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.
We got a big taste of the evolving european and UK metagame on Wenesday, so how are things shaking up across the Atlantic? Let’s find out. As a reminder, our schedule for this week is as follows.
Part 2 on Friday with Lowest of Men:
- Smite Club Open 2025 – 40K World Championships Qualifier
- Bloodshed Bay
- The Bendigo Open 2025
- Warhammer 40K Midtcon Fall 2025
- Battle in the Bush 11
- 6. 40KingsCup (OTV) Ironman
Part 1 on Wednesday with Wings:
- Bajío Open 40k 2025, El Bunker
- Italian Grand Tournament – Road to Atlanta
- Goonhammer Open UK September 2025
- 108. Bedburger Scheunenkloppen
- Pergőtűz Combined Arms PRO singles
- MAD Warhammer 40k GT 09.06 – 09.07
Part 3 on Saturday with Wings:
- Springs Thundercluckers September GT
- WarZone Houston
- Wasteland Wars GT 4
- The GR: Meme Team – 2025 GT
- 2025 Eagle Rock Open
Smite Club Open 2025 – 40K World Championships Qualifier
83-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Phoenix, AZ, United States on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Jason Flanzer – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Hexmark Destroyer (75 Points) Orikan the Diviner (80 Points) Royal Warden (70 Points) Skorpekh Lord (120 Points) Technomancer (80 Points) Technomancer (80 Points) BATTLELINE Necron Warriors (200 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Ghost Ark (115 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) Cryptothralls (60 Points) Doomsday Ark (200 Points) Doomsday Ark (200 Points) Flayed Ones (60 Points) Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 Points) Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675
Necrons
Awakened Dynasty
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols
• 1x Staff of Tomorrow
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Relic gauss blaster
• Enhancements: Nether-realm Casket
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
• 1x Flensing claw
• 1x Hyperphase harvester
• Enhancements: Enaegic Dermal Bond
• 1x Staff of light
• 1x Staff of light
• 20x Necron Warrior
◦ 20x Close combat weapon
◦ 20x Gauss reaper
• 1x Armoured bulk
• 2x Gauss flayer array
• 2x Atomiser beam
• 1x Reanimator’s claws
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
◦ 6x Particle caster
◦ 6x Vicious claws
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
◦ 6x Particle caster
◦ 6x Vicious claws
• 2x Cryptothrall
◦ 2x Scouring eye
◦ 2x Scythed limbs
• 1x Armoured bulk
• 1x Doomsday cannon
• 2x Gauss flayer array
• 1x Armoured bulk
• 1x Doomsday cannon
• 2x Gauss flayer array
• 5x Flayed One
◦ 5x Flayer claws
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Enmitic exterminator
• 3x Skorpekh Destroyer
◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons
Archetype
Awakened Dynasty Primary Bullies
Thoughts
The Necron book keeps on giving, and always seems to find a way through any given meta. It gets knocked down, but then it gets up again. You’re never going to keep it down. In this instance a very chunky Awakened build leaning into both the Orikan Warrior brick AND Wraiths for full primary dominance comes out on top. This list has tools that really bother both Imperial Knights and Elves, which is no bad thing in the current game. It may not love pure combat pressure, but it can spoil and drown a great many archetypes. Fantastic work on the event win!
Donovan Sailo – Grey Knights (Banishers) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Grey Knights CHARACTERS Brotherhood Librarian (100 Points) Castellan Crowe (90 Points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (225 Points) BATTLELINE Strike Squad (120 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Interceptor Squad (130 Points) Interceptor Squad (130 Points) Interceptor Squad (130 Points) Paladin Squad (225 Points) Purifier Squad (250 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 Points) Canis Rex (415 Points) Culexus Assassin (85 Points)
Kindly run it back! (2000 Points)
Banishers
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Vortex of Doom
• Enhancements: Pyresoul (Pychic)
• 1x Black Blade of Antwyr
• 1x Purifying Flame
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Heavy psycannon
• 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Sublimator
• 1x Justicar
◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 1x Storm bolter
• 4x Grey Knight
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Incinerator
◦ 3x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 3x Storm bolter
• 1x Interceptor Justicar
◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 1x Storm bolter
• 4x Interceptor
◦ 4x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 4x Storm bolter
• 1x Interceptor Justicar
◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 1x Storm bolter
• 4x Interceptor
◦ 4x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 4x Storm bolter
• 1x Interceptor Justicar
◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 1x Storm bolter
• 4x Interceptor
◦ 4x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 4x Storm bolter
• 1x Paragon
◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paladin Ancient
◦ 1x Ancient’s Banner
◦ 1x Incinerator
◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon
• 3x Paladin
◦ 1x Apothecary’s Narthecium
◦ 2x Incinerator
◦ 3x Nemesis force weapon
• 1x Knight of the Flame
◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 1x Purifying Flame
◦ 1x Storm bolter
• 9x Purifier
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Nemesis force weapon
◦ 4x Psycannon
◦ 9x Purifying Flame
◦ 5x Storm bolter
• 1x Neural shredder
• 1x Phase sword and poison blades
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
• 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
• 1x Freedom’s Hand
• 1x Animus speculum
• 1x Life-draining touch
Archetype
Banishers with Canis
Thoughts
A triumph for the ‘plug Canis in’ community, as GK plug Canis in! Banishers gives you some of that OG ‘mists of Deimos’ energy, relocating and bamboozling as you go. I like the Pyresoul enhancement for some extra mortal wounds too, which can be very clutch at a key moment. Otherwise the list basically shackles two thirds of a Warpbane offence (Purifier brick, Interceptors, Dreadknights) to the trickery of two Assassins and the heft and reach of Canis. A solid formula, very well done on the top placing!
