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.

Meta-that-was folks. Lap it up, and then move forwards into a horrifying blue dawn. Let's get into those lists!

Today:

Merry Slaaneshmass 2024
Fight Before Christmas '24
Da Winter Waaagh 24
40K Finnish champs
Quebec City Open III
Hour Zero: Heroes Unleashed

Wednesday:

Feliz Exterminatus 3
Iron Cage: Winter Whammy 2
LVO preparation 40k GT featuring Friendship
SA40k Commissar Cup GT - Presented by Dragon's Lair
GRIMDARK 23: Julkänslor
Hyper 331: GT

Merry Slaaneshmass 2024

71-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Ocean Shores, WA, US on December 07 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - Tau (Retaliation Cadre) versus Tyranids (Invasion Fleet)

Donald Plummer - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre)

Army List - Click to Expand

**strength before weakness (1995 points)** *T'au Empire* *Retaliation Cadre* - Commander Farsight 95 - Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [1x CIB, 1x HOBC, 2x MP, 2x SD] 95 - Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit [Internal Grenade Racks] [4x FB, 2x SD] 115 - Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit [Starflare Ignition System] [Warlord] [4x PR, 2x SD] 100 - Broadside Battlesuits [2] [2x Rail, 4x Missle Drone, 2x Seeker, 2x WSS] 180 - Broadside Battlesuits [2] [2x Rail, 4x Missle Drone, 2x Seeker, 2x WSS] 180 - Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits [6x Plasma, 3x GD, 1x MD, 2x SD] 130 - Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits [6x Missile pod, 3x GD, 1x MD, 2x SD] 130 - Crisis Starscythe Battlesuits [3] [6x Flamer, 3x GD, 1x MD, 2x SD] 110 - Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits [3] [3x GD, 1x MD, 2x SD] 150 - Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits [3] [3x GD, 1x MD, 2x SD] 150 - Ghostkeel Battlesuit [1x BSS, 1x Ion Raker, 1x Twin fusion] 160 - Kroot Carnivores [10] [1x Carbine, 1x Tanglebomb] 65 - Pathfinder Team [1x GD, 1x Recon Drone, 1x SD, 3x Ion Rifle] 90 - Stealth Battlesuits [3] [1x BSS, 1x Fusion, 1x MD, 1x SD] 60 - Stealth Battlesuits [3] [1x BSS, 1x Fusion, 1x MD, 1x SD] 60 - Stealth Battlesuits [3] [1x BSS, 1x Fusion, 1x MD, 1x SD] 60 - Vespid Stingwings 65

vs.

Ryan Lynn - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet)

Army List - Click to Expand

I nidn't do it (1995 Points)

Tyranids Invasion Fleet Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Broodlord (80 Points) • 1x Broodlord claws and talons

Broodlord (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Broodlord claws and talons

Old One Eye (150 Points) • 1x Old One Eye's claws and talons

BATTLELINE

Gargoyles (85 Points) • 10x Gargoyle ◦ 10x Blinding venom ◦ 10x Fleshborer

Hormagaunts (65 Points) • 10x Hormagaunt ◦ 10x Hormagaunt talons

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Carnifexes (230 Points) • 2x Carnifex ◦ 2x Bio-plasma ◦ 2x Carnifex crushing claws ◦ 2x Chitinous claws and teeth ◦ 2x Deathspitters with slimer maggots ◦ 2x Spine banks

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

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

Genestealers (150 Points) • 10x Genestealer ◦ 10x Genestealers claws and talons

Genestealers (150 Points) • 10x Genestealer ◦ 10x Genestealers claws and talons

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

Lictor (60 Points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Lictor (60 Points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Lictor (60 Points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Maleceptor (170 Points) • 1x Massive scything talons • 1x Psychic overload

Von Ryan's Leapers (70 Points) • 3x Von Ryan's Leaper ◦ 3x Leaper's talons

Von Ryan's Leapers (70 Points) • 3x Von Ryan's Leaper ◦ 3x Leaper's talons

Von Ryan's Leapers (70 Points) • 3x Von Ryan's Leaper ◦ 3x Leaper's talons

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (3), Data Version: v507

Thoughts

This is a really interesting pair of lists to try and analyse and I definitely didn't call the result! At first glance, this Tyranids list is really quite scary for the Tau, able to fill the board with small units (I love the MSU Leapers), deny space and choke score. Picking their way out of this without getting isolated and losing key Crisis suits feels risky to me, and Shadows is on hand to kneecap the Tau score as well.

