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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: The Brood is Back pt.2

by Lowest of Men | Mar 06 2026

Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

Event News - Goonhammer UK Teams March 2026

Extremely Final call for the one team ticket remaining for the first Goonhammer Open UK of 2026 - which this time is going to be our first Teams tournament.

If you were on the fence, we are also excited to announce that at this event, we have Golden Tickets for the full winning team of five! GW have just announced that the WCW is moving to Barcelona this year, so if you want to set your whole squad up for a European Warhammer getaway, sign up now!

The event is a 5-player Team Tournament with WTC Terrain on 14th-15th March in Leicester, check out the details below:

This Week's Events

Part 2 on Friday:
  • Clutch City GT 2026
  • II GT WARHAMMER 40K KANARIAN OPEN
  • Bolters and Broken Hearts GT
  • Tabletop Grotz Open
Part 1 on Wednesday:
  • Scheunenkloppen Open 2026: Warzone Erkelenz 4
  • That 6++ Grand Tournament: North 2026
  • CAGBASH XIX Warhammer 40k at Cincycon 2026
  • "Casi Casi GT 2.0"
Part 3 on Saturday:
  • Scorched Earth Open 2026 - 40K Fundraiser GT
  • Dark Sphere February GT
  • South East Siege 2: Attack of the Kin
  • March Madness, Indonesia's 3rd GT and Warhammer World Qualifier

Clutch City GT 2026

133-player, 6-round Major in Houston, TX, US on February 28 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

David Hall - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe) - 1st Place

Nightbringer and Void Dragon. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
****Settlers of Ctan (2000 Points)

Necrons Pantheon of Woe Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (325 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (345 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (330 Points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades • 1x Spear of the Void Dragon • 1x Voltaic storm

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Gauntlet of Fire • 1x Staff of the Destroyer

Transcendent C'tan (330 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

BATTLELINE

Immortals (70 Points) • 5x Immortal ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Tesla carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic exterminator

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Tomb Blades (75 Points) • 3x Tomb Blade ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Shadowloom ◦ 3x Twin tesla carbine

Tomb Blades (75 Points) • 3x Tomb Blade ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Shadowloom ◦ 3x Twin tesla carbine

Tomb Blades (75 Points) • 3x Tomb Blade ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Shadowloom ◦ 3x Twin tesla carbine

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Pantheon C'tan

Thoughts

Chunky Pantheon here, with a few intelligent additions. I really like the MSU Tomb Blades here- they can get to the points first, and they also give you some OC rich pieces to counter enemy efforts to play a pure denial game against the C'tan - smart business! There are so many ways to build Crons right now, it's really quite something. Great work on the event win.

Robert Moreland - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Rogal Dorn Tank Commander. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I want GW terrain please (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Grizzled Company Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 Points) • 1x Cadian Commander ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Master Vox • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Medi-pack • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Ursula Creed (85 Points) • Warlord • 1x Duty and Vengeance • 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 1x Chainsword ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Shock Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (60 Points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant ◦ 1x Hunting lance ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Steed's hooves • 4x Rough Rider ◦ 4x Hunting lance ◦ 4x Lasgun ◦ 4x Laspistol ◦ 4x Steed's hooves

Attilan Rough Riders (60 Points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant ◦ 1x Hunting lance ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Steed's hooves • 4x Rough Rider ◦ 4x Hunting lance ◦ 4x Lasgun ◦ 4x Laspistol ◦ 4x Steed's hooves

Attilan Rough Riders (60 Points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant ◦ 1x Hunting lance ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Steed's hooves • 4x Rough Rider ◦ 4x Hunting lance ◦ 4x Lasgun ◦ 4x Laspistol ◦ 4x Steed's hooves

Cyclops Demolition Vehicle (25 Points)

Death Riders (60 Points) • 1x Ridemaster ◦ 1x Death Rider lascarbine ◦ 1x Frag lance ◦ 1x Power sabre ◦ 1x Savage claws • 4x Death Rider ◦ 4x Death Rider lascarbine ◦ 4x Frag lance ◦ 4x Power sabre ◦ 4x Savage claws

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat shotgun ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat shotgun ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine

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

Ratlings (60 Points) • 5x Ratling Sniper ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Sniper rifle

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.45.0 (1), Data Version: v720

Archetype

Non-Bullgryn Grizzled

Thoughts

More squishy infantry and supporting tanks for this Grizzled list, with some nice touches. The Cyclops Demolition vehicle is particularly fun against surge based melee armies- it explodes when surged into, leaving the bricks in the wind ready to be shot by the rest of the Guard shooting phase. It also doubles up as super cheap scoring! Great work on the top placing.

