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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Melting Pot pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Oct 15 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.

Lots of small-medium events this week, and a nice diverse set of successful builds coming out of it. Red melee Marines and T'au are at the forefront of the top placings, while AdMech continue to put up alarming win rates, but there's loads of viable lists taking top placings, a happy place for us to be!

Part 1 on Wednesday:
  • Battle For Salvation GT 2025
  • Call to Arms 40K Event Hosted by Away Games
  • 7. Corsair Open GT
  • OCTOBER OFFENSIVE
  • Glasshammer GT - October
  • 40k Hydra Grand Tournament III 2025
Part 2 on Friday:
  • Gem City GT 2025
  • MobTown Mayhem
  • BattlePub Barfight GT
  • Cata Cup 2025 Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament
  • Black Crow Gaming's Battle of the RAGNAR GT! OCT
  • October Grand Tournament at GG presented by Warhound Tournaments
Part 3 on Saturday:
  • Mektoberfest 40k gt 2025
  • GT Terra'n'dins 2025
  • Grampian Gaming Guild October GT
  • Willen Games October Grand Tournament
  • Laketown Apocalypse 2025

Battle For Salvation GT 2025

142-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in West Nyack, NY, US on October 11 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Samuel Pope - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 1st Place

Tervigon. Credit: Rockfish Tervigon. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I don't WANT another sword but I still have to make them earn it (2000 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Invasion Fleet

CHARACTERS

Tervigon (185 points) • Warlord • 1x Massive scything talons 1x Stinger salvoes • Enhancement: Adaptive Biology

Winged Hive Tyrant (170 points) • 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip 1x Tyrant talons

BATTLELINE

Hormagaunts (65 points) • 10x Hormagaunt • 10x Hormagaunt talons

Termagants (120 points) • 20x Termagant • 20x Chitinous claws and teeth 2x Strangleweb 18x Termagant spinefists

Termagants (120 points) • 20x Termagant • 20x Chitinous claws and teeth 2x Strangleweb 18x Termagant spinefists

Termagants (120 points) • 20x Termagant • 20x Chitinous claws and teeth 2x Strangleweb 18x Termagant spinefists

Termagants (120 points) • 20x Termagant • 20x Chitinous claws and teeth 2x Strangleweb 18x Termagant spinefists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venomthropes (70 points) • 3x Venomthrope • 3x Toxic lashes

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

Archetype

Board Control Invasion Fleet

Thoughts

A rare Invasion Fleet strategy takes the trophy of our biggest event this week, unleashing a Termagant horde to flood the table. Not content with just a wall of these, the list also packs a bunch of Genestealers to start the foe on the back foot, ensuring that crossing the mid-field becomes a distant dream for many foes. Termagant and Genestealer bricks can soak up quite a bit of punishment with access to Feel No Pain and the Venomthrope aura, and the Exocrines behind them are great at evaporating any Marines that have been foolish enough to push out and join the fight. This is a really, really tough one to push through, and even the mighty Aeldari weren't quite able to manage it in the final. Well done to Samuel for building such a brutal obstacle.

Drew Salzborn - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Einhyr Hearthguard. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Hearthguard are kind of good still (2000 points)

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Hearthband

CHARACTERS

Einhyr Champion (95 points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest • Enhancement: Bastion Shield

Einhyr Champion (80 points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest • Enhancement: Ironskein

Ûthar the Destined (95 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of the Ancestors 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Kapricus Carrier (75 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Smoke Launcher 1x Twin magna‑coil autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Heavy plasma axe

Einhyr Hearthguard (270 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x EtaCarn plasma gun 9x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (135 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard • 4x Concussion gauntlet 4x EtaCarn plasma gun 4x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Bolt revolver 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma knife • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 1x APM launcher 7x Bolt revolver 9x Close combat weapon 1x Magna-coil rifle 7x Plasma knife