On the pluse side for the warriors of the Greater Good, they have flamers, several ways to inflict damage and then get out of trouble, and activations powerful enough to dunk the Tyranid MSU several at a time, and peel open the monsters despite the feel no pain on offer from IF. It will require some very careful, knife edge play, but it looks like the Ret Cadre thread the needle and brought back a huge win. Really well done!

Result

T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) Victory - 82 - 44

Donald Plummer - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) - 1st Place

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits with Plasma Rifles. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Retaliation Cadre Suits

Thoughts

A meta that was favourite - Ret Cadre has had a really fun few months and finally established itself as the go-to Tau detachment. The real question now is whether it can survive the changes wrought by the dataslate - only time can tell!

Paul Winters - Slaanesh Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 2nd Place

Credit: Liebot - https://instagram.com/liebot_pics

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Do Italian Werewolves Have Garlic Knots? (1990 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Daemonic Incursion

CHARACTERS

Keeper of Secrets (305 points) • 1x Phantasmagoria 1x Shining Aegis 1x Snapping claws 1x Witstealer sword • Enhancement: Soulstealer

Keeper of Secrets (290 points) • 1x Phantasmagoria 1x Shining Aegis 1x Snapping claws 1x Witstealer sword

Keeper of Secrets (290 points) • 1x Phantasmagoria 1x Shining Aegis 1x Snapping claws 1x Witstealer sword

Shalaxi Helbane (425 points) • 1x Lash of Slaanesh 1x Pavane of Slaanesh 1x Snapping claws 1x Soulpiercer

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fiends (105 points) • 1x Blissbringer • 1x Barbed tail and dissecting claws • 2x Fiend • 2x Barbed tail and dissecting claws

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.22.1 (57), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Slaanesh Daemons

Thoughts

Ok, first off, I love it. Calling it that this is somebody testing out their Slaanesh ahead of Grotmas to remember how it all works - what a beautiful top placing to achieve! Daemons have shown time and again that a wide range of builds actually work with the index, so I am SO hyped for what is next for them. Very well done on driving all before you here.

Ryan Lynn - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 3rd Place

Carnifexes. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Board Control Invasion Fleet

Thoughts

I love this carpet list, which floods midboard with tiny trade pieces and dares the opponent to come and puzzle it out. It's a touch lighter on output than some IF lists with a lot riding on Old One Eye and gang getting it done, but the choking power on the board that it has early game is really very impressive and will bamboozle many. Great work on the top placing.

Matthew Cargille - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) - 4th Place

Skorpekh Lord. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Hypercrypt Legion + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Imotekh the Stormlord + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) + (1x6) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (295 pts): Gaze of death, Scythe of the Nightbringer Char2: 1x Imotekh the Stormlord (100 pts): Warlord, Gauntlet of Fire, Staff of the Destroyer Char3: 1x Skorpekh Lord (80 pts): Enmitic annihilator, Flensing claw, Hyperphase harvester Char4: 1x Skorpekh Lord (80 pts): Enmitic annihilator, Flensing claw, Hyperphase harvester Char5: 1x Technomancer (85 pts): Staff of light

5x Deathmarks (65 pts): 5 with Close combat weapon, Synaptic disintegrator 5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws 5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws 3x Skorpekh Destroyers (90 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Skorpekh hyperphase weapons 3x Skorpekh Destroyers (90 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Skorpekh hyperphase weapons 1x Lokhust Destroyers (35 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon 1x Lokhust Destroyers (35 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon 1x Lokhust Destroyers (35 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon 1x Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic exterminator 1x Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic exterminator 1x Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic exterminator 3x Tomb Blades (75 pts): 3 with Shadowloom, Close combat weapon, Twin tesla carbine 6x Canoptek Wraiths (250 pts): 6 with Particle caster, Vicious claws 1x Monolith (400 pts): Particle whip, Portal of exile, 4x Death ray

Archetype

Monolith Hypercrypt

Thoughts

Good old Hypercrypt, coupling MSU with a Monolith and romping to victory. Big changes ahead for this detachment, which loses some of it's mobility and reach with the dataslate, but there is Starshatter waiting in the wings to compensate... Very well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There was 1 more players on a 5-1 record. They were:

5th - Lukas Troller - World Eaters: A lovingly named 20 Terminator and lots of Eightbound World Eaters list. Looks a blast to play!