Justin Moore - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place

Redemptor Dreadnought. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Bobby G and Calgar walk into a bar.... (2000 points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (80 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancement: Artificer Armour

Marneus Calgar (200 points) • 1x Marneus Calgar • 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard • 2x Victrix power sword

Roboute Guilliman (340 points) • 1x Emperor's Sword 1x Hand of Dominion

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Intercessor • 1x Astartes grenade launcher 4x Bolt pistol 4x Bolt rifle 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Incursor Squad (80 points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Occulus bolt carbine 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor • 4x Bolt pistol 1x Haywire Mine 4x Occulus bolt carbine 4x Paired combat blades

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Macro plasma incinerator 1x Onslaught gatling cannon 1x Redemptor fist 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

Repulsor Executioner (220 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Combat knife 1x Heavy bolter

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (100 points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Storm Shield 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack • 4x Storm Shield 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (220 points) • 1x Chapter Ancient • 1x Banner of Macragge 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Chapter Champion • 1x Blades of honour • 4x Victrix Honour Guard • 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine 4x Master-crafted power weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Gunline Gladius

Thoughts

Ultramarines have been firmly in '+1 to wound gunline with a smattering of Victrix' mode for awhile now, and this list is no exception. You can keep the foe busy with Dreadnoughts and elite combat bricks long enough for the massed guns to lift them from the table. Gladius still boasts flexibility and fight on death for enemy pressure, even though many now favour Blades. Excellent work on the top placing!

Chaos Space Marines (Fellhammer Siege-host) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Marauders? Warband? Who tf is Hugh Jardon Blackart?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Space Marines + DETACHMENT: Fellhammer Siege‑host (Iron Fortitude) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Abaddon the Despoiler + ENHANCEMENT: Bastion Plate (on Char5: Chaos Lord in Terminator Armour) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 12 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Abaddon the Despoiler (270 pts) 1 with Drach'nyen, Talon of Horus, Warlord

Char5: 1x Chaos Lord in Terminator Armour (95 pts) 1 with Combi-weapon, Chainfist Enhancement: Bastion Plate (+10 pts)

Char2: 1x Cypher (90 pts) 1 with Cypher's bolt pistol, Cypher's plasma pistol

Char3: 2x Fabius Bile (100 pts) • 1x Fabius Bile 1 with Rod of Torment, The Chirurgeon, Xyclos needler • 1x Surgeon Acolyte 1 with Surgeon Acolyte's tools

Char4: 1x Vashtorr the Arkifane (175 pts) 1 with Vashtorr's claw, Vashtorr's hammer

BATTLELINE

10x Cultist Mob (50 pts) • 1x Cultist Champion 1 with Brutal assault weapon, Autopistol • 9x Cultist 9 with Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

3x Chaos Bikers (70 pts) • 1x Biker Champion 1 with Close combat weapon, Combi-bolter, Power fist, Chaos icon • 2x Biker 2 with Close combat weapon, Combi-bolter, Plasma gun, Astartes chainsword

10x Chaos Terminator Squad (360 pts) • 1x Terminator Champion 1 with Chainfist, Combi-weapon • 1x Chainfist and combi-weapon 1 with Chainfist, Combi-weapon • 2x Heavy weapon 2 with Power fist, Reaper autocannon • 2x Paired accursed weapons 2 with Paired accursed weapons • 4x Power fist and combi-weapon 4 with Combi-weapon, Power fist

10x Chosen (250 pts) • 1x Chosen Champion 1 with Plasma pistol, Power fist, Boltgun, Chaos icon • 9x Chosen 2 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Boltgun 4 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Combi-weapon 2 with Paired accursed weapons, Plasma pistol 1 with Boltgun, Plasma pistol, Power fist

5x Chosen (125 pts) • 1x Chosen Champion 1 with Plasma pistol, Power fist, Boltgun, Chaos icon • 4x Chosen 1 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Boltgun 2 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Combi-weapon 1 with Paired accursed weapons, Plasma pistol

