This website uses cookies. Learn more.

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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Sunset, Sunrise

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Sep 13 2023
The old world is dead, the new world struggles to be born, and so forth. With the dataslate only landing on Thursday last week, the struggle is very real, and only one GT+ event adopted it in full (with another taking the dataslate rules but not the points changes). That means we're going to have another fairly quick tour through stuff this week, as other than the Münsterland GT (which we're bumping to the front of the queue and looking at the full top four from), most of these armies are yesterday's news. Hopefully next week we'll get a full picture of what the post-dataslate world looks like as we head towards the big showcase that is the LGT.

Today we're looking at:
  • Münsterland GT4 (full dataslate)
  • Brewhammer (dataslate rules, no points)
  • Smite Club Open 2023 (major)
  • Grenoble Wargame Club Season Opener
  • Tokyo Tactical World Championship Qualifier
Edit: No idea why this didn’t go out in its normal slot - blame the wordpress scheduler’s arcane whims.

Münsterland GT4

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Horstmar, NRW, DE on September 09 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

From the scores, I'm assuming this event was using the hybrid 20-0/Path to Victory Scoring that Germany has been adopting.

The Showdown

Vital Ground - Delayed Reserves - Search and Destroy

Thomas Büttelmann - Aeldari: A much more compact Aeldari list than we're used to, still packing the Yncarne, some hulls and some Wraithguards, but with limited space for anything else.

Army List - Click to Expand
WG (1995 Points)

Aeldari Battle Host Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (140 Points) • Warlord • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Howling Banshee Mask 1x Star glaive • Enhancements: The Phoenix Gem

Illic Nightspear (70 Points) • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Voidbringer

Spiritseer (80 Points) • 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witch staff • Enhancements: Fate’s Messenger

The Yncarne (350 Points) • 1x Swirling soul energy 1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fire Prism (180 Points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Prism (180 Points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Prism (180 Points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Night Spinner (180 Points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Wraithbone hull

Night Spinner (180 Points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Wraithbone hull

Warp Spiders (115 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Wraithguard (340 Points) • 10x Wraithguard • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Wraithcannon


vs.

Florian Schmidt - Raven Guard: List title says it all really - a whole bunch of Gravis Marines, most notably an Aggressor squad with a Bolter Discipline Apothecary, a Land Raider Crusader for them to ride around in, and a big Assault Squad for Shrike to lead.

Army List - Click to Expand
GRAVIS GANG (2000 points) Space Marines Raven Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTER

Apothecary Biologis (80 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • Enhancement: Bolter Discipline

Captain in Gravis Armour (80 points) • 1x Master-crafted heavy bolt rifle 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Kayvaan Shrike (105 points) • 1x Blackout 1x The Raven’s Talons

Librarian in Phobos Armour (75 points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Force weapon 1x Smite

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aggressor Squad (200 points) • 1x Aggressor Sergeant • 1x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Power fist • 5x Aggressor • 5x Auto boltstorm gauntlets 5x Fragstorm grenade launcher 5x Power fist

Assault Squad with Jump Packs (230 points) • 1x Assault Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Astartes shield 1x Inferno pistol 1x Thunder hammer • 9x Assault Marine with Jump Pack • 5x Astartes chainsword 7x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 2x Eviscerator 2x Meltagun

Eliminator Squad (75 points) • 1x Eliminator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Instigator bolt carbine • 2x Eliminator • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Bolt sniper rifle 2x Close combat weapon

Eliminator Squad (75 points) • 1x Eliminator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Instigator bolt carbine • 2x Eliminator • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Bolt sniper rifle 2x Close combat weapon

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

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

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

Land Raider Crusader (230 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 2x Hurricane bolter 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

Redemptor Dreadnought (210 points) • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Scout Sniper Squad (75 points) • 1x Scout Sniper Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Scout sniper rifle • 4x Scout Sniper • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 3x Scout sniper rifle

Thunderfire Cannon (90 points) • 1x Techmarine Gunner • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Flamer 1x Gunner’s servo-arms 1x Plasma cutter • 1x Thunderfire Cannon • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Thunderfire cannon

ALLIED UNITS

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

Thoughts

The Aeldari menace apparently still have what it takes to hit the top tables, but now there are some Space Marines in hot pursuit - and surely with their new points cuts they'll have what it takes to crush the elf menace.

