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Gaming | Warhammer 40k | Meta Analysis | Competitive Play | Goonhammer | Columns | Core Games | 40K Competitive Innovations

[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Kroot Cocktail pt.1

by Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones, James "One_Wing" Grover | Apr 15 2026
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.

Welcome back to another week in competitive paradise. Necrons once again dominated the TiWP results, accounting for 15% of all TiWP results and two event wins, but they were nearly matched by Space Marines, who also won two events this week and scored nearly as many TiWP results. CSM, Thousand Sons, T'au, Votann, Astra Militarum, Death Guard, Sisters, Knights, and GSC also snagged GT wins this past weekend, making it a bit more diverse but still top-heavy.

In Part 1 today, we'll be covering:
  • THE SOUTH-COAST 40k SUPER-MAJOR
  • Battle For GreenHollow Singles
  • ANZAC CUP 2026
  • Clash of the Titans x Gash Hammer Gaming 40k GT
  • Battle for LA (in Pasadena)
Part 2 on Friday:
  • OPEN IBERIAN BARCELONA 2026
  • Silicon Valley GT - 2026
  • Bristol Vanguard presents: Vanquish 2026
  • NSGRC Warhammer 40,000 tournament
  • April GT
Part 3 on Saturday:
  • 21st Legion Wargaming Presents: Battle to End Alzheimer's 2026 40K hosted by Away Games
  • Fools Errand 2026: a 40k GT
  • Liègea Primus open for 50 players
  • Battle for the Big Country GT
  • Xtra-Schicht 5.0

THE SOUTH-COAST 40k SUPER-MAJOR

241-player, 7-round Supermajor in England, United Kingdom on April 11 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Purge the Foe + Crucible of Battle

You can find the stream of this game on the UKTC YouTube Channel - link" frameborder="0"> here.

Ross Tully - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack)
Army List - Click to Expand
Krooty want that Juicy Booty (1990 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Kroot Hunting Pack

CHARACTERS

Kroot Flesh Shaper (45 points) • 1x Kroot scattergun 1x Twin ritualistic blades

Kroot Flesh Shaper (45 points) • 1x Kroot scattergun 1x Twin ritualistic blades

Kroot Lone-spear (90 points) • Warlord • 1x Blast javelin 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunting javelin 1x Kalamandra's bite • Enhancement: Kroothawk Flock

Kroot Trail Shaper (75 points) • 1x Kroot rifle 1x Shaper's blade • Enhancement: Nomadic Hunter

Kroot War Shaper (60 points) • 1x Dart-bow and tri-blade 1x Kroot pistol 1x Shaper's blade • Enhancement: Root-carved Weapons

BATTLELINE

Kroot Carnivores (140 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot carbine 1x Kroot pistol • 19x Kroot Carnivore • 19x Close combat weapon 17x Kroot rifle 2x Tanglebomb launcher

Kroot Carnivores (140 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot carbine 1x Kroot pistol • 19x Kroot Carnivore • 19x Close combat weapon 17x Kroot rifle 2x Tanglebomb launcher

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot carbine 1x Kroot pistol • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 8x Kroot rifle 1x Tanglebomb launcher

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot carbine 1x Kroot pistol • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 8x Kroot rifle 1x Tanglebomb launcher

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot carbine 1x Kroot pistol • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 8x Kroot rifle 1x Tanglebomb launcher

Kroot Carnivores (65 points) • 1x Long-quill • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Kroot carbine 1x Kroot pistol • 9x Kroot Carnivore • 9x Close combat weapon 8x Kroot rifle 1x Tanglebomb launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Kroot Hounds (40 points) • 5x Kroot Hound • 5x Ripping fangs

Kroot Hounds (40 points) • 5x Kroot Hound • 5x Ripping fangs

Kroot Hounds (40 points) • 5x Kroot Hound • 5x Ripping fangs

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers • 6x Hunting blades 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (90 points) • 3x Krootox Rider • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Krootox fists 3x Repeater cannon

Vespid Stingwings (65 points) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader • 1x Neutron blaster 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwing • 4x Neutron blaster 4x Stingwing claws

Exported with App Version: v1.50.0 (115), Data Version: v759



vs.

Andy Moore - Space Marines (Astartes) (Forgefather's Seekers)
Army List - Click to Expand
Can flame hurt big men? (2000 Points)

Space Marines Salamanders Forgefather's Seekers Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Adrax Agatone (85 Points) • 1x Drakkis • 1x Malleus Noctum

Captain with Jump Pack (85 Points) • 1x Hand flamer • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Immolator

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades

Vulkan He'stan (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Gauntlet of the Forge • 1x Spear of Vulkan

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Ironhail skytalon array • 2x Storm bolter

Impulsor (80 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Ironhail skytalon array • 2x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (170 Points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran ◦ 5x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Company Heroes (105 Points) • 1x Ancient ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Company Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 2x Company Veteran ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle ◦ 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

Incursor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Paired combat blades

Incursor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Paired combat blades

Infernus Squad (90 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (90 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Pyreblaster

Land Raider Redeemer (270 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat knife ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher • 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher • 1x Melta destroyer

