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.

The dust is starting to settle on the balance update (there's still a few stragglers on old points), granting us a revelation of the metagame to come. The short version is that Aeldari and Death Guard are (narrowly) at the front of the pack in terms of top finishes, but that win-rate-wise Genestealer Cults and the unassuming Necron menace are a decently out in front, and Thousand Sons are a substantially so. Despite that, things look a lot healthier overall, and of the stats we track the only number that's immediately worrying is the Thousand Sons one, since they're touching the (bad) magic number of 60%. Hopefully they're in the crosshairs for the full Dataslate whenever that arrives, because for everything else there's time to watch things evolve for a bit.

Under our microscope in Part 1 this week are:

NOVA Open 2025 Grand Tournament
Roll for Damage GT - Presented by Dragon's Lair
ALL STARS August - Hellstorm's 40K Tournament Series
30 & 31 Aug 2025 - OWN's Breaking Point GT at Primal Nerds
HWP Saltier Classic GT

Part 2 with Lowest of Men on Friday will cover:

La Voz Open 2025
Belgian Open WH40K
GITHAMMER IRON GIT GT
Tabled Talk Grand Tournament
Malmö Figurspelsförening 40k GT

NOVA Open 2025 Grand Tournament

375-player, 9-round Supermajor in Washington, DC, United States on August 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Folger Pyles - Aeldari (Warhost) - 1st Place

Wave Serpent. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Wigglehost by Cool Car Inc (1990 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Warhost

CHARACTERS

Eldrad Ulthran (110 points) • Warlord • 1x Mind War 1x Shuriken pistol 1x The Staff of Ulthamar and witchblade

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

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

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

Maugan Ra (100 points) • 1x Maugetar

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (60 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

Corsair Voidreavers (60 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

Corsair Voidreavers (60 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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Missile 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

Fire Dragons (220 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 9x Fire Dragon • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (95 points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

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

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 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

Warp Spiders (95 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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674

Archetype

Double Dodge Warhost

Thoughts

The perfidious Aeldari are always ready to seize an opportunity, and alongside the Aspect Host lists we've been seeing for a while, their big breakthrough this week is with Warhost builds like Folgers. These take advantage of the fact that, in Warhost, two units can disembark, shoot, then jump back in thanks to access to both Skyborne Sanctuary and Fire and Fade, letting you put plenty of hurt on the foe with minimal reprisals. The downside of these compared to Aspect Host is that the damage isn't as big, making them dicey into 4-5 big Knight armies. Now that those are rarer (for four Knights) and essentially non-existent, you can bring the Warhost out, and back the big evasive threats with lots of cheap stuff to score and troubleshoot, creating a high reliability army.

In Folger's specific version, he's gone for the classic big Fire Dragon block as the alpha threat (you're still going to need to kill some Knights after all) and then Maugen Ra in a Falcon as secondary. That's a pick that's definitely worth a look, as it's probably the cheapest thing that crosses the line to being a big damage threat, giving the list the space to max out on Hawks and Spiders alongside them. Jain Zar and Lhykhis provide some good troubleshooting on top of that, able to pick off mid-tier threats that end up out of position. I am (obviously) a big fan of Aeldari nonsense, and while I'm probably sticking on Aspect Host for now myself, this is clearly a very strong way to play the army at the moment, and we'll see how the metagame shakes out for which option ends up in front. Congratulations to Folger on the big Nova win!

Brian Daugherty - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 2nd Place

World Eaters Forgefiend. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Help I'm spiraling (1995 Points)

World Eaters Berzerker Warband Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Khorne (215 Points) • Warlord • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne

Khârn the Betrayer (85 Points) • 1x Gorechild • 1x Plasma pistol

Lord Invocatus (110 Points) • 1x Bladed horn • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Coward's Bane

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Eightbound (150 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Eightbound (150 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Forgefiend (150 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

Forgefiend (150 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674

Archetype

Stock Warband

Thoughts

World Eaters continue to perform solidly, primarily (though not exclusively) using lists like this one. The double Berzerker/double Forgefiend core, supported by cheap and deadly spawn and some flex picks, creates a build that just has really solid all-rounder fundamentals, and game into almost anyone. It's fair to say that Aeldari are going to be one of the tougher matchups for them, so we'll see if builds need to adapt to that threat, but the reach from Berzerkers there still gives elves pause, and having lots of Spawn that need at least a moderate answer seems good in that game? Definitely not a reason to avoid World Eaters right now - they're firmly decent army, and as as Brian shows here, can put up great finishes in skilled hands.

