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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Quick on the Draw pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Aug 07 2024
It's a chaotic week in Pariah, both because the Dark Gods (and other villainous forces like the Drukhari) are having a great time of it, and because there's a weirdly high number of draws on high tables. Lots of closely fought games is, of course, what we like to see, and everything continues to look pretty healthy and dynamic out there (though those tricksy Drukhari are on top for a second week running, so probably the ones to watch).

This week I'll be looking at:
  • Palm Springs Open 40k GT III By Dicehammer
  • China Warhammer City Tournament 2024
  • Armed Forces Day 7 Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament
  • Gothic Games Canterbury: August 40k GT 🏆🎫
On Friday Lowest of Men will take over to cover:
  • Salt Lake Open 2024 - Warhammer 40K Championships
  • ÖK-spelen GT
  • War In The Fort GT
  • Peterborough Slam GT 7!
Our showdowns this week, selected by our esteemed Patrons, will be:
  • Skysplinter Drukhari vs heavy-duty Thousand Sons at the Palm Springs Open
  • Invasion Fleet Tyranids vs Skysplinter Drukhari
Drukhari - even winning at democracy.

Palm Springs Open 40k GT III By Dicehammer

167-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Palm Springs, CA, US on August 03 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Scorched Earth - Inspired Leadership - Crucible of Battle

Wyatt Harris - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault)
Army List - Click to Expand
Sk (2000 Points)

Drukhari Skysplinter Assault Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

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

Beastmaster (105 Points) • 1x Beastmaster • 1x Agoniser 1x Splinter pods • 1x Clawed Fiend • 1x Clawed Fiend fists • 2x Khymerae • 2x Khymerae talons • 3x Razorwing Flock • 3x Razorwing feathers

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

Succubus (45 Points) • 1x Succubus weapons

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Incubi (75 Points) • 4x Incubi • 4x Klaive • 1x Klaivex • 1x Demiklaives

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

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

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

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

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

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


vs.

Nico Urrea - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic)
Army List - Click to Expand
Tsons PSO (2000 Points)

Thousand Sons Cult of Magic Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (125 Points) • 1x Arcane Fire 1x Force weapon 1x Prosperine khopesh 1x Warpflame pistol • Enhancements: Umbralefic Crystal

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

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

Tzaangor Shaman (60 Points) • 1x Mutating orbs 1x Shaman's stave

Tzaangor Shaman (60 Points) • 1x Mutating orbs 1x Shaman's stave

Tzaangor Shaman (60 Points) • 1x Mutating orbs 1x Shaman's stave

BATTLELINE

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thousand Sons Forgefiend (135 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Thousand Sons Forgefiend (135 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

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

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

Thoughts

A clash of metagame titans here, with the speedy Skysplinter forces facing off against an unusually heavy-duty Thousand Sons build. The Drukhari build is broadly business as usual for Skysplinter, with the one notable addition being Urien Rakarth, who squeezes extra value out of the Wracks and helps eke out a bit more scoring in a pinch. That's a very solid addition in this matchup, as both the extra durability of Wracks and the option of the Raider Mortal Wound double tap are both extremely relevant, as is Rakarth standing back up to potentially hold on to a point for an extra turn after being zapped/shot.

The Thousand Sons list, on the other hand, is very different from the norm, cutting massively back on Rubricae and expensive Characters to squeeze in three Mutaliths and some Forgefiends. That gives the list exceptional ranged killing power, and also makes it unusually effective in the Fight Phase for a Thousand Sons build, which is going to come in real handy here. Multi-phase offence is the key to carving through Transport-heavy builds like this Drukhari one, and the advantage this gives to the Sons is going to be particularly impactful on Scorched Earth, as the Drukhari are going to have a very tough time sticking on an objective to burn it. I guess the optimistic way you could look at this from the Drukhari side is that you've at least got plenty of targets for the Dark Lances, but even that's cold comfort, especially as Scourges will be harder to use than normal with so much Torrent coverage in Overwatch from all the beasts.

So what's an elf to do here, because I'm pretty convinced they don't win anything like a straight fight. I suspect this is a game of taking Fixed and going for a denial/assassination plan, possibly with the looming threat of aiming for the Shatter Cohesion secret mission. The Drukhari are already going to want to pick off the Tzaangor Shamans and Rubricae, and they've got the speedy tools to do it, plus chaff that can be thrown out to flip objectives off of Magnus or Rubricae pretty effectively. They need to lock in and keep the Thousand Sons to 5VP turns, which is probably going to mean pressuring their home objective. Taking Fixed lets them fully focus on that rather than anything else, which is what they need here, as parcelling out resources is going to be vital. I think if you're the Tsons and you see that the Drukhari have picked Fixed then there's a reasonable galaxy brain justification for keeping one of the Mutaliths back on the home objective, just to make it super had to flip, then putting a bunch of the Tzaangor Shamans in Strategic Reserves. That both helps you lock in Secondary scoring and denies the enemy points until you've had a few turns to strip away their assets, both of which will be helpful.

