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Goonhammer | 40K Competitive Innovations

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Variety Show pt.2

by Lowest of Men | Apr 19 2024
Two flavours of Space Marine, Daemons, Tau, some elves still somehow - lots more variety on show today as Lowest of Men takes the lead for part 2.

Today we're covering:
  • The Los Angeles Classic GT '24
  • Vanquish 2024
  • ADFWGA-ANZAC Cup 2024
  • Tarheel Warhammer 40k charity GT
  • Modhammer GT
On Wednesday we looked at the following in part 1:
  • OPEN 40K Major - Ile de France - Aleatorium
  • Bedlam in the 'Burgh 2024 40k GT
  • III GT-CT
  • Münsterland GT6
  • Montana Beerhammer GT
  • Double Decker Decimation GT 2024

The Los Angeles Classic GT '24

49-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Pasadena, CA, United States on April 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Alex Spathopoulos - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Apothecary Biologis. Credit: Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Wolf Time (1995 Points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Bjorn the Fell-Handed (180 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer 1x Trueclaw 1x Twin lascannon

Harald Deathwolf (85 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Crushing teeth and claws 1x Glacius

Librarian in Phobos Armour (70 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Force weapon 1x Smite

Logan Grimnar (100 Points) • 1x Storm bolter 1x The Axe Morkai

Ragnar Blackmane (90 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Frostfang

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

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

Fenrisian Wolves (30 Points) • 5x Fenrisian Wolf • 5x Teeth and claws

Fenrisian Wolves (30 Points) • 5x Fenrisian Wolf • 5x Teeth and claws

Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Helix Gauntlet 1x Infiltrator Comms Array 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Flamestorm cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

Scout Squad (65 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (65 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Wulfen (160 Points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 9x Wulfen • 9x Storm Shield 9x Stormfrag auto-launcher 9x Wulfen hammer

Wulfen (160 Points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 9x Wulfen • 9x Storm Shield 9x Stormfrag auto-launcher 9x Wulfen hammer

Wulfen (160 Points) • 1x Wulfen Pack Leader • 1x Storm Shield 1x Stormfrag auto-launcher 1x Wulfen hammer • 9x Wulfen • 9x Storm Shield 9x Stormfrag auto-launcher 9x Wulfen hammer

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.11.1 (34), Data Version: v352

Archetype

Space Wolves Gladius

Thoughts

Absolute baller moves here from the Space Wolves, who lean into the tactical flexibility of Gladius and plug in some awesome characters. Ragnar and Bjorn both bring some damage and, in the case of the latter, a deceptively durable chassis as well. Wulfen are priced to move now with their improvements so the squads here give you great mid board skirmishers, and enough of the Space Marines staples (Redeemer, Scouts, Eradicators) are here for troubleshooting. This list looks amazing, well done on the event win!!

Mark Ferek - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Cadre Fireblade. Credit: Rockfish Cadre Fireblade. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
++ Army Roster (Xenos - T'au Empire) [1,990pts] ++

+ Configuration +

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

Detachment: Kauyon

Show/Hide Options

+ Epic Hero +

Longstrike [140pts]: Railgun, 2x Seeker missile, Warlord

. 2 Accelerator burst cannons

+ Character +

Cadre Fireblade [55pts]: Exemplar of the Kauyon

. 2x Gun Drone: 2x Twin pulse carbine

Cadre Fireblade [40pts]

. 2x Gun Drone: 2x Twin pulse carbine

Cadre Fireblade [40pts]

. 2x Gun Drone: 2x Twin pulse carbine

+ Battleline +

Breacher Team [90pts]

. Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui

. . Guardian Drone . . Gun Drone . 9x Breacher Fire Warriors: 9x Close combat weapon, 9x Pulse blaster, 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team [90pts]

. Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui

. . Guardian Drone . . Gun Drone . 9x Breacher Fire Warriors: 9x Close combat weapon, 9x Pulse blaster, 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team [90pts]

. Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui

. . Guardian Drone . . Gun Drone . 9x Breacher Fire Warriors: 9x Close combat weapon, 9x Pulse blaster, 9x Pulse pistol

+ Vehicle +

Ghostkeel Battlesuit [160pts]: Battlesuit support system, Cyclic ion raker, Twin fusion blaster

Ghostkeel Battlesuit [160pts]: Battlesuit support system, Cyclic ion raker, Twin fusion blaster

Piranha [55pts]

. Piranhas: Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile

Piranha [55pts]

. Piranhas: Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile

Riptide Battlesuit [165pts]: Ion accelerator, Twin plasma rifle

. 2x Missile Drone: 2x Missile pod

Riptide Battlesuit [165pts]: Ion accelerator, Twin plasma rifle

. 2x Missile Drone: 2x Missile pod

Riptide Battlesuit [165pts]: Ion accelerator, Twin plasma rifle

. 2x Missile Drone: 2x Missile pod

Sky Ray Gunship [130pts]

. 2 Accelerator burst cannons

Tetras [80pts]

. 2x Tetra: 2x Close combat weapons, 4x Pulse rifle

Tetras [80pts]

. 2x Tetra: 2x Close combat weapons, 4x Pulse rifle

Tetras [80pts]

. 2x Tetra: 2x Close combat weapons, 4x Pulse rifle

+ Dedicated Transport +

Devilfish [75pts]: 2x Seeker missile

. 2 Twin pulse carbines

Devilfish [75pts]: 2x Seeker missile

. 2 Twin pulse carbines

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

Created with BattleScribe ()

Archetype

Tau Triptide

Thoughts

As a new dawn looms for the Tau, the old ways keep on kicking. Triptide anchors the backfield and shoots hard, Breachers shuttle forwards to make trouble ahead, and Ghostkeels are as obnoxious as ever. Crisis seem likely to play a reduced role in the future, and this wonderful build highlights that even now you can leave them behind and excel. Very well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Jeff Jew - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Epic Templars transport rush with Impulsors, a Redeemer, and sword wielding nutters along for the ride.
  • 4th - Ava Regalado - Space Marines (Astartes) (Ironstorm Spearhead): Triple Repulsor Executioners dial it right back to 8th edition.
  • 5th - James Carmona - Chaos Space Marines: Abaddon buffs a supporting horde of Noise Marines, Obliterators and other nastiness.
  • 6th - Chris Van Winkle - Thousand Sons: Massed characters, Rubrics, and chaff.
  • 7th - Junior Aflleje - Leagues of Votann: Sagitaurs, a Fort, Hearthguard and Thunderkyn blast the way to victory.
  • 8th - Joel Wilson - Ultramarines (Ironstorm Spearhead): Ultramarines shoot harder with Calgar! Also there is a THUNDERHAWK. Epic.
  • 9th - Keaton Barr - Death Guard: Plaguemarine Rhino rush with PBCs and Predator support.

Vanquish 2024

47-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on April 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Oscar Van Huizen-Husselson - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 1st Place

Great Unclean One Great Unclean One - Credit: RichyP

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Vanquish (1990 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Daemonic Incursion

CHARACTERS

Epidemius (80 points) • 1x Balesword and Nurgling attendants

Great Unclean One (260 points) • Warlord • 1x Bileblade 1x Bilesword 1x Putrid vomit • Enhancement: The Endless Gift

Rotigus (230 points) • 1x Gnarlrod 1x Streams of brackish filth

The Masque of Slaanesh (85 points) • 1x Serrated claws

BATTLELINE

Nurglings (40 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (40 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (40 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (40 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (40 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Pink Horrors (140 points) • 10x Pink Horror • 10x Coruscating Pink Flames 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 10x Pink claws

Pink Horrors (140 points) • 10x Pink Horror • 10x Coruscating Pink Flames 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 10x Pink claws

Plaguebearers (110 points) • 1x Plagueridden • 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 9x Plaguesword

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flamers (75 points) • 1x Pyrocaster • 1x Flamer mouths 1x Flickering Flames • 2x Flamer • 2x Flamer mouths 2x Flickering Flames

Seekers (80 points) • 1x Heartseeker • 1x Lashing tongue 1x Slashing claws • 4x Seeker • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 4x Lashing tongue 4x Slashing claws

Seekers (80 points) • 1x Heartseeker • 1x Lashing tongue 1x Slashing claws • 4x Seeker • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 4x Lashing tongue 4x Slashing claws

ALLIED UNITS

War Dog Brigand (170 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (170 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352

Archetype

Daemon MSU and Brigands

Thoughts

A delightfully unusual Daemons build here, which eschews Be'lakor in favour of two BIG SMELLY BOIS and a bunch of supporting infantry, with Brigands for hard target removal at range. The Great Unclean One and Rotigus are both excellent in the current field - T12, loads of wounds, and good OC (with Rotigus especially good at swinging points with his OC debuffing aura). That leaves a lot of space for scoring monkeys and primary denial units, giving you a list that doesn't have as much output as some of the top armies in the field, but is hyper mobile, tricksy, and scores secondaries for fun. I really like the innovation here, very well done on first place.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Luke Melvin - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Monster mash Daemons with Shalaxi, Skarbs, and some War Dogs in support.
  • 3rd - Nicholas Willingale - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Oh Nick, dear sweet Nick, not you as well! Self awareness never absolved anyone of anything, ever, but I did enjoy the list title on this Indirect car park.
  • 4th - Andy Taylor - Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): Hyper chonky Tyranids with triple Tyrannofex, two Norns, and Maleceptors. Ooft.
  • 5th - Jay Allen - Aeldari: Double Wayleapers, an Avatar, D Cannons, and loads of MSU Aspects.
  • 6th - Shane Sheppard - T'au Empire: Breacher Spam with Piranhas and Ghostkeel.
  • 7th - Rob Elver - Astra Militarum: Infantry heavy Chimaera rush with double Rogal Dorn - glorious stuff here.
  • 8th - James Reece - Thousand Sons: A Vortex Beast and two big Rubric bricks alongside the usual suspects.

ADFWGA-ANZAC Cup 2024

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Campbell, ACT, Australia on April 12 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dale Mann - Aeldari (Battle Host) - 1st Place

Harlequins Troupe. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I Don’t Respect Myself or my Opponent (1995 Points)

Aeldari Battle Host Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

Fuegan (115 Points) • 1x Searsong 1x The Fire Axe

Yvraine (100 Points) • 1x Kha-vir, the Sword of Sorrows 1x Storm of Whispers

BATTLELINE

Storm Guardians (115 Points) • 10x Storm Guardian • 2x Aeldari flamer 2x Aeldari power sword 8x Guardian combat weapon 2x Guardian fusion gun 6x Shuriken pistol • 1x Serpent’s Scale Platform • 1x Guardian combat weapon 1x Serpent shield

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (120 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Twin bright lance 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (80 Points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (80 Points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (80 Points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Shadow Spectres (95 Points) • 5x Shadow Spectre • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Prism rifle

Shadow Spectres (95 Points) • 5x Shadow Spectre • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Prism rifle

Skyweavers (95 Points) • 2x Skyweaver • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Skyweaver haywire cannon 2x Zephyrglaive

Skyweavers (95 Points) • 2x Skyweaver • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Skyweaver haywire cannon 2x Zephyrglaive

Support Weapons (125 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x D-cannon 1x Shuriken catapult

Swooping Hawks (75 Points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk’s talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (75 Points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hawk’s talon • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Troupe (165 Points) • 1x Lead Player • 1x Aeldari power sword 1x Fusion pistol • 10x Player • 3x Fusion pistol 10x Harlequin’s special weapon 7x Shuriken pistol

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.11.1 (34), Data Version: v352

Archetype

Go Wide Eldar MSU

Thoughts

The Eldar reach back into the huge bag of tricks to respond to the shifting sands of the meta. Haywire is in demand as vehicle spam rises, and Skyweavers provide cheap, obnoxious tank killers. Triple Dark Reapers is a very nice way of saying 'no thank you' to Kasrkin, and this list feels tooled up for disarming Guard should it stumble across it in the competitive wilds. A really interesting build, very well done!

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Joe Loke - Death Guard (Plague Company): Mortarion centred Death Guard with Rhinomarines, Deathshroud and Crawlers.
  • 3rd - Ewart Searle - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Aggressive transport Templars with Redeemer, Impulsors and Sword Brethren.
  • 4th - Chris Frey - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Massed Custodes infantry with a couple of Venatarii squads.
  • 5th - Ben Lange - Imperial Knights: A Castellan, a Warden, and plenty of Armigers.
  • 6th - Garrett Gepp - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): A proper IF grab bag with a Norn, loads of scoring chaff and some Von Ryan's Leapers.

Tarheel Warhammer 40k charity GT

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cary, NC, United States on April 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - Custodes versus Blood Angels

Luke Henderson - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host)
Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Custodes + DETACHMENT: Shield Host + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium + + WARLORD: Char3: Trajann Valoris + ENHANCEMENT: Veiled Blade (on Char1: Blade Champion) & Ceaseless Hunter (on Char2: Shield-Captain) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 11 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: 2x3 - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Blade Champion (145 pts): Vault sword Enhancement: Veiled Blade (+25 pts) Char2: 1x Shield-Captain (170 pts): Guardian Spear Enhancement: Ceaseless Hunter (+30 pts) Char3: 1x Trajann Valoris (160 pts): Warlord, Watcher's Axe

5x Custodian Guard (225 pts) • 3x Custodian Guard (Guardian Spear): 3 with Guardian Spear • 1x Custodian Guard (Sentinel Blade & Praesidium Shield): Sentinel blade • 1x Custodian Guard (Vexilla, Praesidium Shield & Misericordia): Vexilla, Misericordia 4x Prosecutors (40 pts) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior: Boltgun, Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor: 3 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon

5x Custodian Wardens (250 pts) • 4x Custodian Warden (Guardian Spear): 4 with Guardian Spear • 1x Custodian Warden: Vexilla, Guardian Spear 5x Custodian Wardens (250 pts) • 4x Custodian Warden (Guardian Spear): 4 with Guardian Spear • 1x Custodian Warden: Vexilla, Guardian Spear 5x Custodian Wardens (250 pts) • 4x Custodian Warden (Guardian Spear): 4 with Guardian Spear • 1x Custodian Warden: Vexilla, Guardian Spear 1x Caladius Grav-tank (215 pts): Armoured hull, Twin lastrum bolt cannon, Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Caladius Grav-tank (215 pts): Armoured hull, Twin lastrum bolt cannon, Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon

1x Lord Inquisitor Kyria Draxus (75 pts): Dirgesinger, Power fist, Psychic Tempest


vs.

Frank Viruet - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius)
Army List - Click to Expand
actually blood angels?!? (2000 points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Sons of Sanguinius

CHARACTERS

Captain (80 points) • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Relic Shield

Captain (80 points) • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Relic Shield

Chaplain (75 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Crozius arcanum • Enhancement: Visage of Death

Lemartes (110 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x The Blood Crozius

The Sanguinor (140 points) • Warlord • 1x Encarmine broadsword

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield dome

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield dome

Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (85 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 (85 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

Baal Predator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Baal flamestorm cannon 2x Heavy flamer 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Baal Predator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Baal flamestorm cannon 2x Heavy flamer 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Death Company Marines (115 points) • 5x Death Company Marine • 5x Inferno pistol 5x Power fist

Death Company Marines (115 points) • 5x Death Company Marine • 5x Inferno pistol 5x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (260 points) • 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack • 10x Inferno pistol 10x Power fist

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 1x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Combat knife 1x Missile launcher

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 1x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Combat knife 1x Missile launcher

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352

Thoughts

Part of the recent rise of Blood Angels has been their ability to hold their own (and even thrive) in the Custodes match up. Ultimately, an army with access to shedloads of melta at close range (forcing Custodes players to choose between popping their one-off 4+++ on Wardens in shooting OR the imminent combat), full fight on death, and some sneaky counter-fight phase tricks of their own is well placed to outmanoeuvre and out-trade even the shieldwall of the golden boys. The BA list from Frank is indicative of recent trends, with a couple of Baal Predators for overwatch threats and flank harassment, lots of Death Company punch, and plenty of scoring utility. Into pure foot Custodes this would be fairly straightforward I think, but the Marines aren't the only faction that can adapt to changing circumstances...

