This may be the biggest Competitive Innovations in the Mortal Realms ever. A total of Seven large events, all over the world and a huge variety of lists to pore over. No use delaying, let's go!

As a note, the "Best of the Rest" will be trimmed to a top 8 for this week due to the sheer number of large events.

Grand Clash AoS Single

140-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Trois-Rivières, QC, CA on April 20 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Fabien Barbusse - Blades of Khorne:

vs.

Ridge Hanna - Skaventide:

Thoughts

This is an interesting one. A solid chunk of this list relies on magic damage, which the Khorne player will resist at all costs. However, it's not completely out of it. Between the Verminlord, Rat Ogors and Hell Pit Abomination they're not completely out of options here. They also have enough bodies to grind out the Khorne player, even if it might be rewarding them with Blood Tithes. A lot of it is going to come down to the mission, as the Skaven player would have better maneuverability in a mission with several objectives.

The game is ultimately a close call and given to Khorne.

Result

Blades of Khorne Victory - 26 - 23

Fabien Barbusse -Blades of Khorne - 1st Place

Garrek's Reavers. Credit: Magos Sockbert

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Double Bloodthirster good stuff.

Thoughts

Mostly a Stock Khorne list. Skarbrand and a Bloodthirster kitted out as general and with an artefact, with a retinue of support heroes. Where it diverges is the inclusion of the Underworlds Warbands. Unlike many other armies, Khorne's all have some pretty interesting gimmicks. Garrek's Reavers grants blood tithes for simply killing a model with them, instead of a unit amd the other two can be surprisingly tanky, bogging down weaker enemies (and if they die in the process, blood tithes).

Jeremy Veysseire - Flesh-eater Courts - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Cryptguard. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Archetype

FEC Hordes

Thoughts

The name of the game here is to overwhelm the enemy with as many models as you can. With 4 Archregents you can return up to 12 models to any unit, or split it up as you require. And check that wound count, that is a lot of wounds to have to carve through.

In short, even if their saves aren't ideal, you can only do so much damage and it is gonna be rare that you spike quite that hard.

Xavier Carpentier - Sons of Behemat - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Mancrusher Gargant Mob Credit - Laura Bates; Instagram: scops947

The List

Archetype

King Brodd's Stomp with Mancrushers

Thoughts

Standard King Brodd's Stomp, but you know what you're getting with these guys. The only real variation comes from the choice in 4 Mancrushers, to give some leg room to spread out as needed. This is helpful especially in missions with many objectives.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players in the top 8. They were:

• 4th - Jiwan noah Singh - Flesh-eater Courts: Crypt Ghoul and Beastflayer spam.
• 5th - Kevin Wardrop - Nighthaunt (The Scarlet Doom): Bladegheist Revenant spam.
• 6th - Ridge Hanna - Skaventide: See showdown.
• 7th - Jean-François Normand - Disciples of Tzeentch (Guild of Summoners): Typical Tzeentch casters, with addition of Be'lakor and 6 Enlightened.
• 8th - Danick Gagne - Disciples of Tzeentch (Guild of Summoners): Again, standard Tzeentch casters with some Furies and Screamers.

UMARHAMMER

76-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Altedo, Emilia-Romagna, Italy on April 20 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Luca Quinale - Sons of Behemat:

vs.

Mattia Palombo - Sons of Behemat:

Thoughts

Stomp vs. Stomp. The only thing really separating these is the extra Gatebreaker in Mattia's list vs 4 Mancrushers in Luca's. With Mirror matches like this, it's going to come down to the skill of the player and maybe some dice rolls.

In this cast, Luca absolutely slams it out (he was the one with 4 Mancrushers to be clear) with a clear victory. The versatility of the Mancrushers able to spread out was likely a huge boon while the big ones took care of the combat in the middle.

Result

Sons of Behemat Victory - 18 - 2

Luca Quinale - Sons of Behemat - 1st Place

Warstomper Credit - Instagram: Exitwarp

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

King Brodd's Stomp with Mancrushers

Thoughts

Pretty standard of Sons of Behemat. King Brodd's Stomp rules the roost right now, so King Brodd becomes basically an auto include. The Gatebreaker is the strong attacker, while the Warstomper clears out Hordes. The choice to bring 4 Mancrushers gives room to spread out and grab objectives on missions with a lot of objectives.

Jordy NAPONIELLO - Hedonites of Slaanesh - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Charlie A

The List

Archetype

Blissbarb spam

Thoughts

Although not including some Blissbarb seekers is unusual, the same general strategy applies. The 33 archers can lay some very solid Rend -1 covering fire to remove screens and soften up some units before closing in with the Keeper, Slickblade Seekers and Fiends which are the real hammer.

