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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Grande Tournaments pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Oct 22 2025
Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

It's a bumper Competitive Innovations this week, both because we have lots of events and a few extra Showdowns from various sources. Up top, we've got two today because the Paris Wargame Expo deserved some extra focus (it was awesome, and you'll see a full trip report from me later in the week), and in the other parts we have some Goonhammer contributors who have made it to the top tables contributing thoughts on their games.

Part 1 on Wednesday:
  • Paris Wargame Expo - Warhammer 40K - Solo 2000pts
  • Kippers' Melee - 2025
  • NYO4 40k Grand Tournament
  • I GT Leganés
  • Full Range Extinction – ATB 40K GT '25
  • ELBCOAST CUP 19 GT
  • North Coast Games' First Ever Invitational 40K GT
Part 2 on Friday:
  • Malmö Wargaming Weekend 9 - 40K GT
  • Rook's 40k Open 2025
  • 5th Annual Flames of Autumn GT
  • Lakes of Blood Rotorua 2025
  • Prestige Wargaming GRAND Tournament 2
  • 2000 pt 40k Invitational GT. October 18th, 2025.
Part 3 on Saturday:
  • Tennessee Elite Open
  • Dragons Lair Open 2025
  • Queen City Orktoberfest
  • Level Up Gaming Warhammer Fall GT
  • III GT La Laguna 40k - Kanarian Open
  • Halton Heretics 2025 Post Thanksgiving Warhammer 40K Bash!

Paris Wargame Expo - Warhammer 40K - Solo 2000pts

389-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Montreuil, IDF, France on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Note: The top eight of this was played on Monday, during which BCP had been taken out by the global AWS outage. The pairings for the top eight have been added, but for a few placings I've just had to do =3rd etc.

The Showdown

Take and Hold - Hammer and Anvil

Alban de Polignac - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium)
Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Alban "LBS" de Polignac + TEAM NAME: FTA + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Death Guard + DETACHMENT: Virulent Vectorium + DETACHEMENT RULE: WolrdBlight + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + WARLORD: Char6: Tallyman + ENHANCEMENT: Char2: Daemon Prince - Revoluting Regeneration, Char3: Lord of Contagion - Daemon Weapon of Nurgle + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (7x2) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

Char 2 Daemon Prince of Nurgle (215 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Revolting Regeneration

Char 3 Lord of Contagion (130 points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancement: Daemon Weapon of Nurgle

Char 4: Lord of Contagion (120 points) • 1x Manreaper

Char 5: Malignant Plaguecaster (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind

Char 6: Tallyman (50 points) • Warlord • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol

Plague Marines (190 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 9x Plague Marine • 2x Blight launcher 3x Heavy plague weapon 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer 2x Plasma gun

Chaos Rhino (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

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

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



vs.

Mani Cheema - Aeldari (Aspect Host)
Army List - Click to Expand


Aeldari!! (2000 Points)

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Asurmen (125 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bloody Twins • 1x Sword of Asur

Fuegan (120 Points) • 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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Twin bright lance • 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dire Avengers (75 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch ◦ 2x Avenger shuriken catapult ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Dire Avenger ◦ 4x Avenger shuriken catapult ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

Falcon (130 Points) • 1x Bright lance • 1x Pulse laser • 1x Twin shuriken catapult • 1x Wraithbone hull

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

Howling Banshees (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.41.0 (3), Data Version: v685

Thoughts

Aspect Host up against a wall of Death Guard - maybe a bit retro for the last metagame, but here we are. Both sides have some great assets going for them in this game. On Mani's side, Asurmen rules on the modified GW maps used at this event, and has some OK targets here - with access to re-rolls from a Falcon, he threatens to deck most of a Deathshroud or Plague Marine unit, forcing some serious caution. Jain Zar is also super helpful into those units, as switching on her re-rolls means she carves through them, and the Plague Marines are not set up for Fight First, which is a relief. Those are still good units though, and the flamers on the Terminators are a particular worry for Aeldari. In addition, the fact that the Bloat Drones do so much damage at long range is a problem, as it can be hard to get Fuegan into them.

In terms of the misssion, that definitely feels like it favours the Death Guard, just because it makes it hard for Aeldari to pick any isolated fights - every time they come forwards, they're going to get hit back hard, and they're going to have to push up at some point, because the map used (the FEQ modified version of GW map 2, see here) creates some good hiding spots on the side objectives, but also has a strong staging position for Plague Marines in the middle. It's does have some upsides from the Eldar (the long-range lines for Bloat Drones only really exist on the side, Transport tricks have a field day) too, but I think where I end up on this is that it gives some power to Death Guard whether they go first (stickying hard to flip objectives with Poxwalkers) or second, but it only really helps the Eldar if they go second.

It's not a wash though, and because the Plague Marine brick isn't Fight First (and thus dies to Jain Zar when she feels like it), there's a shot for the Aeldari to win by just killing enough stuff to push through. The game was close fought, as you'd hope a final for a big event would be, and I'm told the result turned on the final 5+ Invulnerable Save, but the Death Guard did take it in the end.

Result

Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) Victory - 69-61

Alban de Polignac - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 1st Place

Death Guard Poxwalker Death Guard Poxwalker. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Alban "LBS" de Polignac + TEAM NAME: FTA + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Death Guard + DETACHMENT: Virulent Vectorium + DETACHEMENT RULE: WolrdBlight + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + WARLORD: Char6: Tallyman + ENHANCEMENT: Char2: Daemon Prince - Revoluting Regeneration, Char3: Lord of Contagion - Daemon Weapon of Nurgle + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (7x2) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

Char 2 Daemon Prince of Nurgle (215 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Revolting Regeneration

Char 3 Lord of Contagion (130 points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancement: Daemon Weapon of Nurgle

Char 4: Lord of Contagion (120 points) • 1x Manreaper

Char 5: Malignant Plaguecaster (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind

Char 6: Tallyman (50 points) • Warlord • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol

Plague Marines (190 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 9x Plague Marine • 2x Blight launcher 3x Heavy plague weapon 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer 2x Plasma gun

Chaos Rhino (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

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

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

Archetype

Vectorium Goodstuff

Thoughts

Death Guard take the trophy, with the all-rounder power of Vectorium still doing the work. It does need a bit of care to play well, as it doesn't have that many spare units it can afford to lose, but if can build up such potent momentum when unleashed on the foe, and gets such perfect bait from the Poxwalkers on these maps, that it's exceptionally strong. Congratulations Alban!

