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.
Well, all I can say is that my strategy of proscrastinating on part 3 till Friday night remains undefeated.
As you’ll have seen, the Balance Dataslate made a surprise appearance last night (at least going by British time, don’t @ me about your fake pacific time zone), and you can see all our analysis split across our regular suite of articles:
Make sure to check those out if you haven’t already. As always, as I go through today, some of my thoughts are going to be shaped by how the update affects them. We’ll be covering the following today:
- Springs Thundercluckers September GT
- WarZone Houston
- Wasteland Wars GT 4
- The GR: Meme Team – 2025 GT
- 2025 Eagle Rock Open
Part 1 on Wednesday with Wings covered:
- 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 2 on Friday with Lowest of Men reviewed:
- 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
Springs Thundercluckers September GT
68-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Colorado Springs, CO, United States on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Scorched Earth – Tipping Point
Colin Kay – Space Marines (Astartes) (Firestorm Assault Force) Space Marines CHARACTERS Adrax Agatone (85 Points) Judiciar (80 Points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) Vulkan He’stan (100 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 Points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 Points) Eradicator Squad (100 Points) Eradicator Squad (100 Points) Eradicator Squad (100 Points) Infernus Squad (90 Points) Invader ATV (60 Points) Invader ATV (60 Points) Land Raider Redeemer (285 Points) Repulsor (180 Points) Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675
Army List - Click to Expand
The Apprentice
Salamanders
Firestorm Assault Force
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Drakkis
• 1x Malleus Noctum
• Warlord
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
• 1x Executioner relic blade
• Enhancements: Champion of Humanity
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Gauntlet of the Forge
• 1x Spear of Vulkan
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Ironhail skytalon array
• 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 Eradicator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
◦ 2x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
◦ 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
◦ 2x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
◦ 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
◦ 2x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
◦ 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Infernus Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Pyreblaster
• 4x Infernus Marine
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Pyreblaster
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 2x Flamestorm cannon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Hunter-slayer missile
• 1x Las-talon
• 1x Repulsor defensive array
• 1x Twin lascannon
• 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
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Combat knife
◦ 1x Missile launcher
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
vs.
Nicholas Rosasco – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager) Drukhari CHARACTERS Archon (100 Points) Archon (100 Points) Beastmaster (120 Points) Beastmaster (120 Points) Beastmaster (120 Points) Urien Rakarth (80 Points) BATTLELINE Kabalite Warriors (100 Points) Kabalite Warriors (100 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Venom (65 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Court of the Archon (95 Points) Cronos (50 Points) Mandrakes (65 Points) Mandrakes (65 Points) Scourges (130 Points) Scourges (130 Points) Scourges (130 Points) Talos (160 Points) ALLIED UNITS Shadowseer (60 Points) Troupe (205 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675
Army List - Click to Expand
A Venom a day keeps the doctor away (1995 Points)
Reaper’s Wager
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Blast pistol
• 1x Huskblade
• Enhancements: Webway Walker
• 1x Blast pistol
• 1x Huskblade
• Enhancements: Archraider
• 1x Beastmaster
◦ 1x Agoniser
◦ 1x Splinter pods
• 1x Clawed Fiend
◦ 1x Clawed Fiend fists
• 2x Khymerae
◦ 2x Khymerae talons
• 3x Razorwing Flock
◦ 3x Razorwing feathers
• 1x Beastmaster
◦ 1x Agoniser
◦ 1x Splinter pods
• 1x Clawed Fiend
◦ 1x Clawed Fiend fists
• 2x Khymerae
◦ 2x Khymerae talons
• 3x Razorwing Flock
◦ 3x Razorwing feathers
• 1x Beastmaster
◦ 1x Agoniser
◦ 1x Splinter pods
• 1x Clawed Fiend
◦ 1x Clawed Fiend fists
• 2x Khymerae
◦ 2x Khymerae talons
• 3x Razorwing Flock
◦ 3x Razorwing feathers
• 1x Casket of Flensing
• 1x Haemonculus tools and scissorhands
• 1x Sybarite
◦ 1x Blast pistol
◦ 1x Phantasm grenade launcher
◦ 1x Sybarite weapon
• 9x Kabalite Warrior
◦ 1x Blaster
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Dark lance
◦ 1x Shredder
◦ 1x Splinter cannon
◦ 5x Splinter rifle
• 1x Sybarite
◦ 1x Blast pistol
◦ 1x Phantasm grenade launcher
◦ 1x Sybarite weapon
• 9x Kabalite Warrior
◦ 1x Blaster
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Dark lance
◦ 1x Shredder
◦ 1x Splinter cannon
◦ 5x Splinter rifle
• 1x Bladevanes
• 1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Lhamaean
◦ 1x Shaimeshi blade
• 1x Medusae
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Eyeburst