Jacob Wagner – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER 3x The Silent King (420 pts) 1x Catacomb Command Barge (150 pts) 1x Technomancer (105 pts) 1x Technomancer (90 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 2x Cryptothralls (60 pts) 2x Cryptothralls (60 pts) 5x Flayed Ones (60 pts) 3x Ophydian Destroyers (80 pts) 2x Lokhust Destroyers (60 pts) 6x Canoptek Wraiths (220 pts) 6x Canoptek Wraiths (220 pts) 1x Canoptek Reanimator (75 pts) 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts) 1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Necrons
+ DETACHMENT: Starshatter Arsenal
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: The Silent King
+ ENHANCEMENT: Dread Majesty (on Char1: Catacomb Command Barge)
& Chrono-impedance Fields (on Char2: Technomancer)
& Demanding Leader (on Char3: Technomancer)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 14
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (4×2) + (1×6) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Szarekh
• 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory
• 1x Staff of Stars
• 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch
• Szarekh
• 2x Triarchal Menhir
• 2x Annihilator beam
• 2x Armoured bulk
• 2x Triarchal Menhir, 2x Triarchal Menhirs, Warlord
• 1x Gauss cannon
• 1x Overlord’s blade
• Resurrection orb
• Dread Majesty (+30 pts)
• 1x Staff of light
• Chrono-impedance Fields (+25 pts)
• 1x Staff of light
• Demanding Leader (+10 pts)
• 2x Cryptothrall
• 2x Scouring eye
• 2x Scythed limbs
• 2x Cryptothrall
• 2x Scouring eye
• 2x Scythed limbs
• 5x Flayed One
• 5x Flayer claws
• 3x Ophydian Destroyer
• 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons
• Plasmacyte
• 2x Lokhust Destroyer
• 2x Close combat weapon
• 2x Gauss cannon
• 6x Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
• 6x Vicious claws
• 6x Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
• 6x Vicious claws
• 2x Atomiser beam
• 1x Reanimator’s claws
• 1x Armoured bulk
• 1x Doomsday cannon
• 2x Gauss flayer array
• 1x Armoured bulk
• 1x Doomsday cannon
• 2x Gauss flayer array
Archetype
Old School Starshatter
Thoughts
More Necrons in third here, with a more conventional Starshatter list. Stick the Wraiths out, retaliate hard with a Silent King and some DDAs, and profit. The reactive move stratagem and bolstered offence go a long way here and this build is capable of scrapping with quite a wide chunk of the field. Solitary Ophidians as a scoring piece is always fun to see! Very well done on the top placing.
