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 World Championships are past, and this week many players are either recovering, trying new builds, or in the case of the UK meta participating in the UKTC Autumn ITT (which absorbed 400+ players).

The main impact of this seems to be that Aeldari are doing their very best innocent face, dipping below a 50% win rate somehow, while Raven Guard and a spicy new Spectacle of Spite Drukhari build are soaring up the rankings. Let's check out the goings on.

Part 1 on Wednesday:

The California Cup '25 - Warhammer 40K
Ratcon 2025
GUTI Majestic Beasties V (2025)
BOLTERCON 2025: Warhammer 40k GT
Waterloo Games Winter 40K Event Hosted by Away Games
Safety's Off Fat Cap for Charity Ironman GT

Part 2 on Friday:

Show Me Showdown Warhammer 40k Championships
ATHENS WARLORD 2
Boise Diamond Series GT - November 2025
40K Iron Man 2025
Nemesis 40k Fall 2025

Part 3 on Saturday:

DaBoyz GT Rochester 2025 40K 1v1
Exterminatus 025.M3
Open Pucela Wargames 2025 - Torneo Warhammer 40k
WARPStorm GT 2025
Geekfest - Arcs of Fire - Warhammer 40K GT

The California Cup '25 - Warhammer 40K

225-player, 8-round Supermajor in Pomona, CA, United States on November 14 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Michael Mann - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) - 1st Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Lance - I'm sorry Arjac you're not C tier (2000 Points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Stormlance Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Arjac Rockfist (105 Points) • 1x Foehammer

Bjorn the Fell-Handed (170 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Helfrost cannon • 1x Trueclaw

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

Logan Grimnar (110 Points) • Warlord • 1x Axe Morkai • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Tyrnak and Fenrir

Wolf Priest (85 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x Crozius arcanum • Enhancements: Portents of Wisdom

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Combat knife

Thunderwolf Cavalry (230 Points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader ◦ 1x Storm Shield ◦ 1x Teeth and Claws ◦ 1x Wolf Guard weapon • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry ◦ 5x Storm Shield ◦ 5x Teeth and Claws ◦ 5x Wolf Guard weapon

Wolf Guard Headtakers (170 Points) • 6x Wolf Guard Headtaker ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 6x Paired master‑crafted power weapons

Wolf Guard Terminators (170 Points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader ◦ 1x Twin lightning claws • 4x Wolf Guard Terminator ◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 4x Storm Shield

Wolf Guard Terminators (340 Points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader ◦ 1x Relic greataxe • 9x Wolf Guard Terminator ◦ 2x Assault cannon ◦ 7x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 2x Power fist ◦ 7x Storm Shield

Wulfen with Storm Shields (200 Points) • 10x Wulfen ◦ 10x Death Totem ◦ 10x Thunder hammer

Wulfen with Storm Shields (200 Points) • 10x Wulfen ◦ 10x Death Totem ◦ 10x Thunder hammer

Exported with App Version: v1.43.1 (1), Data Version: v708

Archetype

Wolf Aggro

Thoughts

I have spent a solid few minutes trying to work out if I can/need to say anything particularly clever about this list, and have concluded that I probably don't. You can see what it does - there's a wall of brutal melee Infantry threats that come at you fast, and if you can't handle them you get ripped apart. Congratulations to Michael for letting the dogs out.

Celeste Lorch - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 2nd Place

High Marshal Helbrecht. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Black Templars + DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char3: Emperor's Champion + ENHANCEMENT: The Honour Vehement (on Char3: Emperor's Champion) & Artificer Armour (on Char4: Judiciar) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 12 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x4) - Assassination: 5 Characters - Cull The Horde: 3x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

4x Chaplain Grimaldus (110 pts) • 3x Cenobyte Servitor • 3x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Chaplain Grimaldus • 1x Artificer Crozius • 1x Plasma Pistol

1x High Marshal Helbrecht (120 pts) • 1x Ferocity • 1x Sword of the High Marshals

1x Emperor's Champion (105 pts) • 1x Black Sword • 1x Bolt Pistol • Warlord • The Honour Vehement (+15 pts)

1x Judiciar (80 pts) • 1x Absolver Bolt Pistol • 1x Executioner Relic Blade • Artificer Armour (+10 pts)

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

BATTLELINE

20x Crusader Squad (310 pts) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Pyre Pistol • Sword Brother • 11x Initiate • 7x Astartes Chainsword • 11x Bolt pistol • 11x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 4x Power Fist • 11x Initiate • 8x Neophyte • 8x Astartes Chainsword • 8x Bolt pistol • 8x Neophyte

20x Crusader Squad (310 pts) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Pyre Pistol • Sword Brother • 11x Initiate • 7x Astartes Chainsword • 11x Bolt pistol • 11x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 4x Power Fist • 11x Initiate • 8x Neophyte • 8x Astartes Chainsword • 8x Bolt pistol • 8x Neophyte

20x Crusader Squad (310 pts) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Pyre Pistol • Sword Brother • 11x Initiate • 7x Astartes Chainsword • 11x Bolt pistol • 11x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 4x Power Fist • 11x Initiate • 8x Neophyte • 8x Astartes Chainsword • 8x Bolt pistol • 8x Neophyte

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes Chainsword • Scout Sergeant • 4x Scouts • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Combat Knife • 4x Scout Squad

