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.
More exciting updates from the battlefields today, and it’s mostly Wings again in a rare Friday appearence, as due to some scheduling issues, Lowest of Men has only been able to tackle the first event.
Let’s dive in with that, with the full schedule today being:
- La Voz Open 2025
- (late entry) O.G.R.E. 2025
- Belgian Open WH40K
- GITHAMMER IRON GIT GT
- Tabled Talk Grand Tournament
- Malmö Figurspelsförening 40k GT
Part 1 on Wednesday:
- NOVA Open 2025 Grand Tournament
- Roll for Damage GT – Presented by Dragon’s Lair
- ALL STARS August – Hellstorm’s 40K Tournament Series
- 30 & 31 Aug 2025 – OWN’s Breaking Point GT at Primal Nerds
- HWP Saltier Classic GT
La Voz Open 2025
146-player, 7-round Major in Lugo, España on August 30 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Terraform – Crucible of Battle
Alvaro Perez – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) Space Marines CHARACTERS Castellan (60 points) Castellan (60 points) Castellan (60 points) Chaplain Grimaldus (110 points) Emperor’s Champion (105 points) High Marshal Helbrecht (120 points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) Marshal (90 points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (150 points) Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (85 points) Impulsor (85 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Infiltrator Squad (100 points) Repulsor Executioner (220 points) Repulsor Executioner (220 points) Sword Brethren Squad (105 points) Sword Brethren Squad (105 points) Sword Brethren Squad (105 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674
Army List - Click to Expand
VAMOS A LUGO (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 Chaplain Grimaldus
• 1x Artificer crozius
1x Plasma pistol
• 3x Cenobyte Servitor
• 3x Close combat weapon
• 1x Black Sword
1x Bolt Pistol
• Enhancement: The Honour Vehement
• Warlord
• 1x Ferocity
1x Sword of the High Marshals
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• Enhancement: Artificer Armour
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 9x Assault Intercessor
• 9x Astartes chainsword
9x 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
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 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 Infiltrator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Helix Gauntlet
1x Infiltrator Comms Array
4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 1x 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
• 4x Sword Brother
• 4x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Master-crafted power weapon
• 4x Sword Brother
• 4x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Master-crafted power weapon
• 4x Sword Brother
• 4x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Master-crafted power weapon
vs.
Falco La_Orden – Emperor’s Children (Coterie of the Conceited) Emperor’s Children CHARACTERS Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (230 Points) Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 Points) Lord Exultant (80 Points) Lord Exultant (80 Points) Lord Kakophonist (60 Points) Lucius the Eternal (150 Points) BATTLELINE Infractors (85 Points) Infractors (85 Points) Tormentors (85 Points) Tormentors (85 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (80 Points) Chaos Rhino (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Maulerfiend (130 Points) Maulerfiend (130 Points) Noise Marines (145 Points) Noise Marines (145 Points) Noise Marines (145 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674
Army List - Click to Expand
Ec (1995 Points)
Coterie of the Conceited
Strike Force (2.000 Points)
• 1x Hellforged weapons
• 1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancements: Pledge of Unholy Fortune
• Warlord
• 1x Hellforged weapons
• 1x Infernal cannon
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Phoenix power spear
• 1x Rapture lash
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Phoenix power spear
• 1x Rapture lash
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Screamer pistol
• 1x Screamer pistol
• 1x Blade of the Laer
• 1x Lash of Torment
• 1x Obsessionist
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Infractor
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Duelling sabre
◦ 1x Icon of Excess
• 1x Obsessionist
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Infractor
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Duelling sabre
◦ 1x Icon of Excess
• 1x Obsessionist
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Tormentor
◦ 2x Boltgun
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Excess
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
• 1x Obsessionist
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Tormentor
◦ 2x Boltgun
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Excess
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 2x Magma cutters
• 1x Maulerfiend fists
• 2x Magma cutters
• 1x Maulerfiend fists
• 1x Disharmonist
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Power sword
◦ 1x Screamer pistol
• 5x Noise Marine
◦ 2x Blastmaster
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Sonic blaster
• 1x Disharmonist
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sonic blaster
• 5x Noise Marine
◦ 2x Blastmaster
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Sonic blaster
• 1x Disharmonist
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sonic blaster
• 5x Noise Marine
◦ 2x Blastmaster
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Sonic blaster
Thoughts
A very spicy showdown here, as our big skew meta shows the first signs of yielding to a rushy, pressure meta as many have anticipated. Templars are a bunch of brutal combat units in transports. EC are a bunch of brutal combat units in transports. So who comes out on top?!
On the face of it, the Templars are slightly better spec’d for bringing down hard targets than for a pure combat brawl. You have some great trade pieces – the Sword Brethren, Helbrecht, etc – and if you can manipulate the reactive moves into transports there is certainly scope for a protracted combat engagement. What they don’t have is quite the same range of dirty tricks for a melee match up – Fights First running about in the form of Lucius, targeted redirects of attacks via stratagems, A returning Daemon Prince.
EC have adapted to give themselves half (and it was half) a chance into Knights by bringing Maulerfiends along – these will happily munch on Templar transports, relieved they’re not being asked to deal with anything bigger! Noise Marines kill Templar infantry units for fun, and the speed and reach isn’t tied to a single go-turn in the same way Gladius is. If the board has adequate staging for the armies to get into position and start to brawl, I would back the EC to triumph here, and that is very much how it played out in the end!
