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.
A shorter week this week with just five events firing while the rest of the Warhammer community spent the Easter break with their families. In this part we will cover:
- Glasshammer Major
- Gothcon 40k Open
Part one covers our other events this week:
- Wet Coast GT 2025 – 40k Champs
- Dark Sphere April 40k GT
- Nerd Bar Spring GT
Glasshammer Major – Birmingham
All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Blood Angels versus Ultramarines
Josh Roberts – Blood Angels (Liberation Assault Group) Space Marines CHARACTERS Captain (115 points) Chaplain (85 points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 points) Impulsor (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) Outrider Squad (80 points) Outrider Squad (80 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points)
Army List - Click to Expand
BA Glasshammer GT List (2000 points)
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Liberator Assault Group
• 1x Neo-volkite pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Rage-fuelled Warrior
• Warlord
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Crozius arcanum
• Enhancement: Speed of the Primarch
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield Dome
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield Dome
• 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 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 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 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 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 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 Outrider Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Outrider Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Combat knife
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Combat knife
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Power fist
1x Sternguard bolt pistol
1x Sternguard bolt rifle
• 4x Sternguard Veteran
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Sternguard bolt pistol
3x Sternguard bolt rifle
1x Sternguard heavy bolter
vs.
Chris Radford – Space Marines (Gladius Task Force) UM Gladius – Glasshammer (1995 points) Space Marines CHARACTERS Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) Roboute Guilliman (345 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Desolation Squad (200 points) Gladiator Reaper (160 points) Incursor Squad (80 points) Incursor Squad (80 points) Vindicator (185 points) Vindicator (185 points)
Army List - Click to Expand
Ultramarines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• Warlord
• 1x Emperor’s Sword
1x Hand of Dominion
• 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 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 Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Desolation Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Castellan launcher
1x Close combat weapon
1x Vengor launcher
• 4x Desolation Marine
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Castellan launcher
4x Close combat weapon
4x Superkrak rocket launcher
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
2x Tempest bolter
1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon
• 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 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 Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
Thoughts
A spicy game here putting one of the longer standing Marines builds against something altogether new and spicy. Fitting, really, that Josh, architect of the old, comes to bat here with the new against Chris! Ultramarines Gladius remains very potent, lots of output, Gulliman for force multiplying and mini-game antics, and Desolators for picking off hard to reach targets. It can’t afford a serious asset loss situation and you have to make every component sing, but the raw output is undeniable.
In the BA corner, an absolute wave of flying trash out ahead of transports and Bladeguard commits you to a pretty singular plan – stage, and go. If this connects en masse it is going to leave smoking craters in places pretty quickly. I am loathe to say this is a first turn game but between the massed stage and fight approach of the BA, and the Desolator antics of the Ultramarines, first turn momentum does feel pretty crucial for getting the party started before bad things can happen to you. In the event, it appears that the BA simply overran the Ultramarines – if you have a turn where you need to clear most of the BA army (a task even double Oaths will struggle with), then there will always be risk of this!
Result
Blood Angels Victory – 20-0
Josh Roberts – Blood Angels – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand BA Glasshammer GT List (2000 points) Space Marines CHARACTERS Captain (115 points) Chaplain (85 points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 points) Impulsor (80 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) Outrider Squad (80 points) Outrider Squad (80 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points)
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Liberator Assault Group
• 1x Neo-volkite pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Rage-fuelled Warrior
• Warlord
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Crozius arcanum
• Enhancement: Speed of the Primarch
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield Dome
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield Dome
• 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 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 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 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 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 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 Outrider Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Outrider Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
• 2x Astartes chainsword
2x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Combat knife
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Combat knife
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Power fist
1x Sternguard bolt pistol
1x Sternguard bolt rifle
• 4x Sternguard Veteran
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Sternguard bolt pistol
3x Sternguard bolt rifle
1x Sternguard heavy bolter
Archetype
Bladeguard Spam BA
Thoughts
Brutal BA combat, proving the Liberation Assault Group remains powerful even after recent adjustments. Big packs of Assault Jump Pack Intercessors are ideal for sweeping aside units like Howling Banshees – kill the majority of the squad on impact and Fights First simply isn’t going to matter! Bladeguard have officially landed at ‘so cheap you might as well run 18’, and I think we will all suffer for it in the short term. I like the include of the Rage Fuelled captain with Sternguard so he can blitz regardless of positioning near objectives. Amazing work on the event win!
