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.

Wings: I had lots of pithy jokes about More Dakka on deck, but unfortunately I’m sick as hell after the GHO UK. Luckily, my wonderful co-writer Lowest of Men has stepped in to pick up the list writeups today!

Today:

Goonhammer Open UK March 2025
THE SOUTH-COAST 40k SUPER-MAJOR
All is Dust
OP Luck of the Irish GT
NurgleMania 6 – 2 Tagesturnier
OTT 2025

Friday:

Rocky Mountain Open 2025 – 40k Champs
Rosehammer III
Ogr Cubb 2025
Team Keelhaul Warhammer 40k Grand Tournament
Planet arKCanite 2025

Goonhammer Open UK March 2025

63-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on March 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Sam Nash – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place

Chapter Master Arcus Pluvius of the Rainbow Warriors armed with the gauntlets Rainbows Duplex — Rainbow Warriors Chapter Master Arcus Pluvius by Craig “MasterSlowPoke” Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Goon (2000 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Captain in Gravis Armour (90 Points)
• 1x Boltstorm gauntlet
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Relic chainsword
• Enhancements: Artificer Armour

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

Marneus Calgar (210 Points)
• 1x Marneus Calgar
◦ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard
◦ 2x Victrix power sword

Roboute Guilliman (345 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Emperor’s Sword
• 1x Hand of Dominion

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points)
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Ballistus lascannon
• 1x Ballistus missile launcher
• 1x Twin storm bolter

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

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

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

Invader ATV (60 Points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Twin bolt rifle

Scout Squad (70 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Combat knife
◦ 1x Missile launcher
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

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

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (2), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Ultramarines Gladius

Thoughts

The Ultramarines domination continues, as Sam Nash claims a big win! Gulliman and Calgar wander about drawing fire for a bunch of souped up tanks to respond to. It’s a simple but effective model that causes all sorts of issues for the opponent. The Gladiator Reaper gives you a bit of horde coverage and the Invader ATV remains incredibly cheap for what you get – all in all, a fantastic list! Very well done Sam.

Nassim Fouchane – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 2nd Place

Death Korps of Krieg infantry squad. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Please stop nerfing my faction I beg of you, show some restraint

04) Combined Arms (Scions) (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum
Combined Arms
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Cadian Commander
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Master Vox
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Regimental Standard

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

Rogal Dorn Commander (280 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Coaxial autocannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 2x Heavy stubber
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Oppressor cannon
• 1x Pulveriser cannon
• Enhancements: Grand Strategist

Ursula Creed (65 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
• 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points)
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sergeant’s autogun
• 9x Shock Trooper
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster

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

Death Korps of Krieg (130 Points)
• 2x Death Korps Watchmaster
◦ 2x Plasma pistol
◦ 2x Power weapon
• 18x Death Korps Trooper
◦ 18x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack
◦ 2x Flamer
◦ 14x Lasgun
◦ 2x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

Taurox (65 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Kasrkin (110 Points)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
◦ 1x Melta Mine
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster

Leman Russ Battle Tank (175 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 1x Leman Russ battle cannon
• 2x Multi-melta

Tempestus Scions (140 Points)
• 1x Tempestor
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x Tempestus Scion
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 2x Hot-shot volley gun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (2), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Guard Combined Arms

Thoughts

Nassim slips to his second top placing in as many weeks, as brutal Guard nerfs finally begin to tell on his ceiling. It could be time he retired, frankly, he’s been at this all far too long. Plenty of tanks in the firebase, Kasrkin for early aggression and Krieg bricks for absorption – just as strong as it was, but in a meta that may be shifting around it a little bit now! Well done on the top placing.

Alex Fowler – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) – 3rd Place

Shadowkeeper Allarus Custodes. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Last minute lions (1995 points)

Adeptus Custodes
Strike Force (2000 points)
Lions of the Emperor

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (120 points)
• 1x Vaultswords

Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armour (155 points)
• 1x Balistus grenade launcher
1x Guardian spear
• Enhancement: Superior Creation

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (160 points)
• 1x Interceptor lance
1x Salvo launcher
• Enhancement: 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

Allarus Custodians (130 points)
• 2x Allarus Custodian
• 2x Balistus grenade launcher
2x Guardian spear

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

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

Inquisitor (55 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Force weapon
1x Psychic Gifts
1x Psychic Shock Wave

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

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Lions Custodes

Thoughts

Alex F gets in on the new Custodes action with a nice smattering of foot lads, some Bikes, some scoring and some Inquisitors. The latter really like the new detachment, which accidentally (or intentionally, who can say) buffs their plug-in weaponry to quite absurd heights with scope for double tapping via Guard squads. Lions has great combat control, boasts a terrific stat check in a crucial moment through Wardens, and can now swat tanks and monsters aside like they aren’t even there. One to watch for the future- really well done Alex.

