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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Tally Ho pt.1

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Sep 18 2024
A refreshing shakeup this week - while there are some strong showings from our regular metagame villains, this week we've got a healthy variety of breakthroughs for other factions, including a particularly admirable surge for Imperial Knights. If you've been looking sadly at your enormous robot sons it might be time to give them a bit of exercise, and we've also got some spicy performances from the Astra Militarum and Votann.

Let's take a look, starting today with:
  • German Major Bayern 2024
  • EL Bunker, Bajio Open 2024
  • WARHAMMER 40K NATIONALS 2024
  • No Surrender 2024
  • War for the Forge 2024 40k GT
  • Riverhammer 2024
On Friday Lowest of Men will take up the banner and cover:
  • Roll for Damage GT 2024
  • Dicing Death II GT
  • Iron Cage: September Slaughter
  • East Midlands Slam GT 1!
  • Harlequins Warhammer 40K GRAND TOURNAMENT 2024
  • Thunder Hammer - GameShelf Sept 2024 Warhammer 40K Tournament
This week's Showdowns, voted for by our Patrons, will be:
  • Imperial Knights vs Skysplinter Drukhari at No Surrender 2024
  • Biosanctic Broodsurge Genestealers vs Imperial Knights at Roll for Damage 2024

German Major Bayern 2024

105-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Regensburg, BY, Deutschland on September 14 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Mathieu Clerc - Leagues of Votann (Oathband) - 1st Place

Einhyr Hearthguard. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
IStillLoveMyHearthguard (2000 points)

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Oathband

CHARACTERS

Einhyr Champion (80 points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Mass Hammer 1x Weavefield Crest • Enhancement: Appraising Glare

Kâhl (90 points) • Warlord • 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancement: Grim Demeanour

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 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 EtaCarn plasma beamer 1x HYLas auto rifle 1x Medipack

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (115 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cthonian Beserks (200 points) • 10x Cthonian Beserk • 10x Concussion maul 2x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Heavy plasma axe 1x Mole grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (320 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x Concussion hammer 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher 1x Teleport Crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x EtaCarn plasma gun 9x Exo-armour grenade launcher

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x MATR autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 1x SP heavy conversion beamer 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x MATR autocannon 1x Pan Spectral Scanner 1x SP heavy conversion beamer 2x Twin bolt cannon

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

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

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

Hernkyn Yaegirs (80 points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Bolt revolver 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma knife • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 1x APM launcher 8x Bolt revolver 9x Close combat weapon 8x Plasma knife

Hernkyn Yaegirs (80 points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Bolt revolver 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma knife • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 1x APM launcher 8x Bolt revolver 9x Close combat weapon 8x Plasma knife

Archetype

Infantry-Heavy Votann

Thoughts

Up top today we have the steadily reliable Leagues of Votann taking a major trophy, with Mathieu deploying a more infantry-heavy build than the norm. Lots of Yaegirs combined with transports and two horrific counter-charge threats (the big Beserks and Hearthguard) force a very cautious gameplan from the opponent, and put a lot of pressure on them to try and win a gunfight with Land Forts at range, which is still reasonably tough with their 10th-edition incarnation. That's a strong overall plan, and I also like the big Beserk unit quite a lot in the current metagame - it's the hardest single punch the army can throw, and cost-effective enough on the trade that it can discourage stuff like Deathwing Knights and Warsuits from being too aggressive. Nice to see a Votann build that carves out a fairly unique style despite the small range, and great work from Mathieu on the win.

