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 been a busy weekend for Goonhammer contributors out there on the tournament tables, so alongside your normal ration of event writeups from Lowest of Men, today we've also got a guest showdown from Curie, including notes from his opponent as well. Did AdMech or T'au triumph in a robot showdown? You'll find out in a bit.

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 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 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!

Malmö Wargaming Weekend 9 - 40K GT

120-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Skåne län, Sverige on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Björn Eriksson - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 1st Place

War Dog - Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

De tre vännerna och Eriksson (2000 points)

Temalåt:

Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Infernal Lance

CHARACTERS

Knight Despoiler (410 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x Despoiler gatling cannon 2x Heavy darkflamer 1x Ruinspear rocket pod 1x Titanic feet • Enhancement: Fleshmetal Fusion

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

War Dog Karnivore (150 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (150 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (150 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Triple Despoiler? I Barely Know Her!

Thoughts

CK expert Bjorn throws down a big event win with the triple Despoiler build. Stripping CK down to the phenomenal double gatling platform, before carpeting Nurgle Daemons out in front for bait and mission play seems to be the way forwards for the spiky knights these days, and this build has the raw power to muscle through a lot of the meta. Bjorn beat Innes on Fire Dragon brick Aspect in the last round here - that even such a brutal anti-vehicle build around can't get through this is a testament both to the power of CK, and to Bjorn's playing ability. Fantastic work.

Johannes Einemo - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Adeptus Mechanicus - Ironstrider Ballistarii
Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

MWW 2025 - haloscreed (1995 Points)

Adeptus Mechanicus Haloscreed Battle Clade Strike Force (2 000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Belisarius Cawl (175 Points) • Warlord • 1x Arc scourge • 1x Cawl's Omnissian axe • 1x Mechadendrite hive • 1x Solar atomiser

BATTLELINE

Skitarii Rangers (85 Points) • 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha ◦ 1x Alpha combat weapon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Galvanic rifle • 9x Skitarii Ranger ◦ 1x Arc rifle ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Galvanic rifle ◦ 1x Omnispex ◦ 1x Plasma caliver ◦ 1x Transuranic arquebus

Skitarii Rangers (85 Points) • 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha ◦ 1x Alpha combat weapon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Galvanic rifle • 9x Skitarii Ranger ◦ 1x Arc rifle ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Galvanic rifle ◦ 1x Omnispex ◦ 1x Plasma caliver ◦ 1x Transuranic arquebus

Skitarii Vanguard (95 Points) • 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Radium carbine • 9x Skitarii Vanguard ◦ 1x Arc rifle ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Omnispex ◦ 1x Plasma caliver ◦ 6x Radium carbine ◦ 1x Transuranic arquebus

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ironstrider Ballistarii (225 Points) • 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii ◦ 3x Ironstrider feet ◦ 3x Twin cognis lascannon

Onager Dunecrawler (155 Points) • 1x Broad spectrum data-tether • 1x Cognis heavy stubber • 1x Dunecrawler legs • 1x Eradication beamer

Sicarian Infiltrators (140 Points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 9x Sicarian Infiltrator ◦ 9x Flechette blaster ◦ 9x Taser goad

Sicarian Infiltrators (140 Points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps ◦ 1x Flechette blaster ◦ 1x Taser goad • 9x Sicarian Infiltrator ◦ 9x Flechette blaster ◦ 9x Taser goad

Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 Points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps ◦ 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker ◦ 9x Transonic razor and chordclaw

Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 Points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps ◦ 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker ◦ 9x Transonic blades

Skorpius Disintegrator (165 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 3x Cognis heavy stubber • 1x Disruptor missile launcher • 1x Ferrumite cannon

Skorpius Disintegrator (165 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 3x Cognis heavy stubber • 1x Disruptor missile launcher • 1x Ferrumite cannon

Skorpius Disintegrator (165 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 3x Cognis heavy stubber • 1x Disruptor missile launcher • 1x Ferrumite cannon

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

Archetype

Halo Rush Ad Mech

Thoughts

Massed bricks of Infiltrators and Ruststalkers pile on the pressure here, as Haloscreed goes to work. Ad Mech are in a very strong place, with a solid mission toolkit buffed in the slate to access the reroll hits of Oaths via Cawl. I think the Callidus is a shrewd take here- there are plenty of melee armies looking to rush Ad Mech that are thrown off a little by a vect aura. The Disintegrators and Dunecrawler form the 'real' firebase- don't buy those Chickens, the Ad Mech player shoves those out to force you to commit your anti-tank before cleaning you out with the rest! Great work on the top placing.

