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.
It’s Saturday, and it would seem that the Knights are (mostly) off crushing a whole new weekend’s worth of tables, so we’ve got a bit more variety in top finishes today as we cover:
- Ironweld: Warhammer 40K Summer Assault ITC Major
- Beach Clash Major 2025
- Saskatchewan Open 2025
- HAWGHAMMER 40K GT
- Wyohammer 40k July Open ’25
In part 1 on Wednesday I looked at:
- II GT Ciudad De Avila
- Silver State Major ’25 – Warhammer 40K
- 3rd Annual Roc Hard GT
- Hell Pit Grand Tournament 2025
- Geek Shack Farewell Taylor GT
- Brighton 40k GT XII
Yesterday (Friday) Lowest of Men covered:
- Brawl in the Hall 2025
- Midsummer O.P.A. 2025 WH40K GT
- Rose City Rumble
- Viking Games – The Path of the Einherjar
- Nemesis 40k Summer 2025
Ironweld: Warhammer 40K Summer Assault ITC Major
67-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Wakefield, MA, United States on July 12 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Matthew Wood – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adeptus Custodes CHARACTERS Blade Champion (145 Points) Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armour (140 Points) Trajann Valoris (140 Points) BATTLELINE Custodian Guard (170 Points) Custodian Guard (170 Points) Custodian Guard (170 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Allarus Custodians (120 Points) Caladius Grav-tank (215 Points) Caladius Grav-tank (215 Points) Prosecutors (40 Points) Venatari Custodians (165 Points) Venatari Custodians (165 Points) Witchseekers (50 Points) ALLIED UNITS Inquisitor Draxus (95 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640
My “coach” Josh Winslow said this was a good list (2000 Points)
Lions of the Emperor
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancements: Superior Creation
• 1x Balistus grenade launcher
• 1x Castellan axe
• Enhancements: Admonimortis
• Warlord
• 1x Eagle’s Scream
• 1x Watcher’s Axe
• 4x Custodian Guard
◦ 3x Guardian spear
◦ 1x Misericordia
◦ 1x Praesidium Shield
◦ 1x Vexilla
• 4x Custodian Guard
◦ 3x Guardian spear
◦ 1x Misericordia
◦ 1x Praesidium Shield
◦ 1x Vexilla
• 4x Custodian Guard
◦ 3x Guardian spear
◦ 1x Misericordia
◦ 1x Praesidium Shield
◦ 1x Vexilla
• 2x Allarus Custodian
◦ 2x Balistus grenade launcher
◦ 2x Guardian spear
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon
• 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon
• 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior
◦ 1x Boltgun
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor
◦ 3x Boltgun
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
• 3x Venatari Custodian
◦ 3x Venatari lance
• 3x Venatari Custodian
◦ 3x Venatari lance
• 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Witchseeker flamer
• 3x Witchseeker
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Witchseeker flamer
• 1x Dirgesinger
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Psychic Tempest
Archetype
Guard-heavy Lions
Thoughts
Our headliner today are the Adeptus Custodes, taking a trophy with a build that shakes up the standard Warden-maxing template a bit. Taking all Custodian Guard as your Infantry weakens you a little against all-comers, but access to Wound re-rolls (especially for Trajann in one unit) is key in the prevalent Knight matchups, making the dependable Guard very attractive. It also shaves some points, allowing some Venatari to squeeze in for extra board presence, and to help handle the Lords of Dread matchup, where 6OC of fast models with a free Rapid Ingress is perfect for un-stickying their objectives. This seems like a very smartly build Custodes list for the current metagame, so congratulations Matthew on the win.
Jeffrey Colpitts – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand PLAYER NAME: Jeff Colpitts CHARACTER Char1: 1x Be’lakor (375 pts) Char2: 1x Skarbrand (305 pts) Char3: 1x Great Unclean One (295 pts) Char4: 1x Rendmaster on Blood Throne (165 pts) BATTLELINE 6x Nurglings (70 pts) 3x Nurglings (40 pts) 10x Plaguebearers (110 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 6x Bloodcrushers (220 pts) 1x Beasts of Nurgle (65 pts) 1x Beasts of Nurgle (65 pts) 1x Beasts of Nurgle (65 pts) 5x Flesh Hounds (75 pts) 5x Flesh Hounds (75 pts) 5x Flesh Hounds (75 pts)
List Name: Time To Test Your Screen.
