Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

It's Competitive Innovations on a Dataslate day, so you know the drill - time to look at which factions are justifiably paying for their many crimes, and which factions are laughing it up on their plane to Tijuana as they make their getaway with the loot.

If, somehow, you have not thus far noticed that it's Dataslate day, you can check out our coverage below:

The rest of our regular Dataslate coverage can be found at the links below:

Main Reviews

New Rules

Index Chaos Daemons 2.0: The Goonhammer Review
Detachment Focus: Shadow Legion (Daemons)
Detachment Focus: More Dakka! (Orks)
Detachment Focus: Lions of the Emperor (Adeptus Custodes)
Detachment Focus: Experimental Prototype Cadre (T'au)

As for our rogue's gallery, today we've got:

Scorched Earth Open 2025 - 40K World Championships Qualifier
Ides of March 2025
2 GT Bilbao
CM Games Warhammer 40K Tournament - Bluffhammer Brawl
MAD Warhammer 40k GT 03.08 - 03.09

On Friday we will have Lowest of Men running part 2 with:

Cascade Clash: Ascent - 40k Major Spring 2025
11th Barrie Bash
Wheat City Open 2025: 40k
Safety's Off "Go Outside, Nerd!" GT
Califato Wars

Finally, me again on Saturday covering:

BAYERN MAJOR #1 2025 40K
Hunter GT Autumn - NSWTC
Third Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT
Hyper 345: GT

Scorched Earth Open 2025 - 40K World Championships Qualifier

82-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Phoenix, AZ, United States on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Durante "Glynisir" Bozzini - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 1st Place

Tau Riptide. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Railguns Have 3 Shots

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Dante (Glynisir) + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - T'au Empire + DETACHMENT: Kauyon + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Commander Shadowsun + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (10x2) - Assassination: 1 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Commander Shadowsun (100 pts): Warlord, Battlesuit fists, Flechette launcher, 2x High-energy fusion blaster, Light missile pod, Pulse pistol

10x Breacher Team (100 pts) • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui: Guardian Drone, Shield Drone, Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol, Support turret • 9x Breacher Fire Warriors: 9 with Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol

10x Kroot Carnivores (65 pts) • 1x Long-quill: Close combat weapon, Kroot pistol, Kroot carbine • 1x Kroot Carnivore: Close combat weapon, Tanglebomb launcher • 8x Kroot Carnivores: 8 with Close combat weapon, Kroot rifle

10x Pathfinder Team (90 pts) • 9x Pathfinders 6 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol 3 with Close combat weapon, Ion rifle, Pulse pistol • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui: Shield Drone, Recon drone, Drone burst cannon, Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol, Semi-automatic grenade launcher, Twin pulse carbine, Drone burst cannon

3x Stealth Battlesuits (60 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre: Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone, Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • 2x Stealth Shas'ui: 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon

3x Stealth Battlesuits (60 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre: Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone, Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • 2x Stealth Shas'ui: 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon

3x Stealth Battlesuits (60 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre: Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone, Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • 2x Stealth Shas'ui: 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon

5x Vespid Stingwings (65 pts) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader: Neutron blaster, Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwings: 4 with Neutron blaster, Stingwing claws

1x Krootox Riders (40 pts): Close combat weapon, Krootox fists, Repeater cannon 1x Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 pts): Battlesuit support system, Ghostkeel fists, Cyclic ion raker, Twin fusion blaster 1x Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts): Armoured hull, Railgun, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system 1x Piranha (60 pts): Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile 1x Piranha (60 pts): Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Sky Ray Gunship (140 pts): Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system 1x Sky Ray Gunship (140 pts): Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system 1x Devilfish (85 pts): Accelerator burst cannon, Armoured hull, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system

Archetype

Hull Spam T'au

Thoughts

If in doubt, just shoot a million guns at it. Classic T'au. Works for overwhelming Aeldari, and is definitely happy that the full bore Bobby G gun club builds are getting toned down. May suffer a bit into Orks though - T9 and T10 hulls are more vulnerable to massed rokkit fire (the latter via a pulsa rokkit) than most, so could find themselves humuliatingly out-dakkaed by Orks, of all things. Or maybe not - Tau also get some new toys, and have some great anti-Infantry tools to pivot to, so maybe expect this to come back, but with Starscythe units to counterpunch any devious greenskins. Well done to Durante on victory.