James Webster – Aeldari (Windrider Host) – 4th Place

Windriders with Shuriken Cannons. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Windhost (2000 points)

Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Windrider Host

CHARACTERS

Eldrad Ulthran (110 points)
• 1x Mind War
1x Shuriken pistol
1x The Staff of Ulthamar and witchblade

Jain Zar (105 points)
• 1x Blade of Destruction
1x Silent Death

Lhykhis (120 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Brood Twain
1x Spider’s Fangs
1x Weaverender

BATTLELINE

Windriders (160 points)
• 6x Windrider
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Shuriken cannon

Windriders (160 points)
• 6x Windrider
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Scatter laser

OTHER DATASHEETS

Howling Banshees (90 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol

Rangers (55 points)
• 5x Ranger
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol

Shroud Runners (80 points)
• 3x Shroud Runner
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Long rifle
3x Scatter laser
3x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (85 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch
• 1x Biting blade
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Striking Scorpion
• 4x Scorpion chainsword
4x Shuriken pistol

War Walkers (95 points)
• 2x Bright lance
1x War Walker feet

Warlock Skyrunners (45 points)
• 1x Destructor
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing Spear
1x Twin shuriken catapult

Warp Spiders (95 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Powerblade array
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner

Wraithlord (140 points)
• 2x Bright lance
2x Flamer
1x Ghostglaive
1x Wraithbone fists

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Windrider Host

Thoughts

A thoughtfully balanced Windrider list here, which takes plenty of the things working in other Elf detachments – Lykhis, Wraithlords, Warp Spiders – and couples them to the destructive uppy downy powers of 18 Windrider bikes. These are very violent in Host, able to drop in, blast things, and scoot away from reprisal in true elf fashion. As people start to get their heads around the Ynnari tricks, this may well be the direction for elf players as the raw output here is undeniable and there are still shenanigans aplenty too! Really well done James.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

5th – Luke Quadling – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Cheap Rangers and Aspects in transports, then two big Incubi squads and two full Reaver units.
6th – Greg Chamberlain – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Hearthgaurd-tastic Votann with 25 of them, two squads in reserve and one in a fort.

THE SOUTH-COAST 40k SUPER-MAJOR

254-player, 8-round Supermajor in England, United Kingdom on March 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown – Ad Mech (Haloscreed) versus Orks (More Dakka)

Scorched Earth – Inspired Leadership – Crucible of Battle

Samuel Martin – Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade)
Army List - Click to Expand

DT2 (1995 points)

Adeptus Mechanicus
Strike Force (2000 points)
Haloscreed Battle Clade

CHARACTERS

Belisarius Cawl (135 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Arc scourge
1x Cawl’s Omnissian axe
1x Mechadendrite hive
1x Solar atomiser

Skitarii Marshal (35 points)
• 1x Control stave
1x Mechanicus pistol

Tech-Priest Manipulus (70 points)
• 1x Magnarail lance
1x Omnissian staff
• Enhancement: Sanctified Ordnance

Tech-Priest Manipulus (75 points)
• 1x Magnarail lance
1x Omnissian staff
• Enhancement: Inloaded Lethality

Technoarcheologist (45 points)
• 1x Mechanicus pistol
1x Servo-arc claw

BATTLELINE

Skitarii Rangers (85 points)
• 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Galvanic rifle
• 9x Skitarii Ranger
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
6x Galvanic rifle
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
1x Transuranic arquebus

Skitarii Vanguard (95 points)
• 1x Skitarii Vanguard Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Radium carbine
• 9x Skitarii Vanguard
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
6x Radium carbine
1x Transuranic arquebus

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Skorpius Dunerider (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Cognis heavy stubber array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Kataphron Breachers (320 points)
• 6x Kataphron Breacher
• 6x Heavy arc rifle
6x Hydraulic claw

Kataphron Breachers (160 points)
• 3x Kataphron Breacher
• 3x Heavy arc rifle
3x Hydraulic claw

Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 points)
• 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Pteraxii Skystalker
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Flechette carbine

Sicarian Infiltrators (70 points)
• 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Sicarian Infiltrator
• 4x Flechette blaster
4x Taser goad

Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 points)
• 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps
• 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw
• 9x Sicarian Ruststalker
• 9x Transonic blades

Skorpius Disintegrator (175 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
3x Cognis heavy stubber
1x Disruptor missile launcher
1x Ferrumite cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

vs.

