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.

We got a big taste of the evolving european and UK metagame on Wenesday, so how are things shaking up across the Atlantic? Let's find out. As a reminder, our schedule for this week is as follows.

Part 2 on Friday with Lowest of Men:

Smite Club Open 2025 - 40K World Championships Qualifier
Bloodshed Bay
The Bendigo Open 2025
Warhammer 40K Midtcon Fall 2025
Battle in the Bush 11
6. 40KingsCup (OTV) Ironman

Part 1 on Wednesday with Wings:

Bajío Open 40k 2025, El Bunker
Italian Grand Tournament - Road to Atlanta
Goonhammer Open UK September 2025
108. Bedburger Scheunenkloppen
Pergőtűz Combined Arms PRO singles
MAD Warhammer 40k GT 09.06 - 09.07

Part 3 on Saturday with Wings:

Springs Thundercluckers September GT
WarZone Houston
Wasteland Wars GT 4
The GR: Meme Team - 2025 GT
2025 Eagle Rock Open

Smite Club Open 2025 - 40K World Championships Qualifier

83-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Phoenix, AZ, United States on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jason Flanzer - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

Necron Warriors. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Necrons Awakened Dynasty Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

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

Royal Warden (70 Points) • Warlord • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Relic gauss blaster • Enhancements: Nether-realm Casket

Skorpekh Lord (120 Points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator • 1x Flensing claw • 1x Hyperphase harvester • Enhancements: Enaegic Dermal Bond

Technomancer (80 Points) • 1x Staff of light

Technomancer (80 Points) • 1x Staff of light

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

Doomsday Ark (200 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

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

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic exterminator

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675

Archetype

Awakened Dynasty Primary Bullies

Thoughts

The Necron book keeps on giving, and always seems to find a way through any given meta. It gets knocked down, but then it gets up again. You're never going to keep it down. In this instance a very chunky Awakened build leaning into both the Orikan Warrior brick AND Wraiths for full primary dominance comes out on top. This list has tools that really bother both Imperial Knights and Elves, which is no bad thing in the current game. It may not love pure combat pressure, but it can spoil and drown a great many archetypes. Fantastic work on the event win!

Donovan Sailo - Grey Knights (Banishers) - 2nd Place

Grey Knight Paladins. Credit: Colin Ward

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Kindly run it back! (2000 Points)

Grey Knights Banishers Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Brotherhood Librarian (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Nemesis force weapon • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Vortex of Doom • Enhancements: Pyresoul (Pychic)

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

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (225 Points) • 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher • 1x Heavy psycannon • 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer • 1x Sublimator

BATTLELINE

Strike Squad (120 Points) • 1x Justicar ◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 1x Storm bolter • 4x Grey Knight ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Incinerator ◦ 3x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 3x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Interceptor Squad (130 Points) • 1x Interceptor Justicar ◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 1x Storm bolter • 4x Interceptor ◦ 4x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 4x Storm bolter

Interceptor Squad (130 Points) • 1x Interceptor Justicar ◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 1x Storm bolter • 4x Interceptor ◦ 4x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 4x Storm bolter

Interceptor Squad (130 Points) • 1x Interceptor Justicar ◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 1x Storm bolter • 4x Interceptor ◦ 4x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 4x Storm bolter

Paladin Squad (225 Points) • 1x Paragon ◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 1x Storm bolter • 1x Paladin Ancient ◦ 1x Ancient's Banner ◦ 1x Incinerator ◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon • 3x Paladin ◦ 1x Apothecary's Narthecium ◦ 2x Incinerator ◦ 3x Nemesis force weapon

Purifier Squad (250 Points) • 1x Knight of the Flame ◦ 1x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 1x Purifying Flame ◦ 1x Storm bolter • 9x Purifier ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Nemesis force weapon ◦ 4x Psycannon ◦ 9x Purifying Flame ◦ 5x Storm bolter

ALLIED UNITS

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

Canis Rex (415 Points) • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor • 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser • 1x Freedom's Hand

Culexus Assassin (85 Points) • 1x Animus speculum • 1x Life-draining touch

Archetype

Banishers with Canis

Thoughts

A triumph for the 'plug Canis in' community, as GK plug Canis in! Banishers gives you some of that OG 'mists of Deimos' energy, relocating and bamboozling as you go. I like the Pyresoul enhancement for some extra mortal wounds too, which can be very clutch at a key moment. Otherwise the list basically shackles two thirds of a Warpbane offence (Purifier brick, Interceptors, Dreadknights) to the trickery of two Assassins and the heft and reach of Canis. A solid formula, very well done on the top placing!

