Competitive Innovations in 10th: Always Be Charging pt.1

The Dataslate has had time to sink in, and as well as re-shuffling the factions it’s brought a wider meta shift. Crunch meta is (mostly) OUT and melee meta is IN. Between Space Wolves, Orks, World Eaters and Blood Angels, we’ve got hyper-aggressive pressure armies rampaging across tabletops in greater numbers than we’ve seen at any point thus far this edition, so if you’re rocking up to a tournament, make sure you’re ready to handle foes both belligerent and numerous.

Some high threat shooting armies like Thousand Sons and Ironstorm Dark Angels/Templars are managing to keep pace, and Grey Knights are finding that their crunch builds adapt well to an Orky world, but elsewhere some keepaway scoring armies like Aeldari and Hypercrypt Necrons are having a tough time.

All change out in the world, so let’s get the hot details. Today I’m looking at:

  • III GT Andorra & Open Ordino
  • Frontline Gaming BAO 2024 Warhammer 40K Champs
  • ObSec presents War Calls 40k 2024
  • CTC Warhammer 40k Championship Open
  • Xtraschicht 3.0
  • South Yorkshire GT 24

On Friday we’ll have Lowest of Men examining:

  • 40k Rocky Top Rumble 2024
  • The Alamo GT ‘24 (major)
  • Dutch Masters Grand tournament | golden ticket qualifier
  • Capital Clash – Get ’em Boyz!
  • Heroes Of The Mid Table Spring Gt, 2024
  • GRIMDARK 21: New venues to conquer!

Our Showdowns, as voted for by the Goonhammer Patrons, are:

  • Leagues of Votann vs. Death Guard at the BAO Champs.
  • Mont’ka Tau vs Stormlance Space Wolves at Capital Clash.

III GT Andorra & Open Ordino

203-player, 8-round Supermajor in Ordino, Ordino, AD on May 24 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Terroxer El Rojo – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 1st Place

Credit: Robert “TheChirurgeon” Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Trinity 21 Cabals (2000 points)

Thousand Sons
Strike Force (2000 points)
Cult of Magic

CHARACTERS

Ahriman (130 points)
• 1x Black Staff of Ahriman
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Psychic Stalk

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (135 points)
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol
• Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points)
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points)
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol

Infernal Master (115 points)
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancement: Arcane Vortex

Magnus the Red (440 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
1x Gaze of Magnus
1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm

Thousand Sons Sorcerer (130 points)
• 1x Fires of the Abyss
1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
• Enhancement: Lord of Forbidden Lore

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (105 points)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (105 points)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (105 points)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (105 points)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (105 points)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Thousand Sons Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Havoc launcher
1x Inferno combi-bolter
1x Inferno combi-weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Mutalith Vortex Beast (165 points)
• 1x Betentacled maw
1x Mutalith claws
1x Warp vortex

Thousand Sons Cultists (55 points)
• 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion
• 1x Brutal assault weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Thousand Sons Cultist
• 9x Brutal assault weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Flamer
1x Grenade launcher
1x Heavy stubber

Archetype

Characters, Rubricae and a Beast

Thoughts

Thousand Sons care not for the twisting and turning of the metagame, they’ll just keep on winning. To be fair, their overall is down quite a bit this week, falling behind some of the melee threats, but they took the trophies at two of the biggest majors out there, and in the right hands they continue to be (probably) the most powerful faction in the game. I do think it’s interesting to see a Beast out and about, which Euro lists have mostly eschwed up till now – my assumption is that it’s to give you something that can bog down melee pressure for a turn if you need it, and is particularly nice against Space Wolves where it can move block the Cavalry. Congratulations Terroxer on the win!

Alejandro Mancuso Serrano – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 2nd Place

Grey Knights Paladins. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


es aquí lo de los golden tickets? (1995 points)

Grey Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Teleport Strike Force

CHARACTERS

Brotherhood Librarian (120 points)
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul

Brotherhood Librarian (150 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence

Castellan Crowe (75 points)
• 1x Black Blade of Antwyr
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter

BATTLELINE

Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 points)
• 1x Terminator Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Brotherhood Terminator
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Incinerator
1x Narthecium
4x Nemesis force weapon
2x Storm bolter

Strike Squad (120 points)
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Incinerator
3x Nemesis force weapon
3x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (260 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon

Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight (195 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Paladin Squad (225 points)
• 1x Paragon
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paladin Ancient
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Incinerator
1x Nemesis force weapon
• 3x Paladin
• 2x Incinerator
3x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter

Purifier Squad (250 points)
• 1x Knight of the Flame
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 9x Purifier
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Incinerator
5x Nemesis force weapon
9x Purifying Flame
5x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Archetype

All-Rounder Grey Knights

Thoughts

Hot on the heels of the Thousand Sons (and listed in BCP as a 100-100 draw, no idea what happened there and I’ve had no response to an email) we have Grey Knights, sporting a relatively all-rounder build with elements of crunch. Pivoting back towards a few Infantry units, especially Paladins with the Sigil, lets you take advantage of Grey Knight stratagems to confuse and confound melee builds, and also ensures you have the rate of fire to carve through hordes. That’s particularly true with Crowe’s Purifiers, for whom a metagame containing lots of Orks is very much a target-rich environment. Add in great counterpunch from the Dreadknights and you have an extremely solid all-rounder that’s can tangle with the best. Congratulations to Alejandro.