Christopher Radford – Ultramarines – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand UM Gladius – Glasshammer (1995 points) Space Marines CHARACTERS Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) Roboute Guilliman (345 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) Desolation Squad (200 points) Gladiator Reaper (160 points) Incursor Squad (80 points) Incursor Squad (80 points) Vindicator (185 points) Vindicator (185 points) Exported with App Version: v1.31.0 (76), Data Version: v589
Ultramarines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• Warlord
• 1x Emperor’s Sword
1x Hand of Dominion
• 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 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 Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter
• 1x Desolation Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Castellan launcher
1x Close combat weapon
1x Vengor launcher
• 4x Desolation Marine
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Castellan launcher
4x Close combat weapon
4x Superkrak rocket launcher
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
2x Tempest bolter
1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon
• 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 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 Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
Archetype
Ultramarines Gladius with Desos
Thoughts
A powerful, well established meta-entity, Ultramarines Gladius continues to boss proceedings at the top of the game. Marines in general seem to be able to compete with quite an array of builds right now. Double Incursors get some early pressure on and amp up the vehicles to greater potential. The list seems well suited for going toe-to-toe with a whole host of enemies. Well done Chris!
Vik Vijay – Aeldari – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Vik | Ignite | Fireside 40K Aeldari CHARACTERS Autarch (75 Points) Autarch (75 Points) Autarch (75 Points) The Visarch (90 Points) Yvraine (100 Points) BATTLELINE Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Wave Serpent (125 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Dark Reapers (195 Points) Dark Reapers (90 Points) Fire Dragons (110 Points) Howling Banshees (90 Points) Howling Banshees (90 Points) Howling Banshees (90 Points) Rangers (55 Points) Swooping Hawks (170 Points) Swooping Hawks (170 Points) Warp Spiders (95 Points) Warp Spiders (95 Points) Ynnari Incubi (150 Points)
Devoted of Ynnead
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Star glaive
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Star glaive
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Star glaive
• 1x Asu-var
• Warlord
• 1x Kha-vir
• 1x Storm of Whispers
• 1x Voidreaver Felarch
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Mistshield
â—¦ 1x Neuro disruptor
â—¦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Corsair Voidreaver
â—¦ 1x Blaster
â—¦ 4x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 3x Power sword
â—¦ 4x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Shuriken cannon
• 1x Twin bright lance
• 1x Wraithbone hull
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Missile launcher
• 9x Dark Reaper
â—¦ 9x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 9x Reaper launcher
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Missile launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
â—¦ 4x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 4x Reaper launcher
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Firepike
• 4x Fire Dragon
â—¦ 4x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 4x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
â—¦ 1x Executioner
â—¦ 1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
â—¦ 4x Banshee blade
â—¦ 4x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
â—¦ 1x Executioner
â—¦ 1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
â—¦ 4x Banshee blade
â—¦ 4x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
â—¦ 1x Executioner
â—¦ 1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
â—¦ 4x Banshee blade
â—¦ 4x Shuriken pistol
• 5x Ranger
â—¦ 5x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 5x Long rifle
â—¦ 5x Shuriken pistol
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hawk’s talon
• 9x Swooping Hawk
â—¦ 9x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 9x Lasblaster
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hawk’s talon
• 9x Swooping Hawk
â—¦ 9x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 9x Lasblaster
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Death weavers
â—¦ 1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
â—¦ 4x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 4x Death spinner
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Death weavers
â—¦ 1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
â—¦ 4x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 4x Death spinner
• 1x Klaivex
â—¦ 1x Demiklaives
• 9x Incubi
â—¦ 9x Klaive
Archetype
Ynnari Hawk Bricks
Thoughts
An interesting spin on the conventional Ynnari MSU that packs in two big slabs of Swooping Hawks – the mortal wound scatter from these is very effective in the mirror and helps to brutalise a wider range of targets without being committed to an anti-tank role. It seems like Fire Dragons make way primarily here to fund more Reapers and Hawks – longer range and a wider range of target profiles all makes sense to me! Very well done on the top placing.
Samuel Smith – Chaos Space Marines – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHARACTER 1x Cypher (90 pts) 2x Fabius Bile (85 pts) 1x Chaos Lord (125 pts) 1x Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (80 pts) BATTLELINE 10x Cultist Mob (50 pts) 5x Legionaries (90 pts) 5x Legionaries (90 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 10x Chosen (250 pts) 10x Possessed (240 pts) 10x Possessed (240 pts) 5x Warp Talons (125 pts) 3x Chaos Bikers (70 pts) 1x Chaos Predator Destructor (140 pts) 1x Chaos Predator Destructor (140 pts) 1x Chaos Rhino (75 pts) 1x Chaos Rhino (75 pts) ALLIED UNITS 3x Nurglings (35 pts)
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – Chaos Space Marines
+ DETACHMENT: Creations of Bile
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ ALLIED UNITS: Legiones Daemonica
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Fabius Bile
+ ENHANCEMENT: Prime Test Subject (on Char1: Chaos Lord)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 17
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (4×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters – Cull The Horde: 3×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Cypher’s bolt pistol
• 1x Cypher’s plasma pistol
• 1x Fabius Bile
• 1x Rod of Torment
• 1x The Chirurgeon
• 1x Xyclos needler
• 1x Surgeon Acolyte
• 1x Surgeon Acolyte’s tools
• Warlord
• 1x Daemon hammer
• 1x Plasma pistol
• Prime Test Subject (+35 pts)
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Infernal Gaze
• 1x Combi-bolter
• Chaos Familiar
• 1x Cultist Champion
• 1x Brutal assault weapon
• 1x Autopistol
• 9x Cultist
• 9x Autopistol
• 9x Brutal assault weapon
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Heavy melee weapon
• 1x Plasma pistol
• Chaos icon
• 4x Legionary
• 2x Astartes chainsword
• 4x Bolt pistol
• 4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Heavy melee weapon
• 1x Lascannon
• 1x Aspiring Champion
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Heavy melee weapon
• 1x Plasma pistol
• Chaos icon
• 4x Legionary
• 2x Astartes chainsword
• 4x Bolt pistol
• 4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Heavy melee weapon
• 1x Lascannon
• 10x Chosen
• 6x Accursed weapon
• 6x Bolt pistol
• 4x Boltgun
• 4x Combi-weapon
• 2x Paired accursed weapons
• 4x Plasma pistol
• 2x Power fist
• Chaos icon
• 10x Possessed
• 10x Hideous mutations
• Chaos icon
• 10x Possessed
• 10x Hideous mutations
• Chaos icon
• 5x Warp Talon
• 5x Warp claws
• 1x Biker Champion
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Power fist
• Chaos icon
• 2x Biker
• 2x Close combat weapon
• 2x Combi-bolter
• 2x Flamer
• 2x Astartes chainsword
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Predator autocannon
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 2x Lascannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Predator autocannon
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 2x Lascannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
Archetype
Mixed Arms Bile
Thoughts
Creations of Bile tend towards an all-in approach, and this tempers it with a couple of gun tanks to keep opponents honest. One baby squad of Warp Talons feels a very nice include in a meta filled with T3 chaff running about, and otherwise the list doubles down on big bricks of murder. Lovely stuff.
The Best of the Rest
- 5th – Alex Ginns – Leagues of Votann:Â Basically everything Votann that isn’t Hearthguard!
- 6th – Byron 🔥🎲 Sidhu – Chaos Daemons: Daemonic Incursion monster mash.
- 7th – Sam Dickinson – World Eaters:Â All-in Eightbound rush.
- 8th – Zan Rashid – World Eaters:Â Twenty Terminators AND lots of Eightbound.
- 9th – Andy Quas-Cohen – Necrons:Â Awakened Dynasty Warrior brick shenanigans.
- 10th – Paulie Wallis – Drukhari:Â Reaper’s Drukhari with Incubi, a Court, and a brick of Harlequins.
- 11th – Kyle Grundy – T’au Empire:Â Massed Suits in Ret Cadre, hell yeah!
- 12th – Joshua P – Chaos Space Marines:Â Chaos Cult Accursed with a smattering of tanks.
- 13th – Tim Oliver-Duckhouse – Imperial Knights:Â Canis, Cerastus, lots of Armigers.
- 14th – Ray Harkins – Chaos Knights:Â A Rampager, lots of Dogs and some Daemons.
- 15th – Jack Downing – T’au Empire:Â Aux Cadre Tau with Rampagers and plenty of gun.
- 16th – Paul Stewart – World Eaters:Â Vessels Eightbound spam with some Maulerfiends.
- 17th – Darren Chapman – Drukhari:Â Talos / Cronos spam in Realspace Raiders – I quite enjoy the big Scourge squad with Heat Lances.
- 18th – Korben Lowthorpe – Black Templars:Â Gladius Templars with Emperor’s Champion / Sword Brethren in the mix.
Gothcon 40k Open
58-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Västra Götalands län, SE on April 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Emil Söderholm – Deathwatch (Unknown Detachment) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 1x Captain in Gravis Armour (110 pts): Warlord, Master-crafted Heavy Bolt Rifle, Master-crafted Power Weapon 10x Deathwatch Veterans (200 pts) 5x Deathwatch Terminator Squad (190 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Deathwatch
+ DETACHMENT: Black Spear Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Captain in Gravis Armour
+ ENHANCEMENT: The Tome of Ectoclades (on Char1: Captain in Gravis Armour)
& Thief of Secrets (on Char2: Judiciar)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 15
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (1×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters – Cull The Horde: 2×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Enhancement: The Tome of Ectoclades (+30 pts)
Char2: 1x Judiciar (95 pts): Absolver Bolt Pistol, Executioner Relic Blade
Enhancement: Thief of Secrets (+25 pts)
Char3: 1x Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 pts): Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Scoped Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
Char4: 1x Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 pts): Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Scoped Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
• 9x Model
3 with Astartes shield, Power weapon
4 with Deathwatch thunder hammer
2 with Close combat weapon, Infernus heavy bolter
• 1x Sgt: Astartes shield, Xenophase blade
5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts)
• 4x Intercessor
3 with Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon
1 with Astartes Grenade Launcher, Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist
• 4x Deathwatch Terminator
1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
3 with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter & Power Fist, Cyclone Missile Launcher
• 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant: Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
5x Deathwatch Terminator Squad (190 pts)
• 4x Deathwatch Terminator
1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
3 with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter & Power Fist, Cyclone Missile Launcher
• 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant: Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
5x Deathwatch Terminator Squad (190 pts)
• 4x Deathwatch Terminator
1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
3 with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter & Power Fist, Cyclone Missile Launcher
• 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant: Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
5x Incursor Squad (80 pts)
• 4x Incursor
3 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
1 with Haywire Mine, Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
• 1x Incursor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
5x Incursor Squad (80 pts)
• 4x Incursor
3 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
1 with Haywire Mine, Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
• 1x Incursor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades
10x Indomitor Kill Team (270 pts)
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolter
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Melta rifle
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta
3 with Flamestorm gauntlets, Twin power fists
10x Indomitor Kill Team (270 pts)
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolter
2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Melta rifle
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta
3 with Flamestorm gauntlets, Twin power fists
1x Invader ATV (60 pts): Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Twin Bolt Rifle, Multi-melta
1x Rhino (75 pts): Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter
Archetype
Deathwatch Kill Teams
Thoughts
Deathwatch continue to sneak about ticking off crucial missions at the top of the game at the moment. Uppy downy, bolstered shooting, and a very nice suite of tools to adapt to different situations goes a long way on them! They want boards where tasty angles can be found, and there is definitely collapse risk to a build running so few units in total. That makes this event win all the more impressive – really well done!
Victor Bergenholtz – Grey Knights (Warpbane Taskforce) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER 1x Castellan Crowe (90 pts) 1x Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) 1x Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) BATTLELINE 5x Strike Squad (120 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 5x Purifier Squad (125 pts) 10x Purifier Squad (250 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) ALLIED UNITS 1x Armiger Helverin (130 pts) 1x Armiger Helverin (130 pts) 1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Grey Knights
+ DETACHMENT: Warpbane Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+ ALLIED UNITS: Imperial Knights & Agents of the Imperium
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 12
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (7×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Black Blade of Antwyr
• 1x Purifying Flame
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
• 1x Heavy psycannon
• Warlord
• 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
• 1x Heavy psycannon
• 1x Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
• 1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
• 4x Storm bolter
• 1x Knight of the Flame
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
• 1x Purifying Flame
• 1x Storm bolter
• 4x Purifier
• 4x Nemesis force weapon
• 4x Purifying Flame
• 4x Storm bolter
• 1x Knight of the Flame
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
• 1x Purifying Flame
• 1x Storm bolter
• 9x Purifier
• 5x Nemesis force weapon
• 9x Purifying Flame
• 5x Storm bolter
• 4x Close combat weapon
• 4x Incinerator
• 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
• 1x Heavy psycannon
• 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
• 1x Heavy psycannon
• 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
• 1x Heavy psycannon
• 2x Armiger autocannon
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Neural shredder
• 1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
GK with Armigers
Thoughts
More teleporting Imperium mischief next, as Warpbane brings along a few Armigers to help anchor the midboard. OC 8 is a delicious thing to access on a single base, and alongside the Dreadknights it adds to the saturation of damage 3 available if opponents try to push. Much like Deathwatch, GK are hard to pilot right now but remain extremely versatile and deadly if able to get into their stride. Well done on the top placing.
Dag Samuelsson – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Blade Champion (120 Points) Blade Champion (120 Points) Blade Champion (120 Points) Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armour (155 Points) Trajann Valoris (140 Points) BATTLELINE Custodian Guard (170 Points) Custodian Guard (170 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Custodian Wardens (260 Points) Custodian Wardens (260 Points) Custodian Wardens (260 Points) Prosecutors (40 Points) Prosecutors (40 Points) Witchseekers (50 Points) ALLIED UNITS Inquisitor Draxus (95 Points)
Adeptus Custodes
Lions of the Emperor
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Vaultswords
• 1x Vaultswords
• 1x Vaultswords
• 1x Balistus grenade launcher
• 1x Guardian spear
• Enhancements: Superior Creation
• Warlord
• 1x Eagle’s Scream
• 1x Watcher’s Axe
• 4x Custodian Guard
â—¦ 3x Guardian spear
â—¦ 1x Misericordia
â—¦ 1x Praesidium Shield
â—¦ 1x Vexilla
• 4x Custodian Guard
â—¦ 4x Guardian spear
• 5x Custodian Warden
â—¦ 5x Guardian spear
â—¦ 1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
â—¦ 5x Guardian spear
â—¦ 1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
â—¦ 5x Guardian spear
â—¦ 1x Vexilla
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior
â—¦ 1x Boltgun
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor
â—¦ 3x Boltgun
â—¦ 3x Close combat weapon
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior
â—¦ 1x Boltgun
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor
â—¦ 3x Boltgun
â—¦ 3x Close combat weapon
• 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior
â—¦ 1x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 1x Witchseeker flamer
• 3x Witchseeker
â—¦ 3x Close combat weapon
â—¦ 3x Witchseeker flamer
• 1x Dirgesinger
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Psychic Tempest
Archetype
Lions Warden Spam
Thoughts
Lions brings a lot of new life to Custodes, but sometimes, you’ve just gotta jam some Wardens and get ready to make 4s. Triple Blade Champ Warden is exceptional on boards where it can carefully orchestrate one on ones, and this list packs some heft in behind it with two squads of Guard. A solo Allarus Captain is a nice choice- loads of fun to be had there! Really well done on the top placing.
Olof Svensson – Leagues of Votann (Unknown Detachment) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char1: 5x Brôkhyr Iron-master (85 pts) 10x Hearthkyn Warriors (100 pts) 10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Leagues of Votann
+ DETACHMENT: Oathband
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Einhyr Champion
+ ENHANCEMENT: Appraising Glare (on Char1: Brôkhyr Iron-master)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 14
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (3×2) + (2×4) – Assassination: 2 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 3x E-COG
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon
1 with Plasma torch
1 with Manipulator arms
Enhancement: Appraising Glare (+20 pts)
• 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master: Graviton hammer, Graviton rifle
• 1x Ironkyn Assistant: Close combat weapon, Las-beam cutter
Char2: 1x Einhyr Champion (60 pts): Warlord, Weavefield crest, Autoch-pattern combi-bolter, Darkstar axe
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
4 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Pan spectral scanner, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Medipack, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Comms array, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas rotary cannon*
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas auto rifle*
• 1x Theyn: Weavefield crest, Close combat weapon, Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon
10x Hearthkyn Warriors (100 pts)
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
4 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Pan spectral scanner, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Medipack, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Comms array, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas rotary cannon*
1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas auto rifle*
• 1x Theyn: Weavefield crest, Close combat weapon, Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon
8 with Concussion maul
2 with Mole grenade launcher, Concussion maul
10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts)
8 with Concussion maul
2 with Mole grenade launcher, Concussion maul
10x Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 pts)
8 with Close combat weapon, Bolt revolver and plasma knife
1 with APM launcher, Close combat weapon
1 with Close combat weapon, Magna-coil rifle
6x Hernkyn Pioneers (180 pts)
1 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Comms array, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
2 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Pan-spectral scanner, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Rollbar searchlight, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
6x Hernkyn Pioneers (180 pts)
1 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Comms array, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
2 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Pan-spectral scanner, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1 with Rollbar searchlight, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife
1x Hekaton Land Fortress (225 pts): Pan spectral scanner, Armoured wheels, MATR autocannon, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon
1x Hekaton Land Fortress (225 pts): Pan spectral scanner, Armoured wheels, MATR autocannon, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon
1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon
1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon
1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon
Archetype
Leagues of Votann Bezerk Forts
Thoughts
A build pioneered at last WTC, 20 Bezerks in Land Forts is no joke. These little guys punch up into almost anything, present a fight on death tarpit for MSU traders to drown in, and the Mole Launchers bring some nice indirect / slowing on top of that! 12 Pioneer bikers sit just behind absolutely hoovering things up. A really powerful, versatile build. Great work!
The Best of the Rest
There was 1 more players on a 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Björn Eriksson – Adeptus Custodes: Lions Warden spam.
Wrap Up
There we have it folks! Custodes assert some dominance, and a few of the niche Imperium picks break out amongst the usual suspects. Loads going on as we head into the summer of Chaos, get out and take names!
Lowest of Men, out.
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