x Soulreaper cannon

Rubric Marines (190 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 9x Rubric Marine • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 8x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (90 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Inferno combi-bolter

Chaos Rhino (90 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Inferno combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (50 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangors (70 points) • 1x Twistbray • 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor • 9x Tzaangor blades

Tzaangors (70 points) • 1x Twistbray • 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor • 9x Tzaangor blades

Tzaangors (70 points) • 1x Twistbray • 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor • 9x Tzaangor blades

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675

Archetype

Grindy Grand Coven

Thoughts

More Thousand Sons to close out this top four, here eschewing Mutaliths and Scarabs in favour of building multiple big Rubricae Squads. That obviously makes the list an absolute nightmare for opponents relying on stuff that can't take the Overwatch heat, but does maybe end up a little more vulnerable to armies that can go over the top (the Guard build above is what put paid to the Tsons plans here, with multiple Dorns plus other hulls being quite a lift for it). There clearly has been some thought put into countering that mind, as taking the Vortex Daemon Prince provides a very potent deterrent to foes getting over confident with high value pieces, and there are lots of Tzaangors to scout and screen. Interesting to see such a polar opposite Coven build also thriving, and hopefully leaves no doubts as to their power - well done Edoardo.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Andrea Manfroni - Orks (Kult of Speed): Deffkopta and Warbiker spam, with all sorts of utility pieces surrounding them.
6th - Marco Brandonisio - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Extra herohammer Lions, with some solo Allarus captains in addition to Blade Champ/Warden units.
7th - Marco Santopadre - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Double Prince Coterie with lots of extra Infantry instead of Maulerfiends.
8th - Marco Pinamonti - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Bobby G Dreadnought and hull spam.
9th - Jacopo Gamba - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Top-heavy Wrath, using a full Black Knight/Command unit, Deathwing Knights, and also Canis Rex.
10th - Adrien Queyroy - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Be'lakor, Big Birds and a bunch of cheap board presence.
11th - Nicola Dusan Zanelli - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Shooty Fortis and Indomitor teams.

Goonhammer Open UK September 2025

50-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Yes I normally put Goonhammer Opens first, no I didn't remember till I'd already written several writeups referencing "our first event" or "as you'll see later" and no I'm not changing it.

As always - everyone who came to the event, and all our wonderful crew for making it happen, and a big thanks to our sponsors:

There will be a full results and thank-you post going up this week as always.

Josh Roberts - Ultramarines (Stormlance Task Force) - 1st Place

Rainbow Warriors Stormraven Gunship by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Goonhammer Ultras Storm List (1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

Uriel Ventris (95 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Invictus 1x Sword of Idaeus

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

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

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

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Combat knife 1x Missile launcher

Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power fist 1x Sternguard bolt pistol 1x Sternguard bolt rifle • 4x Sternguard Veteran • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Sternguard bolt pistol 3x Sternguard bolt rifle 1x Sternguard heavy bolter

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

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

Stormraven Gunship (280 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Hurricane bolter 2x Stormstrike missile launcher 1x Twin heavy plasma cannon 1x Twin multi-melta

Archetype

Stormlance Stormraven

Thoughts

Another man who can and will keep getting away with it, Josh adds a third Goonhammer Open belt to his collection, romping to victory with his signature Stormraven Ultramarine build. This provides incredible speed and violence in the shooting phase, and has enough of a melee lift from Calgar and Guilliman that you can't just rush it down. As far as I'm concerned, this is the best Marine build right now, with nothing else quite being able to match the combination of brutality and adaptability it presents. Well done to Josh on the big win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

2nd - Giulio Cesare Ghermandi - World Eaters (Khorne Daemonkin): Daemonkin with Skarbrand, Bloodletters, a Bloodcrusher brick and triple Forgefiend to set things up.
3rd - tony barrett - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Mont'ka Broadsides, Hammerheads and Pathfinders galore.
4th - Nathan Roberts - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple double gatling Despoiler and Rotigus.
5th - Liam Harvey - Chaos Space Marines (Chaos Cult): Accursed Communes, Forgefiends, and Vashtorr as a Knight counter-punch.
6th - Struan Robertson - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Hawk spam, War Walkers to add AP to them, and a Dragon bus.

