Welcome to another Top 10 Warhammer 40K Lists article, the monthly overview from Grimhammer Tactics covering the top performing Warhammer 40K lists for the month.
See all previous versions and the current edition of my Top 10 Warhammer 40K lists here.
Hoping you all had a great Christmas break. I am back at it this week with a look at the top 10 competitive Warhammer 40K lists for the month of December 2025. Since the Q4 Balance Dataslate dropped earlier in the month, I’m going to be highlighting the top lists from events that used the dataslate. The players and lists featured here won major events over the month. Let’s get into it!
1. David Smith – Astra Militarum – Rise of the Empire GT 2025
Click to see the List
63rd Drop Bears Veterans (1990 Points)
Astra Militarum
Grizzled Company
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
CHARACTERS
Cadian Command Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Cadian Commander
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Laspistol
◦ 1x Plasma gun
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Master Vox
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma gun
Commissar (50 Points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Power weapon
• Enhancements: Abhuman Detail
Gaunt’s Ghosts (100 Points)
• 1x Ibram Gaunt
◦ 1x Bolt Pistol
◦ 1x Gaunt’s chainsword
• 1x Colm Corbec
◦ 1x Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Elim Rawne
◦ 1x Rawne’s lascarbine
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Hlaine Larkin
◦ 1x Larkin’s long-las
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x ’Try Again’ Bragg
◦ 1x Bragg’s autocannon
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Oan Mkoll
◦ 1x Lascarbine
◦ 1x Mkoll’s straight silver knife
Lord Solar Leontus (130 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Conquest
• 1x Konstantin’s hooves
• 1x Sol’s Righteous Gaze
BATTLELINE
Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points)
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sergeant’s autogun
• 9x Shock Trooper
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
DEDICATED TRANSPORTS
Chimera (85 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lasgun array
Chimera (85 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lasgun array
OTHER DATASHEETS
Attilan Rough Riders (120 Points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
◦ 1x Hunting lance
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Laspistol
◦ 1x Steed’s hooves
• 9x Rough Rider
◦ 9x Hunting lance
◦ 9x Lasgun
◦ 9x Laspistol
◦ 9x Steed’s hooves
Attilan Rough Riders (120 Points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
◦ 1x Hunting lance
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Laspistol
◦ 1x Steed’s hooves
• 9x Rough Rider
◦ 9x Hunting lance
◦ 9x Lasgun
◦ 9x Laspistol
◦ 9x Steed’s hooves
Bullgryn Squad (200 Points)
• 1x Bullgryn Bone ’ead
◦ 1x Brute Shield
◦ 1x Bullgryn maul
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 5x Bullgryn
◦ 5x Brute Shield
◦ 5x Bullgryn maul
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
Cadian Heavy Weapons Squad (65 Points)
• 3x Heavy Weapon Team
◦ 3x Laspistol
◦ 3x Mortar
◦ 3x Weapons team close combat weapons
Kasrkin (110 Points)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
◦ 1x Melta Mine
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
Kasrkin (110 Points)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
◦ 1x Melta Mine
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 2x Heavy flamer
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Vanquisher battle cannon
Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Vanquisher battle cannon
Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Vanquisher battle cannon
Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Coaxial autocannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 2x Heavy stubber
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Oppressor cannon
• 1x Pulveriser cannon
David Smith took the Astra Militarum all the way to the top with the new Grizzled Company Detachment in the largest post-Q4 Balance Dataslate event in December. Astra Militarum got a huge glow-up over Grotmas with the new detachment and it turns out being able to issue multiple orders, re-roll hits of 1 and wound rolls against enemies on objectives, as well as pop -1 AP on incoming attacks on Leman Russ and Rogal Dorn Battle Tanks is pretty darn good? Not to mention the Commissar joining Bullgryn with the Abhuman Detail Enhancement letting them get +1 to hit (with re-rolls for being under an order). I’ve mentioned it over on my Facebook page, but I feel strongly that Grizzled Company is the only S-tier army as of this moment. I expect more big results from them as 2026 comes into view and we start heading into the last 6 months or so of 10th edition.
2. Matt Charles – Blood Angels – Da Winter Waaagh 2025
Click to see the List
Last-minute. com (2000 points)
Space Marines
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Rage-cursed Onslaught
CHARACTERS
Captain with Jump Pack (100 points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Angel’s Fang
Captain with Jump Pack (75 points)
• 1x Relic Shield
1x Thunder hammer
Chaplain with Jump Pack (100 points)
• 1x Crozius arcanum
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Master of the Red Thirst
Commander Dante (120 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Perdition Pistol
1x The Axe Mortalis
Lemartes (100 points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x The Blood Crozius
Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
BATTLELINE
Intercessor Squad (80 points)
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Astartes grenade launcher
1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Thunder hammer
• 4x Intercessor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon
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
Baal Predator (125 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Baal flamestorm cannon
2x Heavy flamer
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
Baal Predator (125 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Baal flamestorm cannon
2x Heavy flamer
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (230 points)
• 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs
• 5x Astartes chainsword
2x Eviscerator
6x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Inferno pistol
2x Plasma pistol
3x Power fist
Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (230 points)
• 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs
• 5x Astartes chainsword
2x Eviscerator
6x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Inferno pistol
2x Plasma pistol
3x Power fist
Sanguinary Guard (125 points)
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
• 2x Angelus boltgun
3x Encarmine blade
1x Inferno pistol
1x Sanguinary Banner
Sanguinary Guard (125 points)
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
• 2x Angelus boltgun
3x Encarmine spear
1x Inferno pistol
1x Sanguinary Banner
Sanguinary Guard (125 points)
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
• 2x Angelus boltgun
3x Encarmine blade
1x Inferno pistol
1x Sanguinary Banner
Speaking of new detachments, Blood Angels were also gifted with some Grotmas love with the new Rage-Cursed Onslaught detachment and boy is it good! With built in re-rolls of 1s to wound and +1 attack on the Charge (and +2 if the unit is Battle Shocked), this Blood Angels detachment combines some of the best elements of Liberator Assault Group, Angelic Inheritors and The Lost Brethren into one aggressive ball of fury. With access to a suite of amazing strats like fight on death for Death Company units, “sticky” on an objective when a Blood Angels unit is destroyed, +1 Strength AND AP and more. The only thing missing from this detachment is access to Lance, but with Sanguinary Guard toting Encarmine Spears (with Lance built in) and Chaplains leading Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (and giving them +1 to wound in combat), losing Lance is hardly noticeable. This army is going to make big waves as we enter the post-Q4 Balance Dataslate meta. Matt took this army all the way to an undefeated finish and a top GT placing.
3. Jonathan Arkin – Dark Angels – Safety’s Off’s Second Coming of the Double Critmas Charity GT
Click to see the List
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
- FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Dark Angels
- DETACHMENT: Wrath of the Rock
- TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990pts
+ - WARLORD: Char2: Lion El’Jonson
- ENHANCEMENT: Deathwing Assault (on Char3: Ancient in Terminator Armor)
- NUMBER OF UNITS: 13
- SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) – Assassination: 5 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char1: 1x Azrael (115 pts): Lion’s Wrath, The Sword of Secrets
Char2: 1x Lion El’Jonson (315 pts): Warlord, Arma Luminis, Fealty
Char3: 1x Ancient in Terminator Armor (90 pts): Terminator Storm Shield, Thunder Hammer
Enhancement: Deathwing Assault (+15 pts)
Char4: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades
5x Deathwing Knights (250 pts): Watcher in the Dark
- 4x Deathwing Knight: 4 with Mace of absolution
- 1x Knight Master: Great Weapon of the Unforgiven
5x Deathwing Knights (250 pts): Watcher in the Dark
- 4x Deathwing Knight: 4 with Mace of absolution
- 1x Knight Master: Great Weapon of the Unforgiven
5x Desolation Squad (200 pts)
- 4x Desolation Marine: 4 with Bolt pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close combat weapon, Superkrak Rocket Launcher
- 1x Desolation Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close combat weapon, Vengor Launcher
3x Inceptor Squad (120 pts)
- 2x Inceptor: 2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma Exterminators
- 1x Inceptor Sergeant: Close combat weapon, Plasma Exterminators
6x Inner Circle Companions (180 pts): 6 with Calibanite Greatsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol
5x Scout Squad (70 pts)
- 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Astartes Chainsword
- 4x Scouts: 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Combat Knife
5x Scout Squad (70 pts)
- 2x Scout
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Missile Launcher
1 with Scout Squad, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle - 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Astartes Chainsword
- 2x Scouts: 2 with Astartes Shotgun, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon
1x Gladiator Lancer (160 pts): Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Lancer Laser Destroyer, 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
Char5: 1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts): Neural shredder, Phase sword and poison blades
If you follow the competitive 40K scene then you’ve probably heard of Jonathan aka Happy Krumpin’ Wargaming on YouTube. Jonathan breaks out the Dark Angels Wrath of the Rock and takes it to a top placing. Dark Angels didn’t really take any hits going into the post-Q4 Balance Dataslate meta, and in fact, got some buffs in the form of cheaper Ravenwing Black Knights (although they aren’t present in Jonathan’s list here). You might note that Jonathan has Azrael at 115 points in his list when he went up to 125 in the dataslate. Take a look at his total army list points at 1990 and it’s clear he was accounting for the point increase to Azrael here. Jonathan would end up beating Space Marines Victrix Honour Guard spam in the finals sealing up a top placing at the event. Interesting choice here are the Desolation Marines in the list which may be making a comeback as we enter the 2026 season. Being able to sit back on the home objective and fire indirect, or reach out and touch those nasty Victrix Honour Guard with Krak missiles at range before they close the gap is a great tech choice on Jonathan’s part. Dark Angels Wrath of the Rock is looking to be one of the stronger builds for Space Marines moving forward.
4. Innes Wilson – Blood Angels – Warhammer: 40,000 Charity GT for NFBNJ
Click to see the List
Ego Death at a New Jersey Charity GT (1995 points)
Space Marines
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Rage-cursed Onslaught
CHARACTERS
Captain with Jump Pack (75 points)
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Power fist
Chaplain with Jump Pack (105 points)
• 1x Crozius arcanum
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Carmine Reliquary
Chaplain with Jump Pack (100 points)
• 1x Crozius arcanum
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Master of the Red Thirst
Commander Dante (120 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Perdition Pistol
1x The Axe Mortalis
Lemartes (100 points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x The Blood Crozius
Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
BATTLELINE
Intercessor Squad (80 points)
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Astartes grenade launcher
1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon
OTHER DATASHEETS
Death Company Dreadnought (160 points)
• 1x Blood fist bolt rifles
1x Blood fists
1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber
1x Twin multi-melta
Death Company Dreadnought (160 points)
• 1x Blood fist bolt rifles
1x Blood fists
1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber
1x Twin multi-melta
Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (120 points)
• 5x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs
• 2x Astartes chainsword
1x Eviscerator
3x Heavy bolt pistol
1x Inferno pistol
1x Plasma pistol
2x Power fist
Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (230 points)
• 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs
• 5x Astartes chainsword
2x Eviscerator
6x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Inferno pistol
2x Plasma pistol
3x Power fist
Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (230 points)
• 10x Death Company Marine with Jump Packs
• 5x Astartes chainsword
2x Eviscerator
6x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Inferno pistol
2x Plasma pistol
3x Power fist
Sanguinary Guard (125 points)
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
• 2x Angelus boltgun
3x Encarmine spear
1x Inferno pistol
1x Sanguinary Banner
Sanguinary Guard (125 points)
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
• 2x Angelus boltgun
3x Encarmine spear
1x Inferno pistol
1x Sanguinary Banner
Sanguinary Guard (125 points)
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
• 2x Angelus boltgun
3x Encarmine spear
1x Inferno pistol
1x Sanguinary Banner
Scout Squad (70 points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Astartes chainsword
1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
4x Combat knife
Innes Wilson, the captain for Team Scotland, somehow finds himself in….New Jersey? Apparently he decided to hop in and join a GT while he was visiting the states and just happened to take the new Rage-Cursed Onslaught to an undefeated finish and top placing. Innes is one of the best players in the world at this point and he has built what may become the new Blood Angels meta staple in the form of double Death Company Dreadnoughts, 25 Death Company Marines with Jump Packs bodies and 3x 3 Sanguinary Guard. Another big finish for the Blood Angels post-Q4 Balance Dataslate. I expect we will see quite a few more to come as well.
5. Steve Trimble – Drukhari – Twin Dragons – Dragons Cup (Champions Only)
Click to see the List
Rip 60 Wyches (2000 Points)
Drukhari
Spectacle of Spite
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
CHARACTERS
Lady Malys (100 Points)
• 1x Lady’s Blade
• 1x Razor fan
Lelith Hesperax (85 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Lelith’s blades
Succubus (70 Points)
• 1x Archite glaive and agoniser
• Enhancements: Morghenna’s Curse
Succubus (50 Points)
• 1x Archite glaive and agoniser
Succubus (50 Points)
• 1x Archite glaive and agoniser
BATTLELINE
Wyches (90 Points)
• 1x Hekatrix
◦ 1x Blast pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Wych
◦ 3x Gladiatorial weapons
◦ 6x Hekatarii blade
◦ 6x Splinter pistol
Wyches (90 Points)
• 1x Hekatrix
◦ 1x Blast pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Wych
◦ 3x Gladiatorial weapons
◦ 6x Hekatarii blade
◦ 6x Splinter pistol
Wyches (90 Points)
• 1x Hekatrix
◦ 1x Blast pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Wych
◦ 3x Gladiatorial weapons
◦ 6x Hekatarii blade
◦ 6x Splinter pistol
Wyches (90 Points)
• 1x Hekatrix
◦ 1x Blast pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Wych
◦ 3x Gladiatorial weapons
◦ 6x Hekatarii blade
◦ 6x Splinter pistol
Wyches (90 Points)
• 1x Hekatrix
◦ 1x Blast pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Wych
◦ 3x Gladiatorial weapons
◦ 6x Hekatarii blade
◦ 6x Splinter pistol
DEDICATED TRANSPORTS
Raider (85 Points)
• 1x Bladevanes and chainsnares
• 1x Dark lance
Venom (70 Points)
• 1x Bladevanes
• 1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Splinter cannon
Venom (70 Points)
• 1x Bladevanes
• 1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Splinter cannon
Venom (70 Points)
• 1x Bladevanes
• 1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Splinter cannon
Venom (70 Points)
• 1x Bladevanes
• 1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Splinter cannon
OTHER DATASHEETS
Cronos (55 Points)
• 1x Spirit syphon
• 1x Spirit-leech tentacles
Hellions (170 Points)
• 1x Helliarch
◦ 1x Hellglaive
◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher
◦ 1x Power weapon
◦ 1x Splinter pistol
◦ 1x Splinter pods
• 9x Hellion
◦ 9x Hellglaive
◦ 9x Splinter pods
Hellions (85 Points)
• 1x Helliarch
◦ 1x Hellglaive
◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher
◦ 1x Power weapon
◦ 1x Splinter pistol
◦ 1x Splinter pods
• 4x Hellion
◦ 4x Hellglaive
◦ 4x Splinter pods
Hellions (170 Points)
• 1x Helliarch
◦ 1x Hellglaive
◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher
◦ 1x Power weapon
◦ 1x Splinter pistol
◦ 1x Splinter pods
• 9x Hellion
◦ 9x Hellglