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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Mont'ka Mash pt.3

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Jan 24 2026

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.

After a bafflingly Space Marine-centric part 2 (the sorting algorithm just does that sometimes, I don't know what to tell you) we're back to a broader range of forces for today's part 3.

Part 3 on Saturday:
  • Denver 40K Fight Club January Open 2026
  • II GT Iberian Open Wargames Moguer
  • FIRST BLOOD CDMX
  • Glasshammer GT - January
Part 1 on Wednesday:
  • Warhammer 40,000 GT - Warhammer Open Palm Springs
  • Hammer in the New Year 2026 Hosted by Away Games
  • IV Iberian Ham
  • Akron Brew Brawl-Winter GT-WH 40k
  • 2 Tabled 2 Talk GT
Part 2 on Friday:
  • Texas Open 2026 - Warhammer 40k Champs
  • Skövde Battle Forge VI
  • Loch 'n Load GT3
  • The Iron Halo 2026

Denver 40K Fight Club January Open 2026

86-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Westminster, CO, US on January 17 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

John Kilcommons - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 1st Place

Tau Hammerhead Gunship Tau Hammerhead Gunship. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
It was always triptide (1995 Points)

T'au Empire Mont'ka Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Ethereal (90 Points) • Warlord • 1x Honour stave • 1x Hover Drone • 2x Shield Drone • Enhancements: Coordinated Exploitation

BATTLELINE

Breacher Team (90 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

Strike Team (70 Points) • 1x Support turret • 1x Fire Warrior Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Guardian Drone ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Pulse pistol ◦ 1x Pulse rifle • 9x Fire Warrior ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Pulse pistol ◦ 9x Pulse rifle

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Devilfish (85 Points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Smart missile system

Devilfish (85 Points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Smart missile system

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Hammerhead Gunship (145 Points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ion cannon • 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (145 Points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ion cannon • 2x Seeker missile

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

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

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

Riptide Battlesuit (200 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Riptide Battlesuit (200 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Riptide Battlesuit (200 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Stealth Battlesuits (110 Points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 1x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Pulse pistol • 4x Stealth Shas'ui ◦ 4x Battlesuit fists ◦ 3x Burst cannon ◦ 1x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Homing Beacon

Stealth Battlesuits (110 Points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 1x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Pulse pistol • 4x Stealth Shas'ui ◦ 4x Battlesuit fists ◦ 3x Burst cannon ◦ 1x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Homing Beacon

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

Exported with App Version: v1.46.1 (1), Data Version: v728

Archetype

Hull Mont'ka

Thoughts

Our second big Mont'ka win of the week, with John blasting to victory with an extra hull-heavy spin on Fast Tau. Not quite as fast as some other builds - this variant cuts out Strike Swiftly for a slightly more measured advance, but because pretty much everything is (or starts in) a Fly Vehicle that can Advance/do stuff, it's still very agile. Adding a second Hammerhead also helps prepare it for facing C'tan, as Riptides don't do phenomenally there (though Lethal Hits helps a bit, which is another reason to go with Mont'ka). Having those as a top-end and double Devilfish with passengers means that the army can reach out and threaten targets of any size, and presents a pretty vicious DPS check on anyone who wants to trade with it. Cingratulations to John!

Cody Jiru - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
"Which Wyches are Byches? Ctan... those are the Byches, not the Wyches" (2000 points)

Drukhari Strike Force (2000 points) Spectacle of Spite

CHARACTERS

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

Lelith Hesperax (85 points) • Warlord • 1x Lelith's blades

Succubus (65 points) • 1x Archite glaive and agoniser • Enhancement: Chronoshard

Succubus (70 points) • 1x Archite glaive and agoniser • Enhancement: Morghenna's Curse

Succubus (75 points) • 1x Archite glaive and agoniser • Enhancement: Periapt of Torments

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Raider (85 points) • 1x Bladevanes and chainsnares 1x Dark lance

Raider (85 points) • 1x Bladevanes and chainsnares 1x Dark lance

Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cronos (55 points) • 1x Spirit syphon 1x Spirit-leech tentacles