Fight Before Christmas '24

49-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand on December 06 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Matt van Wijk - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Let Angron rest (2000 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Khârn the Betrayer (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Gorechild 1x Khârn's plasma pistol

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (65 points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Jakhal chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 1x Icon of Khorne 7x Jakhal chainblades 1x Mauler chainblade

Khorne Berzerkers (180 points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Berzerker chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Khorne Berzerker • 7x Berzerker chainblade 7x Bolt pistol 2x Khornate eviscerator 2x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (90 points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Berzerker chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Khorne Berzerker • 3x Berzerker chainblade 3x Bolt pistol 1x Khornate eviscerator 1x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

World Eaters Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Heavy chainglaive • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Lacerators • 2x Eightbound • 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (310 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (310 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

Exalted Eightbound (310 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Eightbound chainfist 5x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Chaos Spawn (70 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

World Eaters Chaos Spawn (70 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507

Archetype

No Angron World Eaters

Thoughts

Angron continues to fade out of some WE lists, and this one goes YES on Eightbound instead. The trapping potential here is game ending, and will punish a lot of the very shooting skewed builds we see in the current game. I know from experience if a big brick of Exalted trap something it can win a game on it's own. Awesome, and very scary. Really well done on the event win!!

Richard Holman - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Greg Narro

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Hello Martyrs (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Hallowed Martyrs

CHARACTERS

Canoness with Jump Pack (100 points) • 1x Blessed halberd • Enhancement: Through Suffering, Strength

Daemonifuge (85 points) • 1x Ephrael Stern • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Sanctity • 1x Kyganil of the Bloody Tears • 1x The Outcast's Weapons

Hospitaller (50 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Hospitaller (50 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Morvenn Vahl (170 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

BATTLELINE

Battle Sisters Squad (105 points) • 1x Sister Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Ministorum hand flamer 1x Power weapon • 9x Battle Sister • 9x Bolt pistol 7x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 1x Meltagun 1x Multi-melta 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (125 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Twin multi-melta

Sororitas Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Celestian Sacresants (150 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Anointed halberd 9x Bolt pistol

Celestian Sacresants (150 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Anointed halberd 9x Bolt pistol

Mortifiers (70 points) • 1x Anchorite Sarcophagus 2x Heavy bolter 1x Twin penitent buzz-blades

Mortifiers (70 points) • 1x Anchorite Sarcophagus 2x Heavy bolter 1x Twin penitent buzz-blades

Paragon Warsuits (220 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon grenade launchers 1x Paragon war blade • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon grenade launchers 2x Paragon war blade

Seraphim Squad (90 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Zephyrim Squad (170 points) • 1x Zephyrim Superior • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon 1x Sacred Banner • 9x Zephyrim • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Power weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507

Archetype

Hallowed Martyrs Mixed Arms

Thoughts

A very techy Hallowed Martyrs list, that packs in some durable blocks of Sacrosancts, plenty of melta, and the obligatory wall of Castigators lurking behind them. HM is very good at drawing opponents out and anti-trading through the resurrection of characters - as Sisters continue to cop points rises and nerfs, getting the most out of every unit is crucial, and this may well be the way to go. Great work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Dan Hayden - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Go-wide MSU Broodsurge with Metamorphs, lots of Aberrants, and some Ridgerunners.
4th - Haydn Korach - Death Guard (Plague Company): Morty and Typhus lead big bricks of Deathshroud to war.
5th - Steve Joll - Imperial Knights: 40k by Knight, top placings by day. Champion of 40k Steve with two Cerastus, a horde of Armigers and a Navigator!
6th - Sean Sullivan - Leagues of Votann: Double Fort triple Sagitaur Votann.
7th - Cam Wilkinson - T'au Empire (Kauyon): A TAUNAR, REPEAT, A TAUNAR!
8th - Liam Sampson - Imperial Knights: Canis, an Errant, a Crusader, and some Armigers.
9th - Michael Stewart - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): Vanguard Ultras with Gulliman and Calgar alongside a big brick of Centurions.

Da Winter Waaagh 24

47-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Horwich, England, United Kingdom on December 07 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Andy Quas-Cohen - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) - 1st Place

Szarekh, The Silent King. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

im not clever enough to come up with a funny name

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Hypercrypt Legion

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (295 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Hexmark Destroyer (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Hexmark Destroyer (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Hexmark Destroyer (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

The Silent King (420 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 Spyders (75 points) • 1x Automaton claws 1x Fabricator Claw Array (Aura) 1x Gloom Prism (Aura) 2x Particle beamer

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

Doomsday Ark (190 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (190 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

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

Tesseract Vault (425 points) • 1x Antimatter Meteor 1x Cosmic Fire 1x Time's Arrow • 1x Armoured bulk 4x Tesla spheres

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Hyperthicc

Thoughts

Hypercrypt specialist Andy romps to victory with his tried and Tesseracted Necrons list. Silent King tech slots in to make sure you get through those pesky modifiers, and you pick the foe off on the margins for a couple of turns before rolling on through. Really well done on the event win Andy, excited to see what you do next!!

