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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Night of the Living Deathwing pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Jul 31 2024
Deathwing Knights. They're pretty good again, it turns out. Dark Angels seem to have muscled on in and deposed Blood Angels as the Marines to beat, with their unique units now providing them with an ultra-potent all-rounder package. Other flexible builds like Bringers of Flame and Thousand Sons are also performing strongly, and Aeldari are creeping up in win rate once more, but the big breakout is actually from Drukhari, who've had another absolutely outstanding week, putting up the best win rate by a significant margin, and preying on the rest of the top factions with great enthusiam. A mixture of strong mission play, strong anti-Marine capabilities and enough redundancy to survive the onslaught of Tsons and Sisters seems to be a winning formula - will anyone be able to stop them?

If you want to try and hald the Drukhari menace yourself, there are still tickets available for the upcoming Goonhammer Open UK, taking place on 7th and 8th September in Leicester. Kill elves, win a Golden Ticket and a fancy belt, what's not to love?

Josh Roberts, returning UK Goonhammer Open Championship Belt holder, Spring 2024

Check it our here.

Anyway, on to events that have already happened - today I'll be starting with:
  • The North East Open 2024
  • Boise Cup 2024! (40k)
  • Winter Warfest
  • FactoruM Warhammer 40,000 GT July 2024
  • Free State MId Summer GT
On Friday we'll have Lowest of Men covering:
  • Waterdeep GT 3ra Edición
  • Protect Ya Neck
  • Clowns Massacre
  • The Carolina Open Hosted by Away Games
We have, as ever, submitted the Showdowns for a Patron vote, and this week they've selected:
  • Outlander Claw GSC vs Imperial Knights at Winter Warfest
  • Realspace Raiders (yes, you read that right) Drukhari vs Chaos Knights at Clowns Massacre

The North East Open 2024

105-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on July 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Innes Wilson - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
++++++++++++++++++++ Player: Innes "Lennon't" Wilson Team: Stat Check Faction: Adeptus Astartes, Imperial Agents Total Points: 1995 Detachment Rule: Enhancements: Apothecary Biologis - Fire Discipline, Judiciar: The Honour Vehement

++++++++++++++++++++

The Same as Last Year (1995 points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (85 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • Enhancement: Fire Discipline

Azrael (105 points) • Warlord • 1x Lion's Wrath 1x The Lion Helm 1x The Sword of Secrets

Judiciar (85 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Executioner relic blade • Enhancement: The Honour Vehement

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 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 (80 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

Deathwing Knights (235 points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master • 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Mace of absolution

Deathwing Knights (235 points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master • 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Power weapon

Deathwing Knights (235 points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master • 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Mace of absolution

Eradicator Squad (190 points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle • 5x Eradicator • 5x Bolt pistol 5x Close combat weapon 3x Melta rifle 2x Multi-melta

Inner Circle Companions (180 points) • 6x Inner Circle Companion • 6x Calibanite greatsword 6x Heavy bolt pistol

Repulsor (180 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Hunter-slayer missile 1x Repulsor defensive array 1x Twin lascannon

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Deathwing GTF

Thoughts

I present exhibit A. Or perhaps exhibit D. Killing Deathwing Knights is hard and killing three units of them is a total nightmare, giving this build a very strong bullying core, especially when you can Advance/Charge the whole lot on a go turn. They also provide great protection for the incredibly nasty Eradicator unit, which will cheerfully step out and blow multiple targets to bits at once, then skulk back into their Repulsor if anything tries to punish them. We're in a melee-heavy metagame and this list is just a complete nightmare to handle with any sort of melee army, something that's rounded out by the Inner Circle Companions/Judiciar squad, which basically no elite Infantry in the game can safely charge (except maybe full Primaris Crusader units). We would expect no less than an exceptionally strong build from Innes, and big congratulations on another major trophy.