Wyatt Harris – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Benefictus (85 Points) Benefictus (70 Points) Benefictus (70 Points) Nexos (60 Points) Primus (100 Points) Reductus Saboteur (65 Points) Reductus Saboteur (65 Points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) 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) OTHER DATASHEETS Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Atalan Jackals (75 Points) Atalan Jackals (75 Points) Atalan Jackals (75 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points)
Host (2000 Points)
Host of Ascension
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• Enhancements: Assassination Edict
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Cult bonesword
• 1x Scoped needle pistol
• 1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancements: A Chink In Their Armour
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Demolition charges
• 1x Remote explosives
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Demolition charges
• 1x Remote explosives
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 1x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Heavy mining tool
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Hand flamer
• 1x Neophyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
◦ 19x Autopistol
◦ 19x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 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
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 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
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 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
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 2x Grenade launcher
◦ 11x Hybrid firearm
◦ 2x Mining laser
◦ 2x Seismic cannon
◦ 2x Webber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Survey Augur
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Survey Augur
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Spotter
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 4x Atalan Jackal
◦ 2x Atalan power weapon
◦ 3x Atalan small arms
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Grenade launcher
• 1x Atalan Wolfquad
◦ 1x Atalan small arms
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Mining laser
• 4x Atalan Jackal
◦ 2x Atalan power weapon
◦ 3x Atalan small arms
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Grenade launcher
• 1x Atalan Wolfquad
◦ 1x Atalan small arms
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Mining laser
• 4x Atalan Jackal
◦ 2x Atalan power weapon
◦ 3x Atalan small arms
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Grenade launcher
• 1x Atalan Wolfquad
◦ 1x Atalan small arms
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Mining laser
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
◦ 5x Cult claws and talons
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
◦ 5x Cult claws and talons
Archetype
My WTC List, lol
Thoughts
Wyatt is a man of taste, and has taken my exact WTC list out for a spin. Double Reductus Saboteur is very nifty to have in a meta with plenty of pesky elves running about, shores up damage into hordes and also means you can get some mortals going against IK and still hold one back to avoid giving them their buffs. The rest of this is very much the Host chassis Innes and Floof have been running for some time- a skew of bodies in a meta of mech skews, GSC have eaten very well for quite some time. Can it last?! Time will tell! Amazing work on the top placing.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Phillip Schwan – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Deathwatch Veterans, Kill Teams and Terminators, with a cheeky Thunderstrike in support.
- 6th – Daniel Olivas – Aeldari (Warhost): Some forward pressure Striking Scorpions here alongside a big contingent of Fire Dragons and Dark Reapers.
- 7th – Travis Finell – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): All in on Veterans and Fortis Kill Teams with multiple Rhinos – a far more agro version of Deathwatch, love to see it!
- 8th – Tyler Hayes – Chaos Space Marines (Fellhammer Siege-host): Brutal Fellhammer infantry spam with Abaddon, 10 Chosen, and 30 Possessed. Yikes.
- 9th – Bill Barnes – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Double Lancer, a bunch of Armigers, and some Sister / Immolator allies.
Bloodshed Bay
61-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Quinte West, ON, Canada on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Adam Westmanchesterfield – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Castellan (60 points) Castellan (60 points) Castellan (60 points) Emperor’s Champion (90 points) Marshal (80 points) Marshal (80 points) Marshal (80 points) BATTLELINE Intercessor Squad (80 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (85 points) Impulsor (85 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Gladiator Lancer (160 points) Repulsor Executioner (220 points) Repulsor Executioner (220 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675
I fear no Assassination because Fixed Objectives are a myth people made up. (2000 points)
Black Templars
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Black Sword
1x Bolt Pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Multi-melta
1x Shield Dome
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Multi-melta
1x Shield Dome
• 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 hull
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Lancer laser destroyer
1x Multi-melta
2x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy laser destroyer
1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Multi-melta
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 Multi-melta
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
• 2x Astartes shotgun
4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 5x Sword Brother
• 2x Heavy bolt pistol
5x Master-crafted power weapon
1x Plasma pistol
2x Pyre pistol
• 5x Sword Brother
• 2x Heavy bolt pistol
5x Master-crafted power weapon
1x Plasma pistol
2x Pyre pistol
• 5x Sword Brother
• 2x Heavy bolt pistol
5x Master-crafted power weapon
1x Plasma pistol
2x Pyre pistol
Archetype
Black Templars Gladius
Thoughts
Get ready for maniacs in transports, because the Black Templars are ready to cook. There is a LOT of reactive move potential between Sword Brethren tagging things and then re-embarking, and the reactive move on offer in Gladius. This rather forces the opponent to push into the Templars to make real gains. Do that, and you get a sword to the face and a Repulsor Executioner lights you up. Sounds potent right? It very much is. Fantastic work on the event win!
Anthony Fung – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adeptus Custodes CHARACTERS Blade Champion (145 Points) Trajann Valoris (140 Points) BATTLELINE Custodian Guard (170 Points) Custodian Guard (170 Points) Custodian Guard (170 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Anathema Psykana Rhino (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Caladius Grav-tank (215 Points) Caladius Grav-tank (215 Points) Custodian Wardens (260 Points) Prosecutors (40 Points) Vigilators (50 Points) Vigilators (50 Points) Witchseekers (50 Points) Witchseekers (50 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 Points) Inquisitor Draxus (95 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675
你以為呢個會係啲隱藏嘅訊息⋯對唔住你浪費咗時間翻譯呢個 (1995 Points)
Lions of the Emperor
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Vaultswords
• Enhancements: Superior Creation
• 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
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 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
• 5x Custodian Warden
◦ 5x Guardian spear
◦ 1x Vexilla
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior
◦ 1x Boltgun
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor
◦ 3x Boltgun
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
• 1x Vigilator Sister Superior
◦ 1x Executioner greatblade
• 3x Vigilator
◦ 3x Executioner greatblade
• 1x Vigilator Sister Superior
◦ 1x Executioner greatblade
• 3x Vigilator
◦ 3x Executioner greatblade
• 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Witchseeker flamer
• 3x Witchseeker
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Witchseeker flamer
• 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Witchseeker flamer
• 3x Witchseeker
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Witchseeker flamer
• 1x Neural shredder
• 1x Phase sword and poison blades
• 1x Dirgesinger
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Psychic Tempest
Archetype
Lions MSU
Thoughts
A real all-rounder Custodes list, I like the carpet of smaller skirmishing units out ahead of the Golden bricks. Custodes aren’t at their most points efficient place at the minute, so you need to engineer that one pivotal ‘go’ moment for the real units, and play the early game with as little as possible. The Caladius keep people honest, Draxus in a Guard unit is still BANANAS, and Lions hits incredibly hard when it gets to the battle. Fantastic work on the top placing.