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Markus Hinson - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Angle-shooting triple Hammerhead Mont'ka. Brutal.
3rd - Michael Duff - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): He's handsome and he's in the podium again!!! Massed 'Nid monsters in Crusher, not even gonna read it.
4th - Ben Facey - Grey Knights (Teleport Strike Force): Mixed arms Paladin and Dreadknight Grey Knights.
5th - James McGlough - Astra Militarum: Lennon-style triple Hydra tank car park guard.
6th - Craig Farrell - Death Guard: Glorious all-in brawler Death Guard with a Land Raider. Well done Zeeto!
7th - Shaun Delaney - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): A real mix of MSU Blood Angels melee with some Ballistus to anchor.
8th - Phil Roebuck - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Massed Tyrannofex and Exos in Crusher Stampede.
9th - David Leniewski - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Triple C'tan / Tesseract Hypercrypt.

40K Finnish champs

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Järvenpää, Uusimaa, Suomi on December 07 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Eero Saukkonen - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 1st Place

Lord Solar. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

bring knives to gunfight (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Regiment

CHARACTERS

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

Lord Solar Leontus (125 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin's hooves 1x Sol's Righteous Gaze

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 points) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Tempestus dagger • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun 1x Regimental Standard

Platoon Command Squad (60 points) • 1x Platoon Commander • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 2x Veteran Guardsman • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Lasgun 2x Laspistol 1x Master Vox 1x Regimental Standard • 1x Veteran Heavy Weapons Team • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Mortar

Tank Commander (240 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher battle cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta • Enhancement: Grand Strategist

BATTLELINE

Catachan Jungle Fighters (55 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

Infantry Squad (60 points) • 1x Sergeant • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 7x Guardsman • 7x Close combat weapon 6x Lasgun 1x Plasma gun 1x Vox-caster • 1x Heavy Weapons Team • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol 1x Mortar

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (70 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Chimera heavy flamer 1x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

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

Hellhound (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Inferno cannon 1x Multi-melta

Hydra (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Hydra autocannon

Hydra (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Hydra autocannon

Leman Russ Battle Tank (170 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Leman Russ battle cannon 2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Eradicator (150 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Eradicator nova cannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Leman Russ Exterminator (170 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exterminator autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

Regimental Attachés (40 points) • 1x Master of Ordnance • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 1x Officer of the Fleet • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Laspistol • 1x Astropath • 1x Astropath's stave 1x Laspistol

Scout Sentinels (55 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Tempestus Aquilons (90 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 Plasma carbine • 1x Gunfighter • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lascarbine

Tempestus Aquilons (90 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 Plasma carbine • 1x Gunfighter • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lascarbine

Tempestus Scions (50 points) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon 2x Hot-shot lasgun 1x Hot-shot volley gun 1x Plasma gun

Exported with App Version: v1.22.0 (51), Data Version: v488

Archetype

Astra Militarum with Hydras

Thoughts

A few nice pieces of tech here that are worth of explanation. The Hydra makes it into the list as a dirt cheap tank that can shoot a little, but crucially requires commitment of some anti-armour resources to deal with. Hoover those up with your Leman Russ, and roll to victory, is the concept. They're also great for managing the GSC menace, as is the big brick of Rough Riders. A beautifully designed list, well done on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Mika Liu - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Monster mash Daemons.
3rd - Ville Ritari - Death Guard (Plague Company): Triple Predator, lots of infantry Death Guard.
4th - Kaarle Tukia - Orks (War Horde): Glorious Trukk, Battle Wagon and Kill Rig rush.
5th - Juha Ottelin - Astra Militarum: Tank Commander and Leman Russ spam.
6th - Indran Yogaswaran - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Mixed arms double Caladius Custodes.

Quebec City Open III

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Québec, QC, Canada on December 07 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Éric Marcoux - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) - 1st Place

Credit: Swiftblade

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

CK dog only (2000 points)

Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Traitoris Lance

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (145 points) • Warlord • 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon * This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword.