Hellions (85 points) • 1x Helliarch • 1x Hellglaive 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher 1x Power weapon 1x Splinter pistol 1x Splinter pods • 4x Hellion • 4x Hellglaive 4x Splinter pods

Hellions (170 points) • 1x Helliarch • 1x Hellglaive 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher 1x Power weapon 1x Splinter pistol 1x Splinter pods • 9x Hellion • 9x Hellglaive 9x Splinter pods

Hellions (85 points) • 1x Helliarch • 1x Hellglaive 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher 1x Power weapon 1x Splinter pistol 1x Splinter pods • 4x Hellion • 4x Hellglaive 4x Splinter pods

Mandrakes (75 points) • 1x Nightfiend • 1x Baleblast 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake • 4x Baleblast 4x Glimmersteel blade

Mandrakes (75 points) • 1x Nightfiend • 1x Baleblast 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake • 4x Baleblast 4x Glimmersteel blade

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

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

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

Exported with App Version: v1.46.1 (107), Data Version: v728

Archetype

Scourge Spectacle

Thoughts

Drukhari take the other undefeated slot here, with Spectacle preparing for a fairly Transport and C'tan-packed metagame by putting the Scourges back in, with the Dark Lance units being especially important. Also helpful is having double big Hellion brick, as a bit Combat Drugs/Pain Token-powered go turn from those can make meaningful inroads on heavy threats just through sheer volume of damage, being pretty good for spiking Blood Angel bricks also (especially as timing it right with positioning of Malys can stop them doing Fight on Death). The full Succubus suite helps in those melee Marine (and Custodes) matchups too, giving plenty of flexibility on where the Fight First or big threats go. Brutal Drukhari power plays don't seem to be going anywhere, and well done to Cody for taking them through a tough gauntlet unscathed.

Travis Armstrong - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor) - 3rd Place

Adeptus Custodes - Custodian Guard Adeptus Custodes - Custodian Guard
Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
What have you made me do??? (2000 Points)

Adeptus Custodes Talons of the Emperor Strike Force (2,000 Points)

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (190 Points) • 5x Custodian Guard ◦ 4x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Misericordia ◦ 1x Praesidium Shield ◦ 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (190 Points) • 5x Custodian Guard ◦ 4x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Misericordia ◦ 1x Praesidium Shield ◦ 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (150 Points) • 4x Custodian Guard ◦ 3x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Misericordia ◦ 1x Praesidium Shield ◦ 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (150 Points) • 4x Custodian Guard ◦ 3x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Misericordia ◦ 1x Praesidium Shield ◦ 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (150 Points) • 4x Custodian Guard ◦ 4x Guardian spear

Custodian Guard (150 Points) • 4x Custodian Guard ◦ 4x Guardian spear

OTHER DATASHEETS

Prosecutors (40 Points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor ◦ 3x Boltgun ◦ 3x Close combat weapon

Prosecutors (40 Points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor ◦ 3x Boltgun ◦ 3x Close combat weapon

Prosecutors (40 Points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor ◦ 3x Boltgun ◦ 3x Close combat weapon

Venerable Land Raider (220 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Godhammer lascannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Venerable Land Raider (220 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Godhammer lascannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Venerable Land Raider (220 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Godhammer lascannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Witchseekers (45 Points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Witchseeker flamer

ALLIED UNITS

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

Inquisitor Draxus (95 Points) • Warlord • 1x Dirgesinger • 1x Power fist • 1x Psychic Tempest

Exported with App Version: v1.46.1 (1), Data Version: v728

Archetype

Land Raider Custodians

Thoughts

One of the metagame's biggest gut punch builds takes third place here, narrowly losing to the Drukhari above in the final round. Hauling a bunch of Custodians forward in Land Raiders puts incredible pressure on foes, demanding a level of damage output many cannot muster just to keep in the game, and also offers big blowout plays from a well-timed dodge back inside the hull. The Raiders also help a lot with C'tan, who are a massive headache for most other Custodes builds, providing both high damage shots to punch some pain through, and layered defences to try and ensure a rampaging star god can't roll up the list too rapidly. Both this build and an all-infantry setup are getting a good amount of play right now, especially in Teams, but as this performance shows there's enough power here to carve through singles as well. Great stuff from Travis!

