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.

Part 2 on Friday:

Racoon Rumble 2025
Madness in the Middle - 40K GT
BrewHammer GT 8
Beast Coast Gaming Fall Brawl GT
The Sandstorm GT @ tabletop.me
The Hogtowner 2025

Part 1 on Wednesday:

Warhammer 40,000 - 2025 World Championships of Warhammer
CollectorMania Premier GT Winter 2025
Silverdale Vortex VFT GT (nov 8-9/25)
Manawatu Maelstrom 2025
The Innsmouth Slaughter 40k GT
Segmentum Reval II

Part 3 on Saturday:

Broadsword Wargaming 40K ITC Seasonal Major VIII
40k Brawl - November 2025
Dark Sphere November Major
Midgards November 40k ITC Grand Tournament
Turkeys and Terminators Geek Shack GT

Racoon Rumble 2025

197-player 6-round Grand Touranament in Germany on November 8th 2025. All the lists for the event can be found in Tabletop Herald.

Kayu Orellana - Tyrands (Vanguard Onslaught) - 1st Place

Ravener Wrecker and Tremorscythe Credit: NotThatHenryC

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

raccoon 25 (2000 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Vanguard Onslaught

CHARACTERS

Deathleaper (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Hyperadapted Raveners (185 points) • 1x Ravener Prime • 1x Prime claws and talons • Enhancement: Neuronode • 4x Raveners • 4x Ravener heavy claws and talons 1x Venom bolt

Hyperadapted Raveners (165 points) • 1x Ravener Prime • 1x Prime claws and talons • 4x Raveners • 4x Ravener heavy claws and talons 1x Venom bolt

Hyperadapted Raveners (165 points) • 1x Ravener Prime • 1x Prime claws and talons • 4x Raveners • 4x Ravener heavy claws and talons 1x Venom bolt

BATTLELINE

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Exocrine (140 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

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

Neurolictor (70 points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

Raveners (125 points) • 5x Ravener • 5x Ravener claws and talons

Tyrannofex (200 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Tyrannofex (200 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Von Ryan’s Leapers (140 points) • 6x Von Ryan’s Leaper • 6x Leaper’s talons

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Vanguard with Chonk

Thoughts

The Tyranids are quietly reappearing at the top of the game lately, and I am here for it. A nice Vanguard Onslaught in the Greg Chamberlain style here, blending speedy offence from Raveners and Leapers with a chunky anchor of Tyrannofex and a Maleceptor. The combat tricks make the Raveners especially sing, but lists like these have a bit more heft for actually surviving on circles, which can be an issue for many of the 'Vanguard' units. Great to see this detachment doing well, very well done on the win!

Luis Stiemerling - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

War Dog Stalker. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Knights + DETACHMENT: Infernal Lance (Malefic Surge) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + TEAM: Zugzwang [Team Styria Outpost Berlin] + WARLORD: Char1: Knight Despoiler + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 9 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (6x2) + (3x6) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Knight Despoiler (375 pts): Warlord, Titanic feet, Ruinspear rocket pod, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Diabolus heavy stubber Char2: 1x Knight Despoiler (375 pts): Titanic feet, Ruinspear rocket pod, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Diabolus heavy stubber Char3: 1x Knight Despoiler (375 pts): Titanic feet, Ruinspear rocket pod, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Despoiler gatling cannon, Heavy darkflamer, Diabolus heavy stubber

1x War Dog Karnivore (150 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (150 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Karnivore (150 pts): Reaper chaintalon, Slaughterclaw, Havoc multi-launcher 1x War Dog Stalker (140 pts): Havoc multi-launcher, Daemonbreath spear, Slaughterclaw 1x War Dog Stalker (140 pts): Havoc multi-launcher, Daemonbreath spear, Slaughterclaw 1x War Dog Stalker (140 pts): Havoc multi-launcher, Daemonbreath spear, Slaughterclaw

Archetype

Triple Despoiler!