Mani Cheema - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 2nd Place

Asurmen. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Aeldari!! (2000 Points)

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Asurmen (125 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bloody Twins • 1x Sword of Asur

Fuegan (120 Points) • 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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Twin bright lance • 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dire Avengers (75 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch ◦ 2x Avenger shuriken catapult ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Dire Avenger ◦ 4x Avenger shuriken catapult ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

Falcon (130 Points) • 1x Bright lance • 1x Pulse laser • 1x Twin shuriken catapult • 1x Wraithbone hull

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

Howling Banshees (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.41.0 (3), Data Version: v685

Archetype

Four Phoenix Asurmen

Thoughts

Mani takes Aeldari to second place, rocking an Aspect Host list with Asurmen and extra Banshees. From my own experience, I can attest that Asurmen absolutely rocked on these maps (he generally does on GW-style layouts), and going for him is 1000% the right choice, as it provides a great way of grinding out some damage without losing resources, particularly without Eldrad, so needing to conserve CP more. Lots of Banshees also helps close off areas of the board and prevent the foe trying to roll through, helping the Aeldari grind keep going for longer. Finally, tonnes of fast Aspects lock in scoring and punish enemy hordes. It's a great list and a great run with it, good work Mani.

Quentin Roché - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) - =3rd Place

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

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: tzantukal + TEAM NAME: FTA + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Leagues of Votann + DETACHMENT: Hearthband (Methodical Annihilation) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + WARLORD: Char1: Ûthar the Destined + ENHANCEMENT: Bastion Shield (on Char3: Kâhl) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Ûthar the Destined (95 pts): Rampart crest, Warlord, Blade of the Ancestors, Volkanite disintegrator Char2: 1x Arcanyst Evaluator (75 pts): Close combat weapon, Transmatter inverter Char3: 1x Kâhl (95 pts): Rampart crest, Mass gauntlet, Volkanite disintegrator Enhancement: Bastion Shield (+25 pts)

3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 pts): 3 with Close combat weapon, Graviton blast cannon 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 pts): 3 with Close combat weapon, Graviton blast cannon

5x Cthonian Beserks (100 pts) 4 with Beserk, Concussion maul 1 with Subterranean Explosives, Mole grenade launcher, Concussion maul 5x Cthonian Beserks (100 pts) 4 with Beserk, Concussion maul 1 with Subterranean Explosives, Mole grenade launcher, Concussion maul

2x Cthonian Earthshakers (110 pts): 2 with 2x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Plasma picks, Tremor shells

10x Einhyr Hearthguard (270 pts) • 1x Hesyr: Teleport crest, Exo-armour grenade launcher, Graviton hammer, EtaCarn plasma gun • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard: 9 with Exo-armour grenade launcher, Concussion gauntlet, EtaCarn plasma gun

5x Einhyr Hearthguard (135 pts) • 1x Hesyr: Teleport crest, Exo-armour grenade launcher, Graviton hammer, EtaCarn plasma gun • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard: 4 with Exo-armour grenade launcher, Concussion gauntlet, EtaCarn plasma gun 5x Einhyr Hearthguard (135 pts) • 1x Hesyr: Teleport crest, Exo-armour grenade launcher, Graviton hammer, EtaCarn plasma gun • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard: 4 with Exo-armour grenade launcher, Concussion gauntlet, EtaCarn plasma gun

10x Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 pts) • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir 7 with Close combat weapon, Bolt revolver, Plasma knife 1 with APM launcher, Close combat weapon 1 with Close combat weapon, Magna-coil rifle • 1x Yaegir Theyn: Close combat weapon, Bolt revolver, Plasma knife 3x Hernkyn Pioneers (80 pts) 1 with Pan-spectral scanner, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 1 with Rollbar searchlight, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 1 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife

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

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

Archetype

Hearthband Goodstuff

Thoughts

Hearthband continues to get some attention, bringing the glorious combination of an extra, extra powerful unit of Hearthguard as a centrepiece, and the fun threat of damage 4 Beserks going and punting any Vehicle into the stratosphere when they emerge from their fortress. You can support that with a bunch of stuff that's just kind of good like more small Hearthguard squads, Thunderkyn, and scoring pieces, and this list ends up playing a very solid all-rounder game. Also love the Evaluator, I feel like one of those should be a no-brainer in more lists. Great work Quentin.

Alexandre Sacco - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited) - =3rd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Emperor's Children + DETACHMENT: Coterie of the Conceited (Pledges to the Dark Prince) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Lucius the Eternal + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Lucius the Eternal (150 pts) • 1x Blade of the Laer • 1x Lash of Torment • Warlord

1x Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 pts) • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon

1x Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 pts) • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon

1x Lord Exultant (80 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

1x Lord Exultant (80 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

1x Lord Exultant (80 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

BATTLELINE

5x Infractors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Rapture lash • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Duelling sabre • Icon of Excess

5x Infractors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Rapture lash • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Duelling sabre • Icon of Excess

5x Infractors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Rapture lash • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Duelling sabre • Icon of Excess

5x Tormentors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Rapture lash • 4x Tormentor • 2x Boltgun • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Meltagun • 1x Plasma gun • Icon of Excess

5x Tormentors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Rapture lash • 4x Tormentor • 2x Boltgun • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Meltagun • 1x Plasma gun • Icon of Excess

OTHER DATASHEETS

3x Flawless Blades (110 pts) • 3x Flawless Blade • 3x Blissblade • 3x Bolt pistol

6x Noise Marines (145 pts) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Sonic blaster • Disharmonist • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster • 5x Close combat weapon • 3x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marines