Jacob Wagner - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 3rd Place

The Silent King. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Starshatter Arsenal + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: The Silent King + ENHANCEMENT: Dread Majesty (on Char1: Catacomb Command Barge) & Chrono-impedance Fields (on Char2: Technomancer) & Demanding Leader (on Char3: Technomancer) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) + (1x6) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

3x The Silent King (420 pts) • 1x Szarekh • 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory • 1x Staff of Stars • 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • Szarekh • 2x Triarchal Menhir • 2x Annihilator beam • 2x Armoured bulk • 2x Triarchal Menhir, 2x Triarchal Menhirs, Warlord

1x Catacomb Command Barge (150 pts) • 1x Gauss cannon • 1x Overlord's blade • Resurrection orb • Dread Majesty (+30 pts)

1x Technomancer (105 pts) • 1x Staff of light • Chrono-impedance Fields (+25 pts)

1x Technomancer (90 pts) • 1x Staff of light • Demanding Leader (+10 pts)

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

2x Lokhust Destroyers (60 pts) • 2x Lokhust Destroyer • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Gauss cannon

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

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

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

1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

1x Doomsday Ark (200 pts) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

Archetype

Old School Starshatter

Thoughts

More Necrons in third here, with a more conventional Starshatter list. Stick the Wraiths out, retaliate hard with a Silent King and some DDAs, and profit. The reactive move stratagem and bolstered offence go a long way here and this build is capable of scrapping with quite a wide chunk of the field. Solitary Ophidians as a scoring piece is always fun to see! Very well done on the top placing.

Wyatt Harris - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) - 4th Place

Genestealer Cult Benefictus.

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Host (2000 Points)

Genestealer Cults Host of Ascension Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Benefictus (85 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Psionic Cascade • Enhancements: Assassination Edict

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

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

Nexos (60 Points) • 1x Autopistol • 1x Close combat weapon

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

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

Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) • 1x Neophyte Leader ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid ◦ 19x Autopistol ◦ 19x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 2x Grenade launcher ◦ 11x Hybrid firearm ◦ 2x Mining laser ◦ 2x Seismic cannon ◦ 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) • 1x Neophyte Leader ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid ◦ 19x Autopistol ◦ 19x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 2x Grenade launcher ◦ 11x Hybrid firearm ◦ 2x Mining laser ◦ 2x Seismic cannon ◦ 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) • 1x Neophyte Leader ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid ◦ 19x Autopistol ◦ 19x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 2x Grenade launcher ◦ 11x Hybrid firearm ◦ 2x Mining laser ◦ 2x Seismic cannon ◦ 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 Points) • 1x Neophyte Leader ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid ◦ 19x Autopistol ◦ 19x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 2x Grenade launcher ◦ 11x Hybrid firearm ◦ 2x Mining laser ◦ 2x Seismic cannon ◦ 2x Webber

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy mortar • 1x Spotter • 1x Twin heavy stubber

Atalan Jackals (75 Points) • 4x Atalan Jackal ◦ 2x Atalan power weapon ◦ 3x Atalan small arms ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad ◦ 1x Atalan small arms ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mining laser

Atalan Jackals (75 Points) • 4x Atalan Jackal ◦ 2x Atalan power weapon ◦ 3x Atalan small arms ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad ◦ 1x Atalan small arms ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mining laser

Atalan Jackals (75 Points) • 4x Atalan Jackal ◦ 2x Atalan power weapon ◦ 3x Atalan small arms ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad ◦ 1x Atalan small arms ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mining laser

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

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

Archetype

My WTC List, lol

Thoughts

Wyatt is a man of taste, and has taken my exact WTC list out for a spin. Double Reductus Saboteur is very nifty to have in a meta with plenty of pesky elves running about, shores up damage into hordes and also means you can get some mortals going against IK and still hold one back to avoid giving them their buffs. The rest of this is very much the Host chassis Innes and Floof have been running for some time- a skew of bodies in a meta of mech skews, GSC have eaten very well for quite some time. Can it last?! Time will tell! Amazing work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Phillip Schwan - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Deathwatch Veterans, Kill Teams and Terminators, with a cheeky Thunderstrike in support.
6th - Daniel Olivas - Aeldari (Warhost): Some forward pressure Striking Scorpions here alongside a big contingent of Fire Dragons and Dark Reapers.
7th - Travis Finell - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): All in on Veterans and Fortis Kill Teams with multiple Rhinos - a far more agro version of Deathwatch, love to see it!
8th - Tyler Hayes - Chaos Space Marines (Fellhammer Siege-host): Brutal Fellhammer infantry spam with Abaddon, 10 Chosen, and 30 Possessed. Yikes.
9th - Bill Barnes - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Double Lancer, a bunch of Armigers, and some Sister / Immolator allies.