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes Chainsword • Scout Sergeant • 4x Scouts • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Combat Knife • 4x Scout Squad

1x Repulsor Executioner (220 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array • 1x Twin Heavy Bolter • 1x Twin Icarus Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Heavy Laser Destroyer

1x Repulsor Executioner (220 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array • 1x Twin Heavy Bolter • 1x Twin Icarus Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Heavy Laser Destroyer

Archetype

Crusader Horde Gladius

Thoughts

Straight to another list full of angry melee men, this time with a bit more firepower behind them. Just like the 50+ Berzerker builds, this many 2W models is a massive lift to clear at the rate opponents will need to (especially with access to Armour of Contempt), and the surge move means that any mis-step while trying to handle them could be their last. You lose access to the auto 8" surge, but gain the ability to multi Advance/Charge on a go turn, and can actually back it up with serious anti-tank firepower thanks to the quality of the Templar RepEx. You also have a deeper well of quality Leaders, and can trump other pure melee builds with the Fight First squad. Templars are very strong but have been a little one-note, so it's good to see a little mixup in a successful build here, congratulations Celeste.

James Thomas - Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile) - 3rd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Hey bro, how much 3-damage do you have????

***THING YOU SHOULD KNOW*** - Cypher reactionary shoots at full BS if you target him or someone within 3” (once/turn) - Oblits are infantry so get the Bile buffs - Oblits can once per game indirect fire. - I have an advance/charge Strat and fight on death 4+ Strat - I have a 2CP Strat for full rerolls to wound against a character unit (if I kill a character with this, nearby things have to battleshock) - Chosen ALWAYS fallback/shoot/advance/charge (don't need a Strat) - Possessed are 9” move base and could go to 11” with bile buff (29” max threat range with advance/charge Strat) - The chaos Lord has dev wounds, and an enhancement for +1 damage and rerolls to hit. His ability is a once per game get +1 S/AP/A/damage, so once per game he's 4 damage. Plus the normal free Strat captain ability. Neat. - MOST importantly, for every possessed squad you kill, you earn one shot! You don't need to drink it during the game, but if you do, I'll take one as well. At the end of the day we're playing a silly game, let's have some fun with it.

******************************** Medical malpractice (1995 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Creations of Bile Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (125 Points) • 1x Daemon hammer • 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancements: Prime Test Subject

Cypher (90 Points) • 1x Cypher's bolt pistol • 1x Cypher's plasma pistol

Fabulous Bile (85 Points) • 1x Fabius Bile • Warlord ◦ 1x Chirurgeon ◦ 1x Rod of Torment ◦ 1x Xyclos Needler • 1x Surgeon Acolyte ◦ 1x Surgeon Acolyte's tools

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 Points) • 1x Cultist Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon

Cultist Mob (50 Points) • 1x Cultist Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Bikers (70 Points) • 1x Biker Champion ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Combi-bolter ◦ 1x Power fist • 2x Chaos Biker ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combi-bolter ◦ 2x Meltagun

Chaos Bikers (70 Points) • 1x Biker Champion ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Combi-bolter ◦ 1x Power fist • 2x Chaos Biker ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combi-bolter ◦ 2x Meltagun

Chosen (250 Points) • 1x Chosen Champion ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Chosen ◦ 6x Accursed weapon ◦ 6x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Boltgun ◦ 4x Combi-weapon ◦ 2x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 3x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist

Chosen (125 Points) • 1x Chosen Champion ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Chosen ◦ 3x Accursed weapon ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 2x Combi-weapon ◦ 1x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Obliterators (160 Points) • 2x Obliterator ◦ 2x Crushing fists ◦ 2x Fleshmetal guns

Obliterators (160 Points) • 2x Obliterator ◦ 2x Crushing fists ◦ 2x Fleshmetal guns

Possessed (240 Points) • 1x Possessed Champion ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Hideous mutations • 9x Possessed ◦ 9x Hideous mutations

Possessed (240 Points) • 1x Possessed Champion ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Hideous mutations • 9x Possessed ◦ 9x Hideous mutations

Possessed (240 Points) • 1x Possessed Champion ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Hideous mutations • 9x Possessed ◦ 9x Hideous mutations

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.41.0 (3), Data Version: v685

Archetype

Possessed Horde

Thoughts

OK what on earth is going on over there? James fills out the podium with another high pressure melee aggro list, slamming lots of Possessed and the big Bile Chosen block into foes. This time, the specific upside is resilience against D2 weaponry (since the alpha stuff all has 3W) and access to a once-per-game spike of indirect shooting if you need to clear something like Jain Zar's unit from out behind a wall. Melee plans to suit all tastes is clearly the theme here, well done to James on displaying another one.