Ben Jones – Orks (More Dakka)
Army List - Click to Expand

dakka (1995 points)

Orks
Strike Force (2000 points)
More Dakka!

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (80 points)
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
1x Beastchoppa
1x Shoota

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (90 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancement: Targetin’ Squigs

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (90 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancement: Da Gobshot Thunderbuss

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun

Painboy (80 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 points)
• 1x Da Grabzappa
1x Squigstoppa

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 points)
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
• 9x Choppa
9x Slugga
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
• 1x Power snappa
1x Slugga

Boyz (160 points)
• 19x Boy
• 17x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Rokkit launcha
17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (80 points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Git
• 4x Choppa
4x Snazzgun

Gretchin (40 points)
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga

Gretchin (80 points)
• 20x Gretchin
• 20x Close combat weapon
20x Grot blasta
• 2x Runtherd
• 2x Runtherd tools
2x Slugga

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

Tankbustas (135 points)
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
1x Rokkit pistol
1x Smash hammer
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
1x Pulsa Rokkit
5x Rokkit launcha

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Thoughts

Ok, let’s talk Dakka. It floods the board, it blocks you in, and it shoots you to pieces. One thing it doesn’t do easily, is break out of its deployment IF you get first drop, cover midboard, get first turn, and pin it in. Orks are footsloggers, they don’t have any particularly dangerous flying options, so if you can box them in you can buy time. This Ad Mech list is more than capable of that, with loads of forward deploy, good foot slogging troops and speedy shoot and scoot that can keep a jail going for some time.

IF, and only if, the Orks can be hemmed in for the majority of the game, and enough damage done, there is a win path here. What is more likely, and what ultimately played out here, is a rate of attrition that proves the jail simply unsustainable. The Ad Mech made a heroic effort here, before petering out.

Result

Orks (More Dakka) Victory – 82 – 62

Ben Jones – Orks (More Dakka) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

dakka (1995 points)

Orks
Strike Force (2000 points)
More Dakka!

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (80 points)
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
1x Beastchoppa
1x Shoota

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (90 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancement: Targetin’ Squigs

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (90 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancement: Da Gobshot Thunderbuss

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Grot Assistant
1x Shokk attack gun

Painboy (80 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 points)
• 1x Da Grabzappa
1x Squigstoppa

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 points)
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
• 9x Choppa
9x Slugga
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
• 1x Power snappa
1x Slugga

Boyz (160 points)
• 19x Boy
• 17x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Rokkit launcha
17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 points)
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (80 points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Git
• 4x Choppa
4x Snazzgun

Gretchin (40 points)
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga

Gretchin (80 points)
• 20x Gretchin
• 20x Close combat weapon
20x Grot blasta
• 2x Runtherd
• 2x Runtherd tools
2x Slugga

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

Tankbustas (135 points)
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
1x Rokkit pistol
1x Smash hammer
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
1x Pulsa Rokkit
5x Rokkit launcha

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

It’s Possible

Thoughts

Ben Jones is a fantastic human being, and he romps to victory on Dakka here. I played him in Round 6 and the key to getting the list to sing is aggressively pushing flank angles with the Trukks, and reserved Lootas whilst also pressuring forwards spaces with Zodgrod and follow up waves of Boyz. There isn’t much that can handle it! Really well done on an event win Ben.

Mani Cheema – Orks (More Dakka) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Ork Deathskulls Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Dakka Dakka!! (2000 Points)

Orks
More Dakka!
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (110 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancements: Dead Shiny Shootas

Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 Points)
• 1x Da Grabzappa
• 1x Squigstoppa

BATTLELINE

Boyz (160 Points)
• 19x Boy
◦ 17x Choppa
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Rokkit launcha
◦ 17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 Points)
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (160 Points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Snazzgun

Flash Gitz (80 Points)
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Git
◦ 4x Choppa
◦ 4x Snazzgun

Gretchin (80 Points)
• 20x Gretchin
◦ 20x Close combat weapon
◦ 20x Grot blasta
• 2x Runtherd
◦ 2x Runtherd tools
◦ 2x Slugga

Gretchin (40 Points)
• 10x Gretchin
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
◦ 1x Runtherd tools
◦ 1x Slugga

Lootas (100 Points)
• 2x Spanner
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Rokkit launcha
• 8x Loota
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Deffgun

Tankbustas (135 Points)
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Pulsa Rokkit
◦ 5x Rokkit launcha

End of Roster!!

