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 star god spectacular continues in part 2. When will we be saved from the horrors? Maybe by the Thousand Sons, it would appear - let's see what's going on with them.

Event News - Goonhammer UK Teams March 2026

A few tickets are still available for the first Goonhammer Open UK of 2026 - which this time is going to be our first Teams tournament.

If you were on the fence, we are also excited to announce that at this event, we have Golden Tickets for the full winning team of five! GW have just announced that the WCW is moving to Barcelona this year, so if you want to set your whole squad up for a European Warhammer getaway, sign up now!

The event is a 5-player Team Tournament with WTC Terrain on 14th-15th March in Leicester, check out the details below:

This Week's Events

Part 2 on Friday:

DUTCH MASTERS SEASON FINALE GT
Shuffle Wars II: Cupid Protocol
7. Nurglemania
Open de la Table Ovale

Part 1 on Wednesday:

Beachhead Brawl 2026
Green Dice Games Winter Ruin III Warhammer 40K Grand Tournament
Danish Open, singles. Hydra 40k Grand Tournament 1 of 2026.
Safety’s Off Hell Raisin’ Dale Praisin’ GT

Part 3 on Saturday:

Dicehammer Open 40k GT IX
Battlefield Birmingham 25
WETTCON Vinter 2026
Gaming Expo 40k Open
North Coast Games WinterHell GT Invitational

DUTCH MASTERS SEASON FINALE GT

77-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Amersfoort, UT, NL on February 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Chris Clayton - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe) - 1st Place

Nightbringer and Void Dragon. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Necrons Pantheon (1985 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Pantheon of Woe

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (325 points) • 1x Cosmic insanity 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (345 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (330 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm

Psychomancer (55 points) • Warlord • 1x Abyssal lance

Transcendent C'tan (330 points) • 1x Crackling tendrils 1x Seismic assault

Transcendent C'tan (330 points) • 1x Crackling tendrils 1x Seismic assault

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 points) • 2x Atomiser beam 1x Reanimator's claws

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

Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Tomb Blades (75 points) • 3x Tomb Blade • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Particle beamer 3x Shadowloom

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

C'tan Spam

Thoughts

Delicious Necron goodness, jamming all the C'tan in, with a solitary Reanimator lurking to punish that under commitment. Pantheon encourages the full skew to the max - you drop off a bit in terms of OC and mission play, but get the true stat check overwhelm that only massed 5+++ monsters can provide. This is one of the meta menaces to beat- be ready for it! Great work on the top placing.

Martijn Van der Most - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Theme song:

+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Thousand Sons + DETACHMENT: Grand Coven (Kindred Sorcery) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Magnus the Red + ENHANCEMENT: Eldritch Vortex of E'taph (on Char2: Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with wings) & Umbralefic Crystal (on Char6: Sorcerer in Terminator Armour) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char2: 1x Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with wings (205 pts): Dark Blessing, Hellforged weapons, Infernal cannon Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E'taph (+35 pts) Char1: 1x Magnus the Red (435 pts): Warlord, Blade of Magnus, Gaze of Magnus, Tzeentch's Firestorm Char3: 1x Sorcerer (80 pts): Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Pandaemonic Delusion, Prosperine khopesh Char4: 1x Sorcerer (80 pts): Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Pandaemonic Delusion, Prosperine khopesh Char5: 1x Sorcerer (80 pts): Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Pandaemonic Delusion, Prosperine khopesh Char6: 1x Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (105 pts): Force weapon, Gaze of Hate, Inferno combi-weapon Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal (+20 pts)

5x Rubric Marines (100 pts) • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Icon of Flame, Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon 3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer: Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Warpflame pistol 5x Rubric Marines (100 pts) • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Icon of Flame, Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon 3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer: Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Warpflame pistol 5x Rubric Marines (100 pts) • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Icon of Flame, Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon 3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer: Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Warpflame pistol