Certainly there's some cool stuff here. I think it's definitely arguable that people were sleeping on Aggressors with Bolter Discipline before they got a big point cut and now, well - there's going to be some violence. These are fantastic into anything that looks like a horde (Necron Warriors hate and fear them), and just neat all-rounders because of their good melee. Also recommended with Calgar, but this setup is good too if you want to dip into another Chapter's tools. Stacking Storm of Fire and the Aggressors own ability pushes them to a healthy AP-2, at which point the nightmare fusilade they unleash threatens many foes. Here, that's important, because they do actually give the Wraithguard pause, even through their 2+ saves, as with Oaths up, they'll seriously trouble the squad. Shrike leading up a roving murder band that can't just be sniped out by Fire Prisms and Night Spinners is very handy too, though they suffer a bit from the mission, as they can't really engage the Wraithguard and expect to profit.

Let's talk about the mission. Normally, Vital Ground would feel pretty good for a Marine list with such a strong spearhead to throw forward, but here I think it's less than helpful. The Aeldari's main loss from their classic builds is being way shorter on stuff, but on Vital Ground they can focus on slamming one flank and just skirmishing/murdering the stuff on the other, mitigating the advantage the Marines have from having a lot more units. The Aeldari also have some great targets for their weaponry - all those small Marine units are very vulnerable to Night Spinners, and if the Fire Prisms can take down the Land Raider before the Aggressors are in position, then they're going to be limping only a few inches a turn for the rest of the game. The small units also provide plenty of places for the Yncarne to appear and cause mischief, perhaps taking another unit out.

Still - that's a lot of stuff, and if the Marines play cagey with the Aggressors, forcing equivalent caution from the Wraithguard, then it could be tricky for the elves to get a scoring foothold. That can matter a bit less on this mission, as building an early lead is tricky, and in the end the elves did take it - but really only just, which is encouraging.

Result

Aeldari Victory - 11-9

Thomas Büttelmann - Aeldari - 1st Place

Wraithguard with Wraithcannons. Credit: Rockfish Wraithguard with Wraithcannons. Credit: Rockfish

The List

See showdown.

Archetype

Wraithguard and Hulls

Thoughts

I see we're going with "stubbornly use 300pts less of the same units" as the option. Given it won the event, can't really fault that! All these units are still very strong, and I think Wraithguard in particular dodged a bullet in how little their cost dropped. That big, central tarpit helps mitigate the smaller unit count, and buys time for the tanks to blow stuff apart. Certainly looks much more beatable than it used to, but clearly still very powerful as well, congratulations Thomas.

Artur Güttler - T'au Empire - 2nd Place

Cadre Fireblade Cadre Fireblade. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Tau Münster (1995 points) T’au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kauyon

CHARACTER

Aun’va (65 points) • 1x Aun’va • Warlord • 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Ethereal Guard • 2x Supreme honour blade

Cadre Fireblade (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 2x Gun Drone

Cadre Fireblade (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 2x Gun Drone

Cadre Fireblade (60 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 2x Gun Drone • Enhancement: Through Unity, Devastation

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (125 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 3x Cyclic ion blaster 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Exemplar of the Kauyon

BATTLELINE

Breacher Team (90 points) • 1x Support turret missile system • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol 1x Shield Drone • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team (90 points) • 1x Support turret missile system • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol 1x Shield Drone • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team (90 points) • 1x Support turret missile system • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol 1x Shield Drone • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORT

Devilfish (75 points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin pulse carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Battlesuits (360 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Airbursting fragmentation projector 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 5x Crisis Shas’ui • 5x Battlesuit fists 5x Cyclic ion blaster 10x Cyclic ion blaster 10x Shield Drone 5x Shield Generator

Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

Kroot Carnivores (55 points) • 10x Kroot Carnivore • 10x Kroot rifle

Kroot Carnivores (55 points) • 10x Kroot Carnivore • 10x Kroot rifle

Kroot Hounds (30 points) • 4x Kroot Hound • 4x Ripping fangs

Kroot Hounds (30 points) • 4x Kroot Hound • 4x Ripping fangs

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

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

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

Tetras (80 points) • 2x Tetra • 2x Close combat weapons 4x Pulse rifle

Tetras (80 points) • 2x Tetra • 2x Close combat weapons 4x Pulse rifle

Vespid Stingwings (75 points) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader • 1x Neutron blaster 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwing • 4x Neutron blaster 4x Stingwing claws