Aat Niehot - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Corpuscarii Electro-Priests. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

See bottom for cheat sheet

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Mechanicus + DETACHMENT: Haloscreed Battleclade (Noospheric Transference) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Belisarius Cawl + ENHANCEMENT: Inloaded Lethality (on Char2: Tech-Priest Manipulus) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) + (1x6) - Assassination: 2 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Belisarius Cawl (175 pts): Warlord, Arc scourge, Cawl's Omnissian axe, Mechadendrite hive, Solar atomiser Char2: 1x Tech-Priest Manipulus (75 pts): Omnissian staff, Transonic cannon Enhancement: Inloaded Lethality (+15 pts)

10x Skitarii Rangers (85 pts) • 9x Skitarii Ranger 1 with Arc rifle, Close combat weapon 5 with Close combat weapon, Galvanic rifle 1 with Omnispex, Close combat weapon, Galvanic rifle 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma caliver 1 with Close combat weapon, Transuranic arquebus • 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha: Alpha combat weapon, Close combat weapon, Galvanic rifle 10x Skitarii Rangers (85 pts) • 9x Skitarii Ranger 1 with Arc rifle, Close combat weapon 5 with Close combat weapon, Galvanic rifle 1 with Omnispex, Close combat weapon, Galvanic rifle 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma caliver 1 with Close combat weapon, Transuranic arquebus • 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha: Alpha combat weapon, Close combat weapon, Galvanic rifle 10x Skitarii Vanguard (95 pts) • 9x Skitarii Vanguard 1 with Arc rifle, Close combat weapon 1 with Omnispex, Close combat weapon, Radium carbine 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma caliver 5 with Close combat weapon, Radium carbine 1 with Close combat weapon, Transuranic arquebus • 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha: Alpha combat weapon, Close combat weapon, Radium carbine

10x Corpuscarii Electro-Priests (130 pts): 10 with Electrostatic gauntlets 5x Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 pts) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha: Flechette blaster, Taser goad • 4x Pteraxii Skystalkers: 4 with Close combat weapon, Flechette carbine

9x Servitor Battleclade (60 pts) • 2x Gun Servitor 1 with Heavy arc rifle, Servo-claw 1 with Heavy bolter, Servo-claw • 6x Combat Servitor 2 with Phosphor blaster, Servo-claw 1 with Meltagun, Servo-claw 3 with Incendine igniter, Servo-claw • 1x Servitor Underseer: Dataspikes, Mechanicus pistol

5x Sicarian Infiltrators (70 pts) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps (Taser goad & flechette blaster): Flechette blaster, Taser goad • 4x Sicarian Infiltrator (Taser goad & flechette blaster): 4 with Flechette blaster, Taser goad

5x Sicarian Infiltrators (70 pts) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps (Taser goad & flechette blaster): Flechette blaster, Taser goad • 4x Sicarian Infiltrator (Taser goad & flechette blaster): 4 with Flechette blaster, Taser goad

10x Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 pts) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps (Transonic blades & chordclaw): Transonic blades & chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker (Transonic blades): 9 with Transonic blades

10x Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 pts) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps (Transonic blades & chordclaw): Transonic blades & chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker (Transonic razor & chordclaw): 9 with Transonic razor & chordclaw

5x Sicarian Ruststalkers (75 pts) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps (Transonic blades & chordclaw): Transonic blades & chordclaw • 4x Sicarian Ruststalker (Transonic razor & chordclaw): 4 with Transonic razor & chordclaw

3x Serberys Raiders (60 pts) • 2x Serberys Raider 1 with Cavalry sabre & clawed limbs, Galvanic carbine 1 with Enhanced data-tether, Cavalry sabre & clawed limbs, Galvanic carbine • 1x Serberys Raider Alpha: Cavalry sabre & clawed limbs, Galvanic carbine, Mechanicus pistol

3x Ironstrider Ballistarii (225 pts): 3 with Ironstrider feet, Twin cognis lascannon

1x Skorpius Disintegrator (165 pts): Armoured hull, 3x Cognis heavy stubber, Disruptor missile launcher, Ferrumite cannon

1x Skorpius Disintegrator (165 pts): Armoured hull, 3x Cognis heavy stubber, Disruptor missile launcher, Ferrumite cannon

1x Skorpius Dunerider (85 pts): Armoured hull, Cognis heavy stubber array

CHEAT SHEET: Army Rule is: * Pick Assault and +1WS, conditional extra AP when near Battleline * Pick Heavy and +1 BS, conditional -1 to hit in melee when near Battleline

Cawl grants oath on a target Strat for Assault Ramp Strat for crit 5's Strat for reactive move on Infantry Strat for reroll hits of 1 and wounds of 1 Strat for Fall Back shoot and charge Strat for Extra Detachment Thing

Detachment is pick 2 units to receive a buff Buffs are: +2" Move Advance and Charge +1 T Stealth

Duneriders can give Fire Support for shooting Ironstriders can always advance and shoot, and fall back and shoot Ironstriders have both sustained and twin linked Infiltrators force a battle-shock test at -1/-2 at the start of the Fight Phase

Ruststalkers are 45 attacks with dev wounds OR 27 attacks d2/ap2 Ruststalkers get +2 to Advance when near battleline Ruststalkers get +2 to Charge when near battleline If not near battleline, +1 That means they can minimum touch something 14" away Maximum 30ish

Corpuscarii do 30 shots with Sustained 2 and lethals Also in melee

Servitors have adv and action, and shoot and action. When they have assault they can adv shoot and action

Archetype

Halo Pressure

Thoughts

Look! More Ad Mech pressure. Haloscreed seems to be the weapon of choice for this event, with its added speed and spike damage via access to Crit 5s. I enjoy the cheat sheet underneath the list here, and I appreciate it as a reminder of the some of the buffs on offer. Did you know *checks sheet*, that, for example, the Corpuscarii can do 30 shots with Sustained 2 AND Lethals?! That's pretty fun when you add crits 5s on top! Fantastic work on the top placing.