This game ended up very close and very low scoring, which is usually indicative of both players playing a shrewd game, but the Drukhari narrowly overcame the damage disadvantage to take it!

Result

Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) Victory - 59 - 56

Wyatt Harris - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault) - 1st Place

Credit: John from Can You Roll A Crit?

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Rakarth Skysplinter

Thoughts

Note: This event got moved up in the Showdown voting after I'd written this, hence why it's a bit repetitive!

Drukhari dominance continues at the top of the week's biggest event. This build follows the standard 2/4 Raider/Venom split often seen in builds that aren't sporting a Tantalus, and adds the extra tech piece of Urien Rakarth with some Wracks. Double tapping Tank Shock into Vicious Blades is a powerful source of Mortal Wounds, and particularly good into Dark Angels because it's split out across two Phases, so the Watcher in the Dark isn't as effective at shutting it down. Adding Rakarth to the mix helps enhance the "defence in depth" factor of a heavily mechanised build - if you dismount the Wracks and don't wipe them, he starts healing them, and the first time you kill him whoops you (probably) didn't. It's a cool addition, and quite honestly Rakarth should probably see a bit more play in a pseudo Lone Operative style role anyway. Well done to Wyatt on this cool addition to secure the trophy.

Grant Kauffman - Death Guard (Plague Company) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
DG Pariah v1.26 (2000 Points)

Death Guard Plague Company Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (60 Points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades 1x Injector pistol 1x Plague knives

Foul Blightspawn (60 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plague sprayer

Malignant Plaguecaster (65 Points) • 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind 1x Plague bolt pistol

Malignant Plaguecaster (65 Points) • 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind 1x Plague bolt pistol

Typhus (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Master-crafted manreaper

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (180 Points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 9x Plague Marine • 3x Bubotic weapons 4x Heavy plague weapon 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Death Guard Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Plague combi-bolter

Death Guard Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Plague combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Guard Cultists (50 Points) • 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Death Guard Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Deathshroud Terminators (240 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Manreaper 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 5x Deathshroud Terminator • 5x Manreaper 5x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 Points) • 1x Fleshmower 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 Points) • 1x Fleshmower 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 Points) • 1x Fleshmower 1x Plague probe

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (40 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Rotigus (230 Points) • 1x Gnarlrod 1x Streams of brackish filth

War Dog Brigand (170 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Brigand (170 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

War Dog Brigand (170 Points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Diabolus heavy stubber

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

Archetype

Crunchy Death Guard

Thoughts

Death Guard in second place here, hot on the heels of the Drukhari thanks to this spicy build. Rotigus and a full Deathshroud unit provide two great centrepieces to tie up foes while the rest of the army gets things done, and like a lot of the crunchy DG builds this one presents a very challenging target profile for enemies. Even just going hard out the gate with the Bloat-Drones can be a huge problem for foes - they'll die, but there's plenty of attrition damage coming from the Brigands behind them. Finally, I'm always very amused by seeing the combo of two Plaguecasters in a Rhino used to create an incredibly punished version of a Land Raider Redeemer, top marks for Grant on that one!

Jason McKenzie - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) - 3rd Place

Ethereal. Credit: Rockfish Ethereal. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Emmissaries of the Dawn (2000 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Retaliation Cadre

CHARACTERS

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (115 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 3x Fusion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • Enhancement: Internal Grenade Racks

Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Gun Drone 3x Missile pod • Enhancement: Starflare Ignition System

Ethereal (50 points) • 1x Honour stave 1x Hover Drone 2x Shield Drone

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (130 points) • 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Gun Drone 1x Marker Drone 1x Missile pod 1x Missile pod • 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Gun Drone 4x Missile pod 2x Shield Drone

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (150 points) • 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Marker Drone • 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 2x Gun Drone 2x Shield Drone

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

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

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

Kroot Carnivores (75 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot pistol 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Kroot rifle

Krootox Riders (35 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Krootox fists 1x Repeater cannon

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

Piranhas (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranhas (55 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Piranha fusion blaster 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

Riptide Battlesuit (180 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Riptide Battlesuit (180 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

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

Archetype

Gundam Fun

Thoughts

Retaliation Cadre in third place here, using a mix of the standard go-wide tools like Riptides and Ghostkeels plus a slightly heftier investment in Crisis teams than the average. The setups selected here are both very reliable picks - the Internal Grenade Racks Coldstar threatens to unleash a frightening number of Mortal Wounds on a turn where it goes all-in (via Normal Moving over the foe twice and popping Grenades), while the Fireknife team can teleport around the table unleashing volleys or close in for an AP-boosted alpha strike as needed. Good stuff, and also probably a smart pick to bring an Ethereal to try and farm some extra CP, because this build is hungry. It also looks like a blast to play, and I hope Jason had a good time on his way to third!

Forrest Phanton - Space Wolves (Champions of Russ) - 4th Place

Logan Grimnar Santa Mode Logan Grimnar as Santa Claus. Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Space Puppers (2000 points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Strike Force (2000 points) Champions of Russ

CHARACTERS

Bjorn the Fell-Handed (180 points) • Warlord • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Multi-melta 1x Trueclaw

Logan Grimnar on Stormrider (180 points) • 1x Flurry of teeth and claws 1x Storm bolter 1x The Axe Morkai

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (125 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Relic Shield 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancement: Black Death

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (115 points) • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Twin lightning claws • Enhancement: Frost Weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Fenrisian Wolves (30 points) • 5x Fenrisian Wolf • 5x Teeth and claws

Fenrisian Wolves (30 points) • 5x Fenrisian Wolf • 5x Teeth and claws

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

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

Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Wulfen (90 points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 4x Wulfen • 4x Storm Shield 4x Stormfrag auto-launcher 4x Wulfen hammer

Wulfen (90 points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 4x Wulfen • 4x Storm Shield 4x Stormfrag auto-launcher 4x Wulfen hammer

Wulfen (90 points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 4x Wulfen • 4x Storm Shield 4x Stormfrag auto-launcher 4x Wulfen hammer

ALLIED UNITS

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

Archetype

Champion Wolf Jail

Thoughts

Wolf Jail, but it's Champions of Russ now. As we'll see shortly, jury is still out on whether this or the Stormlance version is better, but clearly Wolf Lords favouring both choices couldn't stand seeing Dark Angels lauded as the best Marines, as the Chapter had a good week in general. Well done Forrest for taking them to a top four.

The Best of the Rest

There were 13 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Brandon Holm - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Your standard Szarekh and Doomsday core, with the very non-standard choice of three Skorpekh MSUs with a Lord each. Skorpekh plus a Lord are a genuinely great package at 170pts, which this build really highlights!
  • 6th - Nico Urrea - Thousand Sons: See Showdown.
  • 7th - Jeff Jew - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Lots of Deathwing Knights backed by some Vindicators, plus one big Inner Circle Companion unit with a Judiciar.
  • 8th - Carlos Kaiser - World Eaters: A fairly standard World Eaters setup with one extra unit of Exalted Eightbound, swapping in some Cultists for Berzerkers to free up points.
  • 9th - Luke Ehlert - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): ThunderCav spam with triple MSU Wulfen.
  • 10th - Timothy Travers - Chaos Daemons: Thicc Daemons with two GUOs and Rotigus, plus a Lord of Change and some Plaguebearers.
  • 11th - Anthony Kucich - Thousand Sons: Another Triple Mutalith build, this one going for the standard Characters in smaller numbers.
  • 12th - Kyle Parry - Ynnari: A go-wide build with lots of Kabalites in Venoms, War Walkers, and a big tooled-up melee Troupe as a hammer.
  • 13th - Jay Jones - Aeldari: Avatar, some melee MSUs with Phoenix Lords and a big stack of Windriders.
  • 14th - Tre O'Rourke - World Eaters: Lots of the standard choices, plus a couple of Maulerfiends.
  • 15th - Wyatt Swift-Ramirez - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): All the fancy Skysplinter toys and a Tantalus.
  • 16th - Arthur Tu - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders):  Abaddon, Obliterators and a bunch of efficient hulls for dakka, plus a full Accursed Commune and a Warp Talon stack for pressure.
  • 17th - Shane Marquez - Leagues of Votann: Four Sagitaurs, supporting bikes and Beserks, and 10/5 Hearthguard with one unit in a Land Fortress.