Tommaso Arienzo - Disciples of Tzeentch - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Ogroid Thaumaturge. Credit: Sulecrist

The List

Archetype

Guild of Summoners Herohammer with Krondspine

Thoughts

You don't see this kind of list as much anymore but this shows it can still have teeth. Tzeentch lacks serious heavy hitters of their own, and most of their damage is in their spells. The list skews heavily toward their Wizards to access a variety of spells, particularly from Kairos Fateweaver, so the player can gun for a Lord of Change as early as possible (Hopefully round 1).

The Chaff exists to get between your casters and the enemy, especially the horrors which can tarpit enemies for some time. The Krondspine exists to be a solid hammer, in addition to the casting buff. Play your cards right and you can sacrifice your magister so it can eat your own endless spells.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players in the top 8. They were:

• 4th - Guglielmo Famiani - Soulblight Gravelords (Legion of Night): Mannfred, Lauka and VLoZD with minimal battleline.
• 5th - Alessandro Angrisano - Idoneth Deepkin (Ionrach): A grab bag of Akhelian eels, Reavers and Allopexes led by a King and Eidolon.
• 6th - Mattia Palombo - Sons of Behemat (King Brodd's Stomp): See Showdown.
• 7th - Fabio Sartor - Daughters of Khaine (Hagg Nar): Morathi and several Melusai.
• 8th - Luca Onorati - Maggotkin of Nurgle (Befouling Host): Triple Maggoth lords and Glottkin.

Highground Brewsky GT - AOS 2K - 2 Day

70-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Milford, MI, US on April 20 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Mission - Every Step is Forward

Brandon Flynn - Gloomspite Gitz:

vs.

Nick Carr - Gloomspite Gitz:

Thoughts

Gitz vs Gitz, how chaotic. Brandon's list is largely focused on the massive blob of Squigs, supported by Fellwater Troggs to cut down enemy saves before charging in. The Moonclan Stabbas hold points, and act as a holding cell for the Fanatics.

Speaking of Fanatics, Nick's list leans a lot harder on them. Two moonclan units, two units of fanatics. These guys absolutely tear through things with mediocre saves especially if they spike hard on their number of attacks.

In short, it's going to matter who gets to charge first. Whoever does will tear into the other real quick and it appears Nick got that charge in.

Result

Gloomspite Gitz Victory - 43 - 16

Nick Carr - Gloomspite Gitz - 1st Place

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Thoughts

Michael Rausch - Gloomspite Gitz - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Raf Cordero

The List

Archetype

Squig focused gitz

Thoughts

Another Gitz list! This is pretty similar to the showdown, but leans more onto the Bounderz. In essence, the whole game plan is get an opening with these guys and charge in to deal mortal wounds and clean up with some Rend -2 Damage 2 attacks. Against most foes, it's extremely effective and will fold almost instantly.

Carlos Munos - Ogor Mawtribes - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Beastriders!

Thoughts

This list drops the usual Forstlord general for a Huskard, so another Beastrider could be snuck in. Still, it doesn't much change the gameplan. Set things up so you can charge with everything at once, and hopefully clear out most of the enemy in one round. When it works, it works.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players in the top 8. They were:

• 4th - Mrigank Jha - Stormcast Eternals (Knights Excelsior): Annihilators and Vanguard Raptors for mortal wound goodness.
• 5th - Brandon Flynn - Gloomspite Gitz (Badsnatcherz): See Showdown.
• 6th - Gabriel Cobaugh - Nighthaunt (Scarlet Doom): Bladegheist spam.
• 7th - Sam McEuen - Gloomspite Gitz (King's Gitz): Squig focused gitz.
• 8th - Jack Cawood - Hedonites of Slaanesh (Pretenders): Keeper of Secrets leading Blissbarb Archers and Fiends.

Warzone Sigmar: Level-Up Games

48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Duluth, Georgia, US on April 20 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission -

Mike McAbee - Nighthaunt:

vs.

Frederick Schmidt - Big WAAAGH!:

Thoughts

The Nighthaunt have an interesting advantage here, since Big WAAAGH tends to want to try and slam into opponents with high rend, high damage attacks to cut the legs off the opposition. Nighthaunt don't care about rend, with their Ethereal saves, so it becomes a matter of luck since most saves are going to be a 4+ either way and the Cruciator cuts damage down from Violent Fury.