Innes Wilson - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 4th Place

Phoenix Lord Baharroth. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Jag kan inte prata svenska, så jag ska avskeda och försvinna från mina problem (2000 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Aspect Host

CHARACTERS

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

Baharroth (115 points) • 1x Fury of the Tempest 1x Shining Blade

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (65 points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mistshield 1x Neuro disruptor 1x Power sword • 4x Corsair Voidreaver • 1x Blaster 4x Close combat weapon 3x Power sword 4x Shuriken pistol

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 Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

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

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

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

Archetype

Aspect Host Antics

Thoughts

Innes rocks out on some elves, as a treat! I like the addition of Baharroth into the more typical Asurman / Fuegan et all, as he gives you a different angle of attack and the ability to relocate to pressure weak points or steal a lightly defended home objective as the game develops. Otherwise this is classic Aspect - block with Rangers Hawks and Spiders whilst blasting with Fuegan and Asurman until your problems go away. Fantastic work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 10 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Jökull Jóhannsson - Aeldari (Aspect Host): A big ten brick of Banshees and triple Dark Reapers amidst the usual Aspect Goodstuff.
6th - Marcus Jensen - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): 40 Berzerkers and Angron charge to battle.
7th - Dag Samuelsson - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Triple Castigator / double Immolator Martyrs with Vahl and 2 squads of Retributors.
8th - Peter Herbild - Orks (War Horde): Two big boy bricks in Battlewagons with Ghaz and Flash Gitz for heft.
9th - Alexander Bertilsson - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Massed Death Company and Sang Guard in bricks, with a Stern Guard / Rage Captain.
10th - Jort Kassies - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Triple Razorback and Triple Dreadknight GK.
11th - Alexander Singleton - Adeptus Astartes (Shadowmark Talon): Raven Guard goodstuff with Inceptors, Dev Cents and Vanguard Veterans.
12th - Eirik Rokne Stensland - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple Despoiler CK with Nurgle Daemons and Karnivores.
13th - Joakim Engström - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Norn / Maleceptor / Exocrine Invasion Fleet.
14th - Felix Mathiasson - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple Despoiler CK.
15th - Anton Tallefors - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Headtakers, Wulfen and Thundercav in Beastslayer.
16th - Johan Thorell - Leagues of Votann (Needgard Oathband): Chunky Fort / Hearthguard / Ironkin Oathband.

Rook's 40k Open 2025

72-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Bozeman, MT, United States on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

James Walsh - Dark Angels (Company of Hunters) - 1st Place

On nuclear-powered motorbikes, the enemies of Unst will burn

Ravenwing Outriders. Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

DA - Ravenwing (2000 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

Ravenwing Black Knights (90 Points) • 1x Ravenwing Huntmaster ◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma talon • 2x Ravenwing Black Knight ◦ 2x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Plasma talon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Company of Hunters Rush

Thoughts

There has been a subtle uptick in Company of Hunters interest in recent weeks. Raven Guard may be stealing the headlines, but they don't have a monopoly on the ability to go fast and shoot things, or on Centurion Devastators! These lists have army wide advance / fall back and shoot, and can launch crippling alpha strikes via Raven Guard bikes and Outriders followed up by brutal reserves shooting. Underestimate this build at your peril - it is a massive sleeper hit. Great work on the event win.

Colin Kay - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Vulkan He'stan. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The Apprentice (Arnold Version) (2000 Points)

Space Marines Salamanders Firestorm Assault Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Judiciar (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x Executioner relic blade • Enhancements: Champion of Humanity

Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolt carbine • 1x Paired combat blades

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

Vulkan He'stan (100 Points) • 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

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

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

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

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

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

Land Raider Redeemer (270 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

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

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

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat knife ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

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

Archetype

Firestorm Mixed Arms

Thoughts

A delicious combined arms Salamanders list here, with bricks of Bladeguard with the special characters, a Redeemer to ferry them up, and loads of Eradicators to walk on and blast things. Chunky, punchy, and all the more deadly up close where the extra strength on weapons will tell. Great work on the top placing.

