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.

We round out our exploration of the non-WCW parts of the metagame from last weekend, featuring more Aeldari, but also a surge of angry red men with axes. 8" Blood Surge - one weird trick to turn your local pointy ears into a fine mist.

Part 3 on Saturday:

Broadsword Wargaming 40K ITC Seasonal Major VIII
40k Brawl - November 2025
Dark Sphere November Major
Midgards November 40k ITC Grand Tournament
Turkeys and Terminators Geek Shack GT

Part 1 on Wednesday:

Warhammer 40,000 - 2025 World Championships of Warhammer
CollectorMania Premier GT Winter 2025
Silverdale Vortex VFT GT (nov 8-9/25)
Manawatu Maelstrom 2025
The Innsmouth Slaughter 40k GT
Segmentum Reval II

Part 2 on Friday:

Racoon Rumble 2025
Madness in the Middle - 40K GT
BrewHammer GT 8
Beast Coast Gaming Fall Brawl GT
The Sandstorm GT @ tabletop.me
The Hogtowner 2025

Broadsword Wargaming 40K ITC Seasonal Major VIII

86-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Breaffy House Resort, MO, Ireland on November 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Colin Power - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

Jain Zar & Howling Banshees. Credit: James "Boon" Kelling

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Aeldari + DETACHMENT: Aspect Host (Path of the Warrior) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Fuegan + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 20 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Asurmen (125 pts): The Bloody Twins, The Sword of Asur Char2: 1x Fuegan (120 pts): Warlord, Searsong, The Fire Axe Char3: 1x Jain Zar (105 pts): Silent Death, The Blade of Destruction Char4: 1x Lhykhis (120 pts): Brood Twain, Spider's Fangs, Weaverender

5x Dark Reapers (90 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch: Close combat weapon, Tempest Launcher • 4x Dark Reaper: 4 with Close combat weapon, Reaper Launcher 5x Dark Reapers (90 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch: Close combat weapon, Tempest Launcher • 4x Dark Reaper: 4 with Close combat weapon, Reaper Launcher 5x Dire Avengers (75 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, 2x Avenger Shuriken Catapult • 4x Dire Avenger: 4 with Avenger Shuriken Catapult, Close Combat Weapon 10x Fire Dragons (220 pts): 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch: Close combat weapon, Firepike • 9x Fire Dragon: 9 with Close combat weapon, Dragon Fusion Gun 5x Howling Banshees (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch: Executioner, Shuriken Pistol • 4x Howling Banshee: 4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol 5x Rangers (55 pts): 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol 5x Rangers (55 pts): 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol 5x Rangers (55 pts): 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol 5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch: Close combat weapon, Hawk's Talon • 4x Swooping Hawk: 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster 5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch: Close combat weapon, Hawk's Talon • 4x Swooping Hawk: 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster 5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch: Close combat weapon, Hawk's Talon • 4x Swooping Hawk: 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, 1 Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle • 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle • 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner 1x Falcon (130 pts): Pulse Laser, Wraithbone hull, Bright Lance, Shuriken Cannon 1x Wave Serpent (125 pts): Wraithbone Hull, Shuriken Cannon, Twin Bright Lance

Archetype

Asurmen Four Phoenix

Thoughts

Another trophy for one of the dominant Aspect Host versions here, adding Asurmen in a Falcon to the regular mix for chip damage and the threat of a big spike if he goes turbo-mode with full Wound re-rolls up. Not much more to cover here - this is one of the key builds in the metagame, and you need a solid plan to beat it. No one managed to stop Colin here - congratulations!

Andrew Wilson - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Kharn the Betrayer. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - World Eaters + DETACHMENT: Berzerker Warband (Relentless Rage) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + ENHANCEMENT: Favoured of Khorne (on Char3: Lord on Juggernaut) & Berzerker Glaive (on Char4: Slaughterbound) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 12 + SECONDARY: - Assassination: 4 Characters - Cull The Horde: 3x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Khârn the Betrayer (100 pts): Gorechild, Plasma pistol Char2: 1x Lord Invocatus (110 pts): Bladed horn, Bolt pistol, Coward's Bane Char3: 1x Lord on Juggernaut (105 pts): Bladed horn, Exalted chainblade, Plasma pistol Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne (+15 pts) Char4: 1x Slaughterbound (110 pts): Lacerator and daemonic claw Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive (+25 pts)