Pearce Condren - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Yugioh (2000 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Cult of Magic

CHARACTERS

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (105 points) • 1x Arcane Fire 1x Force weapon 1x Prosperine khopesh 1x Warpflame pistol

Infernal Master (115 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Screamer Invocation • Enhancement: Arcane Vortex

Infernal Master (90 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Screamer Invocation

Infernal Master (90 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Screamer Invocation

Magnus the Red (440 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus 1x Gaze of Magnus 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

Thousand Sons Daemon Prince with Wings (180 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon

Thousand Sons Sorcerer (130 points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol • Enhancement: Lord of Forbidden Lore

Thousand Sons Sorcerer (115 points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 points) • 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Thousand Sons Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 9x Cultist firearm

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 points) • 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Thousand Sons Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 9x Cultist firearm

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 points) • 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Thousand Sons Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 9x Cultist firearm

Tzaangor Enlightened (45 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Fatecaster greatbow

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Rubricae/Character Tsons

Thoughts

There has been no point in 10th Edition where this has not been an extremely good army. I do not thing you need me to explain it to you any longer, and the fact it doesn't massively rely on D2 weaponry to get stuff done can only help in a Deathwing Knight-heavy metagame. The Winged Daemon Prince is the only notable divergence from the norm, and I assume a nod to the Pariah missions generally demanding a bit more movement flexiblity from you. Seems to have worked out pretty well - congratulations to Pearce on undefeated second!

Will Whitaker - Adepta Sororitas (Penitent Host) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Evan "Felime" Siefring

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Flaming, faithful and penitent (2000 Points)

Adepta Sororitas Penitent Host Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemonifuge (85 Points) • 1x Ephrael Stern • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Sanctity • 1x Kyganil of the Bloody Tears • 1x The Outcast's Weapons

Dialogus (60 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Dialogus staff • Enhancements: Psalm of Righteous Judgement

Ministorum Priest (75 Points) • 1x Zealot's vindictor • Enhancements: Refrain of Enduring Faith

Ministorum Priest (65 Points) • 1x Zealot's vindictor • Enhancements: Verse of Holy Piety

Triumph of Saint Katherine (190 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt pistols 1x Relic weapons

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

Arco-flagellants (150 Points) • 10x Arco-flagellant • 10x Arco-flails

Arco-flagellants (45 Points) • 3x Arco-flagellant • 3x Arco-flails

Arco-flagellants (150 Points) • 10x Arco-flagellant • 10x Arco-flails

Castigator (150 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (150 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (150 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator autocannons 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Dominion Squad (115 Points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Condemnor boltgun 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Dominion Squad (115 Points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Condemnor boltgun 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Repentia Squad (180 Points) • 1x Repentia Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Neural whips • 9x Sister Repentia • 9x Penitent eviscerator

Repentia Squad (90 Points) • 1x Repentia Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Neural whips • 4x Sister Repentia • 4x Penitent eviscerator

Archetype

Combined Arms Penitent Host

Thoughts

Rounding out the undefeated podium players, Will breaks from the crowd on Sisters by running Penitent Host instead of Bringers, though keeps a fair amount of the Bringers energy in terms of the supporting cast. Castigators are just tremendously efficient with bascially no help, and the Dominion/Immolator setup provides a healthy mix of utility and anti-tank punch. In this build, your opponent is inevitably going to start out somewhat on the back foot, and that's going to give you a good initial window to inflict heavy attrition damage, then mop up whatever is left. The key Penitent stratagems are great for keeping the foe tied up for that little bit longer, and you can also catch people out with the fact that Fall Back/Shoot does work on Castigators or Dominions here, which not everyone will see coming. Builds like this, mixing a moderate contingent of detachment-focused tools with quality all-rounders, tend to take a bit longer to emerge, but often end up amongst the strongest choices in the long term, so well done to Will on putting this recipe together and taking it through five rounds unscathed.

Dave Taylor - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders) - 4th Place

Sword Brethren. Credit: Saint

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Lovely day for a crusade (2000 points)

Space Marines Black Templars Strike Force (2000 points) Righteous Crusaders

CHARACTERS

Judiciar (70 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Executioner relic blade

Lieutenant (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol 1x Storm Shield • Enhancement: Tännhauser's Bones

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

The Emperor's Champion (75 points) • 1x Black Sword 1x Bolt Pistol

BATTLELINE

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

Primaris Crusader Squad (280 points) • 1x Primaris Sword Brother • 1x Power weapon 1x Pyre pistol • 11x Primaris Initiate • 2x Astartes chainsword 11x Bolt pistol 5x Bolt rifle 11x Close combat weapon 6x Heavy bolt pistol 4x Power fist • 8x Primaris Neophyte • 8x Astartes chainsword 8x Bolt pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Black Templars Impulsor (90 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Multi-melta 1x Shield dome 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 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