TEAM NAME: AP Zero Tactics
FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – Chaos Daemons
DETACHMENT: Daemonic Incursion
TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ WARLORD: Char1: Be’lakor
+ ENHANCEMENT: The Endless Gift (on Char1: Great Unclean One)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 14
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (3×6) – Assassination: 4
1 with Betraying Shades, The Blade of Shadows
• Warlord
1 with Bellow of endless fury, Slaughter and Carnage
1 with Putrid vomit, Bilesword, Bileblade
Enhancement: The Endless Gift (+45 pts)
1 with Attendant’s hellblades, Blade of blood
• 6x Nurgling Swarm
6 with Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
3 with Diseased claws and teeth
• 9x Plaguebearer
7 with Plaguesword
1 with Plaguesword
• Instrument of Chaos
1 with Plaguesword
• Daemonic Icon
• 1x Plagueridden
1 with Plaguesword
• 5x Bloodcrusher
3 with Hellblade, Juggernaut’s bladed horn
1 with Hellblade, Juggernaut’s bladed horn
• Instrument of Chaos
1 with Hellblade, Juggernaut’s bladed horn
• Daemonic Icon
• 1x Bloodhunter
1 with Hellblade, Juggernaut’s bladed horn
• 1x Beast of Nurgle
1 with Putrid appendages
• 1x Beast of Nurgle
1 with Putrid appendages
• 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
• 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 with Bloodcrushers
Thoughts
As the name here suggests, this build can occupy space with the big Great Unclean One till the opponent messes up, at which point they’ll get to experience Skarbrand or some souped-up Bloodcrushers hitting them with a 6″ charge, and presumably regret their life choices. Lots of Flesh Hounds also means it’s got a tonne of scoring flexibility while Beasts provide great screening and this seems like an excellent all-rounder spin on Daemons. Well done to Jeffrey on second place.
George Gennis – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Captain in Gravis Armour (90 Points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) Marneus Calgar (200 Points) Roboute Guilliman (320 Points) BATTLELINE Intercessor Squad (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Company Heroes (105 Points) Gladiator Reaper (160 Points) Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) Invader ATV (60 Points) Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640
Diet Ultras: now with 66% less CP! (2000 Points)
Ultramarines
Gladius Task Force
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Boltstorm gauntlet
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Relic fist
• Enhancements: Artificer Armour
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Marneus Calgar
◦ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard
◦ 2x Victrix power sword
• Warlord
• 1x Emperor’s Sword
• 1x Hand of Dominion
• 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 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 Ancient
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Bolt rifle
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Company Champion
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 2x Company Veteran
◦ 2x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle
◦ 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 2x Tempest bolter
• 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon
• 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
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 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
• 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
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
◦ 1x Storm Shield
◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
◦ 4x Storm Shield
◦ 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon
Archetype
Bobby G’s Extra Heavy Gun Club
Thoughts
Guilliman just loves watching big tanks shoot stuff, and he’s not going to stop because of a few little nerfs. This list does exactly what it looks like it does – blasts foes into oblivion with double Oaths, and counter-charges them with the Primarch and Calgar if they get too close. Not complicated, but tried and tested as a strategy, and this version goes even heavier than most with RepExes, ready to punish enemy Knights. Good stuff from George.
Ari C – Tyranids (Subterranean Assault) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x The Swarmlord (220 pts): Warlord, Bone Sabres, Synaptic Pulse 10x Gargoyles (85 pts): 10 with Blinding venom, Fleshborer 1x Biovores (50 pts): Chitin-barbed limbs, Spore mine launcher
Next day shipping with (Trygon) Prime!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Tyranids
+ DETACHMENT: Subterranean Assault
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: The Swarmlord
+ ENHANCEMENT: Trygon Prime (on Char3: Trygon)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 15
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (6×2) + (1×4) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char2: 5x Hyperadapted Raveners (165 pts)
• 4x Ravener
3 with Ravener, Ravener heavy claws and talons
1 with Ravener, Ravener heavy claws and talons, Venom bolt
• 1x Ravener Prime: Prime claws and talons
Char3: 1x Neurotyrant (105 pts): Neurotyrant claws and lashes, Psychic scream
Char4: 1x Trygon (160 pts): Trygon Character upgrade, Bio-electric pulse, Trygon scything talons
Enhancement: Trygon Prime (+20 pts)
1x Lictor (60 pts): Lictor claws and talons
1x Neurolictor (80 pts): Piercing claws and talons
5x Raveners (125 pts): 5 with Ravener claws and talons
5x Raveners (125 pts): 5 with Ravener claws and talons
6x Zoanthropes (200 pts)
• 1x Neurothrope: Chitinous claws and teeth, Warp blast
• 5x Zoanthrope: 5 with Chitinous claws and teeth, Warp blast
1x Haruspex (125 pts): Grasping tongue, Ravenous maw, Shovelling claws
1x Haruspex (125 pts): Grasping tongue, Ravenous maw, Shovelling claws
1x Norn Emissary (260 pts): Monstrous rending claws, Monstrous scything talons, Psychic tendril
1x Psychophage (110 pts): Psycholastic torrent, Talons and betentacled maw
Archetype
Burrowing Goodstuff
Thoughts
Subterranean Assault goes from strength to strength, with the combination of being able to throw big threats on the opponent’s doorstep and powerful teleporting shooting proving very effective. Not massively surprising when you put it like that, but very cool to see Tyranids have a solid all-round option they can take that isn’t just Invasion Fleet. Love the Norn here too, great for causing problems on purpose. Well done to Ari on taking fourth place.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Jack Murphy – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Double Fort, double big bike block Votann.