Ben Jurek - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 4th Place

War Dog - Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Thanks Bjorn. (2000 Points)

Chaos Knights Infernal Lance Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Knight Despoiler (375 Points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Ruinspear rocket pod • 1x Titanic feet

Knight Despoiler (375 Points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Ruinspear rocket pod • 1x Titanic feet

Knight Despoiler (375 Points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Despoiler gatling cannon • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Heavy darkflamer • 1x Ruinspear rocket pod • 1x Titanic feet

OTHER DATASHEETS

War Dog Karnivore (150 Points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher • 1x Reaper chaintalon • 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (150 Points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher • 1x Reaper chaintalon • 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (150 Points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher • 1x Reaper chaintalon • 1x Slaughterclaw

ALLIED UNITS

Beasts of Nurgle (65 Points) • 1x Putrid appendages

Beasts of Nurgle (65 Points) • 1x Putrid appendages

Beasts of Nurgle (65 Points) • 1x Putrid appendages

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

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

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

Plaguebearers (110 Points) • 1x Plagueridden ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer ◦ 9x Plaguesword

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (1), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Gatling Despoilers

Thoughts

In fourth place, Ben bucks the melee trend by returning with a new spin on triple gatling Infernals, digging a bit deeper into the Nurgle Daemon roster for extra board presence and sacrificial tools (vital for the potentially painful Aeldari matchup). This helps force foes into a confrontation with gatling death, which they mostly won't enjoy, and ensures the list can score as well as kill. Since it's very good at the latter, this is unsurprisingly a good combination, and served Ben well on the way to 4th place.

The Best of the Rest

There was 1 more player on a 7-1 record, and I've thrown the two 6.5-1.5s in as well. They were:

5th - Gregory Hunter - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Five Phoenix Aspects, adding both Maugan and Asurmen to the normal trio.
6th - Joaquin Ruiz - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Sacresant shieldwall protecting Castigators and Retributors.
7th - Matt Zelus - Chaos Daemons (Plague Legion): Great Unclean Ones and Plaguebearers to squad midboard and sow chaos with morale tricks, supported by a Khorne contingent of scoring Flesh Hounds and the (blindingly obvious once you see it) addition of Skull Cannons to force even more Battle-shock. Khorne cares not from the blood flows, all the Nurgle stuff cares not where the failed Battle-shock comes from.

Ratcon 2025

112-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Wendouree, VIC, Australia on November 14 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Note: This event, as is customary for Ratcon, ran some custom tweaks on missions. Field looks pretty stacked, so still definitely worth looking at!

Dean Sinnbeck - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Have you met you?

(2000 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Khorne (200 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon

Khârn the Betrayer (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Gorechild 1x Plasma pistol

Slaughterbound (110 points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (90 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (90 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (90 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Eightbound (135 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Eightbound (135 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Forgefiend (170 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Forgefiend (170 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Helbrute (120 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Helbrute fist 1x Helbrute hammer

Helbrute (120 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Helbrute fist 1x Helbrute hammer

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

Exported with App Version: v1.43.1 (103), Data Version: v708

Archetype

Helbrute Warband

Thoughts

In first place here, the classic Warband setup but with the second Berzerker unit replaced with a couple of Helbrutes. These can be super nasty into MSU-heavy opponents thanks to their ability to start ping-ponging around doing multiple murders, and also thrive into 3W Infantry like Sword Brethren. Having those plus a Rhino for the only Berzerker unit also reduces the list's vulnerability to mid-weight D2 shooting, as everything is either or both of a hull and very easy to hide. The list can still attack really well, but it makes it much harder for foes to force a confrontation earlier than Khorne demands, which can be a powerful asset. All that, and every game the potential for it to be the one where a little murderbot goes through four units like a hot knife, what's not to like about it? Well done Dean.

Codie Clapton - Orks (Da Big Hunt) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Ork Beastboss on Squigosaur. Credit: Magos Sockbert

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Orks riding a tide of space sharks (1995 Points)

Orks Da Big Hunt Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (80 Points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw • 1x Beastchoppa • 1x Shoota

Beastboss (80 Points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw • 1x Beastchoppa • 1x Shoota

Beastboss on Squigosaur (130 Points) • 1x Beastchoppa • 1x Slugga • 1x Squigosaur's jaws • 1x Thump gun • Enhancements: Surly As A Squiggoth

Boss Snikrot (75 Points) • 1x Mork's Teeth • 1x Slugga

Mozrog Skragbad (145 Points) • Warlord • 1x Big Chompa's jaws • 1x Gutrippa • 1x Thump gun

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 Points) • 9x Beast Snagga Boy ◦ 9x Choppa ◦ 9x Slugga • 1x Beast Snagga Nob ◦ 1x Power snappa ◦ 1x Slugga

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 Points) • 9x Beast Snagga Boy ◦ 9x Choppa ◦ 9x Slugga • 1x Beast Snagga Nob ◦ 1x Power snappa ◦ 1x Slugga

Boyz (80 Points) • 9x Boy ◦ 9x Choppa ◦ 9x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob ◦ 1x Power klaw ◦ 1x Slugga

OTHER DATASHEETS

Gorkanaut (265 Points) • 1x Deffstorm mega-shoota • 1x Klaw of Gork • 2x Rokkit launcha • 1x Skorcha • 2x Twin big shoota

Gretchin (40 Points) • 10x Gretchin ◦ 10x Close combat weapon ◦ 10x Grot blasta • 1x Runtherd ◦ 1x Runtherd tools ◦ 1x Slugga

Kill Rig (155 Points) • 1x Butcha boyz • 1x Savage horns and hooves • 1x Saw blades • 1x Stikka kannon • 1x Wurrtower • 1x 'Eavy lobba

Kill Rig (155 Points) • 1x Butcha boyz • 1x Savage horns and hooves • 1x Saw blades • 1x Stikka kannon • 1x Wurrtower • 1x 'Eavy lobba