Jason Flanzer - Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess) - 2nd Place

Credit: Svbfloorvg

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Slaanesh (2000 Points)

Chaos Daemons Legion of Excess Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Contorted Epitome (80 Points) • 1x Coiled tentacles • 1x Ravaging claws

Keeper of Secrets (300 Points) • Warlord • 1x Phantasmagoria • 1x Snapping claws • 1x Witstealer sword • Enhancements: Soul Glutton

The Masque of Slaanesh (85 Points) • 1x Serrated claws

Tormentbringer on Exalted Seeker Chariot (170 Points) • 1x Exalted Seeker tongues • 1x Lashes of torment • 1x Ravaging claws • Enhancements: False Majesty (Aura)

Tranceweaver (60 Points) • 1x Ravaging claws

BATTLELINE

Daemonettes (100 Points) • 1x Alluress ◦ 1x Slashing claws • 9x Daemonette ◦ 9x Slashing claws

Daemonettes (100 Points) • 1x Alluress ◦ 1x Slashing claws • 9x Daemonette ◦ 9x Slashing claws

Nurglings (40 Points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm ◦ 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Plaguebearers (110 Points) • 1x Plagueridden ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer ◦ 9x Plaguesword

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fiends (210 Points) • 1x Blissbringer ◦ 1x Barbed tail and dissecting claws • 5x Fiend ◦ 5x Barbed tail and dissecting claws

Fiends (210 Points) • 1x Blissbringer ◦ 1x Barbed tail and dissecting claws • 5x Fiend ◦ 5x Barbed tail and dissecting claws

Fiends (210 Points) • 1x Blissbringer ◦ 1x Barbed tail and dissecting claws • 5x Fiend ◦ 5x Barbed tail and dissecting claws

Seeker Chariot (65 Points) • 1x Lashes of torment • 1x Seeker tongues • 1x Slashing claws

Seekers (80 Points) • 1x Heartseeker ◦ 1x Lashing tongue ◦ 1x Slashing claws • 4x Seeker ◦ 4x Lashing tongue ◦ 4x Slashing claws

Soul Grinder (180 Points) • Daemonic Allegiance: Slaanesh • 1x Harvester cannon • 1x Iron claw • 1x Scream of despair • 1x Warpclaw

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Fiend-heavy Legion

Thoughts

Our first full-bore casualty of the week, Slaanesh Daemons via Legion of Excess are the latest and greatest faction to soar way too close to the sun, crashing down to earth with more nerfs than I care to list here, and probably just outright dead. If there's a silver lining it's that massed Fiends are still pretty good, but even they suffer substantially from the loss of full Wound re-rolls and Thieves of Pain needing Line of Sight. Big RIP, basically, and I do think that's a little bit of a shame for the more techy, all-rounder versions like this, which had some interesting stuff going on, but alas they perish alongside the more "Whoops all keepers" variants. Congratulations to Jason for going out on a high, which I'm sure Slaanesh approves of.

Ben Jurek - Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike) - 3rd Place

Militarum Tempestus Scions Command Squad. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Stop stop I'm still doing something , (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Bridgehead Strike Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Gaunt's Ghosts (110 Points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt ◦ 1x Bolt Pistol ◦ 1x Gaunt's chainsword • 1x Colm Corbec ◦ 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Elim Rawne ◦ 1x Rawne's lascarbine ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Hlaine Larkin ◦ 1x Larkin's long-las ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x 'Try Again' Bragg ◦ 1x Bragg's autocannon ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Oan Mkoll ◦ 1x Lascarbine ◦ 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (100 Points) • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 2x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Master Vox ◦ 1x Medi-pack ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor Prime • Warlord ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Tempestus dagger ◦ Enhancements: Bombast-class Vox-array

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (90 Points) • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Hot-shot volley gun ◦ 1x Medi-pack ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor Prime ◦ 1x Command Rod ◦ 1x Tempestus dagger ◦ Enhancements: Shroud Projector

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (75 Points) • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Hot-shot volley gun ◦ 1x Medi-pack ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor Prime ◦ 1x Command Rod ◦ 1x Tempestus dagger

Ursula Creed (65 Points) • 1x Duty and Vengeance • 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Chainsword • 9x Shock Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (130 Points) • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 2x Plasma pistol ◦ 2x Power weapon • 18x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 18x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 14x Lasgun ◦ 2x Plasma gun

Tempestus Scions (130 Points) • 1x Tempestor ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (130 Points) • 1x Tempestor ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (65 Points) • 1x Tempestor ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun

Tempestus Scions (130 Points) • 1x Tempestor ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Tempestus Scion ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox (65 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Twin autocannon

Taurox (65 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Twin autocannon

Taurox (65 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cadian Heavy Weapons Squad (50 Points) • 3x Heavy Weapon Team ◦ 3x Laspistol ◦ 3x Mortar ◦ 3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Cadian Heavy Weapons Squad (50 Points) • 3x Heavy Weapon Team ◦ 3x Laspistol ◦ 3x Mortar ◦ 3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Cadian Heavy Weapons Squad (50 Points) • 3x Heavy Weapon Team ◦ 3x Laspistol ◦ 3x Mortar ◦ 3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Kasrkin (110 Points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle ◦ 1x Melta Mine ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Kasrkin (110 Points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle ◦ 1x Melta Mine ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Krieg Combat Engineers (70 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 3x Autopistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine ◦ 2x Trench club

Krieg Combat Engineers (70 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 3x Autopistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine ◦ 2x Trench club

Krieg Combat Engineers (95 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 8x Autopistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine ◦ 7x Trench club