Thoughts

CK do CK things, as the Triple Despoiler list claims another top placing. No Daemons here, just pure War Dog out ahead of the big guns - the fact you still get six of these whilst still throwing down a brutal hail of fire behind them is quite something. Infernal Lance is firmly established as THE way to play Chaos Knights now, and this is one of the lists to beat out there in the wild. Fantastic work on the top placing.

Fabian Bader - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

LEIF IS LEIF . . . na na na na na

Name: Fabian Bader Factions used: Adepta Sororitas Detachments used: Hallowed Matyrs Enhancements: Saintly Example - Canoness , Through Suffering, Strength - Palatine ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Junith Eruita (80 pts), Bringerin der Gelegenheit, 1 with Mace of Castigation, Twin Ministorum Heavy Flamer

Char2: 1x Morvenn Vahl (170 pts), Zerstörerin deines Unglaubens, 1 with Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon missile launcher • Warlord

Char3: 1x Canoness (60 pts), Bringerin des guten Schicksals 1 with Hallowed Chainsword, Inferno pistol • Null Rod Enhancement: Saintly Example (+10 pts)

Char4: 1x Canoness (50 pts), Enervierende Heilige des wohlwollenden sechseitigen Artefaktes, 1 with Hallowed Chainsword, Inferno pistol • Null Rod

Char5: 1x Canoness with Jump Pack (75 pts) Erlöserin via Rapido Ingressino, 1 with Blessed Halberd

Char6: 1x Hospitaller (50 pts), Heilende Hand der Frau, 1 with Bolt pistol, Chirugeon's tools

Char7: 1x Palatine (75 pts), Überbringerin des Überraschenden Schmerzes 1 with Palatine blade, Plasma pistol Enhancement: Through Suffering, Strength (+25 pts)

Char8: 1x Palatine (50 pts), vorpreschende Madame, 1 with Palatine blade, Plasma pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Arco-Flagellants (140 pts), Leidende Männer der Peitsche • 10x Arco-Flagellant 10 with Arco-flails

10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts), französischen Austauschschwestern, • 1x Sacresant Superior 1 with Spear of the Faithful, Inferno pistol • Celestian Sacresant • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Anointed Halberd) 9 with Anointed Halberd, Bolt pistol • Celestian Sacresant

10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts), Frauen des streichenden Knüppels • 1x Sacresant Superior 1 with Spear of the Faithful, Inferno pistol • Celestian Sacresant • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace) 9 with Bolt pistol, Hallowed Mace • Celestian Sacresant

10x Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 pts), Schwestern der Windeseile • 1x Novitiate Superior 1 with Plasma pistol, Power weapon • Novitiate Superior • 2x Novitiate with Ministorum Flamer 2 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Ministorum flamer • Sister Novitiate • 1x Novitiate with Sacred Banner 1 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon • Sacred Banner, Sister Novitiate • 1x Novitiate with Simulacrum Imperialis 1 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon • Simulacrum Imperialis, Sister Novitiate • 5x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon) 5 with Autopistol, Novitiate melee weapon • Sister Novitiate

5x Zephyrim Squad (80 pts), rasch eindringende Damen, • 1x Zephyrim Superior 1 with Power Weapon, Plasma pistol • Sacred Banner • 4x Zephyrim 4 with Bolt pistol, Power Weapon

1x Castigator (160 pts), Feuerrohr des Glaubens 1 with Armoured tracks, 3x Heavy bolter, Castigator autocannons, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

1x Castigator (160 pts), Feuerrohr der Hoffnung 1 with Armoured tracks, 3x Heavy bolter, Castigator battle cannon, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

1x Castigator (160 pts), Feuerrohr der Erlösung 1 with Armoured tracks, 3x Heavy bolter, Castigator autocannons, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

3x Paragon Warsuits (210 pts), Meine treuen Frauen, • 1x Paragon Superior 1 with Bolt pistol, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade, Multi-melta • Paragon Superior • 2x Paragon Warsuit 2 with Bolt pistol, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade, Multi-melta • Paragon Warsuit

1x Immolator (115 pts), Dicke Berta, 1 with Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta

Archetype

Hallowed Martyrs Character Spam

Thoughts

A thin line of resurrecting characters out ahead of a trio of Castigators and Vahl is doing work for the Hallowed Martyrs Sisters right now. Capable of no-selling shooting armies and baiting out the melee ones for minimal cost, the toolkit can grind out games into a huge spread of meta armies. Sacrosancts give you an additional line of defence to protect the nuns with the guns. If there's a top three armies in the game right now, Sisters are in it, and the second lease of life the booking is having speaks volumes for recent balance attention. Sensational work on the top place.