This list does have some Mortal wound output to get around that, so it's not all smooth sailing. The Boltboyz have potential at taking out key pieces, if they can get around the Spirit Hosts guarding them.

Ultimately the superior mobility of the Nighthaunt wins in a close victory.

Result

Nighthaunt Victory - 12 - 8

Mike McAbee - Nighthaunt - 1st Place

Lady Olynder, Mortarch of Grief. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Harridan spam

Thoughts

Most Nighthaunt lists start pretty similarly. Spam some Harridans or Bladegheist Revenants (dealer's choice). Add a Krulghast Cruciator to cut down on damage coming in, a Spirit Torment for healing and recursion and a Guardian of Souls for bonuses to wound and more healing.

After that, you got options. Olynder is one of the best Casters in the army for her cost, and Spirit Hosts are key for keeping all of these important heroes protected. Not essential, but useful.

The Black Coach is a diversion from usual list building. It's an interesting piece, with a lot of mortal wound shooting and surprisingly durable if one can accumulate a lot of dead bodies around it early with Evocation of Death.

Kevin Lathers - Fyreslayers - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Lupe

The List

Archetype

Vulkite spam

Thoughts

Since the buff to Vulkite Berzerkers gave them a 2" reach, they've pretty much been the way to go for Fyreslayers. They offer the highest number of attacks and a once per game fight on death which makes them surprisingly effective in combat.

Supporting them is the necessary suite of heroes. The Runefather can grant +1 attack once per game (And thanks to being on a Magmadroth base that aura is huge) and the Runesmiter's Ember Storm can hand out run and charge to one of the Vulkites. The Battlesmith rallies back what is lost and the Runemaster has defensive buffs such as -1 to be wounded.

The Grimwrath Berzerker rounds this out as a not quite a hero to send into the breach to take down something big before going down.

The Best of the Rest

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

• 3rd - Stuart King - Cities of Sigmar (Misthåvn): Witch hunters bonanza.
• 4th - Frederick Schmidt - Orruk Warclans (Big WAAAGH!): See Showdown.
• 5th - Ansh Shah - Blades of Khorne (The Flayed): Double bloodthirster and good stuff.
• 6th - Alex Mihilli - Blades of Khorne (Skullfiend Tribe): Double bloodthirster and good stuff.
• 7th - Walter Brock - Ossiarch Bonereapers (Mortis Praetorians): Arkhan, Zandtos and a Boneshaper with a 30 man squad of Mortek, Immortis Guard and Stalkers.
• 8th - Jacob Morris - Blades of Khorne (Goretide): Skarbrand and a team of priests to support foot trips.

The Blue Sky GT

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bremerton, WA, US on April 20 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Jarod Brown - Stormcast Eternals:

vs.

Charles Van Ness - Hedonites of Slaanesh:

Thoughts

Interesting matchup here. On one side, Slaanesh excels best against melee armies with poor to OK saves. This Stormcast list fulfills half that, rocking with 3+ saves across the board they certainly have enough ranged fire to hit them and cut through some unlucky saves.

However, with proper positioning this Stormcast list has a lot of Deep Strike, Teleport and a 5+ Ward from Gardus. This keeps them surprisingly mobile and resilient against the Blissbarbs. If they choose to engage them, they can cut through their poor saves rather easily.

In the end, it's a strong victory for the Stormcast.

Result

Stormcast Eternals Victory - 19 - 11

Jarod Brown - Stormcast Eternals - 1st Place

Lord-Celestant of the Hallowed Knights, Gardus Steel Soul. Credit: Cronch

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Herohammer Stormcast

Thoughts

This is real Herohammer stuff. Aside from the standard battleline, theres 6 heroes, 2 squads of Praetors to shield them, and 2 squads of Questors (which are basically just units of Heroes).

Stormcast traits and artefacts are pretty bad, so a Knight-Zephyros with an Arcane Tome and Master of Magic is a good way to get magical dominance round 1 and then teleport to catch up with the rest of the group. Gardus helps keep your forces alive with a 5+ ward and the Incantors cast magical support or blizzard if the enemy dares get too close. Yndrasta can bring back lost troops and you will badly need that with such a low model count list.