Archetype

That Dakka

Thoughts

Mani takes second on a list that opts for two forward Tarpits of Ork Boyz for when Zodgrod has met his untimely end. Otherwise the shooting plug ins are broadly the same, but 20 Flash Gitz gives him an absolute volley of supporting fire alongside the Lootas and Tankbustas. Really well done on the top placing!

Brian Seipp – Orks (More Dakka) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

List Title: Democratized Wraithknights

Player Name: Brian Seipp

Factions Used: Orks

Team: Ignite

Army Points: 2000

Detachment: More Dakka!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

=== Characters ===

Big Mek (80 pts) – Kustom Mega Blasta, Power Klaw, Zog Off and Eat Dakka!

Big Mek (70 pts) – Kustom Mega Blasta, Power Klaw

Big Mek w/ SAG (110 pts) – Grot Oiler, Dead Shiny Shootas

Big Mek w/ SAG (75 pts) – Grot Oiler, Warlord

Big Mek w/ SAG (75 pts) – Grot Oiler

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 pts)

=== Other ===

5x Flash Gitz (80 pts) – Ammo Runt

11x Gretchin (40 pts)

22x Gretchin (80 pts)

6x Tankbustas (135 pts) – Pulsa Rokkit, Smash Hammer

10x Loota (100 pts) – 2x Kustom Mega Blasta

10x Kommandos (120 pts) – Power Klaw, Burna, Breacha Ram, Rokkit Launcha, Bomb Squig, Distraction Grot

=== Dedicated Transports ===

Trukk (65 pts)

Archetype

Might be Too Good

Thoughts

Brian packs in some Kommandos to prevent the reverse jail situation alluded to above, as long as he can get first drop. Otherwise, very much what you’d expect to see here but I do like the additional Big Meks – getting some accuracy for the Trukks without having to disembark is smart and, I’d imagine, nifty to have in the mirror! Well done on the top placing.

Samuel Martin – Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) – 4th Place

Tech-Priest Manipulus and Kataphron Breachers with Heavy Arc Rifles and Arc Claws. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

DT2 (1995 points)

Adeptus Mechanicus
Strike Force (2000 points)
Haloscreed Battle Clade

CHARACTERS

Belisarius Cawl (135 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Arc scourge
1x Cawl’s Omnissian axe
1x Mechadendrite hive
1x Solar atomiser

Skitarii Marshal (35 points)
• 1x Control stave
1x Mechanicus pistol

Tech-Priest Manipulus (70 points)
• 1x Magnarail lance
1x Omnissian staff
• Enhancement: Sanctified Ordnance

Tech-Priest Manipulus (75 points)
• 1x Magnarail lance
1x Omnissian staff
• Enhancement: Inloaded Lethality

Technoarcheologist (45 points)
• 1x Mechanicus pistol
1x Servo-arc claw

BATTLELINE

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Skorpius Dunerider (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Cognis heavy stubber array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Kataphron Breachers (320 points)
• 6x Kataphron Breacher
• 6x Heavy arc rifle
6x Hydraulic claw

Kataphron Breachers (160 points)
• 3x Kataphron Breacher
• 3x Heavy arc rifle
3x Hydraulic claw

Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 points)
• 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Pteraxii Skystalker
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Flechette carbine

Sicarian Infiltrators (70 points)
• 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Sicarian Infiltrator
• 4x Flechette blaster
4x Taser goad

Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 points)
• 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps
• 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw
• 9x Sicarian Ruststalker
• 9x Transonic blades

Skorpius Disintegrator (175 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
3x Cognis heavy stubber
1x Disruptor missile launcher
1x Ferrumite cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Haloscreed Mixed Arms

Thoughts

A sensational top showing for Ad Mech, who claims TWO spots in the top cut with different detachments. Haloscreed packs a great range of combat and shooting buffs that help various tools in Ad Mech sing. Breachers LOVE Crit 5s, and Ruststalkers love all the added reach they can get here as well. If you use the moving pieces correctly, this detachment absolutely sings, and I am delighted we got something a bit different up in the top cut here, despite the meta weather! Really well done on the top placing Samuel!

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players in the top cut. They were:

5th – Toby Bennett – Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force): Max Deathwing Knights running at the enemy.
6th – Ed Watts – Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): Elite Skitarii galore to try and pressure out the shooty builds, maxing out on Ruststalkers and supporting them with lots of Infiltrator MSUs and Pteraxii.
7th – Martyn Cooper – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Kasrkin, Russes and a Dorn Commander, with a few extra
8th – Tom Lowman – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Our boy rocks out with Ynnari, packing lots of Aspect MSUs with a full unit each of Incubi and Shining Spears as bigger threats.