Patrick Love - Aeldari (Serpent's Brood) - 4th Place

Troupe Master Credit: Boon

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
clownin around (2000 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Serpent's Brood

CHARACTERS

Solitaire (115 points) • 1x Flip Belt 1x Solitaire weapons

Troupe Master (95 points) • 1x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 1x Troupe Master's blade • Enhancement: Key of Ghosts

Troupe Master (95 points) • 1x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 1x Troupe Master's blade • Enhancement: Weaver's Wail

Troupe Master (75 points) • 1x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 1x Troupe Master's blade

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 3x Shuriken pistol

Troupe (85 points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 1x Power sword • 4x Player • 4x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin's blade 2x Neuro disruptor 1x Shuriken pistol

Troupe (85 points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 1x Power sword • 4x Player • 4x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin's blade 2x Neuro disruptor 1x Shuriken pistol

Troupe (85 points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 1x Power sword • 4x Player • 4x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin's blade 2x Neuro disruptor 1x Shuriken pistol

Troupe (85 points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 1x Power sword • 4x Player • 4x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 4x Harlequin's blade 2x Neuro disruptor 1x Shuriken pistol

Troupe (100 points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 1x Power sword • 5x Player • 5x Flip Belt 1x Fusion pistol 5x Harlequin's blade 2x Neuro disruptor 2x Shuriken pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Starweaver (80 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Shuriken cannon

Starweaver (80 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Shuriken cannon

Starweaver (80 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Shuriken cannon

Starweaver (80 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Shuriken cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Falcon (130 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Pulse laser 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

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

Skyweavers (190 points) • 4x Skyweaver • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Skyweaver haywire cannon 4x Zephyrglaive

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

Warp Spiders (105 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death weavers 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Archetype

Go-Wide Brood

Thoughts

My grim post-Dataslate prediction that this could be the best way remaining to play Aeldari largely by a process of elimination is looking stronger as the weeks go on, as with experimentation and tinkering the elf lovers of the world have started converging on Serpents Brood builds that really work. Unsurprisingly, there are lots of Troupes in transports, but the key thing that really makes them go is only packing one big Bike unit, as that's what you can protect with Stratagems, and then bringing a Falcon for your Weaver's Wail unit to provide you with an extreme high spike damage piece to unleash when necessary (they get to "plausibly kills a whole C'tan" numbers if you get to fire their pistols and have CP to burn). Supporting that, cheap Dark Reaper units let you block out lots of your backfield while gently chipping away at enemy scoring. That lets the Harlequin player use the rest of their pieces as judiciously as possible, letting them plot a path to victory. There are matches they'll struggle with - the all-hull T'au build is what gave this army its loss - but the power of the Brood is extremely real, and Aeldari players who just can't quit the army should definitely give it a look. If you're up against this, watch that Falcon like a, uh, hawk, because statistically you are probably underestimating how nasty their go turn is. Well done Patrick!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Mason Mutz - Necrons (Cursed Legion): A Cursed Legion spin on the full sucker punch, using the Nightbringer, Void Dragon and Silent King as big threats, then lots of Skorpekh and Ammentar to apply melee pressure into ruins.
  • 6th - Trae Burnett - Chaos Space Marines (Veterans of the Long War): Veterans toolbox with double Obliterators and some Noise Marines for shooting, a Chosen/Bile brick and Vashtorr for melee pressure, then some smaller units for brawling and board control.
  • 7th - Nathan Pitts - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion):  Heavy monster mash and Nurgle utility.
  • 8th - Colin Ruegsegger - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): Hull-skewed Rage-Cursed with double Jump Death Company, double Death Company Dread and double Baal, and the standard triple Sanguinary MSU.
  • 9th - Tom Cohen - Necrons (Cursed Legion): A more destroyer-focused take on Cursed, with one big squad each of Skorpekh and Lokhusts, plus Murderminded Wraiths to apply durable pressure. Also the Deceiver, which helps set up your staging.

