Competitive Innovations in 9th: The Calm Before the Swarm

Welcome, Dear Reader! If you were expecting James “One_Wing” Grover here in this space well, he’s not here – you get me instead, your old pal Rob! OK, that’s not entirely true – James is still here with some notes and musings, but he ran into life issues and now you’re stuck with me, a merely average player cobbling together a bunch of notes on these matchups. But what I lack in Wings’ mind I make up for with gumption, moxie, and spunk! Also, with the ability to force other competitive authors to write about matchups.

And let’s talk about some of these matchups – this is quite possibly the most interesting weekend of Warhammer 40k events we’ll see all year. In a continuation of last week’s trends, we had a Brave New Meta this past weekend, combining both the April 2022 Balance Dataslate with the new Tyranids Codex. To that end, this past weekend saw a mix of events – some allowing the new Tyranids book, some not, but all incorporating the new dataslate changes. Finally, and most importantly, Chaos Space Marine lists made a big comeback, which rules.

Let’s talk about those one at a time.

The Dataslate

You can find previous coverage on the dataslate here:

Now that you’re caught up, let’s talk about the impacts. It’s still early days for the Armour of Contempt meta, and that means a lot of players are still trying to wrap their heads around what it means for those factions – marines didn’t see a massive uptick in representation, but the players who brought marine armies did better. The most notable riser this week are Chaos Space Marines, who had some very promising showings that may or may not be sustainable in the long run. Many players are likely don’t yet understand how tough this makes marine/sisters armies, and haven’t fully tooled up for those matchups yet, or just haven’t had time to retool, anyways.

Tyranids

Codex Tyranids is out now but not every event was using it, leading to some of the events still having the older rules with Crusher Stampede and Leviathan active. We likely won’t see them at their full power until next week’s results, and it’ll be interesting to see what impact they have on the meta – and if they’ll be as dominant as some top players think.

You can find more about post-dataslate armies here:

Chaos Space Marines

In the best development of the weekend, multiple chaos space marine lists across multiple tournaments saw top 4 finishes. Hell Yes. The best part? These were a varied set of lists relying on different strategies and builds, but all taking advantage of Armour of Contempt. Turns out that with just a little bit more durability on their already cheap, efficient units and a little less raw, no-line-of-sight shooting from their opponents, Chaos Space Marines can make some real plays, darting across the board, trading efficiently, and generally causing problems.

 

UKTC Bristol GT (major)

All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings. This event was not using the new Tyranids Codex, but Tyranids didn’t make the finals so it kind of doesn’t matter for this write-up.

The Showdown

 

Matchup & Mission – Death and Zeal

Vik Vijay – Craftworlds – A Hail of Doom build going very wide with high shot-count units, including two full squads of Swooping Hawks and 18 shuriken catapult bikes.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [65 PL, 1220pts] ++

+ Configuration +

. *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Masterful Shots

+ HQ +

Baharroth [7 PL, 140pts]

+ Elites +

10x Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts]
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

10x Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts]
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

+ Fast Attack +

10x Swooping Hawks [8 PL, 180pts]
. Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster

10x Swooping Hawks [8 PL, 180pts]
. Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster

6x Windriders [8 PL, 120pts]
. 6x Twin Shuriken Catapult

6x Windriders [8 PL, 120pts]
. 6x Twin Shuriken Catapult

6x Windriders [8 PL, 120pts]
. 6x Twin Shuriken Catapult

3x Shining Spears [6 PL, 120pts]
. Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Paragon Sabre, Shuriken Cannon, Khaine’s Lance

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [45 PL, 777pts, -3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

. *Far-Flung Craftworld*: Hail of Doom, Masterful Shots

+ Stratagems +

Seer Council [-1CP]
Relics of the Shrines [-1CP]
Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP]

+No Force Org +

3x Warlock Skyrunners [5 PL, 105pts]: 3x Witchblades
. Protect/Jinx & Quicken/Restrain
. Seer Council

+ HQ +

Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts]: Warlord, Witchblade
. Guide & Doom
. Kurnous’ Bow & Mark of the Incomparable Hunter
. Seer Council

Farseer [5 PL, 90pts,]: Witchblade
. Faithful Divergence & Focus Will
. Faolchu’s Wing [Treasures of the Aeldari]

+ Troops +

5x Rangers [4 PL, 65pts]

+ Elites +

6x Dire Avengers [6 PL, 72pts]
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

5x Howling Banshees [5PL, 105pts]
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Piercing Strikes, Mirrorswords, Cronescream

+ Fast Attack +

Vypers [3 PL, 40pts]
. Scatter Laser & Twin Shuriken Catapult

Vypers [3 PL, 40pts]
. Scatter Laser & Twin Shuriken Catapult

+ Dedicated Transport +

Wave Serpent [8 PL, 140pts]: Twin Shuriken Cannon & Twin Shuriken Catapult

++ Total: [110 PL, 6CP, 1,997pts] ++

vs.

Daniel Tombs – Tau – A very aggressive Farsight Enclaves build, with three Devilfish with Breachers, one loaded Crisis Team, then lots of smaller units that can throw out chip damage or occupy space.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (T’au Empire) [106 PL, 10CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Sept Choice: Farsight Enclaves

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation [-1CP]: Additional Relics

+ HQ +

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [8 PL, 155pts]: (Farsight Enclaves): Master of the Killing Blow, High-output Burst Cannon, Missile Pod, Novasurge Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Solid-image Projection Unit, Velocity Tracker, Warlord

Commander in Crisis Battlesuit [8 PL, -1CP, 155pts]: 6. Exemplar of the Mont’ka, Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, DW-02 Advanced Burst Cannon, Iridium battlesuit, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, The Be’gel Hunter’s Plate

+ Troops +

Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts]
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol

Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts]
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol

Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts]
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol

+ Elites +

Crisis Battlesuits [19 PL, 375pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Early Warning Override, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Stimm Injectors

Crisis Battlesuits [9 PL, 155pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Velocity Tracker
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Plasma Rifle, Velocity Tracker
. Crisis Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Plasma Rifle, Velocity Tracker

Stealth Battlesuits [4 PL, 85pts]: Homing Beacon
. Stealth Shas’ui w/ Burst Cannon
. Stealth Shas’ui w/ Fusion Blaster: Fusion Blaster
. Stealth Shas’vre: Burst Cannon

Stealth Battlesuits [4 PL, 85pts]: Homing Beacon
. Stealth Shas’ui w/ Burst Cannon
. Stealth Shas’ui w/ Fusion Blaster: Fusion Blaster
. Stealth Shas’vre: Burst Cannon

+ Fast Attack +

Pathfinder Team [5 PL, 105pts]
. 6x Pathfinder: 6x Markerlight, 6x Pulse Carbine, 6x Pulse Pistol
. Pathfinder Shas’ui
. 3x Pathfinder w/ Rail Rifle: 3x Pulse Pistol, 3x Rail Rifle

Piranhas [4 PL, 80pts]
. Piranha: Piranha Fusion Blaster, 2x Seeker Missile
. . 2x Gun Drones
. . . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

Piranhas [4 PL, 80pts]
. Piranha: Piranha Fusion Blaster, 2x Seeker Missile
. . 2x Gun Drones
. . . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

+ Heavy Support +

Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 155pts]: Railgun, 2x Seeker Missile
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

+ Dedicated Transport +

Devilfish [6 PL, 105pts]: 2x Seeker Missile
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

Devilfish [6 PL, 105pts]: 2x Seeker Missile
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

Devilfish [6 PL, 105pts]: 2x Seeker Missile
. 2x Gun Drones
. . 2x Gun Drone: 4x Pulse Carbine

++ Total: [106 PL, 10CP, 2,000pts] ++

Thoughts

Wings: Vik’s list excels in a meta with less no-LOS shooting, and right now some T’au players have maybe overcorrected away from it. Shuriken catapult bikes are also a good counter in the mirror because they can advance then shoot, giving the reach to clear out swooping hawks. The tau player he was up against probably needed to try and use disembark after moving with breachers to do something similar, but it’s way harder for him to set up reliably.