Malte Höfs - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) - 2nd Place

That Gobbo

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
CSM Horde (1995 points)

Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Renegade Raiders

CHARACTERS

Cypher (90 points)

Dark Commune (90 points) • 1x Cult Demagogue • 1x Autopistol 1x Commune stave • Enhancement: Mark of the Hound • 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

Dark Commune (80 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 Enhancements: Despots Claim

Dark Commune (65 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

Fabius 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 Autopistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (180 points) • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists (180 points) • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists (180 points) • 10x Mutant • 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment • 6x Hideous mutations

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

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

Chosen (250 points) • 1x Chosen Champion • 1x Boltgun 1x Chaos Icon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Chosen • 6x Accursed weapon 8x Bolt pistol 3x Boltgun 4x Combi-weapon 2x Paired accursed weapons 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Accursed Raiders

Thoughts

Accursed Communes are the defining Chaos Space Marine unit right now, providing an early pressure wave that can either flatten foes or put them hard enough on the back foot that you can either outscore them (with Cult) or grind them out of existence (Raiders builds like this). Destructors and flamer Rubricae are an extremely efficient cleanup detail, and the big unit of Chosen provides a final proper hammer to unleash if the cultists run out of steam. Well done to Malte for unleashing the terrible powers of Chaos here.

Dennis Gottschalk - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) - 3rd Place

Grey Knights Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Redeemer die Zweite (2000 points)

Grey Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Teleport Strike Force

CHARACTERS

Brotherhood Librarian (120 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purge Soul

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (240 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer • Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence

Kaldor Draigo (125 points) • Warlord • 1x Scourging 1x Storm bolter 1x The Titansword

BATTLELINE

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 points) • 1x Terminator Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Brotherhood Terminator • 1x Ancient's Banner 1x Incinerator 1x Narthecium 4x Nemesis force weapon 2x Storm bolter

Strike Squad (120 points) • 1x Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Grey Knight • 4x Nemesis force weapon 4x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (285 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Flamestorm cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (285 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Flamestorm cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

Nemesis Dreadknight (205 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight (205 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight (205 points) • 1x Heavy incinerator 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Ultracrunch Grey Knights

Thoughts

Many Grey Knights builds have switched to Terminators, but in third place we've got a reminder that they also play a very good crunch game. Combining Redeemers and Dreadknights gives a wall of resilient threats and reliable damage output, and the speed of the Dreadknights makes it far more mobile than some similar plans can be. In addition, being able to stash a Battleline unit at home till the late game while the big stuff clears the board means this army still retains a strong Secret Mission plan, helping provide a backup option if opponents try to beat it via early Primary denial. Grey Knights in general are having a solid spike in performance right now, and well done to Dennis for showing that there's a real breadth in the lists you can deploy.

Paul Hilsdorf - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame) - 4th Place

Credit: Evan "Felime" Siefring

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Name: Paul Hilsdorf Team: Zugzwang Königsflügel #1 Factions used: Adepta Sororitas Detachments used: Bringers of Flame Enhancements: N/A

Sponsored by Moritz Klima! Das ist alles gar nicht meins!

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Bringers of Flame

CHARACTERS

Daemonifuge (85 points) • 1x Ephrael Stern • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Sanctity • 1x Kyganil of the Bloody Tears • 1x The Outcast's Weapons

Dialogus (30 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Dialogus staff

Morvenn Vahl (160 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

Saint Celestine (160 points) • 1x Celestine • 1x The Ardent Blade • 2x Geminae Superia • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Power weapon

Triumph of Saint Katherine (190 points) • 1x Bolt pistols 1x Relic weapons

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Twin multi-melta

Immolator (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Twin multi-melta

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (150 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator autocannons 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (150 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator autocannons 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (150 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator autocannons 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Dominion Squad (115 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Condemnor boltgun 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Dominion Squad (115 points) • 1x Dominion Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Condemnor boltgun 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion • 9x Bolt pistol 5x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 4x Meltagun 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

Paragon Warsuits (210 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon grenade launchers 1x Paragon war blade • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon grenade launchers 2x Paragon war blade

Seraphim Squad (85 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (85 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (85 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Speedy Flame Sisters

