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.

Entirely by accident, we’ve contained most of the Death Guard/Chaos Knight allied list filth in this part, for your convenience, so enjoy that.

Part 2 today with Lowest of Men:

Ragnarök GT 2025 – A Valkyrie Wargaming Event
Games and Stuff 40K Event Hosted by Away Games
Rammaric Industries The GT 2025
Summer Slaughter: Warhammer 40K Summer Assault ITC Major
Toys of Mass Destruction – Hertfordshire Summer GT

Part 1 on Wednesday:

Denver 40K Fight Club August Open 2025
GT Golden Dawn III – Warhammer 40k
Hour Zero 2: Heroes Unchained
Abyss 40k GT #5
VT 40K GT AUGUST 25
40k Brawl – August GT 2025

Part 3 on Saturday:

North Star Open 2025
Black Crow Gaming’s Battle of the RAGNAR GT!
GRIMDARK 25: THE FINAL GRIMDARK
GRILLIN’ DICE 2025!!!
Palladium Games Presents “the dumpster fire gt” NOVA Prep Edition

Ragnarök GT 2025 – A Valkyrie Wargaming Event

74-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Rothbury, MI, United States on August 15 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) versus T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack)

Scorched Earth – Tipping Point

Aaron Butler – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance)
Army List - Click to Expand

Utah So bigger (1995 Points)

Imperial Knights
Noble Lance
Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (380 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
• 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
• 1x Freedom’s Hand

Cerastus Knight Castigator (365 Points)
• 1x Castigator bolt cannon
• 1x Tempest warblade

Cerastus Knight Lancer (365 Points)
• 1x Cerastus shock lance

BATTLELINE

Armiger Helverin (130 Points)
• 2x Armiger autocannon
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (3), Data Version: v651

vs.

Randy Brigham – T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack)
Army List - Click to Expand

Today is Kroot appreciation day, so I would appreciate everyone saying hello to the Kroot and letting them know you’re glad to see em. (1995 Points)

T’au Empire
Kroot Hunting Pack
Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Kroot Flesh Shaper (45 Points)
• 1x Kroot scattergun
• 1x Twin ritualistic blades

Kroot Lone-spear (80 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Kalamandra’s bite
• 1x Kroot long gun

Kroot Lone-spear (80 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Kalamandra’s bite
• 1x Kroot long gun

Kroot Trail Shaper (75 Points)
• 1x Kroot rifle
• 1x Shaper’s blade
• Enhancements: Nomadic Hunter

Kroot War Shaper (60 Points)
• 1x Dart-bow and tri-blade
• 1x Kroot pistol
• 1x Shaper’s blade
• Enhancements: Root-carved Weapons

BATTLELINE

Kroot Carnivores (140 Points)
• 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

Kroot Carnivores (65 Points)
• 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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Kroot Farstalkers (85 Points)
• 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

Kroot Hounds (40 Points)
• 5x Kroot Hound
◦ 5x Ripping fangs

Krootox Rampagers (170 Points)
• 6x Krootox Rampagers
◦ 6x Hunting blades
◦ 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
◦ 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Riders (90 Points)
• 3x Krootox Rider
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Krootox fists
◦ 3x Repeater cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (1), Data Version: v662

Thoughts

A very interesting showdown here, pitching the Imperial Knight overlords into a would-be challenger. It’s cool to see some Lancers in the otherwise reasonably standard IK list – they had a good WTC, where it transpired the additional reach, free tank shocks, and big boy melee profile could hang effectively in mirrors. The overall pitch is the same – big stompy lads, some little ones to get the early game and trades going, and the brutal power of Canis backing it all up.

Kroot Hunting Pack is on it’s way to being the single best T’au detachment, which is something I know long time Greater Good fans have… mixed feelings about! That said, there are a lot of tools in it to survive an encounter with the Titanic. Tonnes of OC, activation locking numbers of bodies and lone op antics to protect key portions of the board – in some ways it echoes the GSC strengths into the Knight game, but with slightly less by way of damage. Rampagers are no joke for a Knight though, and managing those and where they can connect feels pretty key for the IK to stay in the game.

Scorched is a grindy, drawish game at the best of times, and IK can play this mission very effectively even in the fact of list tech that might give them pause. I can see getting big bodies covering the objectives to minimise Kroot stealing as important in this game, and then it becomes something of a slog. I’m not sold either army has the application of damage to put the other away, which means it’ll likely come down to cards and the ability to get off a cheeky burn here and there – in the end, it was the Kroot who were able to leverage their width of assets to victory!!