Result

Craftworlds Victory – 74-53

 

Windriders. Credit: Rockfish
Windriders. Credit: Rockfish

Vik Vijay – Craftworlds – 1st Place

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Hail of Doom

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

Vik’s list has a ton of mobility, leaning heavily on shuriken catapult bikes to just put out an insane hail of fire along with Guide and Doom to ensure that those attacks land, and to maximize the number that do so at AP-3. Hail of Doom does a ton of work on that front, treating hit rolls of 6s as both auto-wounds and wound rolls of 6, while Masterful Shots takes away the benefits of light cover from the target. Both of these are crucial for taking down targets with Armour of Contempt, ensuring that when a shot does connect at AP-3, it ends up dropping 3+ saves to 5+.

 

XV8 Crisis Battlesuit. Credit: Rockfish
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit. Credit: Rockfish

Daniel Tombs – Tau – 2nd Place

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Farsight Enclaves Pressure

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

Daniel’s T’au Empire list trades out any semblance of Airbursting Fragmentation Projectors or Broadsides for 15 Crisis Suits, loading them up with varied loadouts to keep their point costs as efficient as possible. The list also makes use of Piranhas as fast durable objective holders and harassment units, and they can be used to soak mortal wounds in a pinch.

 

New Troupe Master, Credit: Boon

Konrad Bartkiewicz – Craftworlds & Harlequins – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Travelling Patrol Detachment -1CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [29 PL, 11CP, 690pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Saedath Characterisation: Dark: Dark Deeds

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Troupe Master [5 PL, -1CP, 105pts]: 3: A Foot in the Future, Harlequin’s Kiss, Player of the Dark, Shuriken Pistol, Stratagem: Favoured of the Laughing God, Veiled King, Warlord
. Cegorach’s Rose

+ Troops +

Troupe [4 PL, 100pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 100pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol

Troupe [4 PL, 100pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Kiss
. Player: Harlequin’s Embrace, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Fusion Pistol, Harlequin’s Caress
. Player: Harlequin’s Caress, Shuriken Pistol

+ Dedicated Transport +

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

Starweaver [4 PL, 95pts]

++ Outrider Detachment -1CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [67 PL, -4CP, 1,310pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Craftworld Wu-Tang: Hail of Doom, Mobile Fighters

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

+ HQ +

Baharroth [7 PL, 140pts]

Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, -1CP, 120pts]: 1. Guide, 2. Doom, 5: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Shuriken Pistol, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari, Witchblade
. Kurnous’ Bow

+ Elites +

Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts]
. 9x Dire Avenger
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

Dire Avengers [6 PL, 120pts]
. 9x Dire Avenger
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

+ Fast Attack +

Shining Spears [6 PL, 125pts]
. 2x Shining Spear
. Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Paragon Sabre, Shimmershield, Shuriken Cannon

Swooping Hawks [8 PL, 180pts]
. 9x Swooping Hawk
. Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster

Windriders [12 PL, 225pts]
. 9x Windrider – Scatter Laser: 9x Scatter Laser

+ Dedicated Transport +

Wave Serpent [8 PL, 140pts]: Twin Shuriken Cannon, Twin Shuriken Catapult

Wave Serpent [8 PL, 140pts]: Twin Shuriken Cannon, Twin Shuriken Catapult

++ Total: [96 PL, 6CP, 2000pts] ++

Archetype

Hail of Doom Goodstuff with Harlequins

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

In this glimpse of a post-dataslate Aeldari list, we can see where the Harlequins detachment has traded out its Voidweavers for Starweavers, keeping an eye toward efficiency. The list just combines good stuff from both parts of the book, using fast Troupes in transports to pressure an opponent early and eviscerate things in melee, while the swooping hawks, dire avengers, and windriders dart around the table and tear up key targets.

 

Warlock. Credit: Corrode

Markus Hinson – Craftworlds – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Craftworlds) [110 PL, -1CP, 1,999pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Craftworld Selection: Ulthwe: Foresight of the Damned

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP]
Stratagem: Seer Council [-1CP]
Stratagem: Treasures of the Aeldari [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Baharroth [7 PL, 140pts]

Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts]: 1. Guide, 3. Fortune, Shuriken Pistol, Ulthwe: Fate Reader, Warlord, Witchblade
. The Phoenix Gem

Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, -1CP, 125pts]: 1. Fateful Divergence, 2. Doom, 4. Executioner, 5: Mark of the Incomparable Hunter, Seer Council (Farseer), Shuriken Pistol, Singing Spear, Stratagem: Champion of the Aeldari
. The Ghosthelm of Alishazier

+ Troops +

Rangers [4 PL, 70pts]: Gloom Field
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol

Rangers [4 PL, 70pts]: Wireweave Net
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol

Rangers [4 PL, 70pts]: Gloom Field
. 5x Ranger: 5x Ranger Long Rifle, 5x Shuriken Pistol

+ Elites +

Dire Avengers [4 PL, 85pts]
. 4x Dire Avenger: 4x Avenger Shuriken Catapult, 4x Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Shredding Fire, Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

Fire Dragons [13 PL, 173pts]
. 5x Fire Dragon: 5x Dragon Fusion Gun
. Fire Dragon Exarch: Burning Heat, Firepike

Fire Dragons [7 PL, 145pts]
. 4x Fire Dragon: 4x Dragon Fusion Gun
. Fire Dragon Exarch: Blazing Fury, Firepike

Howling Banshees [9 PL, 123pts]
. 5x Howling Banshee: 5x Banshee Blade, 5x Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes

Striking Scorpions [5 PL, 105pts]
. 4x Striking Scorpion: 4x Mandiblasters, 4x Scorpion Chainsword, 4x Shuriken Pistol
. Striking Scorpion Exarch: Crushing Blows
. . Shadowsting (Shrine Relic)

Warlocks [3 PL, 40pts]: 4. Protect/Jinx, Seer Council (Warlocks Unit)
. Warlock: Witchblade
. Warlock: Witchblade

+ Fast Attack +

Swooping Hawks [9 PL, 123pts]
. 5x Swooping Hawk: 5x Lasblaster
. Swooping Hawk Exarch: Lasblaster, The Phoenix Plume (Shrine Relic), Winged Evasion

Warp Spiders [11 PL, 205pts]
. 8x Warp Spider: 8x Death Spinner
. Warp Spider Exarch: Two Death Spinners & Powerblades, Web of Deceit

+ Flyer +

Crimson Hunter Exarch [10 PL, 215pts]: Swooping Evasion, Two Bright Lances

+ Dedicated Transport +

Wave Serpent [8 PL, 190pts]: Crystal Targeting Matrix, Shuriken Cannon, Spirit Stones, Twin Bright Lance

++ Total: [110 PL, -1CP, 1,999pts] ++

The Standout Features/Archetype

  • A Crimson Hunter shows back up
  • Warp Spiders and Striking Scorpions round out a large cast of Aspect Warriors
  • Actually I think every aspect is covered here, which is cool

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

The coolest thing about this list is that it includes aspect warriors from every shrine, including a Crimson Hunter Exarch. This gives the list a ton of flexibility, albeit on a bunch of T3 bodies that make it a bit more fragile than most lists. The list only runs a single Wave Serpent, meaning some of these units are likely to start the game in the webway so they can pop out and make a Strands-of-Fate-boosted charge on an early turn.

The Rest of the Best

One more player finished on 5-0.

  • 5th ✪ – Liam Callebout – Chaos: Apologies to the rest of the top four, but this is the list we were all rooting for in our Discord over the weekend. Chaos Monster Mash appears to be back – Mortarion, Be’lakor, two Keeprs and a pair of Lords Discordant (both Slaanesh so they can benefit from the Locus, allowing them to advance and charge) represent a truly prepostorous amount of pressure, and are ready to take advantage of a field with fewer salvo launchers and prismatic cannons. Disco Lords stand out as big winners from Armour of Contempt thanks to their native 2+ saves, and indeed this isn’t the only place they did well over the weekend, so for all those Chaos players who have them kicking around from late 8th, now’s the time to get them out.

 

Rataclysm 2022 (major)

All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings. This event was not using the new Tyranid Codex

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Death and Zeal

Leigh Strom – Adeptus Custodes – Emperor’s Chosen Dreadnought Spam

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Vanguard Detachment -3CP (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) [99 PL, 1,875pts, 7CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Type / Shield Host: Adeptus Custodes, Emperor’s Chosen

+ HQ +

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike [9 PL, 165pts, -2CP]: 3. Superior Creation, 5. Radiant Mantle, Castellan’s Mark, Misericordia, Salvo Launcher, Stratagem: The Emperor’s Heroes, Stratagem: Victor of the Blood Games

Trajann Valoris [8 PL, 160pts, 1CP]

+ Elites +

Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought [9 PL, 180pts]: 2x Infernus Incinerator

Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought [9 PL, 180pts]: 2x Infernus Incinerator

Contemptor-Achillus Dreadnought [9 PL, 160pts]: 2x Lastrum Storm Bolter

Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought [9 PL, 170pts]

Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought [9 PL, 170pts]

Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought [9 PL, 170pts]

+ Heavy Support +

Telemon Heavy Dreadnought [14 PL, 260pts, -1CP]: Stratagem: Eternal Penitent
. Telemon Caestus
. Telemon Caestus

Telemon Heavy Dreadnought [14 PL, 260pts]: Iliastus Accelerator Culverin
. Telemon Caestus

++ Auxiliary Support Detachment -2CP (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) [6 PL, 105pts, -2CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

+ Elites +

Vexilus Praetor [6 PL, 105pts]: Castellan Axe, Vexilla Magnifica

++ Total: [105 PL, 5CP, 1,980pts] ++

vs.

Adam Napier – Tau

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment -3CP (T’au Empire) [104 PL, 1,849pts, 6CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Sept Choice: T’au Sept

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation [-1CP]: Additional Relics

+ HQ +

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [9 PL, 185pts, -1CP]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Burst Cannon, DW-02 Advanced Burst Cannon, High-output Burst Cannon, Onager Gauntlet, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Stratagem: Promising Pupil
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight

Ethereal [5 PL, 85pts, -1CP]: 2. Sense of Stone, 6. Exemplar of the Mont’ka, 6. Wisdom of the Guides, Hover Drone, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, The Humble Stave
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight

Longstrike [9 PL, 180pts]: 2x Smart Missile System, Railgun, 2x Seeker Missile

+ Troops +

Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts]
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol

Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts]
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades

Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts]
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades

+ Elites +

Crisis Battlesuits [20 PL, 323pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Early Warning Override, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Iridium battlesuit, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’vre: Airbursting Fragmentation Projector, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. 4x Shield Drone: 4x Shield Generator

Crisis Battlesuits [21 PL, 358pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Early Warning Override, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’vre: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. 4x Shield Drone: 4x Shield Generator

Crisis Battlesuits [20 PL, 348pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Early Warning Override, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle
. Crisis Shas’ui: Cyclic Ion Blaster, Iridium battlesuit, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. Crisis Shas’vre: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator
. 4x Shield Drone: 4x Shield Generator

+ Fast Attack +

Vespid Stingwings [3 PL, 60pts]
. 4x Vespid Stingwing: 4x Neutron Blaster, 4x Stingwing Claws
. Vespid Strain Leader

+ Dedicated Transport +

Devilfish [6 PL, 105pts]: 2x Smart Missile System

++ Supreme Command Detachment +3CP (T’au Empire) [8 PL, 150pts, 3CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [3CP]

Sept Choice: T’au Sept

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Commander Shadowsun [8 PL, 150pts]: 2x High-energy Fusion Blaster, Warlord

++ Total: [112 PL, 1,999pts, 9CP] ++

Thoughts

With Broadsides largely off the menu there’s still plenty of room for other T’au builds and this one goes for the best tricks the T’au Sept has to offer, taking Shadowsun and Longstrike to support 15 Crisis Suits. Although they’ve been nerfed when it comes to indirect fire, Adam chose to keep some Airburst Fragmentation Projectors in the list, likely banking on the notion that some indirect – even at a reduced output – is still important for some matchups.

On the other hand the Custodes list is hilarious, going hard on Dreadnoughts to provide some insane beef to plow through. 6 Contemptors and 2 Telemons give the list some insane durability, but very little objective secured to work with – the key to this matchup for the Custodes player is keeping the dreadnoughts out of Longstrike’s line of sight long enough to do some damage and hope the dreadnoughts can otherwise stand up well to the Crisis Suits. The problem is that the Custodes player can no longer switch off T’au Exemplar of Mont’ka re-rolls, which will lead to them being ground down with Coordinated Engagement and loads of high-shot guns.

Result

Tau Victory – 89-67

 

Shadowsun. Credit: Rockfish
Shadowsun. Credit: Rockfish

Adam Napier – Tau – 1st Place

The List

See Showdown.

The Standout Features/Archetype

T’au Sept with Shadowsun and Longstrike

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

This is an evolution of T’au lists we expected to see – going really hard on Crisis Suits with some support from Breachers and Vespid. The T’au Sept flavor has access to good special characters – Shadowsun and Longstrike – and uses them. Longstrike is just an efficient play and getting a BS 2+ Railgun gives the army a scary ranged threat to chase off enemy units.

 

Credit: Robert “TheChirurgeon” Jones

Dean Sinnbeck – Chaos Space Marines – 2nd ✪ Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Emperors Children Battalion

HQ
– Master of Executions with flames of spite and reainment revulsive [65pts]

– Master of Possession with Cursed Earth and Infernal Power [95pts]

– Lord Discordant with Intoxicating Elixir [195pts]

TROOPS
– 10 Chaos Cultists with autopistol and brutal close combat weapon [50pts]

– 5 chaos space marines with bolters [60pts]

– 10 noise marines, 7 with sonic blasters, two with blast masters and champ with sonic blaster, Lightning Claw and icon of excess [235pts]

ELITES

– 7 terminators, All with combi melta and lightning claw, Icon of Excess on Champion [241pts]

– 6 Bolter terminators, All with combi bolter and lightning claw, Icon of Excess on Champion [178pts]

– Decimator with two Soulburner Pertards [180pts]

– Decimator with two Soulburner Pertards [180pts]

– Decimator with two Soulburner Pertards [180pts]

– 8 chosen, 3 with Bolter and Lightning Claw, 4 with Chainsword and Lightning Claw, Champion with Chainsword, Lightning claw and Icon of excess [146pts]

FAST ATTACK
– Dreadclaw [115pts]

DEDICATED TRANSPORT
– Rhino [80pts]

Archetype

Emperor’s Children

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

Oh hell yes. Chaos is back, baby! One of the other successful Chaos Space Marine lists from the weekend, this one is more like a classic Emperor’s Children list, taking two large blocks of Terminators that now benefit from Armour of Contempt and the updated Death to the False Emperor (from the December dataslate) to proc extra hits on a 5+ with the Icon of Excess. There’s also a Dreadclaw full of Lightning Claw Chosen here to make a T1 deep strike charge with Honour the Prince, and a Rhino full of Noise Marines ready to eviscerate something at range.