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher • 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher • 1x Melta destroyer

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (200 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 9x Hand flamer ◦ 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Thoughts

Ross' plan here is to infiltrate a ton of Kroot to block any scout moves or infiltrating options Andy might have, then go first and put Andy directly into Kroot jail. The Kroot Hunting Pack is a massive help in this matchup, where giving the otherwise t-shirted bird aliens a 5+ invulnerable save against ranged attacks is a massive durability buff against an army which otherwise might be able to wipe them out using AP-1 Pyreblasters, and a 6+ Feel No Pain on top of that with a Flesh Shaper (this can improve to a 5+ once they kill something in melee). If things go well for Ross, he'll pull off some nasty turn 1 charges, putting Andy's army in jail and holding them there for multiple turns with Kroot Carnivores while the Krootox Rampagers to come in and and kill the heavier targets. Nearly everything in the army has Scouts 7", making it trivially easy to get turn 1 charges off with the entire army if Andy moves forward at all.

But there's the rub: You don't actually want to get off turn 1 charges with most of this army - five marines can very much kill a unit of Kroot Hounds in melee, so you want to use them less as an actual melee threat and more as a cheap, portable barrier, blocking movement to the middle of the table and forcing an opponent to shoot them. Shooting them doesn't move you any closer to objectives though, so if you weren't already standing on them and don't have anything to charge, you won't be standing on them a turn later, either. That's the ideal situation, since nothing in Ross' army can credibly threaten the Land Raider.

For Andy, the key here is those Infernus marines - being +1 Strength into T3 targets with a Pyreblaster puts them on a 2+ to wound and being able to throw out 5D6 shots at a time is critical to chewing through the 100+ models Ross has on the table. An average activation will push out 15 wounds and that should be enough to kill 10 Kroot. Rinse and repeat a few times while getting support from the vehicles and holding primary and this is very doable. The primary problem is just bodies: Andy has to kill a lot of Kroot early and prevent a battle of attrition - one he's likely to lose as his melee output is more anemic than you normally expect to see in marine armies.

The big problem is that Andy can only fire Overwatch once per turn and that won't be enough to handle the sheer volume of bird aliens coming across the table. The Kroot can win the activation game and rack up secondary points easily while stealing primary with OC 2 Karnivores and blocking Andy's movement. Andy won't have any problem scoring "Kill one" or "Kill More on Purge", but may struggle with hold more. There are a lot of armies geared toward killing heavier infantry which will struggle into Kroot Hunting Pack; Andy's Forgefather's Seekers list isn't one of them.

This is where the mission helps Andy, as all he needs to do is hold a single objective - his home - to score Hold One, and scoring kill primary VP will be much easier. Andy is likely to score Kill More early on but may struggle to close the scoring gap on later turns, especially as numbers dwindle and scoring easy kill more points becomes impossible just because the number of targets aren't there. That said, a 4-point primary gap isn't the end of the world and the game is likely to stay tied or close on Primary. It's a recipe for a close game that's likely to come down to Secondary draws or who can force a single 12-8 primary turn.

Result

Ross blocked Andy in his Deployment Zone and put the rest of his army on the line, then Scouted everything forward 7". He spent the first two rounds deftly blocking Andy in his Deployment Zone and keeping him off all three objectives at mid table, putting him on Hold One most of the game. That 12-8 primary turn happened on round 3 and ended up making the difference - going second was the advantage Ross needed, letting him match Andy on kills in the third round.

T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) Victory - 87 - 84

Ross Tully - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) - 1st Place

Kroot War Shaper Kroot War Shaper. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

See above

Archetype

Kroot Jail

Thoughts

The plan here for the Kroot is to put their opponents in Kroot Jail. Lock them up using cheap infiltrating/scouting units and just stop them from ever getting to the middle of the table. Against opponents with squishier armies, you may even fight them. Against marines, you're just going to stand in front of them and force them to shoot you to death.

Mani Cheema - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Marneus Calgar in the Armour of Antilochus. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Victrix!! (2000 Points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain in Gravis Armour (90 Points) • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet • 1x Power fist • 1x Relic blade • Enhancements: Artificer Armour

Cato Sicarius (95 Points) • 1x Artisan plasma pistol • 1x Talassarian tempest blade

Marneus Calgar in Armour of Antilochus (140 Points) • Warlord • 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar

Techmarine (70 Points) • 1x Forge bolter • 1x Grav-pistol • 1x Omnissian power axe • 1x Servo-arm • Enhancements: The Honour Vehement

Uriel Ventris (95 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Invictus • 1x Sword of Idaeus

OTHER DATASHEETS

Incursor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Paired combat blades

Incursor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Paired combat blades

Repulsor Executioner (230 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (230 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (230 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Victrix Honour Guard (220 Points) • 1x Chapter Ancient ◦ 1x Banner of Macragge ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Chapter Champion ◦ 1x Blades of honour • 4x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (220 Points) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 6x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (220 Points) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 6x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon

END OF ROSTER!!

Archetype

Gladius Ultramarines

Thoughts

Oh look it's Gladius Ultramarines. This list has three Repulsor Executioners and 18 Honour Guard. It's the kind of "take as many of this good unit as you can" list Mani loves to run.