II GT Iberian Open Wargames Moguer

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Moguer, AN, España on January 17 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Unknown Mission

Fernando Martín Ávalos - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers)
Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Salamanders + DETACHMENT: Forgefather's Seekers + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Vulkan He'stan + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

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

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired Combat Blades

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

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 pts) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Hand Flamer • 1x Thunder Hammer • 4x Assault Intercessors • 4x Astartes Chainsword • 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol

Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Astartes grenade launcher • 1x Bolt Rifle • 1x Thunder Hammer • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Bolt Rifle • 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Hand Flamer • 1x Power Fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack • 4x Astartes Chainsword • 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 1x Plasma Pistol

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (80 pts) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Plasma Pistol • 2x Bladeguard Veterans • 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 2x Master-crafted Power Weapon

Eradicator Squad (90 pts) • 1x Eradicator • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator Squad • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta

Eradicator Squad (90 pts) • 1x Eradicator • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator Squad • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta

Impulsor (80 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 2x Storm Bolter • Shield Dome

Infernus Squad (90 pts) • 4x Infernus Marines • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Pyreblaster • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (90 pts) • 4x Infernus Marines • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Pyreblaster • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (90 pts) • 4x Infernus Marines • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Pyreblaster • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Pyreblaster

Invader ATV (60 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Twin Bolt Rifle • 1x Multi-melta

Land Raider (220 pts) • 1x Armoured Tracks • 2x Godhammer Lascannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm Bolter • 1x Twin Heavy Bolter

Land Raider (220 pts) • 1x Armoured Tracks • 2x Godhammer Lascannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm Bolter • 1x Twin Heavy Bolter

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 pts) • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Redemptor Fist • 1x Macro Plasma Incinerator • 1x Onslaught Gatling Cannon • 1x Twin Storm Bolter

Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes Shotgun • 2x Scout • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon • 1x Missile Launcher • 1x Scout Sniper Rifle • 2x Scouts • 2x Astartes Shotgun • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 pts) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hammerstrike Missile Launcher • 2x Krakstorm Grenade Launcher • 1x Melta Destroyer



vs.

Adrian Martín - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor)
Army List - Click to Expand
Los colegas de Trajano (2000 points)

Adeptus Custodes Strike Force (2000 points) Lions of the Emperor

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (145 points) • 1x Vaultswords • Enhancement: Superior Creation

Blade Champion (120 points) • 1x Vaultswords

Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armour (140 points) • Warlord • 1x Balistus grenade launcher 1x Castellan axe • Enhancement: Admonimortis

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (150 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Sentinel blade

Custodian Guard (150 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 1x Misericordia 4x Praesidium Shield 3x Sentinel blade 1x Vexilla

OTHER DATASHEETS

Allarus Custodians (110 points) • 2x Allarus Custodian • 2x Balistus grenade launcher 2x Castellan axe

Allarus Custodians (275 points) • 5x Allarus Custodian • 5x Balistus grenade launcher 5x Guardian spear

Custodian Wardens (260 points) • 5x Custodian Warden • 5x Guardian spear 1x Vexilla

Custodian Wardens (260 points) • 5x Custodian Warden • 5x Guardian spear 1x Vexilla

Prosecutors (40 points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior • 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor • 3x Boltgun 3x Close combat weapon

Prosecutors (40 points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior • 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor • 3x Boltgun 3x Close combat weapon

Venatari Custodians (165 points) • 3x Venatari Custodian • 3x Venatari lance

Witchseekers (45 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.45.0 (105), Data Version: v720

Thoughts

Clearly some Salamanders have displeased the Emperor here, as the Custodes have been dispatched to make an example of them with an Infantry-heavy build. On the Salamanders side we've got two big Land Raider clown cards loaded with Infernus Marines and Eradicators, all set to pop out and melt stuff with Vulkan overseeing them.

