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.
Having variously survived miserable illness (bad) and glamorous international business travel (good), I, Wings, am back in command this week, and would like to thank Lowest of Men, TheChirurgeon and Corrode for coordinating the column while I’ve been out.
Possibly as part of some sort of diabolical scheme they’ve hatched up, Chaos seems to be rising everywhere, with Emperor’s Children unleashed on the metagame, Bile CSM thriving, Daemons everywhere, and more books on the horizon.
Let us survey the damage, starting today with:
- Leoben 40K Singles 2025 – Alpine Cup
- ÖK-spelen II
- ValleyCon 2025
- Broadsword Wargaming 40K ITC Seasonal Major VII
- Nidaros Grand Tournament ’25 – Warhammer 40k
On Friday Lowest of Men will look at:
- The WarDome
- Ice Breaker 2025 – Warhammer 40K GT
- Dicing Death III
- Battle for LA (in Cypress)
- FA CUP Warhammer 40K Grand Tournament 2025
- The Fall of Empire III
Then finally on Saturday I’ll be back (back again) reviewing:
- Squig City: Casino Royale 2025
- THERE IS ONLY WAR IV: A Warhammer 40k Major Tournament
- Ozcon
- Imperium Talis VIII 40K (Ironman)
- Battle Ready Games 40K GT
- Double Decker Decimation 2025
Today’s showdown will be
- Coterie Of The Conceited vs Chaos Knights at ÖK-spelen II
The other two parts will have Showdowns, but I haven’t run the voting yet, partially because of aforementioned business, partially because Clair Obscur isn’t going to play itself now, is it.
Leoben 40K Singles 2025 – Alpine Cup
203-player, 7-round Supermajor in Proleb, Steiermark, Austria on April 24 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Niklas Fritschen – Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x Be’lakor (375 pts): Warlord, Betraying Shades, The Blade of Shadows 6x Nurglings (60 pts): 6 with Diseased claws and teeth 5x Seekers (80 pts) 16x Accursed Cultists (195 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts
+ ALLIED UNITS: Heretic Astartes
+ WARLORD: Char1: Be’lakor
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 14
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (1×4) + (1×6) – Assassination: 3 Characters – Cull The Horde: 1×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 1x Bloodthirster (320 pts): Hellfire breath, Great axe of Khorne
Enhancement: Fade to Darkness (+15 pts)
• 4x Seeker
2 with Lashing tongues, Slashing claws
1 with Instrument of Chaos, Lashing tongues, Slashing claws
1 with Daemonic Icon, Lashing tongues, Slashing claws
• 1x Heartseeker: Lashing tongues, Slashing claws
1x Beasts of Nurgle (65 pts): Putrid appendages
6x Screamers (160 pts): 6 with Lamprey bite
6x Screamers (160 pts): 6 with Lamprey bite
6x Screamers (160 pts): 6 with Lamprey bite
• 10x Mutant: 10 with Blasphemous appendages
• 6x Torment: 6 with Hideous mutations
10x Cultist Mob (50 pts)
• 1x Cultist Champion: Brutal assault weapon, Autopistol
• 9x Cultist: 9 with Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon
Char3: 5x Dark Commune (95 pts)
Enhancement: Leaping Shadows (+15 pts)
• 2x Blessed Blades: 2 with Commune blade
• 1x Cult Demagogue: Autopistol, Commune stave
• 1x Iconarch: Chaos icon, Autopistol, Close combat weapon
• 1x Mindwitch: Close combat weapon, Warp Curse
5x Raptors (90 pts)
• 4x Raptor
2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol
1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun
1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun
• 1x Raptor Champion: Power fist, Plasma pistol
5x Raptors (90 pts)
• 4x Raptor
2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol
1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun
1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun
• 1x Raptor Champion: Power fist, Plasma pistol
5x Raptors (90 pts)
• 4x Raptor
2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol
1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun
1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun
• 1x Raptor Champion: Power fist, Plasma pistol
Archetype
Board Control Shadow Legion
Thoughts
Be’lakor’s minions seize the trophy at a major here, with Niklas deploying a build that leans into the scoring and board presence capabilities of the detachment. Raptors that can re-reserve via Shade Path are obviously fantastic secondary pieces, and extra durable Screamers (here in max quantities) work great alongside a full Nurgling unit to populate the table and pick up points early on. The fact that you can revive a model with Death Denied makes them especially good in this role, as it opens up sneaky Tzeentch-like shenanigans around pulling a unit behind a wall after a casualty, then respawning a model to control an objective if the opponent hasn’t committed.
Overseeing all of that, you have two great larger threats from Be’lakor and the Fadethirster, ready to punish anyone who commits in the wrong place, or just launch repeated recycling Rapid Ingress > Advance/Charge > Fade cycles deep into the enemy’s forces if they’re more cautious. This detachment is extremely good, and this build really showcases its strengths, well done to Niklas on the victory.