Thoughts

Rounding out our top four here it's the speedy Bringers of Flame build, here dropping the big flamer/Fire and Fury Seraphim squad to sneak in Celestine and go a bit wider. I think that choice is something of a gamble, because if you run into the triple Accursed lists you really want that unit, but against other top builds you get more from Celestine, and here that worked out well. Great stuff from Paul.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Sami Amr - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Shooty Renegade Raiders with three units of Obliterators and Abaddon.
  • 6th - Marius Wittenborn - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): All-rounder board control Hypercrypt with melee from Skorpekh and Lychguard then dakka from Heavy Lokhusts and Immortals.
  • 7th - Thomas Büttelmann - Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Primaris Crusader spam.
  • 8th - Fritz Peters - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Heavy shooty Hypercrypt.
  • 9th - Jens Gottfried - Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation): Hybrid Metamorph-heavy Xenocreed, with lots of Trucks for riding around, and some Acolytes as a core.
  • 10th - Gunnar Rümpel - Imperial Knights: Atrapos/Canis Rex teamup.

EL Bunker, Bajio Open 2024

76-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., México on September 14 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Xavier Barrera - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 1st Place

Rogal Dorn. Credit: Rockfish Rogal Dorn. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I copied this list from John Lennon(again) (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Regiment

CHARACTERS

Lord Solar Leontus (125 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin's hooves 1x Sol's Righteous Gaze

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 points) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger • Enhancement: Grand Strategist • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

Platoon Command Squad (60 points) • 1x Platoon Commander • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 2x Veteran Guardsman • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Lasgun 2x Laspistol 1x Master Vox 1x Regimental Standard • 1x Veteran Heavy Weapons Team • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Mortar

BATTLELINE

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bullgryn Squad (180 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (180 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (180 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

Cyclops Demolition Vehicle (25 points)

Hellhound (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon 1x Multi-melta

Hellhound (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon 1x Multi-melta

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

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

Tempestus Scions (100 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion • 9x Close combat weapon 5x Hot-shot lasgun 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun

Tempestus Scions (50 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Double Dorn Bullgryn Spam

Thoughts

Astra Militarum are another army that's on the rise, and this list shows off the key strengths driving it. Dorns are extremely efficient killing machines that are a pain to trade fire with (especially with hellhounds to set up Ignores Cover in key 2+ save matchups), and the wall of Bullgryn here ensures that foes don't really have an option to try melee early on. Catachans and Chimeras provide an extremely effective skirmish screen ahead of that (plus points denial), and I continue to be an enormous fan of the tooled-up Scion squad - very much something you only have to be on the receiving end of once to start respecting. This list does kind of do everything, and in Xavier's hands it also beat everyone - congratulations!

Amador Perez - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) - 2nd Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
john (1995 points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (85 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • Enhancement: Fire Discipline

Azrael (105 points) • Warlord • 1x Lion's Wrath 1x The Lion Helm 1x The Sword of Secrets

Judiciar (70 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Executioner relic blade

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor • 4x Astartes chainsword 4x Heavy bolt pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Deathwing Knights (235 points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master • 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Mace of absolution

Deathwing Knights (235 points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master • 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Mace of absolution

Deathwing Knights (235 points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master • 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Power weapon

Eradicator Squad (190 points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle • 5x Eradicator • 5x Bolt pistol 5x Close combat weapon 3x Melta rifle 2x 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

Inner Circle Companions (180 points) • 6x Inner Circle Companion • 6x Calibanite greatsword 6x Heavy bolt pistol

Repulsor (180 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Hunter-slayer missile 1x Las-talon 1x Repulsor defensive array 1x Twin lascannon

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Deathwing GTF

Thoughts

In hot pursuit (losing narrowly to the guard in the final) we've got the all-rounder powerhouse of the Deathwing GTF build, featuring all the standard hits. We're all familiar with this by now, but as always when a build is on top for a while, more and more people are gunning for it, so well done to Amador for taking the second place trophy regardless.