Alvaro Perez – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


++ Army Roster (Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Black Templars) [2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size:2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Detachment: Gladius Task Force

Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible, Legends are visible, Titans are visible, Unaligned Forces are visible, Unaligned Fortifications are visible

+ Epic Hero +

High Marshal Helbrecht [120pts]

The Emperor’s Champion [75pts]

+ Character +

Apothecary Biologis [85pts]: Fire Discipline, Warlord

Captain [95pts]:The Honour Vehement

. Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle, Melee Weapon: Power Fist

+ Infantry +

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts]

. Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
. 3x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack w/ Plasma Pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts]

. Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
. 3x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack w/ Plasma Pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs [80pts]

. Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
. 3x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 3x Astartes Chainsword, 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol
. Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack w/ Plasma Pistol

Eradicator Squad [190pts]

. 3x Eradicator: 3x Bolt Pistol, 3x Close Combat Weapon, 3x Melta Rifle
. Eradicator Sergeant
. Eradicator with Multi-melta
. Eradicator with Multi-melta

Inceptor Squad [130pts]: Assault Bolters

. 2x Inceptor: 2x Close Combat Weapon
. Inceptor Sergeant

Primaris Sword Brethren [150pts]

. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Thunder Hammer
. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws
. Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon

Primaris Sword Brethren [150pts]

. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Thunder Hammer
. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws
. Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon

Primaris Sword Brethren [150pts]

. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother: Plasma Pistol, Thunder Hammer
. Primaris Sword Brother: Power Weapon, Pyre Pistol
. Primaris Sword Brother w/Twin Lightning Claws
. Sword Brother Castellan: Combi-weapon, Master-crafted Power Weapon

Scout Squad [65pts]

. Scout Sergeant: Astartes Chainsword
. Scout w/ Heavy Weapon: Heavy Bolter
. Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle
. 2x Scouts w/ Astartes Shotgun: 2x Astartes Shotgun, 2x Bolt Pistol, 2x Close Combat Weapon

+ Vehicle +

Land Raider Redeemer [260pts]: Hunter Killer Missile, Multi-melta, Storm Bolter

+ Dedicated Transport +

Impulsor [80pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome

Impulsor [80pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome

Impulsor [80pts]: 2 Fragstorm Grenade Launchers, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Shield Dome

+ Allied Units +

Inquisitorial Henchmen [50pts]

. 2x Inquisitorial Acolyte: 2x Acolyte firearm, 2x Acolyte melee weapon
. Inquisitorial Acolyte w/ eviscerator
. Inquisitorial Acolyte w/ plasma pistol

++ Total: [2,000pts] ++

Archetype

Counterattack Templars

Thoughts

Our third place build here is one I really like, as it’s already very effectively tuned for a melee-heavy metagame. Even with 10th Edition’s more generous pile-in rules after charging, foot/paw-slogging melee lists can struggle with Transports packed with counter-charge threats, as it’s very tricky for them to control the terms of engagement. This build leans into that via four transports packed with horrific stuff – three tooled-up Character and Brethren units, and one big Eradicator unit to melt anyone sticking to crunch meta, or failing that Meganobz. Thanks to running as Gladius, if the opponent doesn’t want a melee clash you can force them to have one via Assault Doctrine, and overall you get a very adaptable and potent list, and a well-deserved third place for Alvaro.

Fredy Blanco – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


No es país para Calvos (2000 points)

Si Vd está leyendo esto debe creer que sé lo que hago, pero no es verdad. Son los muñecos pintados que tenía por casa.

Y como decía el Gran Juanma:
– Jugaremos por intención
– El único mal rollo es el que quieras plantear
– Me fío de tí, pero me pongo triste si me engañas
– Almendra

Grey Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Teleport Strike Force

CHARACTERS

Brotherhood Librarian “Manueh” (135 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Enhancement: Inescapable Wrath

Brotherhood Librarian “Lentuso” (120 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul

Castellan Crowe “Wimel” (75 points)
• 1x Black Blade of Antwyr
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight “Marco Cabezón” (230 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence

BATTLELINE

Strike Squad (120 points)
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
4x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer “la moto de Alex” (260 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon

Nemesis Dreadknight “Montxito” (195 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight “Pinturillo” (195 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight “Papinurgle” (195 points)
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Paladin Squad (225 points)
• 1x Paragon
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paladin Ancient
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Incinerator
1x Nemesis force weapon
• 3x Paladin
• 2x Incinerator
3x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter

Purifier Squad (250 points)
• 1x Knight of the Flame
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 9x Purifier
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Incinerator
5x Nemesis force weapon
9x Purifying Flame
5x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Si has llegado hasta aquí, te preguntarás los nombres de los strike, paladines y purificadores… y si, tienen nombre:
Strike:
César Metachaser
Dani Papadopoulos
Alucheboy
Slazayn toledano
Iker “compracacas”

Paladines:
Juanmaravilla
Loker
Terrozeh
El Riiiiiichaaal
Vlad el temido más delgado que nunca

Purificadores:
Alex Kraken
Saulion
Pollo
Guille descamisao
Taylor que siempre está en el discord
Toxo que me cae bien
Pedro y su horda templaria
Vinklander de mi corason
Showa
Mi vecino del 5ºA, que el del B me cae mal

Archetype

Crunch-ish Grey Knights

Thoughts

More Grey Knights here, swapping out one Terminator squad for the GMDK, but keeping some Purifiers and Paladins. I do think the Sigil should still be with the Paladins in the current meta, but there are clearly varying preferences across the Grey Knights community. I do, however, feel it important to question whether anyone who tries to name their Dreadknight “Papinurgle” has a long-term future in the Knights of Titan. Well done Fredy.

The Best of the Rest

The rest of the top eight was:

  • 5th – Borja FM – Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force): An intriugngly crunchy Blood Angels list leveraging Baal Predators and Death Company Dreadnoughts to put down big threats, plus a Librarian Dreadnought ready to zoom some Eradicators across the table.
  • 6th – César MP – Orks (Bully Boyz): The hordier end of Bully Boyz, supplementing the mandatory Meganobz with two big Boyz units.
  • 7th – Koldo Besga – Genestealer Cult: Infantry horde with 3×5 Genestealers to screen.
  • 8th – Eric Ramentol – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple C’tan and triple Wraiths, with a single Doomstalker adding shooting.

Frontline Gaming BAO 2024 Warhammer 40K Champs

154-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Burlingame, CA, United States on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold – Chilling Rain – Search and Destroy

Junior Aflleje – Leagues of Votann (Oathband)
Army List - Click to Expand


Sand Mouse (2000 Points)

Leagues of Votann
Oathband
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Brôkhyr Iron-master (85 Points)
• 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master
• 1x Graviton hammer
1x Graviton rifle
• Enhancements: Appraising Glare
• 1x Ironkin Assistant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Las-beam cutter
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Plasma torch
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Manipulator arms
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon

Einhyr Champion (80 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• Enhancements: Grim Demeanour

Einhyr Champion (60 Points)
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 Points)
• 1x Theyn
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Kin melee weapon
1x Weavefield Crest
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
• 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
7x Autoch-pattern bolter
9x Close combat weapon
1x Comms Array
1x HYLas auto rifle
1x Magna-rail rifle
1x Medipack
1x Pan Spectral Scanner

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (115 Points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 Points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 Points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (170 Points)
• 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (85 Points)
• 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Graviton blast cannon

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points)
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul

Einhyr Hearthguard (320 Points)
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 9x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 9x Concussion gauntlet
9x Exo-armour grenade launcher
9x Volkanite disintegrator

Einhyr Hearthguard (160 Points)
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 4x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 4x Concussion gauntlet
4x Exo-armour grenade launcher
4x Volkanite disintegrator

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 Points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x MATR autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
1x SP heavy conversion beamer
2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points)
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points)
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points)
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379

vs.

Scott Toebe – Death Guard (Plague Company)
Army List - Click to Expand


GT list mk 2 (2000 points)

Death Guard
Strike Force (2000 points)
Plague Company

CHARACTERS

Lord of Virulence (105 points)
• 1x Heavy plague fist
1x Twin plague spewer
• Enhancement: Shamblerot

Mortarion (325 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Rotwind
1x Silence
1x The Lantern

Typhus (80 points)
• 1x Master-crafted manreaper

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Guard Cultists (50 points)
• 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion
• 1x Brutal assault weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Death Guard Cultist
• 9x Brutal assault weapon
9x Cultist firearm

Deathshroud Terminators (120 points)
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Manreaper
1x Plaguespurt gauntlet
1x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (120 points)
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Manreaper
1x Plaguespurt gauntlet
1x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points)
• 1x Fleshmower
1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points)
• 1x Fleshmower
1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points)
• 1x Fleshmower
1x Plague probe

Plagueburst Crawler (180 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar

Plagueburst Crawler (180 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar

Plagueburst Crawler (180 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (40 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (40 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

War Dog Brigand (170 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Karnivore (140 points)
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Thoughts

As is going to become a bit of a theme this week, one of the ways players can adapt to a melee-heavy metagame is with their own counterpunch threats in Transports, and Votann are pretty well placed for that. Sagitaurs are tiny, easy to hide and can disgorge a vicious squad of Beserks to go ham on something, while a Fire Support Land Fortress with Hearthguard can do some very nasty stuff across two phases. You can also build in quite a bit of insurance against residual crunch meta on the cheap with Thunderkyn, who are priced to move at the moment and showing up a lot.