• 1x Sslyth
◦ 1x Shardcarbine
◦ 1x Splinter pistol
◦ 1x Sslyth battle-blade
• 1x Ur-ghul
◦ 1x Ur-ghul talons
• 1x Spirit syphon
• 1x Spirit vortex
• 1x Spirit-leech tentacles
• 1x Nightfiend
◦ 1x Baleblast
◦ 1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
◦ 4x Baleblast
◦ 4x Glimmersteel blade
• 1x Nightfiend
◦ 1x Baleblast
◦ 1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
◦ 4x Baleblast
◦ 4x Glimmersteel blade
• 1x Solarite
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Shardcarbine
◦ 1x Solarite weapon
• 4x Scourge
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Dark lance
• 1x Solarite
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Shardcarbine
◦ 1x Solarite weapon
• 4x Scourge
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Drukhari haywire blaster
• 1x Solarite
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Shardcarbine
◦ 1x Solarite weapon
• 4x Scourge
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Dark lance
• 2x Talos
◦ 2x Talos gauntlet
◦ 2x Twin Drukhari haywire blaster
◦ 2x Twin liquifier gun
• 1x Flip Belt
• 1x Miststave
• 1x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Lead Player
◦ 1x Flip Belt
◦ 1x Fusion pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 11x Player
◦ 11x Flip Belt
◦ 3x Fusion pistol
◦ 11x Harlequin’s blade
◦ 4x Neuro disruptor
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol
Thoughts
A tricky Drukhari build facing Salamanders, the latter bringing a hefty suite of fancy rides. Right out of the gate, that’s a pretty steep thing for the Drukhari to handle – they’ve got some haywire, so the wall of T12 hulls isn’t as disastrous as it could have been, but it’s still a serious problem. The Marines are very well set up to butcher the Aeldari if they get to fight on their terms, and it’s a little tricky to see how the dark kin avoid that happening, especially with some of the other assets that Firestorm brings to the table. The list can put its threats out fast, and also has a very high reach flamer bomb that can eliminiate the Scourges if they make one wrong move. The big Harlequin unit is also significantly weakened by the Judiciar/Bladeguard squad being around.
The Drukhari go a bit wider on the board, but even there not really enough to overturn the disadvantage. Three ATVs give the marines the pool of early sacrificies they need to start the battle off the way they want, even if they’ll die pretty fast. I think the Drukhari probably have to go for trying to jail some of the Transports with their Beastmasters to try and get control of the situation, but I don’t think that will be enough unless they get very lucky, and sure enough it was not.
Result
Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) Victory – 99 – 58
Colin Kay – Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Adrax Agatone (85 Points) Judiciar (80 Points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) Vulkan He’stan (100 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 Points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 Points) Eradicator Squad (100 Points) Eradicator Squad (100 Points) Eradicator Squad (100 Points) Infernus Squad (90 Points) Invader ATV (60 Points) Invader ATV (60 Points) Land Raider Redeemer (285 Points) Repulsor (180 Points) Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675
The Apprentice
Salamanders
Firestorm Assault Force
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Drakkis
• 1x Malleus Noctum
• Warlord
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
• 1x Executioner relic blade
• Enhancements: Champion of Humanity
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Gauntlet of the Forge
• 1x Spear of Vulkan
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Ironhail skytalon array
• 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 Eradicator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
◦ 2x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
◦ 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
◦ 2x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
◦ 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
◦ 2x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Melta rifle
◦ 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Infernus Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Pyreblaster
• 4x Infernus Marine
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Pyreblaster
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 2x Flamestorm cannon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Twin assault cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Hunter-slayer missile
• 1x Las-talon
• 1x Repulsor defensive array
• 1x Twin lascannon
• 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
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Combat knife
◦ 1x Missile launcher
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
Archetype
Heavy Salamander Firestorm
Thoughts
Salamanders bring the heat here, crafting a list that can handle skew in quite a few different directions. The Champion Bladeguard unit is great into any melee armies, Eradicators are good, cheap anti-tank, and the high-durability transports mess with precision builds like Aeldari of all stripes. As always when this list goes past – I think it’s underutilised, and with the Silent King losing Ignore Modifiers, Champion looks more and more like unique sauce to boot. Well done Colin!