6x Noise Marines (145 pts) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Sonic blaster • Disharmonist • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster • 5x Close combat weapon • 3x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marines

6x Noise Marines (145 pts) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Sonic blaster • Disharmonist • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster • 5x Close combat weapon • 3x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marines

1x Chaos Rhino (80 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Combi-weapon

1x Chaos Rhino (80 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Combi-weapon

1x Chaos Rhino (80 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Combi-weapon

Archetype

Double Prince Coterie

Thoughts

Multi-talented 40K mastermind Aleaxandre takes 4th, swapping to Emperor's Children after taking Drukhari to 2nd place at the LGT last month. You know what this build does already - it goes very fast and hits brutally hard, and this variant squeezes in slightly more activations by cutting the Kakophonist and any Enhancements. That gives it all the Rhinos it needs to stage with maximum efficiency, letting it set up to roll through foes at lightning pace. Well done to Alexandre.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 5-0 records after the swiss. They were:
  • 5th - Kyle Grundy - T'au (Retaliation Cadre): Crisis suit spectacular packing seven units (triple Sunforge, one of each flavour of the other two) with utility support.
  • 6th - Axel Dupré - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights, Purifiers and a Stormraven.
  • =7th - Olivier Weiss - Raven Guard (Gladius Task Force): A unique jump pack heavy spin on Gladius, maxing out on VanVets and supporting them with two big bolter Inceptor units.
  • =7th - David Jossoud - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Lots of elite Skitarii MSUs and double Ruststalker bomb, backed by a few dakka hulls with Cawl.
  • 9th - Edouard Siméon - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Extra crunchy Warband with a Land Raider to stage Exalted Eightbound in.
  • 10th - Vincent Rabuel - Thousand Sons (Hexwarp Thrallband): Probably the biggest surprise of the undefeateds here, Hexwarp out of nowhere. This detachment does do one job really well, which is make a single large unit of Terminators a very flexible and hard to handle toy, and that's the centrepiece here, supported by some Rubricae squads with Sorcerors eager to take advantage of the Detachment rule on their pop-off turn.
  • 11th - Clément (Lebull) Cordeau - Orks (War Horde): Pressure from Ghaz and a big Boyz unit, board presence from Zodgrod Grots, and a surprising amount of shooting from Flash Gitz backing it up.

Kippers' Melee - 2025

75-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Nanaimo, BC, Canada on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Idavoll Heimdall - Necrons (Obeisance Phalanx) - 1st Place

Necron Lychguard/Praetorian Conversion

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
1 - Stay off my Tomb World (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Obeisance Phalanx

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (120 points) • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Overlord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb

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

Overlord (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Resurrection Orb 1x Voidscythe • Enhancement: Warrior Noble

Overlord (95 points) • 1x Resurrection Orb 1x Voidscythe • Enhancement: Honourable Combatant

OTHER DATASHEETS

Annihilation Barge (105 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Gauss cannon 1x Twin tesla destructor

Annihilation Barge (105 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Gauss cannon 1x Twin tesla destructor

Canoptek Reanimator (75 points) • 2x Atomiser beam 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Spyders (75 points) • 1x Automaton claws 1x Fabricator Claw Array (Aura) 1x Gloom Prism (Aura) 2x Particle beamer

Convergence of Dominion (60 points) • 1x Transdimensional abductor

Doomsday Ark (200 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gauss destructor

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.42.0 (100), Data Version: v696

Archetype

Doomsday Phalanx

Thoughts

A new shell for triple Doomsdays here, passing up on the normal Awakened or Starshatter setup in favour of a big wall of Lychguard. The reason why you'd go ahead and do that is that right now there's a gigantic arms race for access to Fight on Death, as there's so many nasty melee threats in the game that being able to force trades at opportune moments is high value wherever it appears. Lychguard use it well here - they're not the toughest thing out there, but tough enough that a real unit has to come hit them and pay the price, and there's great shooting behind them. The fact that the Doomsdays (or objective grabbing Barges) get access to a damage reduction Stratagem as well is an additional incentive, and is quite helpful against some of the flavours of shooting that excel into Necrons. Since getting rushed down in melee is one of the ways Doomsday lists lose, this seems like a smart way of adapting to that, and Idavoll picked up a result here to prove it, congratulations!

Jordan Galaugher - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Anger Management (1995 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

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

Khârn the Betrayer (100 points) • 1x Gorechild 1x Plasma pistol

Lord on Juggernaut (105 points) • 1x Bladed horn 1x Exalted chainblade 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne

Slaughterbound (110 points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (90 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (90 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (90 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Eightbound (135 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Forgefiend (170 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Forgefiend (170 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Jakhals (65 points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Paired manglers • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 8x Chainblades

Jakhals (65 points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Paired manglers • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 8x Chainblades

Exported with App Version: v1.42.0 (100), Data Version: v696

Archetype

All-rounder Warband

Thoughts

See here exhibit A of all the stuff that the Necron build is teching for - flat damage mid-power shooting, and big melee threats that want to pressure you and are part of the Fight on Death arms race. World Eaters are just solidly near the top of the pile of all-rounder pressure builds at the moment, and this build is a classic example, great job Jordan on unleashing it.