Jeremy “Curie” Atkinson – Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Leagues of Votann CHARACTERS Einhyr Champion (70 points) Kâhl (100 points) Memnyr Strategist (45 points) Ûthar the Destined (95 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Kapricus Carrier (75 points) Kapricus Carrier (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (160 points) Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) Cthonian Earthshakers (110 points) Einhyr Hearthguard (270 points) Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 points) Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 points) Ironkin Steeljacks with Melee Weapons (180 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675
Meet the new Votann, same as the old Votann (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Needgaârd Oathband
• 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter
1x Darkstar axe
1x Weavefield Crest
• 1x Mass gauntlet
1x Teleport Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• Enhancement: Oathbound Speculator
• Warlord
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Blade of the Ancestors
1x Rampart Crest
1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Smoke Launcher
1x Twin magna‑coil autocannon
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Magna-coil autocannon
1x Smoke Launcher
1x Twin magna‑coil autocannon
• 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 6x Close combat weapon
6x SP conversion beamer
• 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Graviton blast cannon
• 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Graviton blast cannon
• 2x Cthonian Earthshakers
• 2x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
2x Plasma picks
2x Tremor shells
• 1x Hesyr
• 1x EtaCarn plasma gun
1x Exoarmour grenade launcher
1x Graviton hammer
1x Weavefield crest
• 9x Einhyr Hearthguard
• 9x Concussion gauntlet
9x EtaCarn plasma gun
9x Exoarmour grenade launcher
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x Heavy magna-rail cannon
1x MATR autocannon
1x Panspectral Scanner
2x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
1x Heavy magna-rail cannon
1x MATR autocannon
1x Panspectral Scanner
2x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Yaegir Theyn
• 1x Bolt revolver
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma knife
• 9x Hernkyn Yaegir
• 1x APM launcher
7x Bolt revolver
9x Close combat weapon
1x Magna-coil rifle
7x Plasma knife
• 1x Yaegir Theyn
• 1x Bolt revolver
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma knife
• 9x Hernkyn Yaegir
• 1x APM launcher
7x Bolt revolver
9x Close combat weapon
1x Magna-coil rifle
7x Plasma knife
• 1x Steeljack Theyn
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolter
1x Plasma sword
1x Preymark Crest
• 5x Ironkin Steeljack
• 5x Autoch-pattern bolter
5x Plasma sword
Archetype
Needhard Goodstuff
Thoughts
An early sighting for the new Votann, and Jeremy leans hard into much of what already worked before here, with some slight alterations. The Hearthguard brick with Oathbound Speculator gives you a genuine hammer unit that is less dependant on Thunderkyn and other combination plays to work. Forts and Tkyn work together to blast things that stray into your lines, and the melee Steeljacks can push back at the foe if they get too close. Lots of fun, and an early sign of how the new book might play. Fantastic work on the top placing.