Archetype

Go-wide Tau

Thoughts

Tau guns are very cheap now, and they get an absolute tonne of units on the board, which this shows off nicely. The big Crisis Suit is a terrifying centrepiece, and now has a massive number of things to screen it and draw the enemy into position. Worth noting the single airburst on one of the suits - this is vital for protection yourself against a situation where the opponent manages to Rapid Ingress a melee threat near them when they have no valid targets, which woul normally prevent them using Strike and Fade. Losing one airburst is extremely worthwhile to protect against that!

The really interesting choice here is the three units of Breachers with a Fireblade each. The damage output on these is considerable for their price, and I'm guessing the units without the buffs are planning to just walk on from the board edge and blast something, which can be a bit of a squeeze with only 10" range, but mostly doable. It helps add a bit of depth to the list - even if the opponent manages to clear the first wave of chaff, these provide something else that needs to be chased off objectives, and with their Guardian Drone, they're not even super squishy.

I was honestly expecting Triptide to be the first big Tau thing tried, so it's nice to see something a bit more unusual, well done Artur.

Matthias Bellmann - Aeldari - 3rd Place

Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Münsterland GT(1995 points) Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Battle Host

CHARACTER

Autarch Wayleaper (115 points) • Warlord • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Howling Banshee Mask 1x Star glaive

Illic Nightspear (70 points) • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Voidbringer

The Yncarne (350 points) • 1x Swirling soul energy 1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fire Prism (180 points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Prism (180 points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Prism (180 points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Night Spinner (180 points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Wraithbone hull

Night Spinner (180 points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Wraithbone hull

War Walkers (110 points) • 2x Bright lance 1x War Walker feet

War Walkers (110 points) • 2x Bright lance 1x War Walker feet

War Walkers (110 points) • 2x Bright lance 1x War Walker feet

Warp Spiders (115 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (115 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Archetype

Go-wide hulls

Thoughts

I am honestly fascinated to know what the correct price for a Fire Prism would be if this still isn't enough, because here's another trio. This build skips the Wraithguard in favour of lots of War Walkers, helping contest the board early at the cost of no tarpit, and that seems to have done just fine (though Florian's Raven Guard did take this build down in the fourth round). Congratulations to Matthias.

Florian Schmidt - Raven Guard - 4th Place

Kayvaan Shrike infiltrating as a Crimson Fist Kayvaan Shrike infiltrating as a Crimson Fist. Credit: Corrode

The List

See showdown

Archetype

Aggressors and go-wide

Thoughts

Marines now get enough stuff on the table that they can start to seriously compete with the big hitters, and Aggressors are going to be at the forefront of that for a lot of builds. Cheaper units all-round also means more opportunity to dip into the giant toolbox of special Leaders that Marines have access to, and the way that this build uses Shrike definitely highlights the value there. It is morbidly funny that after Vanguard Veterans terrorised most of 9th Edition, you now pick Assault Marines over them even when the latter costs more points. Being able to add all the juicy upgrades and the flexible attack option on the regulars clearly swings it.

Past that? Eliminators are great at 75pts, and adding a Phobos Libby provides loads of flexibility in how you use either them or some Infiltrators (the latter becoming the ultimate backfield screen), Eradicators out of Strategic Reserves keep enemy vehicles on their toes, and it turns out that the Callidus Assassin maybe didn't need to drop to 90pts, even if one of her abilities is a bit weaker. Lots of cool stuff, and encouraging that it's now strong enough for people to start properly tinkering.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Sebastian Meyer - Necrons: Another entry in the canon of "same stuff, less of it", sticking to double Lychguard, two Doomsdays and the super C'tan.
  • 6th - Andreas Eckle - Chaos Knights: 13 Dogs and some Flamers.

BrewHammer GT 4

All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Matthew Moran - Necrons - 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Necron Tournament (1995 points) Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Awakened Dynasty

CHARACTER

Hexmark Destroyer (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols • Enhancement: The Sovereign Coronal (Aura)

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

Lokhust Lord (110 points) • 1x Lord’s blade 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancement: Hypermaterial Ablator

Overlord (85 points) • 1x Overlord’s blade 1x Resurrection Orb

Technomancer (60 points) • 1x Canoptek Cloak 1x Staff of light

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (95 points) • 2x Atomiser beam 1x Reanimator’s claws

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 3x Feeder mandibles

Cryptothralls (40 points) • 2x Cryptothrall • 2x Scouring eye 2x Scythed limbs

Doomsday Ark (185 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (185 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Flayed Ones (70 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Destroyers (180 points) • 6x Lokhust Destroyer • 6x Close combat weapon 6x Gauss cannon

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

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

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (135 points) • 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Gauss destructor

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (135 points) • 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Gauss destructor

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (135 points) • 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Enmitic exterminator

Lychguard (190 points) • 10x Lychguard • 10x Dispersion Shield 10x Hyperphase sword

Tomb Blades (80 points) • 3x Tomb Blade • 3x Close combat weapon 2x Particle beamer 3x Shadowloom 3x Shieldvanes 1x Twin tesla carbine

Archetype

Lokhusts, Lychguard and Doomsdays

Final Round Matchup

100-75 Victory vs Jamie Ferguson - Aeldari

Thoughts

I've had very mixed experiences with Lokhust Destroyers, as they can be hard to maneuvre on GW-style terrain maps, but on styles of map where there aren't lots of area pieces (where their massive bases cause challenges) they can be very strong, and they look like a nasty addition to this build. Because they can turn on full wound re-rolls and have Lethal hits on a 5+ from the Lord, they end up being a very universal ranged killer, something that's going to be at more of a premium in a world where Devastating Wounds doesn't murderise hordes as much. Since almost everything else here goes up in cost, expect to see more people trying them, as lists like this will need plenty of re-tuning for cost. Good stuff from Matthew here showing off what that unit can do.

Garron Owen - Space Wolves - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


2k space Wolves v2 (2000 points) Space Marines Space Wolves Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTER

Primaris Librarian (95 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Force weapon 1x Smite • Enhancement: Bolter Discipline

Ragnar Blackmane (105 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Frostfang

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (115 points) • Warlord • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Twin lightning claws • Enhancement: The Honour Vehement

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (200 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Desolation Squad (340 points) • 1x Desolation Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Castellan launcher 1x Close combat weapon 1x Vengor launcher • 9x Desolation Marine • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Castellan launcher 9x Close combat weapon 9x Superkrak rocket launcher

Gladiator Lancer (145 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Lancer laser destroyer 2x Storm bolter

Gladiator Lancer (145 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Lancer laser destroyer 2x Storm bolter

Inceptor Squad (115 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Assault bolters 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Inceptor • 2x Assault bolters 2x Close combat weapon

Infiltrator Squad (90 points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Infiltrator Squad (90 points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Repulsor (195 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Hunter-slayer missile 1x Las-talon 1x Repulsor defensive array 1x Twin lascannon

Scout Sniper Squad (75 points) • 1x Scout Sniper Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Scout sniper rifle • 4x Scout Sniper • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Sniper Squad (75 points) • 1x Scout Sniper Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Scout sniper rifle • 4x Scout Sniper • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Scout sniper rifle

Thunderwolf Cavalry (100 points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader • 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Heirloom weapon 1x Storm Shield • 2x Thunderwolf Cavalry • 2x Crushing teeth and claws 2x Heirloom weapon 2x Storm Shield

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (115 points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Archetype

Ragnar, Thundercav and Friends

Thoughts

...and in the complete opposite direction, most of this build gets way easier to take after points changes, and I think Space Wolves have a chance to be pretty legit. Ragner single-handedly makes Bladeguard worth taking, and the Thundercav unit with a Lord and (preferably, somewhere to spend those extra points) a Battle Leader provides a unique pressure threat that other Marine armies lack. Lots of tasty stuff here, keep an eye on the sons of Fenris.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Gavin Heritage - Chaos Knights: All dog Chaos Knights.
  • 4th - Jamie Ferguson - Aeldari: Ultra chunky Aeldari with Wraithguard, the Avatar and a Wraithknight.
  • 5th - Kenneth Mackenzie - Chaos Knights: Lots of dogs, but also a super-angry Lancer to charge the enemy.
  • 6th - Kris Mills - Aeldari: Wraithguard and Wraithknights backed by Windriders for shooting (a datasheet that didn't catch any nerfs beyond the Phantasm change,  so I guess look forward to the three whole months of those not being a top tier unit coming to an end).
  • 7th - Alfie Richardson - Adeptus Mechanicus: Breachers and Dunecrawlers galore.
  • 8th - Nelly Fuller - Aeldari: An unusual list combining some mobile Harlequin threats with some Wraithguard to anchor. Takes a lot less of a hit than many other Aeldari lists, so worth keeping an eye on.

