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.
OK we lied, it’s Sunday for CI again – in our defence, GW keeps bombarding us with big preview days as they rocket through the remaining codexes. Hopefully you’ve already caught up with all the hot new Votann news, but if not, check it out starting from the main review below:
The Codex looks like a blast, and should massively increase the variety of what Votann can do on the table.
Conveniently, if you want an opportunity to try your shiny new Votann out, you can do so at the Goonhammer Open UK in Leicester on 6th/7th September – list submission and rules cutoff are on 30th August, so the new book will be legal. Tickets are still available, so if you want to get your new toys onto the table and win a champions belt, then you can sign up below:
- Event Page (Incl. maps/missions)
- EventBrite (tickets)
- BCP
And now, on to the events for part 3, which are:
- ECDC Present: The BIg Sky Open 2025
- One Thicc Grand Tournament at Motor City Gaming
- Slaanesh Summer Slam 2 Shalaxi’s Revenge. Ironman GT
- BC BBQ BRAWL
- Baja Open
Part 1 on Wednesday covered:
- The Salt City GT IV Warhammer 40,000
- 1ST – SAW MUST GO ON
- Grand Onslaught 10: Carnage
- Valley of the Moon Open GT
- NIGHTWOLF’S MAJOR 40K SOLO TOURNAMENT
Part 2 on Friday looked at:
- The Kent Major 2025: Warhammer 40,000
- Alpine Summer Sprint GT – WTC 2025
- Loch ‘n Load GT2
- Clowns Massacre
- Conclaribe Mix 2025
ECDC Present: The BIg Sky Open 2025
68-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Great Falls, MT, United States on August 02 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Colin Kay – Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Knights CHARACTERS Chaos Cerastus Knight Atrapos (355 Points) Knight Despoiler (335 Points) Knight Despoiler (355 Points) Knight Rampager (335 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS War Dog Karnivore (140 Points) War Dog Karnivore (140 Points) War Dog Karnivore (140 Points) ALLIED UNITS Beasts of Nurgle (65 Points) Nurglings (40 Points) Nurglings (40 Points) Sloppity Bilepiper (55 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (3), Data Version: v651
What’s better than a 13” move and shoot Gat Despoiler? A 19” move and shoot Gat Despoiler! (2000 Points)
Infernal Lance
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Atrapos lascutter
• 1x Graviton singularity cannon
• Warlord
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
• 1x Despoiler gatling cannon
• 1x Despoiler gatling cannon
• 1x Heavy darkflamer
• 1x Heavy darkflamer
• 1x Ruinspear rocket pod
• 1x Titanic feet
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
• 1x Despoiler gatling cannon
• 1x Despoiler gatling cannon
• 1x Heavy darkflamer
• 1x Heavy darkflamer
• 1x Ruinspear rocket pod
• 1x Titanic feet
• Enhancements: Bestial Aspect
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
• 1x Reaper chainsword
• 1x Warpstrike claw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Reaper chaintalon
• 1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Reaper chaintalon
• 1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Reaper chaintalon
• 1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Putrid appendages
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
◦ 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
◦ 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Marotter
Archetype
Gatling Infernals
Thoughts
An easy one to start with here – four big, double double gatling Infernals is the best Chaos Knights list at the moment, and it’s not really close. High speed Carnivores and a Rampager force extreme caution from the foe, while the gatling Knights can kill anything other than maybe C’tan with no questions asked. Congratulations Colin on the win, though I expect to see you back at the Templar RepExes as soon as they’re legal, you have a brand to uphold.
James Walsh – Dark Angels (Company of Hunters) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Ravenwing Command Squad (120 Points) Ravenwing Command Squad (140 Points) Ravenwing Command Squad (135 Points) BATTLELINE Outrider Squad (80 Points) Outrider Squad (80 Points) Outrider Squad (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) Invader ATV (60 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 Points) Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (3), Data Version: v651
Dark Angels – Still D Tier (2000 Points)
Dark Angels
Company of Hunters
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Ravenwing Champion
• Warlord
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Apothecary
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Ancient
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Champion
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 1x Plasma talon
◦ Enhancements: Recon Hunter
• 1x Ravenwing Apothecary
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Ancient
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Champion
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 1x Plasma talon
◦ Enhancements: Master of Manoeuvre
• 1x Ravenwing Apothecary
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Ancient
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Outrider Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
◦ 2x Astartes chainsword
◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 2x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Outrider Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
◦ 2x Astartes chainsword
◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 2x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Outrider Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
◦ 2x Astartes chainsword
◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 2x Twin bolt rifle
• 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
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Ballistus lascannon
• 1x Ballistus missile launcher
• 1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant
◦ 1x Centurion fists
◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 1x Grav-cannon
• 2x Devastator Centurion
◦ 2x Centurion fists
◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 2x Grav-cannon
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant
◦ 1x Centurion fists
◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 1x Grav-cannon
• 2x Devastator Centurion
◦ 2x Centurion fists
◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 2x Grav-cannon
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant
◦ 1x Centurion fists
◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 1x Grav-cannon
• 2x Devastator Centurion
◦ 2x Centurion fists
◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 2x Grav-cannon
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
◦ 2x Astartes shotgun
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Missile launcher
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
◦ 2x Astartes shotgun
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Missile launcher
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher
• 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Melta destroyer
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher
• 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Melta destroyer
Archetype
Centurion Hunters
Thoughts
Also on the speedy threats with shooting backup, we’ve got another showing for the increasingly-less-fringe Ravenwing Centurion build here. The Command Squad/Outrider units are very high reach hammers that opponents have to watch out for, and being able to Advance grav Centurions and Ballistus dreads around the board gives this army a tonne of power into crunchy builds, making it very strong in the current metagame. Who know that the true secret of going fast was doing the battle waddle? What else are the Dark Angels hiding from us!?!? Anyway great stuff James, remember that every time Dark Angels make a top four it holds Greg back from deleting the website for another few weeks, so it’s important to keep those rolling.
Jason Welch – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x Cerastus Knight Lancer (365 pts): Warlord, Cerastus shock lance 1x Armiger Helverin (130 pts): 2x Armiger autocannon, Armoured feet, Questoris heavy stubber Char4: 1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts): Neural shredder, Phase sword and poison blades
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Imperial Knights
+ DETACHMENT: Noble Lance
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Cerastus Knight Lancer
+ ENHANCEMENT: Mythic Hero (on Char2: Knight Warden)
& Banner of Macharius Triumphant (on Char3: Knight Warden)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 10
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (5×2) + (3×6) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 1x Knight Warden (390 pts): Avenger gatling cannon, Heavy flamer, Stormspear rocket pod, Questoris heavy stubber, Reaper chainsword
Enhancement: Mythic Hero (+25 pts)
Char3: 1x Knight Warden (395 pts): Avenger gatling cannon, Heavy flamer, Stormspear rocket pod, Questoris heavy stubber, Reaper chainsword
Enhancement: Banner of Macharius Triumphant (+30 pts)
1x Armiger Helverin (130 pts): 2x Armiger autocannon, Armoured feet, Questoris heavy stubber
1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts): Reaper chain-cleaver, Thermal spear, Questoris heavy stubber
1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts): Reaper chain-cleaver, Thermal spear, Questoris heavy stubber
1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts): Reaper chain-cleaver, Thermal spear, Questoris heavy stubber
6x Voidsmen-at-Arms (70 pts)
• 4x Voidsman
3 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Laspistol
1 with Close combat weapon, Laspistol, Voidsman rotor cannon
• 1x Voidmaster: Artificer shotgun, Close combat weapon, Laspistol
• 1x Canid: Vicious bite
Archetype
Style points Knights
Thoughts
An experiment here in “can Knights still do well without Canis or the Atrapos” and the answer is apparently yes. This list pushes up the board extremely aggressively, as having a trio of damage reduction Armigers to lead the charge is going to really tax the opponent’s heavier guns, keeping them away from the bigs long enough for impact. If three bigs hit the enemy lines largely intact, then it doesn’t really matter that they’re not the “optimal” categories, they’re still going to rip stuff to shreds. I hope this was an exercise in proving a point, and if so big props to Jason.
Andrew Cox – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x Khârn the Betrayer (85 pts): Warlord, Gorechild, Plasma pistol 10x Khorne Berzerkers (180 pts) 3x Eightbound (150 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – World Eaters
+ DETACHMENT: Berzerker Warband
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Khârn the Betrayer
+ ENHANCEMENT: Helm of Brazen Ire (on Char1: Daemon Prince of Khorne)
& Berzerker Glaive (on Char2: Slaughterbound)
& Favoured of Khorne (on Char3: Slaughterbound)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (7×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 1x Daemon Prince of Khorne (220 pts): Hellforged weapons, Infernal cannon
Enhancement: Helm of Brazen Ire (+20 pts)
Char3: 1x Slaughterbound (110 pts): Lacerator and daemonic claw
Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive (+25 pts)
Char4: 1x Slaughterbound (100 pts): Lacerator and daemonic claw
Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne (+15 pts)
• 9x Khorne Berzerker
5 with Bolt pistol, Chainblade
2 with Chainblade, Plasma pistol
2 with Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion: Icon of Khorne, Chainblade, Bolt pistol
• 2x Eightbound: 2 with Chainblades
• 1x Eightbound Champion: Chainblades
3x Exalted Eightbound (160 pts)
• 2x Exalted Eightbound: 2 with Chainblades
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion: Chainblades
2x Chaos Spawn (80 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations
2x Chaos Spawn (80 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations
2x Chaos Spawn (80 pts): 2 with Hideous Mutations
1x Forgefiend (150 pts): 2x Ectoplasma cannon, Ectoplasma cannon, Forgefiend claws
1x Forgefiend (150 pts): 2x Ectoplasma cannon, Ectoplasma cannon, Forgefiend claws
1x Helbrute (120 pts): Close combat weapon, Helbrute hammer, Helbrute fist with heavy flamer, Heavy flamer
1x Helbrute (120 pts): Close combat weapon, Helbrute hammer, Helbrute fist with heavy flamer, Heavy flamer
1x Helbrute (120 pts): Close combat weapon, Helbrute hammer, Helbrute fist with heavy flamer, Heavy flamer
1x Chaos Rhino (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-weapon
Archetype
Helbrute World Eaters
Thoughts
A bit of tinkering with the standard Berzerker formula here, investing more heavily in Eightbound/Slaughterbound as melee missiles, and going for lots of cheap Helbrutes as melee spoiler pieces, as when they’re nearby combat planning gets very challenging for foes. Lack of Maulerfiends does make things a little dicier against Knights, and it was Colin’s build that kept the World Eaters to 5-1 here, but a very effective rampage otherwise from Andrew.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Michael Pendergrass – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus Grand Coven Goodstuff, bulking all the Rubricae units out to ten models instead of taking some of the normal tools.
- 6th – Thomas Moore – Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Shooty hulls and Inceptors, Lone Operatives, and 6/3/3 tooled-up Sanguinary Guard herohammer units.
- 7th – Austin McAtee – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis plus a Lancer, Errant and Paladin.
- 8th – Chris Sailors – Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): A trio of Dorns (two Commanders) and support, including Marshall Dreir with a full Death Rider squad for a bit of counter-charge.
One Thicc Grand Tournament at Motor City Gaming
49-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in MI, United States on August 02 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Take and Hold – Hammer and Anvil
Brenton Weiss – Emperor’s Children (Peerless Bladesmen) Emperor’s Children CHARACTERS Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 Points) Fulgrim (365 Points) Lord Exultant (105 Points) Lord Exultant (80 Points) Lucius the Eternal (150 Points) BATTLELINE Infractors (85 Points) Tormentors (85 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Flawless Blades (220 Points) Flawless Blades (110 Points) Flawless Blades (220 Points) Noise Marines (145 Points) Noise Marines (145 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (3), Data Version: v651
Army List - Click to Expand
One Thicc List (1990 Points)
Peerless Bladesmen
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Hellforged weapons
• 1x Infernal cannon
• Warlord
• 1x Daemonic blades
• 1x Malefic lash
• 1x Serpentine tail
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Phoenix power spear
• 1x Rapture lash
• Enhancements: Distortion
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Phoenix power spear
• 1x Rapture lash
• 1x Blade of the Laer
• 1x Lash of Torment
• 1x Obsessionist
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Infractor
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Duelling sabre
• 1x Obsessionist
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Tormentor
◦ 4x Boltgun
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 6x Flawless Blade
◦ 6x Blissblade
◦ 6x Bolt pistol
• 3x Flawless Blade
◦ 3x Blissblade
◦ 3x Bolt pistol
• 6x Flawless Blade
◦ 6x Blissblade
◦ 6x Bolt pistol
• 1x Disharmonist
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sonic blaster
• 5x Noise Marine
◦ 2x Blastmaster
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Sonic blaster
• 1x Disharmonist
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sonic blaster
• 5x Noise Marine
◦ 2x Blastmaster
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Sonic blaster
vs.
Randy Brigham – T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) T’au Empire CHARACTERS Kroot Flesh Shaper (45 Points) Kroot Flesh Shaper (45 Points) Kroot Lone-spear (80 Points) Kroot Lone-spear (80 Points) Kroot Trail Shaper (75 Points) Kroot War Shaper (60 Points) BATTLELINE Kroot Carnivores (140 Points) Kroot Carnivores (140 Points) Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Kroot Farstalkers (85 Points) Kroot Farstalkers (85 Points) Kroot Hounds (40 Points) Kroot Hounds (40 Points) Kroot Hounds (40 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) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (3), Data Version: v651
Army List - Click to Expand
Display boards suck and everyone should shame Stephen for making them a thing. (1995 Points)
Kroot Hunting Pack
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Kroot scattergun
• 1x Twin ritualistic blades
• 1x Kroot scattergun
• 1x Twin ritualistic blades
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Kalamandra’s bite
• 1x Kroot long gun
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Kalamandra’s bite
• 1x Kroot long gun
• 1x Kroot rifle
• 1x Shaper’s blade
• Enhancements: Nomadic Hunter
• 1x Dart-bow and tri-blade
• 1x Kroot pistol
• 1x Shaper’s blade
• Enhancements: Root-carved Weapons
• 1x Long-quill
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kroot pistol
◦ 1x Kroot rifle
• 19x Kroot Carnivore
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 17x Kroot rifle
◦ 2x Tanglebomb launcher
• 1x Long-quill
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kroot pistol
◦ 1x Kroot rifle
• 19x Kroot Carnivore
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 17x Kroot rifle
◦ 2x Tanglebomb launcher
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 1x Kroot Kill-broker
◦ 1x Farstalker firearm
◦ 1x Kroot pistol
◦ 1x Ritual blade
• 9x Kroot Farstalker
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Farstalker firearm
◦ 9x Kroot pistol
• 2x Kroot Hound
◦ 2x Ripping fangs
• 1x Kroot Kill-broker
◦ 1x Farstalker firearm
◦ 1x Kroot pistol
◦ 1x Ritual blade
• 9x Kroot Farstalker
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Farstalker firearm
◦ 9x Kroot pistol
• 2x Kroot Hound
◦ 2x Ripping fangs
• 5x Kroot Hound
◦ 5x Ripping fangs
• 5x Kroot Hound
◦ 5x Ripping fangs
• 5x Kroot Hound
◦ 5x Ripping fangs
• 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
Thoughts
A very unique matchup here as full horde Hunting Pack take on an elite Emperor’s Children build tuned for murdering high-end targets.
Now, obviously, that’s not what the Kroot have here – they’ve got wave after wave of bodies, and the mission favours them pretty heavily. Hammer and Anvil is perfect for keeping a mostly melee build at bay while you score, so just gum up the Emperor’s Children with endlies bodies and you’re done, right?
Maybe? Two things give me a bit of pause on that. One is how preposterously one-sided the damage race is here – pretty much only the Krootox riders are any threat at all, and they need to be watching out for the Noise Marines getting a bead or the Daemon Prince Advance/Charging forward to take them out. Everything else is going to get scattered like so many skittles as the Flawless Blades and Fulgrim cut there way through, and small as the Emperor’s Children force is, Sustained Hits means their damage potential is super high. I think probably they’re one unit short of being able to pull an upset here, as all it takes is one or two squads going down to a mix of Mortals and repeater cannons and they’re not quite going to be able to push through (especially as they’re short on Secondary utility pieces), but it’s close. With that in mind, as the Children what I’d probably be aiming to do is to take Assassinate/Storm Hostile fixed so I’m doing Secondaries on cruise control, then just beeline Fulgrim for the Tau home objective and see what happens – demand the T’au have an answer for him or start capping their scoring.
It certainly looks like the Children stayed on the table and (presumably) did massive damage, but weren’t quite able to kill the T’au fast enough to stop them maxing out their points
Result
T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) Victory – 100 – 87
Randy Brigham – T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand T’au Empire CHARACTERS Kroot Flesh Shaper (45 Points) Kroot Flesh Shaper (45 Points) Kroot Lone-spear (80 Points) Kroot Lone-spear (80 Points) Kroot Trail Shaper (75 Points) Kroot War Shaper (60 Points) BATTLELINE Kroot Carnivores (140 Points) Kroot Carnivores (140 Points) Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Kroot Farstalkers (85 Points) Kroot Farstalkers (85 Points) Kroot Hounds (40 Points) Kroot Hounds (40 Points) Kroot Hounds (40 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) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (3), Data Version: v651
Display boards suck and everyone should shame Stephen for making them a thing. (1995 Points)
Kroot Hunting Pack
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Kroot scattergun
• 1x Twin ritualistic blades
• 1x Kroot scattergun
• 1x Twin ritualistic blades
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Kalamandra’s bite
• 1x Kroot long gun
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Kalamandra’s bite
• 1x Kroot long gun
• 1x Kroot rifle
• 1x Shaper’s blade
• Enhancements: Nomadic Hunter
• 1x Dart-bow and tri-blade
• 1x Kroot pistol
• 1x Shaper’s blade
• Enhancements: Root-carved Weapons
• 1x Long-quill
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kroot pistol
◦ 1x Kroot rifle
• 19x Kroot Carnivore
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 17x Kroot rifle
◦ 2x Tanglebomb launcher
• 1x Long-quill
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kroot pistol
◦ 1x Kroot rifle
• 19x Kroot Carnivore
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 17x Kroot rifle
◦ 2x Tanglebomb launcher
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 1x Kroot Kill-broker
◦ 1x Farstalker firearm
◦ 1x Kroot pistol
◦ 1x Ritual blade
• 9x Kroot Farstalker
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Farstalker firearm
◦ 9x Kroot pistol
• 2x Kroot Hound
◦ 2x Ripping fangs
• 1x Kroot Kill-broker
◦ 1x Farstalker firearm
◦ 1x Kroot pistol
◦ 1x Ritual blade
• 9x Kroot Farstalker
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Farstalker firearm
◦ 9x Kroot pistol
• 2x Kroot Hound
◦ 2x Ripping fangs
• 5x Kroot Hound
◦ 5x Ripping fangs
• 5x Kroot Hound
◦ 5x Ripping fangs
• 5x Kroot Hound
◦ 5x Ripping fangs
• 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
Archetype
Horde Hunting Pack
Thoughts
Pure horde pack returns, able to score massively through even the most adverse of conditions. I’ll admit that I prefer the builds with Sky Rays/Hammerheads right now, just to provide a bit of an out against something like Infernals going brrr, but there’s no arguing with results, and Randy claimed a big win for the Greater Good here.
Kyle Trayah – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Thousand Sons CHARACTERS Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points) Infernal Master (110 points) Infernal Master (85 points) Magnus the Red (420 points) Sorcerer (95 points) Tzaangor Shaman (55 points) BATTLELINE Rubric Marines (100 points) Rubric Marines (100 points) Rubric Marines (100 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (90 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 points) Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 points) Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 points) Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 points) Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (50 points) Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (50 points) Tzaangors (70 points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (90), Data Version: v651
Big Bad Beetleborgs (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Grand Coven
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancement: Incandaeum
• 1x Fires of the Abyss
1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
• Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E’Taph
• 1x Fires of the Abyss
1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
1x Gaze of Magnus
1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Pandaemonic Delusion
1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal
• 1x Baleful Devolution
1x Force stave
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Malefic Curse
1x Warpflame pistol
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Malefic Curse
1x Warpflame pistol
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Malefic Curse
1x Warpflame pistol
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Havoc launcher
1x Inferno combi-bolter
1x Inferno combi-weapon
• 1x Betentacled maw
1x Mutalith claws
1x Warp vortex
• 1x Betentacled maw
1x Mutalith claws
1x Warp vortex
• 1x Betentacled maw
1x Mutalith claws
1x Warp vortex
• 1x Aviarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 5x Enlightened
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Aviarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Aviarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Twistbray
• 1x Tzaangor blades
• 9x Tzaangor
• 9x Tzaangor blades
Archetype
Magnus Coven Goodstuff
Thoughts
The Magnus/Mutalith powerhouse in second place here, ready to table all comers as their blows harmlessly bounce off big walls of eldritch meat. Nothing wildly unusual here, just damage, so much damage. Good job Kyle.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Lyle Dixon – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer): Plagueburst Hammer.
- 4th – Manik Gudimani – Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): A fairly hefty Assault build with two units each of the Ravener datasheets, triple Tyrannofex, Hive Guard for extra anti-Knight shooting, and Old One Eye as a bonus tunnel missile.
- 5th – Ben Isenhoff – Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): A fairly monster mashy Chaos Space Marine build using Discolords, Vashtorr and a Khorne Prince as roving threats, then Abaddon with Forgefiends for shooting.
- 6th – Corey Stawicki – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager): Toolbox Wager with two units of Talos for a bit of extra backbone.
- 7th – Josh Swank – Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Lion, Deathwing Knights, support.
Slaanesh Summer Slam 2 Shalaxi’s Revenge. Ironman GT
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Marietta, GA, United States on August 02 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
David Purcell – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand “Take a good guard list, remove units at random, add Canis” CHARACTER 1x Ursula Creed (85 pts) 5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts) 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (265 pts) BATTLELINE 20x Cadian Shock Troops (120 pts) 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 pts) 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 3x Ogryn Squad (60 pts) 3x Ogryn Squad (60 pts) 10x Tempestus Aquilons (100 pts) 1x Leman Russ Exterminator (180 pts) 1x Scout Sentinels (55 pts) 1x Scout Sentinels (55 pts) 1x Chimera (85 pts) 1x Chimera (85 pts) ALLIED UNITS 1x Canis Rex (380 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Astra Militarum
+ DETACHMENT: Combined Arms
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ ALLIED UNITS: Imperial Knights
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Ursula Creed
+ ENHANCEMENT: Death Mask of Ollanius (on Char2: Rogal Dorn Commander)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (5×2) + (2×4) + (1×6) – Assassination: 5 Characters – Cull The Horde: 1×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
• 1x Power weapon
• Warlord
• 1x Cadian Commander
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Plasma pistol
• Cadian Commander
• 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Meltagun
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 3x Lasgun
• 1x Regimental standard
• 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Master vox, Medi-pack
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Coaxial autocannon
• 1x Oppressor cannon
• 1x Pulveriser cannon
• 2x Multi-melta
• 2x Heavy stubber
• Death Mask of Ollanius (+10 pts)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Coaxial autocannon
• 1x Oppressor cannon
• 1x Pulveriser cannon
• 2x Multi-melta
• 2x Heavy stubber
• 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant
• 2x Chainsword
• 2x Laspistol
• 2x Shock Trooper
• 18x Shock Trooper
• 18x Close combat weapon
• 14x Lasgun
• 2x Meltagun
• 2x Plasma gun
• 18x Shock Trooper, 2x Vox-caster
• 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Laspistol
• Catachan Jungle Fighter
• 9x Jungle Fighter
• 9x Close combat weapon
• 7x Lasgun
• 2x Flamer
• 9x Catachan Jungle Fighter, Vox-caster
