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Warhammer 40k | 40K Competitive Innovations

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Easter Exertions pt.2

by Liam "Corrode" Royle, Lowest of Men | Apr 25 2025
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.


A shorter week this week with just five events firing while the rest of the Warhammer community spent the Easter break with their families. In this part we will cover:
  • Glasshammer Major
  • Gothcon 40k Open
Part one covers our other events this week:
  • Wet Coast GT 2025 - 40k Champs
  • Dark Sphere April 40k GT
  • Nerd Bar Spring GT

Glasshammer Major - Birmingham

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

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - Blood Angels versus Ultramarines

Josh Roberts - Blood Angels (Liberation Assault Group)
Army List - Click to Expand
BA Glasshammer GT List (2000 points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Liberator Assault Group

CHARACTERS

Captain (115 points) • 1x Neo-volkite pistol 1x Power fist • Enhancement: Rage-fuelled Warrior

Chaplain (85 points) • Warlord • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Crozius arcanum • Enhancement: Speed of the Primarch

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield Dome

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield Dome

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 9x Astartes chainsword 7x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 9x Astartes chainsword 7x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Outrider Squad (80 points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Twin bolt rifle

Outrider Squad (80 points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Twin bolt rifle

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

Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power fist 1x Sternguard bolt pistol 1x Sternguard bolt rifle • 4x Sternguard Veteran • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Sternguard bolt pistol 3x Sternguard bolt rifle 1x Sternguard heavy bolter


vs.

Chris Radford - Space Marines (Gladius Task Force)
Army List - Click to Expand


UM Gladius - Glasshammer (1995 points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades

Roboute Guilliman (345 points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor’s Sword 1x Hand of Dominion

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Desolation Squad (200 points) • 1x Desolation Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Castellan launcher 1x Close combat weapon 1x Vengor launcher • 4x Desolation Marine • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Castellan launcher 4x Close combat weapon 4x Superkrak rocket launcher

Gladiator Reaper (160 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 2x Tempest bolter 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

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

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

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

Thoughts

A spicy game here putting one of the longer standing Marines builds against something altogether new and spicy. Fitting, really, that Josh, architect of the old, comes to bat here with the new against Chris! Ultramarines Gladius remains very potent, lots of output, Gulliman for force multiplying and mini-game antics, and Desolators for picking off hard to reach targets. It can't afford a serious asset loss situation and you have to make every component sing, but the raw output is undeniable.

In the BA corner, an absolute wave of flying trash out ahead of transports and Bladeguard commits you to a pretty singular plan - stage, and go. If this connects en masse it is going to leave smoking craters in places pretty quickly. I am loathe to say this is a first turn game but between the massed stage and fight approach of the BA, and the Desolator antics of the Ultramarines, first turn momentum does feel pretty crucial for getting the party started before bad things can happen to you.  In the event, it appears that the BA simply overran the Ultramarines - if you have a turn where you need to clear most of the BA army (a task even double Oaths will struggle with), then there will always be risk of this!

Result

Blood Angels  Victory - 20-0

Josh Roberts - Blood Angels - 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


BA Glasshammer GT List (2000 points)

Space Marines Blood Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Liberator Assault Group

CHARACTERS

Captain (115 points) • 1x Neo-volkite pistol 1x Power fist • Enhancement: Rage-fuelled Warrior

Chaplain (85 points) • Warlord • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol 1x Crozius arcanum • Enhancement: Speed of the Primarch

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield Dome

Impulsor (80 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Shield Dome

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 9x Astartes chainsword 7x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 9x Astartes chainsword 7x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (160 points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran • 5x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Outrider Squad (80 points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Twin bolt rifle

Outrider Squad (80 points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant • 1x Astartes chainsword 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Heavy bolt pistol 2x Twin bolt rifle

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

Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power fist 1x Sternguard bolt pistol 1x Sternguard bolt rifle • 4x Sternguard Veteran • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Sternguard bolt pistol 3x Sternguard bolt rifle 1x Sternguard heavy bolter

Archetype

Bladeguard Spam BA

Thoughts

Brutal BA combat, proving the Liberation Assault Group remains powerful even after recent adjustments. Big packs of Assault Jump Pack Intercessors are ideal for sweeping aside units like Howling Banshees - kill the majority of the squad on impact and Fights First simply isn't going to matter! Bladeguard have officially landed at 'so cheap you might as well run 18', and I think we will all suffer for it in the short term. I like the include of the Rage Fuelled captain with Sternguard so he can blitz regardless of positioning near objectives. Amazing work on the event win!