Smite Club Open 2023 40K Major

88-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Mesa, AZ, US on September 09 2023. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Daniel Olivas - Aeldari - 1st Place

Yncarne: Avatar of Ynnead. Credit: James "Boon" Kelling

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Wraith and seer (1995 points) Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Battle Host

CHARACTER

Autarch Wayleaper (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Howling Banshee Mask 1x Star glaive

Farseer (90 points) • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Singing spear • Enhancement: The Phoenix Gem

Farseer Skyrunner (90 points) • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Singing spear 1x Twin shuriken catapult • Enhancement: The Weeping Stones

Illic Nightspear (65 points) • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Voidbringer

Spiritseer (80 points) • 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witch staff • Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger

The Yncarne (270 points) • 1x Swirling soul energy 1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fire Prism (150 points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Prism (150 points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Prism (150 points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Night Spinner (170 points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Twin shuriken catapult 1x Wraithbone hull

Rangers (110 points) • 10x Ranger • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Ranger long rifle 10x Shuriken pistol

Shroud Runners (80 points) • 3x Shroud Runner • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Ranger long rifle 3x Scatter laser 3x Shuriken pistol

Warlock Skyrunner Conclave (100 points) • 2x Warlock Skyrunner • 2x Destructor 2x Shuriken pistol 2x Twin shuriken catapult 2x Witchblade

Warp Spiders (100 points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Wraithguard (310 points) • 10x Wraithguard • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Wraithcannon

Archetype

Wraithguard

Final Round Matchup

100 - 69 Victory against Michael Mann - Chaos Daemons.

Thoughts

One more time for old time's sake, eh? To be fair to Daniel, there actually is a little innovation here in the form of the Skyrunner Conclave, which is notable as a unit that didn't go up in price, so worth more of a look going forward. Otherwise, business as has been depressingly usual but at least a long-time Aeldari master is getting the last laugh with it.

Ben Jurek - Aeldari - 2nd Place

Wraithknight. Credit: Rockfish Wraithknight. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
4th time is ok right ? (2000 Points)

Aeldari Battle Host Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (95 Points) • Warlord • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Howling Banshee Mask 1x Star glaive • Enhancements: Fate’s Messenger

Farseer (65 Points) • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witchblade

Farseer Skyrunner (100 Points) • 1x Eldritch Storm 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Singing spear 1x Twin shuriken catapult • Enhancements: The Phoenix Gem

The Yncarne (270 Points) • 1x Swirling soul energy 1x Vilith-zhar, the Sword of Souls

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fire Prism (150 Points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Prism (150 Points) • 1x Prism cannon 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Hornet (80 Points) • 2x Bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

Night Spinner (170 Points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Night Spinner (170 Points) • 1x Doomweaver 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Shadow Spectres (80 Points) • 5x Shadow Spectre • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Prism rifle

War Walkers (95 Points) • 2x Bright lance 1x War Walker feet

Warp Spiders (100 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death spinner 1x Death spinner 1x Powerblades • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Wraithknight (475 Points) • 1x Heavy wraithcannon 1x Heavy wraithcannon 2x Starcannon 1x Titanic feet

Archetype

Wraithknight and Hulls

Thoughts

Ben, on the other hand, has no such excuse. Maybe the Orks will finally come off the shelf now.