Result
Emperor’s Children (Coterie of the Conceited) Victory – 63 – 39
Falco La_Orden – Emperor’s Children (Coterie of the Conceited) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Emperor’s Children CHARACTERS Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (230 Points) Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 Points) Lord Exultant (80 Points) Lord Exultant (80 Points) Lord Kakophonist (60 Points) Lucius the Eternal (150 Points) BATTLELINE Infractors (85 Points) Infractors (85 Points) Tormentors (85 Points) Tormentors (85 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (80 Points) Chaos Rhino (80 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Maulerfiend (130 Points) Maulerfiend (130 Points) Noise Marines (145 Points) Noise Marines (145 Points) Noise Marines (145 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674
Ec (1995 Points)
Coterie of the Conceited
Strike Force (2.000 Points)
• 1x Hellforged weapons
• 1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancements: Pledge of Unholy Fortune
• Warlord
• 1x Hellforged weapons
• 1x Infernal cannon
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Phoenix power spear
• 1x Rapture lash
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Phoenix power spear
• 1x Rapture lash
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Screamer pistol
• 1x Screamer pistol
• 1x Blade of the Laer
• 1x Lash of Torment
• 1x Obsessionist
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Infractor
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Duelling sabre
◦ 1x Icon of Excess
• 1x Obsessionist
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Infractor
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Duelling sabre
◦ 1x Icon of Excess
• 1x Obsessionist
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Tormentor
◦ 2x Boltgun
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Excess
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
• 1x Obsessionist
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Tormentor
◦ 2x Boltgun
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Excess
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 2x Magma cutters
• 1x Maulerfiend fists
• 2x Magma cutters
• 1x Maulerfiend fists
• 1x Disharmonist
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Power sword
◦ 1x Screamer pistol
• 5x Noise Marine
◦ 2x Blastmaster
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Sonic blaster
• 1x Disharmonist
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sonic blaster
• 5x Noise Marine
◦ 2x Blastmaster
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Sonic blaster
• 1x Disharmonist
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sonic blaster
• 5x Noise Marine
◦ 2x Blastmaster
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Sonic blaster
Archetype
Somehow, EC Returned
Thoughts
The US were spot on about EC still being very relevant. Take even a couple of the meta menaces away and they rise right back through the ranks with their incredible speed, anti-melee tricks, and the raw nonsense of the Winged Daemon Prince datasheet. It’s cool to see them re-emerging like horrible, smug flowers after a stat-check winter. The earth is healing… Very well done on the event win!!
Alvaro Perez – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Castellan (60 points) Castellan (60 points) Castellan (60 points) Chaplain Grimaldus (110 points) Emperor’s Champion (105 points) High Marshal Helbrecht (120 points) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) Marshal (90 points) BATTLELINE Assault Intercessor Squad (150 points) Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) Assault Intercessor Squad (75 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Impulsor (85 points) Impulsor (85 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Infiltrator Squad (100 points) Repulsor Executioner (220 points) Repulsor Executioner (220 points) Sword Brethren Squad (105 points) Sword Brethren Squad (105 points) Sword Brethren Squad (105 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674
VAMOS A LUGO (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 Chaplain Grimaldus
• 1x Artificer crozius
1x Plasma pistol
• 3x Cenobyte Servitor
• 3x Close combat weapon
• 1x Black Sword
1x Bolt Pistol
• Enhancement: The Honour Vehement
• Warlord
• 1x Ferocity
1x Sword of the High Marshals
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• Enhancement: Artificer Armour
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 9x Assault Intercessor
• 9x Astartes chainsword
9x 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
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
• 4x Astartes chainsword
4x Heavy bolt pistol
• 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 Infiltrator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
1x Helix Gauntlet
1x Infiltrator Comms Array
4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 1x 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
• 4x Sword Brother
• 4x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Master-crafted power weapon
• 4x Sword Brother
• 4x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Master-crafted power weapon
• 4x Sword Brother
• 4x Heavy bolt pistol
4x Master-crafted power weapon
Archetype
Parry This You Filthy Casual
Thoughts
God Templars look fun. It’s basically zealous Drukhari on steroids, with maniacs flying out of transports, murdering things and then hopping back in, but also they don’t die to incidental bolter fire and the occasional sneeze (well done to anyone that had ‘Tom gripes about the state of Drukhari’ on their bingo card). Slight shame Gladius just IS the way to run the new stuff but it feels like enough of a culture shift and alteration in style that it should keep Templars players fun – and boy, does it do damage. Really well done on the top placing.