Christopher Radford - Ultramarines - 2nd Place

Model Credit: Games Workshop. Photo Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


UM Gladius - Glasshammer (1995 points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades

Roboute Guilliman (345 points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor’s Sword 1x Hand of Dominion

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs • 4x Astartes chainsword 3x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Ballistus lascannon 1x Ballistus missile launcher 1x Twin storm bolter

Desolation Squad (200 points) • 1x Desolation Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Castellan launcher 1x Close combat weapon 1x Vengor launcher • 4x Desolation Marine • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Castellan launcher 4x Close combat weapon 4x Superkrak rocket launcher

Gladiator Reaper (160 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 2x Tempest bolter 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.31.0 (76), Data Version: v589

Archetype

Ultramarines Gladius with Desos

Thoughts

A powerful, well established meta-entity, Ultramarines Gladius continues to boss proceedings at the top of the game. Marines in general seem  to be able to compete with quite an array of builds right now. Double Incursors get some early pressure on and amp up the vehicles to greater potential. The list seems well suited for going toe-to-toe with a whole host of enemies. Well done Chris!

Vik Vijay - Aeldari - 3rd Place

Aeldari Wave Serpent (photo courtesy of Musterkrux)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


Vik | Ignite | Fireside 40K

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

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

The Visarch (90 Points) • 1x Asu-var

Yvraine (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Kha-vir • 1x Storm of Whispers

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mistshield ◦ 1x Neuro disruptor ◦ 1x Power sword • 4x Corsair Voidreaver ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Power sword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 Points) • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Twin bright lance • 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (195 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher • 9x Dark Reaper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Reaper launcher

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

Fire Dragons (110 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Firepike • 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

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

Swooping Hawks (170 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk’s talon • 9x Swooping Hawk ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (170 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk’s talon • 9x Swooping Hawk ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Lasblaster

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 (150 Points) • 1x Klaivex ◦ 1x Demiklaives • 9x Incubi ◦ 9x Klaive

Archetype

Ynnari Hawk Bricks

Thoughts

An interesting spin on the conventional Ynnari MSU that packs in two big slabs of Swooping Hawks - the mortal wound scatter from these is very effective in the mirror and helps to brutalise a wider range of targets without being committed to an anti-tank role. It seems like Fire Dragons make way primarily here to fund more Reapers and Hawks - longer range and a wider range of target profiles all makes sense to me! Very well done on the top placing.

Samuel Smith - Chaos Space Marines - 4th Place

Fabius Bile Fabius Bile. Credits: That Gobbo

The List

Army List - Click to Expand


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Space Marines + DETACHMENT: Creations of Bile + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + ALLIED UNITS: Legiones Daemonica + + WARLORD: Char2: Fabius Bile + ENHANCEMENT: Prime Test Subject (on Char1: Chaos Lord) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 17 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters - Cull The Horde: 3x5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

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

2x Fabius Bile (85 pts) • 1x Fabius Bile • 1x Rod of Torment • 1x The Chirurgeon • 1x Xyclos needler • 1x Surgeon Acolyte • 1x Surgeon Acolyte's tools • Warlord

1x Chaos Lord (125 pts) • 1x Daemon hammer • 1x Plasma pistol • Prime Test Subject (+35 pts)

1x Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (80 pts) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Infernal Gaze • 1x Combi-bolter • Chaos Familiar

BATTLELINE

10x Cultist Mob (50 pts) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon • 1x Autopistol • 9x Cultist • 9x Autopistol • 9x Brutal assault weapon

5x Legionaries (90 pts) • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy melee weapon • 1x Plasma pistol • Chaos icon • 4x Legionary • 2x Astartes chainsword • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy melee weapon • 1x Lascannon

5x Legionaries (90 pts) • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy melee weapon • 1x Plasma pistol • Chaos icon • 4x Legionary • 2x Astartes chainsword • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy melee weapon • 1x Lascannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Chosen (250 pts) • 10x Chosen • 6x Accursed weapon • 6x Bolt pistol • 4x Boltgun • 4x Combi-weapon • 2x Paired accursed weapons • 4x Plasma pistol • 2x Power fist • Chaos icon