Daniel Bradley – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER 2x Daemonifuge (85 pts) 1x Morvenn Vahl (170 pts) 1x Canoness (70 pts) 1x Canoness with Jump Pack (100 pts) 1x Hospitaller (50 pts) 1x Hospitaller (50 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) 10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) 10x Dominion Squad (115 pts) 5x Seraphim Squad (80 pts) 10x Zephyrim Squad (160 pts) 1x Castigator (160 pts) 1x Castigator (160 pts) 3x Paragon Warsuits (210 pts) 3x Paragon Warsuits (210 pts) 1x Immolator (115 pts)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adepta Sororitas
+ DETACHMENT: Hallowed Martyrs
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Morvenn Vahl
+ ENHANCEMENT: Mantle of Ophelia (on Char1: Canoness)
& Through Suffering, Strength (on Char2: Canoness with Jump Pack)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (6×2) – Assassination: 6 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Ephrael Stern
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Sanctity
• Ephrael Stern
• 1x Kyganil of the Bloody Tears
• 1x The Outcast’s Blades
• Kyganil of the Bloody Tears
• 1x Fidelis
• 1x Lance of Illumination
• 1x Paragon missile launcher
• Warlord
• 1x Blessed blade
• 1x Inferno pistol
• Mantle of Ophelia (+20 pts)
• 1x Blessed Halberd
• Through Suffering, Strength (+25 pts)
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Chirugeon’s tools
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Chirugeon’s tools
• 1x Sacresant Superior
• 1x Hallowed Mace
• 1x Inferno pistol
• Celestian Sacresant
• 9x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace)
• 9x Bolt pistol
• 9x Hallowed Mace
• 9x Celestian Sacresant
• 1x Sacresant Superior
• 1x Spear of the Faithful
• 1x Inferno pistol
• Celestian Sacresant
• 9x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd)
• 9x Anointed Halberd
• 9x Bolt pistol
• 9x Celestian Sacresant
• 1x Dominion Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Ministorum hand flamer
• Dominion Superior
• 9x Dominion
• 9x Bolt pistol
• 5x Boltgun
• 9x Close combat weapon
• 4x Ministorum Flamer
• 9x Dominion, Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Seraphim Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Power Weapon
• Seraphim
• 2x Seraphim
• 4x Bolt pistol
• 2x Close combat weapon
• 2x Seraphim
• 2x Seraphim with Special Weapons
• 2x Close combat weapon
• 4x Ministorum hand flamer
• 2x Seraphim
• 1x Zephyrim Superior
• 1x Power Weapon
• 1x Plasma pistol
• Sacred Banner
• 9x Zephyrim
• 9x Bolt pistol
• 9x Power Weapon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 3x Heavy bolter
• 1x Castigator battle cannon
• 1x Hunter-Killer Missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 3x Heavy bolter
• 1x Castigator battle cannon
• 1x Hunter-Killer Missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Paragon Grenade Launchers
• 1x Paragon War Mace
• 1x Multi-melta
• Paragon Superior
• 2x Paragon Warsuit
• 2x Bolt pistol
• 2x Paragon Grenade Launchers
• 2x Paragon War Blade
• 2x Multi-melta
• 2x Paragon Warsuit
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Paragon Grenade Launchers
• 1x Paragon War Blade
• 1x Multi-melta
• Paragon Superior
• 2x Paragon Warsuit
• 2x Bolt pistol
• 2x Paragon Grenade Launchers
• 2x Paragon War Mace
• 2x Multi-melta
• 2x Paragon Warsuit
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy Bolter
• 1x Hunter-Killer Missile
• 1x Twin Multi-melta
Archetype
Elite Martyrs
Thoughts
A more elite Hallowed Martyrs build than we’re used to seeing, transferring some of the units more commonly seen in Champions across to the strong all-rounder Stratagem suite of Martyrs. The result is very high threat, and has a high-reach melee option that most Sororitas lists have to go without, shaking up the expectations of opponents used to more conventional builds. Honestly, the murder jump Canoness with Zephyrim should probably be being used more since they got their buff, throwing Sustained and Lethal on her for a go turn is pretty wild. I do think you end up losing a little of the value of Martyrs without one more Character to play revival games with, but I also can’t really see what I’d cut for it. A very cool spin on the norm, great stuff from Daniel.