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

Archetype

Hearthband Forts

Thoughts

Votann take the second Undefeated slot here, with a build I've been vaguely warned I'd end up writing about soon by my resident Dwarf Understanders (Lowest of Men and Curie). The updated Hearthband's RR1s to Wound is very good with some of the generically strong units in the Codex like the big guns on Land Fortresses, and you supplement that by making your Hearthguard really pop. Continuous AP reduction on the big squad from Bastion Shield is fantastic, the smaller squad with a brawling Champion is punchy, and access to Fury of the Heath to push the plasma to S8 in a Marine meta rocks. Add the lurking threat of D4 Beserks to mess up enemy hulls if they aren't careful, and you have a pretty compelling set of toys to play with, trading out the big burst of Sustained Hits 2 from other Detachments for some more grindy efficiency. Dwarves love that, to be fair. Great work Drew.

Johnny Zoo - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) - 3rd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Vets but like Raiders tho (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) • 1x Cypher's bolt pistol • 1x Cypher's plasma pistol

Fabius Bile (85 Points) • 1x Fabius Bile ◦ 1x Chirurgeon ◦ 1x Rod of Torment ◦ 1x Xyclos Needler • 1x Surgeon Acolyte ◦ 1x Surgeon Acolyte's tools

Lord Discordant on Helstalker (160 Points) • 1x Bladed limbs • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Helstalker autocannon • 1x Impaler chainglaive • 1x Techno-virus injector

BATTLELINE

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

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 ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator autocannon

Chosen (250 Points) • 1x Chosen Champion ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 5x Chosen ◦ 4x Accursed weapon ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Boltgun ◦ 2x Combi-weapon ◦ 1x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Chosen (125 Points) • 1x Chosen Champion ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Chosen ◦ 3x Accursed weapon ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 2x Combi-weapon ◦ 1x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Raptors (90 Points) • 1x Raptor Champion ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Raptor ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Meltagun

Warp Talons (270 Points) • 1x Warp Talon Champion ◦ 1x Warp claws • 9x Warp Talon ◦ 9x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

Noise Marines (145 Points) • 1x Disharmonist ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Sonic blaster

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

Archetype

Raiders Goodstuff

Thoughts

The Chaos Space Marines goodstuff package of Predators, Chosen and Warp Talons has been showing up in a few shells recently, and this version reverts to the reliable choice of Raiders, and adds a Discolord instead of going the Obliterator route some other versions do. The big Chosen/Bile unit is great wherever it shows up, and Dark Pacts continue to amp up some relatively cheap shooting threats far beyond what you'd expect from them. Nothing too complicated beyond that, but just a very solid all-rounder setup. Good work Johnny.

Cameron Marinoccio - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 4th Place

Hospitaller Credit: Evan "Felime" Siefring

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Sororitas 2k (1995 Points)

Adepta Sororitas Hallowed Martyrs Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Canoness (60 Points) • 1x Blessed blade • 1x Inferno pistol • Enhancements: Saintly Example

Canoness with Jump Pack (100 Points) • 1x Blessed halberd • Enhancements: Through Suffering, Strength

Hospitaller (50 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Hospitaller (50 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Hospitaller (50 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Chirurgeon's tools

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

BATTLELINE

Battle Sisters Squad (105 Points) • 1x Sister Superior ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Battle Sister ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 7x Boltgun ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Multi-melta ◦ 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (115 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Twin multi-melta

Immolator (115 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Twin multi-melta

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Castigator (160 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Castigator autocannons • 3x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (160 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Castigator autocannons • 3x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Celestian Sacresants (130 Points) • 1x Sacresant Superior ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 9x Hallowed mace

Celestian Sacresants (130 Points) • 1x Sacresant Superior ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 9x Hallowed mace

Celestian Sacresants (130 Points) • 1x Sacresant Superior ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 9x Hallowed mace

Paragon Warsuits (210 Points) • 1x Paragon Superior ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Multi-melta ◦ 1x Paragon grenade launchers ◦ 1x Paragon war blade • 2x Paragon ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Multi-melta ◦ 2x Paragon grenade launchers ◦ 2x Paragon war blade

Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 Points) • 1x Novitiate Superior ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Sister Novitiate ◦ 5x Autogun ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Ministorum flamer ◦ 1x Sacred Banner ◦ 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

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

Archetype

Sacresant Spam but it's Martyrs

Thoughts

Take the Champions Sacresant build, run it as Martyrs, add in the two standard Enhancements for them and call it a day. That seems to have worked super well here - Saintly Example helps get your Miracle Dice rolling, the murder jump Canoness is a good trade piece even without the Zephyrim (though I do prefer the reliability the unit gives), and the wall of Sacresants is still really annoying to handle. It also has the upside that if you run into volume melee foes, the Spirit of the Martyr Stratagem significantly elevates this version over Champions, as you can potentially nuke back (say) a unit of 10 Berzerkers (as if they lift you in a single activation, both halves of the Martyrs Detachment rule are active when you Fight on Death). You can see the building for this with the maces on all the units, and with careful marshalling of CP, this list can really ruin melee Marines' day. That accurately reflects the meta we're dealing with right now, so very smart choice, well rewarded for Cameron.

The Best of the Rest

There were 11 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Jack Murphy - Aeldari (Warhost): Dragon Serpent/Reaper Falcon evasive Warhost.
  • 6th - Thomas Davies - Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw): Lots of Jackals and lots of MSUs.
  • 7th - Gregory Hunter - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Four Phoenix fiesta with Asurmen on top of the regular trio.
  • 8th - Joseph Sault - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): Crisis toolbox and Triptide.
  • 9th - Luke McCarthy - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Five bigs Infernals with a couple of gatling Despoilers, a couple of Atrapos and an Abominant to gradually melt people (and keep things cheap to squeeze some Daemons in).
  • 10th - Daniel Guarnaccia - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Another showing for Daniel's Kataphron/Ironstrider/Ruststalker Haloscreed build.
  • 11th - Anthony Triano - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Triple Doomsday/Silent King Starshatter with the unusual choice of a Ghost Ark purely as a durable position piece once you stack Chrono-impedance on it.
  • 12th - Stephen Adams - Orks (War Horde): Ghaz and a Boyz brick plus mechanised all-rounder support.
  • 13th - Zach Hilts - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): All-rounder Inheritors with a Devastator/Apothecary squad.
  • 14th - Orange Cheng - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Four Phoenix fiesta with Asurmen.
  • 15th - Charles Burgard - Orks (War Horde): Ghaz, Boyz and double Battlewagon stuffed with melee toys.

Call to Arms 40K Event Hosted by Away Games

57-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Williamsburg, VA, United States on October 11 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Aidan Barkley - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon) - 1st Place

Aethon Shaan. Credit: Dan Boyd

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
KLAWMPROMISE (2000 Points)

Space Marines Raven Guard Shadowmark Talon Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Captain with Jump Pack (100 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Hunter's Instincts

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Shield Dome • 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Centurion Devastator Squad (330 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 5x Devastator Centurion ◦ 5x Centurion fists ◦ 5x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 5x Twin lascannon

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

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Assault bolters ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Assault bolters ◦ 2x Close combat weapon

Incursor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Paired combat blades

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

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

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 4x Inferno pistol ◦ 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vindicator (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

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

Archetype

All-rounder Shadowmark

Thoughts

It's the Shadowmark menace, here in a fairly all-rounder configuration with a Vindicator as well as the melee Infantry. The plan is the same as always - force the enemy to be ultra cautious with the threat of the VanVets, then blast them to pieces with Inceptors or Centurions bouncing round the table, leaning on the Detachment rule to soften the crack back. This increasingly looks like one of the the builds to beat right now, even as users are tinkering with the exact composition. Congratulations to Aidan on piloting his version to the trophy.

Emory Garrett - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Archon with Soul Trap and Huskblade. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Kabal of the black heart (1985 Points)

Drukhari Skysplinter Assault Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Archon (105 Points) • Warlord • 1x Blast pistol • 1x Huskblade • Enhancements: Nightmare Shroud

Archon (95 Points) • 1x Blast pistol • 1x Huskblade • Enhancements: Spiteful Raider

Beastmaster (120 Points) • 1x Beastmaster ◦ 1x Agoniser ◦ 1x Splinter pods • 1x Clawed Fiend ◦ 1x Clawed Fiend fists • 2x Khymerae ◦ 2x Khymerae talons • 3x Razorwing Flock ◦ 3x Razorwing feathers

Urien Rakarth (80 Points) • 1x Casket of Flensing • 1x Haemonculus tools and scissorhands

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (100 Points) • 1x Sybarite ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Phantasm grenade launcher ◦ 1x Splinter rifle • 9x Kabalite Warrior ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Dark lance ◦ 1x Shredder ◦ 1x Splinter cannon ◦ 5x Splinter rifle

Kabalite Warriors (100 Points) • 1x Sybarite ◦ 1x Phantasm grenade launcher ◦ 1x Splinter rifle ◦ 1x Sybarite weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Dark lance ◦ 1x Shredder ◦ 1x Splinter cannon ◦ 5x Splinter rifle

Kabalite Warriors (100 Points) • 1x Sybarite ◦ 1x Phantasm grenade launcher ◦ 1x Splinter rifle ◦ 1x Sybarite weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Dark lance ◦ 1x Shredder ◦ 1x Splinter cannon ◦ 5x Splinter rifle

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Raider (75 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 1x Dark lance

Raider (75 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 1x Dark lance

Venom (65 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 1x Splinter cannon • 1x Splinter cannon

Venom (65 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 1x Splinter cannon • 1x Splinter cannon

Venom (65 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 1x Splinter cannon • 1x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Court of the Archon (95 Points) • 1x Lhamaean ◦ 1x Shaimeshi blade • 1x Medusae ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Eyeburst • 1x Sslyth ◦ 1x Shardcarbine ◦ 1x Splinter pistol ◦ 1x Sslyth battle-blade • 1x Ur-ghul ◦ 1x Ur-ghul talons

Cronos (50 Points) • 1x Spirit syphon • 1x Spirit vortex • 1x Spirit-leech tentacles

Incubi (170 Points) • 9x Incubi ◦ 9x Klaive • 1x Klaivex ◦ 1x Klaive

Mandrakes (65 Points) • 1x Nightfiend ◦ 1x Baleblast ◦ 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake ◦ 4x Baleblast ◦ 4x Glimmersteel blade

Mandrakes (65 Points) • 1x Nightfiend ◦ 1x Baleblast ◦ 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake ◦ 4x Baleblast ◦ 4x Glimmersteel blade

Scourges (130 Points) • 1x Solarite ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Shardcarbine ◦ 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Dark lance

Scourges (130 Points) • 1x Solarite ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Shardcarbine ◦ 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Drukhari haywire blaster

Voidraven Bomber (235 Points) • 1x Bladed wings • 2x Dark scythe • 1x Voidraven missiles

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

Archetype

Pour one out for the resin fallen

Thoughts

The Drukhari resin package refuses to go quietly into the long night, with Urien, Beastmasters and a Cout claiming a last few screaming souls for the Dark City. Also a Voidraven, which is something of a victim of the Pain changes. I think there's plenty of punch in Skysplinter still after the Codex, as they're big winners from upgrades to Wyches, but this is probably the last we'll see of this exact configuration, well done to Emory on giving it a sendoff.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Mark Hertel - Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Mark back on his last iteration of nonsense now that other people have realised Deathwatch are good, so it's Triple Land Raider Ultramarine Gladius again.
  • 4th - Blue Ford - Orks (Bully Boyz): Elite melee murder infantry.
  • 5th - Devin Watkins - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Chunky Subterranean Assault with double Norn instead of any of the dakka Infantry.
  • 6th - Chris Cardamone - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Champions Infantry doomstacks, two full Plague Marine units and 10 Blightlords.
  • 7th - Enrique Serrano - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Literally just five bigs, two Atrapos, a Lancer, and two Gatling Despoilers.
  • 8th - Jake Wolfslied - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Standard all-rounder Warband with Berzerkers, Eightbound and some Khorne Berzerkers.
  • 9th - Charles Lund - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Lion/Deathwing Gladius.