Nikolas Papadopoulos – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER Char1: 1x The Visarch (90 pts) Char2: 1x Yvraine (100 pts) Char3: 1x Autarch (75 pts) Char4: 1x Autarch (75 pts) Char5: 1x Autarch (75 pts) BATTLELINE 10x Ynnari Kabalite Warriors (110 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 5x Dark Reapers (90 pts) 5x Dark Reapers (90 pts) 5x Fire Dragons (110 pts) 5x Fire Dragons (110 pts) 5x Howling Banshees (90 pts) 5x Howling Banshees (90 pts) 5x Howling Banshees (90 pts) 5x Rangers (55 pts) 5x Rangers (55 pts) 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) 10x Ynnari Incubi (150 pts) 6x Windriders (160 pts) 1x Wave Serpent (125 pts) 1x Ynnari Venom (70 pts)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ NAME: Nikolas Papadopoulos
+ TEAM NAME: Greece
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Aeldari
+ DETACHMENT: Devoted of Ynnead
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ WARLORD: Char2: Yvraine
+ ENHANCEMENT: N/A
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 21
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) – Assassination: 5 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 with Asu-var
1 with Kha-vir, Storm of Whispers
• Warlord
1 with Star Glaive, Dragon Fusion Gun
1 with Star Glaive, Dragon Fusion Gun
1 with Star Glaive, Dragon Fusion Gun
• 5x Kabalite Warrior
5 with Close Combat Weapon, Splinter rifle
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Blaster
1 with Blaster, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Dark Lance
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Dark lance
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Shredder
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Shredder
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Splinter Cannon
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Splinter cannon
• 1x Sybarite
1 with Sybarite Weapon, Blast Pistol
• Phantasm Grenade Launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
4 with Close combat weapon, Reaper Launcher
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Tempest Launcher
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Dark Reaper
4 with Close combat weapon, Tempest launcher
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Tempest launcher
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Fire Dragon
4 with Close combat weapon, Dragon Fusion Gun
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Firepike
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Fire Dragon
4 with Close combat weapon, Dragon Fusion Gun
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Firepike
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Howling Banshee
4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
1 with Executioner and Shuriken Pistol
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Howling Banshee
4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
1 with Executioner and Shuriken Pistol
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Howling Banshee
4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
1 with Executioner and Shuriken Pistol
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 5x Ranger
5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol
• 5x Ranger
5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol
• 4x Warp Spider
4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
1x Spinneret Rifle & Death Weavers
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Warp Spider
4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
1 with Close Combat Weapon, 1 Powerblade array
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 9x Incubi
9 with Klaive
• 1x Klaivex
1 with Demiklaives
• 6x Windrider with Scatter Laser
6 with Close Combat Weapon, Scatter Laser
1 with Wraithbone Hull, Shuriken Cannon, Twin Bright Lance
1 with Bladevanes, Splinter Cannon, Splinter Cannon
Archetype
Infantry Ynnari
Thoughts
In undefeated second place, the Ynnari continue to thrive even as Chaos forces rise, with broadly three different main build themes operating. This is the Infantry-focused version – full Incubi bomb, lots of Aspect MSUs with Autarchs for additional punch and CP efficiency, and some supporting firepower from Windriders. This version is especially hard to pin down, and extremely ready to punish one wrong move from a foe, while also sporting extra scoring power. Also of note is that Autarch-Banshee units really seem to be the X-factor helping these builds punch up into more durable targets, and the full three are on show here (with the option of putting one with some Dragons in some matchups, maybe). The Elf menace persists – congratulations to Nikolas for piloting it to glory.
Panagiotis Keladitis – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x Be’lakor (375 pts) Char2: 1x Kairos Fateweaver (270 pts) Char3: 1x Rotigus (250 pts) Char4: 1x Skarbrand (305 pts) Char5: 1x Great Unclean One (295 pts) Char6: 1x Lord of Change (285 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 1x Beasts of Nurgle (65 pts) 5x Flesh Hounds (75 pts) 5x Flesh Hounds (75 pts)
CHARACTER
1 with Betraying Shades, The Blade of Shadows
• Warlord
1 with Infernal Gateway, Staff of Tomorrow
1 with Gnarlrod, Streams of brackish filth
1 with Bellow of endless fury, Slaughter and Carnage
1 with Putrid vomit, Bilesword, Plague flail
Enhancement: The Endless Gift (+45 pts)
1 with Bolt of Change, Staff of Tzeentch, Rod of sorcery
Enhancement: The Everstave (+25 pts)
• 1x Beast of Nurgle
1 with Putrid appendages
• 4x Flesh Hound
4 with Gore-drenched fangs
• Collar of Khorne
• 1x Gore Hound
1 with Burning maw, Gore-drenched fangs
• Collar of Khorne
• 4x Flesh Hound
4 with Gore-drenched fangs
• Collar of Khorne
• 1x Gore Hound
1 with Burning maw, Gore-drenched fangs
• Collar of Khorne
Archetype
Monster Mash
Thoughts
An uncomplicated Chaotic concoction in third place; Daemonic Incursion Monster Mash has always been pretty strong, and now the big monsters are better and you don’t have to choose between using Denizens for scoring or moving big Monsters, because you can just use free uppy-downy from Flesh Hounds as well. Marvelous. Well done to Panagiotis, who went into the top four on the highest 20-0 score, and was only thwarted at the last by the Shadow Legion winners.