Chris Sailors - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor) - 3rd Place

Rogal Dorn Tank Commander. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

A Cadian, a Krieg, and a Vostroyan tank commander walk into a bar. The bartender looks up, takes one look at their uniforms, and sighs. “Throne help me, this again…” The Cadian slams a handful of coins on the counter. “Three amasecs. Strong ones. We just rolled over a heretic convoy and the lads need somethin' that ain't recaf or promethium fumes.” The Krieg commander says nothing. Just stares through his rebreather, the filter hissing softly like a death world snake. After a long moment, he slides a mud-stained ration chit onto the counter. The bartender hesitates. “You... want food?” Krieg guy finally speaks, voice flat and filtered. “Nein. Ich möchte Buße tun.” Everyone goes quiet. Then the Vostroyan steps up, mustache waxed to perfection, uniform immaculate despite the smell of engine oil. “Бармен, стаканчик вашего лучшего вина. Заметьте, никакой этой гвардейской ерунды. Я из Первенцев — мой вкус требует класса.” The Cadian snorts into his drink. “Class? You look like a servitor that robbed a haberdashery.” The Vostroyan stiffens. “По крайней мере, в моем полку еще сохранились традиции родного мира. Вы потеряли свое.” The bar goes dead silent. The Cadian narrows his eyes. “Careful, fancy-boy. The last bloke who joked about Cadia fell into a crater that used to be a city block.” The Krieg commander quietly places a demo charge on the counter. “Bei Krieg lösen wir Streitigkeiten mit Ehre.” The bartender's voice cracks: “Right—three drinks on the house!” They all raise their glasses. The Cadian: “To the Emperor, and to the ones still holding the line.” The Vostroyan: “За наследие и вечную победу!” The Krieg commander: “zu Tod und Sühne!” They drink. The Cadian slams his mug down. “So—whose tank is fastest?” The Vostroyan smirks. “Самый быстрый? В моем общежитии Рогала есть бронированные пластины с золотой отделкой и шелковые чехлы на сиденьях. Ей не нужно быть быстрой, ей нужно, чтобы ей поклонялись.” The Krieg commander says flatly, “Meins kam zuerst hier an.”Strike Force (2000 points) Hammer of the Emperor

CHARACTERS

Gaunt's Ghosts (100 points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Gaunt's chainsword • 1x Colm Corbec • 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Elim Rawne • 1x Rawne's lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Hlaine Larkin • 1x Larkin's long-las 1x Straight silver knife • 1x 'Try Again' Bragg • 1x Bragg's autocannon 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Oan Mkoll • 1x Lascarbine 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife

Rogal Dorn Commander (295 points) • Warlord • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Meltagun 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon • Enhancement: Regimental Banner

Rogal Dorn Commander (295 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Meltagun 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon • Enhancement: Veteran Crew

Rogal Dorn Commander (290 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Meltagun 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon • Enhancement: Indomitable Steed

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Sergeant's autogun • 9x Shock Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (65 points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Death Korps Medi-pack 7x Lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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 (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

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

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer • 1x Autopistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Combat shotgun 1x Flamer 1x Remote Mine

Ratlings (60 points) • 5x Ratling Sniper • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Sniper rifle

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 (100), Data Version: v696

Archetype

Hammer Dorn Spam

Thoughts

Yeeting Dorns through walls is a hell of a drug. Hammer offers this, and lots of fun antics with Taurox sending through terrain to steal objectives as well! Bullgryn are too crucial to leave at home at the moment, able to absorb pressure and force enemy shooting out for the Dorns to retaliate against early in the game. Interesting to see this detachment resurfacing - it is a lot of fun! Great work.

John Holbrook - Orks (Green Tide) - 4th Place

Snikrot. Credit: MasterSlowPoke.

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Go Ahead, Take Assassinate and Cull the Horde mf (2000 Points)

Orks Green Tide Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Painboy (95 Points) • 1x Grot Orderly • 1x Power klaw • 1x 'Urty syringe • Enhancements: Bloodthirsty Belligerence

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

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

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

Weirdboy (90 Points) • 1x Weirdboy staff • 1x 'Eadbanger • Enhancements: Brutal But Kunnin'

BATTLELINE

Boyz (170 Points) • 19x Boy ◦ 17x Choppa ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Rokkit launcha ◦ 17x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob ◦ 1x Power klaw ◦ 1x Slugga

Boyz (170 Points) • 19x Boy ◦ 17x Choppa ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Rokkit launcha ◦ 17x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob ◦ 1x Power klaw ◦ 1x Slugga

Boyz (170 Points) • 19x Boy ◦ 17x Choppa ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Rokkit launcha ◦ 17x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob ◦ 1x Power klaw ◦ 1x Slugga

Boyz (170 Points) • 19x Boy ◦ 17x Choppa ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Rokkit launcha ◦ 17x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob ◦ 1x Power klaw ◦ 1x Slugga

Boyz (80 Points) • 9x Boy ◦ 8x Choppa ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Rokkit launcha ◦ 8x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob ◦ 1x Power klaw ◦ 1x Slugga

OTHER DATASHEETS

Battlewagon (160 Points) • 4x Big shoota • 1x Deff rolla • 1x Grabbin' klaw • 1x Kannon • 1x Lobba • 1x Wreckin' ball • 1x 'Ard Case

Battlewagon (160 Points) • 4x Big shoota • 1x Deff rolla • 1x Grabbin' klaw • 1x Kannon • 1x Lobba • 1x Wreckin' ball • 1x 'Ard Case

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) • 1x Bomb Squig • 1x Distraction Grot • 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

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

Archetype

Green Tide Battlewagons.

Thoughts

An intriguing evolution on the theme of 'Boy bricks in Wagons' as the package most typically seen in War Horde moves over to Green Tide. the toolkit here- regen, surge moves, additional durability - actually goes a very long way on those units. Ghazgull and his Lethals Aura also helps it punch up into a wide array of armies. It's a good time to be a durable melee horde, and this list takes full advantage, and the Wagons give it control over its engagements. Awesome innovation!!

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Matthew Hartnett - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Big boy Daemons with a GUO, Belly, and a brick of Bloodcrushers.
6th - Jeremy Jenks - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple Despoiler / Nurgle Daemons.
7th - Jacob O'Neill - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Mont'ka pressure with Breacherfish and individual Broadsides.

5th Annual Flames of Autumn GT

52-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Westminster, Maryland, US on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jeffrey Kolodner - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 1st Place

Credit: RichyP

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

You Only Die Twice

Order of the Eternal Crucible -Hallowed Martyrs

Canoness Yda - Canoness - (50) -Blessed Blade, Condemnor Boltgun

Canoness Ascendent Yaeno - Jump Pack Canoness (100) -Blessed Halberd + Through Suffering, Strength

Statuary Tender Honest -- Imagifier (65)

Orator Superior Amalia -- Junith Eruita (80)

Prioress Sabine - Morvenn Vahl (170) -- Warlord

Purifier Charity - Palatine (50) - Plasma Pistol

Battle Sister Squad (105) - Multi-Melta - Simulacrum - Power Weapon+Condemnor - Ministorum Flamer

Battle Sister Squad (105) - Multi-Melta - Simulacrum - Power Weapon+Condemnor - Meltagun

Crucible's Reach -- Immolator (115) - Twin Multi-Melta - Hunter-Killer Missile

Refutation of Dross -- Castigator (160) -Castigator Battle Cannon -Hunter-Killer Missile -Storm Bolter

Ringing Purity -- Castigator (160) -Castigator Battle Cannon -Hunter-Killer Missile -Storm Bolter

The Feral -- Mortifier (70) -2x Heavy Bolter+Twin Buzz Blade -Anchorite Sarcophagus

The Fool -- Mortifier (70) -2x Heavy Bolter+Twin Buzz Blade -Anchorite Sarcophagus

The Forsaking -- Mortifier (70) -2x Heavy Bolter+Twin Buzz Blade -Anchorite Sarcophagus

The Refulgant Bulwark - Paragon Warsuits (210) -3x Multi-Melta+Paragon Grenades -3x Paragon War Mace

Celestian Sacresancts (130) -9 Anointed Halberd -1 Spear of the Faithful+Inferno Pistol

Sanctifiers (100) -Plasma+Holy Fire -Hand Flamers -Simulacrum

Zephyrim - 80 -Plasma Pistol, Pennant

Madeline - Callidus Assassin (100)

Archetype

Hallowed Mixed Arms

Thoughts

Some very enjoyable MSU Mortifiers out the front to draw people onto the guns here, with the Castigators. Sanctifiers sneak in here for nice early offence via scouting flamers from the Rhino. Sisters are having a strong moment, and claim another event win here. The mix of phase-locking against gunlines via resurrection, and counter melee tricks is helping Hallowed Martyrs a lot in a meta rich in both kinds of threats. Fantastic work on the event win!

Zach Point - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

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: Char4: Maugan Ra + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Fuegan (120 pts) • 1x Searsong • 1x The Fire Axe

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

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

1x Maugan Ra (100 pts) • 1x Maugetar • Warlord

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Dark Reapers (90 pts) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Missile Launcher • Dark Reaper Exarch • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Reaper Launcher • 4x Dark Reaper, Aspect Shrine Token

10x Fire Dragons (220 pts) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Firepike • Fire Dragon Exarch • 9x Fire Dragon • 9x Close combat weapon • 9x Dragon Fusion Gun • 9x Fire Dragon, 2x Aspect Shrine Token

5x Howling Banshees (95 pts) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner • 1x Shuriken Pistol • Howling Banshee Exarch • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee Blade • 4x Shuriken Pistol • 4x Howling Banshee, Aspect Shrine Token

5x Rangers (55 pts) • 5x Ranger • 5x Close Combat Weapon • 5x Long rifle • 5x Shuriken Pistol • 5x Rangers

10x Swooping Hawks (190 pts) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hawk's Talon • Swooping Hawk Exarch • 9x Swooping Hawk • 9x Close combat weapon • 9x Lasblaster • 9x Swooping Hawk, 2x Aspect Shrine Token

5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hawk's Talon • Swooping Hawk Exarch • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk, Aspect Shrine Token

10x Swooping Hawks (190 pts) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hawk's Talon • Swooping Hawk Exarch • 9x Swooping Hawk • 9x Close combat weapon • 9x Lasblaster • 9x Swooping Hawk, 2x Aspect Shrine Token

5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Death Weavers • 1x Spinneret Rifle • Warp Spider Exarch • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close Combat Weapon • 4x Death spinner • 4x Warp Spider, Aspect Shrine Token

5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x 1 Powerblade array • Warp Spider Exarch • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close Combat Weapon • 4x Death spinner • 4x Warp Spider, Aspect Shrine Token

5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Death Weavers • 1x Spinneret Rifle • Warp Spider Exarch • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close Combat Weapon • 4x Death spinner • 4x Warp Spider, Aspect Shrine Token

1x Warlock Skyrunners (45 pts) • 1x Warlock Skyrunner with Singing Spear • 1x Destructor • 1x Shuriken Pistol • 1x Singing Spear • 1x Twin Shuriken Catapult • Warlock Skyrunner

1x Warlock Skyrunners (45 pts) • 1x Warlock Skyrunner with Singing Spear • 1x Destructor • 1x Shuriken Pistol • 1x Singing Spear • 1x Twin Shuriken Catapult • Warlock Skyrunner

1x Falcon (130 pts) • 1x Pulse Laser • 1x Wraithbone hull • 1x Bright Lance • 1x Shuriken Cannon

1x Wave Serpent (125 pts) • 1x Wraithbone Hull • 1x Shuriken Cannon • 1x Twin Bright Lance

Archetype

Aspect Goodstuff

Thoughts

The punchy non-interactive blitz of the elf army at war. Nothing quite like it, and it is VERY potent in this meta game. Maugan Ra claims that coveted 'fourth spot in the band with Fuegan, Lykhis and Jain'. He doesn't have the shoot and scoot of Asurman, but his output is very nice into marine bodies and the -1 Battleshock can bail you out in a range of situations too! Fantastic work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd - Charles Craig - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Triple Slaughterbound and Eightbound MSU in Berzerker Warband.
4th - Mark Hertel - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Classic Terminators and Kill Teams in Deathwatch.
5th - Max Berlove - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Wraith / triple DDA Starshatter.
6th - Josh Schutz - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): 50 Berzerkers and Eightbound MSU.
7th - Greg Lomb - Orks (Bully Boyz): Triple Meganob bricks in Bully Boyz.
8th - Zach Hilts - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Baal Preds, some Devastators and MSU melee in Inheritors.
9th - Zhilai Cawley - Necrons (Canoptek Court): Spicy triple Wraith brick, Doomstalker and DDA Canoptek - this looks deadly.
10th - Leigh Brady - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double C'tan / Silent King Starshatter.

Lakes of Blood Rotorua 2025

38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand on October 17 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jonty "Immortal" Larsen - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

The Nightbringer. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Jonty "Immortal" Larsen Let's see if we can make this nick name catch on cause all the best players have cool nicknames

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Starshatter Arsenal (Relentless Onslaught) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char3: The Silent King + ENHANCEMENT: Chrono-impedance Fields (on Char4: Psychomancer) & Demanding Leader (on Char5: Technomancer) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 13 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) + (1x6) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (305 pts) 1 with Gaze of death, Scythe of the Nightbringer

Char2: 1x Imotekh the Stormlord (100 pts) 1 with Gauntlet of Fire, Staff of the Destroyer

Char3: 3x The Silent King (400 pts) • 1x Szarekh 1 with Sceptre of Eternal Glory, Staff of Stars, Weapons of the Final Triarch • Szarekh • 2x Triarchal Menhir 2 with Annihilator beam, Armoured bulk • Triarchal Menhir, Triarchal Menhirs • Warlord

Char4: 1x Psychomancer (80 pts) 1 with Abyssal lance Enhancement: Chrono-impedance Fields (+25 pts)

Char5: 1x Technomancer (90 pts) 1 with Staff of light Enhancement: Demanding Leader (+10 pts)

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Flayed Ones (60 pts) • 5x Flayed One 5 with Flayer claws

3x Ophydian Destroyers (80 pts) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer 3 with Ophydian hyperphase weapons • Plasmacyte

3x Ophydian Destroyers (80 pts) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer 3 with Ophydian hyperphase weapons • Plasmacyte

6x Canoptek Wraiths (220 pts) • 6x Wraith 6 with Particle caster, Vicious claws

1x Canoptek Reanimator (75 pts) 1 with 2x Atomiser beam, Reanimator's claws

1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts) 1 with Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array

1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts) 1 with Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array

1x Triarch Stalker (110 pts) 1 with Stalker's forelimbs, Heat ray

Archetype

DDA Starshatter

Thoughts

A couple of twists on DDA Starshatter here, with Nightbringer and a Triarch Stalker bundled in. I like the idea of using these to draw out enemy shooting for the King and DDAs to retaliate against, and you have a trusty Wraith brick for primary play too. Necrons continue to power through any meta you put in front of them, and Starshatter appears to be the frontrunner in their current thoughts. Amazing work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - sterling Arnet - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Asurman / Fuegan Aspect Host.
3rd - Joshuah Megchelse - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Massed Thunderwolves, Terminators and Wulfen in Beastslayer.
4th - Dan Hayden - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Asurman / Fuegan Aspect Host with a cheeky Strategic Savant Autarch.
5th - Chris Voss - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Deathwing Knight Wrath with a squad of Desolation Marines.
6th - James Wardle - Aeldari (Warhost): Monstrous double Fire Dragon brick in Warhost.

Prestige Wargaming GRAND Tournament 2

35-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Chris Rayner - Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess) - 1st Place

Credit: Liebot - https://instagram.com/liebot_pics

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

slaanesh party (2000 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Legion of Excess

CHARACTERS

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

Keeper of Secrets (280 points) • 1x Living whip 1x Phantasmagoria 1x Snapping claws 1x Witstealer sword • Enhancement: Soul Glutton

Keeper of Secrets (270 points) • 1x Living whip 1x Phantasmagoria 1x Snapping claws 1x Witstealer sword

Keeper of Secrets (270 points) • 1x Living whip 1x Phantasmagoria 1x Snapping claws 1x Witstealer sword

Syll'Esske (120 points) • 1x Axe of Dominion 1x Cacophonic choir 1x Scourging whip

Tranceweaver (60 points) • 1x Ravaging claws

Tranceweaver (60 points) • 1x Ravaging claws

BATTLELINE

Daemonettes (100 points) • 1x Alluress • 1x Slashing claws • 9x Daemonette • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 9x Slashing claws

Daemonettes (100 points) • 1x Alluress • 1x Slashing claws • 9x Daemonette • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 9x Slashing claws

Daemonettes (100 points) • 1x Alluress • 1x Slashing claws • 9x Daemonette • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 9x Slashing claws

Daemonettes (100 points) • 1x Alluress • 1x Slashing claws • 9x Daemonette • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 9x Slashing claws

Daemonettes (100 points) • 1x Alluress • 1x Slashing claws • 9x Daemonette • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 9x Slashing claws

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Archetype

Legion of Excess

Thoughts

An intriguing return for Slaanesh Daemons here, who shake off some brutal nerfs to claim a GT win! This detachment boasts some solid combat control tricks, and plugging Belakor in helps you to mitigate the reduced durability by buying you a turn against ranged armies. That said, I don't think piloting this to an event win at the moment is at all easy- sensational work!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Christopher Langton - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Big boy time in Incursion with Kairos, a chicken and the GUO.
3rd - Matthew Langton - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Rush agro with Genestealers and Raveners in Vanguard.
4th - Ed Paszek - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): An absolute truckload of Custodian Guard- yikes!!
5th - Tony Burns - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): DWK spam with Ballistus and the Lion.
6th - Michael Duff - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Mont'ka pressure with Riptides and Fireknife Crisis.

2000 pt 40k Invitational GT. October 18th, 2025.

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ottawa, ON, CA on October 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Crucible of Battle - Scorched Earth

Jeremy Atkinson - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade)

Army List - Click to Expand

AdMech - Halo (2000 points)

Adeptus Mechanicus Strike Force (2000 points) Haloscreed Battle Clade

CHARACTERS

Belisarius Cawl (175 points) • Warlord • 1x Arc scourge 1x Cawl's Omnissian axe 1x Mechadendrite hive 1x Solar atomiser

Sydonian Skatros (50 points) • 1x Mechanicus pistol 1x Radium jezzail 1x Sydonian feet

Tech-Priest Manipulus (95 points) • 1x Magnarail lance 1x Omnissian staff • Enhancement: Cognitive Reinforcement

Tech-Priest Manipulus (70 points) • 1x Magnarail lance 1x Omnissian staff • Enhancement: Sanctified Ordnance

BATTLELINE

Skitarii Rangers (85 points) • 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha • 1x Alpha combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Galvanic rifle • 9x Skitarii Ranger • 1x Arc rifle 9x Close combat weapon 6x Galvanic rifle 1x Omnispex 1x Plasma caliver 1x Transuranic arquebus

Skitarii Rangers (85 points) • 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha • 1x Alpha combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Galvanic rifle • 9x Skitarii Ranger • 1x Arc rifle 9x Close combat weapon 6x Galvanic rifle 1x Omnispex 1x Plasma caliver 1x Transuranic arquebus

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Skorpius Dunerider (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Cognis heavy stubber array

Skorpius Dunerider (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Cognis heavy stubber array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ironstrider Ballistarii (150 points) • 2x Ironstrider Ballistarii • 2x Ironstrider feet 2x Twin cognis lascannon

Ironstrider Ballistarii (150 points) • 2x Ironstrider Ballistarii • 2x Ironstrider feet 2x Twin cognis lascannon

Kataphron Breachers (320 points) • 6x Kataphron Breacher • 6x Heavy arc rifle 6x Hydraulic claw

Kataphron Destroyers (210 points) • 6x Kataphron Destroyer • 6x Close combat weapon 6x Cognis flamer 6x Kataphron plasma culverin

Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 points) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha • 1x Flechette blaster 1x Taser goad • 4x Pteraxii Skystalker • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Flechette carbine

Sicarian Infiltrators (70 points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps • 1x Flechette blaster 1x Taser goad • 4x Sicarian Infiltrator • 4x Flechette blaster 4x Taser goad

Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps • 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker • 9x Transonic razor and chordclaw

Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps • 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker • 9x Transonic razor and chordclaw

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

vs.

Zach Comeau - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre)

Army List - Click to Expand

blooot III: tides of bloot (2000 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Auxiliary Cadre

CHARACTERS

Ethereal (50 points) • Warlord • 1x Honour stave 1x Hover Drone 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone

Ethereal (50 points) • 1x Honour stave 1x Hover Drone 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin smart missile system

Broadside Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin smart missile system

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

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

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

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

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

Krootox Riders (60 points) • 2x Krootox Rider • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Krootox fists 2x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (60 points) • 2x Krootox Rider • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Krootox fists 2x Repeater cannon

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

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

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

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

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

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

Thoughts

Jeremy "Curie" Atkinson here - I was running the Ad Mech list that I shamelessly stole from Anthony Vanella and have been having a blast rushing ruststalkers at people again. The list does pretty much everything well and feels (probably a bit too much so) strong! I brought on Zach Comeau fresh off his event win and kicking my butt in this finals to share his thoughts on the matchup and what inspired his list. This was a fantastic game and was a nailbiter of a game! I'll let him take it from here:

Zach: I had recently bought 18 rampagers so I was going to use them. The only question then was kroot hunting pack (KHP) or auxiliary cadre (AC). While KHP has the kroot-wide invulnerable save which adds a lot of durability, as a long-time mont’ka player, I prefer the movement stratagems found in AC. Advance+charge in combination with auto-advance 6” on the rampagers really helps them overcome their slow (7”) movement and mounted keyword. Instead of being simply a wall of meat for my opponent to wail on, they become a viable, though more fragile and command-point-hungry, push threat.

Riptides also got a much needed glow-up in the latest MFM, with their ion cannon going from S8 to now S10 on the overcharge. Previously at S8 they really struggled into armor, but now, at S10, which AC can further buff to S12 with the “Guided Fire” stratagem, riptides can actually engage big knights (which I was expecting to see in numbers at this event).

As I was also traumatized by the knight meta, the other damage dealers are a pair of railgun hammerheads and broadsides. Rounding out my command-point-hungry list are a pair of command-point-generating ethereals, who can do double-duty with my other spotting units (pathfinders and stealth teams).

Overall, my list wants to stage the riptides just behind the kroot in the mid-board, using the deep wound pools of the rampagers to force my opponent to overcommit so the riptides and hammerheads can finish the job. In this matchup though, I would have liked to have fast, cheap, screening bodies so the ruststalkers don’t immediately crash into me. Similarly, both the Kataphron breachers and destroyers can kill anything in my army with ease, so I would need to take care to make sure they wouldn’t kill everything in my army with ease.

Curie: He managed to do exactly that. With some very clever positioning and taking advantage of the unique Aux Cadre mechanic of the Kroot Rampagers gaining Lone Op 18" when wholly within 6" of T'au Empire units he was able to control engagements very carefully and the trade game kept things close all game long! It came down to me running out of assets to deny Zach primary and him preserving just enough for a late game push to score big on secondaries and primary in the final two turns.

Result

T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre) Victory - 76 - 70

Zach Comeau - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre) - 1st Place

Tau Hammerhead Gunship. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

I heard you like Kroot.

Thoughts

See the show down.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - François Lalonde - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple Despoiler / War Dog CK.
3rd - Jean Masson - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Daemon Prince Coterie.
4th - Jeremy Atkinson - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): The Ad Mech list from the showdown.
5th - Noah Nadeau - Space Marines (Astartes) (Ironstorm Spearhead): Chunky Ultramarines Ironstorm with Gulliman and a tasting platter of shooting platforms.
6th - Nick "Lizard" Blackburn - T'au Empire (Kauyon): Patient murder from Kauyon with Riptides and Skyrays.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! Meta is wide open - it is all up for grabs. Pretty sure I counted every single detachment in T'au this week up amongst the top placings, and the chaos factions are swinging away. Eldar look a touch suspicious in their overrepresentation - are they in for another balance nibble in the future? Time will tell!

Have fun out there!

Lowest of Men, out.

Have any questions or feedback? Drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com. Want articles like this linked in your inbox every Monday morning? Sign up for our newsletter. And don’t forget that you can support us on Patreon for backer rewards like early video content, Administratum access, an ad-free experience on our website and more.

Thank you for being a friend.

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Grande Tournaments pt.2

Malmö Wargaming Weekend 9 - 40K GT

Björn Eriksson - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Johannes Einemo - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Aat Niehot - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Innes Wilson - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Rook's 40k Open 2025

James Walsh - Dark Angels (Company of Hunters) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Colin Kay - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Chris Sailors - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

John Holbrook - Orks (Green Tide) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

5th Annual Flames of Autumn GT

Jeffrey Kolodner - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Zach Point - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Lakes of Blood Rotorua 2025

Jonty "Immortal" Larsen - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Prestige Wargaming GRAND Tournament 2

Chris Rayner - Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

2000 pt 40k Invitational GT. October 18th, 2025.

The Showdown

Crucible of Battle - Scorched Earth

Thoughts

Result

Zach Comeau - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

Latest

Patreon

Fashion Accessories

AGE OF SIGMAR 4th EDITION

WARHAMMER 40,000 10th EDITION

ABOUT US

OUR SOCIALS