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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Rearguard Action pt.2

by Lowest of Men | Feb 02 2024
We're back for part 2, watching the final death throes (?) of some of the builds that have dominated the last few months. If you want to know what's coming next for the metagame, make sure to check out of our review of the Dataslate, and if you want to salute some of the greats as they sail into the west, read on.

It's Lowest of Men in charge today, looking at:
  • Da Bolton Waaagh 2024
  • Winchester 40K GT - January 2024
  • FactoruM Warhammer 40,000 GT January 2024
  • The Glasvegas Open GT2
If you're looking for any of the following, go check out part 1 with Wings from Wednesday:
  • Uprising Adelaide 2024, ANZ ITC Champs
  • Dark Sphere January GT
  • SchwarzwaldGT
  • Battle For the Bend 40k GT
  • Oxford Onslaught 3

Da Bolton Waaagh 2024

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

Mike Porter - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) - 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I can Deep Strike 3” but I don’t have a Monolith so it’s all good…

Space Marines Ultramarines Vanguard Spearhead Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (80 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • Enhancements: The Blade Driven Deep

Marneus Calgar (185 Points) • 1x Marneus Calgar • Warlord • 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard • 2x Victrix power sword

Uriel Ventris (75 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Invictus 1x Sword of Idaeus

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aggressor Squad (220 Points) • 1x Aggressor Sergeant • 1x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Twin power fists • 5x Aggressor • 5x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 5x Fragstorm grenade launcher 5x Twin power fists

Centurion Devastator Squad (350 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

Company Heroes (95 Points) • 1x Ancient • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Company Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 2x Company Veteran • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

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

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

Inceptor Squad (220 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 5x Inceptor • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Plasma exterminators

Inceptor Squad (110 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Assault bolters 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor • 2x Assault bolters 2x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (220 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 5x Inceptor • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Plasma exterminators

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolter 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolter 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (55 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolter 1x Scout sniper rifle

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (90 Points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.8.1 (26), Data Version: v319

Archetype

John Lennon Vanguard

Thoughts

Mike Porter takes the Lennon style Ultramarines Vanguard for a spin here. Centurion Devastators are incredibly potent with the ability to jump up and down with the Deep Strike bestowed on them from Uriel Ventris, and combo very well with the additional ap at range that Vanguard can give them. Picking your engagements with these until the enemy is fully whittled down is key to success, lose them or get them tagged and things can start to unravel. If you can avoid this then between their shooting and targeted Inceptor strikes you can do enormous damage whilst holding the opponent at arm's length. This build takes a few points hits in the balance changes (for good reason, I'd say), but it will remain a very dangerous prospect for an awful lot of armies. Well done on first place Mike!

Simeon Pollard - Black Templars (Ironstorm Spearhead) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Black Templar Bladeguard Veterans standing in front of an Impulsor armed with a multi-melta Black Templar Bladeguard Veterans and Impulsor. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
++ Army Roster (Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Black Templars) [1,990pts] ++

+ Configuration +

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

Detachment: Ironstorm Spearhead

Show/Hide Options

+ Epic Hero [95pts] +

High Marshal Helbrecht [95pts]: Ferocity, Sword of the High Marshals, Warlord

+ Character [75pts] +

Techmarine [75pts]: Forge Bolter, Grav-pistol, Master of the Machine War [Aura] [20pts], Omnissian Power Axe, Servo-arm

+ Battleline [260pts] +

Crusader Squad [65pts] . 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol . Initiate w/Heavy: Bolt Pistol, Multi-melta . Initiate w/Special: Bolt Pistol, Meltagun . Sword Brother: Close Combat Weapon, Inferno Pistol, Power Fist

Crusader Squad [65pts] . 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol . Initiate w/Heavy: Bolt Pistol, Multi-melta . Initiate w/Special: Bolt Pistol, Meltagun . Sword Brother: Close Combat Weapon, Inferno Pistol, Power Fist