Result

T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) Victory – 100 – 91

Randy Brigham – T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Today is Kroot appreciation day, so I would appreciate everyone saying hello to the Kroot and letting them know you’re glad to see em. (1995 Points)

T’au Empire
Kroot Hunting Pack
Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Kroot Flesh Shaper (45 Points)
• 1x Kroot scattergun
• 1x Twin ritualistic blades

Kroot Lone-spear (80 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Kalamandra’s bite
• 1x Kroot long gun

Kroot Lone-spear (80 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Kalamandra’s bite
• 1x Kroot long gun

Kroot Trail Shaper (75 Points)
• 1x Kroot rifle
• 1x Shaper’s blade
• Enhancements: Nomadic Hunter

Kroot War Shaper (60 Points)
• 1x Dart-bow and tri-blade
• 1x Kroot pistol
• 1x Shaper’s blade
• Enhancements: Root-carved Weapons

BATTLELINE

OTHER DATASHEETS

Kroot Hounds (40 Points)
• 5x Kroot Hound
◦ 5x Ripping fangs

Krootox Rampagers (170 Points)
• 6x Krootox Rampagers
◦ 6x Hunting blades
◦ 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
◦ 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Riders (90 Points)
• 3x Krootox Rider
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Krootox fists
◦ 3x Repeater cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (1), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Kroot Jail

Thoughts

*Bonk* go to Kroot Jail! Double Farstalkers gives you the beginnings of a neverending tide of Kroot blocking and scoring here. Hunting Pack is a mission play machine, and this variant has cut back on petty things like Hammerheads or Skyrays in favour of even more lads with little pouches and star signs to flood the board and get the job done. The absolute wealth of bodies and the ability to take up space is key for it here, and piloting this to an event win is a real white knuckle ride. Fantastic work!

Kyle Trayah – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

TrayahSons (2000 points)

Thousand Sons
Strike Force (2000 points)
Grand Coven

CHARACTERS

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points)
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancement: Incandaeum

Infernal Master (110 points)
• 1x Fires of the Abyss
1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
• Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E’Taph

Infernal Master (85 points)
• 1x Fires of the Abyss
1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol

Magnus the Red (420 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
1x Gaze of Magnus
1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm

Sorcerer (95 points)
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Pandaemonic Delusion
1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

Tzaangor Shaman (55 points)
• 1x Baleful Devolution
1x Force stave

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (100 points)
• 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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (90 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Havoc launcher
1x Inferno combi-bolter
1x Inferno combi-weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 points)
• 1x Betentacled maw
1x Mutalith claws
1x Warp vortex

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 points)
• 1x Aviarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 5x Enlightened
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (50 points)
• 1x Aviarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangors (70 points)
• 1x Twistbray
• 1x Tzaangor blades
• 9x Tzaangor
• 9x Tzaangor blades

Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (90), Data Version: v651

Archetype

Grand Coven Goodstuff

Thoughts

Magnus and triple MVB Grand Coven keeps on doing the work. The build certainly isn’t without it’s predators in the current meta, but a considerable number of armies simply cannot deal with the Mutalith bait and switch before copping an entire army of Rubrics to the face. Will they emerge even stronger after the recent balance patch?! Time will tell! Great work on the top placing.

Matt Stadnik – Imperial Agents (Imperialis Fleet) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Agentleman and a Scholar (2000 points)

Agents of the Imperium
Imperialis Fleet
Strike Force (2000 points)

CHARACTER

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

1x Watch Captain Artemis (65 pts)
• 1x Hellfire Extremis
• 1x Master-crafted power weapon

1x Navigator (75 pts)
• 1x Force-orb cane
• 1x Laspistol
• Warlord
• Clandestine Operation (+15 pts)

4x Rogue Trader Entourage (75 pts)
• 1x Rogue Trader
• 1x Household pistol
• 1x Monomolecular cane-rapier
• Rogue Trader
• 1x Death Cult Assassin
• 1x Dartmask
• 1x Death Cult power blade
• Death Cult Assassin
• 1x Lectro-maester
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Voltaic pistol
• Lectro-maester
• 1x Rejuvenant Adept
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Laspistol
• Healing Serum, Rejuvenant Adept

1x Watch Master (105 pts)
• 1x Vigil spear

BATTLELINE

10x Deathwatch Kill Team (200 pts)
• 1x Watch Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shield
• 1x Xenophase blade
• 9x Veteran
• 3x Power weapon
• 4x Deathwatch thunder hammer
• 2x Close combat weapon
• 2x Frag cannon
• 3x Astartes shield