Pau Poensgen - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Emperor’s Children Coterie of the Conceited Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 Points) • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon

Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 Points) • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon

3x Lord Exultant (80 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Phoenix power spear • 1x Rapture lash

Lucius the Eternal (150 Points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of the Laer • 1x Lash of Torment

BATTLELINE

3x Infractors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Infractor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Duelling sabre ◦ 1x Icon of Excess

2x Tormentors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Rapture lash • 4x Tormentor ◦ 2x Boltgun ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Icon of Excess ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

3x Chaos Rhino (80 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flawless Blades (110 Points) • 3x Flawless Blade ◦ 3x Blissblade ◦ 3x Bolt pistol

3x Noise Marines (145 Points) • 1x Disharmonist ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine ◦ 2x Blastmaster ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Sonic blaster

Archetype

Triple Rhino Coteries

Thoughts

EC lists have to pick SOMETHING to take three of- in this case Noise bois, Infractors and Rhinos get the nod. That gives you tremendous tempo-setting ability, with the surging scout Rhinos and the waves of disembarking contents keeping the unwary on the back foot all game. By the time the Coteries buffs are up the Daemon Princes are ready to waltz out and finish the job. Amazing work on the top placing!

The Best of the Rest

There were 17 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

5th - Johannes Brandenburg - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Mixed arms WE with Forgefiends and Eightbound.
6th - Niklas Frerichs - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Coteries goodstuff.
7th - Julian Lange - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Grand Coven Rubric spam with Predator Annihilators.
8th - Manuel Wayand - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Triple Berzerker squads in a well rounded WE build.
9th - Pascal Haberstroh - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Destroyers and Disintegrators lurking behind a wall of Ruststalkers.
10th - Wesselin Georgiev - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): Terminator brick Space Wolves with Blood Claws and Ragnar as well as a few Lancers.
11th - Christian Breuer - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Mixed arms World Eaters.
12th - Martin Nguyen - Imperial Fists (Stormlance Task Force): Deliciously weird Imperial Fists Storm Lance with Lysander, and multiple Bladeguard bricks with Judiciars. Amazing.
13th - Pierre Debey - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Mixed arms World Eaters (who sure were in vogue at this event- WTC terrain I imagine!) and the Daemon Prince of Khorne.
14th - Grischa Gerwert - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Ultramarines Gladius.
15th - Ruben Goldmann - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force): Dark Angels Stormlance with triple Redemptors, the Lion, and lots of Deathwing Knights.
16th - Matthias Bellmann - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Glorious Avatar Aspect Host, a man after my own heart!
17th - Nikolai Stocks - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): All-in with the Ruststalkers baby.
18th - Immanuel Wolf - Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners): Sensational Tallyband Summoners with Morty and multiple GUOs.
19th - Jasper Lange - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband): Delicious Hearthband Heroism, love to see it. A casual 25 Hearthguard.
20th - Gunnar Rümpel - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Canis leading four other big bois to war in Questories.
21st - Sami Amr - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Abaddon gunline Pactbound with Vashtorr alongside them.

Madness in the Middle - 40K GT

48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Utrecht, UT, Netherlands on November 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dino Kho - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

World Eaters Berzerker Warband Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Khârn the Betrayer (100 Points) • 1x Gorechild • 1x Plasma pistol

Lord on Juggernaut (105 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bladed horn • 1x Exalted chainblade • 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancements: Favoured of Khorne

Lord on Juggernaut (90 Points) • 1x Bladed horn • 1x Exalted chainblade • 1x Plasma pistol

Slaughterbound (110 Points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

Khorne Berzerkers (360 Points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion ◦ 1x Chainblade ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 19x Khorne Berzerker ◦ 15x Bolt pistol ◦ 15x Chainblade ◦ 1x Icon of Khorne ◦ 4x Khornate eviscerator ◦ 4x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (360 Points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion ◦ 1x Chainblade ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 19x Khorne Berzerker ◦ 15x Bolt pistol ◦ 15x Chainblade ◦ 1x Icon of Khorne ◦ 4x Khornate eviscerator ◦ 4x Plasma pistol

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (90 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (90 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (90 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Eightbound (135 Points) • 1x Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 Points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion ◦ 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound ◦ 2x Chainblades

Jakhals (65 Points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured ◦ 1x Paired manglers • 8x Jakhal ◦ 8x Autopistol ◦ 7x Chainblades ◦ 1x Icon of Khorne ◦ 1x Mauler chainblade

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (1), Data Version: v705 Verstuurd vanaf mijn iPhone

Archetype

Berzerkers in Moderation

Thoughts

International veteran Dino takes a well earned event win with the World Eaters here. A lot of the lists are starting to trim back from the full Berzerker spam horrors of WTC, integrating a wider toolkit to support the blood surging bricks. This list finds a nice balance with Eightbound and Spawn trading that buys you more time before the send, if you need it. If you don't? You're a World Eaters player, you send it! Amazing work mate.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Arjan Fintelman - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple Despoiler / Nurgle Daemons strikes again!
3rd - Xandor Tollenaar - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): MSU Destroyer melee and Doomsday Arks in Awakened.
4th - JC van der Lee - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Berzerker bricks and Eightbound.
5th - Amelia Pollard - Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): Double Norn and double Tyrannofex in Synaptic.
6th - Youri Ommering - Drukhari (Kabalite Cartel): Shooting oriented Kabalite Cartel with Scourge, Ravagers and Kabalites.
7th - Ruud Steenbakkers - Drukhari (Kabalite Cartel): Massed Incubi and Ravagers using the excellent damage buffs in Cartel.
8th - Cees Jan Stam - Drukhari (Kabalite Cartel): FOUR Scourge squads as well as a ten brick of Mandrakes in another interesting take on Cartel.

BrewHammer GT 8

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Scotland, GB on November 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Richard Simms - Aeldari (Warhost) - 1st Place

Dire Avengers. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Aeldari + DETACHMENT: War Host + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Eldrad Ulthran + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Asurmen (125 pts) 1 with The Bloody Twins, The Sword of Asur

Char2: 1x Eldrad Ulthran (110 pts) 1 with Mind War, Shuriken Pistol, Staff of Ulthamar and witchblade • Warlord

Char3: 1x Fuegan (120 pts) 1 with Searsong, The Fire Axe

Char4: 1x Jain Zar (105 pts) 1 with Silent Death, The Blade of Destruction

Char5: 1x Lhykhis (120 pts) 1 with Brood Twain, Spider's Fangs, Weaverender

BATTLELINE

11x Storm Guardians (100 pts) • 4x Storm Guardian 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Shuriken Pistol • Storm Guardian • 2x Storm Guardian with Flamer 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Flamer • Storm Guardian • 2x Storm Guardian with Fusion Gun 2 with Close Combat Weapon, Fusion gun • Storm Guardian • 2x Storm Guardian with Power Sword 2 with Power sword, Shuriken Pistol • Storm Guardian • 1x Serpent's Scale Platform 1 with Close Combat Weapon • Serpent's Scale Platform, Serpent Shield

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Dire Avengers (150 pts) • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch 1 with Close Combat Weapon, 2x Avenger Shuriken Catapult • Dire Avenger Exarch • 9x Dire Avenger 9 with Avenger Shuriken Catapult, Close Combat Weapon • Dire Avenger • 2x Aspect Shrine Token

10x Fire Dragons (220 pts) • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Firepike • Fire Dragon Exarch • 9x Fire Dragon 9 with Close combat weapon, Dragon Fusion Gun • Fire Dragon • 2x Aspect Shrine Token

5x Howling Banshees (95 pts) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch 1 with Executioner, Shuriken Pistol • Howling Banshee Exarch • 4x Howling Banshee 4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol • Howling Banshee • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Howling Banshees (95 pts) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch 1 with Executioner, Shuriken Pistol • Howling Banshee Exarch • 4x Howling Banshee 4 with Banshee Blade, Shuriken Pistol • Howling Banshee • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Rangers (55 pts) • 5x Ranger 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Long rifle, Shuriken Pistol • Rangers

5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Hawk's Talon • Swooping Hawk Exarch • 4x Swooping Hawk 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster • Swooping Hawk • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Swooping Hawks (85 pts) • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch 1 with Close combat weapon, Hawk's Talon • Swooping Hawk Exarch • 4x Swooping Hawk 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasblaster • Swooping Hawk • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch 1 with Close Combat Weapon, 1 Powerblade array • Warp Spider Exarch • 4x Warp Spider 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner • Warp Spider • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle • Warp Spider Exarch • 4x Warp Spider 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner • Warp Spider • Aspect Shrine Token

5x Warp Spiders (95 pts) • 1x Warp Spider Exarch 1 with Close Combat Weapon, Death Weavers, Spinneret Rifle • Warp Spider Exarch • 4x Warp Spider 4 with Close Combat Weapon, Death spinner • Warp Spider • Aspect Shrine Token

1x Wave Serpent (125 pts) 1 with Wraithbone Hull, Shuriken Cannon, Twin Bright Lance

1x Wave Serpent (125 pts) 1 with Wraithbone Hull, Shuriken Cannon, Twin Bright Lance

Archetype

Double Serpent Warhost

Thoughts

Chunky non-interactive nonsense here, as Asurmen brings the FULL TEN Avengers to help whittle down hordes, and give you multiple Fire and Fading units to chew through the opponent over several turns. I think the toolkit in Warhost is looking more and more appealing as Eldar try to grapple armies who are more prepared for them, and I am a known double Wave Serpent enjoyer. Loads to like here! Very well done on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Allan Davidson - Orks (War Horde): War Horde violence with the Ghaz brick and a big brick of Nobz.
3rd - Garron Owen - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): Raven Guard Goodstuff.
4th - Joe Robertson - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Warrior brick, Silent King, DDA Starshatter.
5th - Brodie Atkinson - Aeldari (Ghosts of the Webway): Exceptionally cool Ghosts of the Webway transport and Skyweaver spam. LOVE THIS.
6th - Andy Munden - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Guard and Warden bricks in Shield Host.
7th - Scott Pirie - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): A spicy Incursion list with a Knight Tyrant backing up Belly and two big red Greater Daemons. You can guess which ones.
8th - Paul Eunson - Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Massed Rhinos Creations of Bile.

Beast Coast Gaming Fall Brawl GT

35-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Saint John, NB, Canada on November 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) versus Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners)

Mitchell Dorcas - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre)

Army List - Click to Expand

Rootin', tootin', poitin' and shootin' (1995 points)

T'au Empire Strike Force (2000 points) Retaliation Cadre

CHARACTERS

Commander Farsight (85 points) • 1x Dawn Blade 1x High-intensity plasma rifle

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (110 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon 1x Cyclic ion blaster 1x High-output burst cannon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Prototype Weapon System

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (95 points) • 1x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone

Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Cyclic ion blaster 1x Marker Drone 3x Missile pod 1x Shield Drone • Enhancement: Starflare Ignition System

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (120 points) • 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Gun Drone 2x Missile pod 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Gun Drone 4x Missile pod 2x Shield Drone

Crisis Starscythe Battlesuits (110 points) • 1x Crisis Starscythe Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon 1x Gun Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Starscythe Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 4x Burst cannon 2x Gun Drone 2x Shield Drone

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

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (140 points) • 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 2x Gun Drone 2x Shield Drone

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (140 points) • 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit fists 2x Fusion blaster 1x Gun Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 4x Fusion blaster 2x Gun Drone 2x Shield Drone

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Cyclic ion raker 1x Ghostkeel fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

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

Krootox Riders (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Krootox fists 1x Repeater cannon

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 2x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol 1x Recon Drone • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher

Pathfinder Team (90 points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Grav-inhibitor Drone 2x Gun Drone 1x Pulse carbine 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Pathfinder • 9x Close combat weapon 3x Ion rifle 6x Pulse carbine 9x Pulse pistol 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher

Riptide Battlesuit (190 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Riptide Battlesuit (190 points) • 1x Ion accelerator 2x Missile Drone 1x Riptide fists 1x Twin fusion blaster

Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (80 points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre • 1x Battlesuit Support System 1x Battlesuit fists 1x Fusion blaster 1x Homing Beacon 1x Marker Drone 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui • 2x Battlesuit fists 2x Burst cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

vs.

Andrew Gillett - Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners)

Army List - Click to Expand

Dad Bod (2000 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Tallyband Summoners

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Nurgle (215 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Beckoning Blight

Great Unclean One (250 points) • 1x Bilesword 1x Plague flail 1x Putrid vomit

Great Unclean One (250 points) • 1x Bilesword 1x Plague flail 1x Putrid vomit

Lord of Contagion (130 points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancement: Fell Harvester

Mortarion (380 points) • Warlord • 1x Lantern 1x Rotwind 1x Silence

Rotigus (250 points) • 1x Gnarlrod 1x Streams of brackish filth

BATTLELINE

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Deathshroud Terminators (160 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Poxwalkers (65 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Thoughts

Ok, a somewhat odd match up here that merits a little bit of unpacking. Tallyband Summoners appears to be seeing something of a mini moment, with a few lists placing high. This combination of Mortarion and lots of GUOs is a toughness skew that can overwhelm certain armies, and it has excellent 6 inch delivery options via tools in the Detachment and the Deathshroud. I think it's awesome that this underexplored detachment is seeing love, and it is definitely a lot stronger than it initially appears.

What it isn't going to love, sadly, is fire and fading relocating rerolling anti-monster melta guns. And guess what Retaliation Cadre is packing? The buffs in Ret Cadre will slice through hard targets and hordes alike fairly trivially. The non-interactive nature of some of the options available to it also mean that a slow army dependant on certain narrow lines of attack (like the Tallyband) will not be able to lay a glove on it before they get eviscerated. In the event, this made for a somewhat onesided final! The Greater Good takes it.

Result

T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) Victory - 81 - 56

Mitchell Dorcas - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) - 1st Place

Commander Farsight. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Retaliation Cadre

Thoughts

T'au rise ever onwards, much as they do in the lore! Retaliation Cadre is a techy players dream, able to mix and match Commander, enhancement and battlesuit specification roles to solve a wide range of problems. The ability to relocate multiple Crisis units via Fire and Fade and Uppy Downy is exceptionally strong, and if the opponent tries to push into you to stop the madness, the Riptides are waiting. This list goes very light on supporting chaff but has SO much firepower and tools for all the challenges that might come it's way. Amazing work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Wes Roderick Pauley - Astra Militarum (Mechanised Assault): Full-blown Taurox spam in Mechanised with lots of little Scions units.
3rd - Daniel Caux - Chaos Space Marines (Veterans of the Long War): Liam VSL style Veterans of the Long War.
4th - David Stewart - World Eaters (Possessed Slaughterband): Massed Eightbound and Exalted Eightbound in Slaughterband.
5th - Dan Brunger - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): MSU Bloodletters and Daemonettes in Incursion with a Thirster backing them up.
6th - Andrew Gillett - Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners): The epic Tallyband list from the final.

The Sandstorm GT @ tabletop.me

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on November 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

kasper wennerby - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

Falcon. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

There once was a terror named Magnus then he met Fire dragons (2000 Points)

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Asurmen (125 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bloody Twins • 1x Sword of Asur

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Dire Avengers (75 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch ◦ 2x Avenger shuriken catapult ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Dire Avenger ◦ 4x Avenger shuriken catapult ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

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

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

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

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

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

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 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 Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Exarch's lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x 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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (1), Data Version: v705

Archetype

All-in Aspect Host

Thoughts

Aspect Host continues to run away with the event wins at a quite alarming rate. This powerful, non-interactive detachment has eaten well these last few weeks, laying low suggestions it would fall down against a new emerging pressure meta. Ultimately, Aspect Host is faster, and hits harder, than an awful lot of armies, and that is always going to give it an edge even in match ups it is likely to lose. The Asurmen / Fuegan double act is doing great work, giving you anti mech and anti-infantry shooting you can recycle for multiple turns to establish a dominant position in-game. Amazing work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Artemiy Litunov - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double C'tan, Silent King, and DDA Starshatter.
3rd - Matt Pugh - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Champions of Faith Sacrosanct spam.
4th - James Phillips - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Morty and mini-Morty in Virulent.
5th - Matt Ed - Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Finely balanced Custodes with a Land Raider, Praetors and infantry bricks. Baller list.

The Hogtowner 2025

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Toronto, ON, Canada on November 08 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Clayton Monture - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

World Eaters Master of Executions. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The Power of Friendship and Skulls (2000 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Berzerker Warband

CHARACTERS

Khârn the Betrayer (100 points) • 1x Gorechild 1x Plasma pistol

Master of Executions (85 points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancement: Berzerker Glaive

Slaughterbound (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancement: Favoured of Khorne

Slaughterbound (85 points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw

Slaughterbound (95 points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancement: Battle-lust

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (90 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Chaos Spawn (90 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Eightbound (135 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Eightbound (135 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Eightbound (135 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Goremongers (85 points) • 1x Blood Herald • 1x Autopistol 1x Chainblade 1x Close combat weapon • 7x Goremongers • 7x Autopistol 1x Blood harpoon 6x Chainblade 7x Close combat weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Deliciousness

Thoughts

What if you went HARD into Eightbound and Slaughterbound, and put those silly Forgefiends back on the shelf? Well, my friend, you win the event! Love this list, which avoids building too hard into the Berzerker blood surge (but still maintains some threat via those tools), and instead packs mini-missile characters and trading units in. This list can play a patient game, or overload at will, and every small unit can kill its bodyweight and more if it connects. Really love these MSU bound lists, fantastic work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Marc-Andre Michaud - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): MSU Liberator melee with a brick of Sang Guard and Death Company as well as a few backline tanks.
3rd - Alastair MacNicol - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Berzerker Warband with Angron, as the lord intended.
4th - Kevin Lawson - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Norn / Tyrannofex Invasion Fleet with lots of little bugs out ahead.
5th - Phillip Budd - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double Psychomancer / Lychguard / Wraith brick Awakened - old school!

Wrap Up

There you have it folks - the age of Elves, Chaos Knights, T'au and others continues. It looks like a ranged board control meta, broadly speaking, but it was awesome to see a bunch of different World Eaters builds breaking through this week and even claiming an event win. The battle for supremacy goes on - Ultramarines will surely be looking to have their say on it in the weeks to come too! Have fun out there.

Lowest of Men, out.

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: Elves and Robots pt.2

Racoon Rumble 2025

Kayu Orellana - Tyrands (Vanguard Onslaught) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Luis Stiemerling - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Fabian Bader - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Pau Poensgen - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Madness in the Middle - 40K GT

Dino Kho - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

BrewHammer GT 8

Richard Simms - Aeldari (Warhost) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Beast Coast Gaming Fall Brawl GT

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) versus Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners)

Thoughts

Result

Mitchell Dorcas - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

The Sandstorm GT @ tabletop.me

kasper wennerby - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

The Hogtowner 2025

Clayton Monture - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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