10x Possessed (240 pts) • 10x Possessed • 10x Hideous mutations • Chaos icon

10x Possessed (240 pts) • 10x Possessed • 10x Hideous mutations • Chaos icon

5x Warp Talons (125 pts) • 5x Warp Talon • 5x Warp claws

3x Chaos Bikers (70 pts) • 1x Biker Champion • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Power fist • Chaos icon • 2x Biker • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Combi-bolter • 2x Flamer • 2x Astartes chainsword

1x Chaos Predator Destructor (140 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Predator autocannon • 1x Combi-weapon • 2x Lascannon

1x Chaos Predator Destructor (140 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Predator autocannon • 1x Combi-weapon • 2x Lascannon

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

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

ALLIED UNITS

3x Nurglings (35 pts) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Archetype

Mixed Arms Bile

Thoughts

Creations of Bile tend towards an all-in approach, and this tempers it with a couple of gun tanks to keep opponents honest. One baby squad of Warp Talons feels a very nice include in a meta filled with T3 chaff running about, and otherwise the list doubles down on big bricks of murder. Lovely stuff.

The Best of the Rest

  • 5th - Alex Ginns - Leagues of Votann: Basically everything Votann that isn't Hearthguard!
  • 6th - Byron 🔥🎲 Sidhu - Chaos Daemons: Daemonic Incursion monster mash.
  • 7th - Sam Dickinson - World Eaters: All-in Eightbound rush.
  • 8th - Zan Rashid - World Eaters: Twenty Terminators AND lots of Eightbound.
  • 9th - Andy Quas-Cohen - Necrons: Awakened Dynasty Warrior brick shenanigans.
  • 10th - Paulie Wallis - Drukhari: Reaper's Drukhari with Incubi, a Court, and a brick of Harlequins.
  • 11th - Kyle Grundy - T'au Empire: Massed Suits in Ret Cadre, hell yeah!
  • 12th - Joshua P - Chaos Space Marines: Chaos Cult Accursed with a smattering of tanks.
  • 13th - Tim Oliver-Duckhouse - Imperial Knights: Canis, Cerastus, lots of Armigers.
  • 14th - Ray Harkins - Chaos Knights: A Rampager, lots of Dogs and some Daemons.
  • 15th - Jack Downing - T'au Empire: Aux Cadre Tau with Rampagers and plenty of gun.
  • 16th - Paul Stewart - World Eaters: Vessels Eightbound spam with some Maulerfiends.
  • 17th - Darren Chapman - Drukhari: Talos / Cronos spam in Realspace Raiders - I quite enjoy the big Scourge squad with Heat Lances.
  • 18th - Korben Lowthorpe - Black Templars: Gladius Templars with Emperor's Champion / Sword Brethren in the mix.

Gothcon 40k Open

58-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Västra Götalands län, SE on April 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Emil Söderholm - Deathwatch (Unknown Detachment) - 1st Place

Credit: Alfredo Ramirez

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Deathwatch + DETACHMENT: Black Spear Task Force + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Captain in Gravis Armour + ENHANCEMENT: The Tome of Ectoclades (on Char1: Captain in Gravis Armour) & Thief of Secrets (on Char2: Judiciar) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters - Cull The Horde: 2x5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Captain in Gravis Armour (110 pts): Warlord, Master-crafted Heavy Bolt Rifle, Master-crafted Power Weapon Enhancement: The Tome of Ectoclades (+30 pts) Char2: 1x Judiciar (95 pts): Absolver Bolt Pistol, Executioner Relic Blade Enhancement: Thief of Secrets (+25 pts) Char3: 1x Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 pts): Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Scoped Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades Char4: 1x Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 pts): Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Scoped Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades

10x Deathwatch Veterans (200 pts) • 9x Model 3 with Astartes shield, Power weapon 4 with Deathwatch thunder hammer 2 with Close combat weapon, Infernus heavy bolter • 1x Sgt: Astartes shield, Xenophase blade 5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Intercessor 3 with Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon 1 with Astartes Grenade Launcher, Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon • 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist

5x Deathwatch Terminator Squad (190 pts) • 4x Deathwatch Terminator 1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer 3 with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter & Power Fist, Cyclone Missile Launcher • 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant: Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer 5x Deathwatch Terminator Squad (190 pts) • 4x Deathwatch Terminator 1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer 3 with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter & Power Fist, Cyclone Missile Launcher • 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant: Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer 5x Deathwatch Terminator Squad (190 pts) • 4x Deathwatch Terminator 1 with Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer 3 with Cyclone Missile Launcher, Storm Bolter & Power Fist, Cyclone Missile Launcher • 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant: Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer 5x Incursor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Incursor 3 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 1 with Haywire Mine, Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades • 1x Incursor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 5x Incursor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Incursor 3 with Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 1 with Haywire Mine, Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades • 1x Incursor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 10x Indomitor Kill Team (270 pts) 2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle 2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolter 2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Melta rifle 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta 3 with Flamestorm gauntlets, Twin power fists 10x Indomitor Kill Team (270 pts) 2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle 2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Deathwatch heavy bolter 2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Melta rifle 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta 3 with Flamestorm gauntlets, Twin power fists 1x Invader ATV (60 pts): Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Twin Bolt Rifle, Multi-melta 1x Rhino (75 pts): Armoured Tracks, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter

Archetype

Deathwatch Kill Teams

Thoughts

Deathwatch continue to sneak about ticking off crucial missions at the top of the game at the moment. Uppy downy, bolstered shooting, and a very nice suite of tools to adapt to different situations goes a long way on them! They want boards where tasty angles can be found, and there is definitely collapse risk to a build running so few units in total. That makes this event win all the more impressive - really well done!

Victor Bergenholtz - Grey Knights (Warpbane Taskforce) - 2nd Place

Grey Knights Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Grey Knights + DETACHMENT: Warpbane Task Force + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + ALLIED UNITS: Imperial Knights & Agents of the Imperium + + WARLORD: Char2: Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 12 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (7x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Castellan Crowe (90 pts) • 1x Black Blade of Antwyr • 1x Purifying Flame • 1x Storm bolter

1x Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) • 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer • 1x Heavy incinerator • 1x Heavy psycannon • Warlord

1x Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) • 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer • 1x Heavy incinerator • 1x Heavy psycannon

BATTLELINE

5x Strike Squad (120 pts) • 1x Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon • 1x Storm bolter • 4x Grey Knight • 4x Nemesis force weapon • 4x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Purifier Squad (125 pts) • 1x Knight of the Flame • 1x Nemesis force weapon • 1x Purifying Flame • 1x Storm bolter • 4x Purifier • 4x Nemesis force weapon • 4x Purifying Flame • 4x Storm bolter

10x Purifier Squad (250 pts) • 1x Knight of the Flame • 1x Nemesis force weapon • 1x Purifying Flame • 1x Storm bolter • 9x Purifier • 5x Nemesis force weapon • 9x Purifying Flame • 5x Storm bolter • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Incinerator

1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) • 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer • 1x Heavy incinerator • 1x Heavy psycannon

1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) • 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer • 1x Heavy incinerator • 1x Heavy psycannon

1x Nemesis Dreadknight (210 pts) • 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer • 1x Heavy incinerator • 1x Heavy psycannon

ALLIED UNITS

1x Armiger Helverin (130 pts) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

1x Armiger Helverin (130 pts) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

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

Archetype

GK with Armigers

Thoughts

More teleporting Imperium mischief next, as Warpbane brings along a few Armigers to help anchor the midboard. OC 8 is a delicious thing to access on a single base, and alongside the Dreadknights it adds to the saturation of damage 3 available if opponents try to push. Much like Deathwatch, GK are hard to pilot right now but remain extremely versatile and deadly if able to get into their stride. Well done on the top placing.

Dag Samuelsson - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) - 3rd Place

Custodian Guard Custodian Guard. Credit: Edwin "Lupe" Moriarty

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Adeptus Custodes Lions of the Emperor Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (120 Points) • 1x Vaultswords

Blade Champion (120 Points) • 1x Vaultswords

Blade Champion (120 Points) • 1x Vaultswords

Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armour (155 Points) • 1x Balistus grenade launcher • 1x Guardian spear • Enhancements: Superior Creation

Trajann Valoris (140 Points) • Warlord • 1x Eagle’s Scream • 1x Watcher’s Axe

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (170 Points) • 4x Custodian Guard ◦ 3x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Misericordia ◦ 1x Praesidium Shield ◦ 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (170 Points) • 4x Custodian Guard ◦ 4x Guardian spear

OTHER DATASHEETS

Custodian Wardens (260 Points) • 5x Custodian Warden ◦ 5x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Vexilla

Custodian Wardens (260 Points) • 5x Custodian Warden ◦ 5x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Vexilla