1x Chaos Rhino (90 pts): Armoured tracks, Havoc launcher, Inferno combi-bolter, Inferno combi-weapon 10x Scarab Occult Terminators (360 pts) • 9x Scarab Occult Terminator 7 with Inferno combi-bolter, Prosperine khopesh 2 with Prosperine khopesh, Soulreaper cannon Hellfyre missile rack • 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer: Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Inferno combi-bolter 2x Sekhetar Robots (80 pts): 2 with Close combat weapon, Heavy warpflamer, Hellfyre missile rack, Power claw, Warpflame projector 3x Tzaangor Enlightened (45 pts) • 1x Aviarch: Divining spear • 2x Divining spear Enlightened: 2 with Divining spear 10x Tzaangors (70 pts) • 9x Tzaangor 7 with Tzaangor blades 1 with Herd banner, Tzaangor blades 1 with Brayhorn, Tzaangor blades • 1x Twistbray: Tzaangor blades 10x Tzaangors (70 pts) • 9x Tzaangor 7 with Tzaangor blades 1 with Herd banner, Tzaangor blades 1 with Brayhorn, Tzaangor blades • 1x Twistbray: Tzaangor blades

Archetype

Grand Coven Damage

Thoughts

Tsons have been wedded to the beloved Mutalith Vortex Beast for several years- but it appears the time has come for it to make way for massed Rubrics, Terminators and damage as they continue to navigate having less units on the board. Grand Coven always enjoyed excellent game into Necrons and Daemons, and I suspect this is a big part of it's present resurgence. Hosing them down with Doombolt and massed rerolls and lethals is a good strategy, and Magnus can beat up C'tan too. All in all, an excellent time to be a wizard!! Great work.

Kjell Lutz - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 3rd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The GOAT (1995 Points)

Thousand Sons Grand Coven Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with Wings (205 Points) • 1x Dark Blessing • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Eldritch Vortex of E'Taph

Magnus the Red (435 Points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus • 1x Gaze of Magnus • 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

Sorcerer (80 Points) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • 1x Pandaemonic Delusion • 1x Prosperine khopesh

Sorcerer (80 Points) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • 1x Pandaemonic Delusion • 1x Prosperine khopesh

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (105 Points) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Gaze of Hate • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • Enhancements: Umbralefic Crystal

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (100 Points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Malefic Curse ◦ 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Flame ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon ◦ 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (100 Points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Malefic Curse ◦ 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Flame ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon ◦ 3x Warpflamer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Forgefiend (130 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

Scarab Occult Terminators (360 Points) • 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 1x Malefic Curse • 9x Scarab Occult Terminator ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 7x Inferno combi-bolter ◦ 9x Prosperine khopesh ◦ 2x Soulreaper cannon

Sekhetar Robots (80 Points) • 2x Sekhetar Robot ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Heavy warpflamer ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 2x Power claw ◦ 2x Warpflame projector

Sekhetar Robots (80 Points) • 2x Sekhetar Robot ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Heavy warpflamer ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 2x Power claw ◦ 2x Warpflame projector

Tzaangor Enlightened (45 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainsword • 2x Enlightened ◦ 2x Autopistol ◦ 2x Chainsword

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (55 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangors (70 Points) • 1x Twistbray ◦ 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor ◦ 1x Brayhorn ◦ 1x Herd banner ◦ 9x Tzaangor blades

Tzaangors (70 Points) • 1x Twistbray ◦ 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor ◦ 1x Brayhorn ◦ 1x Herd banner ◦ 9x Tzaangor blades

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

More Tsons!

Thoughts

Look, here to prove my point, another Tsons list amidst the Crons lists! This one takes some Robots for mid-board presence- nice to see these making the cut and they're just durable enough to force enemy armies to put the real stuff out onto the objectives, whereupon the wizards can smite them into the ground. A solitary forgefiend makes some nice anti Custodes and BA tech, coupling well with Magnus to hose down elite infantry. Excellent work, and a novel build to boot!