1x Forgefiend (170 pts) 1 with 2x Ectoplasma cannon, Armoured limbs, Ectoplasma cannon

10x Possessed (240 pts) • 10x Possessed 9 with Hideous mutations 1 with Hideous mutations, Chaos icon

Archetype

Chonky Fellhammer

Thoughts

Jamming a bunch of tough dudes in a circle around Abaddon has seen some use in Bile in recent times - but this list ports that over to the durability skew of Fellhammer instead. Abby makes this punch harder than it looks and take more of a beating too, and combos well with the -1 to wound available here. This list is taking Mid-board, and it's not going to let go until you kill it. Simple, brutal, effective, I love it. Great work!

The Best of the Rest

There was 19 more player on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 5th (4.5-0.5) - Zach Meyer - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Big boy knights with a couple of Armigers in speedy Questoris.
  • 6th - Thomas Greer - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Bullgryn / Dorn Grizzled.
  • 7th - Warren Lauderdale - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): That bloody Land Raider list.
  • 8th - Brandon Lovato - Blood Angels (Rage-Cursed Onslaught): RCO pressure with Death Company bricks.
  • 9th - Ryan Young - Tyranids (Assimilation Swarm): Massed Termagents, a Tervigon, and Exocrines in this novel Assim Swarm list.
  • 10th - Eric Tadt - Genestealer Cult (Final Day): Melee-centric Final Day with Ravener and Aberrant bricks.
  • 11th - Niall Kitching - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Guard and Warden spam.
  • 12th - Ryan Jewell - Grey Knights (Warpbane Taskforce): Massed Dreadknights.
  • 13th - Simon Alviar IV - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Lots of C'tan and the Silent King.
  • 14th - Gregory Harris - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): A Tyrant, Atropos, and Despoiler with some friends.
  • 15th - TJ Bruce - Necrons (Cursed Legion): Destroyers and C'tan in Cursed Legion.
  • 16th - Dominic Gierber - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Aberrant and Metamorph bricks in Biosanctic.
  • 17th - NATHANIEL BJORGE - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): C'tan spam.
  • 18th - Justin Dunn - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven goodstuff with Magnus and MVBs.
  • 19th - Thors Ignerson - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): A full triple bricks of Inner Circle Companions with some Ravenwing.
  • 20th - Noah Lockard - Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead): A very violent Speeder / Redempt
  • 21st - Ethan Nolen - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Angron / Eightbound heavy Warband.
  • 22nd - T Chambliss - Adepta Sororitas (Army of Faith): Celestians, Sancitifiers, and plenty of Melta in Army of Faith.
  • 23rd - Brandon Sosa - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorum): Double Land Raider / Triple Drone with Mortarion in Vectorum - this looks exceptionally fun.

II GT WARHAMMER 40K KANARIAN OPEN

53-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Arona, CN, España on February 27 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Marcos Sokram Mejias - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Angron's Fitness Club (2000 Points)

World Eaters Berzerker Warband Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Angron (340 Points) • Warlord • 1x Samni'arius and Spinegrinder

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

Master of Executions (60 Points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment • 1x Bolt pistol

Slaughterbound (135 Points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (90 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (90 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Eightbound (135 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Forgefiend (170 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

Forgefiend (170 Points) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

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

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

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

Archetype

World Eaters Mixed Arms

Thoughts

After a subdued few weeks, it's nice to see WE break through to an event win with this grab bag of Berzerker Warbrand goodstuff. Angron heads up the charge, with lots of MSU Eightbound and the anchoring shooting of Forgefiends behind. It will cleave through infantry armies very readily (Necron Warriors beware!), but I do worry a little for it into C'tan. Terrific work on powering through this unpleasant meta!