Black Templars Gladiator Lancer (170 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Lancer laser destroyer 1x Multi-melta 2x Storm bolter

Eradicator Squad (95 points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle • 2x Eradicator • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle 1x Multi-melta

Land Raider Redeemer (285 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Flamestorm cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

Primaris Sword Brethren (150 points) • 1x Sword Brother Castellan • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 4x Primaris Sword Brother • 1x Plasma pistol 2x Power weapon 2x Pyre pistol 1x Thunder hammer 1x Twin lightning claws

Primaris Sword Brethren (150 points) • 1x Sword Brother Castellan • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 4x Primaris Sword Brother • 1x Plasma pistol 2x Power weapon 2x Pyre pistol 1x Thunder hammer 1x Twin lightning claws

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Vindicator (175 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Combined Arms Templars

Thoughts

Dark Angels may be on top right now, but despite several rounds of nerfs Black Templars are still going pretty strong. Similar to the Penitent Host, the Templars detachment is great for putting your foe on the back foot and keeping them there, at which point the various shooty toys this list is packing can make themselves known. The single gigantic Primaris Crusader brick is also a uniquely durable melee unit, one of the few things that can wade into the really nasty Fights First units that are about the metagame and get away with it, or alternatively absorb a charge from ten re-rolling Incubi and live to tell the table. That's a great enabler for playing a melee game, and the fact that you also have your own Fight First threat via the Judiciar/Brethren is gravy. When melee dominates the metagame, it becomes important that you can cross a certain bar of "good at melee" before it's worth investing heavily into it, and this build makes very effective use of the Templars' tools to pull that off, well done Dave.

The Best of the Rest

There were 14 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - James Greensmith - World Eaters: Eightbound-tastic World Eaters, going for the full six squads, most of them MSUs and one big Exalted brick for particularly crunchy targets.
  • 6th - Allan Davidson - Ynnari: MSU keep-away/scoring Ynnari with three D-cannons. Please, they can't nerf them any more. How is this still happening. Also a big Troupe with the Visarch, increasingly excellent tech right now.
  • 7th - Tom Wright - Astra Militarum: Bullgryn, Russes and triple Basilisk. I mean at least with those they dropped the price back down I, guess.
  • 8th - Daniel Whitaker - Aeldari: Speedy MSU Aeldari with Aspects to score and apply mild pressure, then three units of shooty Skyweavers and three War Walkers for biggers guns.
  • 9th - Chris Cuerden - Space Wolves (Champions of Russ): Lots of melee Infantry, including Bladeguard, Assault Intercessors and Wulfen, plus a few shooty platforms in support. Also Bjorn. Love Bjorn.
  • 10th - Adam Gladders - Grey Knights: Triple MSU Terminators, triple Dreadknight.
  • 11th - Kyle Grundy - T'au Empire (Kauyon): Go-wide shooting with Sky Rays, Riptides and the surprising include of plasma Fireknife units - look, the Space Marines aren't going to atomise themselves are they?.
  • 12th - Samuel Norton-Alexander - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Speedy flame Sisters, going to two big Seraphim units.
  • 13th - Nathan Whitbread - Black Templars (Ironstorm Spearhead): Gladiators for days plus a small counter-punch piece from the Emperor's Champion and some Sword Brethren.
  • 14th - Mike Tangney - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Extra shooty Skysplinter, adding a Voidraven (another great Marine killer) and some Ravagers, plus dipping into Harlequins for a couple of Lone Ops.
  • 15th - David Leniewski - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): C'tan spam with a Tesseract Vault adding even more heft.
  • 16th - Craig Bedford - Death Guard: Melee hull Death Guard with Bloat Drones and Karnivores led into battle by Mortarion.
  • 17th - Ben Nattrass - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Plenty of the usual jump pack suspects, but also lots of foot melee threats from Assault intercessor/Captain units in Impulsors and a double Death Company Rhino.
  • 18th - Ratnu Vaidya - Chaos Knights: Dogs and a few Daemons.