Andy Moore - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers) - 3rd Place

Infernus Squad. Credit: Rockfish Infernus Squad. Credit: Rockfish

The List

See the Showdown

Archetype

Forgefather's Seekers

Thoughts

The star of the show here are the Infernus Marines, who very much get off on having S6 pyreblasters to work with and the ability to re-roll Wound rolls with a boost from Vulkan. Against tougher targets it can combine that with Immolation Protocols for Devastating Wounds to fish for Devs or just Crucible of Battle for +1 to wound if they aren't shooting the Oath target. The real fun trick here is Burning Vengeance, which lets a unit hop out of a Transport and shoot right after the Transport is shot, really punishing you for your hubris if you decide to take pot shots from close by. Adrax and the Bladeguard give it some melee punch and it has enough mid-range shooting to handle 3W marine targets.

Byron 🔥🎲 Sidhu - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 4th Place

Be'lakor, The Dark Master. Credit: Skails

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
"Monsters Inc." (1995 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Daemonic Incursion

CHARACTERS

Be'lakor (375 points) • Warlord • 1x Betraying Shades 1x The Blade of Shadows

Kairos Fateweaver (295 points) • 1x Infernal Gateway 1x Staff of Tomorrow

Lord of Change (310 points) • 1x Bolt of Change 1x Rod of sorcery 1x Staff of Tzeentch • Enhancement: The Everstave

Rotigus (265 points) • 1x Gnarlrod 1x Streams of brackish filth

Skarbrand (305 points) • 1x Bellow of endless fury 1x Slaughter and Carnage

BATTLELINE

Plaguebearers (110 points) • 1x Plagueridden • 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 9x Plaguesword

Plaguebearers (110 points) • 1x Plagueridden • 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer • 1x Daemonic Icon 1x Instrument of Chaos 9x Plaguesword

OTHER DATASHEETS

Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) • 1x Putrid appendages

Fiends (95 points) • 1x Blissbringer • 1x Barbed tail and dissecting claws • 2x Fiend • 2x Barbed tail and dissecting claws

Flamers (65 points) • 1x Pyrocaster • 1x Flamer mouths 1x Flickering flames • 2x Flamer • 2x Flamer mouths 2x Flickering flames

Exported with App Version: v1.50.0 (115), Data Version: v759

Archetype

Be'lakor and four Greater Daemons

Thoughts

We've seen a lot of traction from these lists recently, which combine Be'lakor with the upgraded shooting from Kairos and the Lord of Change with the bulk/objective holding of either Rotigus or the Great Unclean One and Skarbrand's melee output, It's a lot of beef on the table which acts as a nasty stat check to armies which are often geared more toward killing 3W marine bodies these days or trying to bury C'Tan in large volumes of 1-damage firepower.

The Best of the Rest

The rest of the top eight was as follows:
  • 5th - Joseph "Del" Wilkins - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Allarus-heavy Lions with an Aleya/Vigilator unit as an extra cheap threat.
  • 6th - Paulie Wallis - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): Hellion/Scourge Spectacle with the addition of some of Paulie's signature Corsairs, here Kharseth with Voidreavers to disrupt enemy reserves and tinker with strength breakpoints.
  • 7th - James Sexton - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): a fairly classic two-tank and Infantry Lions setup, going a bit harder on Characters than normal to add some punch to the melee.
  • 8th - Franco McDonnell - Chaos Daemons (Plague Legion): A new spin on the theme of Nurgle Daemons with allies that cause extra battleshocks, with a Knight Abominant stepping up to the plate on that last front.

Battle For GreenHollow Singles

76-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Scotland, United Kingdom on April 11 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Note: the April 1st MFM doesn't seem to have been in effect here.

Blair Wilson - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

Szarekh, The Silent King. Credit: Rockfish Szarekh, The Silent King. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Turns out the nerf was just an April fools…(1995 Points)

Necrons Starshatter Arsenal Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (295 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (325 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Nekrosor Ammentar (185 Points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) • 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Psychomancer (80 Points) • 1x Abyssal lance • Enhancements: Chrono-impedance Fields

Technomancer (90 Points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancements: Demanding Leader

The Silent King (400 Points) • 1x Szarekh • Warlord ◦ 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory ◦ 1x Staff of Stars ◦ 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir ◦ 2x Annihilator beam ◦ 2x Armoured bulk

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 Points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers ◦ 2x Claws ◦ 1x Transdimensional isolator ◦ 1x Twin gauss reaper

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

Deathmarks (60 Points) • 5x Deathmark ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Synaptic disintegrator

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

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons

Tomb Blades (75 Points) • 3x Tomb Blade ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Particle beamer ◦ 3x Shadowloom

Exported with App Version: v1.50.0 (2), Data Version: v759

Archetype

Starshatter with Silent King + Nightbringer and Deceiver

Thoughts

A pre-MFM version of the list, packing a bit too much heat.

Derek Douglas - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host) - 2nd Place

Venatarii with Verutum Lances Venatarii with Verutum Lances. Credit: NotThatHenryC

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Adeptus Custodes Strike Force (2000 points) Shield Host

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (120 points) • 1x Vaultswords

Shield-Captain (145 points) • Warlord • 1x Guardian spear • Enhancement: From the Hall of Armouries

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (200 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 5x Guardian spear

Custodian Guard (200 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 5x Guardian spear

Custodian Guard (160 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (160 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (160 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

OTHER DATASHEETS

Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Venatari Custodians (165 points) • 3x Venatari Custodian • 3x Venatari lance

Venatari Custodians (165 points) • 3x Venatari Custodian • 3x Venatari lance

Witchseekers (45 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

Witchseekers (45 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

Archetype

Shield Host Custodes

Thoughts

The more tame version of Custodes lists these days, this one is just going full horde mode with the army, spamming as many T6, 3-wound bodies as it can fit before adding a couple of Caladius tanks to handle bigger threats.

Andrew White - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Hammer time (2000 Points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Arjac Rockfist (105 Points) • 1x Foehammer

Bjorn the Fell-Handed (160 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Helfrost cannon • 1x Trueclaw

Logan Grimnar (110 Points) • Warlord • 1x Axe Morkai • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Tyrnak and Fenrir

Wolf Guard Battle Leader (80 Points) • 1x Storm Shield • 1x Thunder hammer • Enhancements: The Honour Vehement

OTHER DATASHEETS

Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Helix Gauntlet ◦ 1x Infiltrator Comms Array ◦ 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Thunderwolf Cavalry (230 Points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader ◦ 1x Storm Shield ◦ 1x Teeth and Claws ◦ 1x Wolf Guard weapon • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry ◦ 5x Storm Shield ◦ 5x Teeth and Claws ◦ 5x Wolf Guard weapon

Venerable Dreadnought (130 Points) • 1x Blizzard Shield • 1x Fenrisian great axe • 1x Heavy flamer

Vindicator (185 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

Wolf Guard Headtakers (220 Points) • 6x Wolf Guard Headtaker ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 6x Storm Shield • 6x Hunting Wolves ◦ 6x Teeth and claws

Wolf Guard Terminators (340 Points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader ◦ 1x Relic greataxe • 9x Wolf Guard Terminator ◦ 2x Assault cannon ◦ 7x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 2x Power fist ◦ 7x Storm Shield

Wolf Guard Terminators (340 Points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader ◦ 1x Relic greataxe • 9x Wolf Guard Terminator ◦ 2x Assault cannon ◦ 7x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 2x Power fist ◦ 7x Storm Shield

Exported with App Version: v1.50.0 (2), Data Version: v759

Archetype

20 Wolf Guard

Thoughts

Two massive bricks of Wolf Guard Terminators really make this list stand out, one each led by Grimnar and Arjac, respectively. They give the army a ton of midboard beef to bully opponents off objectives while faster units like the Thunderwolves can cause problems early or on the flanks.

Phil Davies - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught) - 4th Place

Blood Angel Death Company marines with jump packs. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Bloody White Templars (2000 points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Rage-cursed Onslaught

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (100 points) • 1x Power Fist 1x Hand Flamer • Enhancement: Master of the Red Thirst

Chaplain with Jump Pack (75 points) • 1x Crozius arcanum 1x Power fist

Chief Librarian Mephiston (120 points) • 1x Fury of the Ancients 1x Plasma pistol 1x Vitarus

Commander Dante (120 points) • 1x Perdition Pistol 1x The Axe Mortalis

Lemartes (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x The Blood Crozius

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades

OTHER DATASHEETS

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (230 points) • 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs • 5x Astartes chainsword 2x Eviscerator 6x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Inferno pistol 2x Plasma pistol 3x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (120 points) • 5x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs • 2x Astartes chainsword 1x Eviscerator 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Inferno pistol 1x Plasma pistol 2x Power fist

Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (120 points) • 5x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs • 2x Astartes chainsword 1x Eviscerator 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Inferno pistol 1x Plasma pistol 2x Power fist

Infiltrator Squad (100 points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Helix Gauntlet 1x Infiltrator Comms Array 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Reiver Squad (80 points) • 1x Reiver Sergeant • 1x Combat knife 1x Grapnel Launcher 1x Reiver Grav-chute 1x Special issue bolt pistol • 4x Reiver • 4x Combat knife 4x Grapnel Launcher 4x Reiver Grav-chute 4x Special issue bolt pistol

Sanguinary Guard (260 points) • 6x Sanguinary Guard • 4x Angelus boltgun 6x Encarmine spear 2x Inferno pistol 1x Sanguinary Banner

Sanguinary Guard (125 points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard • 2x Angelus boltgun 3x Encarmine blade 1x Inferno pistol 1x Sanguinary Banner

Sanguinary Guard (125 points) • 3x Sanguinary Guard • 2x Angelus boltgun 3x Encarmine blade 1x Inferno pistol 1x Sanguinary Banner

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Combat knife

Scout Squad (70 points) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Combat knife

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (100 points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.50.0 (115), Data Version: v759

Archetype

Jump Infantry Rage-Cursed Onslaught

Thoughts

Some 30+ jump bodies make this list a very mobile melee threat, though one that may struggle into tougher targets like C'tan or Mortarion. Fortunately, you don't run into those every game and there are plenty of squishier targets to take down.