Jakub Jansa – Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Lord 1 (105 Points) Chaos Lord (90 Points) Cypher (90 Points) Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (80 Points) BATTLELINE Cultist Mob (50 Points) Legionaries (90 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (75 Points) Chaos Rhino (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Chaos Bikers (70 Points) Chaos Predator Destructor (140 Points) Chaos Predator Destructor (140 Points) Chaos Predator Destructor (140 Points) Chosen (125 Points) Possessed (240 Points) Raptors (90 Points) Warp Talons (125 Points) Noise Marines (135 pts): Disharmonist with Sonic blaster, 2x Noise Marine w/ blastmaster, 3x Noise Marine w/ sonic blaster Noise Marines (135 pts): Disharmonist with Sonic blaster, 2x Noise Marine w/ blastmaster, 3x Noise w/ sonic blaster
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Name: Jakub “Rektex” Jansa
Team: Lions Prague
Factions used: Chaos Space Marines
Detachments used: Renegade Raiders
Enhancements: Chaos Lord 1- Dread Reaver
+++++++++++++++++++++++
CHARACTERS
• 1x Daemon hammer
• 1x Power fist
• Enhancements: Dread Reaver
• 1x Daemon hammer
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Cypher’s bolt pistol
• 1x Cypher’s plasma pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Chaos Familiar
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Infernal Gaze
• 1x Cultist Champion
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon
• 9x Chaos Cultist
◦ 9x Autopistol
◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon
• 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
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Biker Champion
◦ 1x Chaos Icon
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Combi-bolter
◦ 1x Power fist
• 2x Chaos Biker
◦ 2x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Combi-bolter
◦ 2x Meltagun
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 2x Lascannon
• 1x Predator autocannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 2x Lascannon
• 1x Predator autocannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 2x Lascannon
• 1x Predator autocannon
• 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
• 1x Possessed Champion
◦ 1x Chaos Icon
◦ 1x Hideous mutations
• 9x Possessed
◦ 9x Hideous mutations
• 1x Raptor Champion
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Raptor
◦ 2x Astartes chainsword
◦ 2x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Meltagun
• 1x Warp Talon Champion
◦ 1x Warp claws
• 4x Warp Talon
◦ 4x Warp claws
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Archetype
Shooty Raiders
Thoughts
A little Emperor’s Children appetiser here, as Renegade Raiders continues its long-standing trick of turbo-charging cult Marines with new Noise Marines. Their datasheet is already good on rate, and being able to push their AP as high as -3 with the Sorceror, and set up full re-rolls with Ruinous Raid makes them nothing short of spectacular as things to fire from a Rhino. That adds some extra all-purpose spice to various standard Raiders tools like Destructors and some Chosen out of a Rhino, and also brings in the excitement of Possessed from the current Bile builds, who project significant melee threat with the option of Advance/Charge. Congratulations to Jakub for using new toys to terrifying effect.
The Best of the Rest
The players who made up the rest of the top eight all scored 4.5-0.5. They were:
- 5th – Dennis Gottschalk – Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Lots of Dreadknights and lots of Inceptors to dash in and out of Rhinos.
- 6th – Konrad Schmuck – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Classic Deathwing GTF.
- 7th – Lukas Wobak – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Not one but two big blocks of 20 Warriors with Herohammer support, plus a squad of standard Lokhusts with the Veil for dakka.
- 8th – Manuel “BEL” Wieczorek – Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike): Infantry and Ogryn galore with Canis Rex as a massive mailed fist backing them up.
ÖK-spelen II
68-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Örebro län, Sverige on April 26 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Linchpin – Fog of War – Tipping Point
Sebastian Larsson – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) Char1: 1x War Dog Stalker (165 pts): Warlord, Havoc multi-launcher, Daemonbreath spear, Slaughterclaw 1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – Chaos Knights
+ DETACHMENT: Traitoris Lance
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: War Dog Stalker
+ ENHANCEMENT: Aura of Terror (on Char1: War Dog Stalker)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 13
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (13×2) – Assassination: 1 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Enhancement: Aura of Terror (+25 pts)
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
vs.
