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.

We've got new metagame threats rising this week, chasing the memories of Aeldari dominance further into the past. The Ultramarines have received a massive power injection via the new Victrix Guard datasheet, Astra Militarum lists that just want to blast people with big tanks seem to be having a moment, and Necrons are also rising from the dead once more. Unlike the perfidious (affectionate) knife-ears, the Adeptus Mechanicus are also maintaining a strong position near the top, but they've got a whole new set of contenders to deal with.

Part 1 on Wednesday will cover:

Fantasia Fanatic XLVIII 40K
Canes Belli War
The Standoff 2025
Hive City Rumble GT
Luxembourg Open
The Outriders : MK 40k Grand Tournament #1

Part 2 on Friday:

Celtic Cup Grand Tournament 2025
Alba GT 2025
The Gravel Pit #4
Cross-Sword War At The Westward IX
Minsk Eternal GT III
Mugu Games 40k store championship

Part 3 on Saturday:

RenegadeOpen2025 - 40K GT
21st Legion Presents: The 4th Hammer Down Breast Cancer 40k GT
The Hobart GT 2025
6° TCC
GT Polar 2025

Fantasia Fanatic XLVIII 40K

114-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Västerbottens län, SE on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Scorched Earth - Crucible of Battle

Victor Bergenholtz - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited)

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Emperor's Children + DETACHMENT: Coterie of the Conceited (Pledges to the Dark Prince) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char4: Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings + ENHANCEMENT: Pledge of Mortal Pain (on Char2: Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings) & Pledge of Unholy Fortune (on Char3: Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Lucius the Eternal (150 pts) • 1x Blade of the Laer • 1x Lash of Torment

1x Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (215 pts) • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Pledge of Mortal Pain (+15 pts)

1x Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (230 pts) • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Pledge of Unholy Fortune (+30 pts)

1x Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 pts) • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Warlord

1x Lord Exultant (80 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

1x Lord Exultant (80 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

BATTLELINE

5x Infractors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Rapture lash • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Duelling sabre • Icon of Excess

5x Infractors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Rapture lash • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Duelling sabre • Icon of Excess

5x Tormentors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power sword • 4x Tormentor • 2x Boltgun • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Meltagun • 1x Plasma gun • Icon of Excess

5x Tormentors (85 pts) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power sword • 4x Tormentor • 2x Boltgun • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Meltagun • 1x Plasma gun • Icon of Excess

OTHER DATASHEETS

3x Flawless Blades (110 pts) • 3x Flawless Blade • 3x Blissblade • 3x Bolt pistol

6x Noise Marines (145 pts) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Sonic blaster • Disharmonist • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster • 5x Close combat weapon • 3x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marines

6x Noise Marines (145 pts) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Sonic blaster • Disharmonist • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster • 5x Close combat weapon • 3x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marines

6x Noise Marines (145 pts) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Sonic blaster • Disharmonist • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster • 5x Close combat weapon • 3x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marines

1x Chaos Rhino (80 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Combi-weapon

1x Chaos Rhino (80 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Combi-weapon

vs.

Björn Eriksson - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance)

Army List - Click to Expand

De tre vännerna och Eriksson (2000 points)

Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Infernal Lance

CHARACTERS

Knight Despoiler (375 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x Despoiler gatling cannon 2x Heavy darkflamer 1x Ruinspear rocket pod 1x Titanic feet

Knight Despoiler (375 points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x Despoiler gatling cannon 2x Heavy darkflamer 1x Ruinspear rocket pod 1x Titanic feet

Knight Despoiler (375 points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x Despoiler gatling cannon 2x Heavy darkflamer 1x Ruinspear rocket pod 1x Titanic feet

OTHER DATASHEETS

War Dog Karnivore (150 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (150 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (150 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

ALLIED UNITS

Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) • 1x Putrid appendages

Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) • 1x Putrid appendages

Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) • 1x Putrid appendages

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Thoughts

It's not quite as notable as the other builds highlighted up top, but triple Prince Coterie is also on the up, presumably inspired by John Lennon's third place finish at the World Championships. After a decent period where double Prince was the norm, people have snapped back to the triple, as their damage reduction and Mortal Wound output make them extremely clutch in some important matchups, particularly Aeldari.

This matchup is not, unfortunately for the Emperor's Children, one of those. If you need to kill big Knights, you really want the third Infractor/Lord squad to punch up, and ideally the Maulerfiend that's also missing here (in favour of some Flawless Blades). As is, there's a whole bunch of stuff in this EC army that dies at speed to Gatling Despoilers, and just not really enough punch back to give the Knights any great cause for concern. If the Slaaneshi forces really commit they might deck a big Knight, but will then lose so much when the other two smash back that it won't help. The Knights also have plenty of agency over how the game flows too - they've got lots of sacrificial/bait pieces, and it's Scorched, so they can pick up extra Primary later on if they slow roll things.

To win this, the Emperor's Children have to really hope they can steamroll a big Knight with the Princes without losing one, and hope that their relatively high resilience against D2 shooting keeps them in the game. Given the Emperor's Children army rule can make it slightly challenging to set up a massed gank on a single big target from range, and that there's also Karnivores to contend with as Prince-smashing tools, I don't think their prognosis is great, and indeed this ended up going very hard against the EC (which was something of a trend - they put a lot of people into finals this week, but with no conversions). A bit of an unfortunate case of a build being tweaked for a new metagame, and hitting one of the remaining old-school bully lists.

Result

Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) Victory - 20 - 0

Björn Eriksson - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 1st Place

War Dog - Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Gatling Infernals

Thoughts

Triple gatling Despoiler with Karnivores and Nurgle Daemons continues to be the best Chaos Knights list, and it continues not to be close. They're even pretty great into Victrix builds, as a Sustained volley kills five of them, and you have access to Ignores Cover to help ensure those numbers land. Well done to Björn.

Samppa Orhanen - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Ultramarines Cato Sicarius. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

10th edition is Blue (1995 points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Strike Force (2000 points) Blade of Ultramar

CHARACTERS Captain Sicarius (85 points) 1x Artisan plasma pistol, 1x Talassarian Tempest Blade

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

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

Uriel Ventris (95 points) 1x Bolt Pistol, 1x Invictus. 1x Sword of Idaeus

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 points) 1x Armoured hull, 1x Ironhail heavy stubber, 1x Shield Dome, 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS 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

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

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points) 1x Icarus rocket pod, 1x Macro plasma incinerator, 1x Onslaught gatling cannon, 1x Redemptor fist, 1x Twin storm bolter

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points) 1x Icarus rocket pod, 1x Macro plasma incinerator, 1x Onslaught gatling cannon, 1x Redemptor fist, 1x Twin storm bolter

Scout Squad (70 points) 1x Scout Sergeant; 1x Astartes shotgun, 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

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

Victrix Honour Guard (210 points) 1x Chapter Champion; 1x Blades of honour 5x Victrix Honour Guard; 5x Master-crafted bolt carbine, 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (210 points) 1x Chapter Ancient; 1x Banner of Macragge, 1x Master-crafted power weapon 5x Victrix Honour Guard; 5x Master-crafted bolt carbine, 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Ultramar Dreadnoughts

Thoughts

Our first Ultramarine exhibit takes undefeated second place here, opting to take the new detachment and a bunch of Redemptor Dreadnoughts. These can take maximum advantage of the flexibility from super Doctrines - if you need this list to be Stormlance task force it is, if you need to Advance and shoot a bunch of Plasma instead, that's also an option. Alongside the dreads we do of course have the new Victrix Guard, here two squads with the special models split between them, meaning both get some extra punch. One unit gets Sicarius, ready to do the always entertaining "reactive 6" move towards you, then Blood Surge", and the other can either be a full Calgar deathball or have Uriel in it while Calgar gets Company Heroes, depending on how the threats been to be spread out. This, obviously, provides extremely high melee threat, and a good deal of inevitability once the pain starts rolling - it can be really hard to get away from the reactives and surges, especially when a second unit can do it via a Stratagem as well. Victrix are strong, real, and unless you like Ultramarines they're probably not your friend, so do consider how you're going to handle them. Well done to Samppa for unleashing the new toys.

Victor Åström - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 3rd Place

Asurmen. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Aeldari + DETACHMENT: Aspect Host (Path of the Warrior) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Fuegan + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 20 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Asurmen (125 pts) 1 with The Bloody Twins, The Sword of Asur

Char2: 1x Fuegan (120 pts) 1 with Searsong, The Fire Axe • Warlord

Char3: 1x Jain Zar (105 pts) 1 with Silent Death, The Blade of Destruction

Char4: 1x Lhykhis (120 pts) 1 with Brood Twain, Spider's Fangs, Weaverender

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Dark Reapers (90 pts) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Tempest Launcher • Dark Reaper Exarch • 4x Dark Reaper 4 with Close combat weapon, Reaper Launcher • Dark Reaper • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Dark Reapers (90 pts) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Tempest Launcher • Dark Reaper Exarch • 4x Dark Reaper 4 with Close combat weapon, Reaper Launcher • Dark Reaper • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Dark Reapers (90 pts) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Tempest Launcher • Dark Reaper Exarch • 4x Dark Reaper 4 with Close combat weapon, Reaper Launcher • Dark Reaper • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Dire Avengers (75 pts) • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch 1 with Close Combat Weapon, 2x Avenger Shuriken Catapult • Dire Avenger Exarch • 4x Dire Avenger 4 with Avenger Shuriken Catapult, Close Combat Weapon • Dire Avenger • Aspect Shrine Token

10x Fire Dragons (220 pts) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Firepike • Fire Dragon Exarch • 9x Fire Dragon 9 with Close combat weapon, Dragon Fusion Gun • Fire Dragon • 2x Aspect Shrine Token

5x Howling Banshees (95 pts) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch 1 with Executioner, Shuriken Pistol • Howling Banshee Exarch • 4x Howling Banshee 4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol • Howling Banshee • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Rangers (55 pts) • 5x Ranger 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol • Rangers

5x Rangers (55 pts) • 5x Ranger 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol • Rangers

5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Hawk's Talon • Swooping Hawk Exarch • 4x Swooping Hawk 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster • Swooping Hawk • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Hawk's Talon • Swooping Hawk Exarch • 4x Swooping Hawk 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster • Swooping Hawk • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch 1 with Close Combat Weapon, 1 Powerblade array • Warp Spider Exarch • 4x Warp Spider 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner • Warp Spider • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle • Warp Spider Exarch • 4x Warp Spider 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner • Warp Spider • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle • Warp Spider Exarch • 4x Warp Spider 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner • Warp Spider • Aspect Shrine Token

1x Warlock Skyrunners (45 pts) • 1x Warlock Skyrunner with Singing Spear 1 with Destructor, Shuriken Pistol, Singing Spear, Twin Shuriken Catapult • Warlock Skyrunner

1x Falcon (130 pts) 1 with Pulse Laser, Wraithbone hull, Bright Lance, Shuriken Cannon

1x Wave Serpent (125 pts) 1 with Wraithbone Hull, Shuriken Cannon, Twin Bright Lance

Archetype

Four Phoenix Aspects

Thoughts

Not far behind in third place is four Phoenix Aspect host, still a very strong build thanks to its high spike damage and great positioning/scoring. Still a big fan of Asurmen in the Falcon as a second big threat, but I wonder if triple Reapers is still right as Aeldari drop off a little. Much to consider. Well done Victor.

Tim Nordin - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force) - 4th Place

On nuclear-powered motorbikes, the enemies of Unst will burn

Ravenwing Outriders. Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ List Name: Wings of Purpouse Factions Used: Dark Angels, Adeptus Astartes Army Points: 1995 Army Enhancements (list on which model): Hunter's Instincts (on Ravenwing Command Squad) Detachment Rule: Stormlance Task Force +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTERS: Azrael (115 pts) • Lion's Wrath • The Sword of Secrets

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts) • Combi-weapon • Paired Combat Blades

Lion El'Jonson (315 pts) • Arma Luminis • Fealty • Warlord

Ravenwing Command Squad (145 pts) • Ravenwing Ancient • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Black Knight combat weapon • Bolt Pistol • Ravenwing Apothecary • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Black Knight combat weapon • Bolt Pistol • Ravenwing Champion • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Bolt Pistol • Master-crafted power weapon • Enhancement: Hunter's Instincts

Ravenwing Command Squad (120 pts) • Ravenwing Ancient • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Black Knight combat weapon • Bolt Pistol • Ravenwing Apothecary • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Black Knight combat weapon • Bolt Pistol • Ravenwing Champion • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Bolt Pistol • Master-crafted power weapon

Ravenwing Command Squad (120 pts) • Ravenwing Ancient • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Black Knight combat weapon • Bolt Pistol • Ravenwing Apothecary • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Black Knight combat weapon • Bolt Pistol • Ravenwing Champion • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Bolt Pistol • Master-crafted power weapon

BATTLELINE: Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt Pistol • 4x Bolt Rifle • 4x Close Combat Weapon • Intercessor Sergeant • Bolt Pistol • Bolt Rifle w/ Grenade Launcher • Astartes Grenade Launcher • Bolt Rifle • Power Fist

OTHER DATASHEETS: Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) • Helix Gauntlet • 4x Infiltrator • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Marksman Bolt Carbine • Infiltrator Comms Array • Infiltrator Sergeant • Bolt pistol • Close combat weapon • Marksman Bolt Carbine

Invader ATV (60 pts) • Bolt Pistol • Close Combat Weapon • Multi-melta • Twin Bolt Rifle

Outrider Squad (80 pts) • 2x Outrider • 2x Astartes Chainsword • 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 2x Twin Bolt Rifle • Outrider Sergeant • Astartes Chainsword • Heavy Bolt Pistol • Twin Bolt Rifle

Outrider Squad (80 pts) • 2x Outrider • 2x Astartes Chainsword • 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 2x Twin Bolt Rifle • Outrider Sergeant • Astartes Chainsword • Heavy Bolt Pistol • Twin Bolt Rifle

Ravenwing Black Knights (180 pts) • 5x Ravenwing Black Knight • 5x Black Knight combat weapon • 5x Bolt Pistol • 5x Plasma talon • Ravenwing Huntmaster • Black Knight combat weapon • Bolt Pistol • Plasma talon

Ravenwing Black Knights (180 pts) • 5x Ravenwing Black Knight • 5x Black Knight combat weapon • 5x Bolt Pistol • 5x Plasma talon • Ravenwing Huntmaster • Black Knight combat weapon • Bolt Pistol • Plasma talon

Ravenwing Black Knights (180 pts) • 5x Ravenwing Black Knight • 5x Black Knight combat weapon • 5x Bolt Pistol • 5x Plasma talon • Ravenwing Huntmaster • Black Knight combat weapon • Bolt Pistol • Plasma talon

Ravenwing Darkshroud (100 pts) • Close Combat Weapon • Heavy bolter

Scout Squad (70 pts) • Scout Sergeant • Astartes Chainsword • Bolt Pistol • Close Combat Weapon • Scout w/ Heavy Weapon • Bolt Pistol • Close Combat Weapon • Missile Launcher • Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle • Bolt Pistol • Close Combat Weapon • Scout Sniper Rifle • 2x Scouts w/ Boltgun • 2x Bolt Pistol • 2x Boltgun • 2x Close Combat Weapon

Archetype

Black Knight Stormlance

Thoughts

A blazingly speedy Marine build to round out this top four, going all-in on Advance/Charge Ravenwing Black Knights to overwhelm the foe. Well, nearly all-in - the Lion is here too, looking even more spectacular as an option than normal thanks to how great he is at killing Victrix Guard. Many armies will struggle to handle the sheer volume of bikes that are coming straight at them (especially with one squad able to turn 1 Ingress), and even stuff you can't safely charge can struggle with the move blocking and high OC of the squads, and shooting them off through a Darkshroud isn't trivial. A classic all-in pressure build - either your opponent can handle it or they can't, and the threshold for handling it is pretty high (only the Infernals up top put paid to it). Well done Tim.

The Best of the Rest

There were 13 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Lukas Berglin - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic Warband with one Forgefiend swapped out for a second Rhino and some extra chaff.
6th - Victor Bergenholtz - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Prince Coterie.
7th - Benjamin Hyvönen - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Dorn and lots of Russes.
8th - Viktor Forsberg - Aeldari (Warhost): Fuegan/Ra bob-and-weave Warhost.
9th - Mattias Östling - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Prince Coterie.
10th - Linus Lindgren - Thousand Sons (Warpforged Cabal): Predators, Forgefiends and Sekhetars galore, plus plenty of Rubricae to hold the line.
11th - Fredrik Hägglund - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Prince Coterie.
12th - Jesper Wikström - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights, Purifiers and a Land Raider.
13th - Jens Haraldsson - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): RepEx/Brethren, plus two squads of regular Crusaders to add weight of numbers.
14th - Patrik Nygren - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Mont'ka hulls.
15th - Ludvig Advin - Aeldari (Windrider Host): 36 Windriders (30 shuriken, 6 scatter) and some War Walkers/Shroud Runners to tee them up.
16th - Tomas Häggström - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): All-rounder Liberator on the Fight First jump Death Company plan, supporting them with a couple of Lancers.
17th - Olof Geelnard - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): Cato with some Victrix, Calgar with Heroes, Redemptors and Guilliman.

Canes Belli War

76-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Sinsheim, BW, Deutschland on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

This event does not appear to have been using the new Datasheets.

Florian Sauter - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor) - 1st Place

Rogal Dorn Tank Commander. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Operation Dornenschild (1995 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Hammer of the Emperor

CHARACTERS

Gaunt's Ghosts (100 points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • Warlord • 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 Meltagun

Rogal Dorn Commander (295 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon • Enhancement: Veteran Crew

Rogal Dorn Commander (290 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon • Enhancement: Calm Under Fire

Tech-Priest Enginseer (45 points) • 1x Enginseer axe 1x Mechanicus pistol 1x Servo-arm

Tech-Priest Enginseer (45 points) • 1x Enginseer axe 1x Mechanicus pistol 1x Servo-arm

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 1x Chainsword 1x Laspistol • 9x Shock Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 7x Lasgun

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon 2x Flamer 7x Lasgun 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x 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

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

Hellhound (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon 1x Multi-melta

Hellhound (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon 1x Multi-melta

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster • 1x Hand flamer 1x Trench club • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer • 3x Autopistol 2x Close combat weapon 1x Flamer 1x Remote Mine 2x Trench club

Leman Russ Punisher (150 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta 1x Punisher gatling cannon

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

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

Scout Sentinels (55 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Plasma cannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Archetype

Hammer

Thoughts

As mentioned up to, Guard are on the march, and surprisingly it's not just classic Combined Arms taking top finishes. As a lot of the metagame moves towards closer-ranged threats, and stuff like T'au get somewhat chased out of the metagame, the brave soldiers of the Militarum have shrugged, saddled up in their tanks, and started blasting. This Hammer build works on the assumption that it's going to get a couple turns of shooting with its key toys before foes really get to grips with it, and that by the time they do, they probably won't have enough oomph to pull back into the game. This seems to have worked out very nicely here!

There is one surprise in the Roster, which is the appearence of a Russ Punisher. Young whippersnappers may not know this, but once upon a time in 8th Edition, Punisher Commanders were a very real unit thanks to Russ turrets getting to shoot twice, and some very hordey metagames. Right now, my guess is that this is here for the rising Spectacle of Spite builds, as while the Gatling is OK into a lot of targets, it's deeply rude when fired into Wyches, and unlike the Dorns it can still fire point blank if it gets tagged. Outside that the roster is business as usual, but surprisingly effective into the metagame we've ended up with, and expertly steered to the top by Florian.

Stefan Brotzer - Drukhari (Realspace Raiders) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Archon with Soul Trap and Huskblade. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The real raid (1995 points)

Drukhari Strike Force (2000 points) Realspace Raiders

CHARACTERS

Archon (105 points) • 1x Agoniser 1x Shadowfield 1x Soul Trap • Enhancement: Labyrinthine Cunning

Lady Malys (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Lady's Blade 1x Razor fan

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

Succubus (65 points) • 1x Archite glaive and agoniser • Enhancement: Eye of Spite

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (115 points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher 1x Power weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dark lance 1x Shredder 1x Splinter cannon 5x Splinter rifle

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cronos (110 points) • 2x Cronos • 2x Spirit syphon 1x Spirit vortex 2x Spirit-leech tentacles

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

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

Incubi (90 points) • 1x Incubi Shrine Token • 1x Klaivex • 1x Demiklaives • 4x Incubi • 4x Klaive

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

Ravager (115 points) • 1x Bladevanes 3x Dark lance

Ravager (115 points) • 1x Bladevanes 3x Dark lance

Ravager (115 points) • 1x Bladevanes 3x 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 Haywire blaster

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 Haywire blaster

Voidraven Bomber (245 points) • 1x Bladed wings 2x Void lance 1x Voidraven missiles

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Shooty Realspace Raiders

Thoughts

Spectacle is (justifiably) getting a lot of attention, but it's not the only thing the Drukhari Codex can do, as this speedy/shooty setup shows. Wyches do play a key part here as well - them (and Succubi) being substantially more real in the new book substantially drops the price you need to pay to load up with lots of good counter-charge pieces (especially with Hellions as well), which lets you take plenty of big guns without foes being able to safely rush them down. In some ways this ends up running on a similar logic to the Guard build - a lot of foes lean on close engagement pieces, so if you can punish them for charging and set up good shooting lines early, you can make their lives very difficult. It doesn't have the durability of Guard tnaks to fall back on if foes do break through, but trades that for a really strong game into other shooty hull lists (I'd expect this to smash the winning Guard army quite comfortably). Also, there's a Voidraven. How it's still playable at 245pts with no re-rolls I'm not quite sure, but I guess threatening to blast a key target hiding behind a ruin can be a way to open up stalemates, or something. Answers on a postcard. Great stuff from Stefan - glad there's still some experimentation with different lists going on here.

Tim Schneider - Leagues of Votann (Dêlve Assault Shift) - 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)

Cthonian Beserks. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Call the ZERKS (1995 points)

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Dêlve Assault Shift

CHARACTERS

Brôkhyr Iron-master (100 points) • 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master • 1x Graviton hammer 1x Graviton rifle • Enhancement: Dêlvewerke Navigator • 1x Ironkin Assistant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Las-beam cutter • 1x E-COG • 1x Plasma torch • 1x E-COG • 1x Manipulator arms • 1x E-COG • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon

Memnyr Strategist (55 points) • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • Enhancement: Multiwave System Jammer

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

BATTLELINE

Cthonian Beserks (200 points) • 10x Cthonian Beserk • 8x Concussion maul 2x Mole grenade launcher 2x Twin concussion gauntlet

Cthonian Beserks (200 points) • 10x Cthonian Beserk • 8x Heavy plasma axe 2x Mole grenade launcher 2x Twin concussion gauntlet

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 4x Concussion maul 1x Twin concussion gauntlet

Cthonian Beserks (200 points) • 10x Cthonian Beserk • 8x Concussion maul 2x Mole grenade launcher 2x Twin concussion gauntlet

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 4x Concussion maul 1x Twin concussion gauntlet

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Cthonian Earthshakers (110 points) • 2x Cthonian Earthshakers • 2x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 2x Plasma picks 2x Tremor shells

Cthonian Earthshakers (110 points) • 2x Cthonian Earthshakers • 2x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 2x Plasma picks 2x Tremor shells

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 1x SP heavy conversion beamer 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 1x SP heavy conversion beamer 2x Twin bolt cannon

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

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Delve Beserks

Thoughts

Speaking of close engagements, this build hurls lots of Beserks at the foe with incredible speed, able to launch truly massive Advance/Charge plays from its Land Forts, and having good Deep Strike threats, including on turn 1. Votann have good toolbox units to support this core, and a couple of Earthshaker units help defang any lurking Aeldari who might do something treacharous like a big counterpunch. They're even better into Spectacle than they are into Aspects, which definitely helps stack the deck during classic elf vs. dwarf showdowns. Well done to Tim for continuing to make this very unique build do so much work!

Patrick Philipp - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 4th Place

Commander Farsight. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Triptide's a shallow ride, a toy for novices to hide.

Fischvariation - T'au Empire - Mont'ka (1995 Points)

Epic Hero: Commander Farsight (85 pts) • Dawn Blade • High-intensity plasma rifle • Warlord

Darkstrider (60 pts) • Shade • Close combat weapon

Character: Kroot War Shaper (75 pts) • Kroot pistol • Shaper's blade • Bladestave and prey-hook • Enhancement: Strike Swiftly

Infantry: Kroot Carnivores (65 pts) • Long-quill • Kroot pistol • Close combat weapon • Kroot rifle • Kroot Carnivore w/ tanglebomb launcher • Tanglebomb launcher • Close combat weapon • 8x Kroot Carnivores • 8x Close combat weapon • 8x Kroot rifle

Pathfinder Team (90 pts) • Pathfinder Shas'ui • Pulse carbine • Close combat weapon • Pulse pistol • Recon drone • Drone burst cannon • Semi-automatic grenade launcher • 2x Gun Drone • 2x Twin pulse carbine • 3x Pathfinders w/ ion rifle • 3x Ion rifle • 3x Pulse pistol • 3x Close combat weapon • 6x Pathfinders w/ pulse carbine • 6x Pulse carbine • 6x Pulse pistol • 6x Close combat weapon

Pathfinder Team (90 pts) • Pathfinder Shas'ui • Pulse carbine • Close combat weapon • Pulse pistol • Semi-automatic grenade launcher • Recon drone • Drone burst cannon • 2x Gun Drone • 2x Twin pulse carbine • 3x Pathfinders w/ ion rifle • 3x Ion rifle • 3x Pulse pistol • 3x Close combat weapon • 6x Pathfinders w/ pulse carbine • 6x Pulse carbine • 6x Pulse pistol • 6x Close combat weapon

Pathfinder Team (90 pts) • Pathfinder Shas'ui • Pulse carbine • Close combat weapon • Pulse pistol • Semi-automatic grenade launcher • Grav-inhibitor drone • 2x Gun Drone • 2x Twin pulse carbine • 3x Pathfinders w/ ion rifle • 3x Ion rifle • 3x Pulse pistol • 3x Close combat weapon • 6x Pathfinders w/ pulse carbine • 6x Pulse carbine • 6x Pulse pistol • 6x Close combat weapon

Stealth Battlesuits (80 pts) • Stealth Shas'vre • Homing beacon • Battlesuit fists • Fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system • Marker Drone • Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui w/ burst cannon • 2x Battlesuit fists • 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (80 pts) • Stealth Shas'vre • Homing beacon • Battlesuit fists • Fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system • Shield Drone • Marker Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui w/ burst cannon • 2x Battlesuit fists • 2x Burst cannon

Vespid Stingwings (65 pts) • Vespid Strain Leader • Stingwing claws • Neutron blaster • 4x Vespid Stingwings w/ Neutron Blaster • 4x Stingwing claws • 4x Neutron blaster

Dedicated Transport: Devilfish (85 pts) • Accelerator burst cannon • Armoured hull • 2 Smart missile systems • 2x Smart missile system • 2x Seeker missile

Vehicle: Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (120 pts) • Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre • Battlesuit fists • Shield Drone • Gun Drone • Twin pulse carbine • 2x Missile pod • 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists • 2x Shield Drone • 2x Gun Drone • 2x Twin pulse carbine • 4x Missile pod

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 pts) • Ghostkeel fists • Twin fusion blaster • Battlesuit support system • Cyclic ion raker

Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts) • Armoured hull • 2 Accelerator burst cannons • 2x Accelerator burst cannon • Ion cannon • 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts) • Armoured hull • 2 Accelerator burst cannons • 2x Accelerator burst cannon • Ion cannon • 2x Seeker missile

Piranha (60 pts) • Piranhas • Piranha fusion blaster • Armoured hull • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranha (60 pts) • Piranhas • Armoured hull • Piranha fusion blaster • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranha (60 pts) • Piranhas • Armoured hull • Piranha burst cannon • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Twin pulse carbine

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

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

Archetype

Mont'ka Hulls

Thoughts

Mont'ka with extra Pathfinders to round out our second major of the day, using the Infiltrators to set up especially nasty alpha strikes where necessary, and as bait when not. Combinging those with Farsight leading a missile team gives a very all-rounder shooting suite. Although this has worked well here, elsewhere good times are coming to an end for the T'au - the combination of more expensive Stealth Suits with some very hostile threats in the metagame look to pose a serious problem. We'll see if the Greater Good can find a way to adapt, in the meantime Patrick.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Julian Lange - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus, Rubricae, a big Enlightened unit and a couple of Predators.
6th - Bastian Kry - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): All-rounder Calgar/Guilliman Gladius.
7th - Christian Lücker - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic Warband.
8th - William Fuhrimann - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Dreadnought-heavy Ultramarine goodstuff with no Guilliman in sight. Was there a conspiracy to jump scare me with a bunch of Ultramarine lists in an event without the new rules?
9th - Andreas Meinzer - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monster mash with a Swarmlord/Tyrant tag-team.
10th - Andreas Nauck - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Haloscreed with a Sanctified Destroyer brick.
11th - Sebastian Auwärter - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): Extra speedy Spectacle with lots of Wyches, four Venoms and lots of pressure MSUs.
12th - Antonio Mejias - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): RepEx/Brethren Templars with the Grimaldus/Assault Intercessor unit.
13th - Pascal Haberstroh - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Surprisingly shooty Inheritors MSU, adding two Centurion Devastator units and some Desolation Marines to the regular Devastators. Also lots of Sanguinary Guard with Characters.

The Standoff 2025

52-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Portland, ME, United States on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Alex Ing - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith) - 1st Place

Credit: Greg Narro

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adepta Sororitas + DETACHMENT: Champions of Faith (Righteous Purpose) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium + + WARLORD: Char3: Morvenn Vahl + ENHANCEMENT: Sanctified Amulet (on Char4: Hospitaller) & Triptych of Judgement (on Char5: Hospitaller) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 8 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 2x Daemonifuge (85 pts) • 1x Ephrael Stern: Bolt pistol, Sanctity • 1x Kyganil of the Bloody Tears: The Outcast's Blades Char2: 1x Junith Eruita (80 pts): Mace of Castigation, Twin Ministorum Heavy Flamer Char3: 1x Morvenn Vahl (170 pts): Warlord, Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon missile launcher Char4: 1x Hospitaller (75 pts): Sanctified Amulet, Bolt pistol, Chirugeon's tools Char5: 1x Hospitaller (65 pts): Triptych of Judgement, Bolt pistol, Chirugeon's tools Char6: 1x Hospitaller (50 pts): Bolt pistol, Chirugeon's tools

10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior: Spear of the Faithful, Ministorum hand flamer • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace): 9 with Bolt pistol, Hallowed Mace 10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior: Spear of the Faithful, Ministorum hand flamer • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace): 9 with Bolt pistol, Hallowed Mace 10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior: Spear of the Faithful, Ministorum hand flamer • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace): 9 with Bolt pistol, Hallowed Mace 10x Dominion Squad (115 pts) • 9x Dominion 4 with Dominion, Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Simulacrum Imperialis, Dominion, Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 4 with Dominion, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Ministorum Flamer • 1x Dominion Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Ministorum hand flamer 5x Retributor Squad (105 pts) • 1x Retributor Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Condemnor boltgun • 4x Retributor: 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta 5x Retributor Squad (105 pts) • 1x Retributor Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Condemnor boltgun • 4x Retributor: 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta 5x Retributor Squad (105 pts) • 1x Retributor Superior: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Condemnor boltgun • 4x Retributor: 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta 9x Sanctifiers (100 pts) • 2x Missionary 1 with Ministorum flamer, Sanctifier melee weapon 1 with Holy fire, Sanctifier melee weapon, Plasma gun • 4x Sanctifier 3 with Ministorum hand flamer, Sanctifier melee weapon 1 with Close combat weapon, 2x Ministorum hand flamer • 1x Miraculist: Burning hands, Holy fire • 1x Salvationist: Salvationist Medikit, Close combat weapon • 1x Death Cult Assassin: Death Cult blades 3x Paragon Warsuits (210 pts) • 1x Paragon Superior: Bolt pistol, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade, Multi-melta • 2x Paragon Warsuit: 2 with Bolt pistol, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade, Multi-melta 1x Immolator (115 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta 1x Sororitas Rhino (75 pts): Armoured tracks, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

Char7: 1x Navigator (75 pts): Force-orb cane, Laspistol Char8: 1x Navigator (75 pts): Force-orb cane, Laspistol

Archetype

Sacresant Shieldwall

Thoughts

In the face of new threats and a shifting metagame, the big Sacresant shieldwall continues to hold on, particularly with new Retributors behind it. Here, there's a particular attention paid to preventing the foe from sneaking in behind the barrier, using double Navigator and the Sanctified Amulet to ward off a gigantic amount of space from enemy Reserves. The list insists that challenging the wall is the only way to defeat it, and it doesn't look like any foes were up to it here. Congratulations Alex!

Cheng Chen - Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Telemon Heavy Dreadnought. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Dread me Rat! (2000 points)

Adeptus Custodes Strike Force (2000 points) Solar Spearhead

CHARACTERS

Telemon Heavy Dreadnought (260 points) • Solar Spearhead Keywords: Character • 1x Arachnus storm cannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Spiculus bolt launcher 1x Telemon caestus 1x Twin plasma projector • Enhancement: Augury Uplink

Telemon Heavy Dreadnought (250 points) • Solar Spearhead Keywords: Character • Warlord • 1x Armoured feet 1x Spiculus bolt launcher 2x Telemon caestus 2x Twin plasma projector • Enhancement: Adamantine Talisman

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought (155 points) • 1x Achillus dreadspear 2x Infernus incinerator

Prosecutors (40 points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior • 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor • 3x Boltgun 3x Close combat weapon

Prosecutors (40 points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior • 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor • 3x Boltgun 3x Close combat weapon

Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought (170 points) • 1x Combi-bolter 1x Contemptor combat weapon 1x Multi-melta

Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought (170 points) • 1x Combi-bolter 1x Contemptor combat weapon 1x Multi-melta

Venerable Contemptor Dreadnought (170 points) • 1x Combi-bolter 1x Contemptor combat weapon 1x Multi-melta

Witchseekers (50 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

Witchseekers (50 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Solar Spearhead

Thoughts

The threat saturation Solar Spearhead special makes a comeback here, another build that's well optimised for an environment where big damage doesn't start until things get close, as there are very few armies you'd bet on against this in a close-ranged struggle, especially not when the first wave of Dreadnoughts can bounce back up. It's also fun that you can unleash a D4 melee Telemon deathball in Victrix meta. To be clear, it's not even that good at killing them, as AP-2 is rough into Armour of Contempt and a 2+, but it's conceptually very funny to invite Cato Sicarius to catch these hands, and their swingback is fairly ineffectual unless they have Oaths up. Great work from Chen.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd - Travis Morton - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights and Purifiers, but with one fewer Dreadknight and lots more Interceptors than normal. Vroom.
4th - Cullen Burns - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Ironstrider/Ruststalker spam Haloscreed.
5th - Tait Dickinson - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband): Fortless Hearthband, using one big squad each of Ironkin and Hearthguard as anchors instead, and supporting them with lots of Beserk, Bike and Thunderkyn MSUs.
6th - Ian Power - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Two big Victrix units, with Guilliman and RepExes.
7th - Nick Hardy - White Scars (Spearpoint Task Force): Stormraven Spearpoint, with a big unit of Sternguard taking a turn at being a Hunter's Eye beneficiary.
8th - Tyler Chapman - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Herohammer MSU Beastslayer with a couple of Lancers.

Hive City Rumble GT

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Concord, NC, United States on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Daniel Twitty - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Marneus Calgar Credit: Alfredo Ramirez

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Lions, Tigers, and Victrix Oh My!! (1995 Points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain Sicarius (85 Points) • 1x Artisan plasma pistol • 1x Talassarian Tempest Blade

Chief Librarian Tigurius (75 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Rod of Tigurius • 1x Storm of the Emperor's Wrath

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

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

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

Uriel Ventris (95 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Invictus • 1x Sword of Idaeus

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

Gladiator Lancer (160 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Lancer laser destroyer

Gladiator Lancer (160 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Lancer laser destroyer

Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 Points) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 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

Victrix Honour Guard (210 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

Victrix Honour Guard (210 Points) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 6x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (210 Points) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 6x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Victrix Spam

Thoughts

Our next winner has unleashed the Victrix Guard to the greatest possible extent, launching all the greatest heroes of the Ultramarines forward with 18 melee monsters protecting them, and a couple of Gladiator Lancers shooting from behind. With fewer mobile shooting pieces than the other Ultramarine build we looked at, this version has stuck to Gladius for access to the all-important Fight on Death Stratagem, which Guilliman makes affordable. You also get even more free Stratagem fun thanks to the old version of Sicarius and Tigurius kicking around, helping you bury the foe in value as well as axe blows (also come on now GW - old Cato should not be 85pts now Victrix exist). Uncomplicated but extremely effective, and an instant top build - well done Daniel.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Duncan Bluhm - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Dorn Guard with a big Bullgryn squad and plenty of Kasrkin.
3rd - Collin Watts - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Ironstriders, Ruststalkers and Infiltrators galore.
4th - Nick K - Orks (War Horde): Mechanised melee threats, a big Boyz/Ghaz unit, and one full Flash Gitz squad.
5th - Justin Crain - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Double Victrix and Guilliman, supported by various hulls including a RepEx for one Victrix unit to ride.
6th - Christopher Johnson - Orks (War Horde): Heavier War Horde, going for two Battlewagons and two full Flash Gitz units.
7th - Ronnie Kinney - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband): Go-wide no fort Heathband.
8th - Philip Hall - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): Herohammer wolf Gladius that also features a big Wulfen unit.

Luxembourg Open

33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Walferdange, Luxembourg, Luxembourg on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Justin Jansen - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

Illuminor Szeras. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Awakened Dynasty

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Overlord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb

Chronomancer (65 points) • 1x Chronomancer's stave

Illuminor Szeras (165 points) • 1x Eldritch Lance 1x Impaling legs

Lokhust Lord (100 points) • 1x Lord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancement: Veil of Darkness

Lokhust Lord (80 points) • 1x Lord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb

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

Royal Warden (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Relic gauss blaster • Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket

Royal Warden (50 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Relic gauss blaster

BATTLELINE

Necron Warriors (200 points) • 20x Necron Warrior • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Gauss flayer

Necron Warriors (200 points) • 20x Necron Warrior • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Gauss reaper

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Ghost Ark (115 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 2x Gauss flayer array

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Cryptothralls (60 points) • 2x Cryptothrall • 2x Scouring eye 2x Scythed limbs

Cryptothralls (60 points) • 2x Cryptothrall • 2x Scouring eye 2x Scythed limbs

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Anti-Elite Awakened

Thoughts

A new spin on Warrior tarpit gives us our first Necron winner of the week, leaning on the fact that there simply aren't very many things that will drop a whole Orikan Warrior unit at once, Victrix Guard aren't one of them, and Victrix (and other Marines) in the open are relatively vulnerable to Lokhust Destroyers. I'd maybe wonder if the second unit is a little hard to position without the Veil, but it proved a really good pick for the metagame, as Justin carved through a bunch of Marine builds on the way to the win (drawing in round 3 against a heavy Grey knights build). Good stuff - I always dream of making Lokhusts work, so I'm glad someone has.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:

2nd (4.5-0.5) - Pierre-Yves Desplanques - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights, Purifiers and a Stormraven.
3rd - Florian Faugeroux - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Double 20 Berzerker horde.

The Outriders : MK 40k Grand Tournament #1

27-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Newport Pagnell, England, United Kingdom on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Mathew Putney - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

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

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Arm failed too reanimate! (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Awakened Dynasty

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

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

Illuminor Szeras (165 points) • 1x Eldritch Lance 1x Impaling legs

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

Lokhust Lord (100 points) • 1x Lord's blade 1x Nanoscarab Amulet • Enhancement: Veil of Darkness

Skorpekh Lord (120 points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator 1x Flensing claw 1x Hyperphase harvester • Enhancement: Enaegic Dermal Bond

Technomancer (100 points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

Deathmarks (60 points) • 5x Deathmark • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Synaptic disintegrator

Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (165 points) • 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Enmitic exterminator

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Awakened Herohammer

Thoughts

A completely different take on Awakened to close, here leaning more on the herohammer side with reviving Characters and C'tan. A big Wraith unit provides a tarpit to hold one objective, while a couple of C'tan can go team up and conquer another one. The big damage C'tan are yet more things on the list of stuff that goes up in value in Victrix land, as they can keep them engaged and gradually chip away quite nicely. Also a big fan of C'tan, such delights for me to contemplate this week, well done Matthew.

The Best of the Rest

There was 1 more player on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Neil Bryant - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Dorn, double Russ Exterminator, and a Bullgryn squad.

Wrap Up

Have any questions or feedback? Drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com. Want articles like this linked in your inbox every Monday morning? Sign up for our newsletter. And don’t forget that you can support us on Patreon for backer rewards like early video content, Administratum access, an ad-free experience on our website and more.

Thank you for being a friend.

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Victrix at Sea pt.1

Fantasia Fanatic XLVIII 40K

The Showdown

Scorched Earth - Crucible of Battle

Thoughts

Result

Björn Eriksson - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Samppa Orhanen - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Victor Åström - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Tim Nordin - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Canes Belli War

Florian Sauter - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Stefan Brotzer - Drukhari (Realspace Raiders) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Tim Schneider - Leagues of Votann (Dêlve Assault Shift) - 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Patrick Philipp - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

The Standoff 2025

Alex Ing - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Cheng Chen - Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Hive City Rumble GT

Daniel Twitty - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Luxembourg Open

Justin Jansen - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

The Outriders : MK 40k Grand Tournament #1

Mathew Putney - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

Latest

Patreon

Fashion Accessories

AGE OF SIGMAR 4th EDITION

WARHAMMER 40,000 10th EDITION

ABOUT US

OUR SOCIALS