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.
Today:
- Münsterland Major 2
- Dawn of VÃ¥r 2k25
- Battle on the Bayou
- Down Under 40k May Dawnbringer GT 2
Friday:
- SSG Miniature Metropolis – Meta Shuffle
- Hyper 352: GT
- Midgards May 40k ITC Grand Tournament
- Ammonite Gaming – The May GT 25
Münsterland Major 2
113-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Rheine, NRW, Deutschland on May 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Artur Güttler – Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER Char1: 1x Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) Char2: 1x Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) Char3: 1x Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) BATTLELINE 5x Strike Squad (120 pts) 5x Strike Squad (120 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 5x Interceptor Squad (125 pts) 5x Interceptor Squad (125 pts) 5x Interceptor Squad (125 pts) 4x Servitors (50 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) 1x Grey Knights Rhino (75 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Grey Knights
+ DETACHMENT: Warpbane Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 13
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (7×2) – Assassination: 3 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 with Nemesis daemon greathammer, Heavy incinerator, Heavy psycannon
• Warlord
1 with Nemesis daemon greathammer, Heavy incinerator, Heavy psycannon
1 with Nemesis daemon greathammer, Heavy incinerator, Heavy psycannon
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis force weapon, Storm bolter
• 3x Grey Knight
3 with Nemesis force weapon, Storm bolter
• 1x Grey Knight with Heavy Weapon
1 with Close combat weapon, Incinerator
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis force weapon, Storm bolter
• 3x Grey Knight
3 with Nemesis force weapon, Storm bolter
• 1x Grey Knight with Heavy Weapon
1 with Close combat weapon, Incinerator
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis force weapon, Storm bolter
• 4x Interceptor
4 with Nemesis force weapon, Storm bolter
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis force weapon, Storm bolter
• 4x Interceptor
4 with Nemesis force weapon, Storm bolter
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis force weapon, Storm bolter
• 4x Interceptor
4 with Nemesis force weapon, Storm bolter
• 2x Servitor with multi-melta
2 with Multi-melta, Servitor’s tools
• 2x Servitor with servo-arm
2 with Servo-arm
1 with Nemesis daemon greathammer, Heavy incinerator, Heavy psycannon
1 with Nemesis daemon greathammer, Heavy incinerator, Heavy psycannon
1 with Nemesis daemon greathammer, Heavy incinerator, Heavy psycannon
1 with Armoured tracks, Hunter-killer missile, Storm bolter
Archetype
Dreadknights and Interceptors
Thoughts
Oh no. Oh no no. I’m not going back. I don’t have any more musical interludes in me.
Anyway – Dreadknights are very good when there’s a bunch of elite 3W Infantry around, and supporting them with speedy melee units that can also do objective work ensures you still score very effectively. Not taking any Purifiers does also keep points free for extra Interceptors, I assume the flex being that with this many Dreadknights, you’re confident you’ll be able to activate re-rolls in the mid-field when you need them. Given the results, I can’t really dispute that, congratulations Artur.
Niklas Fritschen – Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x Be’lakor (375 pts): Warlord, Betraying Shades, The Blade of Shadows 6x Nurglings (60 pts): 6 with Diseased claws and teeth 5x Seekers (80 pts) 16x Accursed Cultists (195 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PLAYER NAME: Niklas “Mosbach” Fritschen
+ TEAM NAME: Zugzwang
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – Chaos Daemons
+ DETACHMENT: Shadow Legion
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts
+ ALLIED UNITS: Heretic Astartes
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Be’lakor
+ ENHANCEMENT: Fade to Darkness (on Char1: Bloodthirster)
& Leaping Shadows (on Alli3: Dark Commune)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 14
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (1×4) + (1×6) – Assassination: 3 Characters – Cull The Horde: 1×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 1x Bloodthirster (320 pts): Hellfire breath, Great axe of Khorne
Enhancement: Fade to Darkness (+15 pts)
• 4x Seeker
2 with Seeker, Lashing tongues, Slashing claws
1 with Instrument of Chaos, Seeker, Lashing tongues, Slashing claws
1 with Daemonic Icon, Seeker, Lashing tongues, Slashing claws
• 1x Heartseeker: Lashing tongues, Slashing claws
1x Beasts of Nurgle (65 pts): Putrid appendages
6x Screamers (160 pts): 6 with Lamprey bite
6x Screamers (160 pts): 6 with Lamprey bite
6x Screamers (160 pts): 6 with Lamprey bite
• 10x Mutant: 10 with Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment: 6 with Hideous mutations
10x Cultist Mob (50 pts)
• 1x Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon, Autopistol
• 9x Cultist: 9 with Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon
Char3: 5x Dark Commune (95 pts)