John Kilcommons – T’au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand T’au Empire CHARACTERS Commander Shadowsun (100 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Broadside Battlesuits (90 Points) Broadside Battlesuits (90 Points) Broadside Battlesuits (90 Points) Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points) Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points) Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points) Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) Krootox Rampagers (170 Points) Krootox Rampagers (170 Points) Krootox Rampagers (85 Points) Pathfinder Team (90 Points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 Points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 Points) Stealth Battlesuits (80 Points) Stealth Battlesuits (80 Points) Vespid Stingwings (65 Points) Vespid Stingwings (65 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675
In GK’s we trust (2000 Points)
Auxiliary Cadre
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Advanced Guardian Drone
• 1x Battlesuit fists
• 1x Command-link Drone (Aura)
• 1x Flechette launcher
• 2x High-energy fusion blaster
• 1x Light missile pod
• 1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Broadside Shas’vre
◦ 1x Crushing bulk
◦ 1x Heavy rail rifle
◦ 2x Missile Drone
◦ 1x Seeker missile
◦ 1x Weapon Support System
• 1x Broadside Shas’vre
◦ 1x Crushing bulk
◦ 1x Heavy rail rifle
◦ 2x Missile Drone
◦ 1x Seeker missile
◦ 1x Weapon Support System
• 1x Broadside Shas’vre
◦ 1x Crushing bulk
◦ 1x Heavy rail rifle
◦ 2x Missile Drone
◦ 1x Seeker missile
◦ 1x Weapon Support System
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
• 1x Cyclic ion raker
• 1x Ghostkeel fists
• 1x Twin fusion blaster
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
• 1x Cyclic ion raker
• 1x Ghostkeel fists
• 1x Twin fusion blaster
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
• 1x Cyclic ion raker
• 1x Ghostkeel fists
• 1x Twin fusion blaster
• 1x Long-quill
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kroot pistol
◦ 1x Kroot rifle
• 9x Kroot Carnivore
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Kroot rifle
◦ 1x Tanglebomb launcher
• 6x Krootox Rampagers
◦ 6x Hunting blades
◦ 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
◦ 6x Rampager fists
• 6x Krootox Rampagers
◦ 6x Hunting blades
◦ 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
◦ 6x Rampager fists
• 3x Krootox Rampagers
◦ 3x Hunting blades
◦ 3x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins
◦ 3x Rampager fists
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Gun Drone
◦ 1x Pulse carbine
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
◦ 1x Recon Drone
◦ 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
◦ 1x Shield Drone
• 9x Pathfinder
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Ion rifle
◦ 6x Pulse carbine
◦ 9x Pulse pistol
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Seeker missile rack
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Seeker missile rack
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
◦ 1x Battlesuit Support System
◦ 1x Battlesuit fists
◦ 1x Fusion blaster
◦ 1x Homing Beacon
◦ 1x Marker Drone
◦ 1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
◦ 2x Battlesuit fists
◦ 2x Burst cannon
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
◦ 1x Battlesuit Support System
◦ 1x Battlesuit fists
◦ 1x Fusion blaster
◦ 1x Homing Beacon
◦ 1x Marker Drone
◦ 1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
◦ 2x Battlesuit fists
◦ 2x Burst cannon
• 1x Vespid Strain Leader
◦ 1x Neutron blaster
◦ 1x Stingwing claws
• 4x Vespid Stingwing
◦ 4x Neutron blaster
◦ 4x Stingwing claws
• 1x Vespid Strain Leader
◦ 1x Neutron blaster
◦ 1x Stingwing claws
• 4x Vespid Stingwing
◦ 4x Neutron blaster
◦ 4x Stingwing claws
Archetype
Hulls and Rampagers
Thoughts
The Krootox Rampager continues to be the datasheet around which half the T’au lists out there pivot, thanks to providing the kind of melee threat/durability that nothing else in the faction covers. Backing them up with lots of cheap, effective gun platforms is a well-worn strategy that thrives here. The build even gets +30pts to play with after the update, maybe allowing the smaller Krootox unit to be cashed in for something better? We’ll see what the T’au come up with, well done John.
Mark Aescht – Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Knights CHARACTERS Knight Abominant (390 points) Knight Abominant (380 points) Knight Abominant (355 points) Knight Despoiler (395 points) Knight Despoiler (375 points) ALLIED UNITS Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) Nurglings (40 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675
inf (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Infernal Lance
• 1x Balemace
1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Electroscourge
1x Volkite combustor
• Enhancement: Fleshmetal Fusion
• 1x Balemace
1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Electroscourge
1x Volkite combustor
• Enhancement: Knight Diabolus
• 1x Balemace
1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Electroscourge
1x Volkite combustor
• 2x Daemonbreath thermal cannon
1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet
• Enhancement: Bestial Aspect
• Warlord
• 2x Daemonbreath thermal cannon
1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet
• 1x Putrid appendages
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
Archetype
Infernal Five Bigs
Thoughts
An Infernal spin on taking lots of big Knights, firing Abominants forward at speed to melt faces and backing them with the standard gatling Despoilers. That can be pretty overwhelming for foes that have dialed back on their options to handle an army going full tilt. Weakened a bit by the Dataslate touching Abominants and the defensive mode of Infernals, but the sheer overwhelming pressure is still quite real. Good job Mark.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Nicholas Rosasco – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager): See Showdown.
- 6th – Andrei Gorin – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Combined Arms goodstuff with a couple of Bullgryn blocks. Needs to find a few points for the Dorns, but very limited impact from the Slate.
- 7th – Lane Nusbaum – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Combined Arms goodstuff with a couple of Bullgryn blocks and three Dorns.
- 8th – Chris Vineski – Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Monster mash, unbothered and untroubled by any of the changes.
- 9th – Jason Easley – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Bobby G/Calgar gunline with Gladiators and RepEx.
- 10th – Nathan Pitts – Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread): Desecrator and double Despoiler with Rotigus. A fairly nice all-rounder build as Lords go, and still looks promising even with the hit to their sticky Stratagem.
- 11th – Andrew Champion – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Stock double Berzerker/double Forgefiend Warband, needs to rejig a bit but gets a head start from already running double Eightbound.
WarZone Houston
58-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Houston, TX, United States on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Justin Moore – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand BA (2000 points) Space Marines CHARACTERS Blood Angels Captain (80 points) Captain with Jump Pack (75 points) Chaplain with Jump Pack (100 points) Commander Dante (120 points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) Infiltrator Squad (100 points) Infiltrator Squad (100 points) Repulsor Executioner (220 points) Repulsor Executioner (220 points) Sanguinary Guard (110 points) Scout Squad (70 points) Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (190 points) Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (190 points)
Big foot is real! I killed him with lance lethal
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Liberator Assault Group
Captain Fuck Around
Blood Angels Captain (115 points)
• 1x Inferno pistol
1x Relic weapon
• Enhancement: Rage-fuelled Warrior
• 1x Inferno pistol
1x Power fist
• Warlord
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Relic weapon
• 1x Crozius arcanum
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Speed of the Primarch
• 1x Perdition Pistol
1x The Axe Mortalis
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt 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 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
4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 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
4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 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
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
• 2x Angelus boltgun
3x Encarmine blade
1x Inferno pistol
1x Sanguinary Banner
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
2x Boltgun
4x Close combat weapon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
• 9x Storm Shield
9x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Storm Shield
1x Vanguard Veteran weapon
• 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack
• 9x Storm Shield
9x Vanguard Veteran weapon
Archetype
RepEx Liberator
Thoughts
An innovative spin on combined arms Liberator here, making the leap that if you spend +60pts on your Gladiator Lancers, they can become RepExes and provide both shooting and transport capacity for your Assault Intercessors. That provides the build with a much more solid central anvil than it normally has, adding an incentive to have more durable brawler pieces to control the table around it, which the VanVets provide. You end up with a build that still has the aggro and pressure Liberator always packs, but can also choose to work up the table in a more grindy fashion when needed, which is a nice piece of flexibility. Good spin on a classic from Justin.
Thomas Greer – Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Leagues of Votann CHARACTERS Arkanyst Evaluator (75 Points) Kâhl (100 Points) Memnyr Strategist (55 Points) Ûthar the Destined (95 Points) BATTLELINE Hearthkyn Warriors (100 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Kapricus Carrier (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (160 Points) Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 Points) Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 Points) Einhyr Hearthguard (270 Points) Hekaton Land Fortress (240 Points) Hekaton Land Fortress (240 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (80 Points) Hernkyn Pioneers (80 Points) Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 Points) Ironkin Steeljacks with Heavy Volkanite Disintegrators (180 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675
Mad Science (2000 Points)
Needgaârd Oathband
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Transmatter inverter
• 1x Mass gauntlet
• 1x Teleport Crest
• 1x Volkanite disintegrator
• Enhancements: Oathbound Speculator
• 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancements: Dead Reckoning
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of the Ancestors
• 1x Rampart Crest
• 1x Volkanite disintegrator
• 1x Theyn
◦ 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
◦ 1x Autoch-pattern bolter
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Theyn’s melee weapon
◦ 1x Weavefield crest
• 9x Hearthkyn Warrior
◦ 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol
◦ 7x Autoch-pattern bolter
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x HYLas auto rifle
◦ 1x Magna-rail rifle
• 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
• 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 MATR autocannon
• 1x Panspectral Scanner
• 1x SP heavy conversion beamer
• 2x Twin bolt cannon
• 1x Armoured wheels
• 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon
• 1x MATR autocannon
• 1x Panspectral Scanner
• 2x Twin bolt cannon
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
◦ 3x Bolt revolver
◦ 3x Bolt shotgun
◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon
◦ 3x Magna-coil autocannon
◦ 1x Panspectral Scanner
◦ 3x Plasma knife
◦ 1x Rollbar Searchlight
• 3x Hernkyn Pioneer
◦ 3x Bolt revolver
◦ 3x Bolt shotgun
◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon
◦ 3x Magna-coil autocannon
◦ 1x Panspectral Scanner
◦ 3x Plasma knife
◦ 1x Rollbar Searchlight
• 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 Heavy volkanite disintegrator
◦ 1x Plasma knife
◦ 1x Preymark Crest
• 5x Ironkin Steeljack
◦ 5x Heavy volkanite disintegrator
◦ 5x Plasma knife
Archetype
Mobile Anvil Votann
Thoughts
Needgaârd rack up an undefeated second here, going for a mobile anvil build that can push up onto expansion and middle objectives in overwhelming force, flensing foes with a mixture of Sustained Hits Thunderkyn, Land Fort guns, and volkanite Steeljacks. That’s supported by a big plasma Hearthguard bomb, which in Needgard is a very real unit – the Oathbound enhancement on the Kahl lets them make really big swings, and having a Kahl to bring the Teleport Crest means you can have the 5+ Invulnerable Save on the unit. Bringing these in during the mid-game if you’ve pivoted to Fortify can be really tough for the opponent to stop cost-efficiently thanks to Reactive Reprisal being active. Good to see the Votann landing some early successes, and this brings a fun suite of toys to the board, great stuff Thomas.