Crusader Squad [65pts] . 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol . Initiate w/Heavy: Bolt Pistol, Multi-melta . Initiate w/Special: Bolt Pistol, Meltagun . Sword Brother: Close Combat Weapon, Inferno Pistol, Power Fist

Crusader Squad [65pts] . 2x Initiate w/Astartes Chainsword: 2x Astartes Chainsword, 2x Bolt Pistol . Initiate w/Heavy: Bolt Pistol, Multi-melta . Initiate w/Special: Bolt Pistol, Meltagun . Sword Brother: Close Combat Weapon, Inferno Pistol, Power Fist

+ Infantry [470pts] +

Inceptor Squad [110pts]: Plasma Exterminators . 2x Inceptor: 2x Close Combat Weapon . Inceptor Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon

Inceptor Squad [110pts]: Plasma Exterminators . 2x Inceptor: 2x Close Combat Weapon . Inceptor Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon

Primaris Sword Brethren [140pts] . Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Power Weapon . Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol . Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol . Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws: Twin Lightning Claws . Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon

Scout Squad [55pts] . Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon . Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher . Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle . 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon

Scout Squad [55pts] . Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon . Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher . Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle . 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon

+ Vehicle [855pts] +

Black Templars Gladiator Reaper [155pts]: Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta, 2x Tempest Bolter, Twin Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon

Black Templars Gladiator Reaper [155pts]: Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta, 2x Tempest Bolter, Twin Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon

Black Templars Gladiator Reaper [155pts]: Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Multi-melta, 2x Tempest Bolter, Twin Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon

Predator Destructor [130pts]: Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Predator Autocannon, Storm Bolter . 2 Lascannons: 2x Lascannon

Predator Destructor [130pts]: Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Predator Autocannon, Storm Bolter . 2 Lascannons: 2x Lascannon

Predator Destructor [130pts]: Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Predator Autocannon, Storm Bolter . 2 Lascannons: 2x Lascannon

+ Dedicated Transport [235pts] +

Black Templars Impulsor [85pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Armoured Hull, Bellicatus Missile Array, Multi-melta

Rhino [75pts]: Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter

Rhino [75pts]: Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter

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

Created with BattleScribe ()

Archetype

Black Templars Car Park

Thoughts

Templars are very good at shooting AND fighting, and these Ironstorm takes on the faction, cashing in both on the slightly more efficient tanks with their Multi-melta access, and the precision combat units and characters the army boats, are proving highly versatile and effective. Rhino staging is no longer just the preserve of Chaos Chosen and Plague Marines, as a number of the combat centric marine sub-factions can really sing with a few disposable trade pieces to stash up the board as the guns do work from range. Templars ducked and weaved through any serious changes in the Dataslate, so you can expect to see plenty more of this down the line! Congratulations on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on X-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Markus Hinson - T'au Empire (Kauyon): A Diverse Tau build with Crisis Suits, Hammerheads and Riptides to solve a range of problems.
  • 4th - Bethany Taylor - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): MSU Infantry in Rhinos, Dreadknights, lots of Librarians. Nice!
  • 5th - Adam Driver - T'au Empire: Lots of Breacher Fish with some Crisis Suits and Broadsiders.
  • 6th - Peter Duff - World Eaters: Angron stays home in favour of massed Eightbound and Berzerkers. Peter truly is the most talented Duff brother.
  • 7th - Michael Duff - Grey Knights: 25 Terminator bodies and a mass of supporting characters carry Mike to the coveted 'second best Duff brother' spot. Proud of you.
  • 8th - Ed Bennett - Space Wolves: Lovingly named Space Wolves in Ironstorm, this is largely IS gunline tanks with some Fenrisian Wolves for keepin' it real.
  • 9th - Luke Jackson - T'au Empire: A grab-bag of Tau with Breachers, Broadsiders, a Skyray, a Hammerhead, and some Crisis.