Tempestus Aquilons (110 Points) • 1x Tempestor Aquilon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lascarbine ◦ 1x Sentry flamer • 8x Tempestus Aquilon ◦ 8x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Hot-shot lascarbine ◦ 1x Hot‐shot long‐las ◦ 1x Melta carbine • 1x Gunfighter ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lascarbine

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Infantry Bridgehead

Thoughts

Moving straight to our second big casualty, we have Bridgehead. Probably not as dead as pure Slaanesh Daemons, but taking a similar major knock to the ability to punch up at hard targets is going to need at least some major retooling. That's especially true since Krieg Engineers also take a moderate hit in Mortal output, so you can't backfill the capability that way. Fewer Infantry units and (probably) some Dorn Commanders seems like the way through, and Bridgehead is sufficiently unique in how vicious it is out of Deep Strike that there might be surviving builds, but also maybe we'll get an opportunity to see some other Codex detachments get outings. Well done Ben on taking third place.

Wyatt Harris - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) - 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Ynnari (1995 Points)

Aeldari Devoted of Ynnead Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Autarch (75 Points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun • 1x Star glaive

Autarch (75 Points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun • 1x Star glaive

The Yncarne (250 Points) • Warlord • 1x Swirling soul energy • 1x Vilith-zhar

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (115 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Twin bright lance • 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (100 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Exarch's Dragon fusion gun • 4x Fire Dragon ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Dragon fusion gun

Fire Dragons (100 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Exarch's Dragon fusion gun • 4x Fire Dragon ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (90 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (90 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Rangers (55 Points) • 5x Ranger ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Long rifle ◦ 5x Shuriken pistol

Warlock Skyrunners (45 Points) • 1x Destructor • 1x Shuriken pistol • 1x Singing Spear • 1x Twin shuriken catapult

Warlock Skyrunners (45 Points) • 1x Destructor • 1x Shuriken pistol • 1x Singing Spear • 1x Twin shuriken catapult

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death weavers ◦ 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death weavers ◦ 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death weavers ◦ 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Windriders (160 Points) • 6x Windrider ◦ 6x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Scatter laser

Wraithlord (140 Points) • 2x Bright lance • 2x Flamer • 1x Ghostglaive • 1x Wraithbone fists

Wraithlord (140 Points) • 2x Bright lance • 2x Flamer • 1x Ghostglaive • 1x Wraithbone fists

Wraithlord (140 Points) • 2x Bright lance • 2x Flamer • 1x Ghostglaive • 1x Wraithbone fists

Exported with App Version: v1.27.0 (3), Data Version: v56

Archetype

Wraithlord Ynnari

Thoughts

Moving on from our casualties to our first "got away with it" faction, Ynnari catch minimal flak in the Dataslate (this build only goes up 30pts, for example), and look set to be the Aeldari detachment of choice for the next quarter, and to be well positioned to take down some events, although I anticipate Nurgle Daemons being able to put some (disgusting) speed bumps in their way. Given what I expect to arise in the metagame, I think you'll probably see even more Windriders used in Ynnari, because the combination of massed Lethal Hits (via the Stratagem) in your turn and really strong Overwatch into stuff like Orks is going to be great. Were I taking them out, I'd even consider swapping one of the Wraithlords here for a second Windrider unit, but we'll see what the future holds. Also a fan of the Banshees with Autarchs, the Leader makes the unit a really nice package for which the price is right, and having two maintains threat projection into the late game. Basically, really love this version of the list, and expect to see more of this sort of thing - congratulations Wyatt.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

5th - Tanner Floyd - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Heavy Infantry World Eaters with two full squads of Terminators.
6th - Peter Elias - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Lots of Aspects (including a big unit each of Fire Dragons and Banshees) plus a Yvraine/Incubi squad.
7th - Don Hooson - Death Guard (Plague Company): Hull-tastic Death Guard with Defilers alongside all the usual hits, and cheaper Executioners instead of Brigands to maximise the number of units.
8th - William Walker - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Classic Abaddon Pactbound gunline with Vindicators and Forgefiends as the shooty threats, plus cheap bikers squads to try and spike some super Nurgle pact melta.

Ides of March 2025

62-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Rockport, ME, United States on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Samuel Pope - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede) - 1st Place

Norn Emissary. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I saved this one for last for a reason (1995 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Crusher Stampede

CHARACTERS

Hive Tyrant (235 points) • Warlord • 1x Heavy venom cannon 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip

Neurotyrant (105 points) • 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes 1x Psychic scream

BATTLELINE

Hormagaunts (65 points) • 10x Hormagaunt • 10x Hormagaunt talons

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (50 points) • 1x Chitin-barbed limbs 1x Spore Mine launcher

Exocrine (135 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (135 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Exocrine (135 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Haruspex (125 points) • 1x Grasping tongue 1x Ravenous maw 1x Shovelling claws

Neurolictor (90 points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

Neurolictor (90 points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Tyrannofex (190 points) • 1x Acid spray 1x Powerful limbs 1x Stinger salvoes

Tyrannofex (190 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Tyrannofex (190 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Crusher Mash

Thoughts

Big bugs. Bugs that are big. Also numerous, in this instance. If you like unsubtle chitinous violence, jamming many large bugs should continue to excel, and despite some point increases on Exocrines and Tyrannofexes, the net impact on bug quantity is pretty minimal - this list, for example, only ends up down 15pts because it recovers most of the increases from drops on the Neurolictors and Hive Tyrant. I'd maybe expect to see a second acid spray Tyrannofex if Dakka Orks are as good as they look, as playing into their overwatch can be quite challenging, but otherwise this sort of thing (also optionally running as Invasion Fleet) can continue apace. Well done to Samuel for taking the trophy.