Dominic Gierber – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Lethal Sussy 5 Uppy (1995 Points) Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Acolyte Iconward (50 Points) Benefictus (70 Points) Benefictus (70 Points) Biophagus (70 Points) Nexos (60 Points) Primus (100 Points) Reductus Saboteur (65 Points) Reductus Saboteur (65 Points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 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) Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) Atalan Jackals (75 Points) Atalan Jackals (75 Points) Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675
Let the rats cook:
Host of Ascension
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Cult claws
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Psionic Cascade
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad
• Enhancements: Our Time is Nigh
• 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
• Warlord
• 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 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 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 Spotter
• 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
• 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
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
◦ 5x Cult claws and talons
Archetype
Horde Host
Thoughts
Horde Host with some Time is Nigh Metamorphs for counter-punch, one of the best builds from the season we’ve just had. The various changes in the Dataslate are targeted fairly hard at this list in particular, so I’m sure there will be lots of changes made to it, but I am also not enough of a Genestealer Understander to predict what those will be, so I guess I’ll just say well done to Dominic, and wait and see what comes next.
Samuel Cook – T’au Empire (Mont’ka) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand T’au Empire CHARACTERS Commander Farsight (95 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Broadside Battlesuits (180 points) Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) Broadside Battlesuits (90 points) Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (150 points) Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points) Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) Piranhas (60 points) Piranhas (60 points) Riptide Battlesuit (190 points) Riptide Battlesuit (190 points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) Vespid Stingwings (65 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675
monki (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Mont’ka
• Warlord
• 1x Dawn Blade
1x High-intensity plasma rifle
• 1x Broadside Shas’vre
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
2x Missile Drone
• 1x Broadside Shas’ui
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
2x Missile Drone
1x Seeker missile
1x Twin smart missile system
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x Heavy rail rifle
2x Missile Drone
1x Seeker missile
1x Twin smart missile system
• 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
2x Fusion blaster
1x Gun Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
4x Fusion blaster
2x Gun Drone
2x Shield Drone
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Cyclic ion raker
1x Ghostkeel fists
1x Twin fusion blaster
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Railgun
2x Seeker missile
2x Smart missile system
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Railgun
2x Seeker missile
2x Smart missile system
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin plasma rifle
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin plasma rifle
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
2x Smart missile system
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
1x Battlesuit fists
1x Fusion blaster
1x Homing Beacon
1x Marker Drone
1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
• 2x Battlesuit fists
2x Burst cannon
• 1x Vespid Strain Leader
• 1x Neutron blaster
1x Stingwing claws
• 4x Vespid Stingwing
• 4x Neutron blaster
4x Stingwing claws
Archetype
Mont’ka hulls
Thoughts
Two Riptides? Those are some rookie numbers, gotta pump those up. It’s Mont’ka hulls – it goes fast and break things. Soon it will do that with +50pts and better Riptide guns to play with. Glory to the Greater Good and all that. Well done Samuel.
The Best of the Rest
There was 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Russell Tassin – Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread): Triple Abominant and double Despoiler, a bit of a casualty of the Abominant changes as it doesn’t grind MSU armies nearly as well after that.
- 6th – Oscar Ruiz – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Vectorium goodstuff with a Daemon Prince.
- 7th – AlanMichael Torres – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King and Doomsdays with some Wraiths and the Nightbringer to protect them. Losing the Ignore Modifiers aura is mean for this list, though movement boosts for C’tan and Destroyers aren’t bad.
- 8th – Harry P Knusse – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): All-rounder Martyrs with the unusual addition of some Repentia units. Almost certainly wants to try out Retributors post-update as an extra spike damage threat.
- 9th – Dick McTrickle UFOlogist – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Index Knights with aggro bigs (two Lancers and Canis) then Ignore Cover Helverins via an Immolator.
- 10th – Kyle Kingsbury – Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Herohammer, ThunderCav MSUs and some Repulsors for the Infantry to ride around in.
- 11th – David Hall – Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Extra elite Wrath with the Lion and some Leaders for the Deathwing Knight units. Loves the updated Lion a lot.
Wasteland Wars GT 4
48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Lubbock, TX, United States on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Derrick Ramsey – Chaos Daemons (Plague Legion) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Daemons CHARACTERS Epidemius (80 points) Great Unclean One (285 points) Great Unclean One (270 points) Rotigus (250 points) Sloppity Bilepiper (70 points) BATTLELINE Nurglings (70 points) Nurglings (70 points) Plaguebearers (110 points) Plaguebearers (110 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Beasts of Nurgle (130 points) Beasts of Nurgle (130 points) Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) Flesh Hounds (75 points) ALLIED UNITS War Dog Stalker (140 points) War Dog Stalker (140 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675
Aura Farming in the Garden of Nurgle (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Plague Legion
• Warlord
• 1x Balesword and Nurgling attendants
• 1x Bilesword
1x Plague flail
1x Putrid vomit
• Enhancement: Droning Shroud (Aura)
• 1x Bilesword
1x Plague flail
1x Putrid vomit
• Enhancement: Font of Spores (Aura)
• 1x Gnarlrod
1x Streams of brackish filth
• 1x Marotter
• Enhancement: Cankerblight (Aura)
• 6x Nurgling Swarm
• 6x Diseased claws and teeth
• 6x Nurgling Swarm
• 6x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Plagueridden
• 1x Plaguesword
• 9x Plaguebearer
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Plaguesword
• 1x Plagueridden
• 1x Plaguesword
• 9x Plaguebearer
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Plaguesword
• 2x Beast of Nurgle
• 2x Putrid appendages
• 2x Beast of Nurgle
• 2x Putrid appendages
• 1x Putrid appendages
• 1x Gore Hound
• 1x Burning roar
1x Collar of Khorne
1x Gore-drenched fangs
• 4x Flesh Hound
• 4x Collar of Khorne
4x Gore-drenched fangs
• 1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Slaughterclaw
Archetype
Legion Stalkers
Thoughts
The morale nightmare of Plague Legion makes an appearance, bringing with it some War Dog Stalkers. These supplement the existing Scout capability of Beasts of Nurgle and the Infiltrating Nurglings to let the army set up the mid-board to its exacting specifications out of the gate, after which the morale and chip damage hell it unleashes should stop foes being able to get a handle on the game. I live in fear of ever running into this with my Wraith-based Necron build, because it’s a complete shutdown to any sort of durable tarpit plan. Congratulations to Derrick on unleashing the horrors.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Richard Mendoza – T’au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre): Shadowsun, hulls and Rampagers.
- 3rd – David Harris – Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Purifiers in Razorbacks, Crowe’s big unit, and lots of Dreadknights.
- 4th – Nicholas “Nickron” Henry – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Wraiths and a Warrior unit scoring while Doomsdays blast away. Should be well positioned in the new metagame given it doesn’t need the Silent King.
- 5th – Parker Lewis – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Combined Arms goodstuff that’s heavy on the Kasrkin.
- 6th – Jakob Dearing – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and a Valiant as top-heavy pressure threats, lots of Armigers and Agents in support.
- 7th – Michael Mckibben – Aeldari (Warhost): Keepaway Warhost Aspects with big Dragon and Reaper units as the centrepieces.
- 8th – Anthony Martinez – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer): Actual Mortarion in Mortarion’s Hammer, backed by Plaguebursts, Deathshrouds and triple blight launcher Drones.
- 9th – Brandon Harris – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Mortarion everywhere! Here he’s got Vectorium goodstuff pieces backing him up.
The GR: Meme Team – 2025 GT
35-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Martyn Cooper – Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Astra Militarum CHARACTERS Cadian Command Squad (65 Points) Catachan Command Squad (65 Points) Gaunt’s Ghosts (110 Points) Ogryn Bodyguard (40 Points) Rogal Dorn Commander (265 Points) Rogal Dorn Commander (265 Points) Ursula Creed (85 Points) BATTLELINE Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points) Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Bullgryn Squad (100 Points) Death Riders (60 Points) Kasrkin (110 Points) Kasrkin (110 Points) Kasrkin (110 Points) Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 Points) Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674
Meme gt (2000 Points)
Combined Arms
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Cadian Commander
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Master Vox
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Regimental Standard
• 1x Catachan Commander
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Veteran Guardsman
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Lasgun
◦ 4x Laspistol
◦ 1x Master Vox
◦ 1x Medi-pack
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Regimental Standard
• 1x Ibram Gaunt
◦ 1x Bolt Pistol
◦ 1x Gaunt’s chainsword
• 1x Colm Corbec
◦ 1x Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Elim Rawne
◦ 1x Rawne’s lascarbine
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Hlaine Larkin
◦ 1x Larkin’s long-las
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x ‘Try Again’ Bragg
◦ 1x Bragg’s autocannon
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Oan Mkoll
◦ 1x Lascarbine
◦ 1x Mkoll’s straight silver knife
• 1x Brute Shield
• 1x Bullgryn maul
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Coaxial autocannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 2x Heavy stubber
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Oppressor cannon
• 1x Pulveriser cannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Coaxial autocannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 2x Heavy stubber
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Oppressor cannon
• 1x Pulveriser cannon
• Warlord
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
• 1x Power weapon
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Chainsword
• 9x Shock Trooper
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Laspistol
• 9x Jungle Fighter
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Flamer
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Laspistol
• 9x Jungle Fighter
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Flamer
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Laspistol
• 9x Jungle Fighter
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Flamer
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Laspistol
• 9x Jungle Fighter
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Flamer
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Bullgryn Bone ‘ead
◦ 1x Brute Shield
◦ 1x Bullgryn maul
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Bullgryn
◦ 2x Brute Shield
◦ 2x Bullgryn maul
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
• 1x Ridemaster
◦ 1x Death Rider lascarbine
◦ 1x Frag lance
◦ 1x Power sabre
◦ 1x Savage claws
• 4x Death Rider
◦ 4x Death Rider lascarbine
◦ 4x Frag lance
◦ 4x Power sabre
◦ 4x Savage claws
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
◦ 1x Melta Mine
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
◦ 1x Melta Mine
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
◦ 1x Melta Mine
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Vanquisher battle cannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Plasma cannon
• 1x Vanquisher battle cannon
Archetype
Combined Arms Catachan Jail
Thoughts
Martyn takes down another event with his guard, and helpfully this time I know exactly how, because he’s done this to me before. There are enough Catachans in this build to just create a jail line across the table on many deployments, building up an early Primary lead and stopping opponents being able to fight the tanks properly. They’ll break out fast, but by then the damage is done, and the Kasrkin can play cleanup duty for any priority targets left. Should only get better with the removal of Challenger cards too. Great work Martyn!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Byron 🔥🎲 Sidhu – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Monster mash with some board control support.