Jason McKenzie - Cult Mechanicus - 3rd Place

Adeptus Mechanicus - Ironstrider Ballistarii Adeptus Mechanicus - Ironstrider Ballistarii
Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Agents of Discord (2000 points) Adeptus Mechanicus Strike Force (2000 points) Rad-Cohort

CHARACTER

Arch-Magos Dominus Belisarius Cawl (185 points) • Warlord • 1x Arc scourge 1x Cawl’s Omnissian axe 1x Mechadendrite hive 1x Solar atomiser

Skitarii Marshal Varnax - Heretek of the Broken Cog (55 points) • 1x Archeotech pistol 1x Control stave • Enhancement: Archived Purge Protocols

Magos Gladius Dominus Valdinox - Genetor of Zaiphon Prime (95 points) • 1x Omnissian axe 1x Phosphor serpenta 1x Volkite blaster • Enhancement: Omni-Steriliser

Magos Prime Dominus Arkvaul - Conductor of the Ghost Interface (110 points) • 1x Omnissian axe 1x Phosphor serpenta 1x Volkite blaster • Enhancement: Master Annihilator

Tech-Priest Enginseer Kairi - The Shadow Eclipse (45 points) • 1x Archeotech pistol 1x Omnissian axe 1x Servo-arm

BATTLELINE

Skitarii Vanguard (100 points) • 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha • 1x Alpha combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Radium carbine • 9x Skitarii Vanguard • 1x Arc rifle 9x Close combat weapon 1x Omnispex 1x Plasma caliver 6x Radium carbine 1x Transuranic arquebus

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ironstrider Ballistarii (150 points) • 3x Ironstrider feet 3x Twin cognis lascannon

Ironstrider Ballistarii (150 points) • 3x Ironstrider feet 3x Twin cognis lascannon

Ironstrider Ballistarii (150 points) • 3x Ironstrider feet 3x Twin cognis lascannon

Kataphron Breachers (300 points) • 6x Heavy arc rifle 6x Hydraulic claw

Kataphron Destroyers (240 points) • 6x Close combat weapon 6x Cognis flamer 6x Heavy grav-cannon

Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 points) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha • 1x Flechette blaster 1x Taser goad • 4x Pteraxii Skystalker • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Flechette carbine

Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 points) • 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha • 1x Flechette blaster 1x Taser goad • 4x Pteraxii Skystalker • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Flechette carbine

Serberys Sulphurhounds (65 points) • 1x Serberys Sulphurhound Alpha • 1x Cavalry arc maul 1x Clawed limbs 1x Phosphor blast pistol 1x Sulphur breath • 2x Serberys Sulphurhound • 2x Clawed limbs 2x Sulphur breath 2x Twin phosphor pistols

Serberys Sulphurhounds (65 points) • 1x Serberys Sulphurhound Alpha • 1x Cavalry arc maul 1x Clawed limbs 1x Phosphor blast pistol 1x Sulphur breath • 2x Serberys Sulphurhound • 2x Clawed limbs 2x Sulphur breath 2x Twin phosphor pistols

Sicarian Infiltrators (80 points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps • 1x Flechette blaster 1x Taser goad • 4x Sicarian Infiltrator • 4x Flechette blaster 4x Taser goad

ALLIED UNITS

Exaction Squad (35 points) • 1x Proctor-Exactant • 1x Arbites combat shotgun 1x Arbites shotpistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Exaction Vigilant • 1x Arbites Medi-kit 2x Arbites combat shotgun 1x Arbites grenade launcher 4x Arbites shotpistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Executioner shotgun 1x Soulguilt Scanner

Exaction Squad (35 points) • 1x Proctor-Exactant • 1x Arbites combat shotgun 1x Arbites shotpistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Exaction Vigilant • 1x Arbites Medi-kit 2x Arbites combat shotgun 1x Arbites grenade launcher 4x Arbites shotpistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Executioner shotgun 1x Soulguilt Scanner

Archetype

Ironstrider spam

Thoughts

This one, I'll admit, I didn't have on my bingo card - Adeptus Mechanicus taking a top four before the points changes. The methodology isn't super surprising, leveraging the two best ways the AdMech have to put down some chunky stuff, which are Kataphrons and Ironstriders. The former are also genuinely dangerous when appropriately buffed, while the latter are at least very tough for the price, and have massive bases and built-in Fall Back/Shoot, making them handy for move blocking. Past that, nasty Characters and tonnes of stuff to do Secondaries, and you have something that can hold its own reasonably well. It is faintly alarming that this list doesn't get many points added overall, as it has to find some stuff that isn't the Exaction Squads, and also experiences diminished effectiveness from the Mortal Wound priest, but this gives an encouraging baseline for people to work from - and huge congratulations to Jason for getting ahead of the game.