Winchester 40K GT - January 2024

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

Ross Hilliard - Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
CSM (1995 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Slaves to Darkness Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Abaddon the Despoiler (310 Points) • Warlord • 1x Drach’nyen 1x Talon of Horus

Dark Commune (55 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 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 (55 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Chaos Cultist • 1x Close combat weapon 8x Close combat weapon 8x Cultist firearm 1x Heavy stubber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (190 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Forgefiend (180 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured limbs 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Forgefiend (180 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured limbs 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Forgefiend (180 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Armoured limbs 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Obliterators (340 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 4x Obliterator • 4x Crushing fists 4x Fleshmetal guns

Warp Talons (100 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 4x Warp Talon • 4x Warp claws

Warp Talons (100 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 4x Warp Talon • 4x Warp claws

Warp Talons (100 Points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 4x Warp Talon • 4x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (35 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

The Blue Scribes (65 Points) • 1x Sharp quills

Exported with App Version: v1.9.0 (28), Data Version: v322

Archetype

Abaddon Gunline

Thoughts

CSM will be doing some thinking over the next few weeks in the wake of some big adjustments. One direction open to them is to castle up incredibly effective shooting with Abaddon's various nifty defensive and offensive auras. Pact-inspired shooting is still just better than most you'll find elsewhere, and with the Nurgle strat now more effective at long range builds like this, where a lot of the output is in Forgefiends that can stand off at a distance, can continue to exploit it. Warp Talons are consumate trade pieces and action monkeys, and Accursed get a run out here too as a tarpit. There will be retooling to do, but the bones of this remain extremely potent. Well done on the top placing Ross!

Jamie Chapman - Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Chaos Gunline (1995 points)

Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Slaves to Darkness

CHARACTERS

Abaddon the Despoiler (310 points) • Warlord • 1x Drach’nyen 1x Talon of Horus

Dark Commune (55 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 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 (55 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 6x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Cultist grenade launcher 1x Flamer 1x Heavy stubber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (190 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Forgefiend (180 points) • Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided • 1x Armoured limbs 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Forgefiend (180 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured limbs 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Forgefiend (180 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 1x Armoured limbs 2x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Obliterators (340 points) • Mark of Chaos: Nurgle • 4x Obliterator • 4x Crushing fists 4x Fleshmetal guns

Warp Talons (100 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 4x Warp Talon • 4x Warp claws

Warp Talons (100 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 4x Warp Talon • 4x Warp claws

Warp Talons (100 points) • Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh • 1x Warp Talon Champion • 1x Warp claws • 4x Warp Talon • 4x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (35 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

The Blue Scribes (65 points) • 1x Sharp quills

Exported with App Version: v1.9.0 (35), Data Version: v322

Archetype

Abaddon Gunline

Thoughts

Well well well! It's the same list again taking second place! Maybe CSM deserve everything they get eh. Jamie smashes a great run with the exact same list, highlighting the incredible flexibility of Chaos Space Marines as both a shooting and combat force.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Joshua Cowlard - Orks (Waaagh! Tribe): Lots of Trukks, Flash Gitz, Nobz, Squighogz. Ork Goodstuff, if you will.
  • 4th - Adam Parmenter - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Titled 'It's Blood Angels if I shut my eyes' (lol Adam), this is very much World Eaters with Angron and Eightbound. I guess we all bleed the same in the dark.
  • 5th - Nikita Siniakov- Necrons: Awakened Dynasty Necrons with triple Doomsday Arks and the Deceiver - I really like this, very novel and suited to shootier boards.
  • 6th - Lloyd Ollerhead - Chaos Space Marines: Stagey Chosen / Rhinos and a Land Raider with some Obliterators kicking about. Lovely stuff.
  • 7th - Colm Murphy - Ynnari: Wraithguard Yncarne with some Ynnari shenanigans in support.
  • 8th - Adam Whitrow - Grey Knights: Big slabs of Terminator and Character support.