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

3x Eightbound (135 pts) • 1x Eightbound Champion: Chainblades • 2x Eightbound: 2 with Chainblades 3x Exalted Eightbound (140 pts) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion: Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2 with Chainblades 10x Jakhals (65 pts) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader: Autopistol, Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured: Paired manglers • 8x Jakhal: 8 with Autopistol, Chainblades 10x Jakhals (65 pts) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader: Autopistol, Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured: Paired manglers • 8x Jakhal: 8 with Autopistol, Chainblades 2x Chaos Spawn (90 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations

Archetype

Horde World Eaters

Thoughts

Right on cue - if you want to stop Aeldari, this is one of your best options. Big Berzerker units with access to maximum Blood Surge are one of the very best anti-Aeldari options, as the units are bigger than what they can reliably kill in one swing, and then cause extreme mayhem in response. Clever positioning of Banshees can maybe take out one unit, but that's where units two and three come in. This build is particularly good at keeping the pressure vice on thanks to packing Invocatus for one of the squads - Rapid Ingressing a 20-Berzerker brick has got to be one of the best feelings out there, and it gives access to broader game plans against stuff that can counter the army (and I think Andrew's low-scoring victory against a nasty guard build in round four probably leant on that extra angle). As an elf lover this is one of the lists I fear the most, so well done to Andrew for keeping Aeldari scared.

Aaron Moloney - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)

Black Templars Repulsor Executioner. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I think I miss Righteous Crusaders (1995 points)

Space Marines Black Templars Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

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

Castellan (60 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Castellan (60 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Emperor's Champion (105 points) • Warlord • 1x Black Sword 1x Bolt Pistol • Enhancement: The Honour Vehement

Marshal (80 points) • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol

Marshal (80 points) • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol

Marshal (80 points) • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Heavy bolt 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 Bolt rifle 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor • 1x Astartes grenade launcher 4x Bolt pistol 4x Bolt rifle 4x Close combat weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Multi-melta 1x Orbital Comms Array (Aura) 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Reiver Squad (80 points) • 1x Reiver Sergeant • 1x Combat knife 1x Grapnel Launcher 1x Reiver Grav-chute 1x Special issue bolt pistol • 4x Reiver • 4x Combat knife 4x Grapnel Launcher 4x Reiver Grav-chute 4x Special issue bolt pistol

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

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

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

Suppressor Squad (75 points) • 1x Suppressor Sergeant • 1x Accelerator autocannon 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Suppressor • 2x Accelerator autocannon 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon

Sword Brethren Squad (105 points) • 4x Sword Brother • 4x Heavy bolt pistol 4x Master-crafted power weapon

Sword Brethren Squad (105 points) • 4x Sword Brother • 4x Heavy bolt pistol 4x Master-crafted power weapon

Sword Brethren Squad (105 points) • 4x Sword Brother • 4x Heavy bolt pistol 4x Master-crafted power weapon

ALLIED UNITS

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

Eversor Assassin (120 points) • 1x Executioner pistol 1x Power sword and neuro gauntlet

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Assassin RepEx Gladius

Thoughts

The all-rounder might of the Templars in third place, with the tweak from the norm of taking a second Assassin (Eversor) instead of more Assault Intercessors. Desolation squads seem to be creeping back into the metagame, and the Eversor is pretty great into AdMech too, and I assume the goal is to use the reach on this model to neutralise any opposing unit that threatens to undermine the game plan of beating the foe on unit quality. Even just being able to reach out and strip the bodyguard from (say) Lhykhis can be very helpful, and some Aeldari builds are using a Solitaire in a similar role, so definitely seems credible. Interesting extra addition to the mix from Aaron.

Brian Cunningham - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 4th Place

War Dog - Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

All Gatlings, No Brains.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Knights + DETACHMENT: Infernal Lance (Malefic Surge) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts + ALLIED UNITS: Legiones Daemonica + + WARLORD: Char1: Knight Despoiler + ENHANCEMENT: Bestial Aspect (on Char2: Knight Despoiler) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 10 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (4x6) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Knight Despoiler (375 pts): Warlord, Titanic feet, Ruinspear rocket pod, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Daemonbreath meltagun Char2: 1x Knight Despoiler (395 pts): Titanic feet, Ruinspear rocket pod, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Daemonbreath meltagun Enhancement: Bestial Aspect (+20 pts) Char3: 1x Knight Despoiler (375 pts): Titanic feet, Ruinspear rocket pod, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Daemonbreath meltagun

1x War Dog Karnivore (150 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (150 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (150 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher

Char4: 1x Rotigus (250 pts): Gnarlrod, Streams of brackish filth 3x Nurglings (40 pts): 3 with Diseased claws and teeth 3x Nurglings (40 pts): 3 with Diseased claws and teeth 1x Beasts of Nurgle (65 pts): Putrid appendages

Archetype

Rotigus Infernals

Thoughts

In the nicest possible way, the only thing I can say about this build is that it's boring but very effective - this is the best Chaos Knights list out there and that it's not super close, and I hope they get a big internal balance pass at the next Dataslate to boost every option that isn't gatling Despoilers. Well done to Brian for making effective use of the available options.