Particularly given the lack of mission info, this is one of those games where I'm going to show my hand early and try to backsolve, because I would fairly comfortably have given this to the Custodes, but the Salamanders took it handily. My reasoning is that the Custodes absolutely do have the heft to kill Land Raiders, will make brutally quick work of anything else, and can somewhat no-sell any Marine go turns thanks to the Wardens - popping out and shooting a bunch of boosted flamers is cute, but the Warden Feel No Pain mostly shuts that down, Maybe the Eradicators get super lucky, but that doesn't feel like a reliable plan.

The issue may be that while the Raiders are killable for the Custodes, maybe their having to split up to keep their buffs give the Marines a shot at picking them off piecemeal or keeping the Raiders quite close together stops the Custodes being able to take them down quickly. There are also some ways the Marines can get a big spike - sabotaging a charge with Blazing Earth could be a massive swing, the big Allarus unit is vulnerable to getting ganked with boosted flamers, and Adrax isn't bad at playing skittles with Custodes, especially if the Wardens have to commit their Feel No Pain in a shooting phase. There are things that can happen here, but I definitely feel like in an average game the Custodes just carve through things, so well done to the Salamanders for flipping the script. Maybe they told the Custodes they were really sorry for whatever the Custodes were mad about, then hit them with meltaguns while they were thrown off.

Result

Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers) Victory - 93 - 77

Fernando Martín Ávalos - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers) - 1st Place

Vulkan He'stan. Credit: Rockfish Vulkan He'stan. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Salamanders + DETACHMENT: Forgefather's Seekers + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Vulkan He'stan + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

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

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired Combat Blades

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

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 pts) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Hand Flamer • 1x Thunder Hammer • 4x Assault Intercessors • 4x Astartes Chainsword • 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol

Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Astartes grenade launcher • 1x Bolt Rifle • 1x Thunder Hammer • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Bolt Rifle • 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Hand Flamer • 1x Power Fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack • 4x Astartes Chainsword • 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 1x Plasma Pistol

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (80 pts) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Plasma Pistol • 2x Bladeguard Veterans • 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 2x Master-crafted Power Weapon

Eradicator Squad (90 pts) • 1x Eradicator • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator Squad • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta

Eradicator Squad (90 pts) • 1x Eradicator • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Melta rifle • 1x Eradicator Squad • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta

Impulsor (80 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 2x Storm Bolter • Shield Dome

Infernus Squad (90 pts) • 4x Infernus Marines • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Pyreblaster • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (90 pts) • 4x Infernus Marines • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Pyreblaster • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (90 pts) • 4x Infernus Marines • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Pyreblaster • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Pyreblaster

Invader ATV (60 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Twin Bolt Rifle • 1x Multi-melta

Land Raider (220 pts) • 1x Armoured Tracks • 2x Godhammer Lascannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm Bolter • 1x Twin Heavy Bolter

Land Raider (220 pts) • 1x Armoured Tracks • 2x Godhammer Lascannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm Bolter • 1x Twin Heavy Bolter

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 pts) • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Redemptor Fist • 1x Macro Plasma Incinerator • 1x Onslaught Gatling Cannon • 1x Twin Storm Bolter

Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes Shotgun • 2x Scout • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon • 1x Missile Launcher • 1x Scout Sniper Rifle • 2x Scouts • 2x Astartes Shotgun • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 pts) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hammerstrike Missile Launcher • 2x Krakstorm Grenade Launcher • 1x Melta Destroyer

Archetype

Mega Flamer Bus

Thoughts

A hot showing for the Salamanders, as covered in the Showdown. The Land Raiders here help make it really likely you get to pop off with a big go turn, and against anything softer than Custodes the accumulated buffs this army has will make it a very nasty one. Once it takes the initiative it can also be really hard to attack into, as three Infernus squads gives plenty of solid Overwatch and Blazing Earth coverage. Maxing out on those also makes it extra solid at mission play, taking advantage of the Detachment bonus that lets them Advance/Action/Shoot. Congratulations to Fernando for devising a very effective setup for them.