FactoruM Warhammer 40,000 GT January 2024

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

George Crabtree - Orks (Waaagh! Tribe) - 1st Place

Sirrus Bizniz, Goff ork warlord in mega armour. Credit: Charlie Brassley.

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Mega cocks (1995 Points)

Orks Waaagh! Tribe Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Kaptin Badrukk (80 Points) • 1x Choppa 1x Da Rippa 1x Slugga

Mozrog Skragbad (195 Points) • Warlord • 1x Big Chompa’s jaws 1x Gutrippa 1x Thump gun

Warboss (90 Points) • 1x Big choppa 1x Kombi-weapon 1x Twin slugga • Enhancements: Follow Me Ladz

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 Points) • 1x Big shoota 1x ’Uge choppa

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 Points) • 1x Big shoota 1x ’Uge choppa

Warboss on Warbike (90 Points) • 1x Power klaw 1x Twin dakkagun • Enhancements: Supa-Cybork Body

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 Points) • 1x Da Grabzappa 1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (60 Points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin’ ball

Trukk (60 Points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin’ ball

Trukk (60 Points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin’ ball

Trukk (60 Points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin’ ball

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (190 Points) • 1x Kaptin • 1x Choppa 1x Snazzgun • 9x Flash Git • 9x Choppa 9x Snazzgun

Gretchin (80 Points) • 2x Runtherd • 2x Grot-smacka 2x Slugga • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Grot blasta

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

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

Meganobz (150 Points) • 5x Meganob • 5x Kustom shoota 5x Power klaw

Meganobz (150 Points) • 5x Meganob • 5x Kustom shoota 5x Power klaw

Nobz (210 Points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 9x Nob • 9x Power klaw 9x Slugga

Stormboyz (65 Points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 4x Stormboy • 4x Choppa 4x Slugga

Stormboyz (65 Points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga • 4x Stormboy • 4x Choppa 4x Slugga

Warbikers (70 Points) • 1x Boss Nob on Warbike • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin dakkagun • 2x Warbiker • 2x Choppa 2x Close combat weapon 2x Twin dakkagun

Exported with App Version: v1.6.0 (21), Data Version: v299

Archetype

Ork Nobz

Thoughts

A GT win for the punchier, more armoured take on Trukk rush we have seen becoming more popular in the past few months inspired by Warbosses like Brian Seipp. Meganobz are deadly and deceptively durable, which can help that Waaagh wave stick around and do more work as the enemy attempts to remove them. A big ten brick of Nobz follows up for hard target removal, and a lot of supporting units and utility tick away scoring as the foe tries desperately to repel the tide. I love the inclusion of Zodgrod and 20 Gretchin- this unit is extremely obnoxious to deal with and when you're under pressure (which against Orks you, well, always are) it's very hard to spare the resources to put them away.

Wings: Yeah I'll echo that - I played against that unit once and it was wild how much of a pain it was to clear even with (theoretically) good tools for it.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Robby Sweeney - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Loads of Eightbound, and the usual suspects except for the Lord Invocatus who stays home.
  • 3rd - Kyle Zahariev - Goffs (Waaagh! Tribe): A diverse Ork build with Burna Boyz, Ghaz, and a brick of Squighogz alongside the typical Trukk rush tools.
  • 4th - Owen Newcombe - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Titled 'One last Hurrah before C'tan get nerfed' (yeah, about that..) this is a mixed Awakened Dynasty build with a little bit of everything. Has AD emerged as frontrunner in the UK?
  • 5th - Russ Blackman- Black Templars: Double Land Raider / Impulsor Black Templars, neat.
  • 6th - Nick Lomax- Chaos Knights: A Despoiler and a Rampager and a boatload of War Dogs.

The Glasvegas Open GT2

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

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - Votann versus Adeptas Sororitas

Chris Irvine - Ymyr Conglomerate (Oathband):
Army List - Click to Expand
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Player Name: Christopher "Waiting for translation" Irvine Team: Stat Check Factions Used: Leagues of Votann

Army Points: 2000 Army Enhancements: Kâhl - Grim Demeanor, Einhyr Champion - Appraising Glare Detachment Rule: Ruthless Efficiency

Secondary Information: Assassinate: 12 Bring It Down: 10 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Leagues of Votann Oathband Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Einhyr Champion (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass hammer 1x Weavefield Crest • Enhancements: Appraising Glare

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

Kâhl (90 Points) • 1x Volkite Disintegrator 1x Mass Gauntlet 1x Rampart Crest • Enhancements: Grim Demeanour

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (110 Points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon 1x EtaCarn plasma pistol 1x Kin melee weapon 1x Weavefield Crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 7x Autoch-pattern bolter 9x Close combat weapon 1x Comms Array 1x HYLas auto rifle 1x Magna-rail rifle 1x Medipack 1x Pan Spectral Scanner

Hearthkyn Warriors (110 Points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Close combat weapon 1x EtaCarn plasma pistol 1x Kin melee weapon 1x Weavefield Crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 7x Autoch-pattern bolter 9x Close combat weapon 1x Comms Array 1x HYLas auto rifle 1x Magna-rail rifle 1x Medipack 1x Pan Spectral Scanner

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (100 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Einhyr Hearthguard (300 Points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x Concussion hammer 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher 1x Teleport Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x Exo-armour grenade launcher 9x Volkanite disintegrator

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

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer • 3x Bolt revolver 3x Bolt shotgun 1x Comms Array 1x HYLas rotary cannon 3x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 3x Plasma knife

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


vs.

James Wallace - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs):
Army List - Click to Expand
++ Army Roster (Imperium - Adepta Sororitas) [1,995pts] ++

+ Configuration +

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

Detachment Choice: Hallowed Martyrs Detachment

Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible, Legends are visible, Titans are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible

+ Epic Hero +

Morvenn Vahl [125pts]

Triumph of Saint Katherine [125pts]

+ Character +

Dialogus [40pts]: Saintly Example

Palatine [65pts]: Blade of Saint Ellynor, Plasma pistol

+ Battleline +

Battle Sisters Squad [100pts]

. 6x Battle Sister: 6x Bolt Pistol, 6x Boltgun, 6x Close combat weapon . Battle Sister w/ Simulacrum Imperialus . Battle Sister w/ Special or Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta . Battle Sister w/ Special Weapon: Meltagun . Sister Superior: Condemnor boltgun, Power weapon

+ Infantry +

Arco-Flagellants [130pts]

. 10x Arco-Flagellant: 10x Arco-flails

Arco-Flagellants [130pts]

. 10x Arco-Flagellant: 10x Arco-flails

Arco-Flagellants [130pts]

. 10x Arco-Flagellant: 10x Arco-flails

Crusaders [25pts]

. Crusaders

. . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon

Crusaders [25pts]

. Crusaders

. . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon

Crusaders [25pts]

. Crusaders

. . 2x Crusader: 2x Power Weapon

Seraphim Squad [70pts]

. 2x Seraphim: 2x Close combat weapon

. . 2x 2 Bolt Pistols: 4x Bolt Pistol . Seraphim Superior

. . Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon . Seraphim with Special Weapons

. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers . Seraphim with Special Weapons

. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers

Seraphim Squad [70pts]

. 2x Seraphim: 2x Close combat weapon

. . 2x 2 Bolt Pistols: 4x Bolt Pistol . Seraphim Superior

. . Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon . Seraphim with Special Weapons

. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers . Seraphim with Special Weapons

. . 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers

Zephyrim Squad [70pts]

. 4x Zephyrim: 4x Bolt Pistol, 4x Power Weapon . Zephyrim Superior: Plasma pistol, Sacred Banner