Jesper Unander-Scharin – Emperor’s Children (Coterie of the Conceited) Emperor’s Children CHARACTERS Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (205 points) Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (180 points) Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (180 points) Lord Exultant (80 points) Lord Exultant (80 points) Lord Exultant (80 points) Lord Kakophonist (60 points) Lucius the Eternal (140 points) BATTLELINE Infractors (85 points) Infractors (85 points) Infractors (85 points) Noise Marines (135 points) Noise Marines (135 points) Noise Marines (135 points) Tormentors (85 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (80 points) Chaos Rhino (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Chaos Spawn (80 points) Exported with App Version: v1.32.0 (77), Data Version: v598
Army List - Click to Expand
Coterie ÖK (1990 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Coterie of the Conceited
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancement: Pledge to Eternal Servitude
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Phoenix power spear
1x Rapture lash
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Phoenix power spear
1x Rapture lash
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Phoenix power spear
1x Rapture lash
• 1x Close combat weapon
2x Screamer pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of the Laer
1x Lash of Torment
• 1x Obsessionist
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Rapture lash
• 4x Infractor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Duelling sabre
1x Icon of Excess
• 1x Obsessionist
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Rapture lash
• 4x Infractor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Duelling sabre
1x Icon of Excess
• 1x Obsessionist
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Rapture lash
• 4x Infractor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Duelling sabre
1x Icon of Excess
• 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
• 1x Disharmonist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Sonic blaster
• 5x Noise Marine
• 2x Blastmaster
5x Close combat weapon
3x Sonic blaster
• 1x Obsessionist
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Rapture lash
• 4x Tormentor
• 4x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
Thoughts
A chaotic clash here, with the exciting new Empror’s Children taking on the classic 13 Dog fiesta. The EC build is a great example of what looks to be the best strategy out of the book, at least initially – extreme melee pressure from deadly Infractor units and the core of triple Winged Prince to sweep through the foe, with a bit of support from Noise Marines. The sheer resiliance and Mortal output from the Princes can be enough to overwhelm some enemies, and they do particularly well in this detachment; respawning one is obviously great, quickly getting access to re-roll 1s to Hit is handy, and having an AoC strat makes them even tougher to take down than anywhere else in the book.
Though they’re very scary, the Knights are a fairly daunting matchup for them. The EC can pounce on and take down some large targets via Princes and the Infractor/Lord squads, sure, but not this many all at once, and I think they have a real risk of bouncing and getting decked here, as just in general the “balancing” factor for EC seems to be that there’s not much depth if the opponent can survive the power plays. Knights thrive at handling that kind of game, and I’d normally tap them up to win this one.
The confounding factor is that this was played on a WTC map that looks incredibly favourable to the EC, offering great staging positions that are going to make life tricky for the robots, though not terminally so; the EC will still struggle to score more than 8VP on Primary a turn without throwing away units. On balance, I think I’d still narrowly give this one to the Knights when all is said and done, but the map makes it close and gives them a lot of ways for things to go bad. Clearly this did end up fairly even, as the players ended up in a draw!
Result
Draw! 10 – 10
Jesper Unander-Scharin – Emperor’s Children (Coterie of the Conceited) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Emperor’s Children CHARACTERS Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (205 points) Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (180 points) Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (180 points) Lord Exultant (80 points) Lord Exultant (80 points) Lord Exultant (80 points) Lord Kakophonist (60 points) Lucius the Eternal (140 points) BATTLELINE Infractors (85 points) Infractors (85 points) Infractors (85 points) Noise Marines (135 points) Noise Marines (135 points) Noise Marines (135 points) Tormentors (85 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (80 points) Chaos Rhino (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Chaos Spawn (80 points) Exported with App Version: v1.32.0 (77), Data Version: v598
Coterie ÖK (1990 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Coterie of the Conceited
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancement: Pledge to Eternal Servitude
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Phoenix power spear
1x Rapture lash
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Phoenix power spear
1x Rapture lash
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Phoenix power spear
1x Rapture lash
• 1x Close combat weapon
2x Screamer pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of the Laer
1x Lash of Torment
• 1x Obsessionist
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Rapture lash
• 4x Infractor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Duelling sabre
1x Icon of Excess
• 1x Obsessionist
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Rapture lash
• 4x Infractor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Duelling sabre
1x Icon of Excess
• 1x Obsessionist
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Rapture lash
• 4x Infractor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Duelling sabre
1x Icon of Excess
• 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
• 1x Disharmonist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Sonic blaster
• 5x Noise Marine
• 2x Blastmaster
5x Close combat weapon
3x Sonic blaster
• 1x Obsessionist
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Rapture lash
• 4x Tormentor
• 4x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Combi-bolter
1x Combi-weapon
1x Havoc launcher
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
Archetype
Coterie Pressure
Thoughts
The early leader among Emperor’s Children detachments takes a trophy here, functioning as a truly monstrous pressure build, able to get threats into the foe at sufficiently high speed that it can be very tricky for them to break out, and upping the reliability of their killing prowess with every enemy that falls. Particularly important is that the first buff you get is RR1s to hit, and that’s exactly what the Daemon Princes (one of the best unit in the book) need to really smooth out any failure potential they have, hence why this detachment is shining especially bright.