The Best of the Rest

There were 12 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Mark Morrow - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Haloscreed with a bit of everything, including a Kataphron brick.
6th - Bartosz Chmielewski - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Ruststalker and Disintegrator heavy Haloscreed with an Corpuscarii unit.
7th - Peter Ghelfi - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): RepEx/Brethren GTF.
8th - Ben Keogh - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Two Dorn Commanders and a Russ one, plus lots of Transport Kasrkin.
9th - Dan Ahern - World Eaters (Possessed Slaughterband): You'll be shocked to hear - lots of Eightbound (6/3/3 of both flavours) and Angron.
10th - Hugh Mc Cluskey - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights, Purifiers and a Stormraven.
11th - Stephan Richter - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Pressure-skewed quad bigs with Canis/Lancer/Crusader/Gallant
12th - Fionn Brickley - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Triple Tempest Reaper Aspects.
13th - Andrew McMahon - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): 20 Scarabs and 20 Rubricae.
14th - David Kiely - Orks (Green Tide): One hundo twenty Boyz, Ghaz, and a couple Battlewagons (barely any Leaders other than Ghaz).
15th - Ben McQuaile - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Three big Infantry, some Allarus, and two tanks.
16th - Jer Collins - Orks (Green Tide): The opposite end of Green Tide, which is one hundred Boyz fully decked out with all the Leaders points can buy.

40k Brawl - November 2025

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on November 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Terraform

Stephen Box - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager)

Army List - Click to Expand

Drukhari Reaper's Wager Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Archon (95 Points) • 1x Huskblade • 1x Shadowfield • 1x Soul Trap • Enhancements: Webway Walker

Drazhar (85 Points) • 1x Executioner's demiklaives

Haemonculus (90 Points) • 1x Haemonculus tools and scissorhands • 1x Stinger pistol • Enhancements: Conductor of Torment

Lady Malys (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Lady's Blade • 1x Razor fan

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

Succubus (65 Points) • 1x Archite glaive and agoniser • Enhancements: Archraider

BATTLELINE

Wyches (90 Points) • 1x Hekatrix ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Splinter pistol • 9x Wych ◦ 3x Gladiatorial weapons ◦ 6x Hekatarii blade ◦ 6x Splinter pistol

Wyches (90 Points) • 1x Hekatrix ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Splinter pistol • 9x Wych ◦ 3x Gladiatorial weapons ◦ 6x Hekatarii blade ◦ 6x Splinter pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Raider (85 Points) • 1x Bladevanes and chainsnares • 1x Disintegrator cannon

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hellions (170 Points) • 1x Helliarch ◦ 1x Hellglaive ◦ 1x Splinter pods • 9x Hellion ◦ 9x Hellglaive ◦ 9x Splinter pods

Incubi (90 Points) • 1x Klaivex ◦ 1x Demiklaives • 4x Incubi ◦ 4x Klaive

Incubi (180 Points) • 1x Klaivex ◦ 1x Demiklaives • 9x Incubi ◦ 9x Klaive

Incubi (90 Points) • 1x Klaivex ◦ 1x Demiklaives • 4x Incubi ◦ 4x Klaive

Reavers (70 Points) • 1x Arena Champion ◦ 1x Bladevanes ◦ 1x Grav-talon ◦ 1x Heat lance ◦ 1x Splinter pistol • 2x Reaver ◦ 2x Bladevanes ◦ 2x Splinter pistol ◦ 2x Splinter rifle

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 Points) • 1x Solarite ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Shardcarbine • 4x Scourge ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Haywire blaster

Talos (160 Points) • 2x Talos ◦ 4x Macro-scalpel ◦ 2x Twin haywire blaster

ALLIED UNITS

Voidweaver (125 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Shuriken cannon • 1x Voidweaver haywire cannon

Voidweaver (125 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Shuriken cannon • 1x Voidweaver haywire cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.43.1 (1), Data Version: v708

vs.