Jonan OdeZ – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand GSC 2.5 (2000 points) Genestealer Cults CHARACTERS Benefictus (70 points) Locus (45 points) Nexos (60 points) Primus (100 points) Primus (95 points) Reductus Saboteur (65 points) Reductus Saboteur (65 points) BATTLELINE Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 points) Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (140 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) 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 (80 points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674
Strike Force (2000 points)
Host of Ascension
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Psionic Cascade
• Warlord
• 1x Locus blades
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancement: A Chink In Their Armour
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancement: Assassination Edict
• 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
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 9x Cult claws and knife
4x Demolition charges
5x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Cult claws and knife
1x Hand flamer
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 4x Cult claws and knife
4x Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Cult claws and knife
1x Hand flamer
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 4x Cult claws and knife
4x Hand flamer
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
2x Flamer
2x Grenade launcher
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Mining laser
2x Seismic cannon
• 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 Flamer
2x Grenade launcher
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Mining laser
2x Seismic cannon
• 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 Flamer
2x Grenade launcher
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Mining laser
2x Seismic cannon
• 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 mining laser
1x Spotter
1x Twin heavy stubber
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mining laser
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
• 4x Hybrid Metamorph
• 1x Cult Icon
3x Hand flamer
4x Metamorph mutations
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
• 5x Cult claws and talons
• 5x Purestrain Genestealer
• 5x Cult claws and talons
Archetype
Host Horde
Thoughts
There is a sneaky include for a Locus in this otherwise quite standard Host chassis – I really like this. Getting rushed down is a recurring nuisance for Host, and having a little fights first counter punch feels like a very healthy addition with which to punish anyone who thinks they know exactly how to approach the game. Double Primus feels like an adjustment for a more infantry centred meta too – better to get the volume of shots through than more lasers for hulls, and it gives you more options for ingress overwatching too. Awesome stuff, very well done.
Guillermo López – Grey Knights (Brotherhood Strike) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Grey Knights CHARACTERS Castellan Crowe (90 points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (225 points) BATTLELINE Strike Squad (120 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Razorback (85 points) Razorback (85 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Interceptor Squad (130 points) Interceptor Squad (130 points) Interceptor Squad (130 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (210 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (210 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (210 points) Purifier Squad (250 points) Purifier Squad (125 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674
BROTHERHOOD IN ARMS (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Brotherhood Strike
• Warlord
• 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 Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin lascannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin lascannon
• 1x Interceptor Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Interceptor
• 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
• 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
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Incinerator
3x Nemesis force weapon
3x Storm bolter
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• 1x Knight of the Flame
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 9x Purifier
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Incinerator
5x Nemesis force weapon
9x Purifying Flame
5x Storm bolter
• 1x Knight of the Flame
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Purifier
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Incinerator
2x Nemesis force weapon
4x Purifying Flame
2x Storm bolter
Archetype
GK Brotherhood Strike
Thoughts
Ok real talk – I do not know what this does. It is silver, shiny, and it can put stuff up in the sky and then Rapid Ingress them back in when it wants, which is pretty cool. I think with the meta shifting GK are probably feeling a bit better, with plenty of damage 2 and volume shooting for the post-Knight infantry wars, and loads of manoeuvrability. It appears the Brotherhood Strike enhancements weren’t worth bringing here, but the strats are solid! 6 inch deep strike, return to reserves when a foe falls back, dev wounds – all sorts of goodness. Maybe the silver tide is about to break out once again… Very well done on the top placing.
The Best of the Rest
There were 21 more players on 4-1+ records after the Swiss. They were:
- 5th (5-0) – OuX™ – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, double Crusader, an Errant and some Armigers.
- 6th (5-0) – Terroxer El Rojo – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Winged Daemon Prince and a Forgefiend alongside the usual Coven Goodstuff.
- 7th – Pedro Bollain de la Sota 🐢 – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Nightbringer leads the charge in an otherwise archetypal Awakened Warrior brick build.
- 8th – Nacho Elessarr – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Ooo Nightbringer again! He’s massive in Spain, he’s sort of like their Poldark. This time he tags along with the Silent King and some DDAs.
- 9th – koldo gonzalez besga – Leagues of Votann (Needgard Oathband): An early sighting of new Votann, with triple Land Fort, triple Kapricus Defenders, and some Carriers.
- 10th – Arcuos – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Classic massed Kill Teams in Black Spear.
- 11th – Keko 🙂 – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer): Double PBC, triple Bloat Drone, triple Deathshroud Hammer.
- 12th – Fran Bolaño – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Double Norn, double Tfex Invasion fleet with some Hyper Ravs.
- 13th – Borja FM – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Melee Liberator with some short-ranged shooting support from Baals and a Vindicator.
- 14th – Gabriel Fernandez – Aeldari (Seer Council): Phoenix Lord-heavy Seer Council with one of each Guardian flavour as an anchor.
- 15th – Pedro Cbrr – Aeldari (Aspect Host): Lots of MSUs, some Shining Spears, and a big Fire Dragon squad.
- 16th – Ivan Andres – Orks (Kult of Speed): Max Deffkoptas and triple loaded Kill Rig.
- 17th – Egoitz Eguillor – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): A somewhat unusual setup that’s low on Characters and takes lots of big Allarus squads and lots of small Bike units.
- 18th – Gispano MdE ☣️☢️ – Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners): Rotigus, a GUO and lots of Nurglings running interference for shooty Destructors and Daemon Engines.
- 19th – Alex Valin – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Wraiths, Doomsdays and a big Skorpekh squad.
- 20th – Shadowblade – Aeldari (Aspect Host): MSUs and a big squad each of Dragons and Hawks.
- 21st – Marco Esteban – Genestealer Cult (Genestealer Cults): Horde Host.
- 22nd – Many CL – Leagues of Votann (Brandfast Oathband): New Votann fun using the big murder Thunderkyn bomb and a bunch of other Transports.
- 23rd – Goldrius “Goyoron” – Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Forgefiends, melee MSUs, and a mini monster mash from double Disco and Vashtorr.
