We’re coming towards the end of the current metagame, with the activation of three new books and a Balance Dataslate all on the horizon, and with that in mind it’s impressive and encouraging how diverse the top tables are looking out there. Lots of players were at team events over the weekend, but we’ve still got a healthy crop of GTs and one big Euro major, and there’s all sorts of cool stuff out there, with some factions we haven’t seen for a while taking top spots. I do still think the arms race towards tanks and monsters is a little concerning, and hope we’ll get a bit of internal rebalancing to some books to redress that, but in general there’s been plenty to love, and I hope we get many more metagames like it.
Today I’ll be covering:
- OPEN 40K Major – Ile de France – Aleatorium
- Bedlam in the ‘Burgh 2024 40k GT
- III GT-CT
- Münsterland GT6
- Montana Beerhammer GT
- Double Decker Decimation GT 2024
On Friday we’ll have my esteemed co-conspirator Lowest of Men with:
- The Los Angeles Classic GT ’24
- Vanquish 2024
- ADFWGA-ANZAC Cup 2024
- Tarheel Warhammer 40k charity GT
- Modhammer GT
The Patrons are very much on a skulls for the skull throne sort of vibe this week, and have selected the following for our Showdowns:
- Imperial Knights vs World Eaters at Bedlam in the ‘Burgh
- T’au vs World Eaters at Modhammer
OPEN 40K Major – Ile de France – Aleatorium
127-player event in France. All the lists for this event can be found in MiniHeadQuarters.
Players in 2nd-4th all scored 4.5-0.5.
Ashord – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER Char1: 1x Chronomancer (60 pts) Char2: 1x Hexmark Destroyer (70 pts) Char3: 1x Plasmancer (80 pts) Char4: 1x Plasmancer (75 pts) Char5: 1x Plasmancer (55 pts) Char6: 1x Royal Warden (40 pts) Char7: 1x C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon (270 pts) Char8: 1x Illuminor Szeras (160 pts) BATTLELINE 10x Immortals (140 pts) 5x Immortals (70 pts) 10x Immortals (140 pts) 5x Immortals (70 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 5x Deathmarks (65 pts) 5x Deathmarks (65 pts) 1x Lokhust Destroyers (30 pts) 1x Lokhust Destroyers (30 pts) 1x Doom Scythe (230 pts) 1x Monolith (350 pts)
1 with Chronomancer’s stave
Enhancement: Dimensional Overseer (+10 pts)
1 with Close combat weapon, Enmitic disintegrator pistols
1 with Plasmic lance
Enhancement: Arisen Tyrant (+25 pts)
1 with Plasmic lance
Enhancement: Osteoclave Fulcrum (+20 pts)
1 with Plasmic lance
1 with Close combat weapon, Relic gauss blaster
1 with Canoptek tail blades, Spear of the Void Dragon, Voltaic storm
1 with Eldritch lance, Impaling legs
• Warlord
• 10x Immortal
10 with Close combat weapon, Tesla carbine
• 5x Immortal
5 with Close combat weapon, Tesla carbine
• 10x Immortal
10 with Close combat weapon, Gauss blaster
• 5x Immortal
5 with Close combat weapon, Tesla carbine
• 5x Deathmark
5 with Close combat weapon, Synaptic disintegrator
• 5x Deathmark
5 with Close combat weapon, Synaptic disintegrator
• 1x Lokhust Destroyer
1 with Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon
• 1x Lokhust Destroyer
1 with Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon
1 with Armoured bulk, Heavy death ray, Twin tesla destructor
1 with Particle whip, Portal of exile, 4x Death ray
Archetype
Immortal-heavy Hypercrypt
Thoughts
The metagame is diverse but Necrons continue to be somewhat over-represented both in absolute terms and in top finishes, this week bringing their reign of terror to France. This build sticks to far more Immortals than we’ve been seeing in some recent variants, giving it a lot of board control, and then hedges against crunch meta by bringing along a Doom Scythe, which I think is a smart choice. The Doom Scythe is in a weird place where it definitely is overcosted, but Necrons are a bit short of tools that will point at a mid-weight tank and blow one up without support, so in Hypercrypt where you can give it an Invulnerable save and reposition it to get good firing lines, it becomes a fairly decent option to bake in some extra anti-tank. It’s particularly good for picking up Guard artillery since those hulls are fairly fragile, and planes still see over ruins. Despite it having a roll in lists it’s definitely a unit I could see coming down in price as part of some internal re-balancing, so if that happens then make sure to follow Ashord’s example and start zapping people!