Make sure you’ve got a plan for this one – it’s going to be here to stay! Good job Jesper for seizing early glory with it.
Johan Norrman – Imperial Fists (Gladius Task Force) – 2nd Place (4.5-0.5)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Darnath Lysander (100 points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (80 points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) Intercessor Squad (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Incursor Squad (80 points) Predator Destructor (140 points) Predator Destructor (140 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 points) Terminator Squad (340 points) Terminator Squad (170 points) Exported with App Version: v1.31.0 (76), Data Version: v589
Börja med en kass ide och fortsätt (2000 points)
Imperial Fists
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force
• Warlord
• 1x Fist of Dorn
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• Enhancement: Artificer Armour
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
• 1x Astartes grenade launcher
4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 9x Astartes chainsword
7x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Plasma pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 9x Astartes chainsword
7x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Plasma pistol
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Incursor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Occulus bolt carbine
1x Paired combat blades
• 4x Incursor
• 4x Bolt pistol
1x Haywire Mine
4x Occulus bolt carbine
4x Paired combat blades
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Lascannon
1x Predator autocannon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
2x Boltgun
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 Terminator Sergeant
• 1x Power fist
1x Storm bolter
• 9x Terminator
• 5x Chainfist
2x Cyclone missile launcher
4x Power fist
9x Storm bolter
• 1x Terminator Sergeant
• 1x Power fist
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Terminator
• 1x Cyclone missile launcher
4x Power fist
4x Storm bolter
Archetype
Fist Gladius
Thoughts
Many of the standard Gladius goodstuff pieces here are familiar, but massive props to Johan for discarding the normal Ultramarines Character suite in favour of Lysander and some Terminators, using the fact he ups their durability and adds some extra melee punch to make them a great all-rounder unit. Especially notable is the fact that his version of the -1 to Wound effect is slightly different than a lot of similar ones, working on stuff with Strengh equal to the unit’s Toughness as well as greater. There’s quite a lot of S5 stuff around right now, so that’s especially valuable for keeping the squad in the game, and they’re certainly no slouches at punching out an Oaths target or too as well. Fun to see something a little different tried to such success, great work from Johan!
Axel Rydén – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x The Visarch (90 pts): Asu-var 10x Ynnari Kabalite Warriors (110 pts) 5x Fire Dragons (110 pts): Aspect Shrine Token
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Aeldari
+ DETACHMENT: Devoted of Ynnead
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: The Yncarne
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 21
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) – Assassination: 6 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 1x The Yncarne (250 pts): Warlord, Swirling soul energy, Vilith-zhar
Char3: 1x Yvraine (100 pts): Kha-vir, Storm of Whispers
Char4: 1x Autarch (75 pts): Star Glaive, Dragon Fusion Gun
Char5: 1x Autarch (75 pts): Star Glaive, Dragon Fusion Gun
Char6: 1x Autarch (75 pts): Star Glaive, Dragon Fusion Gun
• 5x Kabalite Warrior: 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Splinter rifle
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Blaster: Blaster, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Dark Lance: Close Combat Weapon, Dark lance
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Shredder: Close Combat Weapon, Shredder
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Splinter Cannon: Close Combat Weapon, Splinter cannon
• 1x Sybarite: Phantasm Grenade Launcher, Sybarite Weapon, Blast Pistol
• 4x Fire Dragon: 4 with Close combat weapon, Dragon Fusion Gun
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch: Close combat weapon, Firepike
5x Fire Dragons (110 pts): Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Fire Dragon: 4 with Close combat weapon, Dragon Fusion Gun
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch: Close combat weapon, Firepike
5x Howling Banshees (90 pts): Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Howling Banshee: 4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch: Executioner and Shuriken Pistol
5x Howling Banshees (90 pts): Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Howling Banshee: 4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch: Executioner and Shuriken Pistol
5x Howling Banshees (90 pts): Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Howling Banshee: 4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch: Executioner and Shuriken Pistol
5x Rangers (55 pts): 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol
5x Striking Scorpions (85 pts): Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Striking Scorpion: 4 with Scorpion chainsword, Shuriken pistol
• 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch: Shuriken Pistol, Scorpion Chainsword & Scorpion’s claw
5x Warp Spiders (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, 1 Spinneret rifle & 1 Death weavers
5x Warp Spiders (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, 1 Spinneret rifle & 1 Death weavers
5x Warp Spiders (95 pts): Aspect Shrine Token
• 4x Warp Spider: 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch: Close Combat Weapon, 1 Spinneret rifle & 1 Death weavers
10x Ynnari Incubi (150 pts)
• 9x Incubi: 9 with Klaive
• 1x Klaivex: Demiklaives
1x Warlock Skyrunners (45 pts): Destructor, Shuriken Pistol, Singing Spear, Twin Shuriken Catapult
1x Warlock Skyrunners (45 pts): Destructor, Shuriken Pistol, Singing Spear, Twin Shuriken Catapult
1x Ynnari Venom (70 pts): Bladevanes, Splinter Cannon, Splinter Cannon
Archetype
Yncarne Ynnari
Thoughts
Ynnari flavour number two here, with the Yncarne making an apperance alongside a very go-wide Infantry force, plus some cheap, throwaway Warlock Skyrunners to give opponents difficult choices about whether they can risk activating the Yncarne or not. Very tricksy, if maybe slightly more vulnerable to just getting aggroed out by monster mash or hull spam lists (notably Axel’s only loss was to Chaos Knights, and it was a fairly big one). Worth assessing the meta before picking this variant, therefore, but the Yncarne unlocks such incredible plays that it can be worth taking the risk. Great stuff from Axel.