Boise Cup 2024! (40k)

51-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Boise, ID, US on July 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Trenton Bates - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) - 1st Place

Venom. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Cup (2000 Points)

Drukhari Skysplinter Assault Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Archon (75 Points) • Warlord • 1x Blast pistol 1x Huskblade

Archon (95 Points) • 1x Blast pistol 1x Huskblade • Enhancements: Nightmare Shroud

Archon (75 Points) • 1x Blast pistol 1x Huskblade

Beastmaster (105 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

Lelith Hesperax (85 Points) • 1x Lelith's blades

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (110 Points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Phantasm grenade launcher 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 (110 Points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Phantasm grenade launcher 1x Sybarite weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dark lance 1x Shredder 1x Splinter cannon 5x Splinter rifle

Wyches (90 Points) • 1x Hekatrix • 1x Blast pistol 1x Hekatarii blade 1x Phantasm grenade launcher • 9x Wych • 9x Hekatarii blade 9x Splinter pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Raider (80 Points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Dark lance

Venom (70 Points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter cannon 1x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 Points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter cannon 1x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 Points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter cannon 1x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 Points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter cannon 1x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Court of the Archon (85 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

Court of the Archon (85 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 (75 Points) • 4x Incubi • 4x 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 (120 Points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Scourges (120 Points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Drukhari haywire blaster

Tantalus (230 Points) • 1x Dire scythe blades 1x Pulse disintegrators

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (41), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Tantalus Skysplinter

Thoughts

Hmm, this one should also be exhibit D. Awkward. Let's go with exhibit T, because there's a Tantalus afoot. It's great at killing Marines, it's very tricksy to deal with thanks to Skysplinter's reactive move, and it gives you the unique capability of transporting a full-sized Kabalite unit with a Court attached, which creates an extremely adaptable unit that's great for Secret Missions. That plus all the other Transports give you one of Drukhari's classic upsides, which is that fast mechanised builds can be hard for melee lists to deal with. They get a few more options in 10th thanks to changed to pile-ins, but in general you still have a tonne of agency to control how trades happen, which can be exploited to confound the mon-keigh and achieve victory - exactly what Trenton did here.

Jeff Elston - Aeldari (Battle Host) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Wraithblades. Credit: Rockfish Wraithblades. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Wraith Host (2000 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Battle Host

CHARACTERS

Farseer (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witchblade

Farseer Skyrunner (90 points) • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Witchblade

Karandras (90 points) • 1x Arhra's Bane 1x Isirmathil 1x The Scorpion's Bite

Spiritseer (80 points) • 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witch staff • Enhancement: The Weeping Stones

BATTLELINE

Guardian Defenders (100 points) • 10x Guardian Defender • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Shuriken catapult • 1x Heavy Weapon Platform • 1x Bright lance 1x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Falcon (140 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Pulse laser 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Howling Banshees (70 points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

Shroud Runners (80 points) • 3x Shroud Runner • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Ranger long rifle 3x Scatter laser 3x Shuriken pistol

Skyweavers (105 points) • 2x Skyweaver • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Skyweaver haywire cannon 2x Star bolas

Skyweavers (105 points) • 2x Skyweaver • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Skyweaver haywire cannon 2x Star bolas

Striking Scorpions (65 points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Mandiblasters 1x Scorpion chainsword 1x Scorpion's claw • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Mandiblasters 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Support Weapons (135 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x D-cannon 1x Shuriken catapult

Warp Spiders (125 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Windriders (80 points) • 3x Windrider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Shuriken cannon

Wraithblades (340 points) • 10x Wraithblade • 10x Forceshield 10x Ghostaxe

Wraithblades (170 points) • 5x Wraithblade • 5x Forceshield 5x Ghostaxe

Wraithlord (145 points) • 2x Aeldari flamer 2x Bright lance 1x Ghostglaive 1x Wraithbone fists