They’re going to be vital here, as there are lots of hulls on the Death Guard side of the table, and a very real failure case for the Votann here is if they just can’t quite chew through them. Votann play on their very efficient numbers game to win, and having one of their biggest pieces (the Hearthguard brick) lack any great targets is a big problem for that plan. The Thunderkyn can definitely make up for that a bit, and it’s helpful to have an Iron Master’s spare bodies to shield the big squad from Mortars, but even they are going to struggle into Mortarion, and I do think getting pushed in and overwhelmed is a potential risk.

With that in mind, I think a cautious and methodical strategy is called for, which is very on brand for the Votann. While the Hearthguard brick might not be fantastic as burst out of Deep Strike, they are still a threat in melee, and pretty challenging for a lot of the Death Guard stuff to shift, so ideally you either park them on an objective at speed, or use them as a terrifying Rapid Ingress threat to flip a Bloat-drone off a point then sit there. The Votann also have better tech for flipping objectives thanks to more mobile Infantry and two Sagitaurs full of Hearthkyn, which means they can plausibly try and inflict some 5VP turns on the Death Guard, while they’ll really struggle to keep the Votann off 10VP a turn.

From the Death Guard’s side, I think your focus needs to be moving in force onto a second objective, and then picking up as many of the Votann’s mobile tools as possible to try and secure Primary parity. Your advantage is that you probably do have a slightly better suite of Deep Strike Tactical Objective tools, and if you can keep level on Primary, you might be able to turn that into a narrow win. The WS/BS reduction Contagion will also do a lot of work here thanks to the Votann’s lack of re-rolls, especially as the Death Guard list goes wide enough that the pre-game counters aren’t quite enough.

All taken together, I honestly think this one is too close to easily call – either player could grab it, and I even think both sides can play a reasonable game going first or second. A classic final then – which the Votann narrowly secured.

Result

Leagues of Votann (Oathband) Victory – 84 – 74

Junior Aflleje – Leagues of Votann (Oathband) – 1st Place

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn. Credit: Rockfish
Brôkhyr Thunderkyn. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Sand Mouse (2000 Points)

Leagues of Votann
Oathband
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Brôkhyr Iron-master (85 Points)
• 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master
• 1x Graviton hammer
1x Graviton rifle
• Enhancements: Appraising Glare
• 1x Ironkin Assistant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Las-beam cutter
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Plasma torch
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Manipulator arms
• 1x E-COG
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon

Einhyr Champion (80 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest
• Enhancements: Grim Demeanour

Einhyr Champion (60 Points)
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Mass hammer
1x Weavefield Crest

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 Points)
• 1x Theyn
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Kin melee weapon
1x Weavefield Crest
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
• 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
7x Autoch-pattern bolter
9x Close combat weapon
1x Comms Array
1x HYLas auto rifle
1x Magna-rail rifle
1x Medipack
1x Pan Spectral Scanner

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (115 Points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 Points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 Points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x L7 missile launcher
1x Sagitaur missile launcher
1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (170 Points)
• 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (85 Points)
• 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Graviton blast cannon

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points)
• 5x Cthonian Beserk
• 5x Concussion maul

Einhyr Hearthguard (320 Points)
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 9x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 9x Concussion gauntlet
9x Exo-armour grenade launcher
9x Volkanite disintegrator

Einhyr Hearthguard (160 Points)
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x Concussion hammer
1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 4x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 4x Concussion gauntlet
4x Exo-armour grenade launcher
4x Volkanite disintegrator

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 Points)
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x MATR autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
1x SP heavy conversion beamer
2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points)
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points)
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points)
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
• 3x Bolt revolver
3x Bolt shotgun
1x HYLas rotary cannon
3x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Pan Spectral Scanner
3x Plasma knife
1x Rollbar Searchlight

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379

Archetype

All-rounder Votann

Thoughts

The Votann’s reliable all-rounder tools secure another trophy in Junior’s hands here, deploying a list that’s versatile enough to take down anything except maybe full-on Tyranid or Daemon monster mash. Those certainly exist in the meta, but they’re far from common, and this build has great game into many of the top players. Good work from Junior.