Arjan Fintelman - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 4th Place

Necron Warriors. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

awakend necrons (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Awakened Dynasty

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (120 points) • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Resurrection Orb 1x Staff of light

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (285 points) • 1x Cosmic insanity 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (310 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm

Hexmark Destroyer (75 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils 1x Enmitic disintegrators 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Orikan the Diviner (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Staff of Tomorrow

Royal Warden (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Relic gauss blaster • Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket

BATTLELINE

Necron Warriors (200 points) • 20x Necron Warrior • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Gauss reaper

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Ghost Ark (115 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 2x Gauss flayer array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 points) • 2x Atomiser beam 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers • 2x Claws 1x Transdimensional isolator 1x Twin gauss reaper

Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Ophydian Destroyers (80 points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer • 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Awakened Warriors

Thoughts

Awakened Crons with Warriors now benefits massively from having real damage pieces in it - Ammentar and the C'tan keep the enemy army busy as the Warriors win you the primary almost singlehanded. An excellent build, and I believe the one that many Necron specialists themselves are favouring in the mirror as well. Fantastic work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - JC van der Lee - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): All-in Jump Pack RCO with Death Company, Sang Guard and a Van Vet brick.
6th - Simon "Eierbal'' Borgers - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Full Drone MSU and a Blightlord ten man.
7th - Ron Eliyahoo - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Pressure Genestealer bricks out ahead of Maleceptors in Invasion Fleet.
8th - Laurens Tjallingii - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Double Plague Marine bricks and Deathshroud support.
9th - Fokke Dijkstra - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): 40 Warrior Awakened with Ammentar, Szeras and a C'tan.
10th - Lenny Craft-it - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Double Zoan brick Sub Assault with lots of Raveners.
11th - Mitchell Klein - Black Templars (Bastion Task Force): Lots of Intercessors and bricks of Sword Brethren and Crusaders in Bastion.
12th - Arjan Van Rijzingen - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Warrior brick and Zoantrhope IF with harassment Genestealers.
13th - Joey Tittel - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Coteries Goodstuff.

Shuffle Wars II: Cupid Protocol

70-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Stockholms län, Sverige on February 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Kalle Abrahamsson - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

Doomsday Ark. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Starshatter Arsenal (Relentless Onslaught) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char4: Catacomb Command Barge + ENHANCEMENT: Dread Majesty (on Char4: Catacomb Command Barge) & Chrono-impedance Fields (on Char5: Hexmark Destroyer) & Minaturised Nebuloscope (on Char6: Lokhust Lord) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 7 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 pts): Gaze of death, Scythe of the Nightbringer Char4: 1x Catacomb Command Barge (150 pts): Warlord, Resurrection orb, Gauss cannon, Overlord's blade Enhancement: Dread Majesty (+30 pts) Char5: 1x Hexmark Destroyer (100 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic disintegrator pistols Enhancement: Chrono-impedance Fields (+25 pts) Char2: 1x Imotekh the Stormlord (100 pts): Gauntlet of Fire, Staff of the Destroyer Char6: 1x Lokhust Lord (95 pts): Resurrection orb, Lord's blade Enhancement: Minaturised Nebuloscope (+15 pts) Char3: 1x Nekrosor Ammentar (165 pts): Nullstone field generator, Blade tail and whip coils, Enmitic disintegrators, Unmaker gauntlet Char7: 1x Technomancer (80 pts): Staff of light

1x Canoptek Reanimator (75 pts): 2x Atomiser beam, Reanimator's claws 6x Canoptek Wraiths (220 pts): 6 with Particle caster, Vicious claws 2x Cryptothralls (60 pts): 2 with Scouring eye, Scythed limbs 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (165 pts): 3 with Close combat weapon, Enmitic exterminator 3x Tomb Blades (75 pts) 1 with Shadowloom, Close combat weapon, Twin tesla carbine 2 with Shadowloom, Close combat weapon, Particle beamer

Archetype

Starshatter C'tan

Thoughts

Some twists on the traditional Wraith / DDA Starshatter, with the Silent King making way for Nightbringer and Ammentar. This gives it a bit more punch if the enemy closes on it, but otherwise the general play pattern is the same- lock down primary with the Wraiths and gradually blast anything that tries to engage you, no-selling with a reactive move when shot at a key moment. Solid, dependable, Starshatter has endured well and loves the new options available to it! Amazing work on the event win.