Arturo Guerrero - Death Guard (Plague Company) - 3rd Place

Scribbus Wretch, the Tallyman Scribbus Wretch, the Tallyman. That Gobbo

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Hijos del renacer (2000 Points)

Death Guard Plague Company Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

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

Tallyman (45 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Infected plasma pistol

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Deathshroud Terminators (120 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 1x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.20.0 (44), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Crunchy Board Control Death Guard

Thoughts

In third, we've got a Death Guard build centred on the classic combo of Rhino Plague Marines and Brigands, but tweaking a few of the normal choices to increase board presence and coverage. One Brigand out for two Bloat-drones honestly does feel like a pretty decent trade, and in general there's a bit more redundancy to fall back on here that I really like. Always a fan of tinkering with the standard choices paying off, so great work from Arturo in third.

Roberto Ernesto - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 4th Place

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

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Fluffyberto (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Combined Regiment Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (80 Points) • 1x Cadian Commander ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist ◦ Enhancements: Grand Strategist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman with Master Vox ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Master Vox • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman with Medi-pack ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Medi-pack • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman with Regimental Standard ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Regimental Standard

Lord Solar Leontus (125 Points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest • 1x Konstantin's hooves • 1x Sol's Righteous Gaze

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (60 Points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Chainsword • 9x Shock Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Armoured Sentinels (65 Points) • 1x Autocannon • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Bullgryn Squad (180 Points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead ◦ 1x Brute Shield ◦ 1x Bullgryn maul ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn ◦ 5x Brute Shield ◦ 5x Bullgryn maul ◦ 5x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (180 Points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead ◦ 1x Brute Shield ◦ 1x Bullgryn maul ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn ◦ 5x Brute Shield ◦ 5x Bullgryn maul ◦ 5x Close combat weapon

Cyclops Demolition Vehicle (25 Points)

Kasrkin (110 Points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle ◦ 1x Melta Mine ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

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

Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Vanquisher battle cannon

Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Vanquisher battle cannon

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

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

Scout Sentinels (60 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Plasma cannon • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Tempestus Scions (50 Points) • 1x Tempestor ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Exported with App Version: v1.20.0 (44), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Tank-Heavy Guard

Thoughts

Rounding out our second top four we've got another guard showing, highlighting the breadth of the builds that the Militarum can field. This one goes for down-the-line armoured might, supplementing Dorns with lots of Russes, plus a squad of Kasrkin to fire and reload via Reinforcements. Not super complex, but very dangerous, and thoroughly overwhelming for some foes. Congratulations to Roberto for racking up another win for the emperor's finest.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Julio Villarreal - T'au Empire (Kauyon): Go-wide shooty Kauyon with Riptides, Breacherfish and Ghostkeels, one plasma Fireknife unit, and a big counterpunch brick of Krootox Rampagers.
  • 6th - Jonathan Galvez - Astra Militarum: Tank-tastic Guard with lots of Russes and double Dorns.

WARHAMMER 40K NATIONALS 2024

54-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Paarl, WC, South Africa on September 14 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ashley Clutten - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Nats 2024 (2000 points)

I just wanted to play Abaddon.

Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Renegade Raiders

CHARACTERS

Abaddon the Despoiler (295 points) • Warlord • 1x Drach'nyen 1x Talon of Horus

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 points) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Autopistol 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 • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Reaper chaincannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