Chris martens – Aeldari (Warhost) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Aeldari CHARACTERS Autarch Wayleaper (95 points) Eldrad Ulthran (110 points) Fuegan (120 points) Jain Zar (105 points) Lhykhis (120 points) Maugan Ra (100 points) BATTLELINE Corsair Voidreavers (60 points) Corsair Voidreavers (60 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Wave Serpent (125 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Dark Reapers (90 points) Falcon (130 points) Fire Dragons (220 points) Howling Banshees (95 points) Howling Banshees (95 points) Rangers (55 points) Swooping Hawks (85 points) Swooping Hawks (85 points) Warlock Conclave (55 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points)
Token Eldar
Strike Force (1995 points)
Warhost
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Star glaive
• Enhancement: Gift of Foresight
• 1x Mind War
1x Shuriken pistol
1x The Staff of Ulthamar and witchblade
• 1x Fire Axe
1x Searsong
• 1x Blade of Destruction
1x Silent Death
• 1x Brood Twain
1x Spider’s Fangs
1x Weaverender
• Warlord
• 1x Maugetar
• 1x Voidreaver Felarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Mistshield
1x Power sword
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Corsair Voidreaver
• 1x Blaster
4x Close combat weapon
3x Power sword
3x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Voidreaver Felarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Mistshield
1x Power sword
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Corsair Voidreaver
• 4x Close combat weapon
3x Power sword
1x Shredder
3x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Shuriken cannon
1x Twin bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Missile launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Reaper launcher
• 1x Bright lance
1x Pulse laser
1x Shuriken cannon
1x Wraithbone hull
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
• 9x Fire Dragon
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol
• 5x Ranger
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Exarch’s lasblaster
• 4x Swooping Hawk
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Lasblaster
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Exarch’s lasblaster
• 4x Swooping Hawk
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Lasblaster
• 2x Warlock
• 2x Destructor
2x Shuriken pistol
2x Singing Spear
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Powerblade array
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
Archetype
Phoenix Lord Nonsense
Thoughts
For all it’s faults, let nobody say the Eldar book hasn’t been deliciously thematic. Look at all those arrayed Phoenix Lords and Aspects, ready to do annoying elfy things and then hide behind walls. Love seeing the Wayleaper out – he can happily plug into the Spiders or Hawks to give you yet ANOTHER mini character missile. It makes my heart sing, so it does. Just don’t get punched, or shot. That hurts a lot. Amazing work on the top placing.
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Sarah Ivankovic – Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread): Triple Lancer double Despoiler. Get wrecked!
- 6th – Brian Crothers – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Lovingly named mixed arms Virulent. ‘The Pus Bus’ as a Rhino nickname has made me chortle, well done Brian.
- 7th – Anthony Beaulieu – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Another play on the Repulsor / Sword Brethren Gladius Templars build.
The Bendigo Open 2025
48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Strathdale, VIC, Australia on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Michael Hamilton – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHARACTER 1x Canis Rex (415 pts) 1x Cerastus Knight Atrapos (430 pts) 1x Knight Warden (410 pts) BATTLELINE 1x Armiger Helverin (140 pts) 1x Armiger Helverin (140 pts) 1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) 1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) 1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) ALLIED UNITS 1x Ministorum Priest (40 pts)
It’s a hobby project
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Imperial Knights
+ DETACHMENT: Noble Lance
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Canis Rex
+ ENHANCEMENT: Mysterious Guardian (on Char1: Cerastus Knight Atrapos)
& Mythic Hero (on Char2: Knight Warden)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 9
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (5×2) + (3×6) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Canis Rex
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
• 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
• 1x Freedom’s Hand
• Canis Rex, Chainbreaker, Legendary Freeblade, Invulnerable Save (5+*), Damaged: 1-9 Wounds Remaining
• 1x Sir Hekhtur
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hekhtur’s pistol
• Sir Hekhtur, Using Sir Hekhtur, Warlord
• 1x Atrapos lascutter
• 1x Graviton singularity cannon
• Mysterious Guardian (+25 pts)
• 1x Avenger gatling cannon
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 1x Stormspear rocket pod
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Reaper chainsword
• Mythic Hero (+25 pts)
• 2x Armiger autocannon
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Reaper chain-cleaver
• 1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Reaper chain-cleaver
• 1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Reaper chain-cleaver
• 1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Zealot’s vindictor
Archetype
Canis and the Armigers
Thoughts
A classic reborn, as Canis leads his flock of little metal ducklings over the road, and into your deployment zone. He’s got a Warden and Atropos to help them shepherd the little lads, and a Priest to keep them on the straight and narrow. Otherwise, it’s business as usual – lots of hulls, and the risk of a sudden 5++ army wide hanging over the opponent. Fantastic work on the event win!
The Best of the Rest
There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Ben Ashton – Aeldari (Aspect Host): The Maugan Ra Falcon package alongside Hawks and the Fuegan Serpent.
- 3rd – Lachlan Booth – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven Goodstuff with a full triple Mutalith and Forgefiend alongside Magnus.
- 4th – Daniel Mccurdy – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, a Crusader, a Warden, and loads of Armigers.
- 5th – Ian Pearce – T’au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre): I hoped for mass Rampagers, and Ian didn’t let me down. Broadsides lay down fire behind the cavalry!
- 6th – Laurence Gutierrez – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Massed Drones and Deathshroud in Virulent.
- 7th – Alex Franz – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Dorn / double Bullgryn Combined with a cheeky brick of Rough Riders.
- 8th – Tyson Hobbs – Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): Buri leads a fleet of Sagitaurs and Land Forts, with some of the new gun Steeljacks in support.