Max Gullberg - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Riptide Battlesuit. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Pew, Pew mf!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - T'au Empire + DETACHMENT: Mont'ka (Killing Blow) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Ethereal + ENHANCEMENT: Coordinated Exploitation (on Char1: Ethereal) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 17 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (9x2) - Assassination: 1 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Ethereal (90 pts): Warlord, Hover Drone, Marker Drone, Shield Drone, Honour stave Enhancement: Coordinated Exploitation (+40 pts)

10x Breacher Team (90 pts) • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui: Guardian Drone, Gun Drone, Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol, Support turret • 9x Breacher Fire Warriors: 9 with Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol 10x Breacher Team (90 pts) • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui: Guardian Drone, Gun Drone, Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol, Support turret • 9x Breacher Fire Warriors: 9 with Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol 10x Strike Team (70 pts) • 1x Fire Warrior Shas'ui: Guardian Drone, Gun Drone, Close combat weapon, Pulse pistol, Pulse rifle, Support turret • 9x Fire Warrior: 9 with Close combat weapon, Pulse pistol, Pulse rifle

1x Devilfish (85 pts): Accelerator burst cannon, Armoured hull, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system 1x Devilfish (85 pts): Accelerator burst cannon, Armoured hull, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system 1x Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 pts): Battlesuit support system, Ghostkeel fists, Cyclic ion raker, Twin fusion blaster 1x Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts): Armoured hull, Railgun, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Accelerator burst cannon 10x Pathfinder Team (90 pts) • 9x Pathfinders 6 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol 3 with Close combat weapon, Ion rifle, Pulse pistol • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui: Gun Drone, Shield Drone, Recon drone, Drone burst cannon, Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol, Semi-automatic grenade launcher, Drone burst cannon 1x Piranhas (60 pts): Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile 1x Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Sky Ray Gunship (150 pts): Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system 5x Stealth Battlesuits (110 pts) • 4x Stealth Shas'ui 3 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon 1 with Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • 1x Stealth Shas'vre: Homing beacon, Gun Drone, Marker Drone, Battlesuit fists, Pulse pistol, Fusion blaster 5x Stealth Battlesuits (110 pts) • 4x Stealth Shas'ui 3 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon 1 with Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • 1x Stealth Shas'vre: Homing beacon, Gun Drone, Marker Drone, Battlesuit fists, Pulse pistol, Fusion blaster 5x Vespid Stingwings (65 pts) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader: Neutron blaster, Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwings: 4 with Neutron blaster, Stingwing claws

Archetype

Mont'ka Pressure

Thoughts

Go fast and shoot things T'au continues to prove a dominant force in the meta. More Devilfish and Breachers seem to be a key answer to the stat-check meta- the high damage one and done unit offers a neat solution to a wide range of problems and many of the current crop of armies are slightly less mobile and unable to get in and punish the staging transports before their contents gets to work. On event wins and raw data T'au have had a very good time of late, with Mont'ka leading the way.