Bloodshed Bay

61-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Quinte West, ON, Canada on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Adam Westmanchesterfield - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Sword Brethren. Credit: Saint

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I fear no Assassination because Fixed Objectives are a myth people made up. (2000 points)

Space Marines Black Templars Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Castellan (60 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Castellan (60 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Castellan (60 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Emperor's Champion (90 points) • 1x Black Sword 1x Bolt Pistol

Marshal (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Marshal (80 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Marshal (80 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Bolt rifle 4x Close combat weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Multi-melta 1x Shield Dome

Impulsor (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Multi-melta 1x Shield Dome

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

Gladiator Lancer (160 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Lancer laser destroyer 1x Multi-melta 2x Storm bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Multi-melta 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Multi-melta 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

Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) • 5x Sword Brother • 2x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol 2x Pyre pistol

Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) • 5x Sword Brother • 2x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol 2x Pyre pistol

Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) • 5x Sword Brother • 2x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol 2x Pyre pistol

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675

Archetype

Black Templars Gladius

Thoughts

Get ready for maniacs in transports, because the Black Templars are ready to cook. There is a LOT of reactive move potential between Sword Brethren tagging things and then re-embarking, and the reactive move on offer in Gladius. This rather forces the opponent to push into the Templars to make real gains. Do that, and you get a sword to the face and a Repulsor Executioner lights you up. Sounds potent right? It very much is. Fantastic work on the event win!

Anthony Fung - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) - 2nd Place

Trajann Valoris. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

你以為呢個會係啲隱藏嘅訊息⋯對唔住你浪費咗時間翻譯呢個 (1995 Points)

Adeptus Custodes Lions of the Emperor Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (145 Points) • 1x Vaultswords • 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 ◦ 3x Guardian spear ◦ 1x Misericordia ◦ 1x Praesidium Shield ◦ 1x Vexilla

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Anathema Psykana Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter

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

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

Vigilators (50 Points) • 1x Vigilator Sister Superior ◦ 1x Executioner greatblade • 3x Vigilator ◦ 3x Executioner greatblade

Vigilators (50 Points) • 1x Vigilator Sister Superior ◦ 1x Executioner greatblade • 3x Vigilator ◦ 3x Executioner greatblade

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675

Archetype

Lions MSU

Thoughts

A real all-rounder Custodes list, I like the carpet of smaller skirmishing units out ahead of the Golden bricks. Custodes aren't at their most points efficient place at the minute, so you need to engineer that one pivotal 'go' moment for the real units, and play the early game with as little as possible. The Caladius keep people honest, Draxus in a Guard unit is still BANANAS, and Lions hits incredibly hard when it gets to the battle. Fantastic work on the top placing.

Jeremy "Curie" Atkinson - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband) - 3rd Place

Ûthar the Destined. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Meet the new Votann, same as the old Votann (2000 points)

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Needgaârd Oathband

CHARACTERS

Einhyr Champion (70 points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter 1x Darkstar axe 1x Weavefield Crest

Kâhl (100 points) • 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Teleport Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancement: Oathbound Speculator

Memnyr Strategist (45 points) • Warlord • 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon

Ûthar the Destined (95 points) • 1x Blade of the Ancestors 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Kapricus Carrier (75 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Smoke Launcher 1x Twin magna‑coil autocannon

Kapricus Carrier (75 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Smoke Launcher 1x Twin magna‑coil autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (160 points) • 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 6x Close combat weapon 6x SP conversion beamer

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Cthonian Earthshakers (110 points) • 2x Cthonian Earthshakers • 2x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol 2x Plasma picks 2x Tremor shells

Einhyr Hearthguard (270 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Weavefield crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x EtaCarn plasma gun 9x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 2x Twin bolt cannon