10x Deathwatch Kill Team (200 pts)
• 1x Watch Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shield
• 1x Xenophase blade
• 9x Veteran
• 1x Power weapon
• 4x Deathwatch thunder hammer
• 4x Close combat weapon
• 2x Frag cannon
• 2x Infernus heavy bolter
• Astartes shield

10x Imperial Navy Breachers (90 pts)
• 1x Navis Sergeant-at-Arms
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Navis shotgun
• 9x Navis Armsman
• 9x Close combat weapon
• 7x Navis shotgun
• 1x Demolition charge
• 1x Meltagun
• 1x Navis heavy shotgun
• Endurant shield

OTHER DATASHEETS

11x Subductor Squad (85 pts)
• 1x Proctor Subductor
• 1x Arbites shotpistol
• 1x Shock maul
• Nuncio-aquila
• 9x Subductor
• 9x Arbites shotpistol
• 9x Shock maul
• 1x Cyber-mastiff
• 1x Mechanical bite

1x Imperial Rhino (75 pts)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter

ALLIED UNITS

1x Canis Rex (380 pts)
• 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

Goddamn Heroism

Thoughts

Right then. Imperial Agents in a podium position. Absolutely incredible! Big fan, love it. Let me go and read up on what it does… In the meantime, the fundamentals of the list seem clear to me – Kill Teams give you some punch and reach, the Subductors lock down mid-board and prove a nuisance to remove, and Canis offers a bit of meaningful ranged support. At that stage, you are styling on the many shenanigans of the Imperialis Fleet.

The At All Costs detachment rule let’s you apply more damage or OC to key areas of the battlefield across the game, hopefully swinging some primary at a key moment. Clandestine Operation enhancement allows you to get even more of the Agents lackeys staged up the board good and early. All in all it will be a grindy, mission play oriented list with just enough serious threat to deter pushes. That said, it is still AWESOME to see it fly so high, well done!!!

Brian Daugherty – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

F your Subaru I’ve got a horse outside (1995 Points)

World Eaters
Berzerker Warband
Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Khorne (220 Points)
• 1x Hellforged weapons
• 1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancements: Helm of Brazen Ire

Khârn the Betrayer (85 Points)
• 1x Gorechild
• 1x Plasma pistol

Master of Executions (85 Points)
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
• 1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive

Slaughterbound (100 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw
• Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 Points)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Eightbound (150 Points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
◦ 1x Chainblades
• 2x Eightbound
◦ 2x Chainblades

Forgefiend (150 Points)
• 2x Ectoplasma cannon
• 1x Ectoplasma cannon
• 1x Forgefiend claws

Jakhals (65 Points)
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
◦ 1x Skullsmasher and mangler
• 8x Jakhal
◦ 8x Autopistol
◦ 7x Chainblades
◦ 1x Icon of Khorne
◦ 1x Mauler chainblade

Maulerfiend (150 Points)
• 2x Magma cutter
• 1x Maulerfiend fists

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (1), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Berserker Warband Mixed Arms

Thoughts

A more Eightbound heavy version of WE here, mixing in many of the staples (Forgefiends, Berzerker Bricks), and adding a few of the new WTC tech pieces (the Maulerfiend) to try and shore up damage into bigger targets. I think World Eaters were drastically underestimated on release and the book is going to have a really strong finish to the year as other meta menaces are brought down a peg or two, and that is massively exciting. Are there changes that can be made to bring up some of the other WE detachments too? I certainly hope so! Very well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th – Brenton Weiss – Emperor’s Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Lennon-style Coteries with a cheeky brick of Flawless Blades.
6th – Ben Isenhoff – Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Abaddon gunline Pactbound with double Discolords and Warp Talons in support.

Games and Stuff 40K Event Hosted by Away Games

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Glen Burnie, MD, United States on August 16 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Shaun Reynolds – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

A Haul Lot (2000 points)

Death Guard
Strike Force (2000 points)
Mortarion’s Hammer

CHARACTERS

Lord of Virulence (110 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Power fist
1x Twin plague spewer
• Enhancement: Tendrilous Emissions

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathshroud Terminators (140 points)
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
1x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points)
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 points)
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta

Plagueburst Crawler (195 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar

Poxwalkers (60 points)
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon

ALLIED UNITS

Knight Despoiler (335 points)
• 2x Despoiler battle cannon
3x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet

Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (90), Data Version: v651

Archetype

Hammer with Despoiler

Thoughts

The Hammer / Despoiler combo rocks out again and takes a top placing. Grindy, shooty, and with the brutal Deathshroud sucker punch to pull the opponent out of position and into the guns, this list will take some hits after the balance patch but should remain very potent. I will be intrigued to see if the Contagion / Knight combinations come in for any targeting in the slate. Very well done on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd – PJ Brady – Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Ultramarines tank car park with Gulliman and Calgar.
3rd – Sean Olson – Space Marines (Astartes) (Firestorm Assault Force): Transport-heavy Salamanders with H’estan, Adrax, and lots of Devastators and Infernus Marines.
4th – Carson Okamoto – Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Champions of Faith Sacrosanct / Hospitaller spam.
5th – Leigh Brady – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double DDA / double Wraith brick Starshatter.
6th – Brett Perkins – Emperor’s Children (Rapid Evisceration): Massed Rhinos and a Land Raider with Noise Marine / Infractor cargo.
7th – Charles Boyle – Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners): Mortarion, Rotigus, a GUO, and plenty of the usual Death Guard mischief.
8th – Malaki Fowler – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Coven goodstuff with a cheeky Karnivore and Forgefiend for flavour.
9th – Joshua Campbell – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Triple DDA / Warrior brick Awakened with MSU.

Rammaric Industries The GT 2025

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Clarksville, IN, United States on August 16 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Eric Lyakhovetsky – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer) – 1st Place

Heavy Blight Launcher Bloat-drone Credit: Robert “TheChirurgeon” Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Lord of Contagion
Lord of Contagion with Shriekworm Familiar
Lord of Virulence with Tendrilous Emissions
Tallyman (warlord)

Deathshroud Terminators x3 with icon of despair and 2 plaguespurt gauntlets on sergeant.
Deathshroud Terminators x3 with icon of despair and 2 plaguespurt gauntlets on sergeant.
Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher
Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher
Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher
Myphitic Blight Hauler
Myphitic Blight Hauler
Plagueburst Crawler with 2x Entropy Cannon and Rothail
Volley gun
Plagueburst Crawler with 2x Entropy Cannon and Rothail Volley gun
Poxwalkers x10
Poxwalkers x10

Ally:
Knight Despoiler with 2x Despoiler battle Cannon, 3x Diabolus heavy stubber 1x Ruinspear rocket pod

Total: 1990

Archetype

Hammer / Despoiler

Thoughts

Another run out for the Hammer / big Knight combo! Not a tonne else to say here- a firmly established meta menace, that has a few nerfs to weather to keep on swinging for the top placings. Amazing work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Mike Tiller – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer): Full blown triple PBC Mortarion’s Hammer.
3rd – Isaac Clark – Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Wrath with the Lion, some DWK, and a big brick of Stern Guard for Azrael.
4th – Namon Allen – T’au Empire (Mont’ka): Triple Skyray / triple Ghostkeel Mont’ka pressure.
5th – Roel Reyes – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer): Mortarion’s Hammer with Despoiler.
6th – Bradley Wagoner – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Brutal go-wide shooting Virulent with multiple gun Drones and Predators.
7th – Brian Grinestaff – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Mixed arms Berzerker Warband with Forgefiends, Berzerkers and the Daemon Prince.

Summer Slaughter: Warhammer 40K Summer Assault ITC Major

33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Piscataway, NJ, United States on August 16 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jack Murphy – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer) – 1st Place

Myphitic Blight-Haulers – Credit Beanith

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

2 in the Chaos Spawn 1 in the Stink
(2000 Points)

Death Guard
Mortarion’s Hammer
Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Lord of Contagion (110 Points)
• 1x Manreaper

Lord of Virulence (110 Points)
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Twin plague spewer
• Enhancements: Tendrilous Emissions

Tallyman (40 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Plasma pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 Points)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points)
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
◦ 1x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
◦ 2x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points)
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
• 1x Plague probe

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points)
• 1x Bile spurt
• 1x Gnashing maw
• 1x Missile launcher
• 1x Multi-melta

Plagueburst Crawler (195 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 2x Entropy cannon
• 1x Heavy slugger
• 1x Plagueburst mortar

Poxwalkers (60 Points)
• 10x Poxwalker
◦ 10x Improvised weapon

ALLIED UNITS

Knight Despoiler (335 Points)
• 1x Despoiler battle cannon
• 1x Despoiler battle cannon
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
• 1x Ruinspear rocket pod
• 1x Titanic feet

