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.

It's the final part of CI for the week, this time with Lowest of Men covering:

AC Champions Cup 2025 - Warhammer 40k Champs (Singles)
Battle Ready Wargaming's Road To NOVA Hosted by Away Games
III Iberian Ham GT AEPDA 2025
Adeptus Bastardes I

Wings covered the following in Part 1 on Wednesday:

Warhammer 40,000 GT - Warhammer Open Edmonton
Branson Brawl 2025-40K
Rubicon Grand Tournament III
WestCoast Wargames 40k 2025 June
The Gulf GT

...and in Part 2 on Friday:

Fal-Con 2025: Live Free or Fly Hard 40k Event
Old Guard Games Grand Tournament
Dutch Masters Mid Season GT
Sunshine Coast Open III

AC Champions Cup 2025 - Warhammer 40k Champs (Singles)

103-player, 7-round Major in Atlantic City, NJ, United States on June 13 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Derek Apsche - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

1 1 Morty vectorium 2 (1995 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Virulent Vectorium

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Nurgle (215 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Revolting Regeneration

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

Lord of Contagion (135 points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancement: Furnace of Plagues

Lord of Contagion (120 points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancement: Daemon Weapon of Nurgle

Mortarion (380 points) • Warlord • 1x Lantern 1x Rotwind 1x Silence

Tallyman (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol

Typhus (90 points) • 1x Lakrimae

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (95 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Meltagun 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer

Plague Marines (95 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 2x Heavy plague weapon 1x Meltagun 4x Plague knives

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Deathshroud Terminators (140 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (140 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Poxwalkers (60 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (60 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (83), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Morty and Mini-Morty

Thoughts

Hero hammer with Mortarion and his cute Daemon Prince son has emerged as one of the most enjoyable ways to play the new Death Guard book. These guys absolutely slap in Virulent, where the -1 damage makes them a nightmare for opponents. Ignore modifiers has gradually crept out of the meta over the last year or so making the defensive tricks here more powerful than ever! This list is far more combat focused and infantry based than some of the lists we've seen for Death Guard, and I am here for it.

David Anderson - Space Marines (Gladius Task Force) - 2nd Place

Primaris Captain in Gravis Armour: Chapter Master Drusus of the Cobalt Scions. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

A Space Marine List (1995 points) No Bobby G No Calgar Just some boring Space Marine datasheets and their Gladius Task Force detachment.

Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Captain (95 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Master-crafted bolter 1x Power fist • Enhancement: The Honour Vehement

Captain in Gravis Armour (90 points) • Warlord • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet 1x Power fist 1x Relic fist • Enhancement: Artificer Armour

Librarian (90 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Force weapon 1x Smite • Enhancement: Fire Discipline

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Orbital Comms Array (Aura)

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 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 (90 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

Gladiator Reaper (160 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 2x Tempest bolter 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

Inceptor Squad (120 points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Plasma exterminators

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

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

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

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

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 2x Astartes shotgun 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher 1x Scout sniper rifle

Sternguard Veteran Squad (200 points) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power fist 1x Sternguard bolt pistol 1x Sternguard bolt rifle • 9x Sternguard Veteran • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Sternguard bolt pistol 7x Sternguard bolt rifle 2x Sternguard heavy bolter

Vindicator (185 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (83), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Boring Old Space Marines

Thoughts

Shawn even of the joys of having Calgar and Gulliman running about making googly eyes at each other, Gladius persists regardless. Stripping them out gets you, well, a bunch more tanks and guys, so that's no bad thing at all but perhaps a bit less fun for the wielder if the list name is anything to go by! Note the Repulsors - these are SO cheap now relative to other battle tanks and being able to yeet Jump Pack units from them gives you flexibility. Really well done on the top placing.

TJ Lanigan - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 3rd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Goat get it (1990 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Grand Coven

CHARACTERS

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (100 points) • 1x Arcane Fire 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points) • 1x Arcane Fire 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol • Enhancement: Incandaeum

Infernal Master (110 points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol • Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E'Taph

Infernal Master (105 points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

Magnus the Red (420 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus 1x Gaze of Magnus 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Tzaangor Enlightened (50 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Divining spear • 2x Enlightened • 2x Divining spear

Tzaangor Enlightened (50 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Divining spear • 2x Enlightened • 2x Divining spear

Tzaangor Enlightened (50 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Divining spear • 2x Enlightened • 2x Divining spear

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 5x Enlightened • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 5x Enlightened • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 5x Enlightened • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangors (70 points) • 1x Twistbray • 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor • 9x Tzaangor blades

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (83), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Thousand Sons Coven

Thoughts

Remember when I said the days of Magnus, Vortex Beasts, and Mortals were behind us last week? Of course you do, you lean on every single word I type I'm sure... well, I lied. Tsons break out with Grand Coven looking like a very potent meta force once again - Magnus remains deadly, Tzaangor on Discs are SO cheap for the supporting provision they offer, and Rubrics and Vortex Beasts are still the dream team from hell. A deadly build, and one to start prepping for. Really well done on the top placing.

Max Berlove - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 4th Place

Doomsday Ark. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I like big guns and I cannot lie (2000 Points)

Necrons Starshatter Arsenal Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (150 Points) • 1x Gauss cannon • 1x Overlord's blade • 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancements: Dread Majesty (Aura)

Hexmark Destroyer (100 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols • Enhancements: Chrono-impedance Fields

Technomancer (90 Points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancements: Demanding Leader

The Silent King (420 Points) • 1x Szarekh • Warlord ◦ 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory ◦ 1x Staff of Stars ◦ 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir ◦ 2x Annihilator beam ◦ 2x Armoured bulk

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 Spyders (75 Points) • 1x Automaton claws • 1x Fabricator Claw Array (Aura) • 1x Gloom Prism (Aura) • 2x Particle beamer

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

Doomsday Ark (200 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

Lokhust Destroyers (40 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (1), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Somehow, Starshatter Returned

Thoughts

Ok, let's theorise on the re-emergence of Starshatter. Combat rush armies take a slight knock with the emergence of Death Guard, Tsons and Knights. Going toe-to-toe at range becomes more important than absorbing on the frontlines, so Awakened starts to fade as an option, and speedy Dakka with some Wraiths makes more sense with the recent points changes? Something like that? Anyway, it's cool to see this potent detachment back out once again taking names, it remains absolutely lethal in the right hands.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Matt Aaron - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Retooled Wraith centric Awakened with the Silent King.
6th - Mark Hertel - Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Bonkers double Land Raider Ultramarines with Gulliman and Calgar.
7th - Matt Huber - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Massed Purifiers in Warpbane.

Battle Ready Wargaming's Road To NOVA Hosted by Away Games

53-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Valdosta, GA, United States on June 14 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Supply Drop - Tipping Point

Gabriel Nixon - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium)

Army List - Click to Expand

grant me sticky in my hour of Need (2000 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Virulent Vectorium

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (45 points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades 1x Injector pistol 1x Plague knives

Biologus Putrifier (45 points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades 1x Injector pistol 1x Plague knives

Biologus Putrifier (45 points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades 1x Injector pistol 1x Plague knives

Daemon Prince of Nurgle (215 points) • Warlord • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Revolting Regeneration

Lord of Contagion (110 points) • 1x Manreaper

Malignant Plaguecaster (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind

Tallyman (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (190 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 9x Plague Marine • 2x Blight launcher 3x Heavy plague weapon 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer 2x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (95 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 1x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer 1x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (95 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 1x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer 1x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (95 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 1x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer 1x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (95 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Blight launcher 1x Heavy plague weapon 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathshroud Terminators (140 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (140 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Poxwalkers (60 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (60 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (83), Data Version: v629

vs.