Sebastian Larsson – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x War Dog Stalker (165 pts): Warlord, Havoc multi-launcher, Daemonbreath spear, Slaughterclaw 1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – Chaos Knights
+ DETACHMENT: Traitoris Lance
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: War Dog Stalker
+ ENHANCEMENT: Aura of Terror (on Char1: War Dog Stalker)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 13
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (13×2) – Assassination: 1 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Enhancement: Aura of Terror (+25 pts)
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Brigand (165 pts): Armoured feet, Avenger chaincannon, Daemonbreath spear, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
1x War Dog Karnivore (140 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher
Archetype
Whoops all War Dogs
Thoughts
Speak of the robot devil – this is the exact Chaos Knight build that took out Axel’s Ynnari, and the fact that the all dog build (which has been good forever) is especially strong into one of the top metagame armies (it’s good into all Ynnari variants, it just happens to be the best into versions relying on the Yncarne) is just gravy. Well done Sebastian.
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Kalle Abrahamsson – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Monsters whomst mash.
- 6th – Magnus Bjerke – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): Whoops all war dogs (the classic 6/6/1 configuration).
- 7th – Anders Palm – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Standard double Possessed and one big Chosen unit with a couple of Huntsman for durable objective grabbers.
- 8th – Pontus Koch – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Melee power from Sicarius and Calgar with heroes plus a full Assault Terminator unit, then Ballistus and Inceptors for shooting.
- 9th – Martin Hultgren – Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): Khornate comedy with maximum Flesh Hounds and triple Bloodmaster, plus the standard Fadethirster.
- 10th – Mikael Denoeuveglise – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Board presence focsued Votann with some extra infantry, Thunderkyn units, and two Hearthguard/Land Fortress setups.
ValleyCon 2025
54-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand on April 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Hamish Reeve – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER Char1: 1x Canis Rex (450 pts) Char2: 1x Cerastus Knight Atrapos (450 pts) BATTLELINE 1x Armiger Helverin (130 pts) 1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) 1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) 1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) ALLIED UNITS Char3: 1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts) 1x Sisters of Battle Immolator (115 pts) 1x Sisters of Battle Immolator (115 pts) 10x Sisters of Battle Squad (115 pts) 11x Subductor Squad (100 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Imperial Knights
+ DETACHMENT: Noble Lance
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+ ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Cerastus Knight Atrapos
+ ENHANCEMENT: Mysterious Guardian (on Char1: Cerastus Knight Atrapos)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 11
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (6×2) + (2×6) – Assassination: 3 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Canis Rex
1 with Chainbreaker las-impulsor, Chainbreaker multi-laser, Freedom’s Hand
• 1x Sir Hekhtur
1 with Close combat weapon, Hekhtur’s pistol
1 with Atrapos lascutter, Graviton singularity cannon
• Warlord
Enhancement: Mysterious Guardian (+25 pts)
1 with 2x Armiger autocannon, Armoured feet, Questoris heavy stubber
1 with Reaper chain-cleaver, Thermal spear, Questoris heavy stubber
1 with Reaper chain-cleaver, Thermal spear, Questoris heavy stubber
1 with Reaper chain-cleaver, Thermal spear, Questoris heavy stubber
1 with Neural shredder, Phase sword and poison blades
1 with Armoured tracks, Heavy bolter, Hunter-killer missile, Immolation flamers
1 with Armoured tracks, Heavy bolter, Hunter-killer missile, Immolation flamers
• 1x Sister Superior
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Inferno pistol
• 9x Battle Sister
6 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon
1 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Meltagun
• 9x Subductor
9 with Arbites shotpistol, Shock maul
• 1x Cyber-mastiff
1 with Mechanical bite
• 1x Proctor Subductor
1 with Arbites shotpistol, Shock maul
• Nuncio-aquila
Archetype
Knights and Agents
Thoughts
It’s not just Chaos Knights out there thriving, Imperial Knights also benefit from being able to bully tricksome elves, and can build fairly flexibly thanks to the deep pool of options the Imperial Agents roster gives them. This build is a nice example of the balance that can give you – two powerhouse big Knights allows you to go hard in games against foes that struggle to handle them, but you’ve got plenty of drops to control the board, and good defence-in-depth via the addition of multiple transports. Very much a best of both worlds situation, and that paid off for Hamish here.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Alex Cameron – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Mega monster mash with Be’lakor and all the big hits, plus Screamers for early objective play.
- 3rd – Liam Howe – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): One Warrior block, many Skorpekh and lots of reanimating herohammer.
- 4th – Alastair Helm – Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Genestealer and Warriors as pressure threats plus a big Zoanthrope squad.
- 5th – Richard Holman – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Cheap Characters, Vahl, Castigators and many Sacresants.
- 6th – Yilin Zhao – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Quad tooled-up Infantry bricks and a Bike squad with a Captain.
- 7th – Sam Wong – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Tank-focused Combined Arms goodstuff.
- 8th – Aaron Wilson – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Bloodcrusher spam with double Rendmaster to orchestrate full carnage.
- 9th – Liam Sampson – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Triple big with Canis, a Crusader and an Errant.
Broadsword Wargaming 40K ITC Seasonal Major VII
53-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Breaffy House Resort, MO, Ireland on April 26 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Mark Morrow – Orks (Taktikal Brigade) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Orks CHARACTERS Beastboss (80 Points) Beastboss (80 Points) Big Mek in Mega Armour (135 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 Points) Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 Points) BATTLELINE Beast Snagga Boyz (95 Points) Beast Snagga Boyz (95 Points) Stormboyz (65 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Flash Gitz (160 Points) Gretchin (80 Points) Gretchin (40 Points) Lootas (50 Points) Lootas (50 Points) Lootas (100 Points) Tankbustas (135 Points) Tankbustas (135 Points) Tankbustas (135 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.31.0 (1), Data Version: v589
Broadsword potential (2000 Points)
Taktikal Brigade
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
• 1x Beastchoppa
• 1x Shoota
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
• 1x Beastchoppa
• 1x Shoota
• Warlord
• 1x Grot Oiler
• 1x Kustom Force Field
• 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 1x Power klaw
• Enhancements: Mek Kaptin
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• 1x Da Grabzappa
• 1x Squigstoppa
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Slugga
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
◦ 1x Power snappa
◦ 1x Slugga
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Slugga
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
◦ 1x Power snappa
◦ 1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
◦ 4x Choppa
◦ 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Snazzgun
• 20x Gretchin
◦ 20x Close combat weapon
◦ 20x Grot blasta
• 2x Runtherd
◦ 2x Runtherd tools
◦ 2x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
◦ 1x Runtherd tools
◦ 1x Slugga
• 1x Spanner
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 4x Loota
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Deffgun
• 1x Spanner
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 4x Loota
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Deffgun
• 2x Spanner
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Kustom mega-blasta
• 8x Loota
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Deffgun
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Rokkit pistol
◦ 1x Smash hammer
• 5x Tankbusta
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Pulsa Rokkit
◦ 5x Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Rokkit pistol
◦ 1x Smash hammer
• 5x Tankbusta
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Pulsa Rokkit
◦ 5x Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Rokkit pistol
◦ 1x Smash hammer
• 5x Tankbusta
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Pulsa Rokkit
◦ 5x Rokkit launcha
Archetype
Shooty Taktikal Brigade
Thoughts
After a brief holiday to Dakkaland, shooty Orks are mostly reverting to Taktikal Brigade, which turns out to still be pretty good, even after taking nerfs. Tankbustas are still excellent for the price, and you get good, cheap board presence to go with them from Beast Snaggas in Trukks. Some amount of Dakkaland culture has even made its way back to Taktitopia, as people have noticed that Zodgrod’s Super Grots are an incredibly good unit even if you’re not abusing them with extra Waaagh’s. They help to patch over the hits that Taktikal took, and ensure that the build is still very much real. Good job Mark for importing some extra Taktiks and using them to achieve glorious and kunnin’ victory.
The Best of the Rest
There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Tristram Hills – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Extra large triple bigs with Canis, a Lancer and a teleporting Valiant (the hype is real, maybe?).
- 3rd – Bartosz Chmielewski – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager): Pesty all-rounder Reaper’s Wager that incorporates a full Shadowseer Troupe for annoying board presence and a couple of Voidweavers for evasive shooting.