Antonio Mejias - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Ultramarines Cato Sicarius. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Pitufos al 2+ (2000 points)

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

CHARACTERS

Captain Sicarius (85 points) • 1x Artisan plasma pistol 1x Talassarian Tempest Blade

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

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

Intercessor Squad (80 points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 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 Astartes chainsword 1x Heavy bolt pistol • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Ballistus Dreadnought (150 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (150 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

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points) • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points) • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Victrix Honour Guard (110 points) • 1x Chapter Champion • 1x Blades of honour • 2x Victrix Honour Guard • 2x Master-crafted bolt carbine 2x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (220 points) • 1x Chapter Ancient • 1x Banner of Macragge 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 5x Victrix Honour Guard • 5x Master-crafted bolt carbine 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Wardens of Ultramar (90 points) • 1x Ancient Gadriel • 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Storm Shield • 1x Gaius Silva • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Power weapon 1x Refractor Field • 1x Aemelia Minervas • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Power weapon • 1x Dainal Komelius • 1x Astropathic Blast 1x Force stave • 1x Lucia Vestha • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Close combat weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.46.1 (107), Data Version: v728

Archetype

Gladius Ultramarines

Thoughts

Blade is on the up, but Gladius still has its adherants, which are on show here in undefeated second place. Squeezing in additional Victrix makes Gladius more exciting, as even three of them will do some serious damage with Fight on Death, and the list mitigates the lack of multi-use Devastator Doctrine by taking Redemptors instead of Vindicators, which can obviously get more value from Assault when required. Not much to say beyond taht - Ultramarines still good, headlines at eleven, well done Antonio.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Borja FM - White Scars (Spearpoint Task Force): Biker Khan, a Stormraven, and a few more big shooty hulls.
  • 4th - Jose Carlos Galvez - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Birdemic, sticking to Kairos and two Lords to retain points for a couple of big Screamer units.
  • 5th - Capellan Chris - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): All the standard spectacle tools in slightly smaller numbers to free up points for two double Talos units.
  • 6th - Manuel "Maki" Marchena - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Triple Doomsday/Silent King Starshatter with the Nightbringer and a Wraith unit for melee protection/tarpitting.
  • 7th - Cajolín waif - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Double Bullgryn, double Dorn Grizzled with a couple of Field Ordnance Batteries in place of some of the standard Kasrkin units.

FIRST BLOOD CDMX

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico on January 17 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jaime Cruz - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 1st Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Adeptas martyrs (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Hallowed Martyrs

CHARACTERS

Canoness (70 points) • 1x Blessed blade 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Saintly Example

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

Hospitaller (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Hospitaller (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Morvenn Vahl (185 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 Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Battle Sister • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Immolation flamers

Immolator (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Immolation flamers

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 battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Celestian Sacresants (140 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Hallowed mace

Celestian Sacresants (140 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 mace

Retributor Squad (120 points) • 1x Retributor Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Retributor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Multi-melta

Seraphim Squad (80 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Chainsword 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 points) • 1x Novitiate Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Sister Novitiate • 9x Autogun 9x Autopistol 9x Close combat weapon

Zephyrim Squad (80 points) • 1x Zephyrim Superior • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon 1x Sacred Banner • 4x Zephyrim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Power weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.46.1 (107), Data Version: v728

Archetype

Sacresant Martyrs

Thoughts

It's been surprisingly quiet on the Sisters front since the Dataslate, as they didn't get hit that hard, but it seems to have been enough (in combination with various other armies getting big boosts) to drop them off their perch (though the win rate is still fine). Jaime bucks that trend here, going for Sacresants in Martyrs, which I think has been consistently undervalued compared to the Champions version. You get better support for other stuff in your list and a really great Stratagem suite, especially the Fight on Death, which is crucial against Blood Angels at the moment. You also have greater flexibility in varying the numbers, and here two squads is deemed to be enough, creating space for Castigators and a super Canoness with Zephyrim. There's a tonne going on here and every unit feels super solid, which is what you want from Sisters, and I wonder if this is another faction where right now, you just want to deploy an all-round power build like this instead of trying to overthink it. Congratulations Jaime.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Joseph Walsh - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): An unusual tarpit Awakened build, using two fully tooled Wraith Squads (adding Crawlers as well) and two big Lychguard squads (plus Reanimators and other supporting pieces).
  • 3rd - Carlos Esponosa - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): All-melee Warband with a Daemon Prince and one of the Berzerker squads upgraded to the full twenty.
  • 4th - Asgo the Rath - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Double Prince Coterie with Lucius and a Flawless Blade unit instead of a third.
  • 5th - David Galán - Tyranids (Assimilation Swarm): Very polarised Swarm, with Norns at the top and lots of Battleline MSUs at the bottom.