Squighog Boyz (300 Points) • 2x Bomb Squig • 6x Squighog Boy ◦ 6x Saddlegit weapons ◦ 6x Squig jaws ◦ 6x Stikka • 2x Nob on Smasha Squig ◦ 2x Big choppa ◦ 2x Slugga ◦ 2x Squig jaws

Squighog Boyz (300 Points) • 2x Bomb Squig • 6x Squighog Boy ◦ 6x Saddlegit weapons ◦ 6x Squig jaws ◦ 6x Stikka • 2x Nob on Smasha Squig ◦ 2x Big choppa ◦ 2x Slugga ◦ 2x Squig jaws

Exported with App Version: v1.43.1 (1), Data Version: v708

Archetype

Big Hunt Pressure

Thoughts

Straight back to some overwhelming pressure here - this build absolutely cannot hide all of its stuff, but there's a daunting number of wounds to chew through, the defensive profiles are solid, and it's coming at you fast. Squighog Boyz fit surprisingly well into the current metagame, as there's a lot of 2W horde melee units across Marines and AdMech, and fewer builds planning to just blast you from across the table. Smashing in with the hogriders will clear popular units with easy (especially with access to the crucial AP-2 against any Leader-packing units or 2+ save vehicles), while their defensive profiles work pretty well in a metagame build to deal with 2W stuff. They also team up with the rest of what's here for some serious target saturation, and I feel like trickier lists with focused damage dealers like Aeldari and Raven Guard might just find themselves bowled over through target saturation. They're still a pain to hide, but great fun to see them out on the table, well done to Codie for giving them an (undefeated) outing.

Marcus Butler - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Einhyr Hearthguard. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

League Of Rats (1995 points)

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Hearthband

CHARACTERS

Einhyr Champion (70 points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest

Kâhl (95 points) • 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancement: Bastion Shield

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

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Autoch-pattern bolter 1x Close combat weapon 1x Weavefield crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 8x Autoch-pattern bolter 9x Close combat weapon 1x Magna-rail rifle

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

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

Cthonian Earthshakers (110 points) • 2x Cthonian Earthshakers • 2x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 2x Plasma picks 2x Tremor shells

Einhyr Hearthguard (270 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x EtaCarn plasma gun 9x Exoarmour grenade launcher

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

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

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 2x Twin bolt cannon

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

Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Bolt revolver 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma knife • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 8x Bolt revolver 9x Close combat weapon 1x Magna-coil rifle 8x Plasma knife

Exported with App Version: v1.43.1 (103), Data Version: v708

Archetype

Hearthband Goodstuff

Thoughts

That's right Goodstuff haters, it's back, because once again it's accurate. A sampling of all the best Votann units in a detachment with a generically good value benefit (re-roll 1s to wound that any unit can access), and one uniquely powerful unit it sets up (the Bastion Shield Hearthguard). These are all classic characteristics of the Goodstuff list.

You know it. Embrace it. Marcus has. Well done Marcus.

Ryan Jones - Chaos Space Marines (Dread Talons) - 4th Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

NB. This Warhammer list was not created with the assistance of AI. AI art is not real art.

For Carl – My greatest Inspiration

Viability is defined as the ability to work successfully; to live, grow and develop; to survive.

Feasibility.

Possibility.

Existence.

Is an egg viable to toast as bread is viable to a toaster?

Would we feasibly consider being viable to a toaster while looking from the bread's perspective, if that were a possibility. We judge our own transformation without ever knowing the fire that makes us crisp. What becomes of our existence is our opinion of what is viable, and what is not.

What is viability but an unfounded opinion, and when an opinion is viable, when does it become fact? Whether or not an idea is viable is a matter of opinion, but for some, critical reasoning is a path towards enlightenment.

Considering viability, if reasonable or plausible supported by nothing less than substantial evidence can be true. If true, a fact is nothing to be argued about whether it is viable, it only is.

Within ourselves are two wolves, and they're both kissing, they're also both fighting between our preconceived notions of the truth, and what could be the truth based on these notions. Those with confidence enough will go to reddit.com/r/warhammercompetitive and share these ideas with the unwashed mases, hoping not to be bread, but to become toast (in this example reddit is the toaster). It is only after we become toast that we find validation.

But what of the egg?

Would an egg think toast viable of itself the same way we think of being toasty? Or is that only while it is raining. The circumstances of our perspective shape what we believe will work successfully, but an egg cannot possibly have a memory, and once toasty we comprehend the necessity to, once again be toasty. Alas, an egg may only toast once, but we may be toasty for a lifetime. How I long for the toaster's opinion in the matter.