Jeffrey Colpitts - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Jeff Colpitts + TEAM NAME: AP Zero Tactics + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Vanguard Spearhead + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium + + WARLORD: Char1: Roboute Guilliman + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Roboute Guilliman (345 pts) 1 with Hand of Dominion, The Emperor's Sword • Warlord

Char2: 1x Uriel Ventris (95 pts) 1 with Bolt Pistol, Invictus, Sword of Idaeus

Char3: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts) 1 with Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades

BATTLELINE

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant 1 with Bolt Pistol, Astartes Grenade Launcher, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist • 4x Intercessor 4 with Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

6x Centurion Devastator Squad (370 pts) • 5x Devastator Centurion 5 with Centurion Fists, Centurion Missile Launcher, Twin Lascannon • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant 1 with Centurion Fists, Centurion Missile Launcher, Twin Lascannon

3x Inceptor Squad (120 pts) • 2x Inceptor 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Exterminators • 1x Inceptor Sergeant 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Exterminators

6x Inceptor Squad (240 pts) • 5x Inceptor 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Exterminators • 1x Inceptor Sergeant 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Exterminators

6x Inceptor Squad (240 pts) • 5x Inceptor 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Assault Bolters • 1x Inceptor Sergeant 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Assault Bolters

5x Incursor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Incursor 3 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 1 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades • Haywire Mine • 1x Incursor Sergeant 1 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 2x Scout 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle • 2x Scouts 2 with Astartes Shotgun, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 2x Scout 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Missile Launcher 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle • 2x Scouts 2 with Astartes Shotgun, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon

1x Invader ATV (60 pts) 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Twin Bolt Rifle, Onslaught Gatling Cannon

1x Invader ATV (60 pts) 1 with Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Twin Bolt Rifle, Onslaught Gatling Cannon

ALLIED UNITS

Char4: 1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts) 1 with Neural shredder, Phase sword and poison blades

Archetype

Ultravanguard

Thoughts

RIP teleporting Vanguard Centurions, 2023-2025, taken from us ~~nowhere near soon enough~~ too soon. Kind of, anyway - no longer having access to "true" Deep Strike does hurt Guilliman's heftiest sons, but you did occasionally see variants of this run with Centurions and without Ventris (sometimes even without Ultramarines entirely), and unlike most other common Marine shooty threats, they went down in price to compensate. This list does not, in fact, catch any point increases to offset the 40pts drop on Centurions, so I wouldn't count out the possibility of it just continuing on with Ventris subbed out for something. Alternatively, we've seen some experimentation with Sternguard as a Deep Strike threat that's still valid, so you could see them appear either as well as or instead of the Centurions, as the 40 extra points makes it much more feasible to work them into the list. I do not, for a second, believe this is the last we'll hear from Ultravanguard, and presumably Jeffrey will be returning to the shadows to plot his next move even now.

Travis Morton - Death Guard (Plague Company) - 3rd Place

Foetid Bloat-drone. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Stankonia (1995 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Plague Company

CHARACTERS

Mortarion (300 points) • Warlord • 1x Rotwind 1x Silence 1x The Lantern

Tallyman (45 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Infected plasma pistol

Typhus (80 points) • 1x Master-crafted manreaper

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Guard Cultists (50 points) • 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Death Guard Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Death Guard Cultists (50 points) • 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Death Guard Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Death Guard Cultists (50 points) • 1x Death Guard Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon 1x Cultist firearm • 9x Death Guard Cultist • 9x Brutal assault weapon 6x Cultist firearm 1x Flamer 1x Grenade launcher 1x Heavy stubber

Death Guard Predator Annihilator (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 2x Lasconnon Sponsons 1x Predator twin lascannon

Death Guard Predator Annihilator (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Plague combi-bolter 2x Lasconnon Sponsons 1x Predator twin lascannon

Death Guard Predator Destructor (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Predator autocannon

Death Guard Predator Destructor (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Predator autocannon

Death Guard Predator Destructor (130 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Plague combi-bolter 1x Predator autocannon

Deathshroud Terminators (220 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 5x Deathshroud Terminator • 5x Manreaper 5x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points) • 1x Plague probe 2x Plaguespitter

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points) • 1x Plague probe 2x Plaguespitter

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points) • 1x Plague probe 2x Plaguespitter

ALLIED UNITS

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Hull-heavy Death Guard

Thoughts

Let the annals of infamy forever record that in 10th Edition, in the year of our lord 2025, Games Workshop had to nerf Predator Annihilators.