Luis Fernando Barrios Faramín - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Bullgryns for a Ratling Kill Team Bullgryns for a Ratling Kill Team. Credit: NotThatHenryC

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Tank Shock (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Grizzled Company

CHARACTERS

Commissar (50 points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • Enhancement: Abhuman Detail

Gaunt's Ghosts (100 points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Gaunt's chainsword • 1x Colm Corbec • 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Elim Rawne • 1x Rawne's lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Hlaine Larkin • 1x Larkin's long-las 1x Straight silver knife • 1x 'Try Again' Bragg • 1x Bragg's autocannon 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Oan Mkoll • 1x Lascarbine 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife

Krieg Command Squad (65 points) • 1x Lord Commissar • 1x Laspistol 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 1x Veteran Guardsman • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 1x Veteran Guardsman • 1x Alchemyk Counteragents 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Servo-scribes • 1x Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Lasgun 1x Master Vox • 1x Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Lasgun 1x Regimental Standard • 1x Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma gun

Lord Solar Leontus (130 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin's hooves 1x Sol's Righteous Gaze

BATTLELINE

Death Korps of Krieg (65 points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Death Korps Medi-pack 7x Lasgun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Artillery Team (95 points) • 1x Crew close combat weapons 1x Heavy mortar 1x Lasgun

Attilan Rough Riders (120 points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Hunting lance 1x Lasgun 1x Laspistol 1x Steed's hooves • 9x Rough Rider • 9x Hunting lance 9x Lasgun 9x Laspistol 9x Steed's hooves

Attilan Rough Riders (60 points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Hunting lance 1x Lasgun 1x Laspistol 1x Power sabre 1x Steed's hooves • 4x Rough Rider • 4x Hunting lance 4x Lasgun 4x Laspistol 4x Steed's hooves

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

Bullgryn Squad (200 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

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 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 (250 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Meltagun 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 2x Meltagun 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.46.1 (107), Data Version: v728

Archetype

Grizzled Goodstuff

Thoughts

A slightly altered Grizzled build that packs in a bit of artillery for nibbling away at enemy scoring, and some Vanquishers for hard target removal at range. Otherwise it's a bit of everything- I'm going to shout out the decision to bring Gaunt's Ghosts. I am endlessly baffled when Guard players don't give themselves agency in the scout lane / infiltrator war, as somebody who absolutely loves to run at Guard early it just seems like a bold call. Excellent work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Eduardo Cortell - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack): Kroot pack with Skyrays and Hammerheads behind.
  • 4th - Nelson WiRm - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): A techier, Khorne heavy take on Incursion with a Bloodthirster and MSU.
  • 5th - Ruyman García - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Massed Guard and Allarus in Lions.
  • 6th - Jose Arturo Pérez Díaz - Chaos Daemons (Blood Legion): Skarbrand, a Bloodthirster and a brick of Crushers leading an unusual Blood Legion list.
  • 7th - Ayoze Hernández - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Lions with Guard, Allarus and some Praetors.
  • 8th - David "Daweed" - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Morty, mini-Morty and a brick of Plague Marines.
  • 9th - Joel Alberto Castro González - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Triple Razorback / Inceptor / Purifier Razorbacks.
  • 10th - José Luis Moreno Macario - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Double Zoan brick Sub Assault.

Bolters and Broken Hearts GT

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Las Cruces, NM, US on February 28 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Adrian Lopez - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite) - 1st Place

Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Say it with me... "Our fight phase." (2000 points)

Drukhari Strike Force (2000 points) Spectacle of Spite

CHARACTERS

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

Succubus (65 points) • Warlord • 1x Archite glaive and agoniser • Enhancement: Chronoshard

Succubus (75 points) • 1x Archite glaive and agoniser • Enhancement: Periapt of Torments

BATTLELINE

Wyches (90 points) • 1x Hekatrix • 1x Blast pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Wych • 3x Gladiatorial weapons 6x Hekatarii blade 6x Splinter pistol

Wyches (90 points) • 1x Hekatrix • 1x Blast pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Wych • 3x Gladiatorial weapons 6x Hekatarii blade 6x Splinter pistol

Wyches (90 points) • 1x Hekatrix • 1x Blast pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Wych • 3x Gladiatorial weapons 6x Hekatarii blade 6x Splinter pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Raider (85 points) • 1x Bladevanes and chainsnares 1x Dark lance

Raider (85 points) • 1x Bladevanes and chainsnares 1x Dark lance

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cronos (55 points) • 1x Spirit syphon 1x Spirit vortex 1x Spirit-leech tentacles

Hellions (170 points) • 1x Helliarch • 1x Hellglaive 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher 1x Splinter pods • 9x Hellion • 9x Hellglaive 9x Splinter pods

Hellions (170 points) • 1x Helliarch • 1x Hellglaive 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher 1x Splinter pods • 9x Hellion • 9x Hellglaive 9x Splinter pods

Hellions (85 points) • 1x Helliarch • 1x Hellglaive 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher 1x Splinter pods • 4x Hellion • 4x Hellglaive 4x Splinter pods

Mandrakes (75 points) • 1x Nightfiend • 1x Baleblast 1x Glimmersteel blade • 4x Mandrake • 4x Baleblast 4x Glimmersteel blade

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

Reavers (140 points) • 1x Arena Champion • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter pistol 1x Splinter rifle • 5x Reaver • 5x Bladevanes 1x Cluster caltrops 1x Grav-talon 1x Heat lance 5x Splinter pistol 4x Splinter rifle

Reavers (70 points) • 1x Arena Champion • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter pistol 1x Splinter rifle • 2x Reaver • 2x Bladevanes 1x Grav-talon 1x Heat lance 2x Splinter pistol 1x Splinter rifle

Reavers (70 points) • 1x Arena Champion • 1x Bladevanes 1x Splinter pistol 1x Splinter rifle • 2x Reaver • 2x Bladevanes 1x Grav-talon 1x Heat lance 2x Splinter pistol 1x Splinter rifle

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 points) • 1x Solarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power weapon • 4x Scourge • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dark lance

Exported with App Version: v1.47.0 (110), Data Version: v743

Archetype

Gun-Heavy Spite

Thoughts

Spectacle adapts for the meta in front of it, packing in more Dark Lances, Raiders to keep the Wych bricks larger and moving faster, and a big Reaver brick for early pressure. I can't quite condone the lack of Venoms but the results here speak for themselves - as the meta leans harder into big monsters and bricks of infantry, the MSU wyches can't keep up. Adapting for the times has yielded the results here!!! Amazing work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Taylor John-Morton - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Bullgryn / Dorn / Kasrkin Grizzled.
  • 3rd - Jon Camacho - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): VO pressure with Zoans, Genestealers and Von Ryans.
  • 4th - Anthony Brito - Chaos (Daemonic Incursion): Chunky all-in monster DI with Shalaxi in tow.
  • 5th - Marcel Parra - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Big bug little bug pressure in IF.
  • 6th - Steve Spangler - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Triptide Mont'ka pressure.
  • 7th - Ivan Campa - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): MSU Slaanesh Possessed and a Warp Talon brick with guns behind.

Tabletop Grotz Open

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Neuburg an der Donau, BY, Deutschland on February 28 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown - Necrons (Cursed Legion) versus Adeptas Sorotitas (Champions of Faith)

Linchpin - Search & Destroy

Fritz Peters - Necrons (Cursed Legion)
Army List - Click to Expand
Necs - Destroyer Cult 01/2026 (1995 Points)

Necrons Cursed Legion Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (285 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 Points) • 1x Gauntlet of Fire • 1x Staff of the Destroyer

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 Points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) • 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Overlord (105 Points) • Warlord • 1x Resurrection Orb • 1x Voidscythe • Enhancements: Destroyer Ankh

Technomancer (95 Points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancements: Murdermind

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 Points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers ◦ 2x Claws ◦ 1x Transdimensional isolator ◦ 1x Twin gauss reaper

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

Lychguard (170 Points) • 10x Lychguard ◦ 10x Dispersion Shield ◦ 10x Hyperphase sword

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 1x Plasmacyte ◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 1x Plasmacyte ◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732



vs.

Adrian Karmann - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith)
Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adepta Sororitas + DETACHMENT: Champions of Faith (Righteous Purpose) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Morvenn Vahl + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 17 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char3: 1x Canoness (60 pts): Rod of Office, Power weapon, Plasma pistol Char4: 1x Hospitaller (60 pts): Bolt pistol, Chirugeon's tools Char5: 1x Hospitaller (60 pts): Bolt pistol, Chirugeon's tools Char1: 1x Morvenn Vahl (185 pts): Warlord, Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon missile launcher Char2: 3x Saint Celestine (150 pts) • 2x Geminae Superia: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Power Weapon • 1x Saint Celestine: The Ardent Blade

10x Battle Sisters Squad (105 pts) • 9x Battle Sister 6 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Simulacrum Imperialis, Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Meltagun • 1x Sister Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Inferno pistol