Derek Apsche - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 3rd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

1 Morty vectorium no typhus 2 mbh (2000 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Virulent Vectorium

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Nurgle (215 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Revolting Regeneration

Lord of Contagion (120 points) • 1x Manreaper

Lord of Contagion (120 points) • 1x Manreaper

Mortarion (380 points) • Warlord • 1x Lantern 1x Rotwind 1x Silence

Tallyman (50 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (80 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Deathshroud Terminators (160 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (160 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 points) • 1x Bile spurt 1x Gnashing maw 1x Missile launcher 1x Multi-melta

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 points) • 1x Bile spurt 1x Gnashing maw 1x Missile launcher 1x Multi-melta

Poxwalkers (65 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (65 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (65 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674

Archetype

Mortarion Vectorium

Thoughts

The big trend in Death Guard this week is a substantial up-tick in Virulent Vectorium builds. Hammer is still out there (and we'll be hearing from our own TheChirurgeon on that point later in the week), but it's a much more even split with Vectorium now. Having less stuff on the board just makes the sticky objectives that much more valuable, particularly the way that stickying a bunch of the mid-field with Poxwalkers forces your opponent to go on the offensive, allowing you to engage on your terms. The Feel No Pain Daemon Prince is also a relatively bigger bargain now since he didn't change in price, and durability is more valuable when you have less stuff. Finally, the same is true of Mortarion himself, and we did highlight with Derek's previous spin on Vectorium that taking Morty and a Prince is one of the best ways to dodge point increases.

That's what we see here, providing the tools to bait and obliterate the enemy, albeit not quite enough to beat Folger's elves. In that matchup, the fact that Folger can send out a wave of Hawks and Spiders to clear the Pox screen and still have plenty more scoring in the tank is killer to this army's strategy, and cheap Tzaangors from Thousand Sons can do something similar. Still, it's clear that the right Death Guard builds still have some juice, and Derek was ahead of the curve on the new hotness, here, so well done!

James Lovett - World Eaters (Khorne Daemonkin) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Demon Thirst (1995 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Khorne Daemonkin

CHARACTERS

Khârn the Betrayer (85 points) • Warlord • 1x Gorechild 1x Plasma pistol

Master of Executions (90 points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancement: Blade of Endless Bloodshed

Skarbrand (305 points) • 1x Bellow of endless fury 1x Slaughter and Carnage

BATTLELINE

Bloodletters (90 points) • 1x Bloodreaper • 1x Hellblade • 9x Bloodletter • 1x Daemonic Icon 9x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos

Bloodletters (90 points) • 1x Bloodreaper • 1x Hellblade • 9x Bloodletter • 1x Daemonic Icon 9x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos

Bloodletters (90 points) • 1x Bloodreaper • 1x Hellblade • 9x Bloodletter • 1x Daemonic Icon 9x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos

Bloodletters (90 points) • 1x Bloodreaper • 1x Hellblade • 9x Bloodletter • 1x Daemonic Icon 9x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bloodcrushers (110 points) • 1x Bloodhunter • 1x Hellblade 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn • 2x Bloodcrusher • 1x Daemonic Icon 2x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos 2x Juggernaut's bladed horn

Chaos Spawn (80 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (80 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Flesh Hounds (75 points) • 1x Gore Hound • 1x Burning roar 1x Collar of Khorne 1x Gore-drenched fangs • 4x Flesh Hound • 4x Collar of Khorne 4x Gore-drenched fangs

Forgefiend (150 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Forgefiend (150 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674