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Wraithblade Anvil Aeldari

Thoughts

Something deliciously different in the second undefeated slot here - a classic anvil plus mechanised/speedy hammer Aeldari list, but with Wraithblades in place of the Avatar. I think that's a good shout - I've found there are a few too many things that can just take the Avatar clean out at the moment, but doubling the total wound count goes a long way to fixing that, and being 3W models means they're still reasonably resilient against D2 stuff. Bouncing both Deathwing Knight builds when Fortune is up is not too shabby either. They're also great for tying something up so Karandras and his squad can get involved out of the Falcon, and with wound re-rolls up they'll do some great blending. Presumably that'll distract foes enough for all the scoring and harrassment tools in the rest of the list to secure victory, and Jeff leveraged that capability to take undefeated second.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 3rd (4.5-0.5) - Jacob Gold - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Monster mash, but as Crusher Stampede. Nature is healing. Or possibly mutating. Makes use of Haruspex as cheap, crunchy pressure.
  • 4th - Shaun Sharp - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): The Lion leads an all-rounder Dark Angels force, with other notable highlights being a super stacked Impulsor of ICCs, two Redemptors and a Repulsor full of Eradicators.
  • 5th - Tom Eldredge - Adeptus Mechanicus (Rad-Zone Corps): Two big Breacher units, Ironstriders adding even more shooting, and lots of Skitarii to gum up the table. Nice to see another detachment being tried!
  • 6th - Anthony Gilman - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Another all-rounder Lion GTF build, this time doubling up on Deathwing Knights.
  • 7th - Ryan Brown - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Destructors and brawlers, the centrepiece being big units each of Terminators and Chosen, with Abaddon able to flex between them as needed.
  • 8th - Isaac Dale - Grey Knights: All-rounder Grey Knights with a bit of everything and a full Paladin/Grand Master block as a centrepiece.

Winter Warfest

39-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ipswich, Queensland, AU on July 26 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold - Inspired Leadership - Tipping Point

Dylon Hopkins - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance)
Army List - Click to Expand
comp 1 (1975 points)

Imperial Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Noble Lance

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (435 points) • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser 1x Freedom's Hand

Knight Crusader (470 points) • Warlord • 1x Avenger gatling cannon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Rapid-fire battle cannon 1x Stormspear rocket pod 1x Titanic feet • Enhancement: Mysterious Guardian

BATTLELINE

Armiger Helverin (140 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Warglaive (150 points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

ALLIED UNITS

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

Vindicare Assassin (80 points) • 1x Exitus pistol 1x Exitus rifle 1x Vindicare combat knife

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434


vs.

Erik Lathouras - Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw)
Army List - Click to Expand
Erik "The Alien Majesty" Lathouras (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Outlander Claw

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Cult claws and knife • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 1x Cult claws and knife 3x Heavy mining tool

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Cult claws and knife • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 1x Cult claws and knife 3x Heavy mining tool

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (75 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (75 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (75 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (75 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (75 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (75 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 4x Cult claws and knife 4x Hand flamer

Neophyte Hybrids (70 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 9x Neophyte Hybrid • 9x Autopistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 5x Hybrid firearm 1x Mining laser 1x Seismic cannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Goliath Truck (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Heavy stubber 1x Twin autocannon

Goliath Truck (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Heavy stubber 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (150 points) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunner • 2x Armoured hull 2x Heavy mining laser 2x Spotter 2x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (75 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Spotter 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (150 points) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunner • 2x Armoured hull 2x Heavy mining laser 2x Spotter 2x Twin heavy stubber

Atalan Jackals (90 points) • 4x Atalan Jackal • 2x Atalan power weapon 3x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad • 1x Atalan small arms 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mining laser

Atalan Jackals (90 points) • 4x Atalan Jackal • 2x Atalan power weapon 3x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad • 1x Atalan small arms 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mining laser

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Clearance incinerator 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Drilldozer blade 1x Heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Clearance incinerator 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Drilldozer blade 1x Heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Clearance incinerator 1x Demolition charge cache 1x Drilldozer blade 1x Heavy stubber

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

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Thoughts

The cult saddle up here, with long-time Genestealer fan Erik giving them Outlander Claw its first big runaround here. This build is super cool, able to take control of the table at speed, and ration threats out very effectively thanks to all the Transports, and playing a fantastic Primary denial game thanks to high OC speedy threats. It's also got at least some big damage tools - the two big Ridgerunner units will put out some fairly serious pain, and being able to protect them very effectively with Rapid Feint or Deft Maneuvring helps them a bunch. I still don't think this army wins a damage race against most foes, but it at least keeps them occupied for a prolonged period, and I also like the option of wound re-rolling Kelermorphs (via Fire Support) to potentially ruin someone's day.

They're up against fairly stern opposition though - Canis Rex and a teleport Crusader, plus a whole host of Armigers and some Assassins. Can you play Primary denial against Knights? Does that work?