- 24th – Enrique Aguirre – Ultramarines (Stormlance Task Force): Bob, Calgar, Stormraven, you know the drill.
- 25th – Jorge Tobar – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, double Atrapos, Armigers.
O.G.R.E. 2025
120-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in France. All the lists for this event can be found on MiniHeadQuarters.
Note: This event was not using the balance update.
Redsloth – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Char1: 1x Captain Sicarius (85 pts): Artisan Plasma Pistol, Talassarian Tempest Blade Char2: 1x Chief Librarian Tigurius (75 pts): Bolt Pistol, Rod of Tigurius, Storm of the Emperor’s Wrath Char3: 3x Marneus Calgar (200 pts): Warlord Char5: 1x Captain in Gravis Armour (90 pts): Boltstorm Gauntlet, Power Fist, Relic Blade Char6: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades Char7: 1x Techmarine (55 pts): Forge Bolter, Grav-pistol, Omnissian Power Axe, Servo-arm 5x Assault Intercessor Squad (75 pts) 5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) 5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) 4x Company Heroes (105 pts) 4x Company Heroes (105 pts) 5x Scout Squad (70 pts) 5x Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 pts) 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (140 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 pts): Close Combat Weapon, Hammerstrike Missile Launcher, 2x Krakstorm Grenade Launcher, Melta Destroyer 1x Impulsor (80 pts): Shield Dome, Armoured Hull, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launcher 1x Impulsor (80 pts): Shield Dome, Armoured Hull, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launcher
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Ultramarines
+ DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char3: Marneus Calgar
+ ENHANCEMENT: The Honour Vehement (on Char1: Captain)
& Artificer Armour (on Char2: Captain in Gravis Armour)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 20
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (6×2) – Assassination: 7 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Marneus Calgar: Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard: 2 with Victrix Power Sword
Char4: 1x Captain (95 pts): Power Fist, Plasma Pistol
Enhancement: The Honour Vehement (+15 pts)
Enhancement: Artificer Armour (+10 pts)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant: Plasma Pistol, Thunder Hammer
• 4x Assault Intercessors: 4 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 4x Intercessor: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack: 4 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
• 2x Company Veteran
1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle
1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Heavy Bolter
• 1x Ancient: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Company Champion: Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon
• 2x Company Veteran
1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle
1 with Company Heroes, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Master-crafted Heavy Bolter
• 1x Ancient: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Company Champion: Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon
• 2x Scout
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Heavy Bolter
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword
• 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt Pistol, Boltgun, Close Combat Weapon
• 4x Sternguard Veteran
3 with Sternguard Veteran Squad, Close Combat Weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Sternguard Bolt Rifle
1 with Sternguard Veteran Squad, Close Combat Weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Sternguard Heavy Bolter
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Power Fist, Sternguard Bolt Rifle
Archetype
Herohammer Gladius
Thoughts
A spin on Gladius Ultramarines here that dials back the volume of guns for more techy, herohammer pieces. Sicarius and Calgar with their Heroes are great little skirmishers, and the unique addition here is Tigurius with Sternguard, able to use their re-rolls to push fairly substantial damage from his shooting, and providing free Overwatch to make a sort of no-go zone for Oath targets that don’t want to get hit with double full re-rolls. I like the amount of presence this build has, and honestly although this build was pre-Balance update, I think this looks even better once five-Knight builds are gone. Well done Redsloth for finding new ways to tinker with a fairly established formula.
lugo – Aeldari (Aspect Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHARACTER Char1: 1x Asurmen (135 pts) Char2: 1x Baharroth (115 pts) Char3: 1x Fuegan (120 pts) Char4: 1x Jain Zar (105 pts) BATTLELINE 11x Storm Guardians (100 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 5x Dark Reapers (90 pts) 5x Dark Reapers (90 pts) 5x Dire Avengers (80 pts) 10x Fire Dragons (220 pts) 5x Howling Banshees (95 pts) 5x Rangers (55 pts) 10x Swooping Hawks (170 pts) 5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts) 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) 5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) 1x Falcon (130 pts) 1x Wave Serpent (125 pts)
+ PLAYER : Ludovic “Lugo” STAMMLER
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Aeldari
+ DETACHMENT: Aspect Host
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ NAME List : Rhana Dandra
+ WARLORD: Char3: Fuegan
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 18
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 with The Bloody Twins, The Sword of Asur
1 with Fury of the Tempest, The Shining Blade
1 with Searsong, The Fire Axe
• Warlord
1 with Silent Death, The Blade of Destruction
• 6x Storm Guardian
6 with Close Combat Weapon, Shuriken Pistol
• Storm Guardian
• 2x Storm Guardian with Flamer
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Flamer
• Storm Guardian
• 2x Storm Guardian with Fusion Gun & Power Sword
2 with Fusion gun, Power sword
• Storm Guardian
• 1x Serpent’s Scale Platform
1 with Close Combat Weapon
• Serpent’s Scale Platform, Serpent Shield
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Tempest Launcher
• Dark Reaper Exarch
• 4x Dark Reaper
4 with Close combat weapon, Reaper Launcher
• Dark Reaper
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Tempest Launcher
• Dark Reaper Exarch
• 4x Dark Reaper
4 with Close combat weapon, Reaper Launcher
• Dark Reaper
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dire Avenger Exarch
1 with Close Combat Weapon, 2x Avenger Shuriken Catapult
• Dire Avenger Exarch
• 4x Dire Avenger
4 with Avenger Shuriken Catapult, Close Combat Weapon
• Dire Avenger
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Firepike
• Fire Dragon Exarch
• 9x Fire Dragon
9 with Close combat weapon, Dragon Fusion Gun
• Fire Dragon
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
1 with Executioner, Shuriken Pistol
• Howling Banshee Exarch
• 4x Howling Banshee
4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol
• Howling Banshee
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 5x Ranger
5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol
• Rangers
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Hawk’s Talon
• Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 9x Swooping Hawk
9 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster
• Swooping Hawk
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Hawk’s Talon
• Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 4x Swooping Hawk
4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster
• Swooping Hawk
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle
• Warp Spider Exarch
• 4x Warp Spider
4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner
• Warp Spider
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle
• Warp Spider Exarch
• 4x Warp Spider
4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner
• Warp Spider
• Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle
• Warp Spider Exarch
• 4x Warp Spider
4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner
• Warp Spider
• Aspect Shrine Token
1 with Pulse Laser, Wraithbone hull, Bright Lance, Shuriken Cannon
1 with Wraithbone Hull, Shuriken Cannon, Twin Bright Lance
Archetype
Aspects
Thoughts
Mostly standard Aspect Host stuff here – Fuegan with Dragons in a Serpent for Skyborne is pretty much a lock, and Baharroth with a full squad is also very popular. The only unusual addition here is having Asurmen in a Falcon as well, where his built-in fade move lets you dip a little into the Warhost keepaway vibe. Just Aeldari things, congratulations Lugo on undefeated second.
loukas – Genestealer Cults (Host of Ascension) – 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Char1: 1x Biophagus (70 pts): Alchemicus familiar, Autopistol, Chemical vials, Injector goad Char2: 1x Biophagus (50 pts): Alchemicus familiar, Autopistol, Chemical vials, Injector goad Char3: 1x Primus (100 pts): Warlord, Cult bonesword, Scoped needle pistol, Toxin injector claw Char4: 1x Primus (80 pts): Cult bonesword, Scoped needle pistol, Toxin injector claw Char5: 1x Reductus Saboteur (65 pts): Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Demolition charges, Remote explosives Char6: 1x Reductus Saboteur (65 pts): Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Demolition charges, Remote explosives 5x Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 pts) 5x Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 pts) 5x Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 pts) 10x Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (140 pts) 10x Neophyte Hybrids (65 pts) 10x Neophyte Hybrids (65 pts) 20x Neophyte Hybrids (145 pts) 10x Aberrants (300 pts) 5x Atalan Jackals (75 pts) 5x Atalan Jackals (75 pts) 1x Achilles Ridgerunners (85 pts): Survey augur, Armoured hull, Twin heavy stubber, Heavy mortar 1x Achilles Ridgerunners (85 pts): Spotter, Armoured hull, Twin heavy stubber, Heavy mining laser 2x Achilles Ridgerunners (170 pts): 2 with Spotter, Armoured hull, Twin heavy stubber, Heavy mining laser 1x Goliath Truck (85 pts): Demolition charge cache, Goliath wheels, Heavy stubber, Twin autocannon
+ PLAYER NAME: loukas
+ TEAM NAME: Fuseurs Lorrains
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Genestealer Cults
+ DETACHMENT: Host of Ascension
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char3: Primus
+ ENHANCEMENT: Our Time is Nigh (on Char1: Biophagus)
& A Chink in Their Armour (on Char3: Primus)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 21
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (3×2) + (1×4) – Assassination: 6 Characters – Cull The Horde: 2×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Enhancement: Our Time is Nigh (+20 pts)
Enhancement: A Chink in Their Armour (+20 pts)
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
1 with Cult icon, Acolyte Hybrid, Cult claws and knife
3 with Acolyte Hybrid, Heavy Mining Tool
• 1x Acolyte Leader: Autopistol, Cult claws and knife
• 1x Acolyte Leader: Hand flamer, Cult claws and knife
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid: 4 with Cult claws and knife, Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader: Hand flamer, Cult claws and knife
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid: 4 with Cult claws and knife, Hand flamer
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
1 with Cult icon, Acolyte Hybrid, Cult claws and knife
4 with Acolyte Hybrid, Cult claws and knife, Demolition charge
4 with Acolyte Hybrid, Cult claws and knife, Hand flamer
• 1x Acolyte Leader: Hand flamer, Cult claws and knife
• 9x Neophyte Hybrid
1 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Mining Laser
1 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Seismic Cannon
4 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Hybrid firearm
1 with Cult Icon, Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Hybrid firearm
1 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Flamer
1 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Hybrid firearm
• 9x Neophyte Hybrid
1 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Mining Laser
1 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Seismic Cannon
4 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Hybrid firearm
1 with Cult Icon, Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Hybrid firearm
1 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Flamer
1 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
2 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy stubber
2 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Seismic Cannon
10 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Hybrid firearm
1 with Cult Icon, Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Hybrid firearm
2 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Grenade launcher
2 with Neophyte Hybrid, Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Webber
• 1x Neophyte Leader: Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Hybrid firearm
• 1x Aberrant Hypermorph: Aberrant weapons
• 9x Aberrant: 9 with Aberrant weapons
5x Purestrain Genestealers (75 pts): 5 with Cult claws and talons
• 4x Atalan Jackal
1 with Atalan Jackal, Atalan small arms, Close combat weapon
1 with Atalan Jackal, Atalan power weapon, Atalan small arms
1 with Atalan Jackal, Atalan power weapon, Atalan small arms
1 with Atalan Jackal, Close combat weapon, Grenade launcher
• 1x Atalan Wolfquad: Atalan small arms, Close combat weapon, Mining laser
• 4x Atalan Jackal
1 with Atalan Jackal, Atalan small arms, Close combat weapon
2 with Atalan Jackal, Atalan power weapon, Atalan small arms
1 with Atalan Jackal, Close combat weapon, Grenade launcher
• 1x Atalan Wolfquad: Atalan small arms, Close combat weapon, Mining laser
Archetype
Heavy Host
Thoughts
An unusual Host build here that goes for a much more balanced setup than is the norm, only taking one big Neophyte unit (which does helpfully guarantee you can always protect it with Back to the Shadows) and investing in a full Time is Nigh Aberrant unit as a big melee threat alongside them. That helps give a plan B against foes that want to just roll over you, and there’s plenty of cheap units alongside them to screen and score. There’s actually enough stuff here that if the matchup calls for it you could even plan on reviving the Aberrants the first time they die, helping keep swinging to the late game. Always a fan of seeing a slightly broader set of tools explored, good work Loukas.