All is Dust

70-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Petawawa, Ontario, CA on March 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Zach Comeau – Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

ask to see my dornhole (1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

Rogal Dorn Commander (280 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
2x Meltagun
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
• Enhancement: Calm Under Fire

Rogal Dorn Commander (265 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
2x Meltagun
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon

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

Ursula Creed (65 points)
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
1x Power weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox (65 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Catachan Heavy Weapons Squad (65 points)
• 3x Heavy Weapons Team
• 3x Lasgun
3x Mortar
3x Weapons team close combat weapons

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

Leman Russ Battle Tank (175 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Leman Russ battle cannon
2x Multi-melta

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

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
2x Meltagun
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon

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

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

TRIPLE DORN

Thoughts

Delicious Dorntastic violence here, as multiple Commanders and a standard Dorn provide an awful lot of heft. Hammer of the Emperor gives you some absurd reach on these, able to fly through walls and get fresh angles. Mortars chip away at range and there is enough MSU / Transport nonsense ahead of the guns to cause massive headaches for the opponent. Really well done on the top placing!

Dan Bruce – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Space Wolves
+ DETACHMENT: Stormlance Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Logan Grimnar
+ ENHANCEMENT: Hunter’s Instincts (on Char3: Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (3×2) – Assassination: 7 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Logan Grimnar (115 pts): Warlord, Storm Bolter, The Axe Morkai
Char2: 1x Ragnar Blackmane (90 pts): Bolt Pistol, Frostfang
Char3: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades
Char4: 1x Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 pts): Storm shield and close combat weapon, Close combat weaponCrushing teeth and claws, Power fist, Close combat weapon
Char5: 1x Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (105 pts): Storm shield and close combat weapon, Close combat weaponCrushing teeth and claws, Power fist, Close combat weapon
Enhancement: Hunter’s Instincts (+25 pts)
Char6: 1x Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (100 pts): Relic shield and close combat weapon, Close combat weaponCrushing teeth and claws, Power Fist, Close combat weapon
Char7: 1x Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (100 pts): Relic shield and close combat weapon, Close combat weaponCrushing teeth and claws, Power Fist, Close combat weapon

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts)
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
3 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts)
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
3 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
6x Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 pts)
• 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Master-crafted Power Weapon, Heavy Bolt Pistol
• 5x Bladeguard Veterans: 5 with Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon
5x Scout Squad (70 pts)
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 4x Scouts: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
6x Thunderwolf Cavalry (240 pts): 6 with Storm shield, Crushing teeth and claws, Heirloom weapon
6x Thunderwolf Cavalry (240 pts): 6 with Storm shield, Crushing teeth and claws, Heirloom weapon
1x Vindicator (185 pts): Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter
1x Vindicator (185 pts): Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter
1x Impulsor (80 pts): Armoured Hull, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Ironhail Skytalon Array, 2x Storm Bolter

Archetype

Wolf Jail

Thoughts

Wolf Jail is eternal! Vindicators and an Impulsor for this slightly more mechanised version, but the concept remains as it has ever been – here come some Thunderwolves, enjoy your own third! Really effective and nice to see this still taking heads, well done.

Nick Jagiello – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 3rd Place

Leman Russ Exterminator. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Everything’s Computer (2000 points)

Astra Militarum
Strike Force (2000 points)
Combined Arms

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 points)
• 1x Cadian Commander
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma gun
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Lasgun
1x Master Vox
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Lasgun
1x Medi-pack
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma gun

Rogal Dorn Commander (265 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
3x Heavy stubber
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon

Ursula Creed (65 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 points)
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Sergeant’s autogun
• 9x Shock Trooper
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Lasgun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox (65 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (120 points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
• 1x Hunting lance
1x Lasgun
1x Laspistol
1x Power sabre
1x Steed’s hooves
• 9x Rough Rider
• 9x Hunting lance
9x Lasgun
9x Laspistol
9x Steed’s hooves

Attilan Rough Riders (60 points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
• 1x Hunting lance
1x Lasgun
1x Laspistol
1x Power sabre
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 Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Inferno cannon

Kasrkin (110 points)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
• 9x Close combat weapon
3x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
1x Melta Mine
2x Meltagun
2x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster

Krieg Heavy Weapons Squad (75 points)
• 3x Heavy Weapons Gunner
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Krieg heavy flamer
3x Laspistol
• 1x Fire Coordinator
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol

Leman Russ Battle Tank (175 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Leman Russ battle cannon
2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Exterminator (180 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exterminator autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
2x Multi-melta

Ogryn Squad (60 points)
• 1x Ogryn Bone ‘ead
• 1x Ripper gun
• 2x Ogryn
• 2x Ripper gun

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.29.1 (74), Data Version: v581

Archetype

Guard Heroism

Thoughts

Rough Riders just speak to me, ya know? You can have 99% of a standard Guard list, plug a full ten brick of Rough Riders in and I will call you a hero. And that’s more or less what has happened here. Very well done Nick, you hero.