The battlefield we find ourselves upon this weekend,Strike Force (2000 points) Dread Talons

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Power fist • Enhancement: Willbreaker

Cypher (90 points) • 1x Cypher's bolt pistol 1x Cypher's plasma pistol

Dark Commune (90 points) • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch • 1x Autopistol 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade • 2x Commune blade

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 points) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 points) • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 3x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (195 points) • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Chaos Bikers (70 points) • 1x Biker Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Combi-bolter 1x Power fist • 2x Chaos Biker • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Close combat weapon 2x Combi-bolter 2x Meltagun

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Vindicator (185 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Havoc launcher

Obwitewatows (160 points) • 2x Obliterator • 2x Cwushing f-f-fists 2x Fweshmetaw guns

Obwitewatows (160 points) • 2x Obliterator • 2x Cwushing f-f-fists 2x Fweshmetaw guns

Raptors (90 points) • 1x Raptor Champion • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Raptor • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 2x Meltagun

Raptors (90 points) • 1x Raptor Champion • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Raptor • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma gun

Warp Talons (270 points) • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 9x Warp Talon • 9x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power sword 1x Screamer pistol • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster 5x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Archetype

Shooty Dread Talons

Thoughts

Rounding out the top four we've got another rare detachment, this time mostly appearing to be a protracted attempt to set up shooting with Noise Marines with full Hit and Wound re-rolls active against something you've Battle-shocked. Fair's fair, that would be an extremely fun thing to do, and there are some other cute synergies here. The Obliterators give you a way to tee up hidden stuff to have to take Battle-shocks all the time, and the big Accursed Commune is a serious problem for foes if they let it connect, as they'll be able to use Merciless Pursuit to keep the enemy stuck. If all that fails, the units are still generically high quality with an excellent army rule. Obviously this is not a sign that this detachment is suddenly a breakout hit, but I appreciate the thought that's been put into making something unique shine for a (slightly) more casual event. Good stuff Ryan!

The Best of the Rest

There were 15 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Adam Camilleri - Imperial Knights (Gate Warden Lance): A Defender, Errant and Paladin to walk the line, supported by Warglaives and Battle Sisters.
6th - Stuart Trainer - Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw): Benefictus drive-bys for days.
7th - Adam Napier - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): All-rounder Liberator that's slightly more hull skewed than usual, taking two Ballistus Dreads and a RepEx for a Bladeguard/Judiciar squad to ride in.
8th - Mitchell Hamilton - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Prince plus a Maulerfiend heavy Coterie.
9th - Bradley Mc - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Lots of go-wide MSU play with a big Chaos Terminator anchor and a roving murder squad of Warp Talons.
10th - Liam Stephens - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Double Prince Coterie with a troubleshooting Flawless Blade unit.
11th - Augustus Hebblewhite - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers): An extremely pure(-ifyng) Vulkan build, maxing out on Infernus/Impulsor drive-by squads and adding a hand flamer VanVet unit for good measure.
12th - Jeremy Parker - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Sacresants, Retributors, and herohammer.
13th - Sebastian Ulrichs - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband): All-rounder Hearthband with one big Hearthguard squad, two Forts, and lots of MSUs of all sorts.
14th - Aidan McCune - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Warband that cuts down to one each of Berzerkers and Forgefiends to splurge on Angron and extra Eightbound.
15th - Rob Lane - Imperial Knights (Spearhead-at-Arms): Lots of Armigers with a Defender and Warden to order them around.
16th - Erwin Jackson - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Top-heavy Aspects taking the Avatar and Baharroth with a big hawk squad, cutting Fuegan's contingent down to 5 to squeeze it in.
17th - Pranas Kuprys - Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners): Rotigus, a GUO and lots of Plaguebearers running interference for blight launcher Drones.
18th - Terence Drew - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Indomitor teams, Terminator MSUs, and a big Judiciar Veteran squad.
19th - Tim Wagstaff - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): A very unique CSM list - lots of full Biker units and a full Warp Talon squad as roving threats, herohammer pressure in support from a Discolord and Daemon Prince, and two Dark Communes with regular Cultist blocks to gum up the board.

GUTI Majestic Beasties V (2025)

53-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA on November 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Brenden Chrustie - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Black Templars Chaplain Grimaldus and Retinue. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

2000 BT Comp. Grim - Black Templars - Gladius Task Force (2000 Points)

Epic Hero: Chaplain Grimaldus (110 pts) • Chaplain Grimaldus • Artificer Crozius • Plasma Pistol • Warlord • 3x Cenobyte Servitor • 3x Close Combat Weapon

Character: Castellan (60 pts) • Master-crafted Power Weapon • Combi-weapon

Castellan (60 pts) • Master-crafted Power Weapon • Combi-weapon

Castellan (60 pts) • Master-crafted Power Weapon • Combi-weapon

Emperor's Champion (105 pts) • Black Sword • Bolt Pistol • E: The Honour Vehement

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

Marshal (80 pts) • Master-crafted Power Weapon • Combi-weapon

Marshal (80 pts) • Master-crafted Power Weapon • Combi-weapon

Marshal (80 pts) • Master-crafted Power Weapon • Combi-weapon

Battleline: Assault Intercessor Squad (150 pts) • Assault Intercessor Sergeant • Thunder Hammer • Plasma Pistol • 9x Assault Intercessors • 9x Astartes Chainsword • 9x Heavy Bolt Pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 pts) • Assault Intercessor Sergeant • Power Fist • Plasma Pistol • 4x Assault Intercessors • 4x Astartes Chainsword • 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol

Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • Intercessor Sergeant • Bolt Pistol • Bolt Rifle w/ Grenade Launcher • Bolt Rifle • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Power Fist • 4x Intercessor • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Bolt Pistol • 4x Bolt Rifle

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

Scout Squad (70 pts) • Scout Sergeant • Boltgun • Close combat weapon • Bolt Pistol • 4x Scouts w/ Combat Knife • 4x Combat Knife • 4x Bolt Pistol • 4x Close combat weapon