Adam Dye – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert “TheChirurgeon” Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Rhino Rush (2000 points)

Chaos Space Marines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Slaves to Darkness

CHARACTERS

Abaddon the Despoiler (310 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Drach’nyen
1x Talon of Horus

Warpsmith (70 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Flamer tendril
1x Melta tendril
1x Plasma pistol
1x Warp hammer

Warpsmith (70 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Flamer tendril
1x Melta tendril
1x Plasma pistol
1x Warp hammer

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
6x Close combat weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Cultist grenade launcher
1x Flamer
1x Heavy stubber

Legionaries (80 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Khorne
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 2x Astartes chainsword
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Lascannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Vindicator (175 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Vindicator (175 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Vindicator (175 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher

Forgefiend (200 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Armoured limbs
2x Ectoplasma cannon
1x Ectoplasma cannon

Helbrute (130 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Helbrute hammer
1x Twin lascannon

Obliterators (360 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Tzeentch
• 4x Obliterator
• 4x Crushing fists
4x Fleshmetal guns

Raptors (85 points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Raptor Champion
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Raptor
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
2x Meltagun

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (40 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (40 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (40 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Abaddon Gunline

Thoughts

Weird looking Rhinos. Anyway, we’re in the twilight of the Chaos Space Marine Index, so there’s not a massive amount to say here other than that comboing Abaddon with a bunch of Vindicators still seems real good in various detachments in the Codex, so I’m sure we’ll see more experimentation in this area. Well done to Adam on the undefeated second place.

Ruben Zhao – Blood Angels (Gladius Task Force) – 3rd Place

Blood Angels Hellblasters
Blood Angels Hellblasters. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


White angels (2000 Points)

Space Marines
Blood Angels
Gladius Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Apothecary (50 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Reductor pistol

Lieutenant (95 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Master-crafted bolter
• Enhancements: Fire Discipline

Techmarine (55 Points)
• 1x Forge bolter
1x Grav-pistol
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Servo-arm

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
3x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol

Centurion Assault Squad (150 Points)
• 1x Assault Centurion Sergeant
• 1x Centurion bolters
1x Siege drills
1x Twin meltagun
• 2x Assault Centurion
• 2x Centurion bolters
2x Siege drills
2x Twin meltagun

Death Company Dreadnought (145 Points)
• 1x Heavy flamer
1x Magna-grapple
1x Meltagun
1x Twin Furioso fists

Gladiator Reaper (150 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
2x Tempest bolter
1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

Hellblaster Squad (230 Points)
• 1x Hellblaster Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma incinerator
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Hellblaster
• 9x Bolt pistol
9x Close combat weapon
9x Plasma incinerator

Inceptor Squad (130 Points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
• 1x Assault bolters
1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Inceptor
• 2x Assault bolters
2x Close combat weapon

Infiltrator Squad (100 Points)
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Helix Gauntlet
1x Infiltrator Comms Array
4x Marksman bolt carbine

Land Raider Redeemer (260 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon

Librarian Dreadnought (170 Points)
• 1x Blood Lance
1x Furioso fist
1x Furioso force halberd
1x Heavy flamer

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy laser destroyer
1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array
1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber
1x Twin heavy bolter

Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shotgun
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

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (100 Points)
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Incredible Flying Hellblasters

Thoughts

This is a hell of a flex in third place (at 5.5-0.5 no less), as it’s doing something quite different from the norm and pulling off a great finish. You’ve got a spicy mix of counterpunch threats and some classic Marine utility tools, but the centrepiece is obviously the Hellblaster/Wings of Sanguinius combo to unleash plasma death. It’s honestly doing a decent job of convincing me that it might finally be time for Hellblasters to truly shine – they’re good into all of Space Wolves, Thousand Sons, Orks, other Blood Angels and Grey Knights, and that’s a sizeable chunk of the metagame. Wings also isn’t the only thing you can set them up with, I’m sure there’s scope to play around with them in some other Detachments. Always enjoy a surprise breakout unit, congratulations to Ruben on bringing one to my desk!

Troy Cagle – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) – 4th Place

Von Ryan's Leapers. Credit: Rockfish
Von Ryan’s Leapers. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Hivefleet Ultra (2000 points)

Tyranids
Strike Force (2000 points)
Invasion Fleet

CHARACTERS

Broodlord (95 points)
• 1x Broodlord claws and talons
• Enhancement: Perfectly Adapted

Broodlord (80 points)
• 1x Broodlord claws and talons

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

Winged Hive Tyrant (235 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip
1x Tyrant talons
• Enhancement: Adaptive Biology

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (75 points)
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
1x Spore Mine launcher

Exocrine (135 points)
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (135 points)
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs

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

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

Lictor (55 points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons

Lictor (55 points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons

Maleceptor (170 points)
• 1x Massive scything talons
1x Psychic overload

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

Raveners (75 points)
• 3x Ravener
• 3x Armoured Thorax
3x Ravener claws and talons

Ripper Swarms (20 points)
• 1x Chitinous claws and teeth
1x Spinemaws

Von Ryan’s Leapers (150 points)
• 6x Von Ryan’s Leaper
• 6x Leaper’s talons

Von Ryan’s Leapers (150 points)
• 6x Von Ryan’s Leaper
• 6x Leaper’s talons

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Skirmishy Invasion Fleet

Thoughts

Another fairly unusual build to round out the top four, here leaning into the skirmishing tools that Tyranids have access to, but sticking in Invasion Fleet to keep them as semi-relevant threats into big crunch targets via the option of Lethal Hits, and to access the Feel No Pain in a world that’s tooled up for killing 2W and 3W models. You can then adapt your plan to the foe – less melee-focused lists can be pressured, while melee armies can either get bogged down in layered defences or fall to a well-timed countercharge from the Genestealers. The build can dominate early Primary scoring, and then lean on the very effective Secondary scoring Tyranids have access to in order to lock down victories, particularly with the mid-late game option of Shadow in the Warp to shut down an opposing comeback play. Deliciously different here, great stuff from Troy in fourth.

The Best of the Rest

There were 11 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

  • 5th – Ben Jurek – Orks (Bully Boyz): Nobz and Meganobz galore with some shooting support from some Flash Gitz.
  • 6th – Eulis Sanders – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Canoptek Court with a central Warrior tarpit, protected against the vicious depredations of the Thousand Sons with Orikan.
  • 7th – Floof Cox – Genestealer Cult: GSC had a pretty great weekend all-round,  usually sporting the classic Neophyte and Acolyte package then filling out with some early board control for the metagame, which Floof’s version gets from some Purestrains.
  • 8th – Travis Petersen – Chaos Space Marines (Index): Double Accursed Commune with a Nurgle Vindicator gunline behind it.
  • 9th – Scott Toebe – Death Guard: See Showdown.
  • 10th – Majd Kuteifan – Adepta Sororitas: The Vahl core, lots of Arco-flagellants and Castigators, plus Celestine and a large Seraphim squad for some board control and roving threat.
  • 11th – Alex D – Genestealer Cult: More Neophytes and Acolytes, this time with an Infiltrating Aberrant brick and some Scouting Catachans to play with early on.
  • 12th – MATT DOMNAUER – Grey Knights: Dreadknights galore, Draigo with a Terminator MSU, and Crowe’s Purifiers.
  • 13th – Linton Rowan – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Max ThunderCav and Wulfen.
  • 14th – Taylor Davis – World Eaters: Extremely Eightbound-tastic World Eaters, passing up on Berzerkers entirely.
  • 15th – Marshall Peterson – Astra Militarum: Astra Militarum getting their melee kicks via a maxed out cavalry build, packing in as many Rough Riders and Death Riders as possible.

ObSec presents War Calls 40k 2024

48-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Kelmscott, WA, AU on May 24 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jördÿŋ Berresford – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) – 1st Place

Ragnar vs. Ghazkull. Credit Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Awoo (2000 Points)

Space Marines
Space Wolves
Stormlance Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Bjorn the Fell-Handed (180 Points)
• 1x Heavy flamer
1x Multi-melta
1x Trueclaw

Harald Deathwolf (85 Points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Glacius

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

Logan Grimnar on Stormrider (180 Points)
• 1x Flurry of teeth and claws
1x Storm bolter
1x The Axe Morkai

Ragnar Blackmane (90 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Frostfang

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (90 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Storm Shield
1x Thunder hammer
• Enhancements: Hunter’s Instincts

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Storm Shield
1x Thunder hammer

Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (95 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Storm Shield
1x Thunder hammer
• Enhancements: Portents of Wisdom

Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (125 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Power fist
1x Relic Shield
• Enhancements: Fury of the Storm

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield dome

OTHER DATASHEETS

Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 1x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Combat knife
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 1x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Combat knife
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle

Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points)
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Heirloom weapon
1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
• 5x Crushing teeth and claws
5x Heirloom weapon
5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points)
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Heirloom weapon
1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
• 5x Crushing teeth and claws
5x Heirloom weapon
5x Storm Shield

Thunderwolf Cavalry (180 Points)
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
1x Heirloom weapon
1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
• 5x Crushing teeth and claws
5x Heirloom weapon
5x Storm Shield

Whirlwind (180 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher

Archetype

Stormlance with Tech

Thoughts

Awoo indeed. As always for Stormlance, the massive quantities of ThunderCav are the stars of the show, but Jördÿŋ’s got a few more unusual tricks in support. It turns out that Ragnar is the latest Marine Epic Hero who fully pops off once you buy them the 75pts re-roll wounds upgrade that’s also known as an “Assault Intercessor Squad”, and that provides you a neat roving/counterpunch threat in the Impulsor. Bjorn also seems pretty neat as a sort of mini-C’tan once he gets Advance/Charge as well, and seems particularly valuable against Orks, where his defences stack up very well against Meganobz. Neat additions to the standard formula, and always fun to see Ragnar out and about, great stuff!

The Best of the Rest

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

  • 2nd – Harrison Darge – Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Heavy-duty Talons with two Caladius tanks and a Land Raider, then adding a big unit each of the three major Infantry units, and three Witchseeker MSUs to hand out buffs. Definitely one of the best ways of setting up Custodes after their book.
  • 3rd – Hayden Walduck – T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack): Two big Carnivore bricks supported by Hammerheads and Riptides.
  • 4th – Lachlan Rigg – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Six Dreadknights and a big Terminator brick.
  • 5th – Jarred Lohse – World Eaters: Mostly the standard setup, but swapping out Exalted Eightbound for a Maulerfiend.

CTC Warhammer 40k Championship Open

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ottawa, ON, Canada on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Brian Daugherty – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 1st Place

Credit: Robert “TheChirurgeon” Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Comp (2000 points)

World Eaters
Strike Force (2000 points)
Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Angron (415 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

Khârn the Betrayer (100 points)
• 1x Gorechild
1x Khârn’s plasma pistol

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

World Eaters Master of Executions (125 points)
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

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

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

Khorne Berzerkers (180 points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Khorne Berzerker
• 7x Berzerker chainblade
7x Bolt pistol
1x Icon of Khorne
2x Khornate eviscerator
2x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (90 points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
• 1x Berzerker chainblade
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Khorne Berzerker
• 3x Berzerker chainblade
3x Bolt pistol
1x Khornate eviscerator
1x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

World Eaters Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

World Eaters Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (145 points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
• 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
• 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (320 points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
• 1x Eightbound chainfist
1x Eightbound eviscerator
• 5x Exalted Eightbound
• 5x Eightbound chainfist
5x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Chaos Spawn (65 points)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations

World Eaters Maulerfiend (140 points)
• 1x Lasher tendrils
1x Maulerfiend fists

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (42), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Classic World Eaters with added Maulerfiend

Thoughts

Obviously the World Eaters were hardly going to be idle during melee meta. They practically invented it. Don’t listen to anyone trying to tell you about that Sigismund guy, he sounds fake. You’ve got all the classic toys here, with the transport-riding big Berzerker squad being a particularly nice counter for other melee builds, and Brian has added in a Maulerfiend to provide a neat Strategic Reserves and/or move blocking piece. All good stuff, and carved through the rest of the field nicely, congratulations!

The Best of the Rest

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

  • 2nd – Benjamin Pau – Orks (Bully Boyz): Lots of Meganobz, 10/5 Nobz, and a full Boyz unit.
  • 3rd – Chris Hanes – Orks (Bully Boyz): Horde version Bully Boyz with two big Boyz units.
  • 4th – Éric Marcoux – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis Rex and many Armigers.
  • 5th – Nick Jagiello – Astra Militarum: Rough Rider spam. Even Guard want to play melee meta!
  • 6th – Hamza Syed – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): All-Venom go-wide Skysplinter.

Xtraschicht 3.0

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in DO, NRW, DE on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Grischa Gerwert – Chaos Space Marines (Slaves to Darkness) – 1st Place

Credit: Swiftblade

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


CSM (2000 Points)

Chaos Space Marines
Slaves to Darkness
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (95 Points)
• Warlord
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol

Chaos Lord (95 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Daemon hammer
1x Plasma pistol

Master of Executions (80 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
1x Bolt pistol

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
6x Close combat weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Cultist grenade launcher
1x Flamer
1x Heavy stubber

Legionaries (80 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Balefire tome
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Reaper chaincannon

Legionaries (80 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Balefire tome
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Reaper chaincannon

Legionaries (80 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Balefire tome
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Lascannon

Legionaries (80 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Balefire tome
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy melee weapon
1x Lascannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (75 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (75 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Bikers (75 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Biker Champion
• 1x Chaos Icon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Combi-bolter
1x Power fist
• 2x Chaos Biker
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Close combat weapon
2x Combi-bolter
2x Meltagun

Chaos Predator Destructor (130 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (130 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Vindicator (175 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Vindicator (175 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Nurgle
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-weapon
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Havoc launcher

Chosen (130 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol

Chosen (130 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Chaos Undivided
• 1x Chosen Champion
• 1x Boltgun
1x Chaos Icon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Chosen
• 3x Accursed weapon
3x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
2x Combi-weapon
1x Paired accursed weapons
1x Plasma pistol

Warp Talons (110 Points)
• Mark of Chaos: Slaanesh
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
• 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
• 4x Warp claws

ALLIED UNITS

Nurglings (40 Points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Nurglings (40 Points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Brawler CSM

Thoughts

Another CSM Index classic getting a last showing here – a bunch of brawler units in Rhinos to stage and pressure, supported by a cheap and potent gunline amped up by the Mark of Nurgle. I’m expecting the new book to start kicking in from this weekend, but this is a very fitting way to see the Index off back into the Eye of Terror, well done Grischa.