Jay Seebarun - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force)

Army List - Click to Expand

Dark Angels: storm (2000 Points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Stormlance Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Azrael (115 Points) • 1x Lion's Wrath • 1x The Lion Helm • 1x The Sword of Secrets

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

Lion El'Jonson (315 Points) • Warlord • 1x Arma Luminis • 1x Fealty

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Inner Circle Companions (180 Points) • 6x Inner Circle Companion ◦ 6x Calibanite greatsword ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol

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

Land Speeder Vengeance (120 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy bolter • 1x Plasma storm battery

Land Speeder Vengeance (120 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy bolter • 1x Plasma storm battery

Ravenwing Darkshroud (100 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy bolter

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 Points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Macro plasma incinerator • 1x Onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Redemptor fist • 1x Twin storm bolter

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 Points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Macro plasma incinerator • 1x Onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Redemptor fist • 1x Twin storm bolter

Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (150 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Stormfury missiles • 1x Thunderstrike las-talon • 1x Twin Icarus rocket pod

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

Exported with App Version: v1.43.1 (1), Data Version: v708

Thoughts

Unusual options on both sides here as Drukhari face the Dark Angels. In one dark green corner, Jay is packing his Stormlance Dark Angels build that took a top 16 finish at the LGT, sacrificing a little of the raw ranged output of the Ultramarines version for the strong anti-shooting tech of a Darkshroud, access to the Vengeance, and the increased melee brutality of the Lion and Inner Circle Companions.

In the other dark green corner, Reaper's Wager, using a broad selection of the new Drukhari Codex's finest melee toys, plus some Voidweavers for low effort position-holding. In this matchup, it's a little uneven in terms of what really shines - the Wyches are a little short of good targets, but the high volume of Haywire is a bit of a nightmare for the Dark Angels; there's so much of if that even the Redemptors and Stormraven have to be a little afraid, and removing the Voidweavers isn't trivial. The Voidweavears also no-sell the special trick of the Vengeance if they can put the killing blow into something, which is a nice extra angle for them.

In theory as the Dark Angels you can prioritise killing off the sources of Haywire here, and the relatively high speed of some of their threats definitely helps with that. In practice, I think the combination of needing to focus on that early plus the higher number of units on the Drukhari side causes problems in the long run. I can definitely see a world where the Dark Angels push this game to a state where they will gradually murder all the Drukhari, but if Stephen has retained the Wyches for objective play (and in this game, why wouldn't he), he can probably deny enough points from the Dark Angels to stop them pushing back into the game. Terraform makes that worse - Drukhari have way more spare units for Actions, and can use it to keep points flowing even if they're dying. With that in mind, I think as the Dark Angels here you want to go very aggressive, as with the Darkshroud's protection there's a very real chance the Drukhari offence bounces. Coin flip if you go on that plan, more in the Drukhari's favour in a longer game, and they did end up winning it.

Result

Drukhari (Reaper's Wager) Victory - 88 - 65

Stephen Box - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager) - 1st Place

Archon with Soul Trap and Huskblade. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Reaper Toolbox

Thoughts

A toolbox elf list, be still my beating heart. Lots of melee murder Infantry, Haywire to handle hulls, and the sight of a pure utility/farming Haemoculus to keep the pain flowing. This list does have a fairly critical vulnerability to Tyranid or Daemon monster mash, but for everything else it has heaps of answers, and looks like a blast to play, glad to see Stephen unleashing the full potential of new Drukhari!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd (4.5-0.5) - David Bannister - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Mont'ka Triptide and Stormsurge.
3rd - Jay Seebarun - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force): See Showdown.
4th - Paddy Dunford - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Triple Wardens, two tanks and some bikes.
5th - Jordan Checkley - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Extreme herohammer in Beastslayer, with a shockingly short list of wolfy MSUs and all the Characters in the world.

Dark Sphere November Major

34-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on November 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Aidan Brocklehurst - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith) - 1st Place

Credit: Greg Narro

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adepta Sororitas + DETACHMENT: Champions of Faith (Righteous Purpose) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Morvenn Vahl + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

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

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

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

1x Canoness (50 pts) • 1x Power weapon • 1x Plasma pistol • Rod of Office

1x Canoness (50 pts) • 1x Power weapon • 1x Plasma pistol • Rod of Office

1x Hospitaller (50 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Chirugeon's tools

BATTLELINE

10x Battle Sisters Squad (105 pts) • 1x Sister Superior • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Power weapon • 1x Condemnor boltgun • Battle Sister • 9x Battle Sister • 9x Bolt pistol • 7x Boltgun • 9x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Meltagun • 9x Battle Sister, Simulacrum Imperialis