The Best of the Rest

There was 9 more player on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Darren Fleming - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): The correct and exalted option of triple C'tan herohammer with Wraiths.
  • 6th - Matthew Stevenson - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Custodian Infantry spam as Lions, where have the Land Raiders gone, did I miss a memo?
  • 7th - Oliver Collins - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Max pressure Vanguard with lots of Genestealers, Leapers and Trygons.
  • 8th - Rory Mackinlay - Iron Hands (Ironstorm Spearhead): An all-rounder Marine list leaning on the value of Ironstorm, with Judiciar Bladeguard to punish melee foes.
  • 9th - Augusta Clough - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Calgar double Victrix Hulltramarines.
  • 10th - Peter Whitelaw - Grey Knights (Warpbande Task Force): Dreadknights, Purifier, and Razorbacks with some Interceptors to mess around with them.
  • 11th - Thomas Gallagher - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Lion, Deathwing and Judiciar ICCs, plus a full Sternguard squad for Azrael.
  • 12th - Callum Blair - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): Crunchy Votann with double Fort and a big unit of each Steeljack flavour.
  • 13th - Alex Smith - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Extra melee Ultramarines with a big turbo-powered Assault Terminator block, big Bladeguard with Titus and the Wardens, and a Cato/Victrix squad.

ANZAC CUP 2026

60-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Campbell, ACT, Australia on April 10 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dale Mann - Chaos Space Marines (Huron’s Marauders) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I got a lobotomy in preparation for playing this (2000 Points)

Chaos Space Marines Huron's Marauders Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cypher (90 Points) • 1x Cypher's bolt pistol • 1x Cypher's plasma pistol

Dark Commune (90 Points) • 1x Cult Demagogue ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade ◦ 2x Commune blade

Dark Commune (90 Points) • 1x Cult Demagogue ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Commune stave • 1x Mindwitch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Warp Curse • 1x Iconarch ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 2x Blessed Blade ◦ 2x Commune blade

Fabius Bile (100 Points) • 1x Fabius Bile ◦ 1x Chirurgeon ◦ 1x Rod of Torment ◦ 1x Xyclos Needler • 1x Surgeon Acolyte ◦ 1x Surgeon Acolyte's tools

Huron Blackheart (120 Points) • Warlord • 1x Tyrant's Claw and exalted power weapon • 1x Tyrant's Claw heavy flamer

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 Points) • 1x Cultist Champion ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 9x Brutal assault weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Accursed Cultists (195 Points) • 10x Mutant ◦ 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment ◦ 6x Hideous mutations

Accursed Cultists (195 Points) • 10x Mutant ◦ 10x Blasphemous appendages • 6x Torment ◦ 6x Hideous mutations

Chosen (250 Points) • 1x Chosen Champion ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Chosen ◦ 6x Accursed weapon ◦ 6x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Boltgun ◦ 4x Combi-weapon ◦ 2x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 3x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist

Chosen (250 Points) • 1x Chosen Champion ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Chaos Icon ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Chosen ◦ 6x Accursed weapon ◦ 6x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Boltgun ◦ 4x Combi-weapon ◦ 2x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 3x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist

Masters of the Maelstrom (115 Points) • 1x Garreon the Corpsemaster ◦ 1x Absolvor bolt pistol ◦ 1x Reductor array • 1x Garlon Souleater ◦ 1x Force stave ◦ 1x Mind Wrench • 1x Katar Garrix ◦ 1x Axe of Ending ◦ 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Captain Sargotta ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Power sabre • 1x The Enforcer ◦ 1x Bionic gauntlet ◦ 1x Londaxi maimer

Nemesis Claw (110 Points) • 1x Visionary ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Legionary ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Nostraman chainglaive ◦ 1x Paired accursed weapons ◦ 1x Voice Eater

Warp Talons (270 Points) • 1x Warp Talon Champion ◦ 1x Warp claws • 9x Warp Talon ◦ 9x Warp claws

Exported with App Version: v1.50.0 (2), Data Version: v759

Archetype

Double Accursed Huron's Marauders

Thoughts

I really thought this was going to be my matchup write-up this week but the Patrons on the Goonhammer Discord threw a curveball at me. Which is a shame because I like this list. The consensus has largely landed on running Huron's Marauders with two units of Accursed Cultists + Dark Commune plus Huron and his Malestrom+Chosen guys and Bile + his ten guys. That gives you a reasonably durable core of models to work with. Where this list is most interesting is that it just puts Huron on the table with the Masters and a unit of ten Chosen, opting for Bile + ten Chosen in a Rhino. That puts a lot on the table but the idea is that the Accursed will be more of a threat to deal with early and free things up for Huron and his unit to cross the board a turn later.