BATTLELINE

War Dog Brigand (165 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (165 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (165 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (165 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (165 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

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

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

Blue Horrors (125 points) • 10x Blue Horror • 10x Blue claws 10x Coruscating Blue Flames

Exalted Flamer (65 points) • 1x Fire of Tzeentch 1x Flamer mouths

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507

Archetype

Massed War Dogs

Thoughts

There is an Exalted Flamer in this CK list, which is a bit different I guess. The Blue Horrors are also neat. Poor CK really need some more ways to build and fast - maybe the Grotmas detachment will help? That said, epic to take an event down with the War Dogs at the moment, that is no easy thing. Really well done.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - François Lalonde - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Triple Abominant, mass Flamer Acolyte GSC in Broodsurge.
3rd - John Winter Russell - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Massed Scions, Aquilons, and Sentinels alongside the guns.
4th - Robert Mailloux - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Double big Knight, lots of Armigers.
5th - Dominique Carette - Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead): Vanguard Ultras with some Blade Guard squads for counter push alongside the Centurion brick.

Hour Zero: Heroes Unleashed

27-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Großweil, BY, Deutschland on December 07 2024. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Roman Kleiber - Orks (Bully Boyz) - 1st Place

Sirrus Bizniz, Goff ork warlord in mega armour. Credit: Charlie Brassley.

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Mean Green Smack Machine (2000 points)

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) Bully Boyz

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (80 points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota

Beastboss (80 points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota

Boss Snikrot (95 points) • Warlord • 1x Mork's Teeth 1x Slugga

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x 'Uge choppa

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x 'Uge choppa

Warboss in Mega Armour (105 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x 'Uge choppa • Enhancement: Tellyporta

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (80 points) • 1x Da Grabzappa 1x Squigstoppa

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 points) • 9x Beast Snagga Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 points) • 9x Beast Snagga Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga

Boyz (80 points) • 9x Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin' ball

Trukk (65 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin' ball

Trukk (65 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin' ball

Trukk (65 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin' ball

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flash Gitz (160 points) • 1x Ammo Runt • 1x Kaptin • 1x Choppa 1x Snazzgun • 9x Flash Git • 9x Choppa 9x Snazzgun

Gretchin (80 points) • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Grot blasta • 2x Runtherd • 2x Runtherd tools 2x Slugga

Gretchin (40 points) • 10x Gretchin • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Grot blasta • 1x Runtherd • 1x Runtherd tools 1x Slugga

Meganobz (175 points) • 5x Meganob • 5x Twin killsaws

Meganobz (175 points) • 5x Meganob • 5x Twin killsaws

Meganobz (175 points) • 5x Meganob • 5x Twin killsaws

Stormboyz (65 points) • 4x Stormboy • 4x Choppa 4x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga

Exported with App Version: v1.23.0 (63), Data Version: v507

Archetype

Bully Boyz Trukk Rush

Thoughts

Bully Boyz have had a quiet few months but cruise to victory here, with a list that packs the log jam of Meganobz into Trukks and couples them with a brick of Flashgitz and the sneaky super grots to add additional pressure. Winning a GT with Orks at the moment is no easy thing and should be commended, fantastic work! Hopefully the slate heralds exciting things ahead...

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Matthias Murr - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Big Terminator brick Blood Angels - love it.
3rd - Christian Muschalek - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Go-wide melee trading Black Templars with loads of Sword Brethren.
4th - Max Herzog - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Proper shooty Bringers of Flame dialling it back.
5th - Moritz Bund - Astra Militarum: Militarum goodstuff with a slab of Bullgryn.

Wrap Up

Slate has been! Slate has been! What will all those changes mean? Tune in soon for more reviews, and have fun out there.

Lowest of Men, out.

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[40K] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Underneath the Grotmas Tree pt.2

Merry Slaaneshmass 2024

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - Tau (Retaliation Cadre) versus Tyranids (Invasion Fleet)

Thoughts

Result

Donald Plummer - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Paul Winters - Slaanesh Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Ryan Lynn - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Matthew Cargille - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Monolith Hypercrypt

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Fight Before Christmas '24

Matt van Wijk - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Richard Holman - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Da Winter Waaagh 24

Andy Quas-Cohen - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

40K Finnish champs

Eero Saukkonen - Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Quebec City Open III

Éric Marcoux - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Hour Zero: Heroes Unleashed

Roman Kleiber - Orks (Bully Boyz) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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