- 6th – Drew Salzborn – T’au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack): The increasingly popular setup of Krootox, Hammerheads and Sky Rays.
- 7th – Andre Freitas – Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Double Dorn Commander and Russes with Kasrkin goodstuff support.
- 8th – Aidan McGrath – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Mortarion Vectorium goodstuff.
- 9th – Jared Vail – Emperor’s Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Double Prince, double Maulerfiend Coterie.
- 10th – Eric Hoerger – Emperor’s Children (Peerless Bladesmen): Heavy melee Bladesmen with Fulgrim and three Maulerfiends.
- 11th – Brendan Coster – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Triple Wraiths and triple Doomsdays with solo Skorpekh Lords as trade pieces.
Beach Clash Major 2025
40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Wangels, SH, Deutschland on July 12 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Andre Fischer – Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Knights CHARACTERS Chaos Cerastus Knight Atrapos (385 Points) Knight Despoiler (345 Points) Knight Rampager (360 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS War Dog Karnivore (140 Points) War Dog Karnivore (140 Points) War Dog Karnivore (140 Points) War Dog Stalker (140 Points) ALLIED UNITS Nurglings (40 Points) Nurglings (40 Points) Rotigus (250 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640
Alles wird aus Hack gemacht ! Hack Hack Hack (1980 Points)
Lords of Dread
Strike Force (2.000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Atrapos lascutter
• 1x Graviton singularity cannon
• Enhancements: Mirror of Fates
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
• 1x Despoiler gatling cannon
• 1x Despoiler gatling cannon
• 1x Heavy darkflamer
• 1x Heavy darkflamer
• 1x Ruinspear rocket pod
• 1x Titanic feet
• Enhancements: Warp-borne Stalker
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
• 1x Reaper chainsword
• 1x Warpstrike claw
• Enhancements: Throne Mechanicum of Skulls
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Reaper chaintalon
• 1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Reaper chaintalon
• 1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Reaper chaintalon
• 1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Avenger chaincannon
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Reaper chaintalon
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
◦ 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
◦ 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Gnarlrod
• 1x Streams of brackish filth
Archetype
Rotigus Lords of Dread
Thoughts
Up next, we have a Lords of Dread list that’s leaning in on their sticky objective Strategem, going wider around the board than normal with some Karnivores, and adding Rotigus to make it a nightmare to un-sticky an objective in a fairly wide area. The combination of the Mirror aura and Rotigus is just a total screaming nightmare to play into, and any foe trying to devise a cunning way around it has to contend with the threat of an Advance/Charge Rampager or a teleporting Despoiler, both vicious counterpunches. Truly a diabolical assemblage here, well done to Andre on taking a trophy with it!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
- 2nd (4.5-0.5) – Fred Otto – Chaos Knights (Unknown Detachment): No list submitted. Shameful. Presumably because it’s WTC season it’s being hidden from global espionage. Still shameful.
- 3rd – Malte Höfs – Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): Heavy Infantry maxing with three full Scarab/Sorcerer blocks, one now able to Infiltrate thanks to the FAQ.
- 4th – Niklas Frerichs – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): MSU jump pack spam using lots of small Death Company units with DC Captains, plus a couple of backup Gladiator Lancers for heavy stuff.
- 5th – Ben Hackländer – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): An unusual go-wide MSU Terminator Champions list, even bringing in a trio of Blightlords to shave some points instead of a third Deathshroud unit.