Custodian Wardens (260 Points) • 5x Custodian Warden ◦ 5x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Vexilla

Prosecutors (40 Points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor ◦ 3x Boltgun ◦ 3x Close combat weapon

Prosecutors (40 Points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior ◦ 1x Boltgun ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor ◦ 3x Boltgun ◦ 3x Close combat weapon

Witchseekers (50 Points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Witchseeker flamer

ALLIED UNITS

Inquisitor Draxus (95 Points) • 1x Dirgesinger • 1x Power fist • 1x Psychic Tempest

Archetype

Lions Warden Spam

Thoughts

Lions brings a lot of new life to Custodes, but sometimes, you've just gotta jam some Wardens and get ready to make 4s. Triple Blade Champ Warden is exceptional on boards where it can carefully orchestrate one on ones, and this list packs some heft in behind it with two squads of Guard. A solo Allarus Captain is a nice choice- loads of fun to be had there! Really well done on the top placing.

Olof Svensson - Leagues of Votann (Unknown Detachment) - 4th Place

Leagues of Votann Hearthkyn Warriors. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Leagues of Votann + DETACHMENT: Oathband + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Einhyr Champion + ENHANCEMENT: Appraising Glare (on Char1: Brôkhyr Iron-master) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 2 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 5x Brôkhyr Iron-master (85 pts) • 3x E-COG 1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon 1 with Plasma torch 1 with Manipulator arms Enhancement: Appraising Glare (+20 pts) • 1x Brôkhyr Iron-master: Graviton hammer, Graviton rifle • 1x Ironkyn Assistant: Close combat weapon, Las-beam cutter Char2: 1x Einhyr Champion (60 pts): Warlord, Weavefield crest, Autoch-pattern combi-bolter, Darkstar axe

10x Hearthkyn Warriors (100 pts) • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior 4 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter 1 with Pan spectral scanner, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter 1 with Medipack, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter 1 with Comms array, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter 1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas rotary cannon* 1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas auto rifle* • 1x Theyn: Weavefield crest, Close combat weapon, Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon 10x Hearthkyn Warriors (100 pts) • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior 4 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter 1 with Pan spectral scanner, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter 1 with Medipack, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter 1 with Comms array, Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Autoch-pattern bolter 1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas rotary cannon* 1 with Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, HYLas auto rifle* • 1x Theyn: Weavefield crest, Close combat weapon, Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon

10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts) 8 with Concussion maul 2 with Mole grenade launcher, Concussion maul 10x Cthonian Beserks (200 pts) 8 with Concussion maul 2 with Mole grenade launcher, Concussion maul 10x Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 pts) 8 with Close combat weapon, Bolt revolver and plasma knife 1 with APM launcher, Close combat weapon 1 with Close combat weapon, Magna-coil rifle 6x Hernkyn Pioneers (180 pts) 1 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 1 with Comms array, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 2 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 1 with Pan-spectral scanner, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 1 with Rollbar searchlight, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 6x Hernkyn Pioneers (180 pts) 1 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 1 with Comms array, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 2 with Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, HYLas rotary cannon, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 1 with Pan-spectral scanner, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 1 with Rollbar searchlight, Bolt revolver, Bolt shotgun, Magna-coil autocannon, Plasma knife 1x Hekaton Land Fortress (225 pts): Pan spectral scanner, Armoured wheels, MATR autocannon, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon 1x Hekaton Land Fortress (225 pts): Pan spectral scanner, Armoured wheels, MATR autocannon, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon 1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon 1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon 1x Sagitaur (115 pts): Armoured wheels, Twin bolt cannon, HYLas beam cannon

Archetype

Leagues of Votann Bezerk Forts

Thoughts

A build pioneered at last WTC, 20 Bezerks in Land Forts is no joke. These little guys punch up into almost anything, present a fight on death tarpit for MSU traders to drown in, and the Mole Launchers bring some nice indirect / slowing on top of that! 12 Pioneer bikers sit just behind absolutely hoovering things up. A really powerful, versatile build. Great work!

The Best of the Rest

There was 1 more players on a 5-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Björn Eriksson - Adeptus Custodes: Lions Warden spam.

Wrap Up

There we have it folks! Custodes assert some dominance, and a few of the niche Imperium picks break out amongst the usual suspects. Loads going on as we head into the summer of Chaos, get out and take names!

Lowest of Men, out.

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Tags: 40k | Warhammer 40k | Competitive Innovations

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