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (1), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Hammer with a Despoiler

Thoughts

Lol. A very good weekend for Mortarion’s Hammer with Despoiler! Top work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Johnny Zoo – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Vashtoor leads a mass of tanks, bikes, and Possessed to war.
3rd – Zach Hilts – Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): MSU Inheritors with some Baal Predators and a Thunderstrike.
4th – Aidan Longacre – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): A Highlander style Oathband list with some Grimnyr, Thunderkyn, a Fort, and some Berzerks.
5th – Charles Burgard – Chaos Space Marines (Chaos Cult): The WTC style Chaos Cults with Triple Accursed, a Disco Lord, and supporting Predator shooting.
6th – Jesse Smith – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer): ALL the vehicles in Mortarion’s Hammer.

Toys of Mass Destruction – Hertfordshire Summer GT

27-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on August 16 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

James Marsden – Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Hearthguard? Hearthband 👌 (2000 Points)

Leagues of Votann
Hearthband
Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Einhyr Champion (85 Points)
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
• 1x Mass hammer
• 1x Teleport Crest
• Enhancements: Bastion Shield

Kâhl (100 Points)
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
• 1x Forgewrought plasma axe
• 1x Rampart Crest
• Enhancements: High Kâhl

Ûthar the Destined (80 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of the Ancestors
• 1x Rampart Crest
• 1x Volkanite disintegrator

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cthonian Beserks (200 Points)
• 10x Cthonian Beserk
◦ 10x Concussion maul
◦ 2x Mole grenade launcher

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 (320 Points)
• 1x Hesyr
◦ 1x Concussion hammer
◦ 1x EtaCarn plasma gun
◦ 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
◦ 1x Teleport Crest
• 9x Einhyr Hearthguard
◦ 9x Concussion gauntlet
◦ 9x EtaCarn plasma gun
◦ 9x Exo-armour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (320 Points)
• 1x Hesyr
◦ 1x Concussion hammer
◦ 1x EtaCarn plasma gun
◦ 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher
◦ 1x Weavefield Crest
• 9x Einhyr Hearthguard
◦ 9x Concussion gauntlet
◦ 9x EtaCarn plasma gun
◦ 9x Exo-armour grenade launcher

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

Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 Points)
• 1x Yaegir Theyn
◦ 1x Bolt revolver
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma knife
• 9x Hernkyn Yaegir
◦ 1x APM launcher
◦ 7x Bolt revolver
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Magna-coil rifle
◦ 7x Plasma knife

Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (3), Data Version: v651

Archetype

Hearthband BABY

Thoughts

Votann stalwart James rocks out on the power of Hearthband – Hearthguard go really nicely here, benefitting from Rapid Fire Plasmas, boosted damage in melee, and 6 inch pile ins and consolidates to get up the board. The list can put the absolute slap down on big stuff and boasts massive overwatch control lanes too. Hearthguard are a funny profile in their index form and many of the current tech weapons find themselves relatively inefficient into them, something James has leveraged really well here. Congratulations on the event win!!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Robby Sweeney – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): 12 Deathshroud in Virulent with plenty of the usual suspects in support.
3rd – Zan Rashid – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Vanella style Angron / Maulerfiend WE.
4th – Oliver Berry – Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread): Five big boys and a War Dog in Lords of Dread.
5th – Hayden A Smith – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Plenty of Maulers and Forgefiends in this mixed arms WE list.

Wrap Up

Mortarion’s Hammer with a Despoiler.

Oh whoops, this is the wrap up!

Mortarion’s Hammer with a Despoiler.

Tom, you’re supposed to say something fun / semi hopeful about the meta here…

Mortarion’s Hammer with a Despoiler.

Ok – I don’t think this tick is going to stop, so I will sign off and wish you all a slightly more diverse meta in the near future!

Lowest of Men, out.

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: Back to Black pt.2

Ragnarök GT 2025 – A Valkyrie Wargaming Event

The Showdown – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) versus T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack)

Scorched Earth – Tipping Point

Thoughts

Result

Randy Brigham – T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Kyle Trayah – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Matt Stadnik – Imperial Agents (Imperialis Fleet) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Brian Daugherty – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Games and Stuff 40K Event Hosted by Away Games

Shaun Reynolds – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Rammaric Industries The GT 2025

Eric Lyakhovetsky – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Summer Slaughter: Warhammer 40K Summer Assault ITC Major

Jack Murphy – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Toys of Mass Destruction – Hertfordshire Summer GT

James Marsden – Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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