Axel Rydén - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 3rd Place

Asurmen. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Aeldari + DETACHMENT: Aspect Host (Path of the Warrior) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Asurmen + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Asurmen (125 pts): Warlord, The Bloody Twins, The Sword of Asur Char2: 1x Jain Zar (120 pts): Silent Death, The Blade of Destruction Char3: 1x Lhykhis (135 pts): Brood Twain, Spider's Fangs, Weaverender

10x Dire Avengers (150 pts): 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, 2x Avenger Shuriken Catapult • 9x Dire Avenger: 9 with Avenger Shuriken Catapult, Close Combat Weapon 1x Fire Prism (150 pts): Prism Cannon, Wraithbone hull, Shuriken Cannon 1x Fire Prism (150 pts): Prism Cannon, Wraithbone hull, Shuriken Cannon 1x Fire Prism (150 pts): Prism Cannon, Wraithbone hull, Shuriken Cannon 5x Howling Banshees (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch: Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol • 4x Howling Banshee: 4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol 5x Rangers (55 pts): 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol 5x Rangers (55 pts): 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol 5x Swooping Hawks (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch: Close combat weapon, Hawk's Talon • 4x Swooping Hawk: 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster 5x Swooping Hawks (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch: Close combat weapon, Hawk's Talon • 4x Swooping Hawk: 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster 5x Swooping Hawks (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch: Close combat weapon, Hawk's Talon • 4x Swooping Hawk: 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster 1x War Walkers (85 pts): War Walker feet, 2x Bright Lance 5x Warp Spiders (105 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, 1 Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner 5x Warp Spiders (105 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle • 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner 5x Warp Spiders (105 pts): Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle • 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner 1x Wave Serpent (125 pts): Wraithbone Hull, Shuriken Cannon, Twin Bright Lance

Archetype

Fire Prisms

Thoughts

Aspect Host MSU adapts for the new age, with the usual speedy MSU complimented by a fire base of triple Prisms. This is something I have dabbled in a bit myself- in essence, you are swapping the front facing brutality of the Fuegan brick for a slightly less consistent backfield anti-tank that is able to keep chipping away for longer. They're very solid into some of the non-invuln hull lists that are popping up, but 4++s can make them sad. Great to see an Eldar list make it deep at an event in these slightly more troubled times for the faction!

Joel Larsson - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion) - 4th Place

Credit: Liebot - https://instagram.com/liebot_pics

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Daemons + DETACHMENT: Scintillating Legion (Fates in Flux) + THEME SONG: (Howl's moving Castle - Merry go round of Life)

CHARACTER

Be'lakor (375 pts) • 1x Betraying Shades • 1x The Blade of Shadows • Warlord

Kairos Fateweaver (285 pts) • 1x Infernal Gateway • 1x Staff of Tomorrow

Lord of Change (300 pts) • 1x Bolt of Change • 1x Staff of Tzeentch • 1x Rod of sorcery • Improbable Shield (Aura) (+30 pts)

Lord of Change (280 pts) • 1x Bolt of Change • 1x Staff of Tzeentch • 1x Rod of sorcery • Infernal Puppeteer (+10 pts)

The Blue Scribes (75 pts) • 1x Sharp quills

BATTLELINE

Blue Horrors (125 pts) • 10x Blue Horror • 10x Blue claws • 10x Coruscating Blue flames

OTHER DATASHEETS

Burning Chariot (115 pts) • 1x Fires of Tzeentch • 1x Flamer mouths • 1x Screamer bites

Flamers (65 pts) • 1x Pyrocaster • 1x Flamer mouths • 1x Flickering Flames • 2x Flamer • 2x Flamer mouths • 2x Flickering Flames

Flamers (65 pts) • 1x Pyrocaster • 1x Flamer mouths • 1x Flickering Flames • 2x Flamer • 2x Flamer mouths • 2x Flickering Flames

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

Screamers (160 pts) • 6x Screamer • 6x Lamprey bite

Screamers (80 pts) • 3x Screamer • 3x Lamprey bite

Archetype

Chickens Goodstuff

Thoughts

A couple of fun touches here, withe Blue Scribes joining the fray and a Burning Chariot alongside the usual Lord of Change, Kairos and Belakor. Scintillating is established as a meta force now and lists like these tinker around the core concept - the 6 brick of Screamers is quite fun as a blocking piece that genuinely hurts vehicles too. Excellent work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Jonas Axelsson - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Lokhust brick / DDA Hypercrypt with some C'tan. This looks a blast to play.
6th - Simon von Berlepsch - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Fulgrim with two Winged Daemon Princes.
7th - Kaj Börjeson - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar): Repulsor / Redemptor and Wardens of Ultramar.
8th - Stefan Hennings - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar): Ballistus / Vindicator / Repulsor Blades. Ultras have gone shooty!
9th - Niklas Nilsson - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): All-in RCO with two Death Company Dreadnoughts.
10th - Ola Persson - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): Full 30 Hellion / Mass Wych MSU Spite.
11th - Johan Nicolaisen - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Triple Fortis Kill Teams bringing some sneaky heft.
12th - Anders Palm - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Bile brick Raiders with Noise bois and Chosen. A cheeky Forgefiend too!
13th - Birk Åstrand - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Four bigs, two Armigers in Questoris.

7. Nurglemania

50-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Nürnberg, BY, DE on February 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Fritz Peters - Necrons (Cursed Legion) - 1st Place

Nekrosor Ammentar. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Necs - Destroyer Cult 01/2026 (1995 Points)

Necrons Cursed Legion Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (285 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Gauntlet of Fire • 1x Staff of the Destroyer

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 Points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) • 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Overlord (105 Points) • 1x Resurrection Orb • 1x Voidscythe • Enhancements: Destroyer Ankh

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 Points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers ◦ 2x Claws ◦ 1x Transdimensional isolator ◦ 1x Twin gauss reaper

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

Lychguard (170 Points) • 10x Lychguard ◦ 10x Dispersion Shield ◦ 10x Hyperphase sword

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 1x Plasmacyte ◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 1x Plasmacyte ◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Cursed Legion

Thoughts

An interesting Cursed Legion build that slams in a Lychguard brick and doubles up on Reanimators to support them and the C'tan. Deceiver and Nightbringer bring the big beastly energy and the Wraiths can anchor a flank or push the centre. I like the destroyer MSU here as well - Skorpekh and Ophidians give you some give and go for the flanks and the ability to harass behind the lines as you bully the primary with the C'tan. Lots to like, and proof that just about every Necron detachment is singing at the moment! Fantastic work on the event win.

Christian Muschalek - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Rick and Morty (1995 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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Morty and Mini-Morty

Thoughts

Classic Mortarion / Daemon Prince Virulent, with a slew of Spawn out in front of them to get trades started. Haulers and Gun Drones form the backline, and this list manages to achieve a very nice saturation of small, cheap units with which to play the game despite packing the Primarch and his little son into the list too. Deathshroud like this meta, where their close impact charging basically cares not for reactive moves, on which a great many targets are relying. Excellent stuff.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd - Max Nitschinger - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Daemon Prince Goodstuff.
4th - Marius Wittenborn - Necrons (Cryptek Conclave): Triple C'tan / Warrior brick Necrons.
5th - Alexander Rath - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Drone / Hauler MSU with a Plaguemarine brick and double Deathshroud.
6th - Jens Gottfried - Genestealer Cult (Final Day): Triple Gargoyles out ahead of lots of Purestrains and Metamorphs with Mining Laser buggy support.
7th - HansjÃ¶rg Metzger - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): Massed C'tan and scoring MSU.
8th - christoph Müller - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven Goodstuff with Magnus and the Terminator brick.

Open de la Table Ovale

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Nanterre, IDF, France on February 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Scorched Earth - Crucible of Battle

breney julien - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx)

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER : Da_gnol + TEAM : Ordo Vesontio + FACTION KEYWORD: Thousand Sons + DETACHMENT USED : Thousand Sons - Rubricae Phalanx + TOTAL ARMY POINTS : 2000 + ALLIED UNITS : none + + WARLORD : Char 1 : Ahriman + ENHANCEMENT : - Char 2 : Daemon Prince of Tzeentch - Arcane Thralls (Aura) - Char 4 : Exalted Sorcerer : Rubricae Phalanx - Lord of the Rubricae - Char 5 : Exalted Sorcerer : Rubricae Phalanx - Risen Rubricae + NUMBER OF UNITS : 17 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: 2 x2 units - Assassination: 6 Characters - Cult the horde : 0 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thousand Sons Rubricae Phalanx Strike Force (2 000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Char 1 : Ahriman (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Black Staff of Ahriman • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • 1x Transmogrifying Blast

Char 2 : Daemon Prince of Tzeentch (185 Points) • 1x Dark Blessing • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Arcane Thralls (Aura)

Char 3 : Exalted Sorcerer (80 Points) • 1x Astral Blast • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol

Char 4 : Exalted Sorcerer (95 Points) • 1x Astral Blast • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • Enhancements: Lord of the Rubricae

Char 5 : Exalted Sorcerer (110 Points) • 1x Astral Blast • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • Enhancements: Risen Rubricae

Char 6 : Sorcerer (80 Points) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • 1x Pandaemonic Delusion

BATTLELINE

Bat 1 : Rubric Marines (190 Points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Inferno bolt pistol ◦ 1x Malefic Curse • 8x Rubric Marine ◦ 8x Close combat weapon ◦ 8x Inferno boltgun • 1x Rubric Marine ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Flame ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon

Bat 2 : Rubric Marines (190 Points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Malefic Curse ◦ 1x Warpflame pistol • 8x Rubric Marine ◦ 8x Close combat weapon ◦ 8x Warpflamer • 1x Rubric Marine ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Flame ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon

Bat 3 : Rubric Marines (190 Points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Inferno bolt pistol ◦ 1x Malefic Curse • 8x Rubric Marine ◦ 8x Close combat weapon ◦ 8x Inferno boltgun • 1x Rubric Marine ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Flame ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon

Bat 4 : Rubric Marines (190 Points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Malefic Curse ◦ 1x Warpflame pistol • 8x Rubric Marine ◦ 8x Close combat weapon ◦ 8x Warpflamer • 1x Rubric Marine ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Flame ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon

Bat 5 : Rubric Marines (190 Points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer ◦ 1x Force weapon ◦ 1x Malefic Curse ◦ 1x Warpflame pistol • 8x Rubric Marine ◦ 8x Close combat weapon ◦ 8x Warpflamer • 1x Rubric Marine ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Flame ◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

DedT 1 : Chaos Rhino (90 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • 1x Inferno combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Other 1 : Tzaangors (70 Points) • 1x Twistbray ◦ 1x Tzaangor blades • 7x Tzaangor ◦ 7x Autopistol ◦ 7x Chainsword • 1x Tzaangor ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainsword ◦ 1x Brayhorn • 1x Tzaangor ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainsword ◦ 1x Herd banner

Other 2 : Tzaangors (70 Points) • 1x Twistbray ◦ 1x Tzaangor blades • 7x Tzaangor ◦ 7x Autopistol ◦ 7x Chainsword • 1x Tzaangor ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainsword ◦ 1x Brayhorn • 1x Tzaangor ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainsword ◦ 1x Herd banner

Other 3 : Tzaangors (70 Points) • 1x Twistbray ◦ 1x Tzaangor blades • 7x Tzaangor ◦ 7x Autopistol ◦ 7x Chainsword • 1x Tzaangor ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainsword ◦ 1x Brayhorn • 1x Tzaangor ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainsword ◦ 1x Herd banner

Other 4 : Tzaangor Enlightened (45 points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Divining Spear • 2x Enlightened ◦ 2x Divining Spear

Other 5 : Tzaangor Enlightened with fatecaster Greatbows (55 points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Close Combat Weapon ◦ 1x fatecaster Greatbows • 2x Enlightened ◦ 2x Close Combat Weapon ◦ 2x fatecaster Greatbows

vs.