- 6th – Patrick Schmitt – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): All-rounder Invasion Fleet with a Tyrant tag-team, various monsters, a big Hormagaunt squad and a unit each fo the two Ravener flavours, able to work independently or voltron together to murder Knights as needed.
Saskatchewan Open 2025
36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Saskatoon, SK, Canada on July 12 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
John Holbrook – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Death Guard CHARACTERS Biologus Putrifier (45 Points) Foul Blightspawn (60 Points) Lord of Contagion (110 Points) Lord of Virulence (110 Points) Malignant Plaguecaster (75 Points) BATTLELINE Plague Marines (190 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) Plagueburst Crawler (195 Points) Plagueburst Crawler (195 Points) Plagueburst Crawler (195 Points) Poxwalkers (60 Points) Poxwalkers (60 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640
Indirect Fire is a Balanced and Healthy Rule Entirely Necessary for the Narrative Flavor of the Game of Warhammer 40000, Thank You Games Workshop, Very Cool (2000 Points)
Mortarion’s Hammer
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Hyper blight grenades
• 1x Injector pistol
• 1x Plague knives
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Plague sprayer
• 1x Manreaper
• Warlord
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Twin plague spewer
• Enhancements: Tendrilous Emissions
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Corrupted staff
• 1x Plague Wind
• Enhancements: Shriekworm Familiar
• 1x Plague Champion
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x Plague Marine
◦ 2x Blight launcher
◦ 3x Heavy plague weapon
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 9x Plague knives
◦ 2x Plague spewer
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
◦ 1x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
◦ 2x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Bile spurt
• 1x Gnashing maw
• 1x Missile launcher
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Bile spurt
• 1x Gnashing maw
• 1x Missile launcher
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy slugger
• 1x Plagueburst mortar
• 2x Plaguespitter
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy slugger
• 1x Plagueburst mortar
• 2x Plaguespitter
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy slugger
• 1x Plagueburst mortar
• 2x Plaguespitter
• 10x Poxwalker
◦ 10x Improvised weapon
• 10x Poxwalker
◦ 10x Improvised weapon
Archetype
Mortarion’s Hammer with Plague Marines
Thoughts
Mostly the standard Hammer build up next, but swapping out a Deathshroud unit and some change for a Rhino full of Plague Marines, providing solid staging threat projection and (via the Blightspawn) a powerful Fight First threat to push back against any foe that tries to overrun the Daemon Engines. Seems like a solid way to adapt to some possible counters, and given that John went through Drukhari, Custodes and Black Templars over the event, seems to have paid off!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Anthony Richardson – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Double Talos Skysplinter with some extra guns from Ravagers hiding behind them.
- 3rd – Garret Olson – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Jump pack melee spam with two big Death Company units and smaller Sanguinary Guard squads in support.
- 4th – James Walsh – Dark Angels (Company of Hunters): Ravenwing/Centurion Company, which is apparently just a thing we’re doing now. Hell why not, getting lots of good grav on the table rules at the moment, and this list goes extra hard on that with a Devastator squad as well.
- 5th – Darren Jac – Orks (War Horde): The timeless joy of a Ghaz-led mechanised melee War Horde.
- 6th – Michael Williams – Aeldari (Warhost): Aspects and Phoenix Lords in Transports, including one big Fire Dragon unit.
HAWGHAMMER 40K GT
33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Rogers, AR, United States on July 12 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Linchpin – Search and Destroy
Eli Harvey – Space Marines (Astartes) (Anvil Siege Force) Space Marines CHARACTERS Apothecary Biologis (85 points) Darnath Lysander (100 points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) Tor Garadon (90 points) BATTLELINE Intercessor Squad (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Aggressor Squad (220 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Gladiator Lancer (160 points) Gladiator Lancer (160 points) Repulsor Executioner (220 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Terminator Assault Squad (360 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 points) Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v640
Army List - Click to Expand
IF 2.24 Lysander (1995 points)
Imperial Fists
Strike Force (2000 points)
Anvil Siege Force
• Warlord
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancement: Stoic Defender
• 1x Fist of Dorn
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Artificer grav-gun
1x Hand of Defiance
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Intercessor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Aggressor Sergeant
• 1x Auto boltstorm gauntlets
1x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Twin power fists
• 5x Aggressor
• 5x Auto boltstorm gauntlets
5x Fragstorm grenade launcher
5x Twin power fists
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Lancer laser destroyer
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Lancer laser destroyer
• 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
• 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 Assault Terminator Sergeant
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Thunder hammer
• 9x Assault Terminator
• 9x Storm Shield
9x Thunder hammer
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
vs.