- 9th – Michael Cirone – Orks (War Horde): Old school War Horde with loads of lads in Trukks.
- 10th – Merric Butler – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven Goodstuff with a small brick of Scarab Terminators mixed in.
Warhammer 40K Midtcon Fall 2025
43-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Viborg, Denmark on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Martin Bræmer Nielsen – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER Char1: 1x Magnus the Red (420 pts) Char2: 1x Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with wings (195 pts) Char3: 1x Sorcerer (75 pts) Char4: 1x Sorcerer (75 pts) Char5: 1x Sorcerer (75 pts) Char6: 1x Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (105 pts) BATTLELINE 5x Rubric Marines (100 pts) 5x Rubric Marines (100 pts) 5x Rubric Marines (100 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 10x Scarab Occult Terminators (375 pts) 10x Tzaangors (70 pts) 10x Tzaangors (70 pts) 3x Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster greatbows (50 pts) 3x Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster greatbows (50 pts) 3x Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster greatbows (50 pts) 1x Chaos Rhino (90 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – Thousand Sons
+ DETACHMENT: Grand Coven
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Magnus the Red
+ ENHANCEMENT: Eldritch Vortex of E’taph (on Char1: Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with wings)
& Umbralefic Crystal (on Char5: Sorcerer in Terminator Armour)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) + (1×4) – Assassination: 6 Characters – Cull The Horde: 1×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 with Blade of Magnus, Gaze of Magnus, Tzeentch’s Firestorm
• Warlord
1 with Dark Blessing, Hellforged weapons, Infernal cannon
Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E’taph (+25 pts)
1 with Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Pandaemonic Delusion, Prosperine khopesh
1 with Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Pandaemonic Delusion, Prosperine khopesh
1 with Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Pandaemonic Delusion, Prosperine khopesh
1 with Force weapon, Gaze of Hate, Inferno combi-bolter
Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal (+20 pts)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
1 with Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Warpflame pistol
• Aspiring Sorcerer
• 4x Rubric Marine
1 with Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon
• Icon of Flame
3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
1 with Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Warpflame pistol
• Aspiring Sorcerer
• 4x Rubric Marine
1 with Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon
• Icon of Flame
3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
1 with Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Warpflame pistol
• Aspiring Sorcerer
• 4x Rubric Marine
1 with Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon
• Icon of Flame
3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer
• 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer
1 with Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Inferno combi-bolter
• Scarab Occult Sorcerer
• 9x Scarab Occult Terminator
7 with Inferno combi-bolter, Prosperine khopesh
2 with Prosperine khopesh, Soulreaper cannon, Hellfyre missile rack
• 1x Twistbray
1 with Autopistol, Chainsword
• 9x Tzaangor
7 with Tzaangor blades
1 with Tzaangor blades
• Herd banner
1 with Tzaangor blades
• Brayhorn
• 1x Twistbray
1 with Autopistol, Chainsword
• 9x Tzaangor
7 with Tzaangor blades
1 with Tzaangor blades
• Herd banner
1 with Tzaangor blades
• Brayhorn
• 1x Aviarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
2 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Aviarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
2 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Aviarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
2 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow
1 with Armoured tracks, Havoc launcher, Inferno combi-bolter, Inferno combi-bolter
Archetype
Grand Coven Evolves!
Thoughts
After some intriguing breakout stars made themselves known for Tsons at WTC, we see those patterns continuing here. The Winged Daemon Prince is a glorious little unit and takes the Arcane Vortex enhancement (that’s right, I refuse to learn the new name, sue me) extremely well. Screening out a 6 drop whilst also dealing with everything else out ahead of you is no easy feat. The Scarab brick makes it in here as well – this opens up some raw aggression plays that please me greatly, and the new angles of attack on offer in this list seem to be working really nicely as they claim the GT win here. Fantastic job!
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Anton Engelbredt – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Templars Goodstuff with a Ballistus and Lancer in there for added backline threat.
- 3rd – Simon Darre – Space Marines (Astartes) (Stormlance Task Force): Nippy Stormlance Ultras with a Stormraven and multiple Storm Speeders.
- 4th – Alexandre Cavagnaro – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic double Rhino / MSU World Eaters with the helm Daemon Prince.
- 5th – Lars Hedegaard – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): An unusual Starshatter build with the Silent King leading a brick of Lychguard and multiple Tomb Spyders to war.
- 6th – Kristoffer Eriksen – Black Templars (Wrathful Procession): Chunky BT with two Repulsors AND a Land Raider Redeemer. Epic.
- 7th – Jesper Scharff Johannsen – Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Mixed arms Inheritors with a Vindicator / Storm Speeder firebase and MSU Sanguinary Guard.