Honestly it still kind of does, yeah, particularly as I think for the Cults two big Knights is probably the sweet spot for opposition - I think three bigs would potentially be able to just run them over, while one big and many Armigers would be too high a volume of units to play the denial game against. The map is also good news - it largely mitigates the impact of the teleporting Crusader, and lets the Cult fairly safely take 10VP turns while focusing on keeping the Knights on 5s. For that, this list is absolutely world class at depositing exactly 10OC worth of models onto an objective, which is enough to deny scoring for any flavour of Knight, plus use expendable hulls to block positions. It only takes a few Armigers getting picked up by mining lasers and/or tools to start making it tough for the Knights to contest space.

I think the fail case for the Cults is being forced into a situation where they try to kill a big Knight and fail, which is a realistic prospect with the numbers they're packing. As the Knights, that means your goal is to force that situation - get Canis Rex onto the middle objective, body blocking it so stuff can't trivially drop in and flip it, and demand that the Cults take their best shot. They might do so and kill you, but they probably won't through Rotate (and trying to position the Crusader to Overwatch the first mining tool squad), and if you can take a 15VP turn in an aggressive position, you're suddenly in teh driving seat in a way that will leave the Cult scrambling, especially as you'll almost certainly be able to switch on Shoulder the Burden for the ensuing rampage.

Definitely a go big or go home sort of situation, all told. In the end, go home was the answer - either they went hard and got spiked down fast, or they underestimated the denial risk and got closed out of the game by a commanding margin.

Result

Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw) Victory - 97 - 50

Erik Lathouras - Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw) - 1st Place

Achilles Ridgerunner. Credit: Rockfish Achilles Ridgerunner. Credit: Rockfish

The List

See showdown

Archetype

Mechanised Denial Claw

Thoughts

All covered in the Showdown - this build is world class at denying points, and has enough damage to neutralise key threats on the way to doing so, and that combination gave Erik a series of comfortable wins at very high margins. Great work from Erik.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Joshua Woods - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): A classic double Rhino/Berzerker setup.
  • 3rd - Dylon Hopkins - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis Rex, a teleporting Crusader and some Armigers, with two Assassins adding some extra flexibility.
  • 4th - Jacob Warn - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Mawlocs, a Flyrant, and two big melee Warrior bricks.
  • 5th - Jack Tinning - Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): Monster mash and Zoanthrope MSUs as Synaptic Nexus.
  • 6th - Ben Williamson - World Eaters: Eightbound-heavy World Eaters (though still squeezing in one Berzerker squad.
  • 7th - Keith Birkett - Chaos Daemons: Be'lakor, Big Bird and the Gift GUO, adding double big Bloodcrusher units as hammer pieces.
  • 8th - Roger Birkett- Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): All-rounder Gladius with a bit of everything, supported by Armigers and Assassins.

FactoruM Warhammer 40,000 GT July 2024

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Sutton Veny, England, United Kingdom on July 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Alex Fowler - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
RTT proven (2000 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Cult of Magic

CHARACTERS

Ahriman on Disc of Tzeentch (140 points) • 1x Black Staff of Ahriman 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Psychic Stalk

Infernal Master (115 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Screamer Invocation • Enhancement: Arcane Vortex

Infernal Master (110 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Screamer Invocation • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

Infernal Master (125 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Screamer Invocation • Enhancement: Lord of Forbidden Lore

Magnus the Red (440 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus 1x Gaze of Magnus 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

Thousand Sons Daemon Prince (170 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

Tzaangors (65 points) • 1x Twistbray • 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor • 1x Brayhorn 1x Herd banner 9x Tzaangor blades

OTHER DATASHEETS

Mutalith Vortex Beast (150 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Mutalith Vortex Beast (150 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Thousand Sons Chaos Spawn (65 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 points) • 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Thousand Sons Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 points) • 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Thousand Sons Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Tzaangor Enlightened (45 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Fatecaster greatbow

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Mutalith Tsons

Thoughts

Rubricae build - consistently good. Mutalith build? Also consistently good! Gives you more options to proactively pile on the pressure at a cost of slightly less redundancy on Rituals, which feels pretty valuable with Drukhari all over the place. No Drukhari were actually harmed in the making of this trophy finish, but plenty of Space Marines were - well done to Alex on the win.