Will Paul – Orks (More Dakka) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Orks
+ DETACHMENT: More Dakka!
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Ghazghkull Thraka
+ ENHANCEMENT: Dead Shiny Shootas (on Char1: Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun)
& Zog Off And Eat Dakka! (on Char3: Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 19
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (4×2) – Assassination: 5 Characters – Cull The Horde: 1×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 2x Ghazghkull Thraka (235 pts): Warlord
• 1x Ghazghkull Thraka: Gork’s Klaw, Mork’s Roar
• 1x Makari: Makari’s stabba
Char2: 1x Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 pts): Da Grabzappa, Squigstoppa
Char3: 1x Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (110 pts): Grot assistant, Close combat weapon, Shokk attack gun
Enhancement: Dead Shiny Shootas (+35 pts)
Char4: 1x Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 pts): Grot assistant, Close combat weapon, Shokk attack gun
Char5: 1x Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (85 pts): Grot assistant, Close combat weapon, Shokk attack gun
Enhancement: Zog Off And Eat Dakka! (+10 pts)

22x Gretchin (80 pts)
• 20x Gretchin: 20 with Close combat weapon, Grot blasta
• 2x Runtherd: 2 with Grot-smacka, Slugga
11x Gretchin (40 pts)
• 10x Gretchin: 10 with Close combat weapon, Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd: Grot-smacka, Slugga
10x Kommandos (120 pts)
• 1x Boss Nob: Slugga, Choppa
• 9x Kommandos: 9 with Choppa, Slugga
10x Lootas (100 pts)
• 8x Loota: 8 with Close combat weapon, Deffgun
• 2x Spanner: 2 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
10x Lootas (100 pts)
• 8x Loota: 8 with Close combat weapon, Deffgun
• 2x Spanner: 2 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
10x Lootas (100 pts)
• 8x Loota: 8 with Close combat weapon, Deffgun
• 2x Spanner: 2 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
6x Meganobz (210 pts): 6 with Killsaw, Kombi-weapon
6x Tankbustas (135 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Pulsa rokkit, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, 2x Rokkit pistol
6x Tankbustas (135 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Pulsa rokkit, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, 2x Rokkit pistol
6x Tankbustas (135 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Pulsa rokkit, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, 2x Rokkit pistol
1x Trukk (65 pts): Big shoota, Spiked wheel
1x Trukk (65 pts): Big shoota, Spiked wheel
1x Trukk (65 pts): Big shoota, Spiked wheel
1x Trukk (65 pts): Big shoota, Spiked wheel

Archetype

Ghazgull Dakka

Thoughts

More Dakka can get real joy out of big melee units – I expect should adjustments arise we may see more experimentation along these lines, where Ghazgull is brought in to make the detachment more deadly in combat and offer forward melee pressure. Still an absolute wall of guns behind him mind you, so have fun dealing with him without getting blasted off the board! Very well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

5th – Éric Marcoux – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, Armigers, and Assassins.
6th – Josh Crowe – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, Armigers, and an Immolator.
7th – François Lalonde – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Another spin on the Bobby G gun club, adding the cursèd return of Stormhawk Interceptors to the mix.

OP Luck of the Irish GT

47-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Santa Rosa, CA, US on March 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Taylor Davis – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

0 SkullGronFavored (2000 points)

World Eaters
Strike Force (2000 points)
Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Angron (435 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

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

World Eaters Lord on Juggernaut (100 points)
• 1x Exalted chainblade
1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (65 points)
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Jakhal chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
• 1x Skullsmasher
• 8x Jakhal
• 8x Autopistol
1x Icon of Khorne
7x Jakhal chainblades
1x Mauler chainblade

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (140 points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (155 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound chainfist
2x Eightbound eviscerator

Khorne Lord of Skulls (450 points)
• 1x Daemongore cannon
1x Great cleaver of Khorne
1x Skullhurler

World Eaters Chaos Spawn (70 points)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

World Eaters Goodstuff

Thoughts

The World Eaters life is a very precarious one. Dependant on Eightbound trapping, vexed by Infiltrating units, very fragile when connected into on unfavourable terms. Nonetheless, they are DEADLY, and very fast, and capable of blowout wins in a meta of lower leadership and gunlines. I am delighted that a classic WE build has made it through the many trips and traps to storm a victory here -really well done.