Battle in the Bush 11
33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Orange, NSW, AU on September 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Linchpin – Search and Destroy
Harry Barden – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) Adeptus Custodes CHARACTERS Blade Champion (120 points) Blade Champion (120 points) Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (160 points) Valerian (110 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) Custodian Wardens (260 points) Custodian Wardens (260 points) Custodian Wardens (260 points) Prosecutors (40 points) Prosecutors (40 points) Vertus Praetors (150 points) Witchseekers (50 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674
Army List - Click to Expand
Yep Wardens (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Lions of the Emperor
• 1x Vaultswords
• 1x Vaultswords
• 1x Interceptor lance
1x Salvo launcher
• Enhancement: Admonimortis
• Warlord
• 1x Gnosis
• 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
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 5x Custodian Warden
• 5x Guardian spear
1x Vexilla
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior
• 1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor
• 3x Boltgun
3x Close combat weapon
• 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior
• 1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 3x Prosecutor
• 3x Boltgun
3x Close combat weapon
• 2x Vertus Praetor
• 2x Interceptor lance
2x Salvo launcher
• 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Witchseeker flamer
• 3x Witchseeker
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Witchseeker flamer
vs.
Tay Tay – Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation) Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Acolyte Iconward (75 Points) Acolyte Iconward (75 Points) Biophagus (50 Points) Biophagus (50 Points) Biophagus (50 Points) Primus (95 Points) Reductus Saboteur (65 Points) Sanctus (50 Points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Goliath Truck (85 Points) Goliath Truck (85 Points) Goliath Truck (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Atalan Jackals (75 Points) Atalan Jackals (75 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675
Army List - Click to Expand
Tay Tay’s Xenocreed (2000 Points)
Xenocreed Congregation
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Cult claws
• Enhancements: Deeds that Speak to the Masses
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Cult claws
• Enhancements: Denunciator of Tyrants
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• 1x Cult bonesword
• 1x Scoped needle pistol
• 1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancements: Incendiary Inspiration
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Demolition charges
• 1x Remote explosives
• Warlord
• 1x Sanctus bio-dagger
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 1x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Heavy mining tool
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Hand flamer
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Demolition charge cache
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Demolition charge cache
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Demolition charge cache
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Survey Augur
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Survey Augur
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Survey Augur
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 4x Atalan Jackal
◦ 2x Atalan power weapon
◦ 3x Atalan small arms
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Grenade launcher
• 1x Atalan Wolfquad
◦ 1x Atalan small arms
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Mining laser
• 4x Atalan Jackal
◦ 2x Atalan power weapon
◦ 3x Atalan small arms
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Grenade launcher
• 1x Atalan Wolfquad
◦ 1x Atalan small arms
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Mining laser
• 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
• 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
Ok, let’s unpack the fundamentals of the match up. The Custodes have evidently dug up some nastiness going on behind the sheds at the palace, as a surprise Genestealer infestation emerges to threaten the peace. The basic challenge here is one of how the heavy hitting units trade into one another – The Custodes list has some Caladius for the shoot out (but unfortunately, no enemy tanks to dance with), and some big bricks of Wardens to commit and absorb pressure when the time is right. One of the better tricks in their arsenal here is the reactive move when shot- this can make tagging Custodes units with Ridgerunners for extra AP volatile.
The primary issue for the golden boys here is just how hard Xenocreed slaps into infantry. One of the lesser seen GSC detachments, it boasts multiple ways to proc advance and charge, excellent combat buffs via Frenzied Devotion for +1 attack and weapon skill, and it also gets 12 resurgence points thanks to Deeds that Speak to the Masses. This means the Custodes are effectively playing against 6 bricks of Metamorphs, a unit I have bodied Warden bricks with many a time, should their opponent choose. It is simply too much damage 2 for the Wardens to weather, I fear, and there is an entire army of MSU wrapped around it to shut down Custodes scoring and drown them over the game. In the event, the Emperor’s Guard proved unable to withstand the frenzied brutality of the cults.