China Warhammer City Tournament 2024

76-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in 深圳市, 中国 on August 03 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ranchen Li - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
we los (2000 Points)

World Eaters Berzerker Warband Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Angron (415 Points) • Warlord • 1x Samni'arius and Spinegrinder

Lord Invocatus (140 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Coward's Bane 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn

World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (120 Points) • 1x Exalted chainblade 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne

BATTLELINE

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (140 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Eightbound (140 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (155 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Eightbound chainfist 2x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (310 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

Khorne Lord of Skulls (450 Points) • 1x Gorestorm cannon 1x Great cleaver of Khorne 1x Skullhurler

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

Archetype

Super Heavy World Eaters

Thoughts

The World Eaters ride forth to conquer a whole new scene here, and to show they mean business they've brought a Lord of Skulls. Always a fan of seeing a breakout major as a community gathers pace, and that's also what the LoS was presumably doing as foes fled in terror. Honestly, I think you can make a pretty good case for it with the proliferation of Dark Angels and Blood Angels right now, as Deathwing Knights can blank Eightbound fairly badly, and Blood Angels can sometimes just roll through the army. Both of these Marine threats will have a horrendous time trying to kill a LoS through Khorne Cares Not, its weaponry is pretty great in these matchups, and it's cheap enough that in games where the opponent threatens to try and punk it, you can just stick it in Strategic Reserves (and maybe use Angron's aura to help it make combat. You're still going to get a few opponents like Aeldari who will be delighted to have a big target to pump lance fire into, but it's a big shift in the dynamics of some crucial Marine contests. Great performance by Ranchen here, congratulations!

Mafi Chan - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Warpsmith. Credit: Rockfish Warpsmith. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
LoS Big Brother +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Mafi Chan + TEAM NAME: Team Sigil + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Space Marines + DETACHMENT: Renegade Raiders + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char5: Fabius Bile + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) + (1x6) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Chaos Lord (90 pts): Daemon hammer, Plasma pistol Char2: 1x Chaos Lord (90 pts): Daemon hammer, Plasma pistol Char3: 1x Warpsmith (70 pts): Flamer tendril, Forge weapon, Melta tendril, Plasma pistol Char4: 1x Cypher (90 pts): Cypher's bolt pistol, Cypher's plasma pistol Char5: 2x Fabius Bile (85 pts): Warlord • 1x Fabius Bile: Rod of Torment, The Chirurgeon, Xyclos needler • 1x Surgeon Acolyte: Surgeon Acolyte's tools

10x Cultist Mob (50 pts) • 1x Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon, Bolt pistol • 9x Cultist: 9 with Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon 5x Legionaries (90 pts) • 4x Legionary 2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon 1 with Chaos icon, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Reaper chaincannon • 1x Aspiring Champion: Close combat weapon, Plasma pistol, Heavy melee weapon 5x Legionaries (90 pts) • 4x Legionary 2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon 1 with Chaos icon, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Reaper chaincannon • 1x Aspiring Champion: Close combat weapon, Plasma pistol, Heavy melee weapon 5x Rubric Marines (105 pts) • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon 2 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer 1 with Icon of Flame, Close combat weapon, Warpflamer • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer: Force weapon, Warpsmite, Warpflame pistol 5x Rubric Marines (105 pts) • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon 2 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer 1 with Icon of Flame, Close combat weapon, Warpflamer • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer: Force weapon, Warpsmite, Warpflame pistol

5x Chosen (125 pts) 1 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Boltgun 2 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Combi-weapon 1 with Paired accursed weapons, Plasma pistol 1 with Chaos icon, Boltgun, Plasma pistol, Power fist 5x Chosen (125 pts) 1 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Boltgun 2 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Combi-weapon 1 with Paired accursed weapons, Plasma pistol 1 with Chaos icon, Boltgun, Plasma pistol, Power fist 3x Chaos Bikers (70 pts) • 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): Armoured tracks, Havoc launcher, Predator autocannon, Combi-bolter, 2x Lascannon 1x Khorne Lord of Skulls (450 pts): Great cleaver of Khorne, Skullhurler, Gorestorm cannon 1x Chaos Rhino (75 pts): Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-bolter 1x Chaos Rhino (75 pts): Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-bolter 1x Chaos Rhino (75 pts): Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-bolter

Archetype

Lord of Skulls Raiders

Thoughts

OK, Khorne is clearly up to something in China, because it's another Lord of Skulls in second. Honestly, while you don't have -1D in Renegade Raiders, a lot of the threatening stuff you're worried about is AP-2, so access to Armour of Contempt is also excellent, as is having Cypher skulking nearby to tax any Stratagem combos the enemy uses to try and take the big threat down. The Lord of Skulls broadly takes the place of a couple of Vindicators in a "standard" Raiders build, and the rest of what's here is a bunch of the cool brawling threats like Chosen and AP-boosted Rubricae that this detachment excels at using, with Bile to amp up the durability of a key unit. Incredible style points for adding the LoS, well done to Mafi on undefeated second.