Jordan Salamon - Orks (War Horde) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Ghazghkull Thraka. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
GHAZ GASMS PER TURN (2000 points)

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) War Horde

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (80 points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota

Big Mek (95 points) • 1x Drilla 1x Kustom mega-blasta • Enhancement: Follow Me Ladz

Boss Snikrot (75 points) • 1x Mork's Teeth 1x Slugga

Ghazghkull Thraka (235 points) • 1x Ghazghkull Thraka • Warlord • 1x Gork's Klaw 1x Mork's Roar • 1x Makari • 1x Makari's stabba

Warboss (75 points) • 1x Attack squig 1x Kombi-weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin sluggas

Warboss in Mega Armour (95 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x 'Uge choppa • Enhancement: Supa-Cybork Body

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (90 points) • 1x Da Grabzappa 1x Squigstoppa

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 points) • 9x Beast Snagga Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga

Boyz (170 points) • 19x Boy • 19x Choppa 19x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (70 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin' ball

Trukk (70 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin' ball

Trukk (70 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin' ball

OTHER DATASHEETS

Breaka Boyz (140 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 1x Rokkit pistol 1x Smash hammer • 5x Breaka Boy • 4x Smash hammer 1x Tankhammer

Flash Gitz (160 points) • 1x Kaptin • 1x Choppa 1x Snazzgun • 9x Flash Git • 9x Choppa 9x Snazzgun

Gretchin (80 points) • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Grot blasta • 2x Runtherd • 2x Runtherd tools 2x Slugga

Gretchin (40 points) • 10x Gretchin • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Grot blasta • 1x Runtherd • 1x Runtherd tools 1x Slugga

Gretchin (40 points) • 10x Gretchin • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Grot blasta • 1x Runtherd • 1x Runtherd tools 1x Slugga

Kommandos (120 points) • 9x Kommando • 1x Breacha ram 1x Burna 6x Choppa 2x Close combat weapon 1x Rokkit launcha 6x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga

Meganobz (95 points) • 3x Meganob • 3x Twin killsaws

Nobz (105 points) • 1x Ammo Runt • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 4x Nob • 4x Power klaw 4x Slugga

Exported with App Version: v1.42.0 (100), Data Version: v696

Archetype

Ghaz Melee Pressure

Thoughts

Even more melee pressure, this time supplemented with Zodgrod's super grots for situations where you just want to throw out a big speed bump instead of committing with a real unit. I also like the value package of a Supa Cybork Warboss with some Mega Nobz - great little Ingress threat to rock up with just before you Waaagh, letting you drop another super tough threat

Nathan Hogman - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 4th Place

Be'lakor Be'lakor - Credit: RichyP

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Birds, Blobs, and Best Friends (1995 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Daemonic Incursion

CHARACTERS

Be'lakor (375 points) • Warlord • 1x Betraying Shades 1x The Blade of Shadows

Great Unclean One (295 points) • 1x Bileblade 1x Bilesword 1x Putrid vomit • Enhancement: The Endless Gift

Kairos Fateweaver (270 points) • 1x Infernal Gateway 1x Staff of Tomorrow

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Flesh Hounds (75 points) • 1x Gore Hound • 1x Burning roar 1x Collar of Khorne 1x Gore-drenched fangs • 4x Flesh Hound • 4x Collar of Khorne 4x Gore-drenched fangs

Flesh Hounds (75 points) • 1x Gore Hound • 1x Burning roar 1x Collar of Khorne 1x Gore-drenched fangs • 4x Flesh Hound • 4x Collar of Khorne 4x Gore-drenched fangs

Exported with App Version: v1.42.0 (100), Data Version: v696

Archetype

Monster Mash

Thoughts

It would appear to be big boy season here - even by the standards of Daemon builds, this is astoundingly top-heavy, but honestly if you're going to play big monsters why not? This potentially overloads the offensive capabilities of some armies relying on a few high power threats, and throws out massive damage when foes close to push past Be'lakor's protections. It took quad Dreadknight Grey Knights to put this in the ground (which honestly, checks out), and otherwise it smashed through some very violent builds, so well done Nathan.

The Best of the Rest

There were 10 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Bryan Taylor - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): A big unit each of Deathshroud and Plague Marines, plus smaller Marine units and various supporting tools.
  • 6th - Wyatt Jensen - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Hordes of Krieg supported by lots of Russes.
  • 7th - Patrick Greatbatch - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Double Dorn, double Taurox Kasrkin Hammer.
  • 8th - tim thomsen - World Eaters (Vessels of Wrath): Lots of Eightbound (unsurprisingly) supported by Forgefiends and Helbrutes.
  • 9th - Ramzi Chennafi - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): GMDKs, Purifiers and Razorbacks.
  • 10th - Dylan Hollingsworth - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Mortarion/Prince Vectorium goodstuff.
  • 11th - Ethan Woods - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Extra crunchy Awakened, going for a big Warrior unit and double Lychguard to screen Doomsdays.
  • 12th - Rupert the Wizard - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Four Phoenix with Maugan, the expected Dragon Bus, and extra Spiders.
  • 13th - Alexey Sidorenko - Aeldari (Warhost): Asurmen/Fuegan/Lhykhis Warhost with a Windrider squad as an extra threat.
  • 14th - Cody Jensen - Genestealer Cult (Final Day): Aberrants, Ridgerunners and Rockgrinders buffed up by Lictors and Gargoyles.

NYO4 40k Grand Tournament

62-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in New York, NY, United States on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Evan Tomchin - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Kharn the Betrayer. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Skulls or something (1995 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

Khârn the Betrayer (100 Points) • 1x Gorechild • 1x Plasma pistol

Slaughterbound (100 Points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne

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

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (90 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (90 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Eightbound (135 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Eightbound (135 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Forgefiend (170 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

Forgefiend (170 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

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

Jakhals (65 Points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured ◦ 1x Paired manglers • 8x Jakhal ◦ 8x Autopistol ◦ 8x Chainblades

Exported with App Version: v1.41.0 (3), Data Version: v685

Archetype

Eightbound-heavy Warband

Thoughts

A slight spin on the standard Warband template here, dropping the second Berzerker unit for extra Eightbound. That lets you go wider and hit a bit harder into Vehicles, at a cost of not having the board presence/Blood Surge pressure from the second Berzerker squad (and the one without Kharn is never quite as exciting). Both are defensible choices, and this version is particularly good if you're worried about gatling Infernals, one of World Eaters main predators. Didn't come up here, but who cares what you're smashing when you're taking a styling victory - well done Evan!