Jacob Wagner - Necrons - 4th Place

Necron Hexmark Destroyer Necron Hexmark Destroyer. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Double hexmark (2000 Points)

Necrons Awakened Dynasty Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Hexmark Destroyer (100 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols • Enhancements: The Sovereign Coronal (Aura)

Lord (90 Points) • 1x Lord’s blade 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancements: Hypermaterial Ablator

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

Overlord (85 Points) • Warlord • 1x Overlord’s blade 1x Tachyon arrow

Technomancer (60 Points) • 1x Canoptek Cloak 1x Staff of light

Transcendent C’tan (290 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils 1x Seismic assault • Enhancements: Sempiternal Weave

BATTLELINE

Necron Warriors (240 Points) • 20x Necron Warrior • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Gauss reaper

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (95 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam 1x Reanimator’s claws

Cryptothralls (40 Points) • 2x Cryptothrall • 2x Scouring eye 2x Scythed limbs

Cryptothralls (40 Points) • 2x Cryptothrall • 2x Scouring eye 2x Scythed limbs

Deathmarks (65 Points) • 5x Deathmark • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Synaptic disintegrator

Doomsday Ark (185 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (185 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (185 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Lychguard (190 Points) • 10x Lychguard • 10x Dispersion Shield 10x Hyperphase sword

Archetype

Warriors, Doomsdays and Lychguard

Thoughts

All the normal Necron toys, but with Warriors instead of one Lychguard brick. Expect to see that way more post update, since they got cheaper and less vulnerable to Wraithknights evaporating them, and also expect Orikan to feature more commonly, as he helps protect against getting bodied by AP-2 Aggressors. Well done to Jacob on the win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Michael Mann - Chaos Daemons: Half regular monster mash, half hilarious horde of Bloodcrushers with a Rendmaster to lead them.
  • 6th - Jake Jacobson - Aeldari: Way too many hulls and a Wraithknight.
  • 7th - Frankie Giampapa - Genestealer Cult: Horde and Aberrants.
  • 8th - Junior Aflleje - Imperial Knights: Crusader/Valiant max brutality.
  • 9th - Donovan Sailo - Grey Knights: Two full Terminator bricks with lots of Librarians, aiming to soak up damage and throw out Mortals. Quite scary with another few hundred points, so definitely keep an eye here.

Grenoble Wargame Club Season Opener

All the lists for this event can be found in MiniHeadQuarters.

zig - Chaos Space Marines - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


== Chaos Space Marines - Slaves to Darkness DETACHMENT : Chaos Space Marines ==

HQ 1 : Abaddon the Despoiler (280) [280pts]warlord

EL 1 : (+4) Dark Commune (55), Cult Demagogue (), Iconarch (), 2x Blessed Blades (), Mentawitch () [55pts], Nurgle

TR 1 : 10 Cultists mob (55), Cultist Champion () [55pts], Nurgle

HS 1 : 16 Accursed Cultists (190), 10x Mutant (), 6x Torment () [190pts], Nurgle HS 2 : 10 Chaos Terminator Squad (390), 10 Combi-weapon (0), 6 Powerfist (0), 2 Chainfist (0) [390pts], Chaos Universel HS 3 : 4 Obliterators (320) [320pts], Nurgle

FL 1 : Forgefiend (165) [165pts], Chaos Universel 3 ectoplasma limbs armoured FL 2 : Forgefiend (165) [165pts], Nurgle 3 ectoplasma limbs amoured

== Chaos Knights - Traitoris Lance DETACHMENT : Chaos Knights ==

TR 2 : War Dog Brigand (150) [150pts] TR 3 : War Dog Brigand (150) [150pts]

== Chaos Daemons - Daemonic Incursion DETACHMENT : Chaos Daemons ==

TR 4 : 3 Nurglings (40) [40pts] TR 5 : 3 Nurglings (40) [40pts]

Archetype

Chaos Soup

Final Round Matchup

13-7 Victory vs MarinDouble - Genestealer Cults

Thoughts

All sorts of stuff going on here, condensing all the nastiest CSM guns into one army then adding some Brigands, Chaos's other super nasty shooting unit, as an extra bit of spice. Drawing on the full might of the ruinous powers, Nurglings round stuff out by providing some screening against early charges, potentially tying opponents up somewhere that the Accursed Coven can launch a devastating counter-charge. This build does actually end up losing some points from the changes, as it's very much using all the current top CSM stuff, but zig's win here shows off the extent to which the faction was already very capable, and it's one to watch as we move ahead.