Joe Loke - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Repulsor Executioner by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
E Pluribus Anus (2000 Points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cato Sicarius (95 Points) • 1x Artisan plasma pistol • 1x Talassarian tempest blade

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades

Roboute Guilliman (340 Points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor's Sword • 1x Hand of Dominion

Uriel Ventris (95 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Invictus • 1x Sword of Idaeus

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Repulsor Executioner (230 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (230 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (230 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 2x Astartes shotgun ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Victrix Honour Guard (220 Points) • 1x Chapter Ancient ◦ 1x Banner of Macragge ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Chapter Champion ◦ 1x Blades of honour • 4x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (220 Points) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 6x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon

Wardens of Ultramar (105 Points) • 1x Ancient Gadriel ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Storm Shield • 1x Gaius Silva ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Refractor Field • 1x Aemelia Minervas ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 1x Dainal Komelius ◦ 1x Astropathic Blast ◦ 1x Force stave • 1x Lucia Vestha ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.49.0 (1), Data Version: v757

Archetype

Gladius Ultramarines

Thoughts

Oh look it's Gladius Ultramarines. This one is running three Repulsor Executioners. and 12 Victrix Guard with the Wardens eating up the space of the third.

Jawad Salah - Astra Militarum (Recon Element) - 3rd Place

Cadian Castellan. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Recon this, Recon that, Recon you could give me a hug bro? This army is taking my soul.

Astra Militarum Recon Element Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cadian Castellan (55 Points) • Warlord • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist

Cadian Castellan (55 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist

Cadian Castellan (55 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist

Cadian Command Squad (65 Points) • 1x Cadian Commander ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Master Vox • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Medi-pack • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun

Cadian Command Squad (65 Points) • 1x Cadian Commander ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Master Vox • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Medi-pack • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun

Cadian Command Squad (65 Points) • 1x Cadian Commander ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Master Vox • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Medi-pack • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma gun

Commissar (30 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power weapon

Gaunt's Ghosts (100 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

Ursula Creed (85 Points) • 1x Duty and Vengeance • 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (120 Points) • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Sergeant's autogun • 18x Shock Trooper ◦ 18x Close combat weapon ◦ 14x Lasgun ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Vox-caster

Cadian Shock Troops (120 Points) • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Sergeant's autogun • 18x Shock Trooper ◦ 18x Close combat weapon ◦ 14x Lasgun ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Vox-caster

Cadian Shock Troops (120 Points) • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 2x Chainsword ◦ 2x Laspistol • 18x Shock Trooper ◦ 18x Close combat weapon ◦ 14x Lasgun ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (120 Points) • 2x Jungle Fighter Sergeant ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Laspistol • 18x Jungle Fighter ◦ 18x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Flamer ◦ 14x Lasgun ◦ 2x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (65 Points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (65 Points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (65 Points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (65 Points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (65 Points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (120 Points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant ◦ 1x Hunting lance ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Steed's hooves • 9x Rough Rider ◦ 9x Hunting lance ◦ 9x Lasgun ◦ 9x Laspistol ◦ 9x Steed's hooves

Attilan Rough Riders (120 Points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant ◦ 1x Hunting lance ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Steed's hooves • 9x Rough Rider ◦ 9x Hunting lance ◦ 9x Lasgun ◦ 9x Laspistol ◦ 9x Steed's hooves

Cyclops Demolition Vehicle (25 Points)

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 (60 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat shotgun ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat shotgun ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat shotgun ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (1), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Recon Element Guard

Thoughts

Recon Element are one of the strongest armies in the game in the right hands. But those hands need to be prepared to play an army that is mentally and physically draining and always up against the clock. Often there are just too many bodies for players to push through and they can't make up early scoring differentials.

Ashley Thompson - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 4th Place

KV128 Stormsurge. Credit: Rockfish KV128 Stormsurge. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Thank god for last minute nerfs (1995 Points)

T'au Empire Mont'ka Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTER

Kroot War Shaper (65 pts) • 1x Kroot pistol • 1x Shaper's blade • 1x Dart-bow and tri-blade • Strategic Conqueror (+15 pts)

The Twin Lance (185 pts) • 1x Ri'Lantar • 1x Fusion eliminator • 1x Twin pulse blaster • 1x Shardstorm burst system • 1x XV pulse pistol • MV15 Gun Drone • 1x Twin pulse blaster • 1x Ri'Locai • 1x Ion scattercannon • 1x Twin pulse blaster • 1x Shardstorm burst system • 1x XV pulse pistol • MV15 Gun Drone • 1x Twin pulse blaster • Warlord

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Starscythe Battlesuits (110 pts) • 1x Crisis Starscythe Shas'vre • 2x T'au flamer • 1x Battlesuit fists • Marker Drone, Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Starscythe Shas'ui • 4x T'au flamer • 2x Battlesuit fists • 2x Gun Drone, 2x Shield Drone

Crisis Starscythe Battlesuits (110 pts) • 1x Crisis Starscythe Shas'vre • 2x T'au flamer • 1x Battlesuit fists • Marker Drone, Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Starscythe Shas'ui • 4x T'au flamer • 2x Battlesuit fists • 2x Gun Drone, 2x Shield Drone

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

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

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

Piranhas (60 pts) • 1x Piranhas • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Twin pulse carbine • 1x Piranha fusion blaster • 2x Seeker missile

Piranhas (60 pts) • 1x Piranhas • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Twin pulse carbine • 1x Piranha fusion blaster • 2x Seeker missile

Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts) • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile pod • 1x Twin plasma rifle

Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts) • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile pod • 1x Twin plasma rifle

Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts) • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile pod • 1x Twin plasma rifle

Stealth Battlesuits (100 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists • 1x Pulse pistol • 1x Fusion blaster • Homing beacon, Gun Drone • 4x Stealth Shas'ui • 4x Battlesuit fists • 3x Burst cannon • 1x Fusion blaster

Stealth Battlesuits (100 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists • 1x Pulse pistol • 1x Fusion blaster • Homing beacon, Gun Drone • 4x Stealth Shas'ui • 4x Battlesuit fists • 3x Burst cannon • 1x Fusion blaster

Stormsurge (360 pts) • 1x Cluster rocket system • 1x Destroyer missiles • 1x Thunderous footfalls • 2x Twin smart missile system • 1x Pulse blast cannon • 1x Twin airbursting fragmentation projector

Archetype

Mont'ka T'au

Thoughts

The Mont'ka T'au with the Stormsurge are definitely more interesting, partly owing to the bigass robot suit eating up 360 points and partly because they tend to be mostly or all battlesuits. This list is no exception, running triple Riptides, the Twin Lance, and two six-model Crisis Starscythe units. That's a lot of mobile firepower to handle, plus the usual support from Piranhas and Stealth suits.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Rowan Kennett - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Ah yes the "Subterranean" Assault where the main threat is a Harridan using the reserves stratagems.
  • 6th - Alex Rigby - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple Gatling Despoiler, triple Karnivore and some Nurgle Daemons.
  • 7th - Tim Neal - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Ah yeah here are the Land Raiders, you had me worried for a bit.
  • 8th - Jarrod Johnson - Necrons (Cursed Legion): Cursed with the Deceiver, the upgraded Wraith and Lychguard units, and big Skorpekh.
  • 9th - Ben Peel - Leagues of Votann (Mercenary Oathband): Infantry-heavy Votann with a whole bunch of small units, and a few bigger hammers to drop buffs on like a full Beserk squad, big Thunderkyn, and a large Steeljack unit.
  • 10th - Andrew Williamson - Iron Hands (Hammer of Avernii): Devastators in Drop Pods? What is this, 8th Edition? Also some Redemptors with Techmarines to hype them up, and a full Terminator Assault Squad for Caanok and an Ancient to run with.
  • 11th - Rowan Naveau - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force): Extra aggro Lion and Deathwing as Stormlance.

Clash of the Titans x Gash Hammer Gaming 40k GT

33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cherrybrook, NSW, Australia on April 10 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Daniel Ngai - Necrons (Cursed Legion) - 1st Place

Overlord with Translocation Shroud. Credit: Rockfish Overlord with Translocation Shroud. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
cursed legion v2 (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Cursed Legion

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (340 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (330 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm

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

Illuminor Szeras (165 points) • 1x Eldritch Lance 1x Impaling legs

Nekrosor Ammentar (185 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade tail and whip coils 1x Enmitic disintegrators 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Overlord (105 points) • 1x Resurrection Orb 1x Voidscythe • Enhancement: Destroyer Ankh

Skorpekh Lord (90 points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator 1x Flensing claw 1x Hyperphase harvester

BATTLELINE

Immortals (70 points) • 5x Immortal • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Tesla carbine

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (165 points) • 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Enmitic exterminator

Lychguard (170 points) • 10x Lychguard • 10x Dispersion Shield 10x Hyperphase sword

Ophydian Destroyers (80 points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer • 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons 1x Plasmacyte

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

Exported with App Version: v1.50.0 (115), Data Version: v759

Archetype

Cursed Legion Melee Necrons

Thoughts

Nekrosor never really got the hit he deserved, so while C'tan saw multiple point hikes Necrosor flew (phased?) under the radar. He's still around, causing problems in melee-heavy Necron lists using the Cursed Legion Detachment to push Skorpekh Destroyers, Lychguard, and Ophydians around the table.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Broden Lean - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband): Hearthband with a big squad each of Steeljacks and Hearthguard.
  • 3rd - Theo Werner - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Double big Berzerker horde makes an explosive return.
  • 4th - Sean Baumann - Drukhari (Kabalite Cartel): Cartel with a bit of everything and a Deep Strike Incubi/Archon squad as an alpha threat.
  • 5th - Jordan Ceglinski - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): Triple big Scarabs.
  • 6th - Stuart Ball - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Liberator with lots of melee, including an outing for the (relatively) newly enabled Sanguinary Priest/Bladeguard unit, and a couple of Vindicators.