Da_gnol – Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx) – 4th Place (4.5-0.5)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thousand Sons CHARACTERS Char 1 : Ahriman (100 Points) Char 2 : Exalted Sorcerer (110 Points) Char 3 : Exalted Sorcerer (80 Points) Char 4 : Exalted Sorcerer (95 Points) Char 5 : Sorcerer (95 Points) Char 6 : Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (85 Points) BATTLELINE Bat 1 : Rubric Marines (190 Points) Bat 2 : Rubric Marines (190 Points) Bat 3 : Rubric Marines (190 Points) Bat 4 : Rubric Marines (100 Points) Bat 5 : Rubric Marines (190 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS DedT 1 : Chaos Rhino (90 Points) DedT2 : Chaos Rhino (90 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Chaos Predator Annihilator (130 Points) Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (50 Points) Tzaangors (70 Points) Tzaangors (70 Points) Tzaangors (70 Points)
+ PLAYER : Da_gnol
+ TEAM : Ordo Vesontio
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Thousand Sons
+ DETACHMENT USED : Thousand Sons – Rubricae Phalanx
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS : 1995
+ ALLIED UNITS : none
+
+ WARLORD : Char 1 : Ahriman
+ ENHANCEMENT :
– Char 2 : Exalted Sorcerer : Rubricae Phalanx – Risen Rubricae
– Char 4 : Exalted Sorcerer : Rubricae Phalanx – Lord of the Rubricae
– Char 5 : Sorcerer : Rubricae Phalanx – Stave Abominus
+ NUMBER OF UNITS : 18
+ SECONDARY:
– Bring It Down: 3 units
– Assassination: 6 Characters
– Cult the horde : 0
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rubricae Phalanx
Strike Force (2 000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Black Staff of Ahriman
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Transmogrifying Blast
• 1x Astral Blast
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancements: Risen Rubricae
• 1x Astral Blast
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Prosperine khopesh
• 1x Astral Blast
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancements: Lord of the Rubricae
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Pandaemonic Delusion
• 1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancements: Stave Abominus
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Gaze of Hate
• 1x Inferno combi-bolter
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Inferno bolt pistol
◦ 1x Malefic Curse
• 8x Rubric Marine
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Inferno boltgun
• 1x Rubric Marine
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Malefic Curse
◦ 1x Warpflame pistol
• 8x Rubric Marine
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Warpflamer
• 1x Rubric Marine
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Inferno bolt pistol
◦ 1x Malefic Curse
• 8x Rubric Marine
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Inferno boltgun
• 1x Rubric Marine
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Malefic Curse
◦ 1x Warpflame pistol
• 3x Rubric Marine
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Warpflamer
• 1x Rubric Marine
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Malefic Curse
◦ 1x Warpflame pistol
• 8x Rubric Marine
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Warpflamer
• 1x Rubric Marine
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Inferno combi-bolter
• 1x Inferno combi-bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Inferno combi-bolter
• 1x Inferno combi-bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Inferno combi-bolter
• 2x Lascannon
• 1x Predator twin lascannon
• 1x Aviarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Twistbray
◦ 1x Tzaangor blades
• 7x Tzaangor
◦ 7x Autopistol
◦ 7x Chainsword
• 1x Tzaangor
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Chainsword
◦ 1x Brayhorn
• 1x Tzaangor
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Chainsword
◦ 1x Herd banner
• 1x Twistbray
◦ 1x Tzaangor blades
• 7x Tzaangor
◦ 7x Autopistol
◦ 7x Chainsword
• 1x Tzaangor
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Chainsword
◦ 1x Brayhorn
• 1x Tzaangor
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Chainsword
◦ 1x Herd banner
• 1x Twistbray
◦ 1x Tzaangor blades
• 7x Tzaangor
◦ 7x Autopistol
◦ 7x Chainsword
• 1x Tzaangor
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Chainsword
◦ 1x Brayhorn
• 1x Tzaangor
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Chainsword
◦ 1x Herd banner
Archetype
Rubricae Phalanx
Thoughts
It’s called Rubricae Phalanx and there sure is a wall of Rubricae, what more do you want form me? This build leans in hard on the grindy power of Thousand Sons, able to start some big units up the board, torch anything that pops its head out, and use defensive Stratagems to keep them alive. When the opponent commits with something big, you can pop the Rhino/Infernal Fusillade combo on the big bolter squad to send them directly into the shadow realm. Very grindy, but quite difficult to play around because it can be very low footprint when it needs to, and also has strong scoring backup to force the opponent to make a play. Glad to see that combo finally get some respect, apart from anything else, good work Da_gnol.