10x Celestian Sacresants (140 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior: Spear of the Faithful, Inferno pistol • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd): 9 with Anointed Halberd, Bolt pistol 10x Celestian Sacresants (140 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior: Spear of the Faithful, Inferno pistol • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd): 9 with Anointed Halberd, Bolt pistol 10x Celestian Sacresants (140 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior: Spear of the Faithful, Inferno pistol • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace): 9 with Bolt pistol, Hallowed Mace 10x Dominion Squad (120 pts) • 9x Dominion 4 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Simulacrum Imperialis, Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Meltagun • 1x Dominion Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Inferno pistol 1x Immolator (115 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Immolation Flamers 1x Immolator (115 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta 1x Immolator (115 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta 3x Paragon Warsuits (210 pts) • 1x Paragon Superior: Bolt pistol, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Mace, Multi-melta • 2x Paragon Warsuit: 2 with Bolt pistol, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade, Multi-melta 5x Retributor Squad (120 pts) • 1x Retributor Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Inferno pistol • 4x Retributor: 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta 5x Seraphim Squad (80 pts) • 1x Seraphim Superior: Close combat weapon, Plasma pistol, Power Weapon • 2x Seraphim: 2 with 2x Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon • 2x Seraphim with Special Weapons: 2 with Close combat weapon, 2x Ministorum hand flamer 5x Zephyrim Squad (80 pts) • 1x Zephyrim Superior: Sacred Banner, Power Weapon, Plasma pistol • 4x Zephyrim: 4 with Bolt pistol, Power Weapon

Thoughts

When a showdown ends in a blowout, it falls to us to try and dissect why. I think in this case it comes down to what the two armies are looking to do, and what happens if they both apply this at the same time.

In the Sisters corner, the Champions list is all about tarpit ressurection via Sacrosanct bricks. These are more durable than they appear, but ultimately, a limited number of wound on T3 bodies. For supporting output it is relying heavily on Vahl to get things done - misuse her, or trade her cheaply, and things get scary because it's basically transports and MSU left.

The Necron list is not like it's peers- Cursed Legion is faster, punchier, and angrier, and looks to get in your face early. The Lychguard brick is plying a similar trade to the Sacrosancts - but it is tough, has more wounds, and grows back more often. If Vahl dies before the C'tan are taken care of, this list will simply run away with the attrition war and the SUSTAINED HITS from Ammentar make it far more capable of pushing through the Stat Check the Sisters are attempting.  In the end, I suspect a combination of these things came to pass, leaving the Necrons triumphant once again.

Result

Necrons (Cursed Legion) Victory - 18 - 2

Fritz Peters - Necrons (Cursed Legion) - 1st Place

Nekrosor Ammentar. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Necs - Destroyer Cult 01/2026 (1995 Points)

Necrons Cursed Legion Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (285 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 Points) • 1x Gauntlet of Fire • 1x Staff of the Destroyer

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 Points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) • 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Overlord (105 Points) • Warlord • 1x Resurrection Orb • 1x Voidscythe • Enhancements: Destroyer Ankh

Technomancer (95 Points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancements: Murdermind

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 Points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers ◦ 2x Claws ◦ 1x Transdimensional isolator ◦ 1x Twin gauss reaper

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

Lychguard (170 Points) • 10x Lychguard ◦ 10x Dispersion Shield ◦ 10x Hyperphase sword

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 1x Plasmacyte ◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 1x Plasmacyte ◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Cursed Legion

Thoughts

Cursed Legion takes an event win here. The Lychguard brick can push out unusually fast (for Necrons) with Advance and Charge / Auto 6, which let's you pressure into areas C'tan struggle to reach. Otherwise it's fairly classic Necrons - plenty of MSU Destroyers as the big lads anchor the mid-board. Fantastic work on the event win!!

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Hansjörg Metzger - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): C'tan spam and supporting MSU.
  • 3rd - Landric MacMillan - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Host of Ascension Neophyte spam with a brick of Metamorphs for melee.
  • 4th - Alexander Probst - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Double Plague Marine bricks in Champs.

Wrap Up

That's all for now folks! An absence of melee pressure and an abundance of stat checks appears to have let my beloved GSC back into the meta, which is exciting. How will the slate impact things? One imagines not... too much, but there is plenty afoot as we head into March!

Have fun out there,

Lowest of Men, out.

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Tags: Space Marines | chaos space marines | world eaters | Necrons | Warhammer 40k | drukhari | Astra Militarum | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | ultramaries

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