Jerry Zhang - Death Guard (Plague Company) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: PierreTheMime

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
直接点火 (2000 Points)

Death Guard Plague Company Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (60 Points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades 1x Injector pistol 1x Plague knives

Biologus Putrifier (60 Points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades 1x Injector pistol 1x Plague knives

Foul Blightspawn (70 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plague sprayer • Enhancements: The Droning (Aura)

Malignant Plaguecaster (65 Points) • 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind 1x Plague bolt pistol

Typhus (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Master-crafted manreaper

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (180 Points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 9x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 4x Heavy plague weapon 2x Meltagun 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer

Plague Marines (180 Points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 9x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 4x Heavy plague weapon 2x Meltagun 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer

Plague Marines (90 Points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine • 2x Bubotic weapons 1x Meltagun 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer

Plague Marines (90 Points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Plasma gun • 4x Plague Marine • 2x Bubotic weapons 1x Meltagun 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Death Guard Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Plague combi-bolter

Death Guard Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Plague combi-bolter

Death Guard Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Plague combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Guard Cultists (50 Points) • 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Death Guard Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Death Guard Predator Destructor (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Predator autocannon

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 Points) • 1x Plague probe 2x Plaguespitter

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 Points) • 1x Plague probe 2x Plaguespitter

Plagueburst Crawler (180 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Entropy cannon 1x Heavy slugger 1x Plagueburst mortar

Plagueburst Crawler (180 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Entropy cannon 1x Heavy slugger 1x Plagueburst mortar

Plagueburst Crawler (180 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Entropy cannon 1x Heavy slugger 1x Plagueburst mortar

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

Archetype

Mechanised Death Guard

Thoughts

Rounding out a very chaotic undefeated top three, we've got an old school crunchy Death Guard build with lots of brawler Plague Marines in Rhinos, supporting Daemon Engines and Typhus as a lone Deep Strike threat. All great stuff that plays a very effective attrition game, keeping foes from breaking out from its clutches thanks to Contagions. Congratulations to Jerry.

白 无常 - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 4th Place

Loyalist Knight Atrapos Loyalist Knight Atrapos. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
ARMY Imperial KnightsNoble LanceStrike Force(2000 Points) CHARACTERS Canis Rex Warlord 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor1x Chainbreaker multi-laser 1x Freedom's Hand Cerastus Knight Atrapos (450 Points) 1x Atrapos lascutter 1x Graviton singularity cannon Enhancement: Mysterious Guardian BATTLELINE Armiger Helverin(140 Points) 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermalspear Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermalspear Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermalspear Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1xThermalspear Armiger Warglaive(150 Points) 。1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1xThermalspear Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1xThermalspear ALLIED UNITS Eversor Assassin(75 Points 1x Executioner pistol 1x Power sword and neuro gauntlet Exported with App Version: V1.18.0(41), DataVersion:V434

Archetype

Double Bigs

Thoughts

Rounding out the top four we have the Imperial Knights, frantically trying to keep up appearences as Chaos runs amok. Seeing Canis Rex at the helm isn't a huge surprise, as he's better than ever in Pariah and pretty much an auto-take as your first big, but the Atrapos is worth highlighting as the second choice. These are seeing an uptick in play, presumably thanks to being very flexible between killing enemy tanks or elite infantry, which is exactly what you need right now. Mysterious Guardian is also an especially solid choice in Pariah because Character Titanic units can Action/Shoot - meaning that a Knight with it can be both a scoring and killing machine. Definitely consider that angle if you haven't already been using it, and well done to 白 无常 for gloriously leading the charge.

The Best of the Rest

There were 10 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Erik 艾瑞克 - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Brethren in Impulsors, cheap dakka hulls, and a big Eradicator unit in a Repulsor.
  • 6th - Qifan Zhu- Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): All-rounder Awakened Dynasty with a  bit of everything and the Silent King as a centrepiece.
  • 7th - jun hong- Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Speedy flame Sisters.
  • 8th - 阿 伟 - Astra Militarum: A heavily board-presence focused Guard built with tonnes of Catachans, max Bullgryn and a Dorn behind the lot.
  • 9th - Hsia Yinwu - Astra Militarum: Lots more Bullgryn, this time supported by Rough Riders, a Dorn and an Exterminator.
  • 10th - 格 里芬 - Grey Knights: Dreadnights galore.
  • 11th - 斯万 Swan - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Two big Genestealer units for early pressure with triple Tyrannofex as a second wave.
  • 12th - 泰 僧 - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet):  A go-wide Invasion Fleet build with some shooty monsters and lots of small infantry units/positional pieces.
  • 13th - Yushun Xu - Ynnari: Extremely go-wide shooty/melee Ynnari, with a couple of Wraithlords as a sterner core.
  • 14th - 老 蒋 - Chaos Daemons: A trio of enhanced Greater Daemons (Bloodthirster, Great Unclean One, Lord of Change) and some Bloodcrushers and a Rendmaster for the Bloodthirster to fire into combat.

Armed Forces Day 7 Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament

64-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Lockport, IL, US on August 03 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Elliott Levy - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) - 1st Place

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (Credit: Musterkrux)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
space wolves (2000 points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Strike Force (2000 points) Stormlance Task Force

CHARACTERS

Harald Deathwolf (85 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Glacius

Librarian in Phobos Armour (70 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Force weapon 1x Smite

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

Logan Grimnar on Stormrider (180 points) • Warlord • 1x Flurry of teeth and claws 1x Storm bolter 1x The Axe Morkai

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (95 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancement: Portents of Wisdom

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (90 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Power fist 1x Storm Shield • Enhancement: Hunter's Instincts

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (125 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Relic Shield 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancement: Fury of the Storm

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Infiltrator Squad (100 points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Helix Gauntlet 1x Infiltrator Comms Array 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolter 1x Scout sniper rifle

Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 5x Crushing teeth and claws 5x Heirloom weapon 5x Storm Shield

Wulfen (180 points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 9x Wulfen • 9x Storm Shield 9x Stormfrag auto-launcher 9x Wulfen hammer

Wulfen (90 points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 4x Wulfen • 4x Storm Shield 4x Stormfrag auto-launcher 4x Wulfen hammer

Wulfen (90 points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 4x Wulfen • 4x Storm Shield 4x Stormfrag auto-launcher 4x Wulfen hammer

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

Archetype

Wolf Jail Classic

Thoughts

Scream awooo, go first, hit things, lean on the Lone Operative Librarian unit to hold the fort while you do it. Still works like a charm, it would appear. Great stuff from Elliott.

Kevin Leonard - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Khorne (1975 Points)

Chaos Daemons Daemonic Incursion Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Bloodthirster (325 Points) • Warlord • 1x Great axe of Khorne 1x Hellfire breath • Enhancements: A'rgath, The King of Blades

Bloodthirster (305 Points) • 1x Great axe of Khorne 1x Hellfire breath

Rendmaster on Blood Throne (150 Points) • 1x Attendants' hellblades 1x Blade of blood

BATTLELINE

Nurglings (40 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bloodcrushers (220 Points) • 1x Bloodhunter • 1x Hellblade 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn • 5x Bloodcrusher • 1x Daemonic Icon 5x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos 5x Juggernaut's bladed horn

Bloodcrushers (220 Points) • 1x Bloodhunter • 1x Hellblade 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn • 5x Bloodcrusher • 1x Daemonic Icon 5x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos 5x Juggernaut's bladed horn

Bloodcrushers (220 Points) • 1x Bloodhunter • 1x Hellblade 1x Juggernaut's bladed horn • 5x Bloodcrusher • 1x Daemonic Icon 5x Hellblade 1x Instrument of Chaos 5x Juggernaut's bladed horn

Flesh Hounds (70 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

Flesh Hounds (70 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

Flesh Hounds (70 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

Skull Cannon (95 Points) • 1x Attendants' hellblades 1x Biting maw 1x Skull cannon

Skull Cannon (95 Points) • 1x Attendants' hellblades 1x Biting maw 1x Skull cannon

Skull Cannon (95 Points) • 1x Attendants' hellblades 1x Biting maw 1x Skull cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.17.0 (40), Data Version: v430

Archetype

Bloodcrusher Spam

Thoughts

Khorne's excellent week continues here. Ignore that one unit of Nurglings, no one knows how they got there. Daemon players have very much embraced the Pariah option of a Bloodthirster that when it barks it shoots Bloodcrushers out of its mouth, and this list goes especially hard on that plan with two Bloodthirsters to set up guaranteed Shadow deployments, and all the Bloodcrushers it can fit in to overwhelm the foe. Skull Cannons and Flesh Hounds fill the list out with a mix of board presence and harrassment. Good, messy fun all round, well done Kevin.

Derek Glassman - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 3rd Place

Lord Solar. Credit: Rockfish Lord Solar. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Gastonicka Uprising, Forces in the battle for Hive Motidus 3rd Stack Outskirts, 0.312.535.m41 [Translated from Gastonickan to Low Gothic where relevant per Inquisitorial request]

The wicked fall before us! The Righteous rise around us! Cast down the Corpse Emperor's hateful lordlings! Embrace the True Gods of Man and become free from your chains!