Noah Neundorfer - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors)

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Blood Angels + DETACHMENT: Angelic Inheritors + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Commander Dante + ENHANCEMENT: Ordained Sacrifice (on Char4: Lieutenant with Combi-weapon) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 7 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Chief Librarian Mephiston (120 pts) • 1x Fury of the Ancients • 1x Plasma Pistol • 1x Vitarus

1x Commander Dante (120 pts) • 1x Perdition • 1x The Axe Mortalis • Warlord

1x The Sanguinor (140 pts) • 1x Encarmine Broadsword

1x Apothecary (50 pts) • 1x Absolver Bolt Pistol • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Reductor Pistol

1x Captain with Jump Pack (75 pts) • 1x Power Fist • 1x Hand Flamer

1x Captain with Jump Pack (75 pts) • 1x Power Fist • 1x Hand Flamer

1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (95 pts) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired Combat Blades • Ordained Sacrifice (+25 pts)

BATTLELINE

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Bolt Rifle • 1x Close Combat Weapon • Intercessor Sergeant • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt Pistol • 4x Bolt Rifle • 4x Close Combat Weapon • 4x Intercessor Squad

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Desolation Squad (200 pts) • 4x Desolation Marine • 4x Bolt Pistol • 4x Castellan Launcher • 4x Close Combat Weapon • 4x Superkrak Rocket Launcher • 4x Desolation Squad • 1x Desolation Sergeant • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Castellan Launcher • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Vengor Launcher • Desolation Sergeant

6x Inceptor Squad (240 pts) • 5x Inceptor • 5x Close Combat Weapon • 5x Plasma Exterminators • 5x Inceptor Squad • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Plasma Exterminators • Inceptor Sergeant

5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) • 4x Infiltrator • 4x Bolt Pistol • 4x Close Combat Weapon • 4x Marksman Bolt Carbine • 4x Infiltrator Squad, Infiltrator Comms Array, Helix Gauntlet • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Marksman Bolt Carbine • Infiltrator Sergeant

3x Sanguinary Guard (110 pts) • 3x Sanguinary Guard • 3x Encarmine Blade • 1x Inferno Pistol • 2x Angelus Boltgun • Sanguinary Banner, 3x Sanguinary Guard

3x Sanguinary Guard (110 pts) • 3x Sanguinary Guard • 3x Encarmine Blade • 1x Inferno Pistol • 2x Angelus Boltgun • Sanguinary Banner, 3x Sanguinary Guard

3x Sanguinary Guard (110 pts) • 3x Sanguinary Guard • 3x Encarmine Blade • 1x Inferno Pistol • 2x Angelus Boltgun • Sanguinary Banner, 3x Sanguinary Guard

1x Vindicator (185 pts) • 1x Armoured Tracks • 1x Demolisher Cannon • 1x Hunter Killer Missile • 1x Storm Bolter

1x Vindicator (185 pts) • 1x Armoured Tracks • 1x Demolisher Cannon • 1x Hunter Killer Missile • 1x Storm Bolter

Thoughts

Woof, ok. This is a brutal match up and mission for a Showdown! Virulent Death Guard LOVE Supply Drop, which is a mission that rewards their 'bunker down mid board and out last the opponent' approach very heavily. Loads of Plague Marines and Shroud in this list for pushing the enemy off the objectives and enough shooting to whittle down the foe as well. We've not seen a tonne of MSU Plague Marines of late, but with the Putrifiers they are very dangerous and can trade in the initial exchanges very happily.

Angelic Inheritors loves the recent BA points drops, and packs a bit of guile for getting around and behind the opponent and protecting their shooting units. Vindicators with Oaths and SUSTAINED will get through the DG units if they get a bead - the question is whether the BA can handle the rate of attrition and benefit from the end game scoring. The score here looks like it went down to the mad scramble to grab the final objective end game - I'd have Death Guard as favoured to achieve this but if they went second it feels even more likely, and I'd guess that's what happened here. Looks like the Sons of Sanguinius gave a great account of themselves though!

Result

Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) Victory - 50 - 37

Gabriel Nixon - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 1st Place

Credit: PierreTheMime

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

MSU Melee Virulent

Thoughts

Another triumph for the Death Guard, who are rolling through a meta that took a balance patch they swerved at the moment. As alluded to above, I like the more MSU / transports based take here, it's closer to how DG were playing prior to their book but is even better now with Deathshroud drops to compliment it. Amazing work on the event win!

Marcus Johnson - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Vertus Praetor. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Savannah Bananas (2000 Points)

Adeptus Custodes Lions of the Emperor Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (120 Points) • 1x Vaultswords

Blade Champion (120 Points) • 1x Vaultswords

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (160 Points) • 1x Interceptor lance • 1x Salvo launcher • Enhancements: Admonimortis

Trajann Valoris (140 Points) • Warlord • 1x Eagle's Scream • 1x Watcher's Axe

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (170 Points) • 4x Custodian Guard ◦ 3x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Misericordia ◦ 1x Praesidium Shield ◦ 1x Vexilla

OTHER DATASHEETS

Custodian Wardens (260 Points) • 5x Custodian Warden ◦ 5x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Vexilla

Custodian Wardens (260 Points) • 5x Custodian Warden ◦ 5x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Vexilla

Custodian Wardens (210 Points) • 4x Custodian Warden ◦ 4x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Vexilla

Prosecutors (50 Points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Prosecutor ◦ 4x Boltgun ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

Venatari Custodians (165 Points) • 3x Venatari Custodian ◦ 3x Venatari lance

Vertus Praetors (150 Points) • 2x Vertus Praetor ◦ 2x Interceptor lance ◦ 2x Salvo launcher

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

ALLIED UNITS

Inquisitor Draxus (95 Points) • 1x Dirgesinger • 1x Power fist • 1x Psychic Tempest

Archetype

Warden Brick Custodes

Thoughts

Lions have waned in the meta somewhat, but the patented 'slam Wardens on the discs and score points' approach remains durable and lethal, capable of running through armies that can't pass the stat check in the pivotal 4+++ turn. Sprinkling in some Bikes and Venatari gives you other angles of attack as well, and it's awesome to see this continuing to do well in a meta that feels a lot more hostile to it now. Well done!

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Steven Tosky - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Bucketloads of MSU Destroyers in Awakened Dynasty.
4th - Minchul Kim - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and the Armigers doing their thing.
5th - Chris Dailey - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Rogal Dorns and some supporting Aquilons in Combined Arms.
6th - Drew Townsend - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Haruspex and Psychophage with a Zoan brick in the cool new Nids Detachment!
7th - Z Martin - Aeldari (Guardian Battlehost): Massed Storm Guardians and some Wraithlords in the BATTLEHOST! Epic to see this out.
8th - Noah Neundorfer - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): The Inheritors list from the Showdown.
9th - Griffin Odom - Emperor's Children (Carnival of Excess): Glorious Carnival antics with Fulgrim and a Keeper leading the charge.
10th - Seth Oster - Necrons (Canoptek Court): Epic Canoptek and C'tan nonsense, love to see it.
11th - Giacomo Tirelli - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double Wraith brick Starshatter with DDA fire base.

III Iberian Ham GT AEPDA 2025

41-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Sant Joan Despí, CT, España on June 14 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dekkers 🦭🤖 - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

iberham (1990 points)

Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Renegade Raiders

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (90 points) • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Plasma pistol

Cypher (90 points) • Warlord • 1x Cypher's bolt pistol 1x Cypher's plasma pistol

Fabius Bile (85 points) • 1x Fabius Bile • 1x Chirurgeon 1x Rod of Torment 1x Xyclos Needler • 1x Surgeon Acolyte • 1x Surgeon Acolyte's tools

Lord Discordant on Helstalker (160 points) • 1x Baleflamer 1x Bladed limbs 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Impaler chainglaive 1x Magma cutter

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 points) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Autopistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

Cultist Mob (50 points) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Autopistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 points) • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Bikers (70 points) • 1x Biker Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Combi-bolter 1x Power fist • 2x Chaos Biker • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Close combat weapon 2x Combi-bolter 2x Meltagun

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

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

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

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

Raptors (90 points) • 1x Raptor Champion • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Raptor • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 2x Meltagun