- 3rd – Adam 🧬🏍️ Stallwood – Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw): A showing for Outlander in a very go-wide MSU Transport configuration. Does take some hits on Hackals and the two solo Ridgerunners.
- 4th – Jordan Checkley – Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Herohammer melee with Ballistus support.
- 5th – Zan Rashid – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Monster mash and board control.
- 6th – Euan Bedford-Cooper – Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Gunline tanks and lots of Possessed to pressure the foe.
2025 Eagle Rock Open
27-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Rexburg, ID, United States on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
James Walsh – Dark Angels (Company of Hunters) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Ravenwing Command Squad (130 Points) Ravenwing Command Squad (140 Points) Ravenwing Command Squad (135 Points) BATTLELINE Outrider Squad (80 Points) Outrider Squad (80 Points) Outrider Squad (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Ballistus Dreadnought (140 Points) Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) Centurion Devastator Squad (165 Points) Invader ATV (60 Points) Invader ATV (60 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 Points) Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674
DA – Ravenwing (2000 Points)
Dark Angels
Company of Hunters
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Ravenwing Champion
• Warlord
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 1x Plasma talon
◦ Enhancements: Master-crafted Weapon
• 1x Ravenwing Apothecary
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Ancient
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Champion
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 1x Plasma talon
◦ Enhancements: Recon Hunter
• 1x Ravenwing Apothecary
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Ancient
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Champion
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 1x Plasma talon
◦ Enhancements: Master of Manoeuvre
• 1x Ravenwing Apothecary
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Ancient
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 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 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 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 Devastator Centurion Sergeant
◦ 1x Centurion fists
◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 1x Grav-cannon
• 2x Devastator Centurion
◦ 2x Centurion fists
◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 2x Grav-cannon
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant
◦ 1x Centurion fists
◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 1x Grav-cannon
• 2x Devastator Centurion
◦ 2x Centurion fists
◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 2x Grav-cannon
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant
◦ 1x Centurion fists
◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 1x Grav-cannon
• 2x Devastator Centurion
◦ 2x Centurion fists
◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 2x Grav-cannon
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 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 Heavy bolter
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher
• 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Melta destroyer
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher
• 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher
• 1x Melta destroyer
Archetype
Hunter Centurions
Thoughts
The weird Ravenwing sideplot is still going on I see. Being able to Advance/Shoot Centurions and Ballistus Dreads all the time makes them fairly mobile platforms, and the Command Squad/Outrider units can pivot between troubleshooting or jailing foes with their massive footprints as required. Another build that even gets better with Challenger Cards dying, though does need to find +30pts for Ballistus Dreads. Fun to see this keeping on trucking, great job James.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Thomas Moore – Leagues of Votann (Brandfast Oathband): Land Forts and Thunderkyn, plus one big Ironkin unit.
- 3rd – Jacob O’Neill – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager): Toolbox pure Drukhari wager with a couple of Talos units.
- 4th – Austin Bluhm – Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Top-heavy beastslayer with big ThunderCav units and a full Wulfen/Wolf Priest unit.
- 5th – Ross Rinabarger – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Infantry, one tank, and a bumper supply of cheap Sisters of Silence.
Wrap Up
Have any questions or feedback? Drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com. Want articles like this linked in your inbox every Monday morning? Sign up for our newsletter. And don’t forget that you can support us on Patreon for backer rewards like early video content, Administratum access, an ad-free experience on our website and more.
