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.
More Warhammer to cover as the denizens of the Warp warm up for a big summer. Today we’ve got:
Today:
- SSG Miniature Metropolis – Meta Shuffle
- Hyper 352: GT
- Midgards May 40k ITC Grand Tournament
- Ammonite Gaming – The May GT 25
Wednesday:
- Münsterland Major 2
- Dawn of Vår 2k25
- Battle on the Bayou
- Down Under 40k May Dawnbringer GT 2
SSG Miniature Metropolis – Meta Shuffle
93-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Stockholms län, Sverige on May 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Sebastian Larsson – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x War Dog Stalker (165 pts): Warlord, Havoc multi-launcher, Daemonbreath spear, Slaughterclaw 1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – Chaos Knights
+ DETACHMENT: Traitoris Lance
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: War Dog Stalker
+ ENHANCEMENT: Aura of Terror (on Char1: War Dog Stalker)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 13
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (13×2) – Assassination: 1 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Enhancement: Aura of Terror (+25 pts)
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
Archetype
War Dog Spam
Thoughts
With teasers of a new CK book on the horizon, will we be waving goodbye to pure War Dog spam? Only time will tell. In the meantime, this very well established build rocks out and claims a first place here with it’s OC toting, stat checking goodness. Really well done on the event win!
Johan Nicolaisen – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 3x Marneus Calgar (210 pts) 5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) Char4: 1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts): Neural shredder, Phase sword and poison blades
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Ultramarines
+ DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Roboute Guilliman
+ ENHANCEMENT: The Honour Vehement (on Char1: Lieutenant with Combi-weapon)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 15
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (6×2) – Assassination: 5 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 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 Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades
Enhancement: The Honour Vehement (+15 pts)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 4 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 4 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
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
5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts)
• 4x Infiltrator
2 with Infiltrator Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
1 with Infiltrator Comms Array, Infiltrator Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine
1 with Helix Gauntlet, Infiltrator Squad, 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, Boltgun
• 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Combat Knife
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 Predator Destructor (140 pts): Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Predator Autocannon, Storm Bolter, 2x Lascannon
1x Vindicator (185 pts): Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter
Char5: 1x Ministorum Priest (40 pts): Zealot’s vindictor
Archetype
Ultramarines Goodstuff
Thoughts
Another firmly established meta stalwart, Ultramarines gladius continues to take names. I like the tiny little budget priest to get you a super cheap action monkey. Otherwise it is very much business as usual here with souped up tanks taking names as the named characters play the objectives! Great work on the top placing.
Jacob Holmström – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Tyranids CHARACTERS Hive Tyrant (250 Points) BATTLELINE Hormagaunts (130 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Biovores (50 Points) Exocrine (140 Points) Exocrine (140 Points) Exocrine (140 Points) Lictor (60 Points) Lictor (60 Points) Maleceptor (170 Points) Maleceptor (170 Points) Maleceptor (170 Points) Norn Emissary (260 Points) Norn Emissary (260 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (2), Data Version: v599
Haha, du får inte slänga ”Cull the horde” (2000 Points)
Invasion Fleet
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip
• 1x Monstrous scything talons
• Enhancements: Adaptive Biology
• 20x Hormagaunt
◦ 20x Hormagaunt talons
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
• 1x Spore Mine launcher
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
• 1x Powerful limbs
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
• 1x Powerful limbs
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
• 1x Powerful limbs
• 1x Lictor claws and talons
• 1x Lictor claws and talons
• 1x Massive scything talons
• 1x Psychic overload
• 1x Massive scything talons
• 1x Psychic overload
• 1x Massive scything talons
• 1x Psychic overload
• 1x Monstrous rending claws
• 1x Monstrous scything talons
• 1x Psychic Tendril
• 1x Monstrous rending claws
• 1x Monstrous scything talons
• 1x Psychic Tendril
Archetype
Invasion Fleet Norn
Thoughts
Tyranids have felt fairly solved this slate, with less new toys given to them to play with. The Norn Emissary continues to make builds, offering solidity and a big OC bomb to compliment the relentless mission play toolkit of Invasion Fleet. Really well done on the top placing!
Kalle Abrahamsson – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x Broodlord (80 pts): Broodlord Claws and Talons 10x Gargoyles (85 pts): 10 with Blinding venom, Fleshborer 1x Biovores (50 pts): Chitin-barbed limbs, Spore mine launcher
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Tyranids
+ DETACHMENT: Invasion Fleet
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Hive Tyrant
+ ENHANCEMENT: Adaptive Biology (on Char2: Hive Tyrant)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 15
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (7×2) + (1×4) – Assassination: 2 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 1x Hive Tyrant (250 pts): Warlord, Monstrous bonesword and lash whip, Heavy venom cannon
Enhancement: Adaptive Biology (+25 pts)
10x Genestealers (150 pts): 10 with Genestealers claws and talons
1x Lictor (60 pts): Lictor claws and talons
1x Lictor (60 pts): Lictor claws and talons
3x Raveners (75 pts): 3 with Armoured thorax, Ravener claws and talons
1x Exocrine (140 pts): Bio-plasmic cannon, Powerful limbs
1x Exocrine (140 pts): Bio-plasmic cannon, Powerful limbs
1x Exocrine (140 pts): Bio-plasmic cannon, Powerful limbs
1x Maleceptor (170 pts): Massive scything talons, Psychic overload
1x Maleceptor (170 pts): Massive scything talons, Psychic overload
1x Maleceptor (170 pts): Massive scything talons, Psychic overload
1x Norn Emissary (260 pts): Monstrous rending claws, Monstrous scything talons, Psychic tendril
Archetype
Invasion Fleet Big Bugs
Thoughts
Another Norn list here, this one packs the full 3 Exocrines and Maleceptors in to take arms against the sea of elite infantry currently out there in the game. It lacks a little for raw anti-tank shooting but packs the threats wide and any marines had best watch out! Very well done on the top placing.
The Best of the Rest
There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Joel Larsson – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Massed Wardens in Shield Host.
- 6th – Jesper Unander – Emperor’s Children (Coteries of the Conceited): Coteries goodstuff with triple Daemon Prince.
- 7th – Hugo Nissar – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Massed big bugs in Invasion Fleet.
- 8th – Sebastian Andersson – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Old school wolf jail with massed Wulfen and Thunderwolves.
- 9th – Kaj Börjeson – Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Ultramarines Gladius Goodstuff with Vindicators and Ballistus.
- 10th – Juan Manuel Sánchez Molina – Orks (More Dakka): Massed Flash Gitz and Tankbustas with Shokk Attak Meks in More Dakka!
- 11th – Mattias Levin – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): No detachment included but based on the build (massed infantry bodies, Krieg, Dorn) I am going to guess Combined Regiment!
- 12th – Markus Hederberg – Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Dorns, Russ and Taurox in Hammer of the Emperor.
- 13th – Douglas Svensson – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Massed Wardens and some Guard in Lions of the Emperor.
Hyper 352: GT
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Москва, Москва, Россия on May 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Anton Vasin – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand == Daemonic Incursion Army Roster 1995 pts == EH1: Be’lakor: Warlord [375 pts] CH1: Bloodmaster [65 pts] BL1: Bloodletters: 9xBloodletter (Hellblade), Bloodreaper (Hellblade), Daemonic Icon, Instrument of Chaos [110 pts] BE1: Beasts of Nurgle: Beast of Nurgle [65 pts] VE1: Slaanesh Soul Grinder: Warpclaw [180 pts]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TEAM: Rocket
+ HIN: 167
+ PLAYER: VAS
+ Number of Units: 11
+ Character Units (Models): 7 (7)
+ Vehicle/Monster Models (Max Points): 6 (25)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
EH2: Rotigus [250 pts]
EH3: Skarbrand [305 pts]
EH4: Syll’esske [120 pts]
CH2: Great Unclean One: Bileblade, Bilesword, The Endless Gift [295 pts]
CH3: Rendmaster on Blood Throne [165 pts]
BE2: Beasts of Nurgle: Beast of Nurgle [65 pts]
Archetype
Big Boi Time
Thoughts
Big boi time Daemons is eternal, and quietly growing into the meta a the moment. A fair few of the dominant forces in the game really dislike Lone Op auras and high toughness skew – Aeldari, EC and Guard all hate different versions of these tricks, which gives Daemon lists surprising levels of game despite the low numbers of bodies on the field. Daemonic Incursion helps you apply these where you need constantly, and this build packs just enough mission play in to support Rotigus and the gang as they slam you on the primary. Amazing work on the event win!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Vladimir Dudkevich – Astra Militarum (Siege Regiment): Triple Dorn in Siege Regiment with supporting Rough Riders, baller list.
- 3rd – Kirill “Carstaneedos” Abdullaev – Emperor’s Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Double Maulerfiends in Coteries- a serious vibe!
- 4th – Maxim Dokin – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Wardens, Guard, and double Caladius in Lions of the Emperor.
-
5th – Nikita Borzunov – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Multiple Kill Teams and some Assault Terminators in Deathwatch.
Midgards May 40k ITC Grand Tournament
28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Derry, NH, US on May 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Scorched Earth – Swift Action – Tipping Point
Wesley Martin – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) Necrons CHARACTERS Hexmark Destroyer (75 points) Imotekh the Stormlord (100 points) Skorpekh Lord (80 points) Skorpekh Lord (80 points) Skorpekh Lord (80 points) Technomancer (85 points) Technomancer (85 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Canoptek Wraiths (230 points) Canoptek Wraiths (230 points) Doomsday Ark (200 points) Doomsday Ark (200 points) Lokhust Destroyers (35 points) Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (165 points) Ophydian Destroyers (80 points) Skorpekh Destroyers (90 points) Skorpekh Destroyers (90 points) Skorpekh Destroyers (90 points) Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (78), Data Version: v599
Army List - Click to Expand
You get that Thing I sent you? (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Awakened Dynasty
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols
• Warlord
• 1x Gauntlet of Fire
1x Staff of the Destroyer
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
1x Flensing claw
1x Hyperphase harvester
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
1x Flensing claw
1x Hyperphase harvester
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
1x Flensing claw
1x Hyperphase harvester
• 1x Staff of light
• 1x Staff of light
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws
• 1x Armoured bulk
1x Doomsday cannon
2x Gauss flayer array
• 1x Armoured bulk
1x Doomsday cannon
2x Gauss flayer array
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss cannon
• 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Enmitic exterminator
• 3x Ophydian Destroyer
• 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons
1x Plasmacyte
• 3x Skorpekh Destroyer
• 1x Plasmacyte
3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons
• 3x Skorpekh Destroyer
• 1x Plasmacyte
3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons
• 3x Skorpekh Destroyer
• 1x Plasmacyte
3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons
vs.
Drew Salzborn – T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) T’au Empire CHARACTERS Commander Shadowsun (100 points) BATTLELINE Kroot Carnivores (65 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) Krootox Rampagers (170 points) Krootox Rampagers (170 points) Krootox Rampagers (170 points) Krootox Riders (90 points) Krootox Riders (90 points) Krootox Riders (90 points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) Exported with App Version: v1.33.0 (79), Data Version: v609
Army List - Click to Expand
Harambe’s Revenge (1980 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Kroot Hunting Pack
• Warlord
• 1x Advanced Guardian Drone
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Command-link Drone (Aura)
1x Flechette launcher
2x High-energy fusion blaster
1x Light missile pod
1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Long-quill
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Kroot pistol
1x Kroot rifle
• 9x Kroot Carnivore
• 9x Close combat weapon
8x Kroot rifle
1x Tanglebomb launcher
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Railgun
2x Seeker missile
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Railgun
2x Seeker missile
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Ion cannon
2x Seeker missile
• 6x Krootox Rampagers
• 6x Hunting blades
6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
6x Rampager fists
• 6x Krootox Rampagers
• 6x Hunting blades
6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
6x Rampager fists
• 6x Krootox Rampagers
• 6x Hunting blades
6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
6x Rampager fists
• 3x Krootox Rider
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Krootox fists
3x Repeater cannon
• 3x Krootox Rider
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Krootox fists
3x Repeater cannon
• 3x Krootox Rider
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Krootox fists
3x Repeater cannon
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
Thoughts
Ok, buckle up for quite an entertaining showdown. In the Necron corner we have the current emergent meta-choice – Awakened Dynasty antics with resurrecting characters, to secure play into a wide range of armies and exploit mono-phase builds. Double wraith brick gives it plenty of solidity, and there are Lords to cause mischief after refusing to die the firs time around. It asks a serious durability question of the opponent, and it will immediately punish undercommitment.
There will be no such concerns from the T’au side though! Kroot Hunting Pack is not a detachment that takes it’s time getting stuck in, and it brings several phases of damage to the table. Layered up buffs take the Rampagers and Riders to some very scary places, with impact mortals on top that Necrons really are not fans of. Behind these a wall of Skyray and Hammerheads can blast away at the (relatively) limited number of Necron shooting platforms. IF the Kroot go first here, they are putting an awful lot of pressure on, with lone ops behind, at which point it becomes quite hard to see how the Awakened list gets out and starts responding. Even if they don’t, they have the teeth to answer the stat check, and Necron lists aren’t typically very pleased when that happens… Big T’au win.