- 4th – Stephan Richter – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Merely double bigs here, but one of them is a Castellan.
- 5th – Mur Magee – Space Marines (Gladius Task Force): Hull-heavy Gladius with lots of Gladiators, Vindicators and Ballistus, plus one roving Bladeguard unit.
- 6th – Tom Maher – Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): Be’lakor, a Bloodthirster and a full Accursed Commune as heavy hitters, then lots of various utility things plus a full Flamer/Exalted squad for Overwatch pressure.
- 7th – Ryan Lynch – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Double Mutalith, going for the all time metagame relevance high score.
- 8th – Jer Collins – Orks (Green Tide): One hundo’ Boyz and a Gargantuan Squiggoth. I will suspect my normal comical levels of hatred for all things Forge World to say that this owns.
- 9th – Gary Lynch – Chaos Daemons (Plague Legion): Maximum morale headache Legion centred around a GuO, Rotigus, and a full Plague Drone unit.
- 10th – Ben Keogh – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Combined Goodstuff with a big Krieg unit and double Dorn Commander as centrepieces.
Nidaros Grand Tournament ’25 – Warhammer 40k
43-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Trøndelag, Norge on April 26 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Thomas Harkestad – Tyranids (Assimilation Swarm) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Char1: 1x Deathleaper (80 pts): Lictor claws and talons 1x Biovores (50 pts): Chitin-barbed limbs, Spore mine launcher 1x Ripper Swarms (25 pts): Chitinous claws and teeth 1x Exocrine (140 pts): Bio-plasmic cannon, Powerful limbs
Hive Fleet Nøkken
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Tyranids
+ DETACHMENT: Assimilation Swarm
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Hive Tyrant
+ ENHANCEMENT: Instinctive Defense (on Char1: Hive Tyrant)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (4×2) + (4×4) – Assassination: 2 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 1x Hive Tyrant (240 pts): Warlord, Monstrous bonesword and lash whip, Heavy venom cannon
Enhancement: Instinctive Defense (+15 pts)
1x Lictor (60 pts): Lictor claws and talons
1x Lictor (60 pts): Lictor claws and talons
1x Neurolictor (80 pts): Piercing claws and talons
1x Pyrovores (40 pts): Chitin-barbed limbs, Flamespurt
1x Ripper Swarms (25 pts): Chitinous claws and teeth
1x Exocrine (140 pts): Bio-plasmic cannon, Powerful limbs
1x Haruspex (125 pts): Grasping tongue, Ravenous maw, Shovelling claws
1x Norn Assimilator (275 pts): Monstrous scything talons, Toxinjecter harpoon
1x Norn Emissary (260 pts): Monstrous rending claws, Monstrous scything talons, Psychic tendril
1x Tyrannofex (200 pts): Powerful limbs, Stinger salvoes, Rupture cannon
1x Tyrannofex (200 pts): Powerful limbs, Stinger salvoes, Rupture cannon
Archetype
Regenerating Monster Mash
Thoughts
Rounding out today’s lists, we have an Assimilation spin on Tyranid Monster mash, adding substantially improved performance against armies dealing chip damage, and being especially capable of just dominating objectives. In Assimilation, the Norn Harvester suddenly has the flexibility to move between objectives or use their offensive mode, as you can use Ablative Carapace to substitute for the Feel No Pain (also helping ensure they get where they need to be safely). Combine that with a free Heroic Fight First Hive Tyrant, and you can make life very tricky for more mid-weight armies to handle what you’re throwing down, and use the extra OC from the Norns to lock them out of scoring while doing so. Assimilation is genuinely great at this point, so definitely try it out if you haven’t (and especially if you want to use the Biggest Bugs), and well done to Thomas on the success.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Christopher Jacobsen – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Yncarne and lots of Aspect MSUs with a bit of extra Battleline from some Storm Guardians and double Voidreavers.
- 3rd – Alvin Lorentz Trondsen – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Eightboundless World Eaters with lots of Berzerkers and a full Terminator squad.
- 4th – Evhen Kokidko – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Melee jump pack herohammer Liberator.
- 5th – Leander Karlsen – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ): Footslogging herohammer Champions with some Gladiator Lancers in tow.
- 6th – Hans-Kristian Braun – Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Double Dorn Commander and a Russ Commander with more Russes and some Chimera-riding Infantry in support.
- 7th – Emil Sæternes – Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): Dread/Caladius spam plus one unit of Custodian Guard.
- 8th – Are Belsaas – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): No-Yncarne Ynnari with a full-bore Incubi block and some Wraithlords instead.
- 9th – Eric Kirkeeng – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Extra heavy infantry Bile to close out part 1, sporting a full Terminator unit and some Obliterators alongside the normal stuff.
Wrap Up
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