Archetype

Daemonkin

Thoughts

Next up we have what is basically the stock Berzerker Warband build, but instead of Eightbound, a Prince, and the flex slots, they have Skarbrand and lots of Bloodletters. It would appear that firing Bloodletters at the foe is still good when they have to appear 6" away, especially if you're supporting them with uppy-downy Skarbrand. Hanging some Flesh Hounds and Bloodcrushers around with your Berzerkers also provides a neat toolbox of Stratagems that can help adapt to various matchups. Honestly, also, the very easy to turn on 5+ Feel No Pain against Psychic Attacks and Mortals is pretty lit if Thousand Sons are a top army, and it being an optional thing to spend points on means you're not losing any power budget in other matchups. This build can be pleasingly overwhelming when unleashed on foes, and has a great supply of fun tricks to play with, and I think it's a really fun alternative to Warband. Great stuff from James, rounding out the top four and making it a double header for Khorne. Even though that's more of a Tzeentch thing.

The Best of the Rest

This is somehow even more of a nightmare to adjudicate than GW opens. I've gone with the rest of the top 20 - that appears to capture all the top bracket, then the four undefeateds from the next bracket down (which presumably started with everyone else on 4-1 after round five, as I can't figure out how there are four undefeateds in it otherwise).

These were:

5th - Max Berlove - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King triple Doomsday with a Wraith unit to block.
6th - TJ Lanigan - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): A Fadethirster/Be'lakor/Commune build with some added shooting heft from a Knight Despoiler.
7th - Peter Elias - Aeldari (Warhost): Another Aspect-heavy Warhost build, this one with the big Fire Dragon unit and a full Hawk/Baharroth squad as the key threats.
8th - Joshua Campbell - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Tarpit-tastic Awakened with two Wraith squads and a full Warrior brick.
9th - Frank Viruet - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple Despoiler (two gatling, one battle cannon) Infernals is still kicking here, running alongside Rotigus to help lock foes out.
10th - Matt Lorah - Aeldari (Warhost): More sneaky Aspects, here going for the full Reaper unit, adding Asurmen so you can shoot and scoot three things, and taking some Shining Spears as shock troops.
11th - Sam Pope - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven Goodstuff with Magnus and a full Scarab unit (instead of Mutaliths).
12th - Ryan Schaum - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Mortarion Vectorium, completely cutting the Bloat-drones for extra Haulers.
13th - Anthony Triano - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Wraith/Doomsday Starshatter with a confusing unaccompanied Ghost Ark (I guess just a cheap thing to stick -1D on to score?).
14th - Aidan Dennis - T'au Empire (Kauyon): Go-wide hull-heavy Kauyon with one plasma fireknife unit/Commander.
15th - Seth Piper - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): A fairly go-wide Haloscreed build with lots of MSU Skitarii, some Dragoons, and a firebase of Cawl, a pair of Ironstriders, a Skorpius and a Breacher brick.
16th - Zach Hilts - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Melee-heavy Inheritors backed by some Baal Predators.
17th - Zach Point - Aeldari (Aspect Host): 30 Swooping Hawks and a 10-Dragon/Fuegan unit in a Wave Serpent.
18th - Jeffrey Kolodner - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): All-rounder scoring Martyrs with extra Mortifiers.
19th - Marshall Arthurs - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Cawl and a massive Ironstrider/Skorpius firebase, plus lots of Skystalkers.
20th - Shaun Reynolds - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer): Post update Plagueburst Hammer, still packing a whole bunch of hulls.

Roll for Damage GT - Presented by Dragon's Lair

98-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Fulham, SA, Australia on August 29 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Note: This event does not seem to have used the new points.