LamaR – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 2nd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand The Horde of Sororitas (1995 points) Adepta Sororitas CHARACTERS Imagifier (60 points) Junith Eruita (90 points) Morvenn Vahl (145 points) Palatine (65 points) Saint Celestine (135 points) BATTLELINE Battle Sisters Squad (100 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Castigator (140 points) Castigator (140 points) Celestian Sacresants (130 points) Crusaders (25 points) Paragon Warsuits (170 points) Penitent Engines (60 points) Penitent Engines (60 points) Repentia Squad (110 points) Repentia Squad (110 points) Repentia Squad (110 points) Seraphim Squad (70 points) Seraphim Squad (70 points) Sisters Novitiate Squad (85 points) Zephyrim Squad (60 points) Zephyrim Squad (60 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Hallowed Martyrs
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Boltgun
1x Close combat weapon
• Enhancement: Litanies of Faith
• 1x Mace of Castigation
1x Twin Ministorum heavy flamer
• Warlord
• 1x Fidelis
1x Lance of Illumination
1x Paragon missile launcher
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Palatine blade
• Enhancement: Blade of Saint Ellynor
• 1x Celestine
• 1x The Ardent Blade
• 2x Geminae Superia
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Power weapon
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Condemnor boltgun
1x Power weapon
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator autocannons
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator autocannons
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Sacresant Superior
• 1x Inferno pistol
1x Spear of the faithful
• 9x Celestian Sacresant
• 9x Anointed halberd
9x Bolt pistol
• 2x Crusader
• 2x Power weapon
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Multi-melta
1x Paragon grenade launchers
1x Paragon war mace
• 2x Paragon
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Multi-melta
2x Paragon grenade launchers
2x Paragon war blade
• 1x Penitent flamers
1x Twin penitent buzz-blades
• 1x Penitent flamers
1x Twin penitent buzz-blades
• 1x Repentia Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Neural whips
• 9x Sister Repentia
• 9x Penitent eviscerator
• 1x Repentia Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Neural whips
• 9x Sister Repentia
• 9x Penitent eviscerator
• 1x Repentia Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Neural whips
• 9x Sister Repentia
• 9x Penitent eviscerator
• 1x Seraphim Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Seraphim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Ministorum hand flamer
• 1x Seraphim Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 4x Seraphim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Ministorum hand flamer
• 1x Novitiate Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Sister Novitiate
• 9x Autopistol
4x Close combat weapon
2x Ministorum flamer
5x Novitiate melee weapons
1x Sacred Banner
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Zephyrim Superior
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
1x Sacred Banner
• 4x Zephyrim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Power weapon
• 1x Zephyrim Superior
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
1x Sacred Banner
• 4x Zephyrim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Power weapon
Archetype
All-rounder Sisters
Thoughts
Lots of all-rounder favourites here, skewing a bit more towards melee hammer blows than the standard by adding a full unit of Sacresants with Junith and lots of Repentia, backed by tonnes of little scoring squads. I wonder if the calculation is that too many armies can clear out Arco-flagellants fast right now, so you’re better going for a wider spread of units and some stuff that will reliably throw a big punch before it goes. Seems to have worked out here, well done LamaR
tzantukal – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER Char1: 1x Brotherhood Librarian (110 pts) Char2: 1x Brotherhood Librarian (110 pts) Char3: 1x Brotherhood Librarian (110 pts) Char4: 1x Grand Master (125 pts) BATTLELINE 5x Strike Squad (125 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 10x Paladin Squad (450 pts) 5x Purgation Squad (135 pts) 5x Purgation Squad (135 pts) 5x Purgation Squad (135 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (185 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (185 pts) 1x Nemesis Dreadknight (185 pts)
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Purge Soul, Combi-Weapon
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Purge Soul, Combi-Weapon
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Purge Soul, Combi-Weapon
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Psycannon
Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence (+30 pts)