Rhys McDonald - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Doja Caterie (2000 points)

Emperor's Children Strike Force (2000 points) Coterie of the Conceited

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (230 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Pledge of Unholy Fortune

Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (225 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Pledge to Eternal Servitude

Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (215 points) • Warlord • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Pledge of Mortal Pain

Lord Exultant (80 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Phoenix power spear 1x Rapture lash

Lord Exultant (80 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Phoenix power spear 1x Rapture lash

Lord Exultant (80 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Phoenix power spear 1x Rapture lash

Lord Kakophonist (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Screamer pistol

BATTLELINE

Infractors (85 points) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power sword • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Duelling sabre 1x Icon of Excess

Infractors (85 points) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power sword • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Duelling sabre 1x Icon of Excess

Infractors (85 points) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power sword • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Duelling sabre 1x Icon of Excess

Tormentors (85 points) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power sword • 4x Tormentor • 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Excess 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

Tormentors (85 points) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power sword • 4x Tormentor • 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Excess 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (80 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (80 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster 5x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster 5x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster 5x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Exported with App Version: v1.42.0 (100), Data Version: v696

Archetype

Triple Prince Coterie

Thoughts

Triple Prince returns, again slotting into the narrative around melee pressure, Fight on Death and Fights First. Opponents don't get to do either of those latter things if you just headbutt them to death with Mortal Wounds, and between the Charge Mortals, Grenades elsewhere, and Pledge of Mortal Pain, this build really adds up what it can do without foes getting a reply. I can also attest from personal experience that nothing sucks more than wanting to charge something with Jain Zar and there being a Prince hovering near all viable targets, because those charge Mortals sure do trigger on a Heroic Intervention.

You do have to pare back everything else to make that work, leaving the list a little vulnerable to heavier builds, as it doesn't have extra damage lift from Maulers, but Rhys did run into a Daemon Monster mash list and squeak a win by a single point, so even those games aren't unwinnable. Congratulations to him on undefeated second place here!

David Gross - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 3rd Place

Rogal Dorn Tank Commander. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Army rule: Officers give orders to units. Orders are 1 move better, 2 shoot better, 3 chop better, 4 save better, 5 shoot rapid fire more, and 6 hold objectives better

Detachment rule: big stuff (squadron) has lethal hits against big stuff; little stuff (regiment) has lethal hits against little stuff

Strats: 1. Bring back a regiment infantry unit 2. One big thing and one little thing get extra AP against a unit 3. Do order on your turn 4. Big thing and little thing share orders 5. Officers can order things they normally shouldn't (big vs. small) 6. A Strat that is strictly worse than go to ground in almost every situation.

NYO: The Sequel (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Combined Arms Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 Points) • Warlord • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Sly Marbo (55 Points) • 1x Envenomed blade • 1x Ripper pistol

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Chainsword • 9x Shock Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bullgryn Squad (200 Points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead ◦ 1x Brute Shield ◦ 1x Bullgryn maul ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn ◦ 5x Brute Shield ◦ 5x Bullgryn maul ◦ 5x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (100 Points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead ◦ 1x Brute Shield ◦ 1x Bullgryn maul ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Bullgryn ◦ 2x Brute Shield ◦ 2x Bullgryn maul ◦ 2x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (100 Points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead ◦ 1x Brute Shield ◦ 1x Bullgryn maul ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Bullgryn ◦ 2x Brute Shield ◦ 2x Bullgryn maul ◦ 2x Close combat weapon

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

Leman Russ Exterminator (180 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Exterminator autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 2x Multi-melta

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Scout Sentinels (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Scout Sentinels (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Exported with App Version: v1.42.0 (3), Data Version: v696

Archetype

Triple Dorn Goodstuff

Thoughts

Amidst all the melee pressure, Guard can still truck along reasonably well with a wall of Bullgryn protecting Dorns and Kasrkin. Both those damage dealers are pretty threatening into a wide range of targets, and you can do some great early pressure plays with the Kasrkin too, so the build ends up surprisingly adaptable even though it spends a whole bunch of points on big tanks. Very classic Guard stuff here, good work from David.

James Kacinski - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught) - 4th Place

Broodlord. Credit: Rockfish Broodlord. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Hivefleet Erebus (2000 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Vanguard Onslaught

CHARACTERS

Broodlord (80 points) • 1x Broodlord claws and talons

Broodlord (90 points) • 1x Broodlord claws and talons • Enhancement: Stalker

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

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

Winged Hive Tyrant (185 points) • 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip 1x Tyrant talons • Enhancement: Chameleonic

BATTLELINE

Termagants (60 points) • 10x Termagant • 10x Chitinous claws and teeth 10x Fleshborer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Genestealers (140 points) • 10x Genestealer • 10x Genestealers claws and talons

Genestealers (140 points) • 10x Genestealer • 10x Genestealers claws and talons

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

Mawloc (135 points) • 1x Distensible jaw 1x Mawloc scything talons

Mawloc (135 points) • 1x Distensible jaw 1x Mawloc scything talons

Neurolictor (70 points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

Neurolictor (70 points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

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

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

Von Ryan's Leapers (70 points) • 3x Von Ryan's Leaper • 3x Leaper's talons

Von Ryan's Leapers (70 points) • 3x Von Ryan's Leaper • 3x Leaper's talons

Zoanthropes (200 points) • 1x Neurothrope • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth 1x Warp Blast • 5x Zoanthrope • 5x Chitinous claws and teeth 5x Warp Blast

Exported with App Version: v1.41.0 (98), Data Version: v687

Archetype

Vanguard Toolbox

Thoughts

Often we see Vanguard builds that just want to go all-in aggro, but at the moment there are armies that are just better at that. This build is much more of a toolbox, and honestly mostly just designed to cause opponents massive headaches. Do you worry about Turn 1 reserve Zoanthropes blasting stuff? What about Mawlocs? Or a Rapid Ingress Mawloc instead? Or Neurolictors? Also there are still some Genestealers to mow something down, and they're pretty good into all that power armour out there at the moment. I think it's another list that could stumble against really heavy stuff (and Daemon Monster Mash took it out for its loss here), but even there it can try going on a jail plan and outscoring them, and the margin of error for any for here is very slim. This looks like a nightmare to play agianst (complimentary) and it's good to see a Detachment used in a more unique way, well done James.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Johnny Zoo - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Raiders with a Warp Talon unit, lots of Predators and some Chosen with Bile, plus a Discolord and some Noise Marines as troubleshooters.
  • 6th - Richard Deary IV - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Vectorium goodstuff with a big Plague Marine unit.
  • 7th - Dominic Galeano - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): Needgaard with big stacks of Beserks, Hearthguard and Thunderkyn.
  • 8th - Aurelien Zuber - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple gatling Despoilers with lots of Nurgle Daemon utility support.
  • 9th - Matthew Johnson - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Big Indomitor stacks, Terminator MSUs, and one big Judiciar/Veteran squad.

