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

Competitive Innovations in 10th: The Calm Before the Swarm pt.2

by Lowest of Men | Nov 07 2025
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.

Even now the glorious clashes at the World Championships are ongoing - we don't know who's winning yet, but next week we'll have the full lowdown. For now - more events.

Part 2 on Friday:
  • LDXP Tacoma 2025 Grand Tournament
  • Hallowagh 2 - Electricboogaloo - GT
  • MID-MO Maelstrom
  • Atomic City Warzone 2025
Part 1 on Wednesday:
  • Mad Alpacalypse Warhammer 40k Major
  • Risky Rollers Open 2025
  • Route 66 Warhammer Grand Tournament
  • South Yorkshire GT 2
  • Courage & Honour XI

LDXP Tacoma 2025 Grand Tournament

70-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Tacoma, WA, United States on November 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre) versus Astra Militarum (Combined Arms)

Donald Plummer - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre)
Army List - Click to Expand
aux 2x2 (2000 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Auxiliary Cadre

CHARACTERS

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (95 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 1x High-output burst cannon 1x Marker Drone 2x Missile pod 1x Shield Drone

Ethereal (70 points) • Warlord • 1x Honour stave 1x Hover Drone 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Admired Leader

Ethereal (50 points) • 1x Honour stave 1x Hover Drone 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (120 points) • 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Gun Drone 2x Missile pod 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Gun Drone 4x Missile pod 2x Shield Drone

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Cyclic ion raker 1x Ghostkeel fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot carbine 1x Kroot pistol • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 8x Kroot rifle 1x Tanglebomb launcher

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Riders (60 points) • 2x Krootox Rider • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Krootox fists 2x Repeater cannon

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Riptide Battlesuit (190 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin smart missile system

Riptide Battlesuit (190 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin smart missile system

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack 2x Smart missile system

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack 2x Smart missile system

Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Vespid Stingwings (65 points) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader • 1x Neutron blaster 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwing • 4x Neutron blaster 4x Stingwing claws

Vespid Stingwings (65 points) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader • 1x Neutron blaster 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwing • 4x Neutron blaster 4x Stingwing claws

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705



vs.

Caleb Smith - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms)
Army List - Click to Expand
CADIA STANDS! . . . just in a lot more places than it used to . . .

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Combined Arms (Lethal Hits) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Ursula Creed + ENHANCEMENT: Grand Strategist (on Char4: Rogal Dorn Commander) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (7x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 4 Characters - Cull The Horde: 1x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 6x Gaunt's Ghosts (100 pts) • 5x Tanith Ghost 1 with Tanith Ghost, Bragg's autocannon, Straight silver knife 1 with Tanith Ghost, Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine, Straight silver knife 1 with Tanith Ghost, Larkin's long-las, Straight silver knife 1 with Tanith Ghost, Lascarbine, Mkoll's straight silver knife 1 with Tanith Ghost, Rawne's lascarbine, Straight silver knife • 1x Ibram Gaunt: Bolt pistol, Gaunt's chainsword Char2: 1x Ursula Creed (85 pts): Warlord, Duty and Vengeance, Power weapon Char3: 5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Power fist, Plasma pistol 1 with Master vox, Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Medi-pack, Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Regimental standard • 1x Cadian Commander: Power fist, Plasma pistol Char4: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (290 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Meltagun, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon Enhancement: Grand Strategist (+15 pts)

10x Cadian Shock Troops (65 pts) • 9x Shock Trooper 6 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Vox-caster, Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 1 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Chainsword 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 pts) • 9x Jungle Fighter 6 with Catachan Jungle Fighter, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Catachan Jungle Fighter, Close combat weapon, Flamer 1 with Vox-caster, Catachan Jungle Fighter, Close combat weapon, Lasgun • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant: Close combat weapon, Laspistol 20x Death Korps of Krieg (145 pts) • 18x Death Korps Trooper 10 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Vox-caster, Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Flamer 2 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Meltagun • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster: 2 with Power weapon, Plasma pistol

10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol 5x Ratlings (60 pts): 5 with Close combat weapon, Sniper rifle 1x Hellhound (125 pts): Hunter-killer missile, Inferno cannon, Multi-melta, Armoured tracks 1x Leman Russ Battle Tank (185 pts): Armoured tracks, Leman Russ battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy stubber 1x Leman Russ Battle Tank (185 pts): Armoured tracks, Leman Russ battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy stubber 1x Scout Sentinels (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Hunter-killer missile, Sentinel chainsaw, Lascannon 1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber 1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber 1x Taurox (75 pts): Armoured tracks, Twin autocannon, Storm bolter

Thoughts

An interesting showdown here that highlights some of my own personal thoughts on the wider meta. Observing the game commentating for UKTCTV at Coventry, my feeling was, outside of a few very extreme, fast damage armies (Eldar, Raven Guard) we were looking at a shooting heavy, board control meta. Massive width of assets, decent long range shooting and good reach all seemed to be winning out and in the ascendancy, with melee pressure not quite enjoying the dominance some had anticipated!

This showdown very much follows that trend, with the go-wide, asset rich Guard shooting against go-wide, asset rich T'au shooting. The Auxiliary list has some massive push threats in Rampagers, plenty of supporting scoring and shooting pieces, and a fire base of Riptides and Skyrays. The latter seem a logical choice in an elf-rich meta, especially with new Drukhari coming in too! T'au have had a sensational few weeks, and this detachment is one of the less represented one, so it is extremely cool to see it make a final here.

The Guard list is textbook combined arms - shove transports with Catachans and Kasrkin in, do a violence to the enemy, absorb the retaliation and then apply Leman Russ and Rogal Dorn to the head. The Ratling / Helhound indicates a shift more towards ranged and mixed arms match ups, with the Bullgryn staying home. Overall I would struggle to call this match up - It does feel like the T'au will have to commit some real juice to get the transports open if the Rampagers can't get into a good position early in the game, and that might expose them to late game collapse. If the two combat bricks can connect and open the mid-board up, taking advantage of the T'au combat superiority (sorry guys, I just desperately wanted to write that sentence), the Greater Good may well take it. In the event, the Guard romped to a close victory!

Result

Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) Victory - 78 - 68

Caleb Smith - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 1st Place

Death Korps of Krieg. Rockfish Death Korps of Krieg. Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
CADIA STANDS! . . . just in a lot more places than it used to . . .

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Combined Arms (Lethal Hits) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Ursula Creed + ENHANCEMENT: Grand Strategist (on Char4: Rogal Dorn Commander) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (7x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 4 Characters - Cull The Horde: 1x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 6x Gaunt's Ghosts (100 pts) • 5x Tanith Ghost 1 with Tanith Ghost, Bragg's autocannon, Straight silver knife 1 with Tanith Ghost, Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine, Straight silver knife 1 with Tanith Ghost, Larkin's long-las, Straight silver knife 1 with Tanith Ghost, Lascarbine, Mkoll's straight silver knife 1 with Tanith Ghost, Rawne's lascarbine, Straight silver knife • 1x Ibram Gaunt: Bolt pistol, Gaunt's chainsword Char2: 1x Ursula Creed (85 pts): Warlord, Duty and Vengeance, Power weapon Char3: 5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Power fist, Plasma pistol 1 with Master vox, Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Medi-pack, Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Regimental standard • 1x Cadian Commander: Power fist, Plasma pistol Char4: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (290 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Meltagun, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon Enhancement: Grand Strategist (+15 pts)

10x Cadian Shock Troops (65 pts) • 9x Shock Trooper 6 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Vox-caster, Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 1 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Chainsword 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 pts) • 9x Jungle Fighter 6 with Catachan Jungle Fighter, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Catachan Jungle Fighter, Close combat weapon, Flamer 1 with Vox-caster, Catachan Jungle Fighter, Close combat weapon, Lasgun • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant: Close combat weapon, Laspistol 20x Death Korps of Krieg (145 pts) • 18x Death Korps Trooper 10 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Vox-caster, Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Flamer 2 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Meltagun • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster: 2 with Power weapon, Plasma pistol

10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol 5x Ratlings (60 pts): 5 with Close combat weapon, Sniper rifle 1x Hellhound (125 pts): Hunter-killer missile, Inferno cannon, Multi-melta, Armoured tracks 1x Leman Russ Battle Tank (185 pts): Armoured tracks, Leman Russ battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy stubber 1x Leman Russ Battle Tank (185 pts): Armoured tracks, Leman Russ battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy stubber 1x Scout Sentinels (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Hunter-killer missile, Sentinel chainsaw, Lascannon 1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber 1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber 1x Taurox (75 pts): Armoured tracks, Twin autocannon, Storm bolter

Archetype

Combined Arms

Thoughts

Combined Arms Guard eh. It just keeps on keeping on! Big brick of Kriegers as bait / tarpit, check. Lots of tanks, check. Transports to get the anti-tank out so your tanks can kill it, check. A very, very reasonable amount of OC to shove forwards. Check! I feel a little bit for Guard players- the options available to them seem to have dropped off hard, but Combined keeps on giving, and in skilled hands, they can win events - very well done on achieving exactly that Caleb!!

Chris Jung - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) - 2nd Place

Ûthar the Destined. Credit: Rockfish Ûthar the Destined. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Behold! The great wisdom of the Votann GPT-5 ancestor core!

"Ah, I see exactly what you're going for—you want a deliberately terrible, almost comically self-sabotaging Hearthband list for the LDXP Tacoma GT. Perfect, I can craft something that's absurdly unplayable yet legal enough to exist. Here's a list designed to go 0-6:"

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Hearthband

CHARACTERS

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

Kâhl (80 points) • 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Teleport Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancement: Ironskein

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Theyn's melee weapon 1x Theyn's pistol 1x Weavefield crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x HYLas auto rifle 1x HYLas rotary cannon 7x Ion blaster

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 points) • 1x Theyn • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Theyn's melee weapon 1x Theyn's pistol 1x Weavefield crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior • 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x HYLas auto rifle 1x HYLas rotary cannon 7x Ion blaster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

Sagitaur (95 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Bolt revolver 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma knife • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 1x APM launcher 7x Bolt revolver 9x Close combat weapon 1x Magna-coil rifle 7x Plasma knife

Archetype

Hearthband MSU

Thoughts

Rule number one- never trust the player with the 'lol my list is so rubbish' intro - they've already thought about this far, far too much. Hearthband have emerged as among the strongest ways to play Votann, with great tricks (6 inch deep strike AND 6 inch pile in and consolidate stratagems help them get places Dwarves often can't), and very considerable anti-marine shooting output (a 5 man of Hearthguard deletes a 10 man of Marines at range, and cripples another one in melee given half a chance!). It's a dynamo of a detachment with the new book rules applied, and I am excited that it's finally having the moment it deserves!

Donald Plummer - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre) - 3rd Place

Krootox Rampager Krootox Rampager. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
aux 2x2 (2000 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Auxiliary Cadre

CHARACTERS

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (95 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 1x High-output burst cannon 1x Marker Drone 2x Missile pod 1x Shield Drone

Ethereal (70 points) • Warlord • 1x Honour stave 1x Hover Drone 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Admired Leader

Ethereal (50 points) • 1x Honour stave 1x Hover Drone 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (120 points) • 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Gun Drone 2x Missile pod 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Gun Drone 4x Missile pod 2x Shield Drone

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Cyclic ion raker 1x Ghostkeel fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot carbine 1x Kroot pistol • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 8x Kroot rifle 1x Tanglebomb launcher

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Riders (60 points) • 2x Krootox Rider • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Krootox fists 2x Repeater cannon

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Riptide Battlesuit (190 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin smart missile system

Riptide Battlesuit (190 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin smart missile system

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack 2x Smart missile system

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack 2x Smart missile system

Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Vespid Stingwings (65 points) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader • 1x Neutron blaster 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwing • 4x Neutron blaster 4x Stingwing claws

Vespid Stingwings (65 points) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader • 1x Neutron blaster 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwing • 4x Neutron blaster 4x Stingwing claws

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Mixed Arms Aux Cadre

Thoughts

God I love T'au lists with Rampagers in. Adding those big slabs of counter punch just takes the army through to a genuinely interesting and exciting place play style wise, and you have so much mission play and such a diverse ranged toolkit to bring to bear behind it! After a slow start, this book is finally seeing the love and success that eluded it after release. Took us awhile, but we made it guys! Really well done on the top placing.

Gareth Hunt - Orks (Dread Mob) - 4th Place

Mek Gunz - Traktor Kannonz. Credit: Rockfish Mek Gunz - Traktor Kannonz. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Orks + DETACHMENT: Dread Mob (Try Dat Button!) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Ghazghkull Thraka + ENHANCEMENT: Gitfinder Gogglez (on Char4: Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun) & Smoky Gubbinz (on Char7: Mek) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x4) - Assassination: 7 Characters - Cull The Horde: 4x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

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

2x Ghazghkull Thraka (235 pts) • 1x Ghazghkull Thraka • 1x Gork's Klaw • 1x Mork's Roar • Ghazghkull Thraka, Invulnerable Save (4+): Ghazghkull • 1x Makari • 1x Makari's stabba • Makari, Invulnerable Save (2+*): Makari, Warlord

1x Zodgrod Wortsnagga (90 pts) • 1x Da Grabzappa • 1x Squigstoppa

1x Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (90 pts) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Shokk attack gun • Grot assistant • Gitfinder Gogglez (+10 pts)

1x Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (80 pts) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Shokk attack gun • Grot assistant

1x Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (80 pts) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Shokk attack gun • Grot assistant

1x Mek (60 pts) • 1x Kustom mega-slugga • 1x Killsaw • Smoky Gubbinz (+15 pts)

BATTLELINE

20x Boyz (170 pts) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw • 1x Slugga • Boss Nob • 19x Boy • 17x Choppa • 17x Slugga • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Rokkit launcha • 19x Boy

22x Gretchin (80 pts) • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon • 20x Grot blasta • 20x Gretchin • 2x Runtherd • 2x Grot-smacka • 2x Slugga • 2x Runtherd

11x Gretchin (40 pts) • 10x Gretchin • 10x Close combat weapon • 10x Grot blasta • 10x Gretchin • 1x Runtherd • 1x Grot-smacka • 1x Slugga • Runtherd

22x Gretchin (80 pts) • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon • 20x Grot blasta • 20x Gretchin • 2x Runtherd • 2x Grot-smacka • 2x Slugga • 2x Runtherd

22x Gretchin (80 pts) • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon • 20x Grot blasta • 20x Gretchin • 2x Runtherd • 2x Grot-smacka • 2x Slugga • 2x Runtherd

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Flash Gitz (80 pts) • 1x Kaptin • 1x Choppa • 1x Snazzgun • 4x Flash Gitz • 4x Choppa • 4x Snazzgun • Ammo Runt

10x Lootas (100 pts) • 8x Loota • 8x Close combat weapon • 8x Deffgun • 2x Spanner • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Kustom mega-blasta

10x Lootas (100 pts) • 8x Loota • 8x Close combat weapon • 8x Deffgun • 2x Spanner • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Kustom mega-blasta

10x Lootas (100 pts) • 8x Loota • 8x Close combat weapon • 8x Deffgun • 2x Spanner • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Kustom mega-blasta

3x Mek Gunz (150 pts) • 3x Mek Gun • 3x Grot crew • 3x Smasha gun • 3x Mek Gunz

3x Mek Gunz (150 pts) • 3x Mek Gun • 3x Grot crew • 3x Smasha gun • 3x Mek Gunz

3x Mek Gunz (150 pts) • 3x Mek Gun • 3x Grot crew • 3x Smasha gun • 3x Mek Gunz

Archetype

Dread Mob... Mek Gun Spam?!

Thoughts

Ok, fine. Innovate why don't you. This is mental and I love it. The 'Ghaz brick works in any detachment' theory is stretched to it's final form with this bonkers Dread Mob list that packs in Lootas and Mek Gunz behind Ghaz to utterly annihilate things, with the delete button of Ghaz himself if the opponent tries to pressure the guns. You get so much nonsense out of Grots in this detachment too with reactive move / mortal spills (ideal into MSU armies like Sisters and Aeldari), and I can see this being SO much better than it initially appears on paper. The Ork book has some real depth, it just doesn't get explored enough - amazing work on this novel and potent list!!

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Jonathan Kohatsu - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): Raven Guard goodstuff.
  • 6th - Steven Ross - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King / triple DDA Starshatter.
  • 7th - Adrian James - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Epic 'four different big Knight' (Crusader, Lancer, Atropos, Castellan) with smaller accompaniments. Love this.

Hallowagh 2 - Electricboogaloo - GT

45-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Princeton, IN, United States on November 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Tyler Peed - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede) - 1st Place

Hive Tyrant. Credit: Rockfish Hive Tyrant. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
she is crushering my Stampede till I savage roar (1995 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Crusher Stampede

CHARACTERS

Hive Tyrant (195 points) • Warlord • 1x Heavy venom cannon 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (50 points) • 1x Chitin-barbed limbs 1x Spore Mine launcher

Exocrine (140 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (140 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Lictor (60 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Lictor (60 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Maleceptor (170 points) • 1x Massive scything talons 1x Psychic overload

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Tyrannofex (200 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Tyrannofex (200 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Triple Norn

Thoughts

Glorious, another event run for triple Norn!! In a recently balanced meta game, Tyranids appear to be finding their feet and growing back into contention, which is fantastic to see. This list is all chunk- the added OC of Crusher Stampede gives it exceptional mission play, and it can overwhelm lists who have their anti-big shooting concentrated too narrowly. Amazing to see this beastly cocktail back, and especially cool to see the Norn thriving. Well done on the event win!!!

Michele Forgione - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Vulkan He'stan / Salamanders Praetor. Credit - Soggy

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Through the Firestorm and Flames (2000 points)

Space Marines Salamanders Strike Force (2000 points) Firestorm Assault Force

CHARACTERS

Adrax Agatone (85 points) • 1x Drakkis 1x Malleus Noctum

Lieutenant (75 points) • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol 1x Storm Shield • Enhancement: Champion of Humanity

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancement: Forged in Battle

Vulkan He'stan (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Gauntlet of the Forge 1x Spear of Vulkan

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Ironhail skytalon array 2x Storm bolter

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Ironhail skytalon array 2x Storm bolter

Razorback (95 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin lascannon

Razorback (95 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin lascannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (170 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Company Heroes (105 points) • 1x Ancient • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Company Champion • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 2x Company Veteran • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

Devastator Squad (120 points) • 1x Devastator Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Combi-weapon 1x Grav-pistol • 4x Devastator • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Multi-melta

Devastator Squad (120 points) • 1x Devastator Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Combi-weapon 1x Grav-pistol • 4x Devastator • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Multi-melta

Infernus Squad (90 points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (90 points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Pyreblaster

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

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolter 1x Scout sniper rifle

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack • 4x Inferno pistol 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack • 4x Inferno pistol 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

MSU Firestorm

Thoughts

A delightful little build here- Salamanders, for whatever reason, got an initial detachment that leaned very heavily into transport synergies. The issue with Space Marines is having enough of those on the board to leverage them - by shoving lots of Impulsors and Razorbacks in, this list does that cheaply enough to get benefit, and ends up with a massive spread of MSU shooting threats that are able to exploit the stratagems in Firestorm as well as the Strenght boost at range. Adrax and Vulkan bring OC antics and some combat push as well, and this list is going to body the unwary. Fantastic work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Justin Curtis (the other one) - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Old school mixed arms Berzerker Warband with Eightbound, Rhinos and Forgefiends.
  • 4th - Benjamin Frederiksen - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): Raven Guard Goodstuff.
  • 4th - Jacob “DD” Klueh - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Triple Drone / triple Deathshroud Virulent.
  • 6th - Peter Day - Orks (War Horde): Massed combat in Trukks with Ghaz leading the charge.
  • 7th - Jacob Schleter - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): BONKERS triple Bloodthirster / massed Pinks in Shadow Legion.
  • 8th - Adam Boester - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Rotigus / double GUO Incursion.

MID-MO Maelstrom

41-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ashland, MO, United States on November 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Tedd Williamson - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon. Credit: Rockfish C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Aza'gorod, I choose you! Gotta catch 'em all! (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Starshatter Arsenal

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (305 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (300 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm

Hexmark Destroyer (75 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

The Silent King (400 points) • 1x Szarekh • Warlord • 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory 1x Staff of Stars 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir • 2x Annihilator beam 2x Armoured bulk

Transcendent C'tan (295 points) • 1x Crackling tendrils 1x Seismic assault

Transcendent C'tan (295 points) • 1x Crackling tendrils 1x Seismic assault

OTHER DATASHEETS

Triarch Stalker (110 points) • 1x Heat ray 1x Stalker's forelimbs

Triarch Stalker (110 points) • 1x Heat ray 1x Stalker's forelimbs

Triarch Stalker (110 points) • 1x Heat ray 1x Stalker's forelimbs

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Yes We C'tan!!

Thoughts

A glorious return for Necron C'tan spam here, with the Silent King leading four of the monstrosities to war alongside a trio of Triarch Stalker. This is big skew at its purest and bset - shove out the Stalkers, then kill whatever can kill those. Chances are, after that, they ain't killing C'tan or the Silent King! Utterly bonkers, deliciously dangerous, and what Warhammer is all about. Heroic effort winning the event.

Kyle McCord - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Lion El’Jonson. Credit: Rockfish Lion El’Jonson. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Angels of the Roaring 🦁! (2000 points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Wrath of the Rock

CHARACTERS

Azrael (115 points) • 1x Lion's Wrath 1x The Lion Helm 1x The Sword of Secrets

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

Lion El'Jonson (315 points) • Warlord • 1x Arma Luminis 1x Fealty

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Deathwing Knights (250 points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master • 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Mace of absolution

Deathwing Knights (250 points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master • 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Mace of absolution

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

Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power fist 1x Sternguard bolt pistol 1x Sternguard bolt rifle • 4x Sternguard Veteran • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Sternguard bolt pistol 3x Sternguard bolt rifle 1x Sternguard heavy bolter

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher 1x Melta destroyer

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 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

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 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

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 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

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Wrath Control

Thoughts

Tasty Wrath pressure here- a slower, more subtle kind of pressure, but pressure nonetheless. Wrath can take up strong positions and then use its counter charge abilities to make itself borderline unassailable in some areas. I really like the inclusion of Cent Devs as a shooting threat that actually synergises with the detachment rules and stratagems - touhg to shift, they can slap hard down the angles as the rest controls the centre. A beautifully designed list, very well done!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Chris Green - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Massed MSU Death Company with Captains, and a Land Raider Redeemer. Epic.
  • 4th - Nicholas Force - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights and Purifiers in Warpbane.
  • 5th - Scott Sasser - Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Mixed arms Ultramarines Gladius with Gulliman and some cheeky Desolators.
  • 6th - Skyler Williamson - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Asurmen / Fuegan Aeldari.
  • 7th - Jonathan Crafton - Orks (Dread Mob): Incredible triple Deff Dread / KIlla Kan / Gorkanaut Dread Mob. Utterly bonkers.

Atomic City Warzone 2025

37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Pasco, Washington, US on November 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ken Bush - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 1st Place

Kasrkin Sergeant. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Not Challengers Cup Again (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Combined Arms 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 Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 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 Lasgun ◦ 1x Regimental Standard

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 Points) • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Medi-pack ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Regimental Standard • 1x Tempestor Prime ◦ 1x Command Rod ◦ 1x Tempestus dagger

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

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Lasgun

Death Korps of Krieg (145 Points) • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 2x Plasma pistol ◦ 2x Power weapon • 18x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 18x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Death Korps Medi-pack ◦ 14x Lasgun ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (85 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (85 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lasgun array

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

Scout Sentinels (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Tempestus Scions (70 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: v1.43.0 (1), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Combined Arms Guard

Thoughts

There we are- Guard keep on rolling! More of the same here- Dorns, Russ, Kasrkin, transports. It does what it does, and it does it well. Able to out shoot many ranged armies and out attrition many combat armies, Guard sit in a very consistent spot. Very well done on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Wyatt Hammomd - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Renegade Raiders with double Discolord and lots of Bikers.
  • 3rd - CT Rickey - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Massed Raveners and Trygon in Sub Assault.
  • 4th - Jaden Iwaasa - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): Raven Guard Goodstuff.
  • 5th - Deena Addams - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Caladius / Allarus Lions.
  • 6th - Jeremy Nakano - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Triple DWK and a brick of Cent Devs in Wrath.
  • 7th - Kane Anderson - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): Big bricks of Thunderkyn and Land Forts, with Buri and an Arkanyst for style points. Love this!
  • 8th - Joel Rodgers - Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Ultramarines Gladius.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! A meta game swinging back towards mixed arms board control and plenty of shooting - the combat rush may be over... for now? Loads of factions in play, and it is particularly heart warming to see Tyranids sticking their heads up again. Get out there and enjoy the balance!

Lowest of Men, out.

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Tags: Space Marines | tyranids | Necrons | Warhammer 40k | Dark Angels | Salamanders | Orks | Astra Militarum | tau | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations | Leagues of Votann

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