Enhancement: Leaping Shadows (+15 pts)
• 2x Blessed Blades: 2 with Commune blade
• 1x Cult Demagogue: Autopistol, Commune stave
• 1x Iconarch: Chaos icon, Autopistol, Close combat weapon
• 1x Mindwitch: Close combat weapon, Warp Curse
5x Raptors (90 pts)
• 4x Raptor
2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol
2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun
• 1x Raptor Champion: Power fist, Plasma pistol
5x Raptors (90 pts)
• 4x Raptor
2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol
2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun
• 1x Raptor Champion: Power fist, Plasma pistol
5x Raptors (90 pts)
• 4x Raptor
2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol
2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun
• 1x Raptor Champion: Power fist, Plasma pistol
Archetype
Board Control Shadow Legion
Thoughts
Shadow Legion continues to thrive, taking our second undefeated slot here, and while there’s still a fair bit of flex in lists, Niklas’ build shows emerging trends. The Fadethirster and Be’lakor are locks for every list, as are lots of Screamers, but the two big monsters clearly don’t give you quite enough hammer blows you can throw by themselves. People are trying a few things to remedy that, and this version goes for a full Accursed Commune, providing both violence and a fairly solid anchor. Other popular options include Havocs, but having the durability and presence from the big Cultist unit frees up this list to fill out with Raptors, who are fantastic for scoring with easy access to uppy-downy. The overall result claims space quickly and effectively with Screamers, brutalises stuff that tries to take it back, and scores exceptionally well, and Niklas used all that to take a fantastic finish.
Grischa Gerwert – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) – 3rd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 3x Marneus Calgar (210 pts) Char2: 1x Roboute Guilliman (345 pts): Warlord, Hand of Dominion, The Emperor’s Sword Char3: 1x Judiciar (70 pts): Absolver Bolt Pistol, Executioner Relic Blade Char4: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades 5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) 5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) 6x Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 pts) 5x Desolation Squad (200 pts) 5x Scout Squad (70 pts) 5x Scout Squad (70 pts) 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Gladiator Lancer (160 pts): Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Lancer Laser Destroyer, 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launcher 1x Impulsor (80 pts): Shield Dome, Armoured Hull, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launcher
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Ultramarines
+ DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Roboute Guilliman
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 15
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (5×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Marneus Calgar: Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard: 2 with Victrix Power Sword
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
3 with Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs, Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
1 with Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs, Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
3 with Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs, Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
1 with Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs, Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Master-crafted Power Weapon, Neo-volkite Pistol
• 5x Bladeguard Veterans: 5 with Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon
4x Company Heroes (105 pts)
• 2x Company Veteran
1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle
1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Heavy Bolter
• 1x Ancient: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Company Champion: Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon
• 4x Desolation Marine: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close Combat Weapon, Superkrak Rocket Launcher
• 1x Desolation Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close Combat Weapon, Vengor Launcher
• 2x Scout
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
• 2x Scout
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
Archetype
Gladius Goodstuff
Thoughts
Rounding out an undefeated podium, we’ve got an all-rounder Ultramarines list with a bit of everything, with the especially notable standout being the Judiciar/Bladeguard unit, which is popping up everywhere in Marine builds to cause headaches for Emperor’s Children and any melee army that can’t concentrate serious oomph. You’ve also got a Desolation squad to make pesty elves sweat, which is never a bad thing, and the two units complement each other, as if a foe is discouraged from pushing forward, indirect chip damage becomes more valuable. You can’t really go too far wrong if you just bring Bobby G and friends, and this is a good demonstration of that from Grischa.