(2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Regiment

CHARACTERS

Cardinal Vhol le Bienveillant -Lord Solar Leontus (125 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin's hooves 1x Sol's Righteous Gaze

Commandant Adelard, Seigneur Flenser -Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (110 points) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger • Enhancement: Kurov's Aquila • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot laspistol 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Medi-pack 1x Plasma gun 1x Regimental Standard

Capitaine Raphael, 333rd Gastonickan -Platoon Command Squad (75 points) • 1x Platoon Commander • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • Enhancement: Grand Strategist • 2x Veteran Guardsman • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Lasgun 2x Laspistol 1x Master Vox 1x Medi-pack • 1x Veteran Heavy Weapons Team • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Mortar

Adjutent-chef Anais, Personnel de Liaison -Ursula Creed (55 points) • 1x Duty and Vengeance 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

333rd Gastonickan 1ère section, 4ème équipe -Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

333rd Gastonickan 1ère section, 3ème équipe -Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

333rd Gastonickan 2e section, 2e équipe -Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

333rd Gastonickan 4e section, 1re équipe -Death Korps of Krieg (65 points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Death Korps Medi-pack 1x Grenade launcher 6x Lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

333rd Gastonickan Cavalier, 6e section -Attilan Rough Riders (120 points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Hunting lance 1x Lasgun 1x Laspistol 1x Power sabre 1x Steed's hooves • 9x Rough Rider • 9x Hunting lance 9x Lasgun 9x Laspistol 9x Steed's hooves

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

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

Chasseur de Nuisibles -Hellhound (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon

Écorce de Feu -Leman Russ Exterminator (170 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exterminator autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Plasma cannon

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

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

Garde Flenser, 1ère Section Tempestus Scions (100 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 5x Hot-shot lasgun 2x Hot-shot volley gun 2x Plasma gun

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

Archetype

Double Dorn

Thoughts

A very tank-heavy Astra Militarum build takes third here, eschewing the normal Bullgryn protection detail for more hulls and a counterattacking unit of Rough Riders. That gives the build tremendous killing power, and it's very hard to fully take out, but it does introduce a small risk of getting rushed and overwhelmed, which may have been its undoing in the final against Elliott. Even in that game Derek put in a respectable score, which is impressive stuff against a list that's pretty much the exact thing you don't want to see when running this, so very well played in third!

Jordan Nach - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 4th Place

The Deceiver. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
++ Army Roster (Xenos - Necrons) [1,990pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Detachment Choice: Awakened Dynasty

Show/Hide Options: Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible

+ Epic Hero +

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver [265pts]

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer [295pts]

The Silent King [420pts] . 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2x Annihilator beam, 2x Armoured bulk

+ Character +

Catacomb Command Barge [145pts]: Enaegic Dermal Bond, Gauss cannon, Overlord's blade, Resurrection orb

Technomancer [105pts]: Nether-realm Casket

Technomancer [85pts]

+ Battleline +

Immortals [75pts] . 5x Immortal: 5x Close combat weapon, 5x Gauss blaster

+ Mounted +

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [50pts] . Destroyer w/ enmitic exterminator

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers [50pts] . Destroyer w/ enmitic exterminator

+ Beast +

Canoptek Wraiths [250pts] . 6x Wraith w/ claws and particle caster: 6x Particle caster, 6x Vicious claws

Canoptek Wraiths [250pts] . 6x Wraith w/ claws and particle caster: 6x Particle caster, 6x Vicious claws

++ Total: [1,990pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe ()

Archetype

Top-heavy Awakened

Thoughts

I will admit a Necron list with two Wraith units at 335pts was not on my business card. GW look away, I can't handle them being nerfed any more.

Anyway, they're putting in work here via the classic skew strategy of essentially only packing ultra durable units, making it very hard for foes to reliably degrade the army's capability. The advantage of Wraiths in Awakened is that they can operate very effectively without support or managing a Power Matrix, as Protocol of the Hungry Void is enough to push them to being a credible threat into most targets (except stuff with Damage Reduction, making me a little nervous about this in a Deathwing Knight-heavy metagame).

Where you can come unstuck with this plan is against opponents that can just reliably steamroller a key unit, because the second you start dropping activations it gets really hard to keep the scoring up, and that's presumably what happened against Kevin's Daemons in the final, as Bloodcrushers with a Rendmaster buff are pretty much the perfect counter to this list. Very cool to see something so out there make it to the top tables, however, so great stuff from Jordan.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Tyler White - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Flame Sisters with some extra crunch instead of the big Seraphim squad.
  • 6th - Jeff Grogan - Leagues of Votann: Double big Hearthguard unit and max Pioneers.
  • 7th - John Van Dusen - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monster Mash with the Old One-Eye dakkafex unit.
  • 8th - Kareem Abraham - Chaos Space Marines (Veterans of the Long War):  Ultra-heavy hitting Chaos Marines with a Knight Despoiler and a Khorne Lord of Skulls plus Abaddon with a full unit of Chosen.
  • 9th - Fred Fortman - Deathwatch (Gladius Task Force): Two massively tooled up Veteran units (one in a Crusader) with a Repulsor full of Eradicators as an additional murder threat. Deathwatch Bikes get an outing as a skirmishing tool.
  • 10th - James R Fisher - Aeldari: A herohammer Aeldari build with the Avatar, lots of Lone Operatives, and a big Troupe as a centrepiece. MSU/go-wide stuff to finish.