OTHER DATASHEETS

3x Arco-Flagellants (45 pts) • 3x Arco-Flagellant • 3x Arco-flails

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

10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Spear of the Faithful • 1x Inferno pistol • Celestian Sacresant • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd) • 9x Anointed Halberd • 9x Bolt pistol • 9x Celestian Sacresant

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

10x Dominion Squad (115 pts) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Power weapon • 1x Ministorum hand flamer • Dominion Superior • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol • 5x Boltgun • 9x Close combat weapon • 4x Ministorum Flamer • 9x Dominion, Simulacrum Imperialis

5x Retributor Squad (105 pts) • 1x Retributor Superior • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Power weapon • 1x Inferno pistol • Retributor Superior • 4x Retributor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Multi-melta • 4x Retributor

5x Retributor Squad (105 pts) • 1x Retributor Superior • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Power weapon • 1x Condemnor boltgun • Retributor Superior • 4x Retributor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Multi-melta • 4x Retributor

9x Sanctifiers (100 pts) • 1x Miraculist • 1x Burning hands • 1x Holy fire • 1x Salvationist • 1x Close combat weapon • Salvationist Medikit • 1x Death Cult Assassin • 1x Death Cult blades • 2x Missionary • 1x Ministorum flamer • 2x Sanctifier melee weapon • 1x Holy fire • 1x Plasma gun • 4x Sanctifier • 5x Ministorum hand flamer • 2x Sanctifier melee weapon • 2x Close combat weapon • Simulacrum Imperialis

5x Seraphim Squad (80 pts) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Bolt pistol • Seraphim • 2x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Seraphim • 2x Seraphim with Special Weapons • 2x Close combat weapon • 4x Ministorum hand flamer • 2x Seraphim

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

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

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

Archetype

Sacresant Herohammer

Thoughts

We have the 30-Sacresant core here, but it sacrifices a bit of durability by cutting Hospitallers in order to free up the points to add extra Celestine/Daemonifuge herohammer. There's enough stuff out there at the moment that can just clean lift a Sacresant unit through the Feel No Pain that this seems like a plausible swap. I think I merginally prefer the option of moving to Hallowed Martyrs for the better Stratagem suite if that's your plan, but you do also get some nice flexibility on the Celestine/Seraphim unit going this way. Sisters continue pretty strong right now, and it's again nice to see just how varied their viable plans are, good stuff from Aidan.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Jordan Penning - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon): Infantry Shadowmark with a big squad of jump Intercessors instead of a second VanVet unit.
3rd - Mickey Baird-Parker - Chaos Space Marines (Veterans of the Long War): Veterans with heavy gut punches from full Warp Talon and Chosen units.
4th - Feliks Bartkiewicz - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon): Infantry Shadowmark.
5th - Alun Perkins - Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): Surprisingly not Dreadnought spam - instead one souped up Achillus, then a varied toolbox of Infantry, bikes and a Land Raider.
6th - Oliver Wheeler - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Loads of hulls, two big Possessed units, supporting Nurgle Daemons.

Midgards November 40k ITC Grand Tournament

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Derry, NH, US on November 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ian Power - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

Credit: TheChirurgeon

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Aeldari + DETACHMENT: Aspect Host (Path of the Warrior) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Asurmen + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 20 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Asurmen (125 pts): Warlord, The Bloody Twins, The Sword of Asur Char2: 1x Fuegan (120 pts): Searsong, The Fire Axe Char3: 1x Jain Zar (105 pts): Silent Death, The Blade of Destruction Char4: 1x Lhykhis (120 pts): Brood Twain, Spider's Fangs, Weaverender Char5: 1x Solitaire (115 pts): Solitaire Weapons

5x Corsair Voidreavers (65 pts) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch: Mistshield, Close Combat Weapon, Power sword, Shuriken rifle • 3x Voidreaver with Shuriken rifle: 3 with Close Combat Weapon, Shuriken rifle • 1x Voidreaver with Blaster: Blaster, Close Combat Weapon, Shuriken Pistol