Where this one breaks from older lists is that it’s going hard on the Daemon Engines angle, taking three Soulburner Decimators and a Lord Discordant and Master of Possession. While the first list we talked about used Lords Discordant as melee threats, taking them in a Flawless Host detachment and using the Slaanesh Locus to let them advance and charge, here they’re more a force multiplier, giving the Decimators +1 to hit with soulburners while the Master of Possession helps keep them on the table with Cursed Earth. The Soulburners are a great answer to Armour of Contempt, bypassing any questions about cover saves and AP reduction by just tossing out 4D3 potential mortal wounds each.

 

Credit: PierreTheMime

Josh Pope – Tyranids – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [104 PL, -2CP, 1,999pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Army of Renown – Crusher Stampede

Detachment Command Cost

Hive Fleet: Leviathan

+ Stratagems +

Progeny of the Hive [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Hive Tyrant [11 PL, -1CP, 215pts]: Adrenal Glands, Monstrous Boneswords, Monstrous Rending Claws, Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Relic: Synaptic Hive Blades, Stratagem: Alpha Leader-Beast, Toxin Sacs, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Rampaging Beast, Warlord Trait: Strategic Adaptation, Wings
. Adaptive Physiology: Murderous Size

The Swarmlord [12 PL, 240pts]: Power: Aggressive Surge, Power: Synaptic Barrier

+ Troops +

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 54pts]: Adrenal Glands
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 51pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons

+ Elites +

Venomthropes [5 PL, 99pts]
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes

+ Fast Attack +

Dimachaeron [14 PL, 280pts]

Dimachaeron [14 PL, 280pts]

+ Heavy Support +

Scythed Hierodule [12 PL, 235pts]

Scythed Hierodule [12 PL, 235pts]

+ Flyer +

Harpy [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Stranglethorn Cannon

Harpy [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Stranglethorn Cannon

++ Total: [104 PL, -2CP, 1,999pts] ++

Archetype

Crusher Stampede

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

This is probably, actually, for real this time, Crusher’s last hurrah. I don’t expect any more events to use the old Tyranid rules and GW have (mercifully) confirmed that, with the advent of the new book, the Army of Renown is being sent off to a big metagame in the countryside where it has lots of space to frolic and an endless supply of enemy units to trample with Breaking Through. Josh has tweaked the list for the new metagame, removing the (now weaker) Hive Guard in favour of more pressure monsters, which is clearly a smart move, and that’s kind of all that needs to be said here – congratulations on the third place finish.

Dimachaeron. Credit: Rockfish
Dimachaeron. Credit: Rockfish

Josh Engelke – Tyranids – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [107 PL, 9CP, 1,998pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Army of Renown – Crusher Stampede

Hive Fleet: Leviathan

+ Stratagems +

Bounty of the Hive Fleet [-1CP]: 1 Extra Bio-artefact

Progeny of the Hive [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Hive Tyrant [11 PL, -1CP, 210pts]: Adrenal Glands, Monstrous Boneswords, Monstrous Rending Claws, Power: Catalyst, Power: Paroxysm, Relic: Synaptic Hive Blades, Stratagem: Alpha Leader-Beast, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Rampaging Beast, Warlord Trait: Strategic Adaptation, Wings
. Adaptive Physiology: Murderous Size

Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 195pts]: Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Catalyst, Power: Onslaught, Relic: Biomorphic Carapace, Wings

The Swarmlord [12 PL, 240pts]: Power: Aggressive Surge, Power: Synaptic Barrier

+ Troops +

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 51pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 51pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons

Tyranid Warriors [5 PL, 66pts]: Synaptic Link: Bioweapon Bond
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons
. Tyranid Warrior: 2x Scything Talons

+ Fast Attack +

Dimachaeron [14 PL, 280pts]

Dimachaeron [14 PL, 280pts]

+ Heavy Support +

Scythed Hierodule [12 PL, 235pts]

Scythed Hierodule [12 PL, 235pts]

+ Flyer +

Harpy [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Stranglethorn Cannon

++ Total: [107 PL, 9CP, 1,998pts] ++

Archetype

Crusher Stampede

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

Another Crusher list, played by another Josh, making a similar choice to cut Hive Guard for more melee monsters. Wondering if there was some sort of elaborate ruse involving fake moustaches and playing games on two tables at once going down here. Anyway – congratulations to Josh for also making it into the top four with Crusher on its final weekend – a fitting way to send off a build that contends with the Harlequin Psychic Awakening for most impactful White Dwarf rules ever.

The Rest of the Best

Eleven further players finished on 4-1 records. They were:

  • 5th – Matt Morosoli – Drukhari & Harlequins: A Realspace Raid heavy on Artists of Flesh Grotesques provides board control, and one unit of Voidweavers from the Harlequin side supplies hard-to-stop shooting. Matt’s only loss was by a single point to Adepta Sororitas, and this build looks mean.
  • 6th ✪ – Leigh Strom – Adeptus Custodes: See showdown.
  • 7th – Ian Pearce – Tau: Tau Sept Goodstuff with Longstrike and a Hammerhead alongside a big Crisis unit and Strike Teams in Devilfish.
  • 8th – Joshua Brodie – Grey Knights: Infantry-focused Prescient Brethren, with a full Paladin brick and some backing Interceptors, Purifiers and Strikes.
  • 9th – Matthew Thomas – Adeptus Custodes: Shadowkeepers that mostly proceeds as previous, with three units of Bikes (who can still use Grim Repsonsibility) and a couple of Galatus Dreads.
  • 10th ✪ – Stuart Trainer – Grey Knights:  Another infantry-heavy Prescient build, this time forgoing Paladins for lots of Purgation squads.
  • 11th – Corey Matthews – Thousand Sons: Double Scarab Thousand Sons as Duplicity.
  • 12th – Augustus Hebblewhite – Ynnari: The fixed Ynnari rules get a runout in the wild, with two big melee Ynnari Harlequin Troupes here emerging from a Webway Gate. They’re backed by the Yncarne, various small units like Vypers and Wraithlords to potentially provide places to jump to, and Fire Prisms for shooting.
  • 13th – Terence Drew – Deathwatch: A firebase of Redemptor Dreadnoughts with all the buffs supported by a couple of Corvus Blackstars.
  • 14th – Paul Hadskis-Gordon – Drukhari: All-rounder Goodstuff build, with points of interest being some Reapers in the Black Heart detachment and the unusual Master Torturers/Splinterblades custom Coven on some Haemoxcytes to help the unit really slam whatever they hit.
  • 15th ✪ – Tristan Bone – Orks: Evil Sunz Speed Mob with lots of Deffkoptas.

 

Alright, let’s get into the events that had the new Tyranids book in use.

Spring Up GT

All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Data Scry-Salvage

Charlie Andre – Tyranids – Leviathan Board Control with lots of Warriors and Raveners, plus Venomthropes to keep them protected.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 9CP (Tyranids) [103 PL, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Hive Fleet: Leviathan

+ HQ +

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Smite, Relic: Resonance Barb, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils

Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 190pts]: Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Onslaught, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Smite, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology

+ Troops +

Hormagaunts [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Hormagaunt: 10x Hormagaunt Talons

Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 230pts]: Adrenal Glands
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Barbed Strangler, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: Lash Whip and Bonesword, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Lash Whip and Bonesword
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Lash Whip and Bonesword

Tyranid Warriors [4 PL, 80pts]
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords

+ Elites +

Deathleaper [5 PL, 95pts]: Warlord, Warlord Trait: Alien Cunning

Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Power: Smite

Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts]
. 3x Tyrant Guard (Scything): 3x Two Rending Claws, 3x Two Scything Talons

Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts]
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes

Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts]
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, 3x Zoanthrope

+ Fast Attack +

Mawloc [8 PL, 135pts]: Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement, Biostatic Rattle

Raveners [8 PL, 180pts]
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws

Raveners [8 PL, 180pts]
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws
. Ravener: Deathspitter, Two Rending Claws

++ Total: [103 PL, 2,000pts] ++

vs.

Kade Smrecek – Chaos Space Marines – a Daemon engine bonanza, with two Lords of Skulls and a Brass Scorpion backed by a discolord and filler.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Super-Heavy Detachment -6CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [73 PL, -6CP, 1,495pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-6CP]

Legion: Iron Warriors

+ Lord of War +

Greater Brass Scorpion [27 PL, 525pts]

Khorne Lord of Skulls [23 PL, 485pts]: Gorestorm cannon, Hades gatling cannon

Khorne Lord of Skulls [23 PL, 485pts]: Gorestorm cannon, Hades gatling cannon

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Chaos – Chaos Space Marines) [27 PL, 11CP, 505pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Legion: Iron Warriors

+ Stratagems +

Gifts of Chaos (1 Relic) [-1CP]

+ HQ +

Lord Discordant on Helstalker [10 PL, 200pts]: 3. Iron Without, Baleflamer, Insidium, Mark of Khorne, Warlord
. Helstalker: Techno-virus injector

Master of Possession [5 PL, 95pts]: Cursed Earth, Eye of Tzeentch, Infernal Power, Mark of Tzeentch

+ Troops +

Chaos Space Marines [4 PL, 70pts]: No Chaos Mark
. Aspiring Champion: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. 3x Marine w/ boltgun: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Boltgun, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Marine w/ heavy or special weapon: Autocannon

Chaos Space Marines [4 PL, 70pts]: No Chaos Mark
. Aspiring Champion: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. 3x Marine w/ boltgun: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Boltgun, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Marine w/ heavy or special weapon: Autocannon

Chaos Space Marines [4 PL, 70pts]: No Chaos Mark
. Aspiring Champion: Bolt pistol, Boltgun
. 3x Marine w/ boltgun: 3x Bolt pistol, 3x Boltgun, 3x Frag & Krak grenades
. Marine w/ heavy or special weapon: Autocannon

++ Total: [100 PL, 5CP, 2,000pts] ++

Thoughts

Finally, we get to our first new Tyranids list, and this one’s a doozy. This list shows off just how durable Leviathan can be, with Venomthropes giving nearby units -1 to be hit, Zoanthropes offering the Warp Shielding Synaptic Imperative, plus the Transhuman bonus from the Hive Fleet adaptation. On top of that you’ve got a ton of wounds to chew through with the Warriors and Raveners, and I suspect everyone’s been sleeping on the latter – punching through 24 wounds of T5 deep strikers is no joke. Add to that the fact that the list can bypass Armour of Contempt by just tossing out a ton of mortal wounds with the Maleceptor and Zoanthropes and you have a bad uphill matchup for the Chaos player.

I do love the Iron Warriors list here, though – both the Lord of Skulls and the Greater Brass Scorpion get the benefit of Armour of Contempt, and as Iron Warriors vehicles they can use Iron Within, Iron Without to get some protection against mortal wounds. The list can use Daemonforge and Methodical Annihilation to improve the shooting efficiency of the daemon engines, and they’re more than capable of cleaving up many of the big Tyranid monsters. Unfortunately, said monsters can tank many of their attacks with the Leviathan bonuses, and are more than capable of bypassing the armor buffs by just doing mortal wounds or firing back with the Reaper of Obliterax.

Result

Tyranid Victory – 84-44

 

Maleceptor. Credit: Rockfish
Maleceptor. Credit: Rockfish

Charlie Andre – Tyranids – 1st Place

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Leviathan Board Control

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

Welcome to the new, Tyranid-infested world. Expect to see several different Tyranids builds show up and vie for dominance over the next few weeks, and this Leviathan build is one of them. The name of the game here is durability, where you can stack multiple durability buffs on top of the Leviathan transhuman/baby-transhuman bonus. The core of the list is a ton of Warriors and Raveners, sporting a ton of wounds to chew through and if you haven’t been hit in melee by the new Warriors yet, let me be the first to tell you that they’re absolutely brutal.

The Rest of the Best

Five players finished on 4-1 records. They were:

  • 2nd – Jeremiah Petit – Adeptus Custodes:  Emperor’s Chosen, finding a novel tool for packing in some anti-tank in a world where Bikes are weaker by bringing four units of Pyrasite Spear Guard (alongside a couple of Pallas).
  • 3rd – Ryan Wienke – Tau: Farsight Enclaves with 2×2 Broadsides, various Crisis units and a couple of Devilfish.
  • 4th ✪ – Kade Smrecek – Chaos Space Marines: See Showdown.
  • 5th – Tim Doran – Tau: A Calm Under Pressure/Defenders of the Cause custom Sept, using three crunchy Crisis Teams to apply pressure (backed by Shadowsun) while a Stormsurge snipes from the back.
  • 6th – Jack Esseff – Drukhari: A return for a Technomancers Cronos build, with five backed by a mix of Goodstuff tools.

 

Frontier Open

All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission

Ben Neal – Grey Knights – Prescient Brethren with three Dreadknights, a squad of five Paladins as a tarpit and the Words of Power falchion bomb.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Grey Knights) [105 PL, 2,000pts, 9CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Brotherhood: Prescient Brethren

Detachment Command Cost

+ Stratagems +

Armoury of Titan [-1CP]: 1 Additional Relic

+ HQ +

Brotherhood Chaplain [8 PL, 140pts]: 1. Words of Power, 3: Sanctuary, Foretelling of Locus

Brotherhood Librarian [7 PL, 125pts]: 4: Purifying Flame, 4: Vortex of Doom, 6: Psychic Epitome, Cuirass of Sacrifice, Gem of Inoktu, Warlord
. Nemesis Force Sword
. Storm Bolter

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight [11 PL, 240pts, -1CP]: 1: Gate of Infinity, 2: Empyric Amplification, 3: Unyielding Anvil, Dreadfist, Dreadknight teleporter, Gatling Psilencer, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Daemon Greathammer, Servant of the Throne, Shield of Humanity, Sigil of Exigence

+ Troops +

Strike Squad [12 PL, 220pts]
. 9x Grey Knight (Falchions): 18x Nemesis Falchion, 9x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar
. . Nemesis Falchions

Strike Squad [6 PL, 110pts]
. 4x Grey Knight (Sword): 4x Nemesis Force Sword, 4x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Sword

Strike Squad [6 PL, 110pts]
. 4x Grey Knight (Sword): 4x Nemesis Force Sword, 4x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Sword

+ Elites +

Brotherhood Apothecary [6 PL, 100pts, -1CP]: 5: Warp Shaping, Divination, Shield of Humanity
. Nemesis Force Sword

Paladin Squad [13 PL, 225pts]: 5: Armoured Resilience
. 4x Paladin (Sword): 4x Nemesis Force Sword, 4x Storm Bolter
. Paragon
. . Nemesis Force Sword

+ Fast Attack +

Interceptor Squad [8 PL, 130pts]
. 4x Interceptor (Halberd): 4x Nemesis Force Halberd, 4x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Halberd

Interceptor Squad [8 PL, 130pts]
. 4x Interceptor (Halberd): 4x Nemesis Force Halberd, 4x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Halberd

+ Heavy Support +

Nemesis Dreadknight [8 PL, 195pts]: Dreadfist, Dreadknight teleporter, Gatling Psilencer, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Greatsword

Nemesis Dreadknight [8 PL, 195pts]: Dreadfist, Dreadknight teleporter, Gatling Psilencer, Heavy Psycannon, Nemesis Greatsword

+ Dedicated Transport +

Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]

++ Total: [105 PL, 9CP, 2,000pts] ++

vs.