Sword Brethren (105 pts) • 4x Sword Brother • 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 4x Master-crafted Power Weapon

Sword Brethren (105 pts) • 4x Sword Brother • 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 4x Master-crafted Power Weapon

Sword Brethren (105 pts) • 4x Sword Brother • 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 4x Master-crafted Power Weapon

Dedicated Transport: Black Templars Impulsor (85 pts) • Armoured Hull • Multi-melta • 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers • 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launcher • Shield Dome

Vehicle: Black Templars Repulsor Executioner (220 pts) • Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array • Armoured Hull • Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon • Twin Heavy Bolter • Twin Icarus Ironhail Heavy Stubber • Icarus Rocket Pod • Multi-melta • Heavy Laser Destroyer

Black Templars Repulsor Executioner (220 pts) • Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array • Armoured Hull • Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon • Twin Heavy Bolter • Twin Icarus Ironhail Heavy Stubber • Icarus Rocket Pod • Multi-melta • Heavy Laser Destroyer

Archetype

RepEx/Brethren Gladius

Thoughts

For our next winner, this is a slightly more conventional Templars build, skewed just a little towards pure violence rather than packing utility pieces compared to the norm. Tooled-up Brethren units in RepExes and the Emperor's Champion unit rock into most things, while Grimaldus' Assault Intercessors give you an out if you hit something that you want to smash with pure chainsword volume instead of power swords, with a bit more staying power to boot. Definitely one of the strongest all-rounder Marine setups at the moment, and effectively unleashed by Brenden here.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

2nd - Rudy Friesen - Orks (Bully Boyz): Double Waaagh pressure, using a 20 each of Boyz and Snaggas supported by Meganobz, with Battlewagons for pre-Waaagh staging.
3rd - Curtis Strong - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Melee monster mash Subterranean, using lots of be-clawed beasties, one Norn as a main anchor point, and a unit of Zoanthropes for shooting.
4th - Logan Antonation - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Kairos and two Lords of Change, lots of solo Fluxmasters, and a very limited number of board presence pieces.

BOLTERCON 2025: Warhammer 40k GT

38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in OH, United States on November 14 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Adam Brule - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

Canoptek Wraiths. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Awakened Dynasty (Command Protocols) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Orikan the Diviner + ENHANCEMENT: Nether-realm Casket (on Char4: Royal Warden) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Orikan the Diviner (80 pts): Warlord, Staff of Tomorrow Char2: 1x Hexmark Destroyer (75 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic disintegrator pistols Char3: 1x Hexmark Destroyer (75 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic disintegrator pistols Char4: 1x Royal Warden (70 pts): Close combat weapon, Relic gauss blaster Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket (+20 pts) Char5: 1x Technomancer (80 pts): Staff of light Char6: 1x Technomancer (80 pts): Staff of light

20x Necron Warriors (200 pts): 20 with Close combat weapon, Gauss reaper

5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 pts) 1 with Claws, Twin gauss reaper 1 with Claws, Dimensional isolator 6x Canoptek Wraiths (220 pts): 6 with Particle caster, Vicious claws 6x Canoptek Wraiths (220 pts): 6 with Particle caster, Vicious claws 1x Canoptek Reanimator (75 pts): 2x Atomiser beam, Reanimator's claws 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 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array 1x Ghost Ark (115 pts): Armoured bulk, 2x Gauss flayer array

Archetype

Tarpit and Doomsday Awakened

Thoughts

A Necron build that's well set up for a melee/power armour metagame takes the win here, bringing together several key strengths of Awakened. Very few lists can reliably lift multiple Wraith units, and I know from joyous personal experience that even high threat melee units that will kill anything else have a tendancy to bounce. In Awakened, access to Protocol of the Hungry Void also lets them hit back quite effectiely in such matchups, as the extra AP on top of their existing D2 makes a world of difference. Some armies that can kill those will also struggle with the Warriors and vice-versa. If the foe cannot punch through all this stuff then the damage from triple Doomsdays will quickly add up, and they're an effective tool for punishing opposing mid-weight threats that emerge to try and handle the Warriors. Finally, love seeing the Tomb Crawlers out and about, which both add some wounds and footprint to the Warriors, and have a weirdly specific niche in helping the big unit punch clean through Champions of Faith Sacresants. Once again I contemplate "will I finally have to paint some Doomsday Arks?", and once again I flee straight back to my Aeldari build in terror, but at least Adam made me think about it.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Matthew Miller - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Haloscreed with a unit each of Kataphrons and Coruspcarii, cutting down to MSUs of elite Skitarii to fit.
3rd - Juice Sexton - White Scars (Spearpoint Task Force): Dreadnoughts, Storm Speeders and Suboden, plus a Judiciar/Bladeguard squad for bullying other melee armies, and the murder Captain/Assault intercessor bomb.
4th - Joshua Salzman - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): RepExes and Brethren, plus a full Crusader squad with Grimaldus and a Bladeguard/Judiciar unit.
5th - Joe Cottrell - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Hilariously over-the-top Starshatter with Szarkeh, a full Lokhust unit, full Warrior squad and two Monoliths. On the one hand I have to applaud it, but on the other I'm desperately hoping the Monolith gets a needed point cut next Dataslate, so don't mess this up for me Joe.
6th - Carson Cady - Space Marines (Astartes) (Forgefather's Seekers): Extra fiery Marines with Infernus squads, flamer Aggressors and a Redeemer.