• 4x Grey Knight
4 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 4x Paladin
4 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 1x Paladin with Ancient’s Banner
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Psycannon
• Ancient’s Banner
• 4x Paladin with Heavy Weapon
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Psycannon
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Psycannon
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Psycannon
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Psycannon
• 1x Paragon
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 4x Purgator
4 with Close combat weapon, Psycannon
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 4x Purgator
4 with Close combat weapon, Psycannon
• 1x Justicar
1 with Nemesis Force Weapon, Storm Bolter
• 4x Purgator
4 with Close combat weapon, Psycannon
1 with Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon
1 with Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon
1 with Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Heavy Incinerator, Heavy Psycannon
Archetype
Shooty Grey Knights
Thoughts
A modest three Dreadknights here, with a clear intention that they don’t have to do all the heavy lifting. Instead, you’ve got additional shooting support from Purgation Squads and the big, scary Paladin brick to blow C’tan apart. I’m very much of the opinion that you get a lot more mileage out of the Sigil of Exigence when used like this than on a GMDK, because if a GMDK bugs out the opponent can just shoot another Dreadknight to a similar broad impact, whereas making the Paladins almost impossible to interact with till that defence is gone is a nightmare headache for some opponents. It also means that the list has better options for clearing out ruins than all-crunch builds, and I like the Purgation units being able to pull double duty as extra scoring pieces. If I was going to take Grey Knights to an event it would probably look a lot like this, big fan of tzantukal’s choices.
lugo – Aeldari (Battle Host) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTER Char1: 1x Autarch Wayleaper (140 pts) Char2: 1x Farseer (95 pts) Char3: 1x Avatar of Khaine (335 pts) Char4: 1x Fuegan (115 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 5x Dark Reapers (80 pts) 5x Dark Reapers (80 pts) 5x Shadow Spectres (95 pts) 5x Shadow Spectres (95 pts) 5x Swooping Hawks (75 pts) 5x Swooping Hawks (75 pts) 5x Warp Spiders (115 pts) 5x Warp Spiders (115 pts) 1x Hornet 2x Bright Lance 1x Support Weapons (125 pts) 1x Support Weapons (125 pts) 1x Support Weapons (125 pts) 1x War Walker (110 pts)
1 with Star Glaive, Dragon Fusion Gun
• Warlord, Howling Banshee Mask
Enhancement: The Phoenix Gem (25 pts)
1 with Eldritch Storm, Shuriken Pistol, Singing Spear
Enhancement: Fate’s Messenger (15 pts)
1 with The Wailing Doom
1 with Searsong, The Fire Axe
• 4x Dark Reaper
4 with Close combat weapon, Reaper Launcher
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Tempest Launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
4 with Close combat weapon, Reaper Launcher
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, Tempest Launcher
• 5x Shadow Spectre
5 with Close combat weapon, Prism Rifle
• 5x Shadow Spectre
5 with Close combat weapon, Prism Rifle
• 4x Swooping Hawk
4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
1 with Aeldari Power Sword, Close combat weapon, Hawk’s Talon
• 4x Swooping Hawk
4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
1 with Aeldari Power Sword, Close combat weapon, Hawk’s Talon
• 4x Warp Spider
4 with Close combat weapon, Deathspinner
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, 2x Deathspinner, Powerblades
• 4x Warp Spider
4 with Close combat weapon, Deathspinner
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
1 with Close combat weapon, 2x Deathspinner, Powerblades
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Shuriken Catapult, D-cannon
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Shuriken Catapult, D-cannon
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Shuriken Catapult, D-cannon
1 with War Walker feet, 2x Bright Lance
Archetype
Avatar & Speedy/Sneaky Shooting
Thoughts
A list that doesn’t need much introduction to round out our top four, sticking to the tried and true formula of the Avatar as the only real target backed by a tonne of units that hurt stuff with minimal reprisal risk and score very reliably. Interesting to see the rise of Fate’s Messenger as a compromise option if you need a Farseer with no bodyguard and have used the gem elsewhere – it’s definitely puts you in a spot where the opponent has to commit a “real” amount of indirect to the task of killing one, which is nice. Where will Aeldari be after the dataslate? Who knows, but for now well done lugo for showing what they can do with their current tools.
The Best of the Rest
There were 15 more players on 4-1+ records. 5th-6th were all on 4.5-0.5. They were:
- 5th – Alariell – Ynnari: Go-wide mixed shooting stuff, featuring lots of speedy shooting/scoring, and some heavier melee hitters in the form of Wyches with Lelith and a big Troupe with the Visarch.
- 6th – Wydjaz – Black Templars (Ironstorm Spearhead): Lots of Crusader MSUs, lots of Gladiator hulls, you know the deal.
- 7th – Killinne – Adepta Sororitas: Character-heavy Sisters bringing a lot of Epic Heroes alongside the normal all-rounder stuff.
- 8th – Zeg – Grey Knights: Ultracrunch Grey Knights with Canis (and a Paladin MSU).
- 9th – Nico – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple C’tan, Triple Doomstalker, double Wraiths.
- 10th – Arrethas – Aeldari: Go-wide Aeldari with one big Troupe/Yvraine package in a Wave Serpent.
- 11th – Matanza – Genestealer Cults: Go-fast GSC with max Purestrains and some Catachans alongside the usual.
- 12th – arc_ange – Grey Knights: Three Terminator MSUs and three Dreadknights.
- 13th – Xalma – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple C’tan, Triple Doomstalker, double Wraiths.
- 14th – Larkinn – Genestealer Cults: Pure shooty horde.
- 15th – Wigmard – T’au: 3/6 Crisis backed by Ghostkeels and Skyrays.
- 16th – Aranwë – Astra Militarum: The standard Bullgryn/Kasrkin/Artillery setup.
- 17th – Sowaa – Adeptus Custodes: Five Infantry blocks and one Caladius.
- 18th – Anthanora – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius): Loads of jump Death Company, a big Vanguard Veteran block, and the interesting flexible board control choice of Impulsors containing an Assault Intercessor unit with a Captain each.
- 19th – Sorrente – Tau: Triptide, triple Ghostkeel and loaded Devilfish.
Bedlam in the ‘Burgh 2024 40k GT
50-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Coraopolis, PA, US on April 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Priority Targets – Chilling Rain – Crucible of Battle
Marcus Kehoe – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) Imperial Knights CHARACTERS Canis Rex (435 points) BATTLELINE Armiger Helverin (140 points) Armiger Helverin (140 points) Armiger Helverin (140 points) Armiger Helverin (140 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
Army List - Click to Expand
knights v2 (1985 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Noble Lance
• Warlord
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
1x Freedom’s Hand
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
vs.
Greg Burnett – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) Detachment Choice: Berzerker Warband + Epic Hero + Angron [415pts]: Samni’arius and Spinegrinder, Warlord + Beast + World Eaters Chaos Spawn [65pts] . 2x Chaos Spawn: 2x Hideous Mutations World Eaters Chaos Spawn [65pts] . 2x Chaos Spawn: 2x Hideous Mutations + Vehicle + Greater Brass Scorpion [Legends] [555pts]: Demolisher cannon, Hellcrusher claws, Hellmaw flame cannons, Scorpion cannon Khorne Lord of Skulls [450pts]: Daemongore cannon, Great cleaver of Khorne, Skullhurler Khorne Lord of Skulls [450pts]: Daemongore cannon, Great cleaver of Khorne, Skullhurler ++ Total: [2,000pts] ++ Created with BattleScribe
Army List - Click to Expand
The Magnificent Eight
++ Army Roster (Chaos – World Eaters) [2,000pts] ++
Thoughts
Really, there could not be a more perfect Showdown for crunch meta. Knights vs three Titanic Khorne killing machines, Angron and a few spawn to fill out to a perfect eight-model army, including one that’s somehow escaped from the Legends list (given it’s hilariously worse than another Lord would be for more points, we’ll allow it).
I would like to talk about deep, subtle lines of play here, but it’s robot carnage on Priority Targets, they’re just going to murder each other as hard as possible. Who’s going to win? On some level, there’s an inevitable level of dice to it – both sides have deadly weaponry and invulnerable saves. However, it feels like the more dramatic failure cases here exist for the Khorne side, mostly coming in the form of Squire’s Duty to lift a bunch of Thermal Spears to a crucial S13, allowing them to gank a T13 engine pretty reliably once you factor in Knight re-rolls, and Valiant Last Stand, which ensures that if Canis Rex touches anything, it’s almost certainly going down with him. Given that the Knights also have a lot more models on the table, and great OC from Armigers, I think that puts the ball firmly in their court, as they should be able to send Helverins forward to screen from an Advance/Charge gank from the Lords, then probably do enough damage in response to seal the deal. They definitely have to make that turn work, and if their big swing misses I’d then strongly favour the Khornate forces to sweep up, but looking at the scoreline it’s pretty clear that the Knights were able to get there.
Result
Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) Victory – 91 – 60
Marcus Kehoe – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) – 1st= Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Imperial Knights CHARACTERS Canis Rex (435 points) BATTLELINE Armiger Helverin (140 points) Armiger Helverin (140 points) Armiger Helverin (140 points) Armiger Helverin (140 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) Armiger Warglaive (150 points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
knights v2 (1985 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Noble Lance
• Warlord
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
1x Freedom’s Hand
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 2x Armiger autocannon
1x Armoured feet
1x Questoris heavy stubber
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Questoris heavy stubber
1x Reaper chain-cleaver
1x Thermal spear
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
tigerwoodsbigdog.jpg
Thoughts
Lots of Armigers and Canis Rex, going for a Chaos-knights style plan of spamming lots of efficient datasheets. The Datasheets aren’t quite as efficient in their own right, but you get re-rolls and a Feel No Pain to even that out, Canis Rex is great, and a Callidus Assassin is always handy to have around. Definitely be mindful of the Squire’s Duty gank squad when playing against this – Helverins at S10 AP-2 are a huge nightmare that you might not see coming. Well done Marcus for upholding some amount of chivalric decorum here.
Ryan Snyder – Space Marines (Ironstorm Spearhead) – 1st= Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Techmarine (95 Points) Techmarine (80 Points) Techmarine (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Predator Annihilator (130 Points) Predator Annihilator (130 Points) Predator Annihilator (130 Points) Predator Destructor (130 Points) Predator Destructor (130 Points) Predator Destructor (130 Points) Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (150 Points) Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (160 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.1 (34), Data Version: v352
One Final Go (2000 Points)
Ironstorm Spearhead
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord (Pointing Pistol)
• 1x Forge bolter
1x Grav-pistol
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Servo-arm
• Enhancements: Target Augury Web (Aura)
• 1x Forge bolter (First Born)
1x Grav-pistol
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Servo-arm
• Enhancements: Adept of the Omnissiah
• 1x Forge bolter (Welcome Hand)
1x Grav-pistol
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Servo-arm
• Enhancements: Master of Machine War (Aura)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Lascannon
1x Predator twin lascannon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Lascannon
1x Predator twin lascannon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Lascannon
1x Predator twin lascannon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Predator autocannon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Predator autocannon
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Predator autocannon
1x Storm 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 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 Close combat weapon
1x Hammerstrike missile launcher
2x Krakstorm grenade launcher
1x Melta destroyer
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Stormfury missiles
1x Thunderstrike las-talon
1x Twin Icarus rocket pod
Archetype
Crunchmeta Supreme
Thoughts
That’s so many Predators. This list does not require explanation – it’s all the cheap dakka tanks, two RepExes, and a couple of Storm Speeders to tee enemy big targets up to have the worst day ever. This is what crunch meta does to us, well done Ryan.
The Best of the Rest
There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Greg Burnett – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): See Showdown.
- 4th – Malaki Fowler – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Thousand Sons…crunch? Tzeentch’s dustiest get in on the hefty metagame with a triple Mutalith, double Forgefiend build that’s got Magnus and a Daemon Prince at the head.
- 5th – Patrick Logan – Space Marines (Ironstorm Spearhead): Dreads for days, featuring three Ballistus and three Redemptors.
- 6th – Erik Glasgow – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Double C’tan, triple Wraiths, triple Doomstalker.
- 7th – Joshua Kovel – Space Wolves (Ironstorm Spearhead): Gladiators and Redemptors (so far so normal), but does some interesting board control stuff with individual Invader ATVs and ThunderCav MSUs.
- 8th – Matt Tarantine – Adepta Sororitas: All-rounder Sisters with Repentia and Retributors in the mix.
III GT-CT
48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cartagena, MC, España on April 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Alejandro Mancuso Serrano – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Grey Knights CHARACTERS Brotherhood Librarian (110 points) Brotherhood Librarian (110 points) Brotherhood Techmarine (60 points) Castellan Crowe (75 points) Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (230 points) BATTLELINE Brotherhood Terminator Squad (210 points) Strike Squad (125 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Grey Knights Land Raider Redeemer (260 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) Nemesis Dreadknight (185 points) Purifier Squad (260 points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.0 (39), Data Version: v352
back to 9th (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Teleport Strike Force
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• Warlord
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Purge Soul
• 1x Boltgun
1x Flamer
1x Omnissian power axe
1x Plasma cutter
1x Servo-arms
• 1x Black Blade of Antwyr
1x Purifying Flame
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Heavy incinerator
1x Heavy psycannon
1x Nemesis daemon greathammer
• Enhancement: Sigil of Exigence
• 1x Terminator Justicar
• 1x Nemesis force weapon
1x Storm bolter
• 4x Brotherhood Terminator
• 1x Ancient’s Banner
1x Incinerator
1x Narthecium
4x Nemesis force weapon
2x Storm bolter
• 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
2x Flamestorm cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Multi-melta
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin assault cannon
• 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
Archetype
Fiery Grey Knights
Thoughts
We’re back to a crunchier Grey Knight build here, hopping up to four Dreadknights and a Redeemer (which provides excellent board control), but still keeping a more adaptable unit in the mix with Crowe’s Purifiers. They’re another unit that I’m a big fan of, and while I prefer the big Paladin unit in the current metagame (just because the Purifiers can be slightly underwhelming into full crunch), they clearly did good work for Alejandro here.
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Miguel Durá – Orks (Waaagh! Tribe): Aggro mechanised/MSU orks.
- 3rd – Pedro Bollain de la Sota 🐢 – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Melee-heavy Dynasty, using Lychguard and a big Skorpekh brick alongside a Monolith and Immortals.
- 4th – Teniente Lechuga – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Dreadknights and Terminator MSUs.
- 5th – Edu Cuesta – Aeldari: Speedy Shooty Aeldari with triple Falcons and some Skyweavers added to the normal mix.
- 6th – World Eaters: More crunchy Chaos devotees here, using Forgefiends, Maulerfiends and an actual Lord of Skulls.
- 7th – Gispano MdE – Death Guard: Crunchy Death Guard with Predators for dakka then lots of Bloat-drones and Karnivores to run foes down.
- 8th – Alvaro Enciso – Astra Militarum: Kasrkin-free Guard, using big units of Scout Sentinels as a recyclable instead (alongside the normal artillery/Bullgryn/character contingents, plus lots of Catachans).
- 9th – Xandre Ramos – Death Guard: All-rounder Death Guard with Plaguebursts, Plague Marines in Rhinos and Brigands, plus Mortarion at the head.
Münsterland GT6
46-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Horstmar, NRW, DE on April 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Christian Breuer – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Ahriman (130 Points) Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (140 Points) Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 Points) Infernal Master (110 Points) Infernal Master (105 Points) Infernal Master (90 Points) Magnus the Red (440 Points) BATTLELINE Rubric Marines (105 Points) Rubric Marines (105 Points) Rubric Marines (105 Points) Rubric Marines (105 Points) Rubric Marines (105 Points) Rubric Marines (105 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Thousand Sons Rhino (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Thousand Sons Cultists (60 Points) Thousand Sons Cultists (60 Points) Tzaangor Enlightened (45 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.1 (34), Data Version: v352
Thousand Sons
Cult of Magic
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Black Staff of Ahriman
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Psychic Stalk
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol
• Enhancements: Lord of Forbidden Lore
• 1x Arcane Fire
1x Force weapon
1x Prosperine khopesh
1x Warpflame pistol
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancements: Umbralefic Crystal
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancements: Arcane Vortex
• 1x Force weapon
1x Inferno bolt pistol
1x Screamer Invocation
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
1x Gaze of Magnus
1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
• 1x Force weapon
1x Warpflame pistol
1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Icon of Flame
1x Soulreaper cannon
3x Warpflamer
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Havoc launcher
1x Inferno combi-bolter 1x Inferno combi-bolter
• 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion
• 1x Brutal assault weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Thousand Sons Cultist
• 9x Brutal assault weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Flamer
1x Grenade launcher
1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Thousand Sons Cultist Champion
• 1x Brutal assault weapon
1x Cultist firearm
• 9x Thousand Sons Cultist
• 9x Brutal assault weapon
6x Cultist firearm
1x Flamer
1x Grenade launcher
1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Aviarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 2x Enlightened
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Fatecaster greatbow
Archetype
Rubricae Tsons
Thoughts
The Rubricae-heavy Tsons build continue to blaze a fiery trail across Europe here, with Christian in particular rising up from the best of the rest last week to seize power! Well, a trophy, but that makes you feel powerful. Anyway, we talked about this list trend last time, well done to Christian for being Tzeentch’s most capable lieutenant this week!
The Best of the Rest
There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Matthias Bellmann – Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple Wraiths & triple Doomstalkers with a Szeras/Nightbringer core.
- 3rd – Tim Schneider – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Sagitaur spam.
- 4th – Maik Schönknecht – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Go-wide skewed Skysplinter with only one Raider and some extra units.
- 5th – Thomas Büttelmann – Aeldari: Go-wide speedy shooting/scoring with a big Troupe as an objective flipping piece.
- 6th – Ben Hackländer – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Double C’tan, double Doomsday and a Monolith with Immortals.
- 7th – Marco Klein – Aeldari: Another instance of go-wide speedy shooting/scoring with a big Troupe as an objective flipping piece, here with an added Fate’s Messenger Jester.
- 8th – Gregor Werner – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Standard 2/4 Raider/Venom Skysplinter.
- 9th – Andreas Neugebauer – Black Templars (Ironstorm Spearhead): Crusaders, Gladiators and a Stormraven.
Montana Beerhammer GT
33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Clyde Park, MT, United States on April 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Colin Kay – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adepta Sororitas CHARACTERS Canoness (50 Points) Dialogus (30 Points) Missionary (40 Points) Morvenn Vahl (145 Points) Palatine (65 Points) Saint Celestine (135 Points) Triumph of Saint Katherine (125 Points) BATTLELINE Battle Sisters Squad (100 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Immolator (115 Points) Immolator (115 Points) Sororitas Rhino (75 Points) Sororitas Rhino (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Arco-flagellants (150 Points) Crusaders (25 Points) Crusaders (25 Points) Crusaders (25 Points) Paragon Warsuits (170 Points) Penitent Engines (60 Points) Retributor Squad (105 Points) Seraphim Squad (70 Points) Sisters Novitiate Squad (85 Points) Zephyrim Squad (120 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (90 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.11.1 (34), Data Version: v352
DIE, INSECT! (1995 Points)
Hallowed Martyrs
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Brazier of holy fire
1x Chainsword
1x Inferno pistol
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Dialogus staff
• 1x Chainsword
1x Holy pistol
1x Ministorum shotgun
• Enhancements: Saintly Example
• Warlord
• 1x Fidelis
1x Lance of Illumination
1x Paragon missile launcher
• 1x Palatine blade
1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancements: Blade of Saint Ellynor
• 1x Celestine
• 1x The Ardent Blade
• 2x Geminae Superia
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Power weapon
• 1x Bolt pistols
1x Relic weapons
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Inferno pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Immolation flamers
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 10x Arco-flagellant
• 10x Arco-flails
• 2x Crusader
• 2x Power weapon
• 2x Crusader
• 2x Power weapon
• 2x Crusader
• 2x Power weapon
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Multi-melta
1x Paragon grenade launchers
1x Paragon war mace
• 2x Paragon
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Multi-melta
2x Paragon grenade launchers
2x Paragon war mace
• 1x Penitent flamers
1x Twin penitent buzz-blades
• 1x Retributor Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Inferno pistol
1x Power weapon
• 4x Retributor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Multi-melta
• 1x Seraphim Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 4x Seraphim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Ministorum hand flamer
• 1x Novitiate Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Sister Novitiate
• 9x Autopistol
4x Close combat weapon
2x Ministorum flamer
5x Novitiate melee weapons
1x Sacred Banner
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Zephyrim Superior
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
1x Sacred Banner
• 9x Zephyrim
• 9x Bolt pistol
9x Power weapon
• 1x Neural shredder
1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
All-rounder Sisters
Thoughts
A bit of a skew towards melta here with some Retributors (plus supporting Characters) and extra Immolators (I assume that’s what the list name refers to), but this is mostly the standard Sororitas favourites. The big exception is the full-sized Zephyrim squad with Celestine, which is definitely a rarer sight. Feels like this could be tech for Blood Angels or Skysplinter – in the former they’re a pretty decent way of putting down jump units thanks to being able to reach Wounding on 2s, while in the latter they give good mop-up capability. It could also just be that at 120pts, you’re generically happy with what you pay for, so keep an eye on them to see if they pick up in usage. Well done to Colin for taking a trophy with a new piece of tech in the mix, always love to see that.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Mike Pestilens – Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Six Dreadknights and a small Infantry contingent, with the neat choice of sticking Kyria in a Strike Squad, which is definitely one of the better places for her outside Custodes.