7. Corsair Open GT

47-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in München, BY, DE on October 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Manuel Wayand - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

World Eaters Forgefiend. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Er hat aber bei mir abgeschrieben, ich schwöre doppelt..! (1995 Points)

World Eaters Berzerker Warband Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Master of Executions (85 Points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment • 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive

Slaughterbound (85 Points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Triple Berzerker All-Rounder Warband

Thoughts

After a surge of big Berzerker builds, all-rounder Warband has started claiming back some of the success for Khorne's forces, with this as a great example. The standard mix of Berzerkers, Spawn and Forgefiends is augmented by an Exalted bomb, and this build also showcases the rise of people swapping a Prince out for a third 10-model Berzerker unit, providing a bit more redundancy and something you can send out to trade into a medium target. Combining it with multiple Rhinos also helps you stage well, and it lets you project Advance/Charge threat across a lot of the table at once. World Eaters are in a really solid place, and great job Manuel for unleashing this spin on it.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Pau Poensgen 🦭 - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Double Prince Coterie with an extra Rhino.
  • 3rd - Nikolai Stocks - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Cawl with a triple Disintegrator/triple Ironstrider firebase and maximum Ruststalkers.
  • 4th - Justin Riedel - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): All-rounder Warband with a third Berzerker unit instead of a Daemon Prince.

OCTOBER OFFENSIVE

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia on October 11 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Mario H - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) - 1st Place

Primaris Chapter Master Dante. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Mario Blood Angels Liberator Assault Group

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (100 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Speed of the Primarch

Captain with Jump Pack (75 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist

Captain with Jump Pack (75 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist

Commander Dante (120 Points) • 1x Perdition Pistol • 1x The Axe Mortalis

Lemartes (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x The Blood Crozius

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

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

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

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (230 Points) • 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs ◦ 5x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Eviscerator ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 2x Inferno pistol ◦ 2x Plasma pistol ◦ 3x Power fist

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Plasma exterminators

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Plasma exterminators

Sanguinary Guard (125 Points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard ◦ 2x Angelus boltgun ◦ 3x Encarmine spear ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Sanguinary Banner

Sanguinary Guard (125 Points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard ◦ 2x Angelus boltgun ◦ 3x Encarmine spear ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Sanguinary Banner

Sanguinary Guard (125 Points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard ◦ 2x Angelus boltgun ◦ 3x Encarmine spear ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Sanguinary Banner

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 4x Inferno pistol ◦ 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

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

Archetype

Go-wide Liberator with Centurions

Thoughts

You know I am starting to maybe think that the big cut to Centurion Devastators a few Dataslates ago might have been a mistake because what the hell are they doing in Liberator Assault Group? I mean I guess if you take as step back and compare them to the current price on Ballistus Dreads, you can kind of see it. That's especially true in an army (like this) that isn't otherwise packing hulls, as it reduces the vulnerability to really dedicated anti-tank like Hammerheads. They combine with Inceptors to provide the shooty punch this build wants to help control the flow of battle against other melee lists, and in general this list feels like it's intended to thwart other melee armies - lots of units and lots of board coverage minimises the value of what foes can pick off at any one time (other than Lemartes' unit, which are big enough trumps that you run them anyway). Still kind of gobsmaked by the Centurions turning up, but yeah this is a nice version of Liberator for the metagame, great stuff from Mario.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - David Beniah - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Infantry-heavy Custodes plus one Bike unit with a Captain.
  • 3rd - Daniel B Wibowo - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King, Doomsdays, one Wraith unit and various MSUs.
  • 4th - Hendy D - Aeldari (Warhost): Double Serpent evasive Warhost.
  • 5th - Giancarlo . - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Crowe, GMDKs, more Purifiers and Infantry with a mix of Razorbacks and a Land Raider for them to ride around in.
  • 6th - Moses Manalu - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers): Vulkan with a big Infernus brick, other shooty Infantry, and lots of Repulsors for riding.