Waterloo Games Winter 40K Event Hosted by Away Games

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Mechanicsville, VA, United States on November 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Preston Southan - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon) - 1st Place

Aethon Shaan. Credit: Dan Boyd

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Powered By Shaq Box (2,000 Points)

Space Marines Raven Guard Shadowmark Talon Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Aethon Shaan (85 Points) • Warlord • 1x Claws of Severax • 1x Heavy bolt pistol

Captain with Jump Pack (100 Points) • 1x Relic Shield • 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancements: Hunter's Instincts

Kayvaan Shrike (100 Points) • 1x Blackout • 1x The Raven's Talons

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (100 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancements: Coronal Susurrant

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x 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 (90 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

Centurion Devastator Squad (330 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 5x Devastator Centurion ◦ 5x Centurion fists ◦ 5x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 5x Twin lascannon

Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Twin lascannon

Inceptor Squad (240 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma exterminators • 5x Inceptor ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Plasma exterminators

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Assault bolters ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Assault bolters ◦ 2x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Assault bolters ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Assault bolters ◦ 2x Close combat weapon

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (190 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 9x Inferno pistol ◦ 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (190 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 9x Inferno pistol ◦ 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (1), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Infantry Shadowmark

Thoughts

I've made the classic mistake of choosing a title for the week's column based on my aggregate view of the results, and not checking when the list referenced will first appear. Here it is, anyway - Infantry Shadowmark. This version is pretty much dead on the current optimised setup, taking 6/3 Centurions, 6/3/3 Inceptors, and all-inferno VanVets. I used to like shields on one squad, but at the moment armies hit so spectacularly hard up close that you need to squeeze out every point of damage you can, and the metagame is so optimised for killing 2W models that the shields don't really help, and there's been a definite trend towards dropping them. They also give you an out against hidden, staging transports, which can be a little bit of a headache for this list otherwise - Oath most rides, and they'll die to a pistol volley, especially if you throw in a grenade to be sure. Otherwise, business continues as usual for this detachment - high damage shooting coming out of Reserves all the time, and the constant threat of big Rapid or Advance/Charge plays forcing opponents to be more cautious about dealing with it than they'd like. Congratulations Preston.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Larry Oliver - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Heavy Subterranean, using Swarmlord/Tyrant Guard as a tarpit and Old One-Eye with buddies as a mega threat.
3rd - Edward Appel - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): All-rounder Combined Arms with double Dorn, and a Scion/Command unit as a troubleshooting threat.
4th - Mike Sanchez - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Sacresant Shieldwall with Retributors/Dominions, plus some Repentia MSUs to dash out, trade, and earn a Miracle dice.
5th - Jake Wolfslied - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic double Berzerker/double Forgefiend Warband.
6th - Eric Hoerger - Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw): Primary denial mechanised MSUs.

Safety's Off Fat Cap for Charity Ironman GT

27-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Greenville, SC, United States on November 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Unknown Mission

Todd Phillips - Orks (Green Tide)

Army List - Click to Expand

Xenos - Orks - Green Tide BW - [1990 pts]

## ++ Army Roster ++ [1990 pts] **Configuration** Battle Size: Strike Force (2000 Point limit) Detachment: Green Tide Show/Hide Options **Epic Hero [310 pts]** Boss Snikrot [75 pts] Ghazghkull Thraka [235 pts] **Character [440 pts]** Painboy [95 pts]: Bloodthirsty Belligerence [15 pts], Grot orderly Painboy [80 pts]: Grot orderly Painboy [80 pts]: Grot orderly Warboss [85 pts]: Ferocious Show Off [10 pts], Attack squig, Power klaw Warboss [100 pts]: Brutal But Kunnin' [25 pts], Attack squig, Power klaw **Battleline [590 pts]** Boyz [170 pts]: - 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw and slugga - 19x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa Boyz [170 pts]: - 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw and slugga - 19x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa Boyz [170 pts]: - 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw and slugga - 19x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa Boyz [80 pts]: - 1x Boss Nob: Big choppa and slugga - 9x Boy w/ Slugga and choppa **Infantry [330 pts]** Gretchin [40 pts]: 1 Runtherd and 10 Gretchin Gretchin [40 pts]: 1 Runtherd and 10 Gretchin Kommandos [120 pts]: - 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw - 1x Kommandos w/ Breacha ram - 8x Kommandos w/ Slugga and choppa Stormboyz [65 pts]: - 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw - 4x Stormboy Stormboyz [65 pts]: - 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw - 4x Stormboy **Vehicle [320 pts]** Battlewagon [160 pts]: 'Ard Case, 4x Big shoota, Grabbin' klaw, Lobba, Wreckin' ball, Kannon, Deff rolla Battlewagon [160 pts]: 'Ard Case, 4x Big shoota, Grabbin' klaw, Lobba, Wreckin' ball, Kannon, Deff rolla

vs.