I GT Leganés

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Leganés, MD, España on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Terroxer El Rojo - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Fractal Echoes (2000 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Grand Coven

CHARACTERS

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

Exalted Sorcerer (100 points) • 1x Astral Blast 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Prosperine khopesh • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

Infernal Master (130 points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol • Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E'Taph

Magnus the Red (435 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus 1x Gaze of Magnus 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

Sorcerer (85 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Pandaemonic Delusion 1x Prosperine khopesh

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (105 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 (105 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 (105 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 3x Inferno boltgun 1x Soulreaper cannon

Rubric Marines (105 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 3x Inferno boltgun 1x Soulreaper cannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Forgefiend (140 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Mutalith Vortex Beast (175 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Sekhetar Robots (80 points) • 2x Sekhetar Robot • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Heavy warpflamer 2x Hellfyre missile rack 2x Power claw 2x Warpflame projector

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (110 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

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

Archetype

Grand Coven Goodstuff

Thoughts

The thing about Thousand Sons is that they have some serious faction experts who main them, so even after being punted to the bottom of the metagame by an overnerf, a few masterminds are still making them work. Terroxer's build here is mostly just a lot less of all the stuff they had pre-nerf, but does tinker a little. Exalted Sorcerors rather than regular trade out raw damage for a bit of staying power, vital when you have less stuff, and Forgefiends help give melee Marines a little bit of a pause before going over-aggressive. It's still knife-edge stuff, which you can see by the extremely low-scoring win scored in round 4 against Aeldari (always indicative of a super cagey game), but Terroxer still got there, and it seems like there's literally no level of bad you can make Thousand Sons where someone won't win a GT with them!

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Manue WargamesAdictos - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Avatar/four Phoenix Aspect Host.
  • 3rd - Juanma Galán - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Triple Phoenix and triple Shining Spears.
  • 4th - Alejandro Mancuso Serrano - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): All-rounder Liberator with lots of Sanguinary Guard plus a Land Raider for Assault Intercessors to ride around in.
  • 5th - Chejuan . - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monster mash with a full Ravener bomb.
  • 6th - Guillermo López - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager): New Codex alert an Archraider Succubus as a powerful pressure piece, seen alongside Malys, an Archon and Lelith and a crop of Hellions, setting up some brutal melee plays.
  • 7th - Pedro Cbrr - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Four Phoenix Asurmen Aspect Host that manages without a second transport, spending the points on Shining Spears instead.
  • 8th - Arcuos - Pedro Delgado - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): A deep roster of Kill Teams with three Fortis units with a toolbox of Leaders, plus one each of Indomitor and Talonstrike.
  • 9th - OuX ™ - Imperial Knights (Spearhead-at-Arms): A Mentor's Pride Defender ready to buff up a bunch of Armigers, plus an Immolator to tee up the Helverins.

Full Range Extinction – ATB 40K GT '25

36-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Quezon City, NCR, Philippines on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

We always love seeing a new scene represented in Competitive Innovations, and it looks like the hosts of this, Atelier Tabletop Brewspace, put a tonne of effort in, there are lots of cool photos on their Facebook Page.

The Showdown

Terraform - Crucible of Battle

Ahmad Sani - Leagues of Votann (Dêlve Assault Shift)
Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Leagues of Votann + DETACHMENT: Dêlve Assault Shift (Fury from the Dêlve) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1975pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Ûthar the Destined + ENHANCEMENT: Dêlvwerke Navigator (on Char2: Brôkhyr Iron-master - Brôkhyr Iron-master) & Multiwave System Jammer (on Char3: Memnyr Strategist) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

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

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 (55 pts) • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • Multiwave System Jammer (+10 pts)

BATTLELINE

10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts) • 10x Beserk • 9x Concussion maul • 2x Mole grenade launcher • 1x Twin concussion gauntlets • 7x Beserk, 2x Subterranean Explosives

10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts) • 10x Beserk • 9x Heavy plasma axe • 1x Twin concussion gauntlets • 9x Beserk

10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts) • 10x Beserk • 9x Concussion maul • 2x Mole grenade launcher • 1x Twin concussion gauntlets • 7x Beserk, 2x Subterranean Explosives

OTHER DATASHEETS

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 • 9x Bolt shotgun

6x Ironkin Steeljacks with Heavy Volkanite Disintegrators (180 pts) • 1x Steeljack Theyn • 1x Heavy volkanite disintegrator • 1x Plasma knife • Preymark crest • 5x Ironkin Steeljack • 5x Heavy volkanite disintegrator • 5x Plasma knife

3x Hernkyn Pioneers (80 pts) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver • 3x Bolt shotgun • 3x Magna-coil autocannon • 3x Plasma knife • 1x HYLas rotary cannon • Pan-spectral scanner, Rollbar searchlight

1x Hekaton Land Fortress (240 pts) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x MATR autocannon • 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon • 2x Twin bolt cannon • Pan spectral scanner

1x Hekaton Land Fortress (240 pts) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x MATR autocannon • 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon • 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



vs.