+ Vehicle +

Castigator [140pts]: Castigator battle cannon, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

Castigator [140pts]: Castigator battle cannon, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

Exorcist [160pts]: Exorcist Missile Launcher, Hunter-Killer Missile

Mortifiers [60pts]: Anchorite Sarcophagus

. Mortifier: Twin Penitent Buzz-Blades

. . 2 Heavy Bolters

Paragon Warsuits [200pts]

. Paragon Superior: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Mace . Paragon Warsuit: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade . Paragon Warsuit: Multi-melta, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade

+ Dedicated Transport +

Sororitas Rhino [75pts]: Hunter-Killer Missile

+ Allied Units +

Callidus Assassin [90pts]

++ Total: [1,995pts] ++

Created with BattleScribe ()

Thoughts

An intriguing match up in this showdown, which pits the hardy Votann against the Sisters of Battle. I've played this match up a couple of times and it's one in which both sides have ALL the tools to really put the hurt on the other. Votann shooting absolutely carves through Sisters vehicles and infantry bodies, but the Melta and Fight Phase control of the Nuns with Guns can cause the dwarves significant issues. Vahl and the Paragons open up Sagitaurs for fun and using them well can be pivotal, as is ensuring the Triumph can juice up Melta shooting for long enough to do serious damage without getting blown away by the dwarven retaliation. On the Sisters side, the Castigators also do great work into Votann profiles (though their Heavy Bolters end up being a bit redundant due to Void Armour reducing AP), but the single Exorcist really isn't enough to put the Votann on a timer and create pressure, as it struggles to open Sagitaurs on it's own without a bit of good fortune. If you lose some of these assets too quickly, actually hurting Hearthguard when they arrive can be hard work, as Arcoflagellants will simply bounce off them.

Tempo is big in the match up, and with first turn the Votann can advance up and start causing havoc before their Hearthguard drop in. Chris's list is especially good at creating early pressure thanks to the two big slabs of Hernkyn Pioneers. These are simply lethal when double Judgement tokens get involved, and, though they are fragile, if the opponent doesn't have the means to stop them scooting up the board they can cause enormous disruption and are a very difficult threat to deal with. It looks like the Votann were able to defang the key hard-target removal the Sisters have early enough in the game that their toughness and armour was simply too much to deal with, inflicting a heavy defeat.

Result

Ymyr Conglomerate (Oathband) Victory - 91 - 58

Chris Irvine - Ymyr Conglomerate (Oathband) - 1st Place

Leagues of Votann Hernkyn Pioneer Leagues of Votann Hernkyn Pioneers. Credit: Caelyn Ellis

The List

See showdown

Archetype

Votann Pioneer Rush

Thoughts

I really like this Votann list, which swaps out Thunderkyn or additional Hearthguard to pack a much more respectable alpha strike via 12 scout moving Biker Dwarves. The Leagues don't have a tonne of datasheets, and builds like this will be losing some points after the slate, but they remain a sturdy and punchy army that requires respect and careful treatment to defeat. They've got great shooting for dealing with the Necron menace, but will it be enough now they've had balance adjustments and the latest meta threat hasn't? Very well done on the top finish Chris!

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - David Macleod - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Another more board presence based build, with two Forts with Hearthguard in alongside the Sagitaurs.
  • 3rd - Ryan Jervis - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Hypercrypt Necrons with lots of C'tan, Wraiths, and sneaky utility infantry.

Wrap Up

That's it for this week - next week, we'll presumably have a fun mix of bold pioneers trying out the new Dataslate, and some final final showings from the pre-dataslate greats. After that, we've got the first big post-Dataslate supermajor in the UK at Beachhead on the 10th, were we'll definitely start seeing things shake out.

Tags: ultramarines | chaos space marines | Warhammer 40k | Black Templars | competitive play | Orks | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Leagues of Votann

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