We're through the looking glass now, folks.

Anyway - a combined 40pts increase will not, in fact, stop the time-honoured strategy of cramming a bunch of hulls and Mortarion into a list and letting rip. I do wonder if you might find that both Dakka Orks and Nurgle Daemons present issues for it, as the former is less impacted by Contagions than most shooty builds, and the latter may just be able to out-crunch (or maybe squish) you, but these builds have kept going through thick and thin, so I'm not about to count them out. Well done Travis, and I'm sure we'll see you back with more Nurgle fun soon enough.

Drew Salzborn - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 4th Place

Fire Warrior Breacher Team. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Breachers are still a thing (2000 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kauyon

CHARACTERS

Cadre Fireblade (70 points) • Warlord • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 2x Gun Drone • Enhancement: Exemplar of the Kauyon

Cadre Fireblade (50 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 2x Gun Drone

Cadre Fireblade (50 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fireblade pulse rifle 2x Gun Drone

BATTLELINE

Breacher Team (100 points) • 1x Support turret • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol 1x Shield Drone • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team (100 points) • 1x Support turret • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol 1x Shield Drone • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team (100 points) • 1x Support turret • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Guardian Drone 1x Pulse blaster 1x Pulse pistol 1x Shield Drone • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Pulse blaster 9x Pulse pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Devilfish (85 points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 2x Seeker missile 2x Smart missile system

Devilfish (85 points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 2x Seeker missile 2x Smart missile system

Devilfish (85 points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 2x Seeker missile 2x Smart missile system

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Ion cannon 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (145 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Railgun 2x Seeker missile

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot pistol 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Kroot rifle

Kroot Farstalkers (85 points) • 1x Kroot Kill-broker • 1x Kroot pistol 1x Ritual blade 1x T'au-tech rifle • 9x Kroot Farstalker • 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dvorgite skinner 8x Farstalker firearm 9x Kroot pistol 1x Pech'ra • 2x Kroot Hound • 2x Ripping fangs

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grav-inhibitor Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Sky Ray Gunship (140 points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon 1x Armoured hull 1x Seeker missile rack

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Burst cannon 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Burst cannon 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (60 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Burst cannon 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574Strike Force (2000 points)

Archetype

Classic Tau Combined Arms

Thoughts

Breachers are still pretty good, that's right. In fact, if you want to explore the full breadth of what Breachers can do, you should definitely look at them in the Experimental Prototype Cadre, because boosted Range, Strength and AP is pretty spicy. That would be quite a different build to what's here, mind, and this should still be just fine post-Dataslate. Breacherfish provide strong threat projection that cause the foe to be cautious, and your damage output ramps up spectacularly from turn three onwards. While Prototype Cadre is very cool, this setup looks like it should be really good going forward - breachers are great answers to Orks, the volume of threats can overwhelm Ynnari, and the turn three damage ramp up plus ultra high strength weaponry means they can probably take out even the most durable Nurgle builds. Time for a T'au takeover? We'll find out. Great work from Drew bringing back a classic T'au build with strong future prospects.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Anthony Massicotte - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Ultra heavy Fleet with triple Norn Emissary, Maleceptors and Tyrannofexen.
6th - William Cliff - Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation): A melee horde build that catches far less of a hit from the one GSC price hike than most builds, as it's only sporting one full Neophyte unit alongside lots of Acolytes and two Metamorph squads.
7th - Matthew Wood - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): The very classic four Infantry unit (3x Warden/Champ, Draxus/Custodians) plus two Caladius recipe.
8th - Connor Flotten - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Lots of Aspect MSUs, couple of Wraithlords, big Incubi unit, and the full triumverate.
9th - Cullen Burns - Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike): Lots of drop Infantry, and the unusual (but with the potential to get more common post-Dataslate) choice to go for maximum Ogryns, which is an alarming amount of D2 shooting.
10th - Martin Periard - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Armigers and Agents.
11th - Christopher McInnis - Space Wolves (Ironstorm Spearhead): Your list is named "Oops All Dreads" and yet I distinctly see a squad of Fenrisian Wolves. Shameful.

2 GT Bilbao

50-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bilbo, PV, Spain on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Koldo Besga - Leagues of Votann (Oathband) - 1st Place

Trans-Hyperian Alliance Hekaton Land Fortress. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

KOLDO TORNEO LEAGUES OF VOTANN (1995 Points)

Leagues of Votann Oathband Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Einhyr Champion (60 Points) • Warlord • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter • 1x Mass hammer • 1x Weavefield Crest

Einhyr Champion (80 Points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter • 1x Mass hammer • 1x Weavefield Crest • Enhancements: Appraising Glare

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 Points) • 1x Theyn ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x EtaCarn plasma pistol ◦ 1x Kin melee weapon ◦ 1x Weavefield Crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior ◦ 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Comms Array ◦ 1x HYLas auto rifle ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 7x Ion blaster ◦ 1x Medipack ◦ 1x Pan Spectral Scanner

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Sagitaur (115 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x HYLas beam cannon • 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x HYLas beam cannon • 1x Twin bolt cannon

Sagitaur (115 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x HYLas beam cannon • 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk ◦ 5x Concussion maul ◦ 1x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk ◦ 5x Concussion maul ◦ 1x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk ◦ 5x Concussion maul ◦ 1x Mole grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (150 Points) • 1x Hesyr ◦ 1x Concussion hammer ◦ 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher ◦ 1x Teleport Crest ◦ 1x Volkanite disintegrator • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard ◦ 4x Concussion gauntlet ◦ 4x Exo-armour grenade launcher ◦ 4x Volkanite disintegrator

Einhyr Hearthguard (150 Points) • 1x Hesyr ◦ 1x Concussion hammer ◦ 1x Exo-armour grenade launcher ◦ 1x Teleport Crest ◦ 1x Volkanite disintegrator • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard ◦ 4x Concussion gauntlet ◦ 4x Exo-armour grenade launcher ◦ 4x Volkanite disintegrator

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x MATR autocannon • 1x Pan Spectral Scanner • 1x SP heavy conversion beamer • 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (225 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x MATR autocannon • 1x Pan Spectral Scanner • 1x SP heavy conversion beamer • 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer ◦ 3x Bolt revolver ◦ 3x Bolt shotgun ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 3x Magna-coil autocannon ◦ 1x Pan Spectral Scanner ◦ 3x Plasma knife ◦ 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer ◦ 3x Bolt revolver ◦ 3x Bolt shotgun ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 3x Magna-coil autocannon ◦ 1x Pan Spectral Scanner ◦ 3x Plasma knife ◦ 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (90 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer ◦ 3x Bolt revolver ◦ 3x Bolt shotgun ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 3x Magna-coil autocannon ◦ 1x Pan Spectral Scanner ◦ 3x Plasma knife ◦ 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 Points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn ◦ 1x Bolt revolver ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma knife • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir ◦ 1x APM launcher ◦ 7x Bolt revolver ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Magna-coil rifle ◦ 7x Plasma knife

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Archetype

All-rounder Votann

Thoughts

Similar to T'au above, this style of build has been valid for huge chunks of the edition, and Votann truck on into the new metagame completely (at least for Oathband) unchanged. If I had to guess I'd expect to see more builds going for the big Deep Strike Hearthguard unit going forward, as it helps diversify the threat profile somewhat, but the core efficiency of Votann stuff should still let them thrive. Well done to Koldo.

Alvaro Perez - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

CocaYnnari (1995 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Devoted of Ynnead

CHARACTERS

Autarch (75 points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Star glaive

Autarch (75 points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Star glaive

The Yncarne (250 points) • Warlord • 1x Swirling soul energy 1x Vilith-zhar

Ynnari Archon (85 points) • 1x Blast pistol 1x Huskblade 1x Shadow Field • Enhancement: Borrowed Vigour

BATTLELINE

Ynnari Kabalite Warriors (110 points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Phantasm grenade launcher 1x Sybarite weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dark lance 1x Shredder 1x Splinter cannon 5x Splinter rifle

Ynnari Kabalite Warriors (110 points) • 1x Sybarite • 1x Blast pistol 1x Phantasm grenade launcher 1x Sybarite weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior • 1x Blaster 9x Close combat weapon 1x Dark lance 1x Shredder 1x Splinter cannon 5x Splinter rifle

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Ynnari Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

Ynnari Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

Ynnari Venom (70 points) • 1x Bladevanes 2x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fire Dragons (100 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Exarch's Dragon fusion gun • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

Fire Dragons (100 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Exarch's Dragon fusion gun • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

Fire Dragons (100 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Exarch's Dragon fusion gun • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Biting blade 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Biting blade 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death weavers 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death weavers 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Death weavers 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Death spinner

Ynnari Incubi (75 points) • 1x Klaivex • 1x Demiklaives • 4x Incubi • 4x Klaive

Exported with App Version: v1.27.0 (71), Data Version: v569

Archetype

Go-wide Ynnari

Thoughts

Slightly more of a hit to this Ynnari variant due to it maxing out on Fire Dragons, but it also highlights why they'll be tough to pin down balance-wise. Kabalites with a Venom for the "good" half are just a really nice unit, and perfect Ork killers to boot, so expect to see plenty as we Lethal Surge into the new metagame. Definitely interesting to see no Yvraine in both our featured builds for the day - maybe the fact that she (and bodyguard) are a minimum 250pts investment is just a little too dear for what are (ultimately) T3 models, and Banshees with Autarchs cover the same space more flexibly. Much to ponder, well done to Alvaro for unleashing a cool set of tools.

