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Goonhammer

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Grind Your Gears pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Jul 09 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.

We are very much settled into a summer of Knights, Death Guard, and stuff tuned beat them, but players are at least having a good go at finding options for that third thing, including at this year's US Goonhammer Open, where none of the big meta menaces feature in the Showdown.

That is, as always, going to be front and centre today, giving us a total roster of:
  • 2025 Goonhammer US Open Warhammer 40k GT
  • THE LEEDS 40K SUPER MAJOR
  • Dearg Doom III: You Wouldn't Steal A Chainsword
  • Layton Gaming 40K Event Hosted by Away Games
  • Twin dragon games Dragons Hoard July GT
On Friday Lowest of Men will look at:
  • III GT Tormenta de Hostias
  • Geelong 40k Town Open
  • CQ Exterminatus 2025 - Warhammer 40k Tournament
  • Copenhagen Chainsword GT I
Our Showdowns for this week, after a (genuinely) not rigged voting procedure, are:
  • Hallowed Martyr Sisters vs. Experimental Prototype T'au at the Goonhammer Open
  • Aeldari Guardian Battlehost vs Lions of the Emperor at the Copenhagen Chainsword GT

2025 Goonhammer US Open Warhammer 40k GT

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Linthicum Heights, MD, United States on July 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Supply Drop - Hammer and Anvil

Noah Keeth - T'au Empire (Experimental Prototype Cadre)
Army List - Click to Expand
eeppy cadre (2000 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Experimental Prototype Cadre

CHARACTERS

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

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (95 points) • Warlord • 1x Battlesuit fists 4x Missile pod 2x Shield Drone

BATTLELINE

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

Breacher Team (100 points) • 1x Support turret • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol • 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 Smart missile system

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle

Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (130 points) • 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Gun Drone 1x Marker Drone 2x Missile pod • 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Gun Drone 4x Missile pod 2x Shield Drone

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Cyclic ion raker 1x Ghostkeel fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Cyclic ion raker 1x Ghostkeel fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

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

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

Piranhas (120 points) • 2x Piranha • 2x Armoured hull 2x Piranha fusion blaster 4x Seeker missile 4x Twin pulse carbine

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

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

Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 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 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 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: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v640



vs.

Jeffrey Kolodner - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs)
Army List - Click to Expand


You Only Die Twice

Order of the Eternal Crucible -Hallowed Martyrs

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

Statuary Tender Honest -- Imagifier (65)

Orator Superior Amalia -- Junith Eruita (80)

Prioress Sabine - Morvenn Vahl (170) -- Warlord

Purifier Charity - Palatine (75) - Plasma Pistol, Through Suffering, Strength

Purifier Patience - 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

Purifying Incandescence -- 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

Sisters Novitiates (100) -Power Weapon+Plasma Pistol -Sacred Banner -Simulacra -2xFlamer -Autopistols and Novitiate Blades

Madeline - Callidus Assassin (100)

Thoughts

As promised, no Knights at the top, with a high threat T'au build facing off against a very sticky Sororitas list. The T'au army is mostly self explanatory given it's running as the "gun" detachment in the "gun" faction, but there are a couple of things to flag, notably that running exactly one Crisis block is a great way to maximise the value of Neuroweb System Jammer (and the type of Crisis chosen is good with all the buffs), and the one double Piranha unit is kind of cute as a trade-up threat. Pop Threat Assessment Analyser in full mode and they could do anything from whiff or blow a whole Knight to pieces, and that demands a fair amount of respect for what's still only a 120pts unit.

Against them we have Sisters, who as the army name suggests can use Divine Intervention to keep their cheap Characters in position for scoring or annoyance, can use those sacrificial pieces (or Mortifiers) especially effectively against Knights thanks to Suffering and Sacrifice. That allows the melee threats here to engage big targets with quite a bit of confidence, and ensures the army has a very scary counterattack against pressure builds.

Obviously the last thing the T'au want to try and do is pressure the Sisters in melee, and will instead try and keep them at arm's length while the many guns do their work. While the melee tricks from the Sisters don't therefore do very much, reviving Characters is exceptional against one-phase armies, and likely to ensure early scoring is healthy for the Sisters. On Supply Drop that's not the be all and end all, as if the T'au can grind the Sisters off the table they can potentially still win via late game points, but the problem is that if the Sisters can score with just cheap pieces, they can keep a lot in reserve to whack the T'au when they're forced to push up later on. I wonder if there's maybe an angle as the T'au for going Fixed with Assassinate/Cleanse or something, forcing the Sisters to either play with real units or give up early scoring. However, the issue there is that if you then roll the second turn you're probably stuffed, as the Sisters can then pretty much just hide all game and emerge for a win at the end. I think the T'au probably just have to be a bit more aggressive than they instinctively would be and try and build up a damage advantage, which is pretty high risk, but I think the only option that doesn't lead to a pretty locked in lost. From the score, I'm going to guess that that risk ended up biting pretty hard, as the Sisters won comfortably.

Result

Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) Victory - 83 - 47

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

Credit: Keewa

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

Statuary Tender Honest -- Imagifier (65)

Orator Superior Amalia -- Junith Eruita (80)

Prioress Sabine - Morvenn Vahl (170) -- Warlord

Purifier Charity - Palatine (75) - Plasma Pistol, Through Suffering, Strength

Purifier Patience - 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

Purifying Incandescence -- 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

Sisters Novitiates (100) -Power Weapon+Plasma Pistol -Sacred Banner -Simulacra -2xFlamer -Autopistols and Novitiate Blades

Madeline - Callidus Assassin (100)

Archetype

Board Control Martyrs

Thoughts

Jeffrey joins the esteemed ranks of Goonhammer Belt holders here, using his signature Sisters build with a small tweak for Knight metagame (the third Mortifier, great for Suffering and Sacrifice as discussed in the Showdown, especially into a Fight First Lord of Dread). This list is incredibly hard to stop from scoring and maintains a high activation count, giving it the tools to run rings around Knights, and it's enough of a solid all-rounder build that it can take on all comers. Great work Jeffrey, and congratulations on the belt!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Jack Murphy - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Crunchier Votann with double Land Fortress (each fully Beserked up) and two full Bike units.
  • 3rd - Zach Point - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus and the Mutalith/Enlightened triple threats.
  • 4th - Joshua Campbell - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, double Atrapos and a Crusader with an Immolator in support.
  • 5th - Daniel Goldfarb - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Shootier Lions, cutting down to three infantry blocks to free up points for double tank and 2x2 bikes.

THE LEEDS 40K SUPER MAJOR

273-player, 7-round Supermajor in England, United Kingdom on July 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

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

Rainbow Warriors Stormraven Gunship by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Leeds Ultras Storm List (1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

Marneus Calgar (200 points) • 1x Marneus Calgar • 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard • 2x Victrix power sword

Roboute Guilliman (320 points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor's Sword 1x Hand of Dominion

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Company Heroes (105 points) • 1x Ancient • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Company Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 2x Company Veteran • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Bobby G Stormraven Stormlance

Thoughts

Back to back top finishes for Josh, this time taking a trophy with the dynamic Calgar/Guilliman duo and their pet plane. We talked about this build last week, and rest assured I am still mad that Guilliman got a points cut. Well done Josh.

Ratnu Vaidya - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Norman Greenberg

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
i eat crayons (1990 points)

Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Infernal Lance

CHARACTERS

Chaos Cerastus Knight Atrapos (355 points) • 1x Atrapos lascutter 1x Graviton singularity cannon

Knight Despoiler (335 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x Despoiler gatling cannon 2x Heavy darkflamer 1x Ruinspear rocket pod 1x Titanic feet

Knight Despoiler (335 points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x Despoiler gatling cannon 2x Heavy darkflamer 1x Ruinspear rocket pod 1x Titanic feet

Knight Rampager (335 points) • 1x Diabolus heavy stubber 1x Reaper chainsword 1x Warpstrike claw

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

War Dog Karnivore (140 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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v640

Archetype

Aggro Infernals

Thoughts

Chaos Knights take the second undefeated slot here, deploying an Infernal Lance build that leans on two key synergies. Unholy Hunger means the Rampager and Karnivores are ultra fast to crash into the foe, while access to Lethal Hits on demand via Diabolic Power (plus an Ignore Cover stratagem if needed) makes a double gatling Despoiler one of the most broad-spectrum engines of death available in the game. Naturally, the build has two. The sheer volume of killing power that represents lets this spin on Knights go over the top against some stuff that might otherwise be able to out-score them, and I think this build does a good enough job at answering some of the answers to Knights that it''ll only go up in value. Great work from Ratnu getting ahead of the curve.

Mark Crombleholme - Necrons (Canoptek Court) - 3rd Place

Canoptek Wraiths. Credit: Rockfish Canoptek Wraiths. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Canoptek or cant it? (1995 Points)

Necrons Canoptek Court Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Technomancer (90 Points) • Warlord • 1x Staff of light • Enhancements: Metalodermal Tesla Weave

Technomancer (100 Points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancements: Dimensional Sanctum

Technomancer (95 Points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancements: Hyperphasic Fulcrum

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Doomstalker (140 Points) • 1x Doomsday blaster • 1x Doomstalker limbs • 1x Twin gauss flayer

Canoptek Doomstalker (140 Points) • 1x Doomsday blaster • 1x Doomstalker limbs • 1x Twin gauss flayer

Canoptek Doomstalker (140 Points) • 1x Doomsday blaster • 1x Doomstalker limbs • 1x Twin gauss flayer

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 Points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm ◦ 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 Points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm ◦ 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 Points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm ◦ 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

Cryptothralls (60 Points) • 2x Cryptothrall ◦ 2x Scouring eye ◦ 2x Scythed limbs

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

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

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

Lokhust Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Lokhust Destroyer ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Gauss cannon

Lokhust Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Lokhust Destroyer ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Gauss cannon

Lokhust Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Lokhust Destroyer ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Gauss cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640

Archetype

Canoptek Wraith Spam

Thoughts

Mark going after my own heart in third place here, unleashing the full Wraith-tastic majesty of Canoptek Court. The detachment has gone up in power via point cuts, still has access to cheap Necron scoring, and Wraiths are high value in this metagame because their durability works against almost all types of foe, so the plan of grinding out a high score is almost always on.

I am caveating these with "almost" because unfortunately for Mark double twin-gatling Despoilers is absolutely the one correct answer to triple Wraiths, and after a fantastic run through seven rounds he was defeated by Ratnu, but I'm thrilled to see another big Necron fan making Court work, congratulations!

Scott Morris - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault) - 4th Place

Tyranid Hive Guard Tyranid Hive Guard. Credit: That Gobbo

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Sub assault (2000 Points)

Tyranids Subterranean Assault Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

The Swarmlord (220 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bone sabres • 1x Synaptic pulse

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

BATTLELINE

Gargoyles (85 Points) • 10x Gargoyle ◦ 10x Blinding venom ◦ 10x Fleshborer

Gargoyles (85 Points) • 10x Gargoyle ◦ 10x Blinding venom ◦ 10x Fleshborer

Hormagaunts (65 Points) • 10x Hormagaunt ◦ 10x Hormagaunt talons

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Exocrine (140 Points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon • 1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (140 Points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon • 1x Powerful limbs

Hive Guard (180 Points) • 6x Hive Guard ◦ 6x Chitinous claws and teeth ◦ 6x Shockcannon

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

Raveners (125 Points) • 5x Ravener ◦ 5x Ravener claws and talons

Raveners (125 Points) • 5x Ravener ◦ 5x Ravener claws and talons

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640

Archetype

Subterranean Hive Guard

Thoughts

You can tell when a metagame is skewed because whole new Datasheets start appearing. The combination of a world full of Knights and strong synergy with Deep Strike and the Enfilading Emergence Stratagem bring Hive Guard out of retirement here as every army scrambles for their cheapest tools that at least threaten to one-round a Knight. Honestly, it's some good lateral thinking, and helps ensure this army's shooty plan still works into crunchier targets. The Swarmlord is also a great vanguard to lock the foe down while the Guard burrow around blasting stuff, as the CP tax aura makes it tough for the enemy to strike at full force. Always a huge fan of an esoteric unit pick being rewarded, good work Scott.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players in the top cut. They were:
  • 5th - Jack Ferguson - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Vectorium goodstuff with a big Deathshroud unit.
  • 6th - Tim Verbeek - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Heavier Assault, also featuring Hive Guard but cutting Exocrines for a Norn Emissary and squeezing in a full Zoanthrope unit for a second big shooty threat.
  • 7th - Callum Byers - Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread): Quad bigs (including a Tyrant) and some Karnivores.
  • 8th - Mark Owen - Space Wolves (Index): Champions of Russ with lots of Destructors and lots of Wulfen.

Dearg Doom III: You Wouldn't Steal A Chainsword

49-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cork, CO, Ireland on July 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Colin Power - Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread) - 1st Place

Knight Abominant. Credit: Rockfish Knight Abominant. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Knights + DETACHMENT: Lords of Dread + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char5: Knight Despoiler + ENHANCEMENT: Mirror of Fates (on Char1: Knight Abominant) & Blade of Celerity (on Char2: Knight Abominant) & Warp-borne Stalker (on Char4: Knight Despoiler) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 7 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (5x6) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Knight Abominant (355 pts): Balemace, Diabolus heavy stubber, Electroscourge, Volkite combustor Enhancement: Mirror of Fates (+30 pts) Char2: 1x Knight Abominant (360 pts): Balemace, Diabolus heavy stubber, Electroscourge, Volkite combustor Enhancement: Blade of Celerity (+35 pts) Char3: 1x Knight Abominant (325 pts): Balemace, Diabolus heavy stubber, Electroscourge, Volkite combustor Char4: 1x Knight Despoiler (345 pts): Titanic feet, Ruinspear rocket pod, Daemonbreath thermal cannon, Daemonbreath thermal cannon, Daemonbreath meltagun Enhancement: Warp-borne Stalker (+10 pts) Char5: 1x Knight Despoiler (335 pts): Warlord, Titanic feet, Ruinspear rocket pod, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Daemonbreath meltagun

1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher

Archetype

Big Boy Season

Thoughts

It's big boy season. Grind the foe into pieces with a hurricane of Mortal Wounds and scourge blows, and blow up Infantry or tanks with two doubled up Despoilers. Not complicated, but terrifyingly effective. Congratulations Colin.

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Tom Maher - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): Be'lakor, Fadethirster and max Screamers with an Accursed COommune and lots of Raptors for scoring.
  • 3rd (4.5-0.5) - Peter Scott - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer): Plagueburst Hammer.
  • 4th (4.5-0.5) - Josie Cartwright - World Eaters (Cult of Blood): An awesome fully on-theme Cult of Blood build using lots of Jakhals, a couple of Daemon Princes and a Lord of Skulls for them to all worship.
  • 5th - Dan Ahern - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Abaddon, all the guns, and one big Warp Talon unit.
  • 6th - Brian Daugherty - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Aggro Angron Warband, taking the stock list and swapping out the Forgefiends for the big red man himself.
  • 7th - Michael Mc Carthy - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Vectorium goodstuff with added Predator Destructors.
  • 8th - Pearce Condren - Aeldari (Warhost): Big units each of Fire Dragons and Reapers in Serpents to double up on evasive shooting, and Eldrad to keep the CP flowing.
  • 9th - Fionn Brickley - Aeldari (Aspect Host): More big Aspects, again some Fire Dragons but also a full Shining Spear unit to go hunt a Knight, which they can in fact do in exactly Aspect Host.

Layton Gaming 40K Event Hosted by Away Games

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Altamonte Springs, FL, United States on July 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Tucker Rickey - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) - 1st Place

Neophyte Hybrids. Credit: Rockfish Neophyte Hybrids. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
No drive by we jump out gang (1990 Points)

Genestealer Cults Host of Ascension Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Acolyte Iconward (65 Points) • 1x Autopistol • 1x Cult claws • Enhancements: Prowling Agitant

Benefictus (85 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Psionic Cascade • Enhancements: Assassination Edict

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

Kelermorph (60 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Liberator autostubs

Primus (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Cult bonesword • 1x Scoped needle pistol • 1x Toxin injector claw • Enhancements: A Chink In Their Armour

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) • 1x Acolyte Leader ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 4x Cult claws and knife ◦ 3x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) • 1x Acolyte Leader ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 4x Cult claws and knife ◦ 3x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) • 1x Acolyte Leader ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 4x Cult claws and knife ◦ 3x Hand flamer

Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) • 1x Neophyte Leader ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid ◦ 19x Autopistol ◦ 19x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 2x Grenade launcher ◦ 13x Hybrid firearm ◦ 2x Mining laser ◦ 2x Seismic cannon

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy mortar • 1x Spotter • 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy mortar • 1x Spotter • 1x Twin heavy stubber

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

Atalan Jackals (75 Points) • 4x Atalan Jackal ◦ 2x Atalan power weapon ◦ 3x Atalan small arms ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad ◦ 1x Atalan incinerator ◦ 1x Atalan small arms ◦ 1x Close combat weapon

Hybrid Metamorphs (80 Points) • 1x Metamorph Leader ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Leader's cult weapons • 4x Hybrid Metamorph ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 3x Hand flamer ◦ 4x Metamorph mutations

Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer ◦ 5x Cult claws and talons

Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer ◦ 5x Cult claws and talons

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640

Archetype

Horde Host

Thoughts

Yeah fair enough - you want any army that can punk multiple Knights out of nowhere, this fits the bill. Host presents spectacular damage out of Deep Strike with the Neophyte units, can contest the board early for almost no loss of resources via the Saboteurs and cheap-to-revive Purestrains, and Return to the Shadows is especially strong against low activation count builds, even if each of the activations is quite scary. Just, you know, make sure to prioritise killing double Gatling Knights, because those will ruin this army something fierce.

Against other armies, this list still retains the asset of being pretty overwhelming to play against - there's a lot going on, it can hit like a freight train on key turns, and has plenty of depth and scoring potential to ensure it's never too far behind. Great stuff from Tucker, bringing back a classic.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Jack Harpster - Aeldari (Warhost): Big Fire Dragons, lots of smaller Aspect units, Eldrad for CP, Lhykhis as a troubleshooter.
  • 3rd - Richard Siegler - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Cawl overseeing a massive Skorpius/Ironstrider gunline, a bunch of Skystalkers, and a big Ruststalker unit to counter-charge stuff.
  • 4th - Riley Corbitt - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis with a Cerastus Lancer/Atrapos duo, Helverins, and an Immolator.
  • 5th - Morgan Timpy - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, double Atrapos, Armigers.
  • 6th - Michael Mann - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Extra Character-heavy Grand Coven with double Daemon Prince (one Winged with the Vortex) and Magnus kicking around.
  • 7th - Ricky Nieves - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Dorn Commander, Russes and various Infantry/utility pieces.
  • 8th - Josiah Gattle - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): A relatively restrained Canis/Errant setup with loads of Armigers.

Twin dragon games Dragons Hoard July GT

26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Naples, FL, United States on July 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Paul Roberts - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) - 1st Place

Vashtorr the Arkifane - Credit: RichyP

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Not EC (1995 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Renegade Raiders Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (90 Points) • 1x Daemon hammer • 1x Plasma pistol

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

Lord Discordant on Helstalker (175 Points) • 1x Baleflamer • 1x Bladed limbs • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Impaler chainglaive • 1x Magma cutter • Enhancements: Dread Reaver

Lord Discordant on Helstalker (160 Points) • 1x Baleflamer • 1x Bladed limbs • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Impaler chainglaive • 1x Magma cutter

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

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 Points) • 1x Cultist Champion ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 Points) • 1x Aspiring Champion ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Heavy melee weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Bikers (70 Points) • 1x Biker Champion ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Combi-bolter ◦ 1x Power fist • 2x Chaos Biker ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combi-bolter ◦ 2x Meltagun

Chaos Vindicator (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Vindicator (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Havoc launcher

Forgefiend (180 Points) • 1x Armoured limbs • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640

Archetype

Raider Monster Mash

Thoughts

Look, sometimes lists are complicated, and sometimes it's very clear that a player just wants to rip enemy Knights apart in melee, and I say we let them cook. Double Disco and Vashtorr is a fairly frightening melee contingent at a fairly bargain price, and if the foe tries to play cagey then you've got the standard stellar shooting setup that Raiders can bring to bear. The main sacrifice compared to the average is any Chosen, but enemies are still going to have to respect the melee the more monstrous stuff presents, and in a Knight metagame it's helpful to have threats that don't really need any help to punch up hard. Well done Paul for contributing to the general summer of Chaos.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Tim Yost - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, Cerastus Lancer/Atrapos duo, Helverins, and an Immolator.
  • 3rd - Chris Lacey - Space Wolves (Champions of Russ): A last ride for leader-packed ThunderCav.
  • 4th - Chase Snorlax - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, Cerastus Lancer/Atrapos duo, many Helverins.
  • 5th - Dylan Williamson - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Zoanthropes as a shooty threat and a couple of Harsupex as cheap monster missiles.
  • 6th - Nick Pratt - T'au Empire (Kauyon): Kauyon hulls galore.

Wrap Up

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | chaos space marines | tyranids | Necrons | Warhammer 40k | Chaos Knights | Genestealer Cults | tau | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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