Cody Jiru – Drukhari & Harlequins – A Black Heart detachment adding Harlequins for ranged support and Troupes to substitute for Incubi/Wyches.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Aeldari – Drukhari) [67 PL, 11CP, 1,087pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Obsession: Kabal of the Black Heart: Thirst for Power

+ No Force Org Slot +

Court of the Archon [10 PL, 152pts]: As Detachment (Kabal)
. Lhamean
. Sslyth
. Sslyth
. Sslyth
. Sslyth
. Ur-Ghul: As Detachment (Kabal)
. Ur-Ghul: As Detachment (Kabal)
. Ur-Ghul: As Detachment (Kabal)
. Ur-Ghul: As Detachment (Kabal)

+ HQ +

Archon [5 PL, -1CP, 95pts]: Ancient Evil, As Detachment (Kabal), Blast Pistol, Huskblade, Overlord, Stratagem: Tolerated Ambition, The Djin Blade
. Splintered Genius (Black Heart): Splintered Genius

Drazhar [8 PL, 145pts]: Hatred Eternal, Warlord

+ Troops +

Kabalite Warriors [3 PL, 40pts]: As Detachment (Kabal)
. 4x Kabalite Warrior: 4x Splinter Rifle
. Sybarite: Splinter Rifle

Kabalite Warriors [3 PL, 40pts]: As Detachment (Kabal)
. 4x Kabalite Warrior: 4x Splinter Rifle
. Sybarite: Splinter Rifle

Kabalite Warriors [3 PL, 40pts]: As Detachment (Kabal)
. 4x Kabalite Warrior: 4x Splinter Rifle
. Sybarite: Splinter Rifle

+ Elites +

Corsair Voidscarred [4 PL, 85pts]
. 4x Corsair Voidscarred w/ Pistol & Aeldari Power Sword
. Voidscarred Felarch: Shuriken Pistol
. Way Seeker: 1. Fateful Divergence

Incubi [4 PL, 90pts]
. 4x Incubi: 4x Klaive
. Klaivex: Demiklaives

Mandrakes [8 PL, 90pts]
. 5x Mandrake: 5x Baleblast, 5x Glimmersteel Blade
. Nightfiend

+ Heavy Support +

Ravager [8 PL, 130pts]: As Detachment (Kabal), 3x Dark Lance

+ Dedicated Transport +

Raider [6 PL, 100pts]: As Detachment, Disintegrator Cannon

Venom [5 PL, 80pts]: As Detachment, Grisly Trophies, Splinter Cannon, Twin splinter rifle

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Aeldari – Harlequins) [42 PL, -2CP, 910pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Saedath Characterisation: Light: Blaze of Light

+ HQ +

Shadowseer [5 PL, 100pts]: 2. Fog of Dreams (Blessing), 3. Mirror of Minds (Witchfire), Shuriken Pistol

+ Troops +

Troupe [4 PL, 70pts]
. Lead Player: Harlequin’s Kiss, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol
. Player: Harlequin’s Blade, Shuriken Pistol

+ Elites +

Solitaire [6 PL, 110pts]

+ Fast Attack +

Skyweavers [12 PL, 240pts]
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Zephyrglaive
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas
. Skyweaver: Shuriken Cannon, Star Bolas

+ Heavy Support +

Voidweavers [15 PL, 390pts]
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon
. Voidweaver: Prismatic Cannon

++ Total: [109 PL, 9CP, 1,997pts] ++

Thoughts

Grey Knights get a huge boost from the dataslate and they were a faction just waiting for any kind of leg up, having gone from an ostensible t1 contender to a t3 also-ran after nerfs to grandmaster nemesis dreadknights and being pushed out by Custodes. Now they’re back, and sporting lists that feature Paladins as incredibly tough units for bullying enemies off objectives. The rest of the list is what we’ve come to expect, mixing Interceptors, Strike Squads, and a trio of Dreadknights.

Here’s the thing, though: Dreadknights suck hard into Voidweavers, and this list runs a trio of them for ranged support. We hadn’t yet really seen a Drukhari list using Harlequins effectively but this seems like the right approach. The Harlequins provide fast, hard-hitting ranged firepower and melee support for a Drukhari list that’s also running good melee options in the faction’s solid transports. This is such a rough matchup for Grey Knights that the Drukhari player could give up Abhor the Witch – the list runs two Psykers in the Shadowseer and Corsair Voidscarred – and still win by 20 points.

Result

Drukhari Win, 90-70

 

Drukhari Ravager
Credit: Silks

Cody Jiru – Drukhari & Harlequins – 1st Place

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Drukhari/Harlequin goodstuff

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

It’s been a while since Codex: Aeldari came out and despite Harlequins being soup-able with Drukhari we had yet to really see a list take advantage of this and put up tournament results. The good(?) news is that we’ve finally seen one that works. In the wake of the Datalsate nerfs, one unit of voidweavers backing up drukhari looks to be the new best way to use them; they can be kept very safe with Fire and Fade and they provide very broad firepower that drukhari don’ really get anywhere else, whereas craftworlds do.

The part I thought was neat? The list runs Corsair Voidscarred with a Way Seeker running Fateful Divergence. One extra CP per turn is nothing to sneeze at, and while the list loses abhor, it was already doing that for the Shadowseer. This gives it an extra Smite and deny attempt.

The Rest of the Best

Eight players finished on 4-1 records. They were:

  • 2nd ✪ – Ben Neal – Grey Knights: See showdown.
  • 3rd – Shawn Mcgeath – Craftworlds: An aggressive mechanised list using Hail of Doom alongside Vengeful on plenty of Aspect Warriors in transports.
  • 4th – Michael Mann – Drukhari: Massive numbers of Artists of Flesh Grotesques.
  • 5th – Colin Kay – Space Marines: Big Tank rides! An Astraeus joins some other heavy hitters (a Leviathan and full brick of Eradicators) in an Iron Hands successors build.
  • 6th – Jay Mckinzie – Craftworlds: An outing for Alaitoc, making use of the flexibility they provide to infantry plus a large number of Shroud Runners to maximise the benefits.
  • 7th – Brandon Roddy – Grey Knights: Four Dreadknights and a tiny Paladin unit – you can take them in a four-model squad because of a quirk in how GW sizes units when there’s an alt-build for one model. Given how tough they now are even in small numbers, that’s worth remembering.
  • 8th ✪ – Tom Cohen – Craftworlds: Hail of Doom with a terrifying Shuriken mid-board, the Avatar up front, and a pair of Fire Prisms behind.
  • 9th – Daniel Bradley – Craftworlds: Ulthwe with a bit of everything and one big Shining Spear unit.