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

3rd - Borja David Palacio Valdueza - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): A big buffed Tervigon with a couple of Termagant swarms backed up by many of the (now not quite so) efficient big bugs.
4th - Dekkers 🦭🤖 - Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Double Possessed brick plus many brawlers in Rhinos.
5th - VICTOR TEJA - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Double Atrapos with many Armigers.
6th - Rodrigo Serna - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Deathwing GTF with some added Desolation Marines.
7th - Ivan Andres - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Yvraine with Incubi plus a truly spectacular number of MSUs.
8th - Rafael miguel Martinez Legorburu - Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Double Soul Grinder, double Keeper, double Epitome battery. Also a Tormentbringer, RIP to a real one, god forbid Daemonettes have hobbies.

CM Games Warhammer 40K Tournament - Bluffhammer Brawl

33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Knoxville, TN, US on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Unknown Mission

Jake Durant - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty)

Army List - Click to Expand

Reanimation Protocols Activate

Necrons Awakened Dynasty Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Hexmark Destroyer (75 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Hexmark Destroyer (75 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Illuminor Szeras (175 Points) • Warlord • 1x Eldritch Lance • 1x Impaling legs

Orikan the Diviner (80 Points) • 1x Staff of Tomorrow

Overlord with Translocation Shroud (105 Points) • 1x Overlord's blade • 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancements: Nether-realm Casket

Skorpekh Lord (95 Points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator • 1x Flensing claw • 1x Hyperphase harvester • Enhancements: Enaegic Dermal Bond

Skorpekh Lord (80 Points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator • 1x Flensing claw • 1x Hyperphase harvester

Skorpekh Lord (80 Points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator • 1x Flensing claw • 1x Hyperphase harvester

Transcendent C'tan (295 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

BATTLELINE

Necron Warriors (200 Points) • 20x Necron Warrior ◦ 20x Close combat weapon ◦ 20x Gauss reaper

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Ghost Ark (115 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk • 2x Gauss flayer array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 Points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm ◦ 3x Feeder mandibles

Cryptothralls (60 Points) • 2x Cryptothrall ◦ 2x Scouring eye ◦ 2x Scythed limbs

Deathmarks (65 Points) • 5x Deathmark ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Synaptic disintegrator

Flayed Ones (60 Points) • 5x Flayed One ◦ 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Destroyers (35 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

Lokhust Destroyers (35 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 1x Plasmacyte ◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 1x Plasmacyte ◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Tomb Blades (75 Points) • 3x Tomb Blade ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Shadowloom ◦ 3x Twin gauss blaster

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

vs.

Sean Rice - Aeldari (Aspect Host)

Army List - Click to Expand

Brad Chester says to stop letting trees fall on my new car and to stop mediating the divorce between my parents…..also take 3 Striking Scorpions and 3 Warp Spiders (1995 Points)

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Asurmen (135 Points) • 1x Bloody Twins • 1x Sword of Asur

Eldrad Ulthran (110 Points) • Warlord • 1x Mind War • 1x Shuriken pistol • 1x The Staff of Ulthamar and witchblade

Fuegan (120 Points) • 1x Fire Axe • 1x Searsong

Jain Zar (105 Points) • 1x Blade of Destruction • 1x Silent Death

Lhykhis (120 Points) • 1x Brood Twain • 1x Spider's Fangs • 1x Weaverender

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (115 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Twin bright lance • 1x Wraithbone hull

Wave Serpent (115 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Twin bright lance • 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dire Avengers (150 Points) • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch ◦ 2x Avenger shuriken catapult ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Dire Avenger ◦ 9x Avenger shuriken catapult ◦ 9x Close combat weapon

Fire Dragons (200 Points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Dragon axe ◦ 1x Dragon fusion pistol • 9x Fire Dragon ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (90 Points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (90 Points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Rangers (55 Points) • 5x Ranger ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Long rifle ◦ 5x Shuriken pistol

Shroud Runners (80 Points) • 3x Shroud Runner ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Long rifle ◦ 3x Scatter laser ◦ 3x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 Points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch ◦ 1x Scorpion chainsword ◦ 1x Scorpion's claw ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion ◦ 4x Scorpion chainsword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 Points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch ◦ 1x Scorpion chainsword ◦ 1x Scorpion's claw ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion ◦ 4x Scorpion chainsword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (75 Points) • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch ◦ 1x Scorpion chainsword ◦ 1x Scorpion's claw ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion ◦ 4x Scorpion chainsword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (95 Points) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (1), Data Version: v574

Thoughts

Oh noooooooo. Look - I love me a big block of Necron Warriors. Huge fan. Had a great time with them early in the Edition. Are they probably being slept on a little? Yeah sure, especially in Awakened with Orikan.

Unfortunately, the bane of any Necron Warrior list is an army that can just reliably lift them with impunity, and that's just going to happen here, like 100% of the time. Eldrad and those Dire Avengers are going to banish those skeletons back to the crypt the first time one pops their head out, and the rest of the Necron army are small, manageable threats of the sort that Aeldari excel at picking off. The Necrons also lack fast ways to crack a Wave Serpent, so the elves are going to be able to set up and control the table at their leisure. This is a horrific, nigh unsalvageable mismatch for the Necrontyr (tragic because it's a very cool list), and I'm entirely unsurprised that this year's war of the heavens classic ended up with a decisive elf victory.