Tim Schneider – Orks (Dread Mob) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Char1: 1x Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 pts): Da Grabzappa, Squigstoppa 21x Gretchin (80 pts) 5x Stormboyz (65 pts)
Die verlorene German Final-Liste
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Orks
+ DETACHMENT: Dread Mob
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char3: Big Mek
+ ENHANCEMENT: Gitfinder Gogglez (on Char3: Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 17
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) + (1×6) – Assassination: 5 Characters – Cull The Horde: 1×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 1x Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 pts): Grot assistant, Close combat weapon, Shokk attack gun
Char3: 1x Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun Warlord (75 pts): Grot assistant, Close combat weapon, Shokk attack gun
Char4: 1x Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (85 pts): Grot assistant, Close combat weapon, Shokk attack gun
Enhancement: Gitfinder Gogglez (+10 pts)
Char5: 1x Mek (45 pts): Kustom mega-slugga, Wrench
• 19x 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
11x Gretchin (40 pts)
• 10x Gretchin: 10 with Close combat weapon, Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd: Grot-smacka, Slugga
11x Gretchin (40 pts)
• 10x Gretchin: 10 with Close combat weapon, Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd: Grot-smacka, Slugga
11x Gretchin (40 pts)
• 10x Gretchin: 10 with Close combat weapon, Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd: Grot-smacka, Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob: Slugga, Power klaw
• 4x Stormboy: 4 with Choppa, Slugga
6x Tankbustas (135 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Pulsa rokkit, Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, 2x Rokkit pistol
6x Tankbustas (135 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Pulsa rokkit, Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, 2x Rokkit pistol
6x Tankbustas (135 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Pulsa rokkit, Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, 2x Rokkit pistol
1x Stompa (800 pts): 3x Big shoota, Deffkannon, Mega-choppa, Skorcha, Supa-gatler, Supa-rokkits, Twin big shoota
1x Trukk (65 pts): Big shoota, Spiked wheel
1x Trukk (65 pts): Big shoota, Spiked wheel
Archetype
More Dakka Memorial Army List 2025-2025 Taken From Us “Too Soon”
Thoughts
It’s a More Dakka Stompa list, but it’s Dread Mob now. More Dakka’s brief reign of terror has woken people up to the effectiveness of tools like the Super Grots, and also the fact that the big Ork robots are pretty nasty – I played against some Gorkanauts as Dread Mob a little while back, and they’re way, way more dangerous than I initially gave them credit for. It also helps that the current metagame is largely tilted away from big shooty alpha strikes – you might get unlucky and pair into a more down-the-line Marine build or an Atrapos list (it was, in fact, Grischa’s Ultramarines that dealt Tim his narrow loss), but there are going to be far fewer games where you turn up and the Stompa just dies, and if the opponent doesn’t respect it (or can’t get their threats to it through waves of Grots) it’ll do real damage. Big respect for packing a big robot, well done Tim.
The Best of the Rest
There were 17 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Christian Matschke – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): All-rounder Sisters with a bit of everything.
- 6th – Fred Otto – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): An Atrapos, lots of Armigers and some Sisters.
- 7th – Alessandro Liessem – Aeldari (Aspect Host):Â Lots of Aspect MSUs and Autarchs, and big alpha strike units each of Dark Reapers and Fire Dragons.
- 8th – Jannik Röttgen – Aeldari (Warhost): The Avatar on a Warhost walkabout with some Wraithlords and various supporting units.
- 9th – Christian Breuer – Leagues of Votann (Oathband):Â Double Beserk-filled Land Fortress.
- 10th – Niklas Niermann – Chaos Daemons (Blood Legion):Â A Bloodthirster and Skarbrand as central beatsticks, then loads of Bloodletters with Rendmasters to amp them up.
- 11th – Luis Stiemerling – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance):Â All War Dogs.
- 12th – Max Schierbecker – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Go-wide Aspect/Incubi Ynnari.
- 13th – Nils Gottschalk – Leagues of Votann (Oathband):Â Double Beserk-filled Land Fortress.
- 14th – Jan Liess – Genestealer Cult (Final Day):Â Toolboxy Final Day with various flavours of GSC damage dealer and lots of speedy bugs.
- 15th – Paul Hilsdorf – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal):Â Szarkeh, some Doomsdays, some Annihilation Barges, and Skorpekh MSUs for counter-charge.
- 16th – Christian Endres – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty):Â Szarekh, Doomsdays and a block each of Wraiths and Necron Warriors.
- 17th – Niklas Frerichs – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance):Â Triple Cerastus with lots of Warglaives.
- 18th – Torben Thiel – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group):Â All-rounder Liberator with two units of Bladeguard as an anvil, Lancers for shooting, and a big Death Company unit as an aggro piece.
- 19th – Moritz Klima – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): All-rounder Gladius with Bobby G, Calgar and Tigurius (here with Bladeguard to use the free melee strats) as centrepieces.
- 20th – Ingo Berthelsen – Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor):Â An unusal sighting of two full Allarus bricks alongside double Caladius and some Wardens.
- 21th – Jan Ulrich Schmidt – Emperor’s Children (Coterie of the Conceited):Â Double Prince Coterie with some extra Rhinos for carrying all the cool toys.
Dawn of VÃ¥r 2k25
62-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Oslo, NO on May 09 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Sveinung Knutsen Nøding – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand **Characters** **Battleline** **Other** [ 90] 5 Howling Banshees: Executioner [ 90] 5 Dark Reapers: Missile Launcher [110] 5 Fire Dragons: Dragon Fusion Gun [ 95] 5 Warp Spiders: Spinnaret rifle, Deathweavers [125] Wave Serpent: Bright Lance, Shuriken Cannon = 2000
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PLAYER NAME: Sveinung
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Eldar
+ DETACHMENT: Devoted of Ynnead
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000
+
+ WARLORD: The Yncarne
+ ENHANCEMENTS:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 20
+ SECONDARIES: Bring It Down: 6, Assassination: 6
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
[ 75] Autarch: Glaive, Melta
[ 75] Autarch: Glaive, Melta
[250] The Yncarne: Warlord
[100] 11 Storm Guardians
[ 45] Warlock Skyrunner
[ 55] 5 Rangers
[ 85] 5 Striking Scorpions: Biting Blade
[ 90] 5 Howling Banshees: Executioner
[ 90] 5 Dark Reapers: Missile Launcher
[ 90] 5 Dark Reapers: Missile Launcher
[110] 5 Fire Dragons: Dragon Fusion Gun
[110] 5 Fire Dragons: Dragon Fusion Gun
[ 95] 5 Warp Spiders: Spinnaret rifle, Deathweavers
[ 95] 5 Warp Spiders: Spinnaret rifle, Deathweavers
[125] Wave Serpent: Bright Lance, Shuriken Cannon
Archetype
Aspect Yncarne Ynnari
Thoughts
Roughly three flavours of Ynnari out there right now, and all of them can win tournaments. This one has lots of Aspects and the Yncarne, eschewing Yvraine and her Incubi brick or any Wraithlords – just lots of small value units, and a couple of Wave Serpents in case you hit anything with big Indirect. Worth noting that Dark Reapers are increasingly numerous in these builds too – they’re in a target-rich environment, so it makes sense. Well done Sveinung on the win.
Rasmus Valand Fredriksen – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) – 2nd Place (5.5-0.5)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x Imotekh the Stormlord (100 pts): Gauntlet of Fire, Staff of the Destroyer 5x Immortals (70 pts): 5 with Close combat weapon, Tesla carbine 2x Cryptothralls (60 pts): 2 with Scouring eye, Scythed limbs
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Necrons
+ DETACHMENT: Starshatter Arsenal
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: The Silent King
+ ENHANCEMENT: Dread Majesty (on Char1: Catacomb Command Barge)
& Chrono-impedance Fields (on Char2: Hexmark Destroyer)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 17
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (4×2) + (1×6) – Assassination: 5 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 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
Char3: 1x Catacomb Command Barge (150 pts): Resurrection orb, Gauss cannon, Overlord’s blade
Enhancement: Dread Majesty (+30 pts)
Char4: 1x Hexmark Destroyer (100 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic disintegrator pistols
Enhancement: Chrono-impedance Fields (+25 pts)
Char5: 1x Technomancer (85 pts): Staff of light
5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws
5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws
3x Ophydian Destroyers (80 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Ophydian hyperphase weapons
1x Lokhust Destroyers (35 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon
1x Lokhust Destroyers (35 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon
1x Lokhust Destroyers (35 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon
6x Canoptek Wraiths (230 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
1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array
Archetype
Shooty Starshatter
Thoughts
Starshatter has been quietly creeping back up the rankings in the last few weeks, and I wonder if it’s because it runs counter to general trends – if people are worrying less about early game blasting, then throwing down a Silent King/Doomsday shooty castle is going to give them headaches. The list also tends to do well when it doesn’t have to worry as much about other big shooty builds, as Doomsdays are a little hard to hide, and when the foe gets up close and personal Wraiths are also in a great spot in the metagame, simply because they’re one of the few units that nothing kills effeciently, at least not now More Dakka is gone. Salt in some cheap scoring pieces, and you’ve got an effective build if you want to start blasting stuff, which Rasmus piloted to second here.
Jonathan Arkin – Orks (War Horde) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x Beastboss (80 pts): Beast Snagga klaw, Beastchoppa, Shoota 10x Beast Snagga Boyz (95 pts) 6x Breaka Boyz (140 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Orks
+ DETACHMENT: War Horde
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char3: Warboss
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 23
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (5×2) – Assassination: 3 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 1x Mek (45 pts): Kustom mega-slugga, Killsaw
Char3: 1x Warboss (75 pts): Warlord, Kombi-weapon, Twin slugga, Attack squig, Power klaw
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob: Power snappa, Slugga
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy: 9 with Choppa, Slugga
10x Boyz (80 pts)
• 9x Boy
8 with Boy, Choppa, Slugga
1 with Boy, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw, Slugga
10x Boyz (80 pts)
• 9x Boy
8 with Boy, Choppa, Slugga
1 with Boy, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw, Slugga
• 5x Breaka Boy
4 with Smash hammer
1 with Tankhammer
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer
6x Breaka Boyz (140 pts)
• 5x Breaka Boy
4 with Smash hammer
1 with Tankhammer
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer
5x Flash Gitz (80 pts)
• 1x Kaptin: Choppa, Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Gitz: 4 with Choppa, Snazzgun
5x Flash Gitz (80 pts)
• 1x Kaptin: Choppa, Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Gitz: 4 with Choppa, Snazzgun
11x Gretchin (40 pts)
• 10x Gretchin: 10 with Close combat weapon, Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd: 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): Bomb Squig, Distraction Grot
• 9x Kommandos
1 with Kommandos, Breacha ram
1 with Kommandos, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
7 with Kommandos, Choppa, Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob: Slugga, Power klaw
5x Nobz (105 pts): Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob: Power klaw, Slugga
• 4x Nob: 4 with Power klaw, Slugga
5x Stormboyz (65 pts)
• 1x Boss Nob: Slugga, Power klaw
• 4x Stormboy: 4 with Choppa, Slugga
6x Tankbustas (135 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Pulsa rokkit, Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer
6x Tankbustas (135 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Pulsa rokkit, Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer
6x Tankbustas (135 pts)
• 5x Tankbusta
1 with Pulsa rokkit, Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
4 with Tankbusta, Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer
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
1x Trukk (65 pts): Big shoota, Spiked wheel
Archetype
Elite Mechanised War Horde
Thoughts
It’s mechanised War Horde, elite style, going for a bit of quality over quantity with some Breakas, and a bit of shooting support via Tankbustas and Flash Gitz. Nice if you need to soften up some Custodes before you hit melee, and very nice if you run into big Knights, which have definitely been on the march recently. Being able to blast away something that could potentially repulse a go turn helps, for sure, though there is a tradeoff here of not being able to fit in nearly as many Characters, so you do need to be much more judicious about where you stash your very best units to ensure they hit prime targets. I suspect Jonathan was more than up to that task, mind, since he made it to the finals with extremely high scores only to be narrowly thwarted by the pesty Ynnari (who had unsportingly not really brought any really big targets other than Wave Serpents). A great run up to there, congratulations.
Snorre Bugge – Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adeptus Custodes CHARACTERS Blade Champion (135 points) Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armour (160 points) Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (170 points) BATTLELINE Custodian Guard (170 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Anathema Psykana Rhino (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Allarus Custodians (130 points) Allarus Custodians (195 points) Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) Custodian Wardens (260 points) Vertus Praetors (150 points) Vigilators (50 points) Vigilators (50 points) Witchseekers (65 points) ALLIED UNITS Inquisitor Draxus (95 points) Navigator (75 points) Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (78), Data Version: v599
Dawn of VÃ¥r 2025 (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Talons of the Emperor
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancement: Gift of Terran Artifice
• Warlord
• 1x Balistus grenade launcher
1x Guardian spear
• Enhancement: Radiant Mantle
• 1x Interceptor lance
1x Salvo launcher
• Enhancement: Aegis Projector
• 4x Custodian Guard
• 2x Guardian spear
2x Praesidium Shield
2x Sentinel blade
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 2x Allarus Custodian
• 2x Balistus grenade launcher
1x Castellan axe
1x Guardian spear
• 3x Allarus Custodian
• 3x Balistus grenade launcher
1x Castellan axe
2x Guardian spear
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon
1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 1x Castellan axe
4x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 2x Vertus Praetor
• 2x Interceptor lance
2x Salvo launcher
• 1x Vigilator Sister Superior
• 1x Executioner greatblade
• 3x Vigilator
• 3x Executioner greatblade
• 1x Vigilator Sister Superior
• 1x Executioner greatblade
• 3x Vigilator
• 3x Executioner greatblade
• 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Witchseeker flamer
• 4x Witchseeker
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Witchseeker flamer
• 1x Dirgesinger
1x Power fist
1x Psychic Tempest
• 1x Force-orb cane
1x Laspistol
Archetype
Enhancement Talons
Thoughts
Custodes close out this top four, here running plenty of the current hot tools, but as Talons instead of Lions. This gives you more mobility toys to play with, and also a great suite of Enhancements to really make the Characters pop, and I think the Aegis Projector on a Bike Captain unit is a particularly potent option that should probably be seeing a bit more play, as it’s a significant upgrade to durability in a fairly elite metagame. Allarus with -1 to hit is no bad thing either, and they’re particularly effective in a metagame where lots of small units bring Leaders (Autarchs and Lords Exultant especially). Broad anti-Mortals is also helpful if you hit a triple Prince build. Nice to see some variety in the Custodes choices, and this has some genuine tricks to recommend it, great stuff from Snorre.
The Best of the Rest
There were 2 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Lasse Eikenes – Tyranids (Crusher Stampede):Â Big bugs galore, with a few gaunts wandering around.
- 6th – Cristian Ionescu – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic):Â The ultra-rare no Mutalith Tsons list, instead bringing a full unit of Scarabs.
Battle on the Bayou
28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in New Iberia, LA, United States on May 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Unknown Mission
Who remembers to delete the google doc with the tournament pack in at as soon as the event is done? No 40K player is that level of organised. Very suspicious. I suspect the hand of the Inquisition.
Zach Pandelides – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) Space Marines CHARACTERS Blood Angels Captain (115 Points) Captain with Jump Pack (85 Points) Captain with Jump Pack (85 Points) Commander Dante (130 Points) Lemartes (110 Points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (240 Points) Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) Sanguinary Guard (130 Points) Sanguinary Guard (130 Points) Sanguinary Guard (130 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (2), Data Version: v599
Army List - Click to Expand
2k BA lib v2 (1990 Points)
Blood Angels
Liberator Assault Group
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Inferno pistol
• 1x Power fist
• Enhancements: Rage-fuelled Warrior
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Power fist
• Warlord
• 1x Perdition Pistol
• 1x The Axe Mortalis
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
• 1x The Blood Crozius
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
â—¦ 1x Plasma pistol
â—¦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
â—¦ 4x Astartes chainsword
â—¦ 4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Shield Dome
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
â—¦ 1x Plasma pistol
â—¦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
â—¦ 4x Astartes chainsword
â—¦ 4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Ballistus lascannon
• 1x Ballistus missile launcher
• 1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Ballistus lascannon
• 1x Ballistus missile launcher
• 1x Twin storm bolter
• 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs
â—¦ 5x Astartes chainsword
â—¦ 2x Eviscerator
â—¦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol
â—¦ 2x Inferno pistol
â—¦ 2x Plasma pistol
â—¦ 3x Power fist
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
â—¦ 1x Bolt pistol
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
â—¦ 4x Bolt pistol
â—¦ 4x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Helix Gauntlet
â—¦ 1x Infiltrator Comms Array
â—¦ 4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
â—¦ 2x Angelus boltgun
â—¦ 3x Encarmine blade
â—¦ 1x Inferno pistol
â—¦ 1x Sanguinary Banner
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
â—¦ 2x Angelus boltgun
â—¦ 3x Encarmine blade
â—¦ 1x Inferno pistol
â—¦ 1x Sanguinary Banner
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
â—¦ 2x Angelus boltgun
â—¦ 3x Encarmine blade
â—¦ 1x Inferno pistol
â—¦ 1x Sanguinary Banner
• 1x Scout Sergeant
â—¦ 1x Astartes chainsword
â—¦ 1x Bolt pistol
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
â—¦ 2x Astartes shotgun
â—¦ 4x Bolt pistol
â—¦ 4x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Missile launcher
â—¦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
â—¦ 1x Astartes chainsword
â—¦ 1x Bolt pistol
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
â—¦ 2x Astartes shotgun
â—¦ 4x Bolt pistol
â—¦ 4x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Missile launcher
â—¦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
vs.
Joseph Sanchez – Space Marines (Astartes) (Anvil Siege Force) Char1: 3x Marneus Calgar (210 pts) Char2: 1x Roboute Guilliman (345 pts): Warlord, Hand of Dominion, The Emperor’s Sword Char3: 1x Captain in Gravis Armour (100 pts): Boltstorm Gauntlet, Power Fist, Relic Blade Char4: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades 4x Company Heroes (105 pts) 5x Desolation Squad (200 pts) 5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) 5x Scout Squad (70 pts) 5x Scout Squad (70 pts) 1x Invader ATV (60 pts): Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Twin Bolt Rifle, Multi-melta 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Gladiator Reaper (160 pts): Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Tempest Bolter, Twin Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon 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
Army List - Click to Expand
• 1x Marneus Calgar: Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard: 2 with Victrix Power Sword
Enhancement: Indomitable Fury (+20 pts)
• 2x Company Veteran
1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle
1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Heavy Bolter
• 1x Ancient: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Company Champion: Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon
• 4x Desolation Marine: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close Combat Weapon, Superfrag Rocket Launcher
• 1x Desolation Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close Combat Weapon, Vengor Launcher
• 4x Infiltrator: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
• 2x Scout
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
• 2x Scout
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
Thoughts
Space Marine vs. Space Marine, perfect, let them fight. In this instance, the way these two builds wish to fight is pretty clear – the Blood Angels want to go towards the Ultramarines and chop them up, the Ultramarines want to blow them to pieces. How’s that going to go for them, in each case?
For the Ultramarines, the big draw towards this detachment rather than any of the others feels like the option to stick Sustained Hits on a 5+ on Desolation Marines, and the Enhancement for the Gravis Captain to get back up on full. The former is so-so into a lot of the Blood Angels stuff, but pretty decent at chipping down the Death Company or Scouts, and taking models out of the Death Company is important. It feels like the big challenge here is that not enough of their units can confidently go and tangle near where Bobby G or Calgar are, but the full Death Company unit is an absolute exception to that, able to go through most stuff here like a hot knife. Taking a few models out of that with an early souped-up volley seems very strong.
Also useful is being able to blow Scouts up with the vengor launcher, just to keep the activation count on the Blood Angel side down. My basic vibe from lining these lists up against each other is that the Ultramarines will, on average, eventually win out on attrition; only having one “true” hammer restricts the Blood Angels ability to go for the throat in this matchup, and the Ultras having two powerful Characters that can stand back up is a further way that their momentum can be undermined. However, the Blood Angels are absolutely going to be on the front foot early on, and will quickly sweep up the more skirmishing parts of the Ultramarine list. I think the very likely trajectory is that the Blood Angels pull ahead on points early, and the Ultramarines need to try and claw it back as they build up a material advantage. If you’re the Blood Angels, that means you want to prioritise sweeping off all the enemy Scouts etc to minimise early scoring. For the Ultramarines, you need to plan to start pushing outward with your big hitters (Bobby G and Calgar, mostly), earlier than you might instinctively choose to, because if you start scoring points too late, you’ll lose by default.
I think I would narrowly had this to the Blood Angels, as I’ve seen enough games like this play out where the side on the defensive is just a little too slow to get things back under control and rack up points. As it is, the Ultramarines showcased their much vaunted organisational talents and managed to just take a victory here by a single point!
Result
Space Marines (Astartes) (Anvil Siege Force) Victory – 81 – 80
Joseph Sanchez – Ultramarines (Anvil Siege Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 3x Marneus Calgar (210 pts) 4x Company Heroes (105 pts)
• 1x Marneus Calgar: Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard: 2 with Victrix Power Sword
Char2: 1x Roboute Guilliman (345 pts): Warlord, Hand of Dominion, The Emperor’s Sword
Char3: 1x Captain in Gravis Armour (100 pts): Boltstorm Gauntlet, Power Fist, Relic Blade
Enhancement: Indomitable Fury (+20 pts)
Char4: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades
• 2x Company Veteran
1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle
1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Heavy Bolter
• 1x Ancient: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Company Champion: Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon
5x Desolation Squad (200 pts)
• 4x Desolation Marine: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close Combat Weapon, Superfrag Rocket Launcher
• 1x Desolation Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close Combat Weapon, Vengor Launcher
5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts)
• 4x Infiltrator: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
5x Scout Squad (70 pts)
• 2x Scout
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
5x Scout Squad (70 pts)
• 2x Scout
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
1x Invader ATV (60 pts): Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Twin Bolt Rifle, Multi-melta
1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter
1x Gladiator Reaper (160 pts): Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Tempest Bolter, Twin Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon
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
Archetype
Siege Force Ultramarines
Thoughts
Look, maximum points from me for taking one of the most maligned Marine detachments and winning an event with it, that’s awesome, though I don’t think we’re suddenly going to see a great swing across to this. I do think being able to double up on reviving one-model armies is cool, and I do think access to Rigid Discipline to use as an aggressive tool with either Bobby G or Calgar’s unit is interesting; I mentioned in the Showdown that knowing when to start pushing out with this kind of list is crucial, and end-of-Fight Phase movement is a really good way to properly start motoring on that when it’s time. Cool to have to consider a few unique tricks, good job Joseph.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Lynden Obarr – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and Armigers.
- 3rd – Zach Pandelides – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group):Â Melee aggro Liberator with lots of jump packs and a couple of Ballistus Dreadnoughts providing dakka backup.
- 4th – Garrett Gregory – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile):Â Double Possessed and a big Chosen blob, plus some Vindicator shooting.
Down Under 40k May Dawnbringer GT 2
26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Beresfield, NSW, Australia on May 09 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Jordan McGregor – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adepta Sororitas CHARACTERS Canoness (60 points) Canoness (70 points) Hospitaller (50 points) Hospitaller (50 points) Hospitaller (50 points) Morvenn Vahl (170 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Sororitas Rhino (75 points) Sororitas Rhino (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Arco-flagellants (140 points) Arco-flagellants (140 points) Castigator (170 points) Castigator (170 points) Castigator (170 points) Celestian Sacresants (130 points) Celestian Sacresants (130 points) Celestian Sacresants (130 points) Paragon Warsuits (220 points) Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (78), Data Version: v599
New meta, new crimes (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Hallowed Martyrs
• 1x Blessed blade
1x Condemnor boltgun
• Enhancement: Saintly Example
• 1x Blessed blade
1x Inferno pistol
• Enhancement: Mantle of Ophelia
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Chirurgeon’s tools
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Chirurgeon’s tools
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Chirurgeon’s tools
• Warlord
• 1x Fidelis
1x Lance of Illumination
1x Paragon missile launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 10x Arco-flagellant
• 10x Arco-flails
• 10x Arco-flagellant
• 10x Arco-flails
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator autocannons
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator battle cannon
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator battle cannon
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Sacresant Superior
• 1x Inferno pistol
1x Spear of the faithful
• 9x Celestian Sacresant
• 9x Bolt pistol
9x Hallowed mace
• 1x Sacresant Superior
• 1x Inferno pistol
1x Spear of the faithful
• 9x Celestian Sacresant
• 9x Bolt pistol
9x Hallowed mace
• 1x Sacresant Superior
• 1x Inferno pistol
1x Spear of the faithful
• 9x Celestian Sacresant
• 9x Anointed halberd
9x Bolt pistol
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Multi-melta
1x Paragon grenade launchers
1x Paragon war mace
• 2x Paragon
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Multi-melta
2x Paragon grenade launchers
2x Paragon war blade
Archetype
Sacresant Spam
Thoughts
Sisters take a (currently rare) win to round out part 1, maxing out on the discounts the last Dataslate handed down, and fielding a wall of Sacresants with Hospitallers to repulse foes, and Arco-flagellants as well to really lean into the tarpit angle. This buys time for the Castigators to do their wicked work, and you can use the solo Canonesses to go out and score early on. This is really nasty against the various melee-focused armies that are out and about, as the threat of Spirit of the Martyr or a Heroic Intervention followed by Suffering and Sacrifice makes it very hard for opposing pressure pieces to roll through you without taking substantial casualties in return. Hospitallers everywhere also makes the price of failure incredibly steep for the opponent – swing and leave a few models alive and they’ll hit back ultra hard, and then bounce back towards significant strength in only a few turns. This is a very elegant build that feels tuned for the current environment, so a well deserved win for Jordan.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Nathan Princi – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Increasingly standard-issue Lions, double tank, one Shield Captain/Bike unit and Wardens.
- 3rd – Greg Maginnity – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead):Â Extreme Aspect go-wide Ynnari.
- 4th – Matt Hearne – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms):Â Combined Arms goodstuff with double big Krieg unit.
Wrap Up
Have any questions or feedback? Drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com. Want articles like this linked in your inbox every Monday morning? Sign up for our newsletter. And don’t forget that you can support us on Patreon for backer rewards like early video content, Administratum access, an ad-free experience on our website and more.