108. Bedburger Scheunenkloppen

46-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bedburg, Nordrhein-Westfalen, DE on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Mario Titz - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) - 1st Place

Credit: "Contemptor" Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

2k (2000 points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Strike Force (2000 points) Stormlance Task Force

CHARACTERS

Arjac Rockfist (95 points) • 1x Foehammer

Bjorn the Fell-Handed (170 points) • Warlord • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Helfrost cannon 1x Trueclaw

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

Logan Grimnar (110 points) • 1x Axe Morkai 1x Storm bolter 1x Tyrnak and Fenrir

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

Wolf Priest (70 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Crozius arcanum

BATTLELINE

Blood Claws (135 points) • 1x Blood Claw Pack Leader • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Blood Claw • 9x Astartes chainsword 9x Bolt pistol

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Thunderwolf Cavalry (220 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Teeth and Claws 1x Wolf Guard weapon • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Storm Shield 5x Teeth and Claws 5x Wolf Guard weapon

Thunderwolf Cavalry (100 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Teeth and Claws 1x Wolf Guard weapon • 2x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 2x Storm Shield 2x Teeth and Claws 2x Wolf Guard weapon

Thunderwolf Cavalry (220 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Teeth and Claws 1x Wolf Guard weapon • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Storm Shield 5x Teeth and Claws 5x Wolf Guard weapon

Wolf Guard Headtakers (170 points) • 6x Wolf Guard Headtaker • 6x Heavy bolt pistol 6x Paired master‑crafted power weapons

Wolf Guard Terminators (170 points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader • 1x Relic greataxe • 4x Wolf Guard Terminator • 4x Master-crafted power weapon 4x Storm Shield

Wulfen with Storm Shields (100 points) • 5x Wulfen • 5x Death Totem 5x Thunder hammer

Wulfen with Storm Shields (100 points) • 5x Wulfen • 5x Death Totem 5x Thunder hammer

Wulfen with Storm Shields (100 points) • 5x Wulfen • 5x Death Totem 5x Thunder hammer

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675

Archetype

Wolf Jail 2025

Thoughts

OK I know, I know, it's not really Wolf Jail any more without the reactive move and extra footprint from Characters, it's now just an incredibly brutal and fast melee build. Fortunately that's a pretty good thing to be, and stacking up some Headtakers, Blood Claws and Wulfen behind the Cavalry provides a good toolbox of solutions for any size of problem. This is not an especially complex build beyond that, but it looks like a blast, congratulations to Mario on the win.

Tim Schneider - Leagues of Votann (Dêlve Assault Shift) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Cthonian Beserks. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Leagues of Votann + DETACHMENT: Dêlve Assault Shift + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + ENHANCEMENT: Dêlvwerke Navigator (on Char1: Brôkhyr Iron-master - Brôkhyr Iron-master) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Ûthar the Destined (95 pts) • 1x Blade of the Ancestors • 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Rampart crest

5x Brôkhyr Iron-master (100 pts) • 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master • 1x Graviton hammer • 1x Graviton rifle • Brôkhyr Iron-master • Dêlvwerke Navigator (+25 pts) • 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

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

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

BATTLELINE

10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts) • 10x Beserk • 8x Concussion maul • 2x Mole grenade launcher • 2x Twin concussion gauntlets • 6x Beserk, 2x Subterranean Explosives

10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts) • 10x Beserk • 8x Heavy plasma axe • 2x Mole grenade launcher • 2x Twin concussion gauntlets • 6x Beserk, 2x Subterranean Explosives

10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts) • 10x Beserk • 8x Concussion maul • 2x Mole grenade launcher • 2x Twin concussion gauntlets • 6x Beserk, 2x Subterranean Explosives

OTHER DATASHEETS

3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 pts) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon • 3x Bolt cannon

2x Cthonian Earthshakers (110 pts) • 2x Cthonian Earthshaker • 4x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol • 2x Plasma picks • 2x Tremor shells • 2x Cthonian Earthshaker

2x Cthonian Earthshakers (110 pts) • 2x Cthonian Earthshaker • 4x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol • 2x Plasma picks • 2x Tremor shells • 2x Cthonian Earthshaker

10x Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 pts) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Bolt shotgun • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 9x Close combat weapon • 7x Bolt shotgun • 1x APM launcher • 1x Magna-coil rifle

10x Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 pts) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Bolt shotgun • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 9x Close combat weapon • 7x Bolt shotgun • 1x APM launcher • 1x Magna-coil rifle

1x Hekaton Land Fortress (240 pts) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x MATR autocannon • 1x SP heavy conversion beamer • 2x Twin bolt cannon • Pan spectral scanner

1x Hekaton Land Fortress (240 pts) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x MATR autocannon • 1x SP heavy conversion beamer • 2x Twin bolt cannon • Pan spectral scanner

1x Kapricus Carrier (75 pts) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Magna-coil autocannon • 1x Twin magna-coil autocannon • Smoke launcher

1x Kapricus Carrier (75 pts) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Magna-coil autocannon • 1x Twin magna-coil autocannon • Smoke launcher

Archetype

Heavy Beserks

Thoughts

A surprise showing for the Delve Assault Shift as our first Codex Votann undefeated build, going for a top-heavy build that really maximises the power of the (already pretty good) Stratagems from this detachment. Big Beserk units do a lot for you - they're a massive Ingress or Advance/Charge threat, the -1 to Wound makes them tough to shift, and it means you can take Delvwerke Navigator and threaten a huge punish if your foe ever fails to clear a squad.

Two of these in Fortresses and one unit in Deep Strike is a lot for foes to think about, and while that's a lot invested in a few units, the value of the Kapricus Carrier shines through in letting you get away with that. Being able to split Yaegir squads gives you a massive amount of early game scoring and presence at a good price, and helps this army still operate even after blowing the budget on Beserks. Finally - Cthonian Earthshakers. Are these faintly underwhelming at the price into lots of things? Yes. Are Aspect Warriors a massive exception to this? Also yes. Two squads is probably still more than you need, but if Aeldari metagame is real, then taking one is very legitimate. Love seeing an undersung detachment get a big breakout performance, good work Tim.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd - Christian Breuer - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Berzerker horde, with three 20-model squads.
4th - Norman Werner - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus Grand Coven Goodstuff.
5th - Grischa Gerwert - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Aggro elite Stormlance with two ThunderCav units and some Headtakers in a Repulsor.
6th - Felix Zunino - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Avatar and a Dragon bus.
7th - Ben Hackländer - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Brethren/RepEx Templar Gladius.
8th - Artur Güttler - Grey Knights (Banishers): Big Infantry block Banishers with Paladins, Purifiers and double Interceptors.

Pergőtűz Combined Arms PRO singles

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Jászfényszaru, HU on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Richárd Ivány - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Aeldari + DETACHMENT: Aspect Host + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Fuegan + ENHANCEMENT: Aspect of Murder (on Char1: Autarch) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2 000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Autarch (110 Points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun • 1x Star glaive • Enhancements: Aspect of Murder

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

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

Lhykhis (120 Points) • 1x Brood Twain • 1x Spider's Fangs • 1x Weaverender

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mistshield ◦ 1x Neuro disruptor ◦ 1x Power sword • 4x Corsair Voidreaver ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Power sword ◦ 3x Shuriken pistol

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 Points) • 1x Twin shuriken cannon • 1x Twin shuriken catapult • 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (220 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Firepike • 9x Fire Dragon ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (95 Points) • 1x 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

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

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

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

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death weavers ◦ 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (1), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Hawk Heavy Aspect Host

Thoughts

And now, the Aeldari menace. There's a few different ways you can push Aspect Host, but based on results this weekend, Hawk-heavy is a clear frontrunner. They provide you with high volume mobile threats that can handle hordes and hefty stuff alike, as the combination of their Grenades and Lethal Hits lets you chip anything. The trio of Jain Zar, Lhykhis and Fuegan are pretty much the standard support for them too, making this a perfect example of what you need to be afraid of. Fuegan's unit will pop either a whole entire Knight or two of pretty much any other hull, while the others give you great, high-reach threats that your opponent has to constantly fear picking up the anti-Overwatch buff and lifting a mid-weight unit. The second Banshee unit with the Autarch is very real too - re-rolling Advances is pretty close to what Jain Zar gives them, and free Ignore Modifiers can be clutch into opponents with Damage Reduction if you also need the Dragons acting. A showcase of a new meta monstrosity here - and I love it. Good stuff Richárd.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Mate Csaszar - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Horde Host.
3rd - Véber Ákos - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Liberator melee with a couple of Vindicators backing them up.
4th - Roland Soós - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): All rounder Wolf Gladius with some melee herohammer backed by Ballistus Dreads and a RepEx.
5th - Daniel Orosz - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Mauler/Forgefiend spam.
6th - Péter Földes - Imperial Agents (Unknown Detachment): A mystery - no list.

MAD Warhammer 40k GT 09.06 - 09.07

29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Fairfield, CA, US on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - Unknown Mission

Ruben Zhao - Aeldari (Windrider Host)

Army List - Click to Expand

Bikesss (2000 Points)

Aeldari Windrider Host Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Lhykhis (120 Points) • Warlord • 1x Brood Twain • 1x Spider's Fangs • 1x Weaverender

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mistshield ◦ 1x Power sword ◦ 1x Shuriken rifle • 4x Corsair Voidreaver ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Power sword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Windriders (160 Points) • 6x Windrider ◦ 6x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Shuriken cannon

Windriders (160 Points) • 6x Windrider ◦ 6x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Shuriken cannon

Windriders (160 Points) • 6x Windrider ◦ 6x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Shuriken cannon

Windriders (160 Points) • 6x Windrider ◦ 6x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Scatter laser

Windriders (80 Points) • 3x Windrider ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Scatter laser

Windriders (80 Points) • 3x Windrider ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Scatter laser

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fire Prism (150 Points) • 1x Prism cannon • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Prism (150 Points) • 1x Prism cannon • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Wraithbone hull

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

Shining Spears (110 Points) • 1x Shining Spear Exarch ◦ 1x Shimmershield ◦ 1x Shuriken cannon ◦ 1x Star lance • 2x Shining Spear ◦ 2x Laser lance ◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult

Shroud Runners (80 Points) • 3x Shroud Runner ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Long rifle ◦ 3x Scatter laser ◦ 3x Shuriken pistol

War Walkers (85 Points) • 1x Bright lance • 1x Scatter laser • 1x War Walker feet

Warlock Skyrunners (45 Points) • 1x Destructor • 1x Shuriken pistol • 1x Singing Spear • 1x Twin shuriken catapult

Warlock Skyrunners (45 Points) • 1x Destructor • 1x Shuriken pistol • 1x Singing Spear • 1x Twin shuriken catapult

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death weavers ◦ 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675

vs.