Glasshammer GT - October

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on October 11 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Andy Quas-Cohen - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

Szarekh, The Silent King. Credit: Rockfish Szarekh, The Silent King. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Starshatter Arsenal (Relentless Onslaught) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: The Silent King + ENHANCEMENT: Dread Majesty (on Char2: Catacomb Command Barge) & Chrono-impedance Fields (on Char3: Psychomancer) & Demanding Leader (on Char4: Skorpekh Lord) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) + (1x6) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 3x The Silent King (400 pts): Warlord • 1x Szarekh: Sceptre of Eternal Glory, Staff of Stars, Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2 with Annihilator beam, Armoured bulk Char2: 1x Catacomb Command Barge (150 pts): Resurrection orb, Gauss cannon, Overlord's blade Enhancement: Dread Majesty (+30 pts) Char3: 1x Psychomancer (80 pts): Abyssal lance Enhancement: Chrono-impedance Fields (+25 pts) Char4: 1x Skorpekh Lord (100 pts): Enmitic annihilator, Flensing claw, Hyperphase harvester Enhancement: Demanding Leader (+10 pts) Char5: 1x Skorpekh Lord (90 pts): Enmitic annihilator, Flensing claw, Hyperphase harvester Char6: 1x Skorpekh Lord (90 pts): Enmitic annihilator, Flensing claw, Hyperphase harvester

5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws 5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws 5x Triarch Praetorians (90 pts): 5 with Rod of covenant 5x Triarch Praetorians (90 pts): 5 with Rod of covenant 1x Lokhust Destroyers (40 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon 1x Lokhust Destroyers (40 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array 1x Triarch Stalker (110 pts): Stalker's forelimbs, Heat ray

Enjoy Necron content? Checkout Command Protocols on youtube

Archetype

Silent King Doomsdays

Thoughts

Starshatter Doomsdays seem to be trucking along fine despite the loss of the Silent King's ignore modifier aura, still providing really realiable, grindy firepower. The most notable thing here is that Triarch MSUs are suddenly really worth it in Starshatter - in my opinion they kind of almost were already, but at 90pts they're an absolute steal. Otherwise, you know the deal here - blast foes to pieces, counterpunch with Skorpekh if they get too close. Well done Andy!

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Aidan Brocklehurst - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Lots of Sacresants, lots of herohammer, a couple of Retributor units for extra blasting.
  • 3rd - Ed Watts - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Berzerker spam, five units including two 20s.

40k Hydra Grand Tournament III 2025

29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Roskilde, Danmark on October 11 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold - Search and Destroy

Peter Herbild - Orks (War Horde)
Army List - Click to Expand
Warhorde II (2000 Points)

Orks War Horde Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Big Mek (95 Points) • 1x Drilla • 1x Traktor blasta • Enhancements: Follow Me Ladz

Big Mek (70 Points) • 1x Drilla • 1x Kustom mega-blasta

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (70 Points) • 1x Big shoota • 1x Spiked wheels

OTHER DATASHEETS

Battlewagon (160 Points) • 2x Big shoota • 1x Deff rolla • 1x Grabbin' klaw • 1x Kannon • 1x Lobba • 1x Wreckin' ball • 1x 'Ard Case

Battlewagon (160 Points) • 2x Big shoota • 1x Deff rolla • 1x Grabbin' klaw • 1x Kannon • 1x Lobba • 1x Wreckin' ball • 1x 'Ard Case

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

Burna Boyz (60 Points) • 1x Spanner ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Kustom mega-blasta • 4x Burna Boy ◦ 4x Burna ◦ 4x Cuttin' flames

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

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

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 ◦ 8x Choppa ◦ 8x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob ◦ 1x Power klaw ◦ 1x Slugga

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



vs.

Nicklas Schmidt - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force)
Army List - Click to Expand
Jeg smølfesparker dig på dilleren hvis du er xenos, heratic eller psyker(1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

Chaplain Grimaldus (110 points) • 1x Chaplain Grimaldus • Warlord • 1x Artificer crozius 1x Plasma pistol • 3x Cenobyte Servitor • 3x Close combat weapon

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

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (150 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Assault Intercessor • 9x Astartes chainsword 9x Heavy bolt pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Multi-melta 1x Shield Dome

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) • 5x Sword Brother • 2x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol 2x Pyre pistol

Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) • 5x Sword Brother • 2x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol 2x Pyre pistol

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

Thoughts

A mechanised melee for our Showdown today, pitting double Battlewagon, double Boyz Orks against double RepEx Templars, who have brought a big unit of Assault Marines as an extra footslogging threat.