Floof Cox – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Trans rights are human rights (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults
Strike Force (2000 points)
Host of Ascension

CHARACTERS

Benefictus (85 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Psionic Cascade
• Enhancement: Assassination Edict

Benefictus (70 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Psionic Cascade

Primus (100 points)
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancement: A Chink In Their Armour

Reductus Saboteur (65 points)
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charges
1x Remote explosives

Reductus Saboteur (65 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charges
1x Remote explosives

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Cult claws and knife
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 4x Autopistol
4x Cult claws and knife

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (140 points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
9x Cult claws and knife
8x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
4x Cult claws and knife
3x Hand flamer

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points)
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
2x Grenade launcher
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Mining laser
2x Seismic cannon
2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points)
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
2x Flamer
2x Heavy stubber
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Seismic cannon
2x Webber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber

Purestrain Genestealers (75 points)
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
• 5x Cult claws and talons

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Host of Ascension Neophyte Carpet

Thoughts

Neophyte carpet is eternal. Host rolls on, taking names via a combination of brutal drop shooting and massed OC. If you can’t delete 20 Neos in a go, you are going to have a very painful experience. Purestrains, Sabos and Mortars help you hunt down any pesky elves that have shimmied away from your main guns. Really well done on the top placing!

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd – Enzo Burgan – Orks (More Dakka): All the shooty Infantry, the Super Grots, and one big squad of Meganobz with Ghaz.
4th – Nick Farmer – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Teleporting Doom Scythes, the Silent King, and a Tesseract Vault.
5th – Emma Park – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Martyrs with a suite of hulls, one Paragon unit, and one big Sacresant squad.
6th – Bryce Baxter – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): All-rounder Custodes with a bit of everything.
7th – MATT DOMNAUER – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): The One True World Eaters list, yes it still exists, yes it’s still good.
8th – Brian Benn – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Shooty Monster Mash with an extra Psychophage for additional durability.
9th – Erik Bowman – Orks (War Horde): Boyz bricks in Battlewagons with a mix of smaller stuff backing them up.

NurgleMania 6 – 2 Tagesturnier

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Nürnberg, BY, DE on March 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Kayu Orellana – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Nürnberg IF 25 (2000 points)

Tyranids
Strike Force (2000 points)
Invasion Fleet

CHARACTERS

Hive Tyrant (250 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip
1x Monstrous scything talons
• Enhancement: Adaptive Biology

Neurotyrant (105 points)
• 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes
1x Psychic scream

BATTLELINE

Gargoyles (85 points)
• 10x Gargoyle
• 10x Blinding venom
10x Fleshborer

Hormagaunts (130 points)
• 20x Hormagaunt
• 20x Hormagaunt talons

Termagants (60 points)
• 10x Termagant
• 10x Chitinous claws and teeth
1x Strangleweb
9x Termagant spinefists

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Genestealers (150 points)
• 10x Genestealer
• 10x Genestealers claws and talons

Neurolictor (80 points)
• 1x Piercing claws and talons

Raveners (75 points)
• 3x Ravener
• 3x Ravener claws and talons
3x Thoracic bio-weapon

Tyranid Warriors with Melee Bio-weapons (75 points)
• 1x Tyranid Prime
• 1x Tyranid Warrior claws and talons
• 2x Tyranid Warrior
• 2x Tyranid Warrior claws and talons

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

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Invasion Fleet Hormagaunt Rush

Thoughts

Like something out of Starcraft, here come an absolute truckload of Gaunts to ruin your day! This list piles on the early pressure as the big bugs get into place. Tyranids have good game into elves which goes a long way in the current meta, but you still need some secret sauce to wrangle your way to the top – maybe 60 Hormas is the way! I absolutely love this build. Really well done on the event win 😀

Jens Gottfried – Genestealer Cult (Final Day) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Familientreffen (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults
Strike Force (2000 points)
Final Day

CHARACTERS

Biophagus (60 points)
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
1x Autopistol
1x Chemical vials
1x Injector goad
• Enhancement: Enraptured Damnation

Patriarch (75 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Patriarch’s claws

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (130 points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 2x Autopistol
1x Cult Icon
3x Cult claws and knife
6x Heavy mining tool

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
4x Cult claws and knife
2x Demolition charges
1x Hand flamer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Goliath Truck (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Demolition charge cache
1x Heavy stubber
1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points)
• 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
• 2x Armoured hull
2x Heavy mining laser
2x Spotter
2x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points)
• 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
• 2x Armoured hull
2x Heavy mining laser
2x Spotter
2x Twin heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points)
• 1x Demolition charge cache
1x Drilldozer blade
1x Heavy mining laser
1x Heavy stubber