Rob Elver - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Rogal Dorn. Credit: Rockfish Rogal Dorn. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
IG scion (1995 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Regiment

CHARACTERS

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

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (80 points) • 1x Tempestor Prime • Warlord • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Tempestus dagger • Enhancement: Death Mask of Ollanius • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

Tank Commander (220 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Militarum plasma cannon • Enhancement: Grand Strategist

BATTLELINE

Tempestus Scions (100 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 4x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (50 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

Tempestus Scions (100 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 4x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (100 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 4x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (50 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

Tempestus Scions (50 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (70 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy flamer 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (70 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy flamer 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Basilisk (140 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Earthshaker cannon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Hunter-killer missile

Bullgryn Squad (180 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

Cyclops Demolition Vehicle (25 points)

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

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Co-axial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Co-axial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Scout Sentinels (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Scout Sentinels (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Dorn and Scion Deluxe

Thoughts

An innovative Guard build takes the second undefeated slot here. Because of the Dorn's once-per game ablative ability, they're pretty good tools to open hostilities with, and this build has a lot of its followup punch held in Reserves/Transports via the many, many Scions, which can be skewed between Deep Strike or on-board Chimeras as needed. If all else fails, the Bullgryn can pull their classic trick of standing on a point and absolutely refusing to die. I really like how all this comes together - the army ends up very flexible in how hard it swings out of the gate, able to tune between an alpha or beta strike plan as needed, something many won't see coming from Guard. Great stuff from Rob.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Ethan Wright - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Triple Land Raider, one packed with a full Sword Brethren brick of death.
  • 4th - Graham Howard - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Destructor/Vindicator shooting with Abaddon.
  • 5th - Jack Chapman - Ynnari: Go-wide MSUs of all stripes.
  • 6th - Andy Taylor - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): A terrifying one-two punch of maximum Genestealers (all with Broodlords) followed by two Norn Emissaries.

Free State MId Summer GT

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Holton, KS, US on July 27 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Cody Jiru - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) - 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Freeballin at Free State (2000 points)

Drukhari Strike Force (2000 points) Skysplinter Assault

CHARACTERS

Archon (95 points) • 1x Blast pistol 1x Huskblade • Enhancement: Nightmare Shroud

Archon (75 points) • Warlord • 1x Blast pistol 1x Huskblade

Beastmaster (105 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

Beastmaster (105 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

Beastmaster (105 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

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

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (110 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 (80 points) • 1x Bladevanes 1x Dark lance

OTHER DATASHEETS

Court of the Archon (85 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

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

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

Incubi (150 points) • 9x Incubi • 9x Klaive • 1x Klaivex • 1x Demiklaives

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 (120 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Shardcarbine 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Talos (160 points) • 2x Talos • 2x Talos gauntlet 2x Twin Drukhari haywire blaster 2x Twin liquifier gun

Tantalus (230 points) • 1x Dire scythe blades 1x Pulse disintegrators

Voidraven Bomber (215 points) • 1x Bladed wings 2x Dark scythe 1x Voidraven missiles

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v434

Archetype

Tarpit Tantalus

Thoughts

Brat summer is over, now it's big boat summer, apparently, as we've got another Tantalus here. Despite that similarity with the last Drukhari build we looked at, the rest of the list here is a fair bit different - it doubles down on big shooty hulls with a Voidraven (which is exquisitely good at murdering Marines), and packs a bunch of Beastmasters and Talos to gum things up while the wicked darklight work is done. Finish up with a Raider full of ultraviolence for counter-charge purposes and you have a very nasty build indeed, and one that plays really well into lots of the big threats. Great stuff from Cody.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Dan Sammons - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Sagitaurs for days.
  • 3rd - Treynor Wolfe - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Speedy flame Sisters.
  • 4th - Clint Eubanks - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and all of his squires.
  • 5th - Harout Baltayan - Chaos Space Marines (Chaos Cult): A horde of Accursed Communes backed by some Vindicators and Legionaries.
  • 6th - Marc Nuessen - Grey Knights: Four Dreadknights and a big Terminator brick with Draigo.
  • 7th - Matthew Doughman - Imperial Knights: The ultra-rare quadruple big Knight, packing two Lancers and two Atrapos.

Wrap Up

Part 1 complete, will part 2 bring more challenges, or just more Thousand Sons, Deathwing and Drukhari domination? Find out on Friday!

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

Tags: Space Marines | imperial knights | Tactics | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | Thousand Sons | drukhari | Dark Angels | Black Templars | competitive play | Genestealer Cults | Astra Militarum | adepta sororitas | Competitive Innovations

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