The Caladius continues to make a return after the recent Custodes flirtation with 'what if just loads of guys?'. Luke is still able to cram a lot of infantry bricks in, but with two big gun tanks that pack respectable output into most elite targets as well, he has options for keeping the opponent honest, popping Rhinos, Impulsors, and Baal Preds alike, and whittling down enemy squads more BEFORE going into the stabby place. It means armour of all kinds has to respect the Custodes list more than it would if the only guns were low strength small arms fire, and it also gives the list the ability to score kills and cards at range if the enemy proves speedy and sneaky, like the Blood Angels here. In the end this produced an absolute barnstormer, where it seems the BA anti-Custodes options did tell in the end, but the result seems far from a foregone conclusion. Excellent stuff chaps.

Result

Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) Victory - 83 - 77

Frank Viruet - Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) - 1st Place

The Sanguinor. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
actually blood angels?!? (2000 points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Sons of Sanguinius

CHARACTERS

Captain (80 points) • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Relic Shield

Captain (80 points) • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Relic Shield

Chaplain (75 points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Crozius arcanum • Enhancement: Visage of Death

Lemartes (110 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x The Blood Crozius

The Sanguinor (140 points) • Warlord • 1x Encarmine broadsword

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield dome

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield dome

Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (85 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 (85 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

Baal Predator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Baal flamestorm cannon 2x Heavy flamer 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Baal Predator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Baal flamestorm cannon 2x Heavy flamer 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Death Company Marines (115 points) • 5x Death Company Marine • 5x Inferno pistol 5x Power fist

Death Company Marines (115 points) • 5x Death Company Marine • 5x Inferno pistol 5x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (260 points) • 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack • 10x Inferno pistol 10x Power fist

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 1x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Combat knife 1x Missile launcher

Scout Squad (65 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 1x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Combat knife 1x Missile launcher

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352

Archetype

Sons of Slamguinius

Thoughts

The Blood Angels continue their rise here, with a bucket of damage, trading pieces, and some precision shooting. The Sanguinor is a glorious control piece, making small engagements really dangerous for the opponent and threatening a surprise turnover mid-game that can crumple a flank and damage scoring projections very readily. A good chunk of the early post-slate meta settled for asking one question: 'can you hurt me enough?'. Suffice to say that's a challenge that has never much troubled the Blood Angels... It's epic seeing such a thematic looking, well rounded BA build doing well at the moment and I am all here for it. Congratulations on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Luke Henderson - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): The Caladius Custodes list from the showdown.
  • 3rd - Christian Howard - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): An absolute truckload of Destroyers with some C'tan and utility.
  • 4th - Steven Saroka - Necrons (Canoptek Court): Canoptek Court Goodstuff.
  • 5th - Ej Walsh - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Go-wide shooty Hypercrypt with some Annihilation Barges alongside the Destroyers.

Modhammer GT

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Modesto, CA, US on April 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - World Eaters versus T'au Empire

Taylor Davis - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband):
Army List - Click to Expand
Fine Dining (1990 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Angron (415 points) • Warlord • 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

Lord Invocatus (140 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Coward’s Bane 1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn

World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (120 points) • 1x Exalted chainblade 1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (70 points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (145 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Eightbound (145 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (320 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (320 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (160 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Eightbound chainfist 2x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Maulerfiend (155 points) • 2x Magma cutters 1x Maulerfiend fists


vs.

Paul McKelvey - T'au Empire (Kauyon):
Army List - Click to Expand
Modhammer GT (1995 points)

T’au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kauyon

CHARACTERS

Commander Shadowsun (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Advanced Guardian Drone 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Command-link Drone (Aura) 1x Flechette launcher 2x High-energy fusion blaster 1x Light missile pod 1x Pulse pistol

Commander in Crisis Battlesuit (95 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 3x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Exemplar of the Kauyon

Longstrike (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle

Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle

Broadside Battlesuits (180 points) • 1x Broadside Shas’vre • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle • 1x Broadside Shas’ui • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle

Crisis Battlesuits (200 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 2x Crisis Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Cyclic ion blaster 4x Cyclic ion blaster 4x Shield Drone 2x Shield Generator

Crisis Battlesuits (200 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 2x Crisis Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Cyclic ion blaster 4x Cyclic ion blaster 4x Shield Drone 2x Shield Generator

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

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

Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ion cannon 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin smart missile system

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

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

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

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

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

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

Vespid Stingwings (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: v1.12.0 (40), Data Version: v357

Thoughts

Ok- I will need to reach out to these two about how this game went, as my first impressions were that the T'au would simply blow the World Eaters away. There is an awful lot of guns here for cleaning up Eightbound, Angron (multiple times), and simply strolling to victory in the late game. The WE have some tricks to make this a lot harder - namely, using their speed to strike from safety and play a game on their terms, and the risk of an Eightbound trap going off to render the T'au extremely vulnerable in one or two parts of the board.

A comprehensive enough early push might also leave the T'au scrambling for points early on, and trying to recover it later, but typically I think this match up would require some real finesse from the WE side to cause headaches, and we ended up with a one-point classic here with the Greater Good emerging on the right side. Absolutely epic!

Result

T'au Empire (Kauyon) Victory - 93 - 92

Paul McKelvey - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 1st Place

Tau Broadside Battlesuit with Railgun Tau Broadside Battlesuit with Railgun. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Modhammer GT (1995 points)

T’au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kauyon

CHARACTERS

Commander Shadowsun (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Advanced Guardian Drone 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Command-link Drone (Aura) 1x Flechette launcher 2x High-energy fusion blaster 1x Light missile pod 1x Pulse pistol

Commander in Crisis Battlesuit (95 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 3x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Exemplar of the Kauyon

Longstrike (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle

Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle

Broadside Battlesuits (180 points) • 1x Broadside Shas’vre • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle • 1x Broadside Shas’ui • 1x Crushing bulk 1x Heavy rail rifle 2x Missile Drone 1x Seeker missile 1x Twin plasma rifle

Crisis Battlesuits (200 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 2x Crisis Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Cyclic ion blaster 4x Cyclic ion blaster 4x Shield Drone 2x Shield Generator

Crisis Battlesuits (200 points) • 1x Crisis Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Cyclic ion blaster 2x Shield Drone 1x Shield Generator • 2x Crisis Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Cyclic ion blaster 4x Cyclic ion blaster 4x Shield Drone 2x Shield Generator

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

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

Hammerhead Gunship (130 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Ion cannon 2x Seeker missile 2x Twin smart missile system

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

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

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

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas’vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone • 2x Stealth Shas’ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

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

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

Vespid Stingwings (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: v1.12.0 (40), Data Version: v357

Archetype

Stop, Hammerhead Time

Thoughts

A very punchy anti-heavy build from the T'au, who pack enough Hammerhead chassis in to ruin tank spam and very elite builds that are becoming increasingly common. Spreading the threats wide makes it hard to lock down and put away the gunline before it does enormous damage, and I love the triple Piranha for messing with enemy reactive stratagems via Battle-shock. An excellent build, very well done on the win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Taylor Davis - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): The WE Eightbound list from the showdown.
  • 3rd - Troy Cagle - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Massed chaff in Invasion Fleet, with plenty of forward deploy sneakiness in Leapers and Genestealers.
  • 4th - Eulis Sanders - Necrons (Canoptek Court): Canoptek Court Goodstuff. It's a touch late for titling this 'before it was meta', Eulis ^^.
  • 5th - Jason Gulevich - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): Lennon-style Ultramarines Vanguard.

Wrap Up

That's it for this week folks! A slate is surely not too far away, and with it a shake up to the game, which seems to have settled into a fairly predictable set of repeat winners and counter builds at this point. Word on the street is that Tzeentch is getting a little bit antsy at all this stability, so GW had better get their skates on if they want to keep them happy! Don't fight the change guys, change is good.

Lowest of Men, out.

Tags: Space Marines | blood angels | space wolves | Warhammer 40k | Aeldari | chaos daemons | Adeptus Custodes | tau | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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