The Showdown

Take and Hold - Search and Destroy

Sam Young - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith)

Army List - Click to Expand

We missed the rules cut off, but these sacresants are still a hit (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Champions of Faith

CHARACTERS

Canoness (60 points) • 1x Blessed blade 1x Condemnor boltgun

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

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

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

Junith Eruita (80 points) • 1x Mace of Castigation 1x Twin Ministorum heavy flamer

Ministorum Priest (50 points) • 1x Zealot's vindictor Enhancement: Eyes of the Oracle

Ministorum Priest (50 points) • 1x Zealot's vindictor

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sororitas Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Sororitas Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Arco-flagellants (140 points) • 10x Arco-flagellant • 10x Arco-flails

Arco-flagellants (140 points) • 10x Arco-flagellant • 10x Arco-flails

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

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

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

Paragon Warsuits (210 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon storm bolters 1x Paragon war mace • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon storm bolters 2x Paragon war mace

Paragon Warsuits (210 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon storm bolters 1x Paragon war mace • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon storm bolters 2x Paragon war mace

Sanctifiers (100 points) • 1x Miraculist • 1x Burning hands 1x Holy fire • 1x Salvationist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Salvationist Medikit • 1x Death Cult Assassin • 1x Death Cult blades • 2x Missionary • 1x Holy fire 1x Ministorum flamer 1x Plasma gun 2x Sanctifier melee weapon • 4x Sanctifier • 2x Close combat weapon 5x Ministorum hand flamer 2x Sanctifier melee weapon 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Sanctifiers (100 points) • 1x Miraculist • 1x Burning hands 1x Holy fire • 1x Salvationist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Salvationist Medikit • 1x Death Cult Assassin • 1x Death Cult blades • 2x Missionary • 1x Holy fire 1x Ministorum flamer 1x Plasma gun 2x Sanctifier melee weapon • 4x Sanctifier • 2x Close combat weapon 5x Ministorum hand flamer 2x Sanctifier melee weapon 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (92), Data Version: v662

vs.

Chris Newell - Astra Militarum (Siege Regiment)

Army List - Click to Expand

The 13th Siege Regiment (1995 Points)

Astra Militarum Siege Regiment Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Commissar (30 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Power weapon

Rogal Dorn Commander (265 Points) • Warlord • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Meltagun • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Commander (265 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Meltagun • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Ursula Creed (85 Points) • 1x Duty and Vengeance • 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 1x Chainsword ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Shock Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 7x Lasgun

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 7x Lasgun

Death Korps of Krieg (65 Points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Artillery Team (95 Points) • 1x Crew close combat weapons • 1x Lasgun • 1x Siege cannon

Artillery Team (95 Points) • 1x Crew close combat weapons • 1x Lasgun • 1x Siege cannon

Artillery Team (95 Points) • 1x Crew close combat weapons • 1x Lasgun • 1x Siege cannon

Hellhound (125 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Inferno cannon

Hellhound (125 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Inferno cannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Meltagun • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Scout Sentinels (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Scout Sentinels (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Scout Sentinels (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674

Thoughts

Two unusual builds here, with an especially crunchy Champions of Faith build facing a thematic Siege Regiment army. The Champions lean very much into a hammer and anvil setup - you have the standard crunchy Sacresant squads with Hospitallers to bog the foe down, then either Arco-flagellants or Warsuits to hurl at the enemy depending on if they're numerous or tough. You also have a couple of squads of Sanctifiers that can use Scout in Rhinos to get some good early positioning going, and do a very effective job of clearing out enemy screens thanks to the number of Torrent weapons they have.

On the other side, lots of Indirect, and a very Dorn-centric plan. The big upside Siege Regiment offers them is Stealth via the Detachment rule and full hit re-rolls for one of the Commanders with Flare Burst. The former is not super relevant here, as the Warsuits are the only big ranged threat and don't massively care, but the latter gives a bit of heft for trying to clear Sacresant units.

Sadly, even with that this is going to be a bit of a mis-match, I think, especially with the corner deployment. If the Guard put their mind to it, they probably can lift a Sacresant squad, but it takes way too much of their list at once to pull off, and they're only going to get to do it at full power once. They're going to find themselves rapidly jailed in their deployment zone trying to get out from under the second wave, and as soon as they start losing Dorns to Warsuits they're in big trouble. What they really need here is an Infiltrate unit to carve out some expansion space that cannot be Scouted into if the Sororitas go first, because the issue is basically that there's no massive need for the Sisters to be over cautious, and if they then go first the Guard are massively on the back foot essentially permanently. It's a shame to see such a cool Guard list get punked that way, and I feel like on other Deployments the game is much more interesting, but Search and Destroy offers a huge mismatch, which the Sisters clearly put to good use.