Battle for LA (in Pasadena)

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Pasadena, CA, United States on April 11 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Joshua Suarez - Adepta Sororitas (Army of Faith) - 1st Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Adepta Sororitas - Army of Faith (2000 Points)

Epic Hero: Morvenn Vahl (185 pts) • Paragon missile launcher • Fidelis • Lance of Illumination • Warlord

Character: Canoness with Jump Pack (75 pts) • Blessed Halberd

Battleline: Battle Sisters Squad (105 pts) • Sister Superior • Power weapon • Bolt pistol • Close combat weapon • Plasma pistol • Battle Sister w/ Special Weapon • Bolt pistol • Close combat weapon • Meltagun • Battle Sister w/ Special or Heavy Weapon • Bolt pistol • Close combat weapon • Multi-melta • Battle Sister w/ Simulacrum Imperialis • Bolt pistol • Boltgun • Simulacrum Imperialis • Close combat weapon • 6x Battle Sister • 6x Bolt pistol • 6x Boltgun • 6x Close combat weapon

Infantry: Dominion Squad (120 pts) • Dominion Superior • Power weapon • Bolt pistol • Close combat weapon • Plasma pistol • Dominion w/ Simulacrum Imperialis • Bolt pistol • Boltgun • Simulacrum Imperialis • Close combat weapon • 4x Dominion • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Boltgun • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Dominion w/ Special Weapon • 4x Meltagun • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon

Dominion Squad (120 pts) • Dominion Superior • Power weapon • Bolt pistol • Close combat weapon • Plasma pistol • Dominion w/ Simulacrum Imperialis • Bolt pistol • Boltgun • Simulacrum Imperialis • Close combat weapon • 4x Dominion • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Boltgun • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Dominion w/ Special Weapon • 4x Meltagun • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon

Retributor Squad (120 pts) • Retributor Superior • Plasma pistol • Power weapon • Close combat weapon • Bolt pistol • 4x Retributor • 4x Multi-melta • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Bolt pistol

Seraphim Squad (80 pts) • Seraphim Superior • Close combat weapon • Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon • Power Weapon • Plasma pistol • 2x Seraphim • 2x 2 Bolt Pistols • 4x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Seraphim with Special Weapons • 2x 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers • 4x Ministorum hand flamer • 2x Close combat weapon

Seraphim Squad (80 pts) • Seraphim Superior • Close combat weapon • Plasma Pistol and Power Weapon • Power Weapon • Plasma pistol • 2x Seraphim • 2x 2 Bolt Pistols • 4x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Seraphim with Special Weapons • 2x 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers • 4x Ministorum hand flamer • 2x Close combat weapon

Zephyrim Squad (80 pts) • Zephyrim Superior • Plasma pistol • Sacred Banner • Power Weapon • 4x Zephyrim • 4x Power Weapon • 4x Bolt pistol

Dedicated Transport: Immolator (115 pts) • Heavy Bolter • Armoured tracks • Twin Multi-melta • Hunter-Killer Missile

Immolator (115 pts) • Heavy Bolter • Armoured tracks • Twin Multi-melta • Hunter-Killer Missile

Immolator (115 pts) • Heavy Bolter • Armoured tracks • Twin Multi-melta • Hunter-Killer Missile

Vehicle: Castigator (160 pts) • Armoured tracks • Castigator battle cannon • Hunter-Killer Missile • Storm bolter • 3x Heavy bolter

Castigator (160 pts) • Armoured tracks • Hunter-Killer Missile • Storm bolter • Castigator autocannons • 3x Heavy bolter

Castigator (160 pts) • Armoured tracks • Hunter-Killer Missile • Storm bolter • Castigator autocannons • 3x Heavy bolter

Paragon Warsuits (210 pts) • Paragon Superior • Bolt pistol • Paragon Storm Bolters • Heavy Bolter • Paragon War Blade • 2x Paragon Warsuit • 2x Paragon War Blade • 2x Heavy Bolter • 2x Paragon Storm Bolters • 2x Bolt pistol

Archetype

Army of Faith Sisters

Thoughts

The Army of Faith build is a particular perversion of Goonhammer author TwoHorse, who has been on that wagon for months, extolling its virtues alongside the idea of running heavy bolter Paragons. The ability to double up on Acts of Faith which each unit can just create some tremendous bullshit, especially from the Retributors who can use it to punch through a ton of damage if you fail some saves against their multi-meltas. The Immolators here strip cover and the triple Castigators make good use of that while also triggering +1 AP against a target they hit, letting the army combo its way up against bigger threats.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Alex Smith - Aeldari (Seer Council): A big, maxed out block of each Guardian flavour, Wraithlords, and Fire Prisms.
  • 3rd - James Thomas - Chaos Space Marines (Huron’s Marauders): Maximum melee aggro Marauders with Abaddon.
  • 4th - Celeste Lorch - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Crusader horde as Gladius, with RepExes behind them, skimping on Marshalls to fit that in.
  • 5th - Ryan Voutour - Space Wolves (Saga of the Great Wolf): Great Wolf with a mix of big laser tanks with Iron Priests to use the gun buffs and melee Herohammer for the rest, including a full Wolf Guard/Bjorn block among the latter.
  • 6th - Jason Kavetsky - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): Riptides, Crisis and the Twin Lance.

Wrap Up

That does it for part one this week but check back on Friday for part 2 of Competitive Innovations when Tom Lowman takes us through the next set of games. See you then.

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Tags: 40k | Warhammer 40k | competitive play | tau | kroot | Meta Analysis | tau empire | Competitive Innovations

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