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

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

Ironkin Steeljacks with Melee Weapons (180 points) • 1x Steeljack Theyn • 1x Autoch-pattern bolter 1x Plasma sword 1x Preymark Crest • 5x Ironkin Steeljack • 5x Autoch-pattern bolter 5x Plasma sword

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (94), Data Version: v675

Archetype

Needhard Goodstuff

Thoughts

An early sighting for the new Votann, and Jeremy leans hard into much of what already worked before here, with some slight alterations. The Hearthguard brick with Oathbound Speculator gives you a genuine hammer unit that is less dependant on Thunderkyn and other combination plays to work. Forts and Tkyn work together to blast things that stray into your lines, and the melee Steeljacks can push back at the foe if they get too close. Lots of fun, and an early sign of how the new book might play. Fantastic work on the top placing.

Chris martens - Aeldari (Warhost) - 4th Place

Jain Zar & Howling Banshees. Credit: James "Boon" Kelling

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Token Eldar

Aeldari Strike Force (1995 points) Warhost

CHARACTERS

Autarch Wayleaper (95 points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Star glaive • Enhancement: Gift of Foresight

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

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

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

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

Maugan Ra (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Maugetar

BATTLELINE

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

Corsair Voidreavers (60 points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mistshield 1x Power sword 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Corsair Voidreaver • 4x Close combat weapon 3x Power sword 1x Shredder 3x Shuriken pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Falcon (130 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Pulse laser 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Dragons (220 points) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 9x Fire Dragon • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (95 points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

Howling Banshees (95 points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

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

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Exarch's lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 points) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Exarch's lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Lasblaster

Warlock Conclave (55 points) • 2x Warlock • 2x Destructor 2x Shuriken pistol 2x Singing Spear

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

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

Archetype

Phoenix Lord Nonsense

Thoughts

For all it's faults, let nobody say the Eldar book hasn't been deliciously thematic. Look at all those arrayed Phoenix Lords and Aspects, ready to do annoying elfy things and then hide behind walls. Love seeing the Wayleaper out - he can happily plug into the Spiders or Hawks to give you yet ANOTHER mini character missile. It makes my heart sing, so it does. Just don't get punched, or shot. That hurts a lot. Amazing work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

5th - Sarah Ivankovic - Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread): Triple Lancer double Despoiler. Get wrecked!
6th - Brian Crothers - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Lovingly named mixed arms Virulent. 'The Pus Bus' as a Rhino nickname has made me chortle, well done Brian.
7th - Anthony Beaulieu - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Another play on the Repulsor / Sword Brethren Gladius Templars build.

The Bendigo Open 2025

48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Strathdale, VIC, Australia on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Michael Hamilton - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 1st Place

Loyalist Knight Atrapos. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

It's a hobby project

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Imperial Knights + DETACHMENT: Noble Lance + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Canis Rex + ENHANCEMENT: Mysterious Guardian (on Char1: Cerastus Knight Atrapos) & Mythic Hero (on Char2: Knight Warden) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 9 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) + (3x6) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Canis Rex (415 pts) • 1x Canis Rex • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor • 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser • 1x Freedom's Hand • Canis Rex, Chainbreaker, Legendary Freeblade, Invulnerable Save (5+*), Damaged: 1-9 Wounds Remaining • 1x Sir Hekhtur • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hekhtur's pistol • Sir Hekhtur, Using Sir Hekhtur, Warlord

1x Cerastus Knight Atrapos (430 pts) • 1x Atrapos lascutter • 1x Graviton singularity cannon • Mysterious Guardian (+25 pts)

1x Knight Warden (410 pts) • 1x Avenger gatling cannon • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Stormspear rocket pod • 1x Questoris heavy stubber • 1x Reaper chainsword • Mythic Hero (+25 pts)

BATTLELINE

1x Armiger Helverin (140 pts) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

1x Armiger Helverin (140 pts) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