Peyton Preece – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Benefictus (70 Points) Benefictus (70 Points) Benefictus (85 Points) Biophagus (70 Points) Biophagus (50 Points) Kelermorph (60 Points) Kelermorph (60 Points) Primus (100 Points) Reductus Saboteur (65 Points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Goliath Truck (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640
Army List - Click to Expand
Host (2000 Points)
Host of Ascension
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• Enhancements: Assassination Edict
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• Enhancements: Our Time is Nigh
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Liberator autostubs
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Liberator autostubs
• 1x Cult bonesword
• 1x Scoped needle pistol
• 1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancements: A Chink In Their Armour
• Warlord
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Demolition charges
• 1x Remote explosives
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 4x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 4x Hand flamer
• 1x Neophyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
◦ 19x Autopistol
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Grenade launcher
◦ 11x Hybrid firearm
◦ 2x Mining laser
◦ 2x Seismic cannon
◦ 2x Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
◦ 19x Autopistol
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Grenade launcher
◦ 11x Hybrid firearm
◦ 2x Mining laser
◦ 2x Seismic cannon
◦ 2x Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
◦ 19x Autopistol
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Flamer
◦ 11x Hybrid firearm
◦ 2x Mining laser
◦ 2x Seismic cannon
◦ 2x Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
◦ 19x Autopistol
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Grenade launcher
◦ 11x Hybrid firearm
◦ 2x Mining laser
◦ 2x Seismic cannon
◦ 2x Webber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Demolition charge cache
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Spotter
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Spotter
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Metamorph Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Hybrid Metamorph
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 8x Hand flamer
◦ 9x Metamorph mutations
• 1x Metamorph Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Hybrid Metamorph
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 8x Hand flamer
◦ 9x Metamorph mutations
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
◦ 5x Cult claws and talons
Thoughts
A properly on-theme Anvil force here, with Lysander leading a host of big guns and other heavy hitters to brutalise an increasingly heavy metagame. Unfortunately, that is not what the devious Genestalers have brought along, and thus they need to pivot to withstanding and murdering a horde.
That doesn’t seem totally out of the question, as they do have some good tools here. Anvil’s Stratagems have quite a bit to offer, as bugging out from Combat at the end of the Fight Phase stops you getting tarpitted, and the Shoot Back stratagem (in combination with Aggressors and Armour of Contempt) makes the maths for the Cult a bit dicey. They really don’t want to lose half a unit to a revenge volley, as it messes with their abilty to use Back to the Shadows, as does the more broad fact that the Aggressors just pick up whatever target they look at across the entire list. Even just firing Overwatch they’re real terrors here, as the Biologis means that every hit counts, and every hit is going to punk out a dumb Cultist
My suspicion is that the cult can still concentrate enough violence to just about push through, but if the Fists are savvy about positioning they can make a real go of it by occupying a couple of objectives in force. I think the biggest issue is that if the Cult go second, they’re very likely to be able to do a big swing turn at the end, whereas the same isn’t going to be true of the Fists, as at some point their mobile stuff is going to die. The Cult are also just better at Secondaries here, which further tilts things in their favour. I do wonder if the Fists have a route to victory by slow-rolling Assassinate/baby Cleanse as fixed, using Challenger Cards to try and keep parity on score otherwise, and they did put up a pretty solid fight, but the Cult were able to swarm them to death eventually.