In terms of the assets each army has going for them, the Ork upside is broadly having a few more drops, and being better able to force through Primary denial while their large Boyz units are active. For the Templars, transport supremacy is their advantage; the RepExes can reliably blow a hole in one of those Battlewagons, the Orks cannot do the same back to the RepExes without closing to melee range, increasing the chance that the Templars get their way of things.

Of those two options, I would probably tap the Templar one as being a more impactful advantage, particularly on a relatively "normal" mission - it should allow the Templars to be very judicious about how they join battle, and focus on ensuring that when they strike, it neutralises enough of the Orks to allow them to dominate from there. The scoreline, of course, says that I am completely wrong about this, with the Orks absolutely smashing it, so what have I missed?

My guess is that it's either that the Orks have more units suitable for use purely as bait, which let them neutralise the Templars advantage in dictating how the battle flowed, or that on Search and Destroy they were able to just go completely ham and touch all the Templar transports with the Boyz straight away. The Templars might be able to carve through the horde in response, but potentially get bogged down for long enough that it doesn't matter, and if one of the RepExes does get rolled over and punched to death, cracking the Battlewagons is suddenly way more of a project, and the Orks can probably just dominate the game from that point. The lack of any Scouts does make the Templars especially vulnerable to that, and it's one of the drawbacks of their fairly resource intensive Character setups that they tend to have fewer floating points at the end of list construction than most Marines.

Well done to the Orks on flipping the script either way!

Result

Orks (War Horde) Victory - 92 - 44

Peter Herbild - Orks (War Horde) - 1st Place

Credit: Tom Alexander

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Warhorde II (2000 Points)

Orks War Horde Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Big Mek (95 Points) • 1x Drilla • 1x Traktor blasta • Enhancements: Follow Me Ladz

Big Mek (70 Points) • 1x Drilla • 1x Kustom mega-blasta

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (70 Points) • 1x Big shoota • 1x Spiked wheels

OTHER DATASHEETS

Battlewagon (160 Points) • 2x Big shoota • 1x Deff rolla • 1x Grabbin' klaw • 1x Kannon • 1x Lobba • 1x Wreckin' ball • 1x 'Ard Case

Battlewagon (160 Points) • 2x Big shoota • 1x Deff rolla • 1x Grabbin' klaw • 1x Kannon • 1x Lobba • 1x Wreckin' ball • 1x 'Ard Case

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

Burna Boyz (60 Points) • 1x Spanner ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Kustom mega-blasta • 4x Burna Boy ◦ 4x Burna ◦ 4x Cuttin' flames

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

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

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 ◦ 8x Choppa ◦ 8x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob ◦ 1x Power klaw ◦ 1x Slugga

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

Archetype

Boyz and Battlewagons

Thoughts

Ghaz muscles to the top here, leading lots of speedy Boyz and mechanised threats. The double dose of big Flash Gitz units is an interesting thing to pair him with, and while it wasn't super relevant in the Showdown game, I can see how it helps capitalise on a foe being forced onto the back foot, while also helping even the field against lighter transports (just not so much against T12 ones). Big fan of that as a choice, and it seems to have worked well, congratulations Peter.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Anders Petersen - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Double Prince Coterie with a Maulerfiend and some Flawless Blades.
  • 3rd - Marcus Jensen - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Pretty much the same, except no Flawless Blades.
  • 4th - Nicklas Schmidt - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Sword Brethren/RepEx Gladius.
  • 5th - Markus Borowy - Orks (War Horde): Ghaz Boyz and double Battlewagon.

Wrap Up

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Tags: Space Marines | chaos space marines | tyranids | blood angels | world eaters | Warhammer 40k | drukhari | Raven Guard | Orks | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Leagues of Votann

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