Floof Cox - Genestealer Cult (Final Day)

Army List - Click to Expand

Trans rights are human rights. ICE is the modern day gestapo. Trump is a pedophile. (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Final Day

CHARACTERS

Benefictus (90 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade • Enhancement: Inhuman Integration

Benefictus (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade

Benefictus (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade

Patriarch (85 points) • Warlord • 1x Patriarch's claws • Enhancement: Enraptured Damnation

Reductus Saboteur (65 points) • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Demolition charges 1x Remote explosives

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 1x Cult claws and knife 3x Heavy mining tool

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Cult claws and knife 1x Hand flamer • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 4x Cult claws and knife 3x Hand flamer

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Atalan Jackals (75 points) • 4x Atalan Jackal • 2x Atalan power weapon 3x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad • 1x Atalan small arms 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mining laser

Atalan Jackals (75 points) • 4x Atalan Jackal • 2x Atalan power weapon 3x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad • 1x Atalan small arms 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mining laser

Purestrain Genestealers (150 points) • 10x Purestrain Genestealer • 10x Cult claws and talons

ALLIED UNITS

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

Gargoyles (85 points) • 10x Gargoyle • 10x Blinding venom 10x Fleshborer

Gargoyles (85 points) • 10x Gargoyle • 10x Blinding venom 10x Fleshborer

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675

Thoughts

Two glass cannons crash into each other here, with the alpha strike power of Windrider Host facing the mixture of Deep Strike and disruption that the Genestealer Cult and Tyranid combo brings to bear.

Obviously the pivotal unit in this game is the Aeldari Scatter bike unit - the Shuriken squads are good and all, and arguably even have better targets than they would in a standard game vs. Cults, but they can't lift the big Neophyte bricks even with the various buffs up, whereas the Scatters simply do not have that problem.

The question is whether they can be brought to bear safely, and I think the answer is basically yes, because the threat of turn 1 bike drops is a nightmare for the Cult to play around, especially if they end up going second. They aren't going to start the big squads on the board, but if they don't then the bikes can turn 1 drop for swings onto whatever they can draw lines at with relatively low fear of reprisal. Even if all they do is pop in, flense the Purestrains then zap away again, well that's still the centre cleared out and the Cult having to start playing to the Windriders tune. I even think the Fire Prisms have a part to play here - they don't have great targets, but just having them as quite crunchy pieces to go sit on an objective as base is a legitimate use in this game, as it'll demand that Cult expose something "real".

With the first turn the Cult can maybe push out a screen of cheap stuff to make this more of a game - but then that all immediately dies and the elves just wait for a late game big score. I feel like the only real out is starting one of the Neophyte units on the table so that if you do go second, you have the threat of pulling it and Deep Striking it turn 1, which can force a bit of caution from the Aeldari, and even that's high risk and a bit of grasping at straws. The Aeldari were clearly able to exploit their advantages to the full here, taking a big victory.

Result

Aeldari (Windrider Host) Victory - 100 - 50

Ruben Zhao - Aeldari (Windrider Host) - 1st Place

Windriders with Scatter Lasers. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Windrider Alpha Strike

Thoughts

The all-in alpha strike build to end them all, albeit one that has a lot of depth against non-shooting armies that can't punish it. This is a nightmare to play against for a lot of lists, though it does need to watch out that Lhkyhis and Jain Zar out of other Aeldari builds don't pull a big punish on it. It may also struggle against some of the Valourstrike Lance builds that are being theorycrafted out of the new Knight book - it can dunk one Knight, but its key stuff gets rolled up quick by others. However, if those don't play out and/or Marines take more of a lead, this Detachment has some real underexplored power - great work Ruben for unleashing it.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Forrest Phanton - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Max ThunderCav and herohammer.
3rd - Floof Cox - Genestealer Cult (Final Day): Kind of the standard horde Host shell shifted to Final Day with Hyperadapted Raveners to cause trouble.
4th - Tice Damigo - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack): Krootox, Hammerheads and Sky Rays.
5th - Erik Sousa - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Aspect MSUs, one big Hawk unit, and a Dragon bus.
6th - Jordi Bejar - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Doomsdays, a Wraith squad and various utility pieces.

Wrap Up

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