- 3rd – Cody Jiru – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Skysplinter with a Tantalus and extra Beastmasters.
- 4th – Troy Oswood – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Tsons with lots of Characters and double Forgefiend, skimping a bit on normal Infantry in favour of extra Enlightened.
- 5th – Jeremy Jenks – Chaos Knights: Dogs and Nurglings.
Double Decker Decimation GT 2024
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cheney, KS, United States on April 13 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Chase Campbell – Necrons (Canoptek Court) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Necrons CHARACTERS C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer (255 Points) C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon (270 Points) Imotekh the Stormlord (100 Points) Plasmancer (55 Points) Plasmancer (55 Points) Technomancer (60 Points) Technomancer (80 Points) BATTLELINE Immortals (70 Points) Immortals (70 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Canoptek Doomstalker (135 Points) Canoptek Doomstalker (135 Points) Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 Points) Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) Lokhust Destroyers (30 Points) Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (100 Points) Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (50 Points) Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (50 Points)
Seeing Double (1995 Points)
Canoptek Court
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Gaze of death
1x Scythe of the Nightbringer
• 1x Canoptek tail blades
1x Spear of the Void Dragon
1x Voltaic storm
• Warlord
• 1x Gauntlet of Fire
1x Staff of the Destroyer
• 1x Plasmic lance
• 1x Plasmic lance
• 1x Staff of light
• 1x Staff of light
• Enhancements: Dimensional Sanctum
• 5x Immortal
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Tesla carbine
• 5x Immortal
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Tesla carbine
• 1x Doomsday blaster
1x Doomstalker limbs
1x Twin gauss flayer
• 1x Doomsday blaster
1x Doomstalker limbs
1x Twin gauss flayer
• 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm
• 3x Feeder mandibles
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss cannon
• 2x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Gauss destructor
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss destructor
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss destructor
Archetype
All-rounder Canoptek
Thoughts
We loop back to Necrons to finish up, this time with a Canoptek Court build that’s got a fairly balanced 2/2/2 split of the big hitters, and some 5 Immortal/Plasmancer units to fill. As mentioned last week, in a crunch meta the Plasmancer is a big part of the draw, so without Szeras to turbocharge a full unit 5s make a lot of sense. Imotekh is also feeling more vital right now – you are likely going to be slamming Countertemporal Shift button every turn to keep your Doomstalkers in the game, and that ain’t cheap. I’m back in Canoptek Court mode for the Oxford GT this weekend with a build not a million miles from this one, so I’m hoping Chase’s win here is a good omen!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Matt Neeley – Death Guard (Plague Company): Loaded Rhinos with Daemon Engine support, here including three solo Blight-Haulers.
- 3rd – BamBam Hunter – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): A mixed shooty/smashy Stormlance unit, taking two tooled units of ThunderCav then supporting them with lots of Gladiators and Inceptors.
- 4th – Jason Mode – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Quad C’tan, Triple Doomsdays.
- 5th – Elliot McNelly – Adepta Sororitas: All-rounder Sisters.
- 6th – Iain Chapin – Chaos Daemons: A nurgle/Tzeentch alliance here, mixing the Epic and Enhanced Greater Daemon from each with a pair of Soul Grinders and some Infantry.
Wrap Up
Give us points for the Codexes GW. You know you want to. The people want to know. I want to know.