Gothic Games Canterbury: August 40k GT 🏆🎫

44-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on August 03 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Note: Originally the two undefeated players were down to play a final after round 5, but neither could use the Golden Ticket, so they called it a draw and let the prize cascade down. I've featured both players, since at that point there's nothing to separate them!

Ciaran Furlong - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) - =1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Magnus and friends (2000 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Cult of Magic

CHARACTERS

Ahriman (130 points) • 1x Black Staff of Ahriman 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Psychic Stalk

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (140 points) • 1x Arcane Fire 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol • Enhancement: Lord of Forbidden Lore

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

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (210 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Warpflame pistol 1x Warpsmite • 9x Rubric Marine • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 9x Warpflamer

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Double Mutalith Tsons

Thoughts

At this point I'm starting to draw the conclusion that Slaanesh is slacking off, because all the other Chaos Gods have been very busy this week. Presumably on a big divan eating grapes somewhere. Classic Slaanesh. This here and now is classic Mutalith Tsons - extra pressure from the big beasts, and inclusion of some cheap stuff like Spawn, Tzaangors and Cultists to keep the activation count up. This continues to be one of the most consistently effective builds in the game. Congratulations to Ciaran for piloting it to the top!

Steve Scott - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) - =1st Place

The Silent King The Silent King. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


01001101 01100101 01110000 01101000 01100101 01110100 00100111 01110010 01100001 01101110 00100000 01101000 01100001 01110011 00100000 01110100 01110010 01101001 01100011 01101011 01100101 01100100 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101

Necrons Hypercrypt Legion Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Hexmark Destroyer (70 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Technomancer (85 Points) • 1x Staff of light

The Silent King (420 Points) • 1x Szarekh • Warlord • 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory 1x Staff of Stars 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir • 2x Annihilator beam 2x Armoured bulk

BATTLELINE

Immortals (75 Points) • 5x Immortal • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Tesla carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Spyders (75 Points) • 1x Automaton claws 1x Fabricator Claw Array (Aura) 1x Gloom Prism (Aura) 2x Particle beamer

Canoptek Wraiths (250 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith • 6x Particle caster 6x Vicious claws

Doomsday Ark (200 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

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

Lokhust Destroyers (30 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gauss cannon

Lokhust Destroyers (30 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gauss cannon

Lokhust Destroyers (30 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gauss cannon

Tesseract Vault (400 Points) • 1x Antimatter Meteor 1x Cosmic Fire 1x Time's Arrow 1x Armoured bulk 4x Tesla spheres

Tomb Blades (75 Points) • 3x Tomb Blade • 3x Close combat weapon 2x Particle beamer 3x Shadowloom 1x Twin tesla carbine

Archetype

Heavy Hypercrypt

Thoughts

Every time a Tesseract Vault makes it into this column, I have to do a round of edge highlighting on mine. One day it will be finished. One day.

Anyway, it's a super cool gigantic box, bringing a diverse selection of vicious killing power to the table, and teaming it up with the Silent King and Doomsdays provides some serious threat. I do like the inclusion of one Wraith unit alongside that - sometimes you just need something that will stand in a place, perform an activity and not die, and now you can't warp a C'tan in 3" away, Wraiths give you the most flexible tool for doing that. Love seeing the big box do big work, great stuff from Steve.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Franco McDonnell - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): A cavalry/beast heavy Daemons build with lots of Fiends and a Bloodcrusher stack, using Be'lakor and a Great Unclean One as defensive centrepieces.
  • 4th - Matthew Stredwick - Ynnari (Battle Host): Lots of evasive Aeldari shooting and a few melee threats, with the interesting option of Drazhar and five Incubi in a Falcon for some of that 9th Edition re-roll energy.
  • 5th - James Gostick- Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Speedy flame Sisters.

Wrap Up

That's it from me for this week - next week will be a big one because we'll have the results of the WTC Warmaster GT to cover, probably with a side order of Teams Week as we look at the main event. See you then!

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Tags: Space Marines | space wolves | world eaters | Death Guard | drukhari | tau | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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