Result
T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) Victory – 91 – 42
Drew Salzborn – T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand T’au Empire CHARACTERS Commander Shadowsun (100 points) BATTLELINE Kroot Carnivores (65 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) Krootox Rampagers (170 points) Krootox Rampagers (170 points) Krootox Rampagers (170 points) Krootox Riders (90 points) Krootox Riders (90 points) Krootox Riders (90 points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) Exported with App Version: v1.33.0 (79), Data Version: v609
Harambe’s Revenge (1980 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Kroot Hunting Pack
• Warlord
• 1x Advanced Guardian Drone
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Command-link Drone (Aura)
1x Flechette launcher
2x High-energy fusion blaster
1x Light missile pod
1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Long-quill
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Kroot pistol
1x Kroot rifle
• 9x Kroot Carnivore
• 9x Close combat weapon
8x Kroot rifle
1x Tanglebomb launcher
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Railgun
2x Seeker missile
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Railgun
2x Seeker missile
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Ion cannon
2x Seeker missile
• 6x Krootox Rampagers
• 6x Hunting blades
6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
6x Rampager fists
• 6x Krootox Rampagers
• 6x Hunting blades
6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
6x Rampager fists
• 6x Krootox Rampagers
• 6x Hunting blades
6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
6x Rampager fists
• 3x Krootox Rider
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Krootox fists
3x Repeater cannon
• 3x Krootox Rider
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Krootox fists
3x Repeater cannon
• 3x Krootox Rider
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Krootox fists
3x Repeater cannon
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Burst cannon
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
Archetype
Kroot Krootox Spam
Thoughts
As above, glorious forward pressure Krootox spam wins the day, by slamming a host of tough bodies into the opponent as big guns blast at them from behind. As the edition goes on some builds are discovering the optimal blend of ‘detachment supported’ to ‘plug in’ units- Kroot Hunting Pack is definitely one such detachment, as getting some self supporting guns in to compliment the pressure is a recipe for success. Great job on the event win!!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Wesley Martin – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): The Awakened Wraith brick list from the showdown.
- 3rd – Jared Vail – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Kabalite heavy Ynnari with the Yncarne for mischief making.
- 4th – Ari Chang – Orks (Dread Mob): Lots of Grots and Tankbustas in Dreadmob.
-
5th – Ian Power – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): German-style Votann goodstuff with the two ten bricks of Berzerkers.
Ammonite Gaming – The May GT 25
26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on May 10 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Stephen Platten – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Benefictus (85 points) Benefictus (70 points) Benefictus (70 points) Biophagus (70 points) Primus (100 points) Reductus Saboteur (65 points) Reductus Saboteur (65 points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (130 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (78), Data Version: v599
Lots of dudes (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Host of Ascension
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Psionic Cascade
• Enhancement: Assassination Edict
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Psionic Cascade
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Psionic Cascade
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
1x Autopistol
1x Chemical vials
1x Injector goad
• Enhancement: Our Time is Nigh
• Warlord
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancement: A Chink In Their Armour
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charges
1x Remote explosives
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charges
1x Remote explosives
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
1x Cult claws and knife
3x Heavy mining tool
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
2x Heavy stubber
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Seismic cannon
2x Webber
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber
• 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
• 2x Armoured hull
2x Heavy mining laser
2x Spotter
2x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
• 5x Cult claws and talons
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
• 5x Cult claws and talons
Archetype
Host of Ascension Mixed Arms
Thoughts
Steve is a man after my own heart, plugging in a melee piece and some laser Ridgerunners to smooth out some of the component weak spots of Host of Ascension. The full Neophyte builds are absolutely deadly but also very polarising, prone to sometimes being run off the board going second into speedy pressure. A bit of on-board shooting mitigates this somewhat, as does having a good melee swing back available. The Biophagus helps melee Acolytes pop off here with access to Critical hits on 5s for Lethal AND Sustained from reserves. A very potent build indeed! Well done on the event win.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Matthew Dickinson – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and the Armigers reunite for a support slot.
- 3rd – Simon Leonard – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, a Crusader, AND a Gallant! Epic list.
- 4th – Joshua Melding – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Terminator / triple Vortex Beast Tsons gets a run out as the new book looms.
Wrap Up
There you have it folks! The meta marches on, lots of unusual contenders (an event win for Kroot Hunting Pack is especially fun), but new chaos forces are about to land – will they bring balance to the force, or new levels of disorder? We shall see!
Lowest of Men, out.
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