Result
Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) Victory – 79 – 67
Peyton Preece – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Benefictus (70 Points) Benefictus (70 Points) Benefictus (85 Points) Biophagus (70 Points) Biophagus (50 Points) Kelermorph (60 Points) Kelermorph (60 Points) Primus (100 Points) Reductus Saboteur (65 Points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Goliath Truck (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640
Host (2000 Points)
Host of Ascension
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• Enhancements: Assassination Edict
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• Enhancements: Our Time is Nigh
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Liberator autostubs
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Liberator autostubs
• 1x Cult bonesword
• 1x Scoped needle pistol
• 1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancements: A Chink In Their Armour
• Warlord
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Demolition charges
• 1x Remote explosives
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 4x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 4x Hand flamer
• 1x Neophyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
◦ 19x Autopistol
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Grenade launcher
◦ 11x Hybrid firearm
◦ 2x Mining laser
◦ 2x Seismic cannon
◦ 2x Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
◦ 19x Autopistol
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Grenade launcher
◦ 11x Hybrid firearm
◦ 2x Mining laser
◦ 2x Seismic cannon
◦ 2x Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
◦ 19x Autopistol
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Flamer
◦ 11x Hybrid firearm
◦ 2x Mining laser
◦ 2x Seismic cannon
◦ 2x Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
◦ 19x Autopistol
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Grenade launcher
◦ 11x Hybrid firearm
◦ 2x Mining laser
◦ 2x Seismic cannon
◦ 2x Webber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Demolition charge cache
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Spotter
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Spotter
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Metamorph Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Hybrid Metamorph
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 8x Hand flamer
◦ 9x Metamorph mutations
• 1x Metamorph Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Hybrid Metamorph
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 8x Hand flamer
◦ 9x Metamorph mutations
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
◦ 5x Cult claws and talons
Archetype
Horde Cult with Metamorphs
Thoughts
Glorious victory for the people’s revolution here, combining a standard horde Host core with two fully loaded up Biophagus/Metamorph units. My assumption is that this is part of the general metagame theme of exploring the cheapest things you can put in builds to give big Knights pause for thought, and being able to go for 5+ Critical Lethal Hits between the Biophagus and the Primed and Readied Stratagem certainly helps on that. It doesn’t do the trick alone, but it gives you a pretty reliable way to finish a job other units have started, and the squad with Our Time is Nigh is just a headache for opponents to plan around whatever. The units also still get to load up on flamers, so they’re generically good harrassment all the time. Seems like a neat addition to the recipe overall, and clearly worked here, good job Peyton!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Brent Simon – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer): Deathshrouds and cheap Daemon Engines.
- 3rd – Eli Harvey – Imperial Fists (Anvil Siege Force): See Showdown.
- 4th – Georde Murray – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, a Lancer and Armigers.
- 5th – Tyler Evans – Aeldari (Windrider Host): Fully 36 shuriken cannon Windriders (with various War Walkers and Warlocks to boost lethality) and some Shining Spears to help with the Knight matchup.
Wyohammer 40k July Open ’25
27-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Laramie, WY, United States on July 12 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Adam Tricola – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Captain with Jump Pack (75 points) Chaplain (85 points) Chaplain with Jump Pack (75 points) Commander Dante (120 points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) The Sanguinor (140 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) Gladiator Lancer (160 points) Gladiator Lancer (160 points) Infiltrator Squad (100 points) Sanguinary Guard (110 points) Sanguinary Guard (240 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 points) Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v640
Blood Angel Madness (2000 points)
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Liberator Assault Group
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Crozius arcanum
• Enhancement: Speed of the Primarch
• 1x Crozius arcanum
1x Plasma pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Perdition Pistol
1x The Axe Mortalis
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Encarmine broadsword
• 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
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
• 4x Astartes chainsword
3x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol
• 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
• 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Master-crafted power weapon
1x Neo-volkite pistol
• 5x Bladeguard Veteran
• 5x Heavy bolt pistol
5x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Lancer laser destroyer
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Lancer laser destroyer
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
• 2x Angelus boltgun
3x Encarmine blade
1x Inferno pistol
1x Sanguinary Banner
• 6x Sanguinary Guard
• 4x Angelus boltgun
6x Encarmine blade
2x Inferno pistol
1x Sanguinary Banner
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
• 4x Storm Shield
4x Vanguard Veteran weapon
Archetype
Liberator Goodstuff
Thoughts
Some Blood Angels to round us out, exemplifying some of the current trends by packing Lancers as a heavy firepower option (unsurprising with Knights around), and squeezing in three different heavy melee threats between the Jump Intercessors, Sanguinary Guard and Chaplain-packing Bladeguard. Thanks to the Detachment Rule and Stratagems, any of these hit hard enough to cause concern for any targets, and if you want a more melee-focused Marine build, this sort of Liberator list is definitely what you want to be considering. Great work Adam!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Colin Kay – Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread): Five bigs (three Atrapos, a despoiler and a Lancer) ready to crush everyone except (narrowly) the Blood Angels.
- 3rd – Matthew Murrell – T’au Empire (Mont’ka): A very adaptable and speedy Crisis toolbox and Hammerhead build.
- 4th – Phillip Schwan – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Plague Marines and the cheap Daemon Engines.
- 5th – Will Greiner – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): A more melee/go-wide spin on Host than the norm, only running two big blocks and instead bringing some Aberrants and extra board presence.
Wrap Up
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