Beasts of Nurgle (70 points) • 1x Putrid appendages

Nurglings (70 points) • 6x Nurgling Swarm • 6x Diseased claws and teeth

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

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Raider Gunline

Thoughts

No Communes? No problem, apparently! Instead, the tried and true strategy of pounding foes into oblivion with an AP-boosted Abaddon gunline takes an event here, supplemented by Warp Talons providing a strong brawler threat that's one of the better answers to Deathwing Knights, even at the higher price. I think the secret sauce making this work is the Nurglings - a unit of six of these can string out a long way on Infiltrate, restricting early enemy movement so that the gunline has time to get lined up. Nice as ever to see that even when one unit is dominating a faction, you don't have to use them to succeed, great work from Ashley.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - David Holmner - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Triple Dorn with lots of infantry to skirmish and two tooled-up Scion units to drop.
  • 3rd - Andrea Balocco - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Ultra-sticky Daemons with maximum Nurglings and a mixture of big and medium monsters to hide behind them.
  • 4th - Brennan Healey - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius):  Jump pack spam, going for cheaper Jump Assault Intercessors as the big core blocks to squeeze in some extra MSUs and a brawling unit of Bladeguard with a Judiciar.
  • 5th - Peter Van Dyk - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Mixed Hypercrypt with a couple of C'tan and some Wraiths backed by Immortals and Doomsdays.
  • 6th - Orion Adams - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monster mash with the One-Eye/Dakkafex unit.
  • 7th - Steven Wassink - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Deathwing Gladius swapping out one of the Knight units (plus change) for the Lion.
  • 8th - Michael Dawson - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Deathwing Gladius, here upgrading the Repulsor to a Redeemer and adding a Darkshroud.
  • 9th - Dale Jackson - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Four Infantry blocks and two shooty hulls, but with one of them as a Telemon rather than Caladius for variety.
  • 10th - Nicholas Rorich - Death Guard: Two tooled-up Rhino units and cheap go-wide Daemon Engines.

No Surrender 2024

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand on September 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Purge the Foe - Rapid Escalation - Crucible of Battle

Matthew Pearce - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance)
Army List - Click to Expand
Terran (1990 Points)

Imperial Knights Noble Lance Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (435 Points) • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor • 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser • 1x Freedom's Hand

Cerastus Knight Lancer (460 Points) • 1x Cerastus shock lance • Enhancements: Banner of Macharius Triumphant

Knight Crusader (470 Points) • Warlord • 1x Avenger gatling cannon • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Questoris heavy stubber • 1x Questoris heavy stubber • 1x Rapid-fire battle cannon • 1x Stormspear rocket pod • 1x Titanic feet • Enhancements: Mysterious Guardian

BATTLELINE

Armiger Helverin (140 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

ALLIED UNITS

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

Subductor Squad (85 Points) • 1x Proctor-Subductor ◦ 1x Arbites shotpistol ◦ 1x Nuncio-acquila ◦ 1x Shock maul • 9x Subductor ◦ 9x Arbites shotpistol ◦ 9x Shock maul • 1x Cyber-mastiff ◦ 1x Mechanical bite

Exported with App Version: v1.20.0 (44), Data Version: v464


vs.

Francis Mclauchlan - Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault)
Army List - Click to Expand
ns (1995 points)

Drukhari Strike Force (2000 points) Skysplinter Assault

CHARACTERS

Archon (75 points) • Warlord • 1x Huskblade 1x Splinter pistol

Archon (95 points) • 1x Huskblade 1x Splinter pistol • Enhancement: Nightmare Shroud

Archon (75 points) • 1x Huskblade 1x Splinter pistol

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

Drazhar (75 points) • 1x The Executioner's demiklaives

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

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Court of the Archon (85 points) • 1x Lhamaean • 1x Shaimeshi blade • 1x Medusae • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Eyeburst • 1x Sslyth • 1x Shardcarbine 1x Splinter pistol 1x Sslyth battle-blade • 1x Ur-ghul • 1x Ur-ghul talons

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

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

Incubi (75 points) • 4x Incubi • 4x Klaive • 1x Klaivex • 1x Klaive

Incubi (75 points) • 4x Incubi • 4x Klaive • 1x Klaivex • 1x Klaive

Incubi (75 points) • 4x Incubi • 4x Klaive • 1x Klaivex • 1x Klaive

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

Ravager (110 points) • 1x Bladevanes 3x Dark lance

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

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

Scourges (120 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Solarite weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Drukhari haywire blaster

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v464

Thoughts

Big robots, hell yeah! The standard setup of Canis and a teleporting Crusader is joined by a Lancer for max aggro, and with sticky objectives to boot from the Banner. This build can go, packing the damage output to take out almost any opposition, even the toughest of Dark Angels builds, and being able to leap through securing a few objectives on the way means that you only have to worry about scoring if the opponent can break through. This mission is also perfect for the list - the kill side of Purge is going to favour them massively in this game, and being able to turn 1 Strategic Reserve an Armiger certainly isn't nothing on top. Their firepower is also great for taking down the Drukhari menace, and the onus is very much on the Aeldari to find an answer.