The Coalitioned Pontifex is a nice add for trying to kill wizards and priests early, as mortal wounds would be one of the few things that could crack this list's high saves.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

• 2nd - ALEXANDER Gonzalez - Blades of Khorne (Reapers of Vengeance): A single Bloodthirster and support heroes with a Bloodletter bomb and support troops/sacrifices.
• 3rd - Matt Beasley - Seraphon (Fangs of Sotek): Slann and Kroak with the usual support staff.
• 4th - Matthew Davidson - Stormcast Eternals (Astral Templars): Prime time, a Zephyros and Judicator with a ton of Paladors and Hunters.
• 5th - Will Reeves - Orruk Warclans (Big WAAAGH!): Good stuff heroes with an emphasis on Maw-Gruntas for troops.
• 6th - Charles Van Ness - Hedonites of Slaanesh (Pretenders Host): See showdown.

LoonShine Noches

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Tijuana, Baja California in Mexico on April 20 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Samuel Valdez - Sons of Behemat:

vs.

Viet Huynh - Gnarlroot:

Thoughts

This is an extremely tough matchup for Sylvaneth, as Sylvaneth tend to favor strike and fade tactics and beating Sons of Behemat generally requires that you do as much overbearing damage to them as quickly as possible to thin their numbers. There are a few contenders here, Spirit of Durthu and Belthanos can spike hard, plus the Blizzard Wych. Depending on how many Objectives there are there could be a fair fight here, though in the end Sons of Behemat take it.

Result

Sons of Behemat Victory - 511 - 19

Samuel Valdez - Sons of Behemat - 1st Place

Gorlagg Knight-Kicker, Gatebreaker Gargant. Credit: Raf Cordero

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

King Brodd and co

Thoughts

It's a King Brodd list, so not much to say. King Brodd and Gatebreaker do the majority of the lifting here so they get the command trait and artefact. The Warstomper can clear out some hordes and Kraken-eater keeps objectives away from enemies.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

• 2nd - Viet Huynh - Gnarlroot: See showdown.
• 3rd - Eugene Averin - Gloomspite Gitz (Trogg's Truggherd): Trogg spam.
• 4th - Kyle Calip - Flesh-eater Courts (Gristlegore): Zombie dragon monster mash led by Usheron.
• 5th - Kurt Roeper - Cities of Sigmar (Excelsis): Cavalry spam
• 6th - Ian McAleese - Ogor Mawtribes (Winterbite): Yhetees. Oh god that's a lot of Yhetees.

Fantasia Fanatic XLV - AoS

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Umeå, Sweden on April 20 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Mission - Spring the Trap

Abbe Al-Hayali - Seraphon:

vs.

Jesper Melander - Soulblight Gravelords:

Thoughts

Neither army really benefits from the mission Spring the Trap here, as both already have some pretty good teleport and deep strike options, so we can look at the lists themselves. The Seraphon list is pretty stock: Kroak and Slann with the usual retinue of support heroes and foot troops to capture objectives.

The Soulblight List is not unheard of but is definitely a less common site. It's more like a Bonreapers list, using the Buffs/Debuffs from Katakros and the combined power and toughness of the Immortis Guard to hold the line. The Regiment of Renown ability allows them to filter out any units with 1-3 wounds, giving the Soulblight's larger numbers and even bigger advantage. It's an interesting strategy and has potential especially in this mission of only 3 objectives.

The fight ends very close, 11-9 for Seraphon.

Result

Fangs of Sotek (Seraphon) Victory - 11 - 9

Abbe Al-Hayali -Seraphon (Fangs of Sotek)  - 1st Place

Credit: Matthew Herrington

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Double slann with support retinue.

Thoughts

This is basically your stock Seraphon list. Kroak and Slann dropping mortal wounds on people from a distance while the Astrolith Bearer gives a bonus to casting and a 5+ ward. Using the extra enhancement to give all your generic casters Blizzard is a nice touch, keeping everyone from even trying to get close to you.

The Best of the Rest

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

• 2nd - Ronya Andersson - Nighthaunt (Quicksilver Dead): Dreadscythe Harridan spam supported by Olynder.
• 3rd - Jesper Melander - Soulblight Gravelords (Legion of Night): See Showdown.
• 4th - Tobias Kyrk - Stormcast Eternals (Hammers of Sigmar): Ionus and Dragons supported by a variety of other foot troops
• 5th - Fredrik Seijsing - Sylvaneth (Heartwood): Triple Treelords and Durthu with some foot troops for screening.

Wrap Up

Whew! That was a lot to cover, but it is impressive how many armies were in this week's showcase. As we march ever forward towards fourth edition, the meta keeps shaking up. It will be interesting to see in a week or two if the battlescroll does anything to disrupt it even further.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or comments feel free to drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com. That’s also the best way to suggest topics for future articles. And if you want regular updates in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.

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