Agus Duran - Aeldari (Aspect Host)
Army List - Click to Expand
Meme it til you make it (2000 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Aspect Host

CHARACTERS

Avatar of Khaine (280 points) • Warlord • 1x The Wailing Doom

Fuegan (120 points) • 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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Missile 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 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

Striking Scorpions (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Scorpion chainsword 1x Scorpion's claw 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Scorpion chainsword 1x Scorpion's claw 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

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

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: v1.42.0 (100), Data Version: v696

Thoughts

The classic struggle here - elves, and dwarves that really want to hit them with hammers. Which, even as an elf lover, I have to admit is probably justified. On the Aspect side, you've got a classic suite of Warriors, but a lighter transport setup in order to squeeze in the Avatar. On the Votann side, we see an example of the fact you can basically spend your first 800pts on Land Fort x2, Steeljacks, Yaegirs, Kapricus, then fill out from there depending on what you want to lean into. That core gives you a really solid anvil to workaround, and here for the offence we've got 30 furious Beserks and some artillery.

Votann usually feel pretty decent as Aeldari, but this looks unusually tough. It's certainly true that the Beserks will die in droves when they're exposed, but the flip side is that they don't really have to be until it's go time - I'm assuming one unit here goes in the second Fort and two plan to Ingress, and that's not nice to deal with (and a full swing can potentially drop the Avatar). The artillery are also pretty solid for dealing damage into Aeldari, and while Dragons into a Land Fortress isn't pretty for the tank, getting close enough to do that is definitely entering Beserk range.

If you're the Aeldari here, I think you bascially have to go onto a move block/jail plan and hope you go first - they do have the tools to play that game very effectively between double Scorpions and lots of Spiders/Hawks, so maybe that's an angle. I'd be very worried about the Earthshakers stripping out your second wave for that though, and it feels like there are a lot of potential ways it goes wrong. I guess maybe the other angle is that if you take out the on-board Beserks with the Dragons and some incidental shooting, there suddenly isn't much that can force the issue against the Avatar if the other two units are coming from Reserves, so that could give you a late game powerhouse. The beserks will just die to a stiff breeze once they're out, and if chip damage is a worry, Lhykhis could also go try and take out at least one of the Artillery pieces, and hope she gets enough value from Overwatch to make up the rest of that sacrifice.

The reason I'm casting around here is that I still think this looks tough for the Aeldari, but they won handily, so chalk another one up for handsome, sophisticated elves over dumb dwarves with hammers.

Result

Aeldari (Aspect Host) Victory - 92 - 58

Agus Duran - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Meme it til you make it (2000 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Aspect Host

CHARACTERS

Avatar of Khaine (280 points) • Warlord • 1x The Wailing Doom

Fuegan (120 points) • 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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Missile 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 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

Striking Scorpions (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Scorpion chainsword 1x Scorpion's claw 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Scorpion chainsword 1x Scorpion's claw 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

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

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: v1.42.0 (100), Data Version: v696

Archetype

Avatar Aspect Host

Thoughts

Khaine gets a little bit of an outing here, backing up the fairly standard Aspect Host core. There's a few tweaks from the standard like packing double Scorpions, which can be useful when you have the Avatar because you need a bit of extra disruption to stop foes getting the jump on him - poor guy is surprisingly delicate when confronted with the wrong threats. Well done to Agus on the win, especially as there were some very nasty matchups on the way beyond just the Showdown!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Ahmad Sani - Leagues of Votann (Dêlve Assault Shift): Max Beserks, a couple Earthshaker units, and a unit of Steeljacks to tank while the melee threats get work done.
  • 3rd - Mark Yam - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Vectorium Goodstuff with a big Plague Marine unit.
  • 4th - Francis Fernandez - Adepta Sororitas (Army of Faith): Shooty Army of Faith, adding Exorcists to the other hulls, and supporting with various toolbox pieces.
  • 5th - RD SJ - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers): Vulkan/Adrax with a big firestorm Aggressor unit for the flamer boost, lots of melta tanks, and a couple of Land Raiders to launch attacks from.

ELBCOAST CUP 19 GT

33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Hamburg, HH, DE on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Sebastian Maack - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon) - 1st Place

Credit: Dan Boyd

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Sebastian "Lys" Maack

Space Marines - Raven Guard Shadowmark Talon

CHARACTERS Aethon Shaan (85 points) • Warlord • 1x Claws of Severax 1x Heavy bolt pistol

Ancient in Terminator Armour (100 points) • 1x Terminator Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancement: Blackwing Shroud

Captain with Jump Pack (100 points) • 1x Relic Shield 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancement: Hunter's Instincts

Kayvaan Shrike (100 points) • 1x Blackout 1x The Raven's Talons

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (100 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancement: Coronal Susurrant

OTHER DATASHEETS Centurion Devastator Squad (330 points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant • 1x Centurion fists 1x Centurion missile launcher 1x Twin lascannon • 5x Devastator Centurion • 5x Centurion fists 5x Centurion missile launcher 5x Twin lascannon

Centurion Devastator Squad (165 points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant • 1x Centurion fists 1x Centurion missile launcher 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion • 2x Centurion fists 2x Centurion missile launcher 2x Twin lascannon

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

Infiltrator Squad (100 points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Helix Gauntlet 1x Infiltrator Comms Array 4x Marksman bolt carbine

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

Terminator Assault Squad (180 points) • 1x Assault Terminator Sergeant • 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • 4x Assault Terminator • 4x Storm Shield 4x Thunder hammer

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

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

Archetype

Infantry Shadowmark

Thoughts

All the usual Shadowmark toys on show here, with one unique bit of tech added in the form of a Terminator Assault Squad led by a Terminator Ancient who is somehow very sneaky despite the massive flag. The melee lethality arms race demands that your Infiltrators are either very expendable or abnormally durable, and starting something on a point that won't die to anything short of a full send is yet another way for this build to control the early game. So that's nice for them. You know the drill otherwise - Centurions bounce around murdering stuff, VanVets zoom or Ingress to do the same, foe gets sliced and diced. Well done Sebastian on the win.