5x Dire Avengers (75 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, 2x Avenger Shuriken Catapult • 4x Dire Avenger: 4 with Avenger Shuriken Catapult, Close Combat Weapon 10x Fire Dragons (220 pts): 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch: Close combat weapon, Firepike • 9x Fire Dragon: 9 with Close combat weapon, Dragon Fusion Gun 5x Howling Banshees (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch: Executioner, Shuriken Pistol • 4x Howling Banshee: 4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol 5x Rangers (55 pts): 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol 5x Rangers (55 pts): 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol 5x Rangers (55 pts): 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol 5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch: Close combat weapon, Exarch's Lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk: 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster 5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch: Close combat weapon, Exarch's Lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk: 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster 5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch: Close combat weapon, Exarch's Lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk: 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, 1 Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle • 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle • 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner 1x Falcon (130 pts): Pulse Laser, Wraithbone hull, Bright Lance, Shuriken Cannon 1x Wave Serpent (125 pts): Wraithbone Hull, Shuriken Cannon, Twin Bright Lance

Archetype

Solitaire Aspects

Thoughts

It's called foreshadowing, look it up.

This is the four Phoenix Asurmen list you know and love, with an added Solitaire. This gives you either a reach piece to go out and deal with some Indirect or other pesty threat that isn't as valuable as Lhykhis, or if you don't need that then a powerful Heroic > Fight First spoiler piece to protect your other units with. Outside the Solitaire, this build just maximises the disruption and scoring parts of the army - all the Rangers and fast Aspects you could want. It is a stark reminder (just like with Steven Box's list above) that there's quite a bit of unexplored space with the various Harlequin datasheets across Aeldari and Reaper's Wager - several of them are quite good, and help you add capabilities if you're worried about specific counters. It also happens to be what I've got in my teams Aeldari build for the weekend, so thanks for the moral support Ian!

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Jaime Paris - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): All-rounder Wolf Gladius with some Vindicators, Inceptors, and Wolf Herohammer.
3rd - Quentin Conopask - Leagues of Votann (Unknown Detachment): Some truly baffling new frontiers in army list formatting going on here, leaving me to guess that this is probably Brandfast, but who knows.
4th - Steven Zukowski - Genestealer Cult (Final Day): GSK Ridgerunners and speedy/Deep Strikey Tyranid stuff.

Turkeys and Terminators Geek Shack GT

27-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Las Cruces, NM, US on November 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Adrian Lopez - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) - 1st Place

Vulkan He'stan. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Yellomanders - I wish I had a funny name for the list (2000 points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

Captain in Gravis Armour (105 points) • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet 1x Power fist 1x Relic fist • Enhancement: War-tempered Artifice

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aggressor Squad (200 points) • 1x Aggressor Sergeant • 1x Flamestorm gauntlets 1x Twin power fists • 5x Aggressor • 5x Flamestorm gauntlets 5x Twin power fists

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (170 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Eradicator Squad (100 points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle • 2x Eradicator • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle 1x Multi-melta

Eradicator Squad (100 points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle • 2x Eradicator • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle 1x Multi-melta

Gladiator Lancer (160 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Lancer laser destroyer

Gladiator Lancer (160 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Lancer laser destroyer

Infernus Squad (180 points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Pyreblaster • 9x Infernus Marine • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pyreblaster

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

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

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

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 Heavy bolter 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Combat knife 1x Heavy bolter 1x Scout sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Firestorm Salamanders

Thoughts

Melta/flamer-heavy Salamanders to close us out today, sadly highlighting that hottest Marines were rather short-changed in their "special" detachment. You get everything you want out of regular Firestorm - strong transport tricks and good support for close-ranged Firepower and Bladeguard. This build leverages all of that, and it's particalarly notable that there's a full Infernus squad rather than just a drive-by Impulsor unit; the metagame is very target rich for them at the moment. Outside that, just solid all-rounder Marine stuff with a more interesting coat of paint than Ultramarine blue - congratulations Adrian.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Ivan Campa - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Berzerker horde.
3rd - Kylan Wilson - Thousand Sons (Warpforged Cabal): Lots of Robots, a big Scarab squad, Characters and some Mutaliths.
4th - Val Jensen - Thousand Sons (Warpforged Cabal): Vindicators, Mutaliths and a big Scarab squad.
5th - Rafael Solo - Orks (War Horde): Mechanised War Horde with a Ghaz/Boyz block.

Wrap Up

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: Elves and Robots pt.3

Broadsword Wargaming 40K ITC Seasonal Major VIII

Colin Power - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Andrew Wilson - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Aaron Moloney - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Brian Cunningham - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

40k Brawl - November 2025

The Showdown

Terraform

Thoughts

Result

Stephen Box - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Dark Sphere November Major

Aidan Brocklehurst - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Midgards November 40k ITC Grand Tournament

Ian Power - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Turkeys and Terminators Geek Shack GT

Adrian Lopez - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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