Not going to lie, it's going to be tough. Taking down Armigers is fine with the dark lances and small Incubi units, but without a full Incubi unit it's going to be tough for them to proactively deal with the big ones. Purge is also a nightmare to try and deny objectives on, so the Knights are definitely going to tick up a decent amount of Primary.

I think as the Drukhari here you have to just go ultra cautious and target a Secret Mission, especially if you're going second. The flip side of the scoring on Purge is that you can get to 20pts very easily, so do that, try to stop a few turns of Kill More from the Knights, and focus on killing the Armigers first. Hope that that gives enough of an advantage on Secondaries to overcome the fact that the Knights may well still reach 40+, and hope that does enough. I think it's a stiff challenge still, as it's really only going to take one bad swing and miss turn to create an insurmountable lead for the Knights. That does seem to broadly be what happened - the Drukhari put up an OK score, but the Knights topped 90, which I don't realistically think the Drukhari ever beat.

Result

Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) Victory - 94 - 75

Matthew Pearce - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 1st Place

Imperial Knights. Credit: Matt Pearce

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Terran (1990 Points)

Imperial Knights Noble Lance Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (435 Points) • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor • 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser • 1x Freedom's Hand

Cerastus Knight Lancer (460 Points) • 1x Cerastus shock lance • Enhancements: Banner of Macharius Triumphant

Knight Crusader (470 Points) • Warlord • 1x Avenger gatling cannon • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Questoris heavy stubber • 1x Questoris heavy stubber • 1x Rapid-fire battle cannon • 1x Stormspear rocket pod • 1x Titanic feet • Enhancements: Mysterious Guardian

BATTLELINE

Armiger Helverin (140 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (150 Points) • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear

ALLIED UNITS

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

Subductor Squad (85 Points) • 1x Proctor-Subductor ◦ 1x Arbites shotpistol ◦ 1x Nuncio-acquila ◦ 1x Shock maul • 9x Subductor ◦ 9x Arbites shotpistol ◦ 9x Shock maul • 1x Cyber-mastiff ◦ 1x Mechanical bite

Exported with App Version: v1.20.0 (44), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Big Robot

Thoughts

Hell yeah chivalry is back baby. It's notable that right now a lot of top builds have tools for spiking one big target at medium range while hefty units like Mutaliths and Deathwing Knights hold the line, but three can be a bit much for them to handle. With that in mind, triple bigs feels like it's in a better place than it has been for a while, and this particular setup seems strong (though I think you could happily swap in an Atrapos for the Crusader depending on exactly what you expect to face). Great fun to see out doing well, congratulations to Matthew (and thanks for sending us the awesome photo).

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - John McLachlan - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Extra shooty Crusher Monster Mash, maxing out on Exocrines and Tyrannofexes.
  • 3rd (4.5-0.5) - Luke Cruse - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Wolf Jail with a few extra shooty units at the back.
  • 4th - Alex Towse - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis/Crusader at the helm, Armigers and a bunch of Imperial Agents for a bit of extra board presence.
  • 5th - Liam Giles - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): C'tan spamming Hypercrupt, with enmitic Lokhusts to handle any more numerous foes.
  • 6th - Sam Wong - Astra Militarum: Double Dorn guard with a Bullgryn brick to hold the foe at bay.
  • 7th - George Batch - Chaos Knights: Hyper-aggro Chaos Knights with a Rampager and Lancer.