The Best of the Rest

There were three more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Trig - Aeldari: Wraithknight and lots of hulls.
  • 3rd - Asclepi0s - Dark Angels (Gladius): Two massive punches from a Land Raider with Aggressors and a full squad of Deathwing Knights.
  • 4th - octopoutre - Astra Militarum: Bullgryn, artillery and double Dorns.

Tokyo Tactical World Championship Qualifier

All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Terry Ko - Adeptus Custodes - 1st Place

Adeptus Custodes Caladius Grav-Tank Adeptus Custodes Caladius Grav-Tank. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Custodes (2000 Points)

Adeptus Custodes Shield Host Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (100 Points) • 1x Vaultswords

Blade Champion (100 Points) • 1x Vaultswords

Shield-Captain (150 Points) • Warlord • 1x Guardian spear • Enhancements: Ceaseless Hunter

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (405 Points) • 9x Custodian Guard • 7x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Sentinel blade 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (405 Points) • 9x Custodian Guard • 7x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Sentinel blade 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (225 Points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 4x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

OTHER DATASHEETS

Caladius Grav-tank (215 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Caladius Grav-tank (215 Points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (115 Points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exaction Squad (35 Points) • 1x Proctor-Exactant • 1x Arbites combat shotgun 1x Arbites shotpistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Exaction Vigilant • 1x Arbites Medi-kit 2x Arbites combat shotgun 1x Arbites grenade launcher 4x Arbites shotpistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Soulguilt Scanner 1x Webber

Exaction Squad (35 Points) • 1x Proctor-Exactant • 1x Arbites combat shotgun 1x Arbites shotpistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Exaction Vigilant • 1x Arbites Medi-kit 2x Arbites combat shotgun 4x Arbites shotpistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Excruciator maul 1x Executioner shotgun 1x Heavy stubber

Archetype

Double Custodian Brick

Final Round Matchup

95-27 Victory vs. Melaic Nivois - Imperial Knights

Thoughts

Another "rip to a real one" here, because big Custodian bricks are more outright dead post-update than pretty much anything else featured here. Caladius Tanks, of course, are quite the opposite story, expect to see those playing a far more consistent part in builds, as without being able to lean on durability from big bricks, some ability to contest ranged threats is vital. Good to get a last reminder of why Custodes have been so metagame-shaping up till now from Terry, and I'll be interested to see how his build changes next time we cover a Tokyo event.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Eric Yu - Ynnari: Go-wide Ynnari shooting with Scourges and Ravagers, plus a Voidraven which I think has been a bit of a sleeper all-round, and which has a decent chance of making it into many more Drukhari and Ynnari lists going forward, especially as Aircraft are now going to be the only thing that can see over ruins in a pinch.
  • 3rd - Masataka Ogura - Genestealer Cult: Horde with Aberrants.
  • 4th - Hayden jones - Aeldari: Double Avatar.
  • 5th - Melaic Nivois - Imperial Knights: Crusader and double Gallant for hefty aggro. Look for more Gallants in the near future - the Towering change is pretty much pure upside for them, and they're cheaper than most Knights.

Wrap Up

The times, they are a changing. Unless Aeldari keep just winning everything, but I really hope that's not what happens. Tune in next week for when the new metagame really gets motoring, and as we start the countdown to the new metagame's big showcase at the LGT.

Tags: Space Marines | chaos space marines | space wolves | Tactics | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | Raven Guard | tau | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

Thank you for being a friend.

AGE OF SIGMAR 4th EDITION

AoS 4th Edition

WARHAMMER 40,000 10th EDITION

40k 10th Edition

Support us on Patreon to get access to our Discord and exclusive App features.

Thank you for being a friend.

ABOUT US

Tabletop Battles is a very real website full of Posts and Friends.

OUR SOCIALS
Facebook | Instagram | Bsky | YouTube

Sick of the ads? Login with Patreon.

Manage your cookie settings