Glasshammer GT - January

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on January 17 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Alex Ginns - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) - 1st Place

Einhyr Hearthguard. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Hearthband 25hg (2000 Points)

Leagues of Votann Hearthband Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Kâhl (90 Points) • 1x Mass gauntlet • 1x Teleport Crest • 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancements: Bastion Shield

Kâhl (65 Points) • 1x Mass gauntlet • 1x Teleport Crest • 1x Volkanite disintegrator

Kâhl (75 Points) • 1x Mass gauntlet • 1x Teleport Crest • 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancements: Ironskein

Memnyr Strategist (45 Points) • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon

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

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 Points) • 1x Theyn ◦ 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol ◦ 1x Autoch-pattern bolter ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Theyn's melee weapon ◦ 1x Weavefield crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior ◦ 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol ◦ 5x Autoch-pattern bolter ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x HYLas auto rifle ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 2x Plasma knife

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

Sagitaur (90 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x HYLas beam cannon • 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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 ◦ 4x Concussion maul ◦ 1x Mole grenade launcher ◦ 1x Twin concussion gauntlet

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk ◦ 4x Concussion maul ◦ 1x Mole grenade launcher ◦ 1x Twin concussion gauntlet

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

Einhyr Hearthguard (270 Points) • 1x Hesyr ◦ 1x EtaCarn plasma gun ◦ 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher ◦ 1x Graviton hammer ◦ 1x Weavefield crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard ◦ 9x Concussion gauntlet ◦ 9x EtaCarn plasma gun ◦ 9x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (270 Points) • 1x Hesyr ◦ 1x EtaCarn plasma gun ◦ 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher ◦ 1x Graviton hammer ◦ 1x Weavefield crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard ◦ 9x Concussion gauntlet ◦ 9x EtaCarn plasma gun ◦ 9x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Hernkyn Pioneers (80 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer ◦ 3x Bolt revolver ◦ 3x Bolt shotgun ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 3x Magna-coil autocannon ◦ 1x Panspectral Scanner ◦ 3x Plasma knife ◦ 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (80 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer ◦ 3x Bolt revolver ◦ 3x Bolt shotgun ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 3x Magna-coil autocannon ◦ 1x Panspectral Scanner ◦ 3x Plasma knife ◦ 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (80 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer ◦ 3x Bolt revolver ◦ 3x Bolt shotgun ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 3x Magna-coil autocannon ◦ 1x Panspectral Scanner ◦ 3x Plasma knife ◦ 1x Rollbar Searchlight

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: v1.46.1 (1), Data Version: v728

Archetype

No-Fort Hearthband

Thoughts

Votann to round us out for the week, packing what is mostly a go-wide build with two full Hearthguard bricks as the alpha threats. Takes maximum advantage of the detachment rule, and having two blocks provides a little bit of redundancy in taking down threats the list could otherwise struggle with. Key to that is managing CP/Uthar positioning for access to Superior Craftsmanship, as outside that there is a bit of a glaring gap in C'tan-killing capability here. I realise that's been the theme of discussion this week, but that's the way things go when there's a big surge in something with an unusual defensive profile - you got to have a plan for it. That's what Craftsmanship gives here, alongside the general Votann efficiency for handling everything else. Congratulations Alex on the win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Matt Bell - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Ironstrider/Skystalker/Sicarian Cohort.
  • 3rd - Lambo Jon - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double C'tan Awakened Herohammer, with lots of small units and one Wraith brick for something sturdier.
  • 4th - Gareth Jones - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Custodian Infantry spam.

Wrap Up

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | Aeldari | drukhari | Salamanders | Harlequins | Adeptus Custodes | tau | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Leagues of Votann

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