Hybrid Metamorphs (160 points)
• 1x Metamorph Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Hybrid Metamorph
• 1x Cult Icon
8x Hand flamer
9x Metamorph mutations

Purestrain Genestealers (150 points)
• 10x Purestrain Genestealer
• 10x Cult claws and talons

ALLIED UNITS

Deathleaper (80 points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons

Gargoyles (85 points)
• 10x Gargoyle
• 10x Blinding venom
10x Fleshborer

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

Neurolictor (80 points)
• 1x Piercing claws and talons

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Final Day

Thoughts

Final Day is a deceptively deadly detachment, juicing up GSC combat and shooting to new heights. You can FINALLY have reliable Mining Lasers coming out of Rockgrinders and Ridgerunners, and the Patriarch unit absolutely slaps with full wound rerolls. Gargoles bring jail potential and good OC, and there is still the relentless resurrection game behind it powering the late game. One of the sleeper detachments of the meta, expect to see more of it as the hobby lag catches up! Well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd – Roman Kleiber – Orks (More Dakka): Max Lootas and Tankbustas, some Beast Snagga Boyz for melee.
4th – Max Nitschinger – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Medium quantities of shooty monsters and lots of utility pieces.
5th – Sebastian Mann – Death Guard: Deathshrouds, Poxwalkers and Nurglings with Mortarion in charge.
6th – Fritz Peters – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Lots of Bloodletters and a Rendmaster as an infantry core, Skarbrand as an aggro hammer, Beasts of Nurgle and the Gift GUO as anvils.
7th – Tobias Roth – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Mega monster mash with Kairos, a Lord of Change, Gift GUO, Bloodthirster and Be’lakor, supported with lots of Flesh Hounds.

OTT 2025

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand on March 21 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ezra Blow – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) – 1st Place

Adeptus Custodes Blade Champion painted by Crab-stuffed Mushrooms

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Lions (2000 Points)

Adeptus Custodes
Lions of the Emperor
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (120 Points)
• 1x Vaultswords

Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armour (140 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Balistus grenade launcher
• 1x Castellan axe
• Enhancements: Admonimortis

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (170 Points)
• 4x Custodian Guard
◦ 4x Guardian spear

OTHER DATASHEETS

Allarus Custodians (130 Points)
• 2x Allarus Custodian
◦ 2x Balistus grenade launcher
◦ 2x Guardian spear

Allarus Custodians (195 Points)
• 3x Allarus Custodian
◦ 3x Balistus grenade launcher
◦ 3x Guardian spear

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

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (2), Data Version: v579

Archetype

Lions Mixed Arms

Thoughts

A more conventional double Caladius build taps into the juice of the Lions detachment to make it’s forward bricks sing as the guns get to work. This can keep people honest at a distance before hitting the send button, and Draxus firing from a Guard unit is more dangerous than ever. Fantastic work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Joshuah Megchelse – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): All-rounder Votann with one of almost everything.
3rd – Luke Paruman – Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Dorn Commanders, Hellhounds and supporting Infantry.
4th – Mike Perry – World Eaters (Vessels of Wrath): Angron-free heavy Infantry World Eaters with lots of Exalted Eightbound and Terminators.
5th – Charlie Kang – Orks (More Dakka): Super Grots, max Lootas, max Tankbustas.

Wrap Up

There you go guys! As we enter into a slightly lopsided meta for the first time in awhile, I want to briefly dwell on how awesome the game has been for the last few months. Writing for CI I see the diversity of builds and options being explored and there truly is SO much being tried. Dakka may put things out of whack for a little while, but we will get back to that state of things before long, have faith!

Lowest of Men, out.

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[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Our Long National Nightmare is So Back pt.1

Goonhammer Open UK March 2025

Sam Nash – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Nassim Fouchane – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Alex Fowler – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

James Webster – Aeldari (Windrider Host) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

THE SOUTH-COAST 40k SUPER-MAJOR

The Showdown – Ad Mech (Haloscreed) versus Orks (More Dakka)

Scorched Earth – Inspired Leadership – Crucible of Battle

Thoughts

Result

Ben Jones – Orks (More Dakka) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Mani Cheema – Orks (More Dakka) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Brian Seipp – Orks (More Dakka) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Samuel Martin – Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

All is Dust

Zach Comeau – Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Dan Bruce – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Nick Jagiello – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Will Paul – Orks (More Dakka) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

OP Luck of the Irish GT

Taylor Davis – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Floof Cox – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

NurgleMania 6 – 2 Tagesturnier

Kayu Orellana – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jens Gottfried – Genestealer Cult (Final Day) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

OTT 2025