Jolan ALLIX - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company)

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Aranwë + TEAM NAME: Semi-croustillants + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Grizzled Company + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char4: Rogal Dorn Commander + ENHANCEMENT: Abhuman Detail (on Char2: Commissar) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 17 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun, Bolt pistol 1 with Master vox, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Medi-pack, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Cadian Commander: Power weapon, Plasma pistol

Char2: 1x Commissar (50 pts): Plasma pistol, Power weapon Enhancement: Abhuman Detail (+20 pts) Char3: 5x Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot volley gun 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun 1 with Medi-pack, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Regimental standard, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Tempestor Prime: Command rod, Tempestus dagger

Char4: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts): Warlord, Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Meltagun, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon Char5: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Meltagun, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon

10x Cadian Shock Troops (65 pts) • 9x Shock Trooper 6 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Close combat weapon, Flamer 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant: Close combat weapon, Sergeant's autogun

10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 pts) • 9x Jungle Fighter 6 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Close combat weapon, Flamer 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Lasgun • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant: Close combat weapon, Laspistol 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 pts) • 9x Jungle Fighter 6 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Close combat weapon, Flamer 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Lasgun • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant: Close combat weapon, Laspistol

6x Bullgryn Squad (200 pts) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Slabshield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul • 5x Bullgryn Squad: 5 with Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul 6x Bullgryn Squad (200 pts) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Slabshield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul • 5x Bullgryn Squad: 5 with Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul

1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber 1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber 1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber

10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol

5x Tempestus Scions (70 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot volley gun 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor: Power fist, Plasma pistol

Thoughts

A very grindy showdown here between two of the emergent meta darlings. Thousand Sons are back, baby, with this particular iteration of Rubricae Phalanx going hard on Rubric marines, using forward deploy to get them ensconsed mid-board early to make trouble. None of the big stuff makes the cut, with the list focused almost entirely on hosing down horde and monster alike with massed flamers and psychic powers. That makes it quite a difficult prospect for Grizzled, which isn't going to love massed flamers in the mid-board before it can get moving. If the Tsons get the first turn here the Guard are on catch up, with their standard Chimaera push and Bullgryn looking to break through and establish a hold.

The main weapon in the Guard's favour here are the Rogal Dorns - I don't see an obvious answer to these in the Rubricae list, so if they can pick off targets for multiple turns uninterrupted it should help the Militarum to re'establish themselves. In the end this was an absolute nail biter as a result, with the squeakiest of squeaky wins for the Astra Militarum.

Result

Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) Victory - 71 - 70

Jolan ALLIX - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 1st Place

Rogal Dorn Tank Commander. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Bullgryn Grizzled

Thoughts

A fairly archetypal Grizzled list here, with a Bullgryn push following up after a brutal Kasrkin Chimaera rush. Dorns shoot away from the rear, and OC2 or 3 Guardsmen are applied as needed to dominate primary. The plan is somewhat linear, but it is extremely effective, and the Guard are shining in a meta where many armies are teching hard for elite bodies or big monsters, neither or which are on offer here. Fantastic work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Loukas Benard - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): A far more melee centric Host of Ascension list, with three full bricks of Metamorphs and Locus for Fights First. Very novel!!
3rd - breney julien - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): The forward pressure Rubrics list from the showdown.
4th - Jose BELDA - Space Marines (Astartes) (Forgefather's Seekers): Vulkan, Adrax, and plenty of Infernus Marines...
5th - Dany Vo - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Full on Eightbound MSU with a Khorne Daemon Prince.
6th - Baptiste Rambaud - Orks (War Horde): Double 20 brick War Horde with Ghaz in tow.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! Tsons and Necrons dancing atop a rather topsy turvy meta... let's see how the arrival of new elves and pirate CSM impacts things!

Have fun out there!

Lowest of Men, out.

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Tags: Necrons | Warhammer 40k | Thousand Sons | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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