 

Dawn Of VÃ¥r II

All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Tide of Conviction

Christopher Jacobsen – Grey Knights – Infantry-heavy army with Paladins, Purifiers and Interceptors.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Grey Knights) [115 PL, 11CP, 1,995pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Brotherhood: Rapiers

+ HQ +

Brotherhood Chaplain [6 PL, -1CP, 110pts]: 1: Gate of Infinity, 3: Unyielding Anvil, 4. Refrain of Convergence, Cuirass of Sacrifice, Shield of Humanity

Kaldor Draigo [9 PL, 180pts]: 1: Daemon Slayer, 2: Empyric Amplification, 3: Sanctuary, 4: Vortex of Doom, Warlord

+ Troops +

Strike Squad [12 PL, 220pts]
. 9x Grey Knight (Sword): 9x Nemesis Force Sword, 9x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Sword

Strike Squad [12 PL, 220pts]
. 9x Grey Knight (Sword): 9x Nemesis Force Sword, 9x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Sword

Strike Squad [6 PL, 110pts]
. 4x Grey Knight (Sword): 4x Nemesis Force Sword, 4x Storm Bolter
. Grey Knight Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Sword

+ Elites +

Brotherhood Apothecary [7 PL, 120pts]: 5: Warp Shaping, A Noble Death
. Nemesis Force Sword

Paladin Squad [13 PL, 225pts]: 3: Hammerhand, 5: Armoured Resilience
. 4x Paladin (Sword): 4x Nemesis Force Sword, 4x Storm Bolter
. Paragon
. . Nemesis Force Sword

Purifier Squad [14 PL, 230pts]
. Knight of the Flame
. . Nemesis Force Sword
. 9x Purifier (Sword): 9x Nemesis Force Sword, 9x Storm Bolter

Servitors [2 PL, 30pts]
. 4x Servitor: 4x Servo-Arm

Servitors [2 PL, 30pts]
. 4x Servitor: 4x Servo-Arm

+ Fast Attack +

Interceptor Squad [16 PL, 260pts]
. 9x Interceptor (Sword): 9x Nemesis Force Sword, 9x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Sword

Interceptor Squad [16 PL, 260pts]
. 9x Interceptor (Halberd): 9x Nemesis Force Halberd, 9x Storm Bolter
. Interceptor Justicar
. . Nemesis Force Halberd

++ Total: [115 PL, 11CP, 1,995pts] ++

vs.

Rasmus Valand Fredriksen – Tau – Tau Sept Goodstuff with Longstrike and some Hammerheads.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Battalion Detachment -3CP (T’au Empire) [100 PL, 6CP, 1,849pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Sept Choice: T’au Sept

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Emergency Dispensation [-1CP]: Additional Relics

+ HQ +

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [9 PL, -1CP, 180pts]: 1. Precision of the Hunter, Onager Gauntlet, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Shield Generator, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, T’au Flamer, Thermoneutronic Projector
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight

Ethereal [5 PL, -1CP, 85pts]: 2. Sense of Stone, 6. Exemplar of the Mont’ka, 6. Wisdom of the Guides, Hover Drone, Stratagem: Promising Pupil, The Humble Stave
. 2x Marker Drone: 2x Markerlight

Longstrike [9 PL, 180pts]: 2x Smart Missile System, Railgun, 2x Seeker Missile

+ Troops +

Breacher Team [5 PL, 85pts]
. 9x Breacher Fire Warrior: 9x Pulse Blaster, 9x Pulse Pistol

Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts]
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades

Kroot Carnivores [3 PL, 60pts]
. 10x Kroot: 10x Kroot Rifle, 10x Quill Grenades

+ Elites +

Crisis Battlesuits [21 PL, 398pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’ui: Burst Cannon, Iridium battlesuit, Shield Generator, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. Crisis Shas’vre: Burst Cannon, Iridium battlesuit, Shield Generator, Stimm Injectors, T’au Flamer, T’au Flamer
. 4x Shield Drone: 4x Shield Generator

Crisis Battlesuits [21 PL, 338pts]
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Velocity Tracker
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Velocity Tracker
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Velocity Tracker
. Crisis Shas’ui: Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Velocity Tracker
. Crisis Shas’vre: Iridium battlesuit, Missile Pod, Plasma Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Velocity Tracker
. Marker Drone
. 4x Shield Drone: 4x Shield Generator

+ Fast Attack +

Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts]
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs

Kroot Hounds [1 PL, 24pts]
. 4x Kroot Hound: 4x Ripping Fangs

+ Heavy Support +

Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Smart Missile System, Railgun

Hammerhead Gunship [8 PL, 155pts]: 2x Smart Missile System, Railgun

+ Dedicated Transport +

Devilfish [6 PL, 105pts]: 2x Smart Missile System

++ Supreme Command Detachment +3CP (T’au Empire) [8 PL, 3CP, 150pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [3CP]

Sept Choice: T’au Sept

+ Primarch | Daemon Primarch | Supreme Commander +

Commander Shadowsun [8 PL, 150pts]: 2x Dispersed Fusion Blaster, Warlord

++ Total: [108 PL, 9CP, 1,999pts] ++

Thoughts

Now we’re getting to some of the good stuff. Forget dreadknights; Christopher’s list is all about those walking/teleporting Grey Knights with Armour of Contempt bonuses. The list packs Draigo and a Chaplain as its HQ options, then just relies on a bunch of tough, power-armored bodies to teleport around the table and take care of targets, with a unit of Paladins for extra staying power. The Paladins know Armoured Resilience, which gives them +1 to their saving throws and lets them functionally get to a 0+ save even if they aren’t in cover. Christopher had a solid run leading into the finals, with dream matchups against Death Guard and Thousand Sons prior to the finals.

Unfortunately, if there’s an army he didn’t want to face, it’s Tau. In addition to having the easy Abhor pick, T’au have more than enough guns to blast these Grey Knights off the table, and while the Hammerheads aren’t doing as much against this list as they would vehicle-heavy lists, they’re still absolutely going to tear through those Paladins and whatever other units get in their line of sight. The Kroot here make great screening units for mortal wounds and the flamer Crisis suits are an absolute nightmare to charge.

Result

Tau Win, 89-49

Rasmus Valand Fredriksen – Tau – 1st Place

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Tau Sept Hammerheads

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

T’au Sept had a good weekend and it’s not hard to see why – Shadowsun brings a ton of value to the table with her Master of War aura and Defender of the Greater Good abilities. What’s interesting about this list is the decision to take double-flamer Crisis Suits, which sidestep the Armour of Contempt issue nicely by being AP0 and allow a unit of Crisis Suits to put out an incredibly silly amount of shots. The list is supported here by a trio of Hammerhead tanks – two standard and Longstrike – which help it make short work of bigger targets. Rasmus beat two Tyranid lists to go undefeated at the event, so if you’re looking for something with legs against the faction, this isn’t a bad place to start.

The Rest of the Best

Five players finished on 4-1 records:

  • 2nd ✪ – Christopher Jacobsen – Grey Knights: See Showdown.
  • 3rd – Are Verlo – Thousand Sons: Cult of Time with lots of Rubricae, a big Scarab squad, and three Helbrutes.
  • 4th – Sveinung Nøding – Tyranids: Leviathan Goodstuff with one big Warrior block, two Harpies and a variety of nasties.
  • 5th – Eirik Kristoffersen – Adepta Sororitas:  Bloody Rose with lots of nasty melee threats – big units of Repentia, Zephyrim and Sacresants with some Warsuits as a central anchor.
  • 6th – Sondre SkÃ¥r – Chaos Space Marines: More Daemon Engine fun, with two Lords of Skulls, a Disco and some Decimators.