ALLIED UNITS

1x Ministorum Priest (40 pts) • 1x Zealot's vindictor

Archetype

Canis and the Armigers

Thoughts

A classic reborn, as Canis leads his flock of little metal ducklings over the road, and into your deployment zone. He's got a Warden and Atropos to help them shepherd the little lads, and a Priest to keep them on the straight and narrow. Otherwise, it's business as usual - lots of hulls, and the risk of a sudden 5++ army wide hanging over the opponent. Fantastic work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Ben Ashton - Aeldari (Aspect Host): The Maugan Ra Falcon package alongside Hawks and the Fuegan Serpent.
3rd - Lachlan Booth - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven Goodstuff with a full triple Mutalith and Forgefiend alongside Magnus.
4th - Daniel Mccurdy - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, a Crusader, a Warden, and loads of Armigers.
5th - Ian Pearce - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre): I hoped for mass Rampagers, and Ian didn't let me down. Broadsides lay down fire behind the cavalry!
6th - Laurence Gutierrez - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Massed Drones and Deathshroud in Virulent.
7th - Alex Franz - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Dorn / double Bullgryn Combined with a cheeky brick of Rough Riders.
8th - Tyson Hobbs - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): Buri leads a fleet of Sagitaurs and Land Forts, with some of the new gun Steeljacks in support.
9th - Michael Cirone - Orks (War Horde): Old school War Horde with loads of lads in Trukks.
10th - Merric Butler - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven Goodstuff with a small brick of Scarab Terminators mixed in.

Warhammer 40K Midtcon Fall 2025

43-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Viborg, Denmark on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Martin Bræmer Nielsen - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Thousand Sons + DETACHMENT: Grand Coven + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Magnus the Red + ENHANCEMENT: Eldritch Vortex of E'taph (on Char1: Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with wings) & Umbralefic Crystal (on Char5: Sorcerer in Terminator Armour) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 6 Characters - Cull The Horde: 1x5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Magnus the Red (420 pts) 1 with Blade of Magnus, Gaze of Magnus, Tzeentch's Firestorm • Warlord

Char2: 1x Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with wings (195 pts) 1 with Dark Blessing, Hellforged weapons, Infernal cannon Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E'taph (+25 pts)

Char3: 1x Sorcerer (75 pts) 1 with Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Pandaemonic Delusion, Prosperine khopesh

Char4: 1x Sorcerer (75 pts) 1 with Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Pandaemonic Delusion, Prosperine khopesh

Char5: 1x Sorcerer (75 pts) 1 with Force weapon, Inferno bolt pistol, Pandaemonic Delusion, Prosperine khopesh

Char6: 1x Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (105 pts) 1 with Force weapon, Gaze of Hate, Inferno combi-bolter Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal (+20 pts)

BATTLELINE

5x Rubric Marines (100 pts) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer 1 with Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Warpflame pistol • Aspiring Sorcerer • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon • Icon of Flame 3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer

5x Rubric Marines (100 pts) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer 1 with Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Warpflame pistol • Aspiring Sorcerer • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon • Icon of Flame 3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer

5x Rubric Marines (100 pts) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer 1 with Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Warpflame pistol • Aspiring Sorcerer • 4x Rubric Marine 1 with Close combat weapon, Soulreaper cannon • Icon of Flame 3 with Close combat weapon, Warpflamer

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Scarab Occult Terminators (375 pts) • 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer 1 with Force weapon, Malefic Curse, Inferno combi-bolter • Scarab Occult Sorcerer • 9x Scarab Occult Terminator 7 with Inferno combi-bolter, Prosperine khopesh 2 with Prosperine khopesh, Soulreaper cannon, Hellfyre missile rack

10x Tzaangors (70 pts) • 1x Twistbray 1 with Autopistol, Chainsword • 9x Tzaangor 7 with Tzaangor blades 1 with Tzaangor blades • Herd banner 1 with Tzaangor blades • Brayhorn

10x Tzaangors (70 pts) • 1x Twistbray 1 with Autopistol, Chainsword • 9x Tzaangor 7 with Tzaangor blades 1 with Tzaangor blades • Herd banner 1 with Tzaangor blades • Brayhorn

3x Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster greatbows (50 pts) • 1x Aviarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened 2 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow

3x Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster greatbows (50 pts) • 1x Aviarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened 2 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow

3x Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster greatbows (50 pts) • 1x Aviarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened 2 with Close combat weapon, Fatecaster greatbow

1x Chaos Rhino (90 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Havoc launcher, Inferno combi-bolter, Inferno combi-bolter

Archetype

Grand Coven Evolves!

Thoughts

After some intriguing breakout stars made themselves known for Tsons at WTC, we see those patterns continuing here. The Winged Daemon Prince is a glorious little unit and takes the Arcane Vortex enhancement (that's right, I refuse to learn the new name, sue me) extremely well. Screening out a 6 drop whilst also dealing with everything else out ahead of you is no easy feat. The Scarab brick makes it in here as well - this opens up some raw aggression plays that please me greatly, and the new angles of attack on offer in this list seem to be working really nicely as they claim the GT win here. Fantastic job!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Anton Engelbredt - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Templars Goodstuff with a Ballistus and Lancer in there for added backline threat.
3rd - Simon Darre - Space Marines (Astartes) (Stormlance Task Force): Nippy Stormlance Ultras with a Stormraven and multiple Storm Speeders.
4th - Alexandre Cavagnaro - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic double Rhino / MSU World Eaters with the helm Daemon Prince.
5th - Lars Hedegaard - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): An unusual Starshatter build with the Silent King leading a brick of Lychguard and multiple Tomb Spyders to war.
6th - Kristoffer Eriksen - Black Templars (Wrathful Procession): Chunky BT with two Repulsors AND a Land Raider Redeemer. Epic.
7th - Jesper Scharff Johannsen - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Mixed arms Inheritors with a Vindicator / Storm Speeder firebase and MSU Sanguinary Guard.

Battle in the Bush 11

33-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Orange, NSW, AU on September 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Linchpin - Search and Destroy

Harry Barden - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor)

Army List - Click to Expand

Yep Wardens (2000 points)

Adeptus Custodes Strike Force (2000 points) Lions of the Emperor

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (120 points) • 1x Vaultswords

Blade Champion (120 points) • 1x Vaultswords

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (160 points) • 1x Interceptor lance 1x Salvo launcher • Enhancement: Admonimortis

Valerian (110 points) • Warlord • 1x Gnosis

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

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

Vertus Praetors (150 points) • 2x Vertus Praetor • 2x Interceptor lance 2x Salvo launcher

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (93), Data Version: v674

vs.

Tay Tay - Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation)

Army List - Click to Expand

Tay Tay's Xenocreed (2000 Points)

Genestealer Cults Xenocreed Congregation Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Acolyte Iconward (75 Points) • 1x Autopistol • 1x Cult claws • Enhancements: Deeds that Speak to the Masses

Acolyte Iconward (75 Points) • 1x Autopistol • 1x Cult claws • Enhancements: Denunciator of Tyrants

Biophagus (50 Points) • 1x Alchemicus Familiar • 1x Autopistol • 1x Chemical vials • 1x Injector goad

Biophagus (50 Points) • 1x Alchemicus Familiar • 1x Autopistol • 1x Chemical vials • 1x Injector goad

Biophagus (50 Points) • 1x Alchemicus Familiar • 1x Autopistol • 1x Chemical vials • 1x Injector goad

Primus (95 Points) • 1x Cult bonesword • 1x Scoped needle pistol • 1x Toxin injector claw • Enhancements: Incendiary Inspiration

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

Sanctus (50 Points) • Warlord • 1x Sanctus bio-dagger

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Goliath Truck (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Demolition charge cache • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Twin autocannon

Goliath Truck (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Demolition charge cache • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Twin autocannon

Goliath Truck (85 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Demolition charge cache • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Atalan Jackals (75 Points) • 4x Atalan Jackal ◦ 2x Atalan power weapon ◦ 3x Atalan small arms ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad ◦ 1x Atalan small arms ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mining laser

Atalan Jackals (75 Points) • 4x Atalan Jackal ◦ 2x Atalan power weapon ◦ 3x Atalan small arms ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad ◦ 1x Atalan small arms ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mining laser

Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) • 1x Metamorph Leader ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Leader's cult weapons • 9x Hybrid Metamorph ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 8x Hand flamer ◦ 9x Metamorph mutations

Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) • 1x Metamorph Leader ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Leader's cult weapons • 9x Hybrid Metamorph ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 8x Hand flamer ◦ 9x Metamorph mutations

Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points) • 1x Metamorph Leader ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Leader's cult weapons • 9x Hybrid Metamorph ◦ 1x Cult Icon ◦ 8x Hand flamer ◦ 9x Metamorph mutations

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

Exported with App Version: v1.40.1 (1), Data Version: v675

Thoughts

Ok, let's unpack the fundamentals of the match up. The Custodes have evidently dug up some nastiness going on behind the sheds at the palace, as a surprise Genestealer infestation emerges to threaten the peace. The basic challenge here is one of how the heavy hitting units trade into one another - The Custodes list has some Caladius for the shoot out (but unfortunately, no enemy tanks to dance with), and some big bricks of Wardens to commit and absorb pressure when the time is right. One of the better tricks in their arsenal here is the reactive move when shot- this can make tagging Custodes units with Ridgerunners for extra AP volatile.

The primary issue for the golden boys here is just how hard Xenocreed slaps into infantry. One of the lesser seen GSC detachments, it boasts multiple ways to proc advance and charge, excellent combat buffs via Frenzied Devotion for +1 attack and weapon skill, and it also gets 12 resurgence points thanks to Deeds that Speak to the Masses. This means the Custodes are effectively playing against 6 bricks of Metamorphs, a unit I have bodied Warden bricks with many a time, should their opponent choose. It is simply too much damage 2 for the Wardens to weather, I fear, and there is an entire army of MSU wrapped around it to shut down Custodes scoring and drown them over the game. In the event, the Emperor's Guard proved unable to withstand the frenzied brutality of the cults.

Result

Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation) Victory - 87 - 61

Tay Tay - Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation) - 1st Place

Genestealer Cults Acolyte Iconward. Credit: That Gobbo

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Xenocreed Melee Brawl

Thoughts

As alluded to above, a sensational combat list for punching up into enemy infantry and hordes. Xenocreed is quicky, has access to a tonne of flamers, and can juice up it's melee to body enemy infantry through Biophagus inspired Metamorph units. Mech skew can be an issue for it, but as the meta shifts back towards infantry armies, it might just have a place for GSC players looking to explore something a bit different. Phenomenal work on the event win!!!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Peter Oneill - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Plague Marine / Daemon Prince Virulent with plenty of Drones.
3rd - Harry Barden - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): The heroic Wardens list from the Showdown.
4th - Matthew Gardner - Black Templars (Firestorm Assault Force): Vicious double Redeemer Firestorm with plenty of the new Black Templars toys plugged in.
5th - Jayden Whitehair - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): Wolf-brick Gladius with the Terminators, Ragnar brick, and CANIS in support.
6th - Alex Jonker - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, a Gallant, a Castellan, some Armigers, some Agents.

6. 40KingsCup (OTV) Ironman

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Emden, NDS, Deutschland on September 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Till Jänke - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

Lhykhis. Credit: James "Boon" Kelling

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Aspect Host

CHARACTERS

Autarch (85 points) • 1x Dragon fusion gun 1x Star glaive

Fuegan (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Fire Axe 1x Searsong

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

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 3x Shuriken pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fire Dragons (220 points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Firepike • 9x Fire Dragon • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (95 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 (95 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

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

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

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

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

Warp Spiders (95 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Powerblade array • 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

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

Archetype

30 Hawk Violence

Thoughts

The all-in on Hawks from WTC continues to make waves, and this variant plugs a Wraithlord in for some cheeky backline shooting or early durability on the objectives. The reach and punch on this Eldar book is absolutely insane - you have to time the moment correctly, but when the mortal wounds, lethals, and Fuegan melta are all unleashed they can evaporate entire portions of the board, and then move on to the next one. One of the strongest lists currently doing the rounds in singles. Incredible work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Thorben Damrau - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager): Triple Ravager / Triple Scourge / Triple Talos Reaper, ready to ruin a vehicle's day.
3rd - Adrijano Ilic - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven Goodstuff with the Terminator brick in sway.
4th - Alexander Gröschl - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Textbook Host horde, Innes Wilson style.

Wrap Up

There we are folks! With the impact of the emergency patch starting to tell, we can see a number of fresh competitors emerging out from under the Knight boot. GSC and Thousand Sons both seem to be thriving, Black Templars have announced themselves quite decisively, and the elf menace isn't going anywhere just yet either. How will subsequent rules changes impact things?! Time will tell!

Have fun out there and slay at the hams.

Lowest of Men, out.

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: Elf Actualisation pt.2

Smite Club Open 2025 - 40K World Championships Qualifier

Jason Flanzer - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Donovan Sailo - Grey Knights (Banishers) - 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jacob Wagner - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Wyatt Harris - Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Bloodshed Bay

Adam Westmanchesterfield - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Anthony Fung - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) - 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jeremy "Curie" Atkinson - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Chris martens - Aeldari (Warhost) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

The Bendigo Open 2025

Michael Hamilton - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Warhammer 40K Midtcon Fall 2025

Martin Bræmer Nielsen - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Battle in the Bush 11

The Showdown

Linchpin - Search and Destroy

Thoughts

Result

Tay Tay - Genestealer Cult (Xenocreed Congregation) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

6. 40KingsCup (OTV) Ironman

Till Jänke - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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