Result

Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith) Victory - 99 - 36

Sam Young - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith) - 1st Place

Credit: Greg Narro

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Champions Sacresant Spam

Thoughts

Do not underestimate how tough the Sacresants are. I'm going to tell you this and you're going to forget and underestimate them, but you shouldn't. This build trades on stacking -1 to hit and wound on top of a Feel No Pain, Invuln, and model revival, and while unassuming in footprint, the result can dominate the table against most things. This list also plans effectively for situations where that isn't enough - your biggest problem matchups are things like gatling Infernals (and remember this event was pre-nerf Knights), which are perfectly pitched to push kills through, so having enough big melta to discourage them is very helpful. I also like the use of Sactifiers to control the board and offer some anti-horde power, as that helps avoid getting out-OCed by the other extreme end of what can face this army down. Last thing to say about this is that it feels pretty exciting into Warhost Aeldari, because I think it maybe just bounces them and rolls forward? Intersting to see if this ends up as a counterpick. Congratulations to Sam on the win.

Marcus Butler - Leagues of Votann (Oathband) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Leagues of Votann Einhyr Champion. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

One Last Hoorah

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Oathband

CHARACTERS

Brôkhyr Iron-master (65 points) • 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master • 1x Graviton hammer 1x Graviton rifle • 1x Ironkin Assistant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Las-beam cutter • 1x E-COG • 1x Plasma torch • 1x E-COG • 1x Manipulator arms • 1x E-COG • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon

Einhyr Champion (60 points) • Warlord • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest

Einhyr Champion (60 points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon 1x EtaCarn plasma pistol 1x Ion blaster 1x Weavefield Crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Comms Array 1x HYLas rotary cannon 7x Ion blaster 1x Magna-rail rifle 1x Medipack 1x Pan Spectral Scanner

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (115 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (160 points) • 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 6x Close combat weapon 6x Graviton blast cannon

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul 1x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul 1x Mole grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (150 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x Concussion hammer 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher 1x Teleport Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard • 4x Concussion gauntlet 4x Exo-armour grenade launcher 4x Volkanite disintegrator

Einhyr Hearthguard (150 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x Concussion hammer 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher 1x Teleport Crest • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard • 4x Concussion gauntlet 4x EtaCarn plasma gun 4x Exo-armour grenade launcher

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x MATR autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 1x SP heavy conversion beamer 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Pioneers (180 points) • 6x Hernkyn Pioneer • 6x Bolt revolver 6x Bolt shotgun 1x Comms Array 2x HYLas rotary cannon 6x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 6x Plasma knife 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Pan Spectral 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 8x Bolt revolver 9x Close combat weapon 8x Plasma knife

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (92), Data Version: v662

Archetype

All-rounder Index Votann

Thoughts

As the title suggests, a sendoff for Index Votann. Not flashy, but never worse than solid once they were given the bonus tokens. Well done to Marcus on picking up a final undefeated run with them.

Adam Napier - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 3rd Place

Lord of Virulence. That Gobbo

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

DG WK (2000 Points)

Death Guard Virulent Vectorium Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Lord of Contagion (120 Points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancements: Daemon Weapon of Nurgle

Lord of Contagion (135 Points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancements: Furnace of Plagues

Lord of Virulence (90 Points) • 1x Power fist • 1x Twin plague spewer

Tallyman (40 Points) • Warlord • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma pistol

Tallyman (40 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

Poxwalkers (60 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (60 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

ALLIED UNITS

Knight Tyrant (395 Points) • 1x Brimstone volcano lance • 1x Ectoplasma decimator • 2x Gheiststrike missile launcher • 1x Titanic feet • 1x Twin Desecrator cannon • 2x Twin daemonbreath meltagun

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (1), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Knight Tyrant Vectorium

Thoughts

Speaking of sendoffs - a pre-nerf Death Guard/Knight tag team sees one here. Love that for them. To be fair - Knight Tyrants didn't go up very much, and you do maybe give them serious thought, as they're a great combo with the bait factor of sticky Poxwalkers. Will have to see if they fit in once the Death Guard contingent shrinks down. Well done to Adam.

Michael Wood - Death Guard (Shamblerot Vectorium) - 4th Place

Poxwalkers by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Roll for poxwalkers (1995 Points)

Death Guard Shamblerot Vectorium Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Lord of Contagion (110 Points) • 1x Manreaper

Lord of Contagion (110 Points) • 1x Manreaper

Noxious Blightbringer (65 Points) • 1x Cursed plague bell • 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancements: Lord of the Walking Pox

Noxious Blightbringer (75 Points) • 1x Cursed plague bell • 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancements: Witherbone Pipes

Typhus (90 Points) • Warlord • 1x Lakrimae

BATTLELINE

Poxwalkers (130 Points) • 20x Poxwalker ◦ 20x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (130 Points) • 20x Poxwalker ◦ 20x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (130 Points) • 20x Poxwalker ◦ 20x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (60 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (60 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

ALLIED UNITS

Knight Tyrant (395 Points) • 1x Brimstone volcano lance • 1x Ectoplasma decimator • 2x Gheiststrike missile launcher • 1x Titanic feet • 1x Twin Desecrator cannon • 2x Twin daemonbreath meltagun

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (1), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Shamblerot Tyrant

Thoughts

I mean yes, you can also just combo a Knight Tyrant with enough Poxwalkers that it doesn't matter if they're sticky or not. This build does have to lose a "real" unit to keep operating, but kind of only one, given it's taken only 135pts of hit rather than 200, so it could well be that there's still something here post update, especially as free bonus Poxwalkers give the army staying power. You can get there just by cutting one of the small Poxwalker units and a Spawn Squad, and this still feels super real after that, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more people try this detachment out given the relatively light tough to its core. Entertaining to see fresh horrors still emerging from the book, and legitimately worth assessing once the metagame shakes out, well done Michael.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Josh Pope - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): No-Magnus Grand Coven Goodstuff, adding extra Rubricae and Characters instead.
6th - Evan Wolfendale - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): All-Infantry Shield Host, supporting three Custodian squads with a full six-model Allarus brick and 3x3 Venatari.
7th - James Beal - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): Infantry shooting Vanguard, with your choice of Centurions, Inceptors or Eradicators to zap around with Stratagems.
8th - Peter Skene - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Extra monstrous Assault, adding Mawlocs and Old One Eye to the normal mix.
9th - Wade Stringer - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): General Vectorium Goodstuff.

ALL STARS August - Hellstorm's 40K Tournament Series

39-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on August 30 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dom Maidlow - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

BOOM BOOM DUMB DUMB ! Here to have fun

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Space Marines + DETACHMENT: Pactbound Zealots + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Abaddon the Despoiler + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters - Cull The Horde: 2x5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Abaddon the Despoiler (280 pts): Drach'nyen, Talon of Horus Warlord Char2: 1x Cypher (90 pts): Cypher's bolt pistol, Cypher's plasma pistol Char3: 5x Dark Commune (80 pts): Chaos Undivided • 1x Cult Demagogue: Autopistol, Commune stave • 2x Blessed Blades: 2 with Commune blade • 1x Iconarch: Chaos icon, Autopistol, Close combat weapon • 1x Mindwitch: Close combat weapon, Warp Curse Char4: 5x Dark Commune (80 pts): Mark of Slaanesh • 1x Cult Demagogue: Autopistol, Commune stave • 2x Blessed Blades: 2 with Commune blade • 1x Iconarch: Chaos icon, Autopistol, Close combat weapon • 1x Mindwitch: Close combat weapon, Warp Curse

10x Cultist Mob (50 pts): Mark of Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon, Autopistol • 9x Cultist: 9 with Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon 10x Cultist Mob (50 pts): Mark of Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon, Autopistol • 9x Cultist: 9 with Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon

16x Accursed Cultists (195 pts): Chaos Undivided • 10x Mutant :10 with Mutant, Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment: 6 with Torment, Hideous mutations 16x Accursed Cultists (195 pts): Mark of Slaanesh • 10x Mutant: 10 with Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment: 6 with Hideous mutations 5x Chosen (125 pts): Chaos Undivided • 4x Chosen 1 with Chosen, Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Boltgun 2 with Chosen, Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Combi-weapon 1 with Chosen, Paired accursed weapons, Plasma pistol • 1x Chosen Champion: Plasma pistol, Power fist, Boltgun 3x Chaos Bikers (70 pts): Mark of Nurgle • 1x Biker Champion: Chaos icon, Close combat weapon, Combi-bolter, Power fist • 2x Biker: 2 with Close combat weapon, Combi-bolter, Meltagun, Astartes chainsword 3x Chaos Bikers (70 pts): Mark of Nurgle • 1x Biker Champion: Chaos icon, Close combat weapon, Combi-bolter, Power fist • 2x Biker: 2 with Close combat weapon, Combi-bolter, Meltagun, Astartes chainsword 3x Chaos Bikers (70 pts): Mark of Nurgle • 1x Biker Champion: Chaos icon, Close combat weapon, Combi-bolter, Power fist • 2x Biker: 2 with Close combat weapon, Combi-bolter, Meltagun, Astartes chainsword 1x Chaos Predator Destructor (140 pts): Mark of Nurgle, Armoured tracks, Havoc launcher, Predator autocannon, Combi-weapon, 2x Lascannon 1x Chaos Predator Destructor (140 pts): Mark of Nurgle, Armoured tracks, Havoc launcher, Predator autocannon, Combi-weapon, 2x Lascannon 1x Forgefiend (180 pts): Mark of Nurgle, 2x Ectoplasma cannon, Armoured limbs, Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend (180 pts): Mark of Nurgle, 2x Ectoplasma cannon, Armoured limbs, Ectoplasma cannon

Archetype

Abaddon Gunline with Communes

Thoughts

A real return to tradition moment for the Chaos Space Marines here, putting down a Forgefiend/Destructor gunline with Abaddon like it's the autumn of 2023 or something. Anyway - fewer Knights, more mid-weight elite stuff is definitely good news for what Nurgle Pact shooting is putting down, and Accursed Communes are a legitimate headache for Aeldari if they get into position, so not a bad metagame shout. The ultra-high value Nurgle Bikers are always a fun thing to teach people about as well. Honestly - this is a fun, all-rounder kind of army, and I think it's the kind of thing that the excessively brutal five Knight builds just shut out, so it's good to see it back. Well done Dom.

Charles Gould - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Loyalist Knight Atrapos. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Yes I know im part of the problem, but mikey said theyre fixed now(2000 Points)

Imperial Knights Noble Lance Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (415 Points) • Warlord • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor • 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser • 1x Freedom's Hand

Cerastus Knight Atrapos (405 Points) • 1x Atrapos lascutter • 1x Graviton singularity cannon

Cerastus Knight Atrapos (405 Points) • 1x Atrapos lascutter • 1x Graviton singularity cannon

Cerastus Knight Lancer (395 Points) • 1x Cerastus shock lance

BATTLELINE

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674

Archetype

Canis and Cerastus

Thoughts

Speeeaking of overly brutal multi-Knight builds, it turns out that the Atrapos was so over-tuned that it's still the best non-Canis Knight at +40pts. Love that for us. Anyway - even down an Armiger, this build is still very, very nasty, so please don't put all of your big guns back on the shelf just yet. At least it doesn't need any explanation at this point. Congratulations Charles.

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Stephen Platten - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Double Prince, double maulerfiend Coterie.
4th - Aaron Dorling - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Standard Warband core, a third Forgefiend and some Helbrutes in the flex slots.
5th - Colin Ross - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Nurgle/Khorne tag team, going for double Great Unclean one and Rotigus, Skarbrand, and then lots of Plaguebearers/Beasts of Nurgle for board presence.
6th - James Smith - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Two double gatling Despoilers and lots of War Dogs.
7th - Andy Mitten - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Horde Host.

30 & 31 Aug 2025 - OWN's Breaking Point GT at Primal Nerds

35-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Yukon, OK, United States on August 30 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Cam Hawkins - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Expect The Un-Aspected (1995 Points)

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mistshield ◦ 1x Neuro disruptor ◦ 1x Power sword • 4x Corsair Voidreaver ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Power sword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mistshield ◦ 1x Neuro disruptor ◦ 1x Power sword • 4x Corsair Voidreaver ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Power sword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Twin bright lance • 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (220 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Firepike • 9x Fire Dragon ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Shining Spears (110 Points) • 1x Shining Spear Exarch ◦ 1x Shimmershield ◦ 1x Shuriken cannon ◦ 1x Star lance • 2x Shining Spear ◦ 2x Laser lance ◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult

Shining Spears (110 Points) • 1x Shining Spear Exarch ◦ 1x Shimmershield ◦ 1x Shuriken cannon ◦ 1x Star lance • 2x Shining Spear ◦ 2x Laser lance ◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult

Shining Spears (110 Points) • 1x Shining Spear Exarch ◦ 1x Shimmershield ◦ 1x Shuriken cannon ◦ 1x Star lance • 2x Shining Spear ◦ 2x Laser lance ◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (170 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk's talon • 9x Swooping Hawk ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Lasblaster

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

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674

Archetype

Spear Aspects

Thoughts

Further signs of the perfidious elf menace, here as Aspect Host. Running Aspects means you only pack one big Transport damage dealer, and Fire Dragons are the natural pick to deal with residual Knights. Outside that, small Reaper units are reliable chip damage in Aspect, and this detachment can use Shining Spears and actually expect them to kill stuff. I've been using one unit in my build and loving them, and on GW terrain (which this event was playing) you have the staging footprint to hide multiple units, making them very effective. Love elves, love Aspect Warriors, simple as, great stuff Cam.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Cody Middleton - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): Extra pressure Shadow Legion, adding a Scout Great Unclean One and two War Dog Stalkers (who also Scout) to the Fadethirster/Be'lakor standard.
3rd - Brian Moody - Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike): An unusual elite Infantry guard build, combining three big Scion/command units with loads of Combat Engineers and Krieg Heavy Weapon Teams.
4th - Colin Kay - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Herohammer Brethren/Assault Intercessor MSU and RepEx Templars.

HWP Saltier Classic GT

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Plantation, Florida, US on August 30 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Alex Gandon - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 1st Place

Imperial Knight Lancer. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Is it Atraposes or Atrapi? (2000 Points)

Imperial Knights Noble Lance Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (415 Points) • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor • 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser • 1x Freedom's Hand

Cerastus Knight Atrapos (405 Points) • 1x Atrapos lascutter • 1x Graviton singularity cannon

Cerastus Knight Atrapos (435 Points) • Warlord • 1x Atrapos lascutter • 1x Graviton singularity cannon • Enhancements: Banner of Macharius Triumphant

Cerastus Knight Lancer (420 Points) • 1x Cerastus shock lance • Enhancements: Mysterious Guardian

BATTLELINE

Armiger Warglaive (140 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

Culexus Assassin (85 Points) • 1x Animus speculum • 1x Life-draining touch

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674

Archetype

Canis and Cerastus

Thoughts

This is what we're doing, huh. At least buying the fancy upgrades means dropping an Armiger down to an Assassin, but this is, once again, still a very scary list. Well done Alex.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - David Miloseski - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Four bigs (Be'lakor, Skarbrand, a GUO and a Bloodthirster) with a big scoring/board presence toolbox.
3rd - Rafael Gonzalez - Chaos Daemons (Plague Legion): Morale nightmare funtimes with all the various Characters and some supporting Plague Drones for when damage needs to happen.
4th - Trevor Ritter - Thousand Sons (Changehost of Deceit): Lots of Rubricae and Scarab MSUs with some Screamers for early positioning.

Wrap Up

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