Legion Events Community Outreach

All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Unknown

Sean Rice – Craftworlds – Aspect Warriors, Fire Prisms and the Avatar.

Army List - Click to Expand

Ulthwe Patrol Detachment

Avatar of Khaine [14 PL, 270pts]

Eldrad Ulthran [8 PL, 145pts]: 1. Fateful Divergence, 3. Fortune, 5. Will of Asuryan, Seer Council (Farseer), Ulthwe: Fate Reader, Warlord

Rangers [4 PL, 65pts]
. 5x Ranger: w/Ranger Long Rifle & Shuriken Pistol

Dire Avengers [7 PL, 120pts]
. 9x Dire Avenger: w/Avenger Shuriken Catapult & Plasma Grenades
. Dire Avenger Exarch: Two Avenger Shuriken Catapults

Howling Banshees [5 PL, 105pts]
. 4x Howling Banshee w/Banshee Blade & Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes

Shining Spears [6 PL, 125pts]
. 2x Shining Spear w/Laser Lance & Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Paragon Sabre, Shimmershield, Shuriken Cannon

Fire Prism [9 PL, 170pts]: Crystal Targeting Matrix, Twin Shuriken Catapult

Fire Prism [9 PL, 170pts]: Crystal Targeting Matrix, Twin Shuriken Catapult

Ulthwe Patrol Detachment

Stratagem: Relics of the Shrines [-1CP]
Stratagem: Seer Council [-1CP]

Seer Council (Unit) [3 PL, 40pts]
. Warlocks: 5. Quicken/Restrain, Seer Council (Warlocks Unit)
. . Warlock: Witchblade
. . Warlock: Witchblade

Farseer Skyrunner [6 PL, 120pts]: 1. Guide, 2. Doom, 5. Focus Will, Shuriken Pistol, Witchblade
. The Ghosthelm of Alishazier

Jain Zar [7 PL, 140pts]

Rangers [4 PL, 70pts] Wireweave Net
. 5x Ranger: w/Ranger Long Rifle & Shuriken Pistol

Howling Banshees [5 PL, 105pts]
. 4x Howling Banshee w/Banshee Blade & Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes

Howling Banshees [5 PL, 105pts]
. 4x Howling Banshee w/Banshee Blade & Shuriken Pistol
. Howling Banshee Exarch: Mirrorswords, Piercing Strikes, Cronescream (Shrine Relic)

Shining Spears [6 PL, 125pts]
. 2x Shining Spear w/Laser Lance & Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Khaine’s Lance (Shrine Relic), Paragon Sabre, Shimmershield, Shuriken Cannon

Shining Spears [6 PL, 125pts]
. 2x Shining Spear w/Laser Lance & Twin Shuriken Catapult
. Shining Spear Exarch: Heartstrike, Paragon Sabre, Shimmershield, Shuriken Cannon

Total: [104 PL, 8CP, 2,000pts]

vs.

Joseph Gillespie – Tyranids – Leviathan with lots of Warriors and some nasty monsters.

Army List - Click to Expand

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Tyranids) [76 PL, 8CP, 1,435pts] ++

+ Configuration +

[Reference] Discipline: Hive Mind

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment Command Cost

Hive Fleet: Leviathan

+ Stratagems +

Hive Predator [-2CP]: 2x Extra Warlord Trait

Rarefied Enhancements [-2CP]: 2x Extra Bio-artefact

+ No Force Org Slot +

Tyranid Prime [5 PL, 85pts]: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon, Warlord Trait: Direct Guidance

Tyrant Guard [8 PL, 120pts]
. Tyrant Guard (Lash/Sword)
. 2x Tyrant Guard (Scything): 2x Two Rending Claws, 2x Two Scything Talons

Zoanthropes [7 PL, 150pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Smite, Power: The Horror, 3x Zoanthrope

+ HQ +

Hive Tyrant [9 PL, 190pts]: Adrenal Glands, Heavy Venom Cannon, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Catalyst, Power: Paroxysm, Relic: Shardgullet

Neurothrope [5 PL, 100pts]: Power: Catalyst, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Onslaught, Relic: Preceptic Node, Warlord, Warlord Trait: Synaptic Tendrils

+ Troops +

Gargoyles [4 PL, 80pts]
. 10x Gargoyle: 10x Fleshborer

Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 255pts]: Adrenal Glands
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon

+ Elites +

Maleceptor [9 PL, 170pts]: Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Neuroparasite, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite

+ Heavy Support +

Screamer-Killers [9 PL, 150pts]
. Screamer-Killer: Adaptive Physiology: Dermic Symbiosis, Adrenal Glands

Screamer-Killers [8 PL, 135pts]
. Screamer-Killer: Adaptive Physiology: Synaptic Enhancement, Adrenal Glands

++ Patrol Detachment -2CP (Tyranids) [28 PL, -2CP, 565pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-2CP]

Hive Fleet: Leviathan

+ HQ +

Winged Hive Tyrant [11 PL, 205pts]: Adrenal Glands, Lash Whip and Monstrous Bonesword, Power: Hive Nexus, Power: Paroxysm, Power: Psychic Scream, Power: Smite, Relic: The Reaper of Obilterax, Warlord Trait: Adaptive Biology

+ Troops +

Tyranid Warriors [12 PL, 255pts]: Adrenal Glands
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Deathspitter, Dual Boneswords
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon
. Tyranid Warrior: Dual Boneswords, Venom Cannon

+ Elites +

Venomthropes [5 PL, 105pts]
. 3x Venomthrope: 3x Toxic Lashes

++ Total: [104 PL, 6CP, 2,000pts] ++

Thoughts

Sean’s list mixes lots of different Aspect Warriors with Fire Prisms for ranged support, while leaning on Banshees and Shining Spears for melee. Unfortunately, the list is illegal – the Shining Spear and Howling Banshee Exarchs all have the same Exarch powers – Heartstrike for the Spears and Piercing Strikes for the Banshees, while the codex says that you can only take each power once. We’re not going to speculate on whether this was intentional or an oversight but for those of you reading at home: Don’t do this.

The Tyranids list here goes hard on durable big bugs, taking a pair of Screamer-Killers to support two big units of Tyranid Warriors. It’s got a ton of psychic punch for tossing out mortal wounds, and the Venomthropes make taking anything in the list down a total nightmare.

Result

Craftworlds win, 78-72

Howling Banshees. Credit: Rockfish
Howling Banshees. Credit: Rockfish

Sean Rice – Craftworlds- 1st Place

The List

See Showdown

Archetype

Ulthwe Aspect Warriors/Avatar

Why it’s Interesting in 9th

As covered above, this list doesn’t work in its current form so there’s not much deep stuff to say about it, though it’s notable that the Avatar’s stock goes up quite a bit now there are fewer Tau lists on the high shot count plan, and more durable targets that need to be cracked open in melee.

The Rest of the Best

The rest of the top four were as follows:

  • 2nd ✪ – Joseph Gillespie – Tyranids: See Showdown.
  • 3rd – Jesse Carmack – Dark Angels: Loads of Deathwing backed by some Redemptors.
  • 4th – Pedro Reyes – Tyranids: Leviathan goodstuff, with slightly fewer Warriors in favour of adding Deathleaper.

 

Next Week: Lots of Tyranids, Probably

That wraps up our look at the top lists of the week. Join us next week when we look at another set and get a real feel for what Tyranids look like – no more of this “Some events allowing Crusher and using old rules” nonsense. In the meantime, if you have any questions or feedback, drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com.