Result
Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation) Victory – 87 – 61
Tay Tay – Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Acolyte Iconward (75 Points) Acolyte Iconward (75 Points) Biophagus (50 Points) Biophagus (50 Points) Biophagus (50 Points) Primus (95 Points) Reductus Saboteur (65 Points) Sanctus (50 Points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Goliath Truck (85 Points) Goliath Truck (85 Points) Goliath Truck (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Atalan Jackals (75 Points) Atalan Jackals (75 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675
Tay Tay’s Xenocreed (2000 Points)
Xenocreed Congregation
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Cult claws
• Enhancements: Deeds that Speak to the Masses
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Cult claws
• Enhancements: Denunciator of Tyrants
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• 1x Cult bonesword
• 1x Scoped needle pistol
• 1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancements: Incendiary Inspiration
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Demolition charges
• 1x Remote explosives
• Warlord
• 1x Sanctus bio-dagger
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 1x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Heavy mining tool
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 4x Cult claws and knife
◦ 3x Hand flamer
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Demolition charge cache
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Demolition charge cache
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Demolition charge cache
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Survey Augur
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Survey Augur
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy mortar
• 1x Survey Augur
• 1x Twin heavy stubber
• 4x Atalan Jackal
◦ 2x Atalan power weapon
◦ 3x Atalan small arms
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Grenade launcher
• 1x Atalan Wolfquad
◦ 1x Atalan small arms
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Mining laser
• 4x Atalan Jackal
◦ 2x Atalan power weapon
◦ 3x Atalan small arms
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Grenade launcher
• 1x Atalan Wolfquad
◦ 1x Atalan small arms
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Mining laser
• 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
• 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
Xenocreed Melee Brawl
Thoughts
As alluded to above, a sensational combat list for punching up into enemy infantry and hordes. Xenocreed is quicky, has access to a tonne of flamers, and can juice up it’s melee to body enemy infantry through Biophagus inspired Metamorph units. Mech skew can be an issue for it, but as the meta shifts back towards infantry armies, it might just have a place for GSC players looking to explore something a bit different. Phenomenal work on the event win!!!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Peter Oneill – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Plague Marine / Daemon Prince Virulent with plenty of Drones.
- 3rd – Harry Barden – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): The heroic Wardens list from the Showdown.
- 4th – Matthew Gardner – Black Templars (Firestorm Assault Force): Vicious double Redeemer Firestorm with plenty of the new Black Templars toys plugged in.
- 5th – Jayden Whitehair – Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): Wolf-brick Gladius with the Terminators, Ragnar brick, and CANIS in support.
- 6th – Alex Jonker – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, a Gallant, a Castellan, some Armigers, some Agents.
6. 40KingsCup (OTV) Ironman
28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Emden, NDS, Deutschland on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Till Jänke – Aeldari (Aspect Host) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Autarch (85 points) Fuegan (120 points) Lhykhis (120 points) BATTLELINE Corsair Voidreavers (60 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Wave Serpent (125 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Fire Dragons (220 points) Howling Banshees (95 points) Howling Banshees (95 points) Rangers (55 points) Swooping Hawks (170 points) Swooping Hawks (170 points) Swooping Hawks (170 points) Warlock Skyrunners (45 points) Warlock Skyrunners (45 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Wraithlord (140 points)
Aeldari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Aspect Host
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
1x Star glaive
• Warlord
• 1x Fire Axe
1x Searsong
• 1x Brood Twain
1x Spider’s Fangs
1x Weaverender
• 1x Voidreaver Felarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Mistshield
1x Neuro disruptor
1x Power sword
• 4x Corsair Voidreaver
• 1x Blaster
4x Close combat weapon
3x Power sword
3x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Shuriken cannon
1x Twin bright lance
1x Wraithbone hull
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
• 9x Fire Dragon
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol
• 5x Ranger
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
• 9x Swooping Hawk
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Lasblaster
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
• 9x Swooping Hawk
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Lasblaster
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
• 9x Swooping Hawk
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Lasblaster
• 1x Destructor
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing Spear
1x Twin shuriken catapult
• 1x Destructor
1x Shuriken pistol
1x Singing Spear
1x Twin shuriken catapult
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Powerblade array
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Death weavers
1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
• 2x Bright lance
2x Flamer
1x Ghostglaive
1x Wraithbone fists
Archetype
30 Hawk Violence
Thoughts
The all-in on Hawks from WTC continues to make waves, and this variant plugs a Wraithlord in for some cheeky backline shooting or early durability on the objectives. The reach and punch on this Eldar book is absolutely insane – you have to time the moment correctly, but when the mortal wounds, lethals, and Fuegan melta are all unleashed they can evaporate entire portions of the board, and then move on to the next one. One of the strongest lists currently doing the rounds in singles. Incredible work on the event win!
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Thorben Damrau – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager): Triple Ravager / Triple Scourge / Triple Talos Reaper, ready to ruin a vehicle’s day.
- 3rd – Adrijano Ilic – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven Goodstuff with the Terminator brick in sway.
- 4th – Alexander Gröschl – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Textbook Host horde, Innes Wilson style.
Wrap Up
There we are folks! With the impact of the emergency patch starting to tell, we can see a number of fresh competitors emerging out from under the Knight boot. GSC and Thousand Sons both seem to be thriving, Black Templars have announced themselves quite decisively, and the elf menace isn’t going anywhere just yet either. How will subsequent rules changes impact things?! Time will tell!
Have fun out there and slay at the hams.
Lowest of Men, out.
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