The Best of the Rest
There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Aiko – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): One day I will declare an Index to be gone and be right about it, maybe this is the Votann Index’s last ride.
- 6th -LamaR – Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): A unique Infantry horde spin on Champions, supporting the mandatory max Sacresants with lots of Battle Sisters.
- 7th – Rainbowdash – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): A pure Index pressure setup with Canis, an Errant and a Valiant.
- 8th – Jean-Loup – Genestealer Cults (Host of Ascension): Horde host with a Time is Nigh Metamorph unit added.
- 9th – Grimkar21 – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Champions with both a big Blightlord unit and Mortarion, so worth studying as it gets hit way less hard than most pre-nerf builds.
- 10th – Zeg – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, double Atrapos, double Immolator.
- 11th – Batcha – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Brethren/RepEx Gladius.
- 12th – Stan68 – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Champions goodstuff with a big Deathshroud unit.
- 13th – Liabdeh – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Elite melee horde, max Possessed and ten Chosen too.
Belgian Open WH40K
57-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Mechelen, Vlaanderen, België on August 30 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
This event was not using the balance update.
Guillaume Dusaussois – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points) Infernal Master (85 points) Magnus the Red (420 points) Sorcerer (100 points) Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (105 points) BATTLELINE Rubric Marines (100 points) Rubric Marines (100 points) Rubric Marines (100 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (90 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Chaos Spawn (65 points) Chaos Spawn (65 points) Scarab Occult Terminators (375 points) Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 points) Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 points) Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (50 points) Tzaangors (70 points) Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (92), Data Version: v662
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ PLAYER NAME: Dusaussois Guillaume
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Thousand Sons
+ DETACHMENT: Grand Coven
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ WARLORD: Magnus the Red
+ ENHANCEMENT: Incandeum ( Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch)
& Umbralefic Crystal ( Sorcerer in Terminator Armour)
& Eldritch Vortex of E’taph ( Sorcerer)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancement: Incandaeum
• 1x Fires of the Abyss
1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
1x Gaze of Magnus
1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Pandaemonic Delusion
1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E’Taph
• 1x Force weapon
1x Gaze of Hate
1x Inferno combi-bolter
• Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Malefic Curse
1x Warpflame pistol
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Malefic Curse
1x Warpflame pistol
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Malefic Curse
1x Warpflame pistol
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Havoc launcher
2x Inferno combi-bolter
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations
• 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno combi-bolter
1x Malefic Curse
• 9x Scarab Occult Terminator
• 2x Hellfyre missile rack
7x Inferno combi-bolter
9x Prosperine khopesh
2x Soulreaper cannon
• 1x Aviarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 5x Enlightened
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Aviarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 5x Enlightened
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Aviarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Twistbray
• 1x Autopistol
1x Chainsword
• 9x Tzaangor
• 9x Autopistol
1x Brayhorn
9x Chainsword
1x Herd banner
Archetype
Magnus Scarab Coven Goodstuff
Thoughts
The next metagame boogeyman makes itself known here, unleashing sorcerous might to obliterate all before it. The core of Magnus, Rubricae with Characters and Enlightened is pretty standard, what’s new here (and gathering momentum in Coven builds in general) is the presence of a big Terminator unit.
This helps reduce the utility of whatever anti-tank opponents have brought, as while Mutaliths are great they create a target-rich environment for anti-knight units like Fire Dragons (and this was a pre-nerf event), and also help the build with a bit of melee lift against aggressive Marines. It’s also helpful to have a mid-weight long-ranged shooting threat, otherwise it’s all Magnus all the time. This is probably the build to beat in our little micro metagame right now, so make sure you understand what it has going on, lest you be cast into the warp like all of Guillaume’s foes were.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Florian DST. – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King, Wraith unit, Doomsdays.
- 3rd – Guillaume “Razorix” Buchkremer – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Shooty big bugs with the full Ravener bomb.
- 4th – nico ide – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis triple Atrapos.
- 5th – Robin Paris – Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): Heavy herohammer Wolves, centred around a full squad each of Wolf Guard Terminators, Headtakers, and Blood Claws. Also, fun discovery for me that if you take the Wolves with Headtakers, the app renders it as “12x Wolf Guard Headtakers” which was a real “wait what?” moment.
GITHAMMER IRON GIT GT
38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cypress, CA, United States on August 30 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Ava Regalado – Space Marines (Ironstorm Spearhead) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Judiciar (70 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 Points) Firestrike Servo-turrets (75 Points) Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Scout Squad (70 Points) Vindicator (185 Points) Vindicator (185 Points) Vindicator (185 Points) Whirlwind (190 Points) Whirlwind (190 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674
From the Ashes (2000 Points)
Ultramarines
Ironstorm Spearhead
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
• 1x Executioner relic blade
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
◦ 4x Astartes chainsword
◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
◦ 4x Astartes chainsword
◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 1x Neo-volkite pistol
• 5x Bladeguard Veteran
◦ 5x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 5x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Twin Firestrike las-talon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy laser destroyer
• 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array
• 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Twin heavy bolter
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy laser destroyer
• 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array
• 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Twin heavy bolter
• 1x Scout Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Boltgun
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Missile launcher
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Scout Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 2x Boltgun
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Heavy bolter
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Demolisher cannon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Demolisher cannon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Demolisher cannon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Whirlwind vengeance launcher
Archetype
Whirlwind Ironstorm
Thoughts
Every now and then, Ironstorm pops up. It’s just a law of the universe. Marines have super efficient hulls, so a detachment that makes those better does kind of just work. The interesting thing about this version is double Whirlwind – presumably these are here to prey on the kind of units that are breathing a sigh of relief about Plaguebursts taking a hit, which they kill very efficiently, and certainly if Rubricae are going to be a big part of the metagame, D2 indirect is ultra valuable. Not much more to cover than that – Ironstorm still has the juice, good job Ava.
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Andrew Porras – Imperial Fists (Gladius Task Force): An all-rounder Gladius build with some Fists guest stars, Lysander amping up a Terminator Assault Squad, and Tor with Aggressors for a fairly mean mid-field piece.
- 3rd – Daniel Mindlin – Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights and Purifiers, which is basically going to be the game for Grey Knights for now.
- 4th – Nico Urrea – Thousand Sons (Warpforged Cabal): Lots of Enlightened, shooty hulls, and a couple of Mutaliths to protect them.
- 5th – Michael Georges – Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Tunnel mosnters with a Norn, plus a shockcannon Hive Guard squad.
- 6th – Zayd Alshoushi – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Two big Warrior units with Skorpekh MSUs to troubleshoot.
- 7th – Forrest Phanton – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Lots of ThunderCav, Vindicators and some herohammer pieces.
Tabled Talk Grand Tournament
33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Humble, TX, US on August 30 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Robert “TheChirurgeon” Jones – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Death Guard CHARACTERS Lord of Contagion (120 points) Lord of Virulence (130 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Deathshroud Terminators (160 points) Deathshroud Terminators (160 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points) Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 points) Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 points) Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 points) Plagueburst Crawler (210 points) Plagueburst Crawler (210 points) Plagueburst Crawler (210 points) Poxwalkers (65 points) Poxwalkers (65 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674
ettin DG hammer list (1990 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Mortarion’s Hammer
• 1x Manreaper
• Warlord
• 1x Power fist
1x Twin plague spewer
• Enhancement: Tendrilous Emissions
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Manreaper
1x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Manreaper
1x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon
Archetype
Plagueburst Hammer
Thoughts
There will be no living with him after this. Rob’s thesis on the balance updates was that he’d just drop a couple units and still win, and I can’t really argue with results on that one. You can check out his full event report in his weekly column here, congratulations man.
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Kevin “Titus” Camarata II – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): A top-heavy Ultramarine Bobby G/Calgar Gladius build with a big unit of Devastator Centurions.
- 3rd – Blake Chandler – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Horde Host.
- 4th – David Smith – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Liberator with double Death Company brick and some Vindicators.
- 5th – Ryan Bridges – Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): A classic Dominion/Castigator/Immolator Bringers list.
- 6th – Daniel Hebert – Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): RepEx/Brethren/Herohammer Templar Gladius.
- 7th – Ismael Hinojosa – Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Beastslayer herohammer with double Terminator MSUs, backed by some Lancers.
Malmö Figurspelsförening 40k GT
28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Skåne län, Sverige on August 30 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Björn Eriksson – Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Knights CHARACTERS Knight Despoiler (375 points) Knight Despoiler (375 points) Knight Despoiler (375 points) OTHER DATASHEETS War Dog Karnivore (150 points) War Dog Karnivore (150 points) War Dog Karnivore (150 points) ALLIED UNITS Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) Nurglings (40 points) Nurglings (40 points) Nurglings (40 points) Plaguebearers (110 points) Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674
Rotigus är SÅ tidig augusti 2025 (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Infernal Lance
• Warlord
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
2x Despoiler gatling cannon
2x Heavy darkflamer
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
2x Despoiler gatling cannon
2x Heavy darkflamer
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
2x Despoiler gatling cannon
2x Heavy darkflamer
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Putrid appendages
• 1x Putrid appendages
• 1x Putrid appendages
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Plagueridden
• 1x Plaguesword
• 9x Plaguebearer
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Plaguesword
Archetype
Gatling Infernals
Thoughts
Unfortunately it is sometimes the nature of balance updates to just accentuate internal balance issues, and behold the triple double gatling Infernal menace. I like the use of a significantly expanded Daemon contingent to keep activations and presence up after the point hikes, and it works well with the gatling core, because basically anything forced to fight the Despoilers on their terms will lose. Still very much a live build here, great stuff Björn.
The Best of the Rest
There was 1 more player on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Olof Svensson – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Horde Host.
Wrap Up
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