War for the Forge 2024 40k GT

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Coraopolis, PA, US on September 14 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Malaki Fowler - Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
The Final Boss (2000 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Cult of Magic

CHARACTERS

Ahriman on Disc of Tzeentch (140 points) • 1x Black Staff of Ahriman 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Psychic Stalk

Exalted Sorcerer (120 points) • 1x Astral Blast 1x Force weapon 1x Prosperine khopesh 1x Warpflame pistol • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

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

Thousand Sons Daemon Prince (205 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Lord of Forbidden Lore

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Thousand Sons Forgefiend (135 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Thousand Sons Forgefiend (135 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Exported with App Version: v1.18.0 (46), Data Version: v464

Archetype

Heavy Thousand Sons

Thoughts

Good news everyone, there's a new top Thousand Sons build. I'm sure you're all delighted. We haven't had enough of those. Give me strength. Anyway, adding Forgefiends on top of the Mutaliths creates a horrifying wall of threats for any foe to try and handle, and adding a Daemon Prince for Stealth makes it even tougher to chew through. It also diversifies the ranged onslaught, so foes get to enjoy a fun mixture of Mortal Wounds and efficient firepower, which they will love, and there's still a massive warpflamer brick to punish foes who underestimate Overwatch. This list is exceptionally nasty even by the standards of Tsons, great work from Malaki putting it together.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Erik Hnida - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Mechanised Infantry backed by a full unit each of Ironstriders and Dragoons, Ruststalkers for melee shock value, and a couple of Disintegrators.
  • 3rd - Isaac Jernigan - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Standard Deathwing Gladius.
  • 4th - Joshua Kovel - Space Wolves (Champions of Russ): Champion-flavour Wolf Jail, featuring some Wolf Scouts, something I resent deeply as I had to look up what they do. Scouts, but with lightning claws on the sergeant and a meltagun, apparently.
  • 5th - Larry Paladin - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Deathwing Gladius with a bit of extra shooting, adding a full Hellblaster unit for Azrael to walk around with, plus a Ballistus.

Riverhammer 2024

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Joensuu, Pohjois-Karjala, Finland on September 14 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Eero Saukkonen - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 1st Place

Bullgryn. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
These are my 18 Bullgryns. There are many like them, but these ones are mine. My 18 Bullgryns are my best friends. They are my life. (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Regiment

CHARACTERS

Lord Solar Leontus (125 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin's hooves 1x Sol's Righteous Gaze

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 points) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Command Rod 1x Tempestus dagger • Enhancement: Grand Strategist • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

Platoon Command Squad (60 points) • 1x Platoon Commander • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 2x Veteran Guardsman • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Lasgun 2x Laspistol 1x Master Vox 1x Regimental Standard • 1x Veteran Heavy Weapons Team • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Mortar

Tank Commander (205 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Tank Commander (205 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

BATTLELINE

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Armoured Sentinels (195 points) • 3x Armoured Sentinel • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Hunter-killer missile 3x Lascannon 3x Sentinel chainsaw

Bullgryn Squad (180 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (180 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (180 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 5x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon

Hellhound (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon 1x Multi-melta

Hellhound (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon 1x Multi-melta

Tempestus Scions (50 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Plasma gun

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

Archetype

Board Control Guard

Thoughts

Another guard build to round us off, this time cutting the Dorns, and going for the maximisation of Reinforcements via a big Armoured Sentinel squad, and a more grindy plan with double Tank Commanders. Still 18 Bullgryn though. Love those guys. Well done Eero.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Niklas Ojalainen - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Four Infantry units (one of which is a big Allarus brick), two Caladius tanks, and some extra board presence via the Battle Sister/Immolator split unit from Agents.
  • 3rd - Juuso Sipiläinen - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Shootier Deathwing GTF, adding Hellblasters and an Inceptor squad.
  • 4th - Kaarle Tukia - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Speedy Flame Sisters.
  • 5th - Touko Kästämä - Thousand Sons: Notch up another for Triple Mutalith and double Forgefiend, going very light on Rubricae to afford it.

Wrap Up

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Tags: Space Marines | chaos space marines | imperial knights | Death Guard | Warhammer 40k | Thousand Sons | drukhari | Dark Angels | grey knights | Astra Militarum | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Leagues of Votann

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