Result

Aeldari (Aspect Host) Victory - 93 - 28

Sean Rice - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

Fire Dragons. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Aspect Host

Thoughts

The most violent Asuryani takes the crown here, though suffers a fair bit more points attrition compared to the Ynnari. My guess is that we'll see Asurmen and five Avengers in a Falcon far more, or alternatively see people experiment with Baharroth and a big Hawk unit, which are very strong in Aspect Host. Still a fan of the big hammerblow Fire Dragon unit even at the higher price point though - there's really nothing else quite like it for levelling heavy targets. Love to see elf victory, great job Sean!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Kalen Ogle - Astra Militarum (Recon Element): Pony club! Someone actually did it. Owns. 62 horses and some backup artillery and heavy weapons.
3rd - Cole Cook - Space Marines (Ironstorm Spearhead): Small Marine meme town, using a bunch of Tactical Squads plus some Scouts and Devastators with a wall of Rhinos and Razorbacks.
4th - Keith Loveday - Orks (Taktikal Brigade): Taktikal Brigade but with planes, which to be fair modern military history would suggest are pretty taktikal. Not 100% sure where this one goes, as planes are (mercifully) not compatible with the new More Dakka! detachment.
5th - Aiden Williams - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): All-rounder Warpbane with a healthy mix of Purifiers, Dreadknights and Terminators, and looking very well set for the new metagame with not a Purgation Marine in sight.
6th - Jake Durant - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Character and MSU span with a single fully tooled up Warrior unit as a centrepiece.

MAD Warhammer 40k GT 03.08 - 03.09

26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Fairfield, CA, US on March 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Floof Cox - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) - 1st Place

Neophytes. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Trans rights are human rights (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Host of Ascension

CHARACTERS

Benefictus (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade

Benefictus (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade

Benefictus (85 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade • Enhancement: Assassination Edict

Primus (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Cult bonesword 1x Scoped needle pistol 1x Toxin injector claw • Enhancement: A Chink In Their Armour

Reductus Saboteur (65 points) • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Demolition charges 1x Remote explosives

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 1x Cult claws and knife 3x Heavy mining tool

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 4x Cult claws and knife 3x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 4x Cult claws and knife 3x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 4x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 4x Cult claws and knife 3x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (140 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's bio-weapons • 9x Acolyte Hybrid • 1x Cult Icon 9x Cult claws and knife 8x Hand flamer

Neophyte Hybrids (130 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (130 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (130 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (130 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (130 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Flamer 2x Heavy stubber 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 9x Neophyte Hybrid • 9x Autopistol 9x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 1x Flamer 1x Heavy stubber 5x Hybrid firearm 1x Seismic cannon 1x Webber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer • 5x Cult claws and talons

Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer • 5x Cult claws and talons

Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer • 5x Cult claws and talons

Exported with App Version: v1.28.0 (72), Data Version: v574

Archetype

Horde Host

Thoughts

Floof returns with the Neophyte horde build that took them to the top eight at LVO, throwing out an amount of Deep Strike pain that even Bridgehead winces at. This strategy has, of course, caught the attention of the balance team with its sheer viciousness, but ultimately can pay for the points increases just by cutting one unit of Genestealers, and probably gets a metagame level boost from Bridgehead getting hit a lot harder - right now, you have to plan for handling a Deep Strike Infantry build, but if that becomes more optional again then it's good news for the revolution. Great work once more from Floof!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Christopher Shelton - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): All Armigers and one very dedicated Priest.
3rd - Tyler Nutt - Orks (War Horde): Mechanised melee War Horde.
4th - Scott Cairns - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Dorn Commanders, Russes and Combat Engineers.
5th - Jeremy Ecklin - Aeldari (Windrider Host): Maximum shuriken cannon Windriders and 2x6 Shining Spears if that doesn't get the point across.
6th - Billy Willis - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Tricksy melee Vanguard with the Swarmlord to maximise disruption and two full Warrior units to flense the unsuspecting.

Wrap Up

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[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Bang to Rights pt.1

Scorched Earth Open 2025 - 40K World Championships Qualifier

Durante "Glynisir" Bozzini - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jason Flanzer - Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess) - 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Ben Jurek - Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Wyatt Harris - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Ides of March 2025

Samuel Pope - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jeffrey Colpitts - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Travis Morton - Death Guard (Plague Company) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Drew Salzborn - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

2 GT Bilbao

Koldo Besga - Leagues of Votann (Oathband) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Alvaro Perez - Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

CM Games Warhammer 40K Tournament - Bluffhammer Brawl

The Showdown

Unknown Mission

Thoughts

Result

Sean Rice - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

MAD Warhammer 40k GT 03.08 - 03.09

Floof Cox - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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