Jan-Hagen Rath - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
PauTau (2000 Points)

T'au Empire Mont'ka Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (120 Points) • Warlord • 1x Battlesuit fists • 1x Marker Drone • 4x Missile pod • 1x Shield Drone • Enhancements: Coordinated Exploitation

Darkstrider (60 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Shade

Kroot War Shaper (75 Points) • 1x Bladestave and prey-hook • 1x Kroot pistol • 1x Shaper's blade • Enhancements: Strike Swiftly

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Devilfish (85 Points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Twin pulse carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (270 Points) • 1x Broadside Shas'vre ◦ 1x Crushing bulk ◦ 1x High-yield missile pods ◦ 2x Missile Drone ◦ 1x Twin smart missile system ◦ 1x Weapon Support System • 2x Broadside Shas'ui ◦ 2x Crushing bulk ◦ 2x High-yield missile pods ◦ 4x Missile Drone ◦ 2x Twin smart missile system ◦ 2x Weapon Support System

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (120 Points) • 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 2x Missile pod ◦ 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui ◦ 2x Battlesuit fists ◦ 2x Gun Drone ◦ 4x Missile pod ◦ 2x Shield Drone

Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) • 1x Long-quill ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Kroot pistol ◦ 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Kroot rifle

Kroot Hounds (40 Points) • 5x Kroot Hound ◦ 5x Ripping fangs

Pathfinder Team (90 Points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pulse carbine ◦ 1x Pulse pistol ◦ 1x Recon Drone ◦ 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher ◦ 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Ion rifle ◦ 6x Pulse carbine ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

Pathfinder Team (90 Points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pulse carbine ◦ 1x Pulse pistol ◦ 1x Recon Drone ◦ 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher ◦ 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Ion rifle ◦ 6x Pulse carbine ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

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

Razorshark Strike Fighter (170 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Missile pod • 1x Quad ion turret • 2x Seeker missile

Riptide Battlesuit (190 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin plasma rifle

Riptide Battlesuit (190 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin plasma rifle

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

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

Vespid Stingwings (65 Points) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader ◦ 1x Neutron blaster ◦ 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwing ◦ 4x Neutron blaster ◦ 4x Stingwing claws

Exported with App Version: v1.42.1 (1), Data Version: v697

Archetype

Broadside Mont'ka

Thoughts

In second place we have a T'au build set up for the world's most lumbering speedy alpha strike, using the combination of Strike Swiftly and Aggressive Mobility to let the Broadsides get some alarming lines right out of the gate, or stage somewhere to threaten targets on turn 2. If the foe want to cower from this, there's also some aggressive tools to go hunt them down like the Breacherfish and the unusual appearance of a Razorshark. I'd be fascinated to know how that worked out - I'll admit that the sheer prevalence of vicious melee power armour at the moment occasionally has me looking at Aeldari planes and saying "what if?" and I know in my heart that this is a terrible idea that will blow up in my face, but it's very dangerous to show me something like this. Seriously. Anyway, congratulations Jan-Hagen whether you won because of the Razorshark or despite it.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Pau Poensgen 🦭 - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager): Malys, Drazhar and Lelith with some Wyches and Incubi, a full Hellion bomb, Scourge shooting support, and a decently sized Harlequin contingent.
  • 4th - Jannek Lindemann - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Hull-heavy Mont'ka with loads of Pathfinders for early positioning and buffs.
  • 5th - Sebastian Köhler - Dark Angels (Company of Hunters): The Lion and lots of Black Knight/Command Squad units with a few Gladiator Lancers providing some ranged violence.

North Coast Games' First Ever Invitational 40K GT

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Mentor, OH, United States on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Joshua Minnich - Chaos Space Marines (Chaos Cult) - 1st Place

That Gobbo

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
DevDoc Shadow Cult (2000 points)

Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Chaos Cult

CHARACTERS

Cypher (90 points) • Warlord • 1x Cypher's bolt pistol 1x Cypher's plasma pistol

Dark Commune (105 points) • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • Enhancement: Incendiary Goad • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

Dark Commune (90 points) • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

Dark Commune (90 points) • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

Vashtorr the Arkifane (175 points) • 1x Vashtorr's claw 1x Vashtorr's hammer

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 points) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

Cultist Mob (50 points) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

Cultist Mob (50 points) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

Traitor Guardsmen Squad (70 points) • 1x Traitor Sergeant • 1x Corrupted pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Traitor Guardsmen • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Cultist grenade launcher 6x Lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (195 points) • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists (195 points) • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists (195 points) • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Chaos Predator Annihilator (135 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator twin lascannon

Chaos Predator Annihilator (135 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator twin lascannon

ALLIED UNITS

Knight Despoiler (375 points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x Despoiler gatling cannon 2x Heavy darkflamer 1x Ruinspear rocket pod 1x Titanic feet

Exported with App Version: v1.42.1 (101), Data Version: v697

Archetype

Chaos Cult with a Knight

Thoughts

Nothing too complicated to close us out for the day - three Accursed Communes to run at the foe at warp speed, a healthy mix of anti-tank and anti-power armour shooting behind them, and Vashtorr to fly around whacking stuff. I've been slightly surprised Vashtorr hasn't seen a bit more uptake since hitting his current power level, and this is a good place for him - makes the opponent think twice about where they put their counter-punches if they're vehicle-based, and doesn't need Detachment Rule or Stratagem support to do his job of punching out tanks. A fun mix of units with some real heft behind them, good work Joshua.

The Best of the Rest

Both tables 2 and 3 drew in the final round, so I will begrudgingly include the 3.5-0.5s here rather than leaving the section blank. They were:
  • 2nd - Zachary Morales - Ultramarines (Ironstorm Spearhead): Bobby G with lots of Dreadnoughts and Vindicators.
  • 3rd - Lane DeLong - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Extra hefty Deathwatch, swapping out an Indomitor team for a full Devastator Centurion squad compared to the standard build.
  • 4th - Mike Hall - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): All-rounder Berzerker Warband with a Daemon Prince.
  • 5th - Yusuf Saleh - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): All-rounder Inheritors with jump MSUs, Vindicators and Baals.

Wrap Up

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Tags: Space Marines | world eaters | Necrons | Death Guard | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | Thousand Sons | Emperor's Children | Raven Guard | competitive play | chaos daemons | Orks | Astra Militarum | tau | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Leagues of Votann

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