Linton Rowan - Space Wolves (Saga of the Hunter)

Army List - Click to Expand

Murder Pack (2000 Points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Saga of the Hunter Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Wolf Guard Battle Leader (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Storm Shield • 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancements: Fenrisian Grit

Wolf Guard Battle Leader (85 Points) • 1x Storm Shield • 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancements: Swift Hunter

Wolf Guard Battle Leader (65 Points) • 1x Storm Shield • 1x Thunder hammer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Shield Dome • 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

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 ◦ 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Land Raider Redeemer (270 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

Wolf Guard Headtakers (170 Points) • 6x Wolf Guard Headtaker ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 6x Storm Shield

Wolf Guard Headtakers (170 Points) • 6x Wolf Guard Headtaker ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 6x Storm Shield

Wolf Guard Headtakers (170 Points) • 6x Wolf Guard Headtaker ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 6x Storm Shield

Wolf Scouts (105 Points) • 1x Wolf Scout Pack Leader ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Wolf Scout ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Combat blade ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Runic stave ◦ 1x Thunderclap • 1x Hunting Wolf ◦ 1x Teeth and claws

Wolf Scouts (105 Points) • 1x Wolf Scout Pack Leader ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Wolf Scout ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Combat blade ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Runic stave ◦ 1x Thunderclap • 1x Hunting Wolf ◦ 1x Teeth and claws

Wulfen with Storm Shields (200 Points) • 10x Wulfen ◦ 10x Death Totem ◦ 10x Thunder hammer

Wulfen with Storm Shields (200 Points) • 10x Wulfen ◦ 10x Death Totem ◦ 10x Thunder hammer

Wulfen with Storm Shields (200 Points) • 10x Wulfen ◦ 10x Death Totem ◦ 10x Thunder hammer

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

Thoughts

Space Marines vs Orks, always a classic, and that's what we've got for our first Showdown of the week. The Orks are packing Green Tide, and frankly huge respect to anyone who can pilot that through an Ironman event and still walk the next day. It is, at least, a slightly top-heavier version, going for lots of Leaders and a couple of Battlewagons to ferry two units closer (and save the poor pilot one turn of moving 40 models). Up against it, we have a new unit alert, as two squads of Wolf Scouts join the Saga of the Hunter.

They're not the only thing that's unusual about the Hunter build here. For this you'd normally expect lots of Blood Claws to maximise the frequency of the Detachment Rule being active, but this variant instead maxes out Wulfen and Headtakers. This makes setting up the Saga harder work, but much higher upside when it goes off - both units have build in re-roll 1s to hit, either via totems or the Battle-Leaders, so getting +1 to hit on them is great. The Wolf Scouts provide a key way to manage that in this kind of game - they're perfect for either tag-teaming into a foe, or using their shooting/Mortals to strip a few models to switch on the bonus for the big threats against similarly-sized targets. They're also going to win an engagement against almost all other Infiltrators, helping tick up the Sagas counter in many matchups. Either the Wulfen or Wolf Guard are astonishingly nasty if you can set up +1 to Hit and Wound for them, carving up equivalent enemy tools with great abandon.

So how do the builds line up? Kind of weirdly, if I'm honest - there's a huge amount riding on exactly how the first big combats go down here, and most important whether a Wolf Guard unit gets to slam into the Boyz squad they've chosen as a Precision target or not. If they do, this is potentially going to be carnage, because they can very likely clear both Characters, and with those gone the Boyz have serious trouble actually clearing Wulfen, especially not through Overwhelming Onslaught. Assuming some small Ork unit somewhere has died to Scouts, two dead Characters adds on top of that to set up the Saga, then it's off to the races. However, if they can't set this up, then the Orks are reasonably well positioned to absorb a first punch and start swinging.

When faced with this sort of dynamic, you have to ask whether either side can force it to go their way, and here that favours the Wolves, because if they put two units of Headtakers in the Land Raider, the only thing the Orks have that can get them out is Ghaz. Each of those squads can pick one of the two Battlewagons as their quarry targets, then if either comes forward, the Wolves multi-charge with the Headtakers and some Wulfen. Wulfen pop the transport, then Headtakers swap their quarry to the Boyz squad as it gets out, then use a 6" pile-in from Envelop and Ensnare to force combat, and slice up the Leaders. This would be a gut-punch chain of events, and it's quite tricky for the Orks to stop it happening other than by leading with Ghaz's squad along. That's not a horrible thing to do, as that one unit is uniquely A Problem for the Wolves here, but I think it'll be tough to play out a game without the opportunity for a wolf power play to come off. The Orks put up a credible fight here, but the forces of Fenris did manage to quell the mob in the end.

Result

Space Wolves (Saga of the Hunter) Victory - 77 - 62

Linton Rowan - Space Wolves (Saga of the Hunter) - 1st Place

Wolf Guard Headtaker. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Heavy Melee Hunter

Thoughts

Covered in the showdown, and I honestly love how different to this is than conventional angles on Hunter. Also great to see the Wolf Scouts get an immediate outing, well done Linton!

The Best of the Rest

Not 100% sure what happened in the last few rounds here, as there seems to have been a top table cut, but the players in 1st and 3rd played it. Perhaps the Ironman took its toll on 2nd place. Anyway, as in BCP:

2nd - Andrew Vawter - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): 3x6 new Victrix Guard with an Ultramarines hall of fame worth of Epic Heroes. Uh oh.
3rd - Todd Phillips - Orks (Green Tide): 70 Boyz with Characters and Battlewagons.

Wrap Up

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

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Archetype

Thoughts

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The Showdown

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Thoughts

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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