Artur Güttler – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Grey Knights Nemesis Dreadknights. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Libbys are overrated :p

++ Army Roster (Imperium – Grey Knights) [2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size: 2. Strike Force (2000 Point limit)

Detachment: Teleport Strike Force

Show/Hide Options: Agents of the Imperium are visible, Imperial Knights are visible

+ Epic Hero +

Brother-Captain Stern [90pts]

Castellan Crowe [75pts]

Kaldor Draigo [125pts]: Warlord

+ Character +

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight [215pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Inescapable Wrath, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer

+ Battleline +

Brotherhood Terminator Squad [420pts] . 5x Terminator: 5x Nemesis Force Weapon, 5x Storm Bolter
. Terminator with Ancient’s Banner: Storm Bolter
. Terminator with Heavy Weapon: Incinerator
. Terminator with Heavy Weapon: Incinerator
. Terminator with Narthecium

Strike Squad [120pts] . 4x Grey Knight: 4x Nemesis Force Weapon, 4x Storm Bolter
. Justicar

Strike Squad [120pts] . 4x Grey Knight: 4x Nemesis Force Weapon, 4x Storm Bolter
. Justicar

+ Infantry +

Purifier Squad [250pts] . Knight of the Flame
. 5x Purifier: 5x Nemesis Force Weapon, 5x Purifying Flame, 5x Storm Bolter
. 4x Purifier w/ incinerator: 4x Close combat weapon, 4x Incinerator, 4x Purifying Flame

+ Vehicle +

Nemesis Dreadknight [195pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight [195pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight [195pts]: Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer

Created with BattleScribe ()

Archetype

Librarian-free Grey Knights

Thoughts

It’s a bold claim there in the list title, but going undefeated is the best way to follow up one of those, so props from me. Other than having no Librarian, most of the tools here are familiar, with Draigo and a big Terminator brick adding a sticky, persistent melee unit to the mix alongside Dreadknights and Purifiers. The only other standout is solo Stern, who’s a nice little scoring/tech piece thanks to Strands of Fate, and certainly a nice way to spend the points you’ve saved on Librarians. Great stuff from Artur.

The Best of the Rest

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

  • 3rd – Ben Hackländer – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple Doomstalker and Triple Wraiths (so far so normal) but also triple Reanimator, presumably aiming to squeeze max value out of the Wraith blocks.
  • 4th – Pascal Haberstroh – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Full Arco-spam, apparently not going anywhere.
  • 5th – Florian Schmidt – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): The teleporting Centurion special, also apparently not going anywhere.
  • 6th – Manuel Wayand – Death Guard: Rhino Plague Marines, Destructors, and Brigands.
  • 7th – Rob “RaZZputin” Fritz – Chaos Knights: A Knight Lancer (again, love to get into the spirit of melee meta, even if Chaos Knights always do that pretty well) and a bunch of Dogs.
  • 8th – Alessandro Liessem – Aeldari: Go-wide MSUs, adding Skyweavers to the usual speedy threats.

South Yorkshire GT 24

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on May 25 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Mikey Herbert – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) – 1st Place

Blood Angels. Credit: Mike Bettle-Shaffer

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Blood Angels (1990 Points)

Space Marines
Blood Angels
Sons of Sanguinius
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain (80 Points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist

Captain (80 Points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist

Captain with Jump Pack (95 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Relic Shield
1x Thunder hammer
• Enhancements: Icon of the Angel

Lemartes (120 Points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x The Blood Crozius

Sanguinary Priest with Jump Pack (100 Points)
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt Pistol

The Sanguinor (140 Points)
• 1x Encarmine broadsword

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Thunder hammer
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Thunder hammer
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield dome
2x Storm bolter

Impulsor (80 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield dome
2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
3x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
3x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol

Baal Predator (125 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Baal flamestorm cannon
2x Heavy flamer
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Baal Predator (125 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Baal flamestorm cannon
2x Heavy flamer
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (280 Points)
• 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Pack
• 10x Inferno pistol
10x Power fist

Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 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

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (210 Points)
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
• 9x Storm Shield
9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (100 Points)
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.14.0 (37), Data Version: v379

Archetype

Aggro Sons

Thoughts

Mr. Hellstorm Wargaming himself gets in on the melee meta action, unleashing a powerful Sons of Sanguinius list that combines high pressure jump pack units with great tech against other melee builds. Overwatch from Baal Predators, cheap and lethal counterpunch units out of Impulsors and the looming threat of the Sanguinor all make things a bit of a headache for foes with a similarly aggressive plan, while if the opponent has tried to tech for a bunch of D2 attacks from Orks, they’re likely to find themselves shredded by the VanVets, one of the very nastiest volume D1 threats in the game. Great stuff from Mikey as always!

The Best of the Rest

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

  • 2nd – Christopher Langton – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Warriors and Immortals with a Monolith.
  • 3rd – Mark Pilkington – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Hull-heavy Sisters with Castigators and Immolators.
  • 4th – Ryan Elliott – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Tsons with extra heft from a Daemon Prince and Mutalith.
  • 5th – Callam Taylor – Orks (Bully Boyz): Bully Boyz with the unusual choice of two regular Nobz units with Painboyz.
  • 6th – Jim Tasker – Chaos Daemons: Monster Mash with double GuO (one being Rotigus), Shalaxi and Skarbrand. Melee meta is so intense that you can apparently just cut Be’lakor now.

Wrap Up

Part 1 complete, but plenty more melee fun coming your way on Friday, so tune back in then.