• 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Laspistol
• Catachan Jungle Fighter
• 9x Jungle Fighter
• 9x Close combat weapon
• 7x Lasgun
• 2x Flamer
• 9x Catachan Jungle Fighter, Vox-caster
• 1x Ogryn Bone ‘ead
• 1x Ripper gun
• Ogryn Squad
• 2x Ogryn
• 2x Ripper gun
• 2x Ogryn Squad
• 1x Ogryn Bone ‘ead
• 1x Ripper gun
• Ogryn Squad
• 2x Ogryn
• 2x Ripper gun
• 2x Ogryn Squad
• 1x Tempestor Aquilon
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hot-shot lascarbine
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Sentry flamer
• 9x Tempestus Aquilon
• 9x Close combat weapon
• 7x Hot-shot lascarbine
• 1x Hot-shot long las
• 1x Melta carbine
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Exterminator autocannon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Plasma cannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Scout Sentinel
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Sentinel chainsaw
• 1x Lascannon
• Scout Sentinel
• 1x Scout Sentinel
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Sentinel chainsaw
• 1x Lascannon
• Scout Sentinel
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Lasgun array
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Heavy bolter
• 1x Heavy bolter
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Lasgun array
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Heavy bolter
• 1x Heavy bolter
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Canis Rex
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
• 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
• 1x Freedom’s Hand
• Canis Rex, Chainbreaker, Legendary Freeblade, Invulnerable Save (5+*), Damaged: 1-9 Wounds Remaining
• 1x Sir Hekhtur
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hekhtur’s pistol
• Sir Hekhtur, Using Sir Hekhtur
Archetype
Canis Combined
Thoughts
Does what it says on the tin – takes a standard guard build, keeps the tank gunline and board control stuff, swaps some of the reach and damage dealers for Canis, job’s a good ‘un. This build really saturates the opponent’s high damage weaponry with targets, carves through pretty much anything at speed, and has great primary denial available to it when victory needs to be locked on. Don’t believe the lies that the guard win rate would tell you – they’re still super good in the right hands, and being able to add Canis is just a cherry on top. Good stuff David.
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Collin Cochran – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer): Plagueburst Hammer.
- 3rd – Matt Aspinwall – Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Entering the big brain zone, running a horde Tzeentch list with six units each of Blue and Pink Horrors and not much else. Scores incredibly well, eventually hosed off the board by the winning Guard list.
- 4th – Collin Watts – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): A classic Canis and Armigers setup.
- 5th – Kurt Lintner – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Horde host.
- 6th – Brett Buckstaff – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Two tanks and four Infantry blocks, moving a few sliders around to make one Infantry unit three Allarus with an Adonimortis captain, and to squeeze in some Venatari.
BC BBQ BRAWL
30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Grand Forks, British Columbia, CA on August 02 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Peter Scott – Tyranids (Subterranean Assault) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Tyranids CHARACTERS Deathleaper (80 Points) Hyperadapted Raveners (165 Points) Neurotyrant (105 Points) The Swarmlord (220 Points) Trygon (160 Points) BATTLELINE Hormagaunts (65 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Biovores (50 Points) Exocrine (140 Points) Exocrine (140 Points) Hive Guard (180 Points) Lictor (60 Points) Lictor (60 Points) Pyrovores (40 Points) Raveners (125 Points) Tyrannofex (200 Points) Zoanthropes (200 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (3), Data Version: v651
Underground borrowers v2 (1990 Points)
Subterranean Assault
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons
• 1x Ravener Prime
◦ 1x Prime claws and talons
• 4x Raveners
◦ 4x Ravener heavy claws and talons
◦ 1x Venom bolt
• 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes
• 1x Psychic scream
• Warlord
• 1x Bone sabres
• 1x Synaptic pulse
• Subterranean Assault Keywords: Character
• 1x Bio-electric pulse
• 1x Trygon scything talons
• Enhancements: Trygon Prime
• 10x Hormagaunt
◦ 10x Hormagaunt talons
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
• 1x Spore Mine launcher
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
• 1x Powerful limbs
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
• 1x Powerful limbs
• 6x Hive Guard
◦ 6x Chitinous claws and teeth
◦ 6x Shockcannon
• 1x Lictor claws and talons
• 1x Lictor claws and talons
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
• 1x Flamespurt
• 5x Ravener
◦ 5x Ravener claws and talons
• 1x Powerful limbs
• 1x Rupture cannon
• 1x Stinger salvoes
• 1x Neurothrope
◦ 1x Chitinous claws and teeth
◦ 1x Warp Blast
• 5x Zoanthrope
◦ 5x Chitinous claws and teeth
◦ 5x Warp Blast
Archetype
Extra Shooty Subterranean Assault
Thoughts
The shooty end of the Subterranean bug builds takes a trophy here, sporting both Hive Guard and Zoanthropes to unleash teleporting ranged fury, and packing in a few big monsters as anchors/threat projection. Ends up feeling a bit more high stakes than the average Assault build – on the one hand it’s probably a bit more vulnerable to getting rushed down, but on the other the punish it unleashes if an opponent tries that and gets it wrong is spectacular. It also scores very well, giving it the kind of reliability you need to win events, which is what Peter duly did, and in style too – every game was at least a 15-5 in 20-0 scoring, which is an impressively dominant performance.
The Best of the Rest
There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Mathew Hewgill – Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): An all-hull spectacular, two Dorns, five Russes, two Hydras, some Sentinels, and a Knight Lancer just in case anyone was planning to try bully charging it.
- 3rd – Lane Kitsul – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager): Infantry-heavy Wager with extra Kabalites in boats and a decent Harlequin contingent, adding two Troupes to the mix, one with a Master and one with a Shadowseer.
Baja Open
26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ensenada, B.C., Mexico on August 02 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Erick Salvador Alcala Castañeda – Death Guard (Death Lord’s Chosen) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Death Guard CHARACTERS Lord of Contagion (110 points) Lord of Contagion (110 points) Lord of Contagion (110 points) Lord of Virulence (90 points) Tallyman (40 points) Typhus (90 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Blightlord Terminators (370 points) Chaos Spawn (80 points) Chaos Spawn (80 points) Deathshroud Terminators (140 points) Deathshroud Terminators (140 points) Deathshroud Terminators (140 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 points) Poxwalkers (60 points) Poxwalkers (60 points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (90), Data Version: v651
Plague Reapers (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Death Lord’s Chosen
• 1x Manreaper
• 1x Manreaper
• 1x Manreaper
• 1x Power fist
1x Twin plague spewer
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Lakrimae
• 1x Blightlord Champion
• 1x Bubotic blade
1x Combi-bolter
• 9x Blightlord Terminator
• 2x Blight launcher
9x Bubotic blade
3x Combi-bolter
2x Plague spewer
2x Reaper autocannon
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
1x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
1x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
1x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon
Archetype
Death Lord’s Chosen Terminators
Thoughts
This codex man I swear. I believe that’s 5/6 detachments with at least one undefeated finish under their belt, and I’ve definitely had at least a 4-1 for Shamblerot go past my desk.
Anyway – Terminators, lots of them. The Deathshroud/Contagion units you know and love, but here also a wall of Blightlords for opponents to slam into as they gradually melt to the Detachment rule here. There’s not a massive amount more to it than that – the Stratagem suite here helps you push out the Affliction onto more enemy units and punishes them for trying to interact with the Terminators, and that’s kind of it. My assumption for why we’ve not seen more of this (apart from there being at least three 10/10 detachments in the book) is that it doesn’t super have the tools to reliably punch up into Knights, and you can see that in the scores – Erick did face and defeat Imperial Knights, but in a very low scoring 55-53 game, suggesting he had to use some very careful, cautious play to grind it out. Impressively done there, and hey, depending on exactly how and what changes in Death Guard and Knights when the Dataslate hammer drops, perhaps this will be worth more of a look. Great work winning with a whole new detachment Erick!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Abraham Thierry – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): A blaze of glory for the Index here, using three full Crusader units with power Characters and a couple of Vindicators in support.
- 3rd – Thom Dues – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Villainhammer Vectorium, using a double Character plague Marine unit and then lots of Deathshroud MSUs with Leaders, plus a few solo Characters on top, and still fitting in some Bloat-Drones for shooting support (of course).
- 4th – Salvador Dueñas – Aeldari (Warhost): Double hammer Warhost with Fire Dragons and a Baharroth Hawks squad as the chosen big hitters.
- 5th – Juan Topete – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monster mash with an added Ravener bomb and some Zoanthropes.
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.