ALLIED UNITS

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

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power sword 1x Screamer pistol • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster 5x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power sword 1x Screamer pistol • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster 5x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

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

Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (83), Data Version: v629

Archetype

Renegade Raiders

Thoughts

Renegade Raiders get a little boost with the potency of the Lord Discordant rewrite - he absolutely LOVES this detachment. Being MOUNTED unlocks a deceptive number of great tricks here, including moving 12 after fighting. Otherwise the list is business as usual - Noise Marines are great here, Predators are great here, and Legios give you MSU nonsense. It's a staple of the comp scene at this stage but I think it's awesome the slate gave it a whole new lease of life by bringing back one of the coolest models in the game. Well done on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd (4.5-0.5) - Joan Scelus - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Mixed Arms Lions with double Caladius and Wardens.
3rd - Tkila RiP - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Glorious big brick Aspect Host with the Avatar leading the way.
4th - Manel Tulla - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Massed Deathshroud and Blight Launchers in VV.
5th - Dorian Coral - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and the Armigers stomp out once again.
6th - Suiles 🍉 - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Epic five Greater Daemon Incursion.
7th - Albert Hernandez Fabres - Aeldari (Aspect Host): All-in Aspect Host with two big bricks of Banshees and Shining Spears.
8th - Lluis ThYr - World Eaters (Khorne Daemonkin): Epic Daemonkin with a bunch of Letters, Skarbrand, and Forgefiends supporting.

Adeptus Bastardes I

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Østfold, Norge on June 14 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Lasse Tilrem - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

Illuminor Szeras. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

List Name: Horsin' Around +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Awakened Dynasty + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char4: The Silent King + ENHANCEMENT: Enaegic Dermal Bond (on Char1: Skorpekh Lord) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 13 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (1x6) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (305 pts): Gaze of death, Scythe of the Nightbringer Char2: 1x Illuminor Szeras (165 pts): Eldritch lance, Impaling legs Char3: 1x Imotekh the Stormlord (100 pts): Gauntlet of Fire, Staff of the Destroyer Char4: 3x The Silent King (420 pts): Warlord • 1x Szarekh: Sceptre of Eternal Glory, Staff of Stars, Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir: 2 with Annihilator beam, Armoured bulk Char5: 1x Skorpekh Lord (120 pts): Enmitic annihilator, Flensing claw, Hyperphase harvester Enhancement: Enaegic Dermal Bond (+30 pts) Char6: 1x Technomancer (80 pts): Staff of light

2x Cryptothralls (60 pts): 2 with Scouring eye, Scythed limbs 5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws 3x Skorpekh Destroyers (90 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Skorpekh hyperphase weapons 5x Triarch Praetorians (100 pts): 5 with Rod of covenant 6x Canoptek Wraiths (220 pts): 6 with Particle caster, Vicious claws 1x Canoptek Reanimator (75 pts): 2x Atomiser beam, Reanimator's claws 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array

Archetype

Awakened Wraiths

Thoughts

A pivot away from Warrior bricks to Wraiths continues for the Necrons, encouraged by some nice points drops in the dataslate. This list goes light on raw shooting power but packs so many durable characters and phase locking traps with the toolkit Awakened provides, and will wear down many opponents over the five turns. Great work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Jonathan Arkin - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Plenty of MSU Jump Pack squads with Baal Predators and Lancers providing the fire base.
3rd - Thomas Harkestad - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Big bug Crusher Stampede with a Norn Emissary.
4th - Rasmus Valand Fredriksen - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Wraith brick Starshatter with the Silent King and DDAs.
5th - Snorre Bugge - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): A Grab-bag of Custodes units in Talons with Witchseekers, Venatari, and Grav Tanks.

Wrap Up

There we are folks! Meta that will be is kicking in, and it looks like IK and Death Guard are reaping the rewards at the moment. A few armies are hanging on in there- Necrons in particular seem able to hang, but things feel a touch off for the first time in awhile. Hopefully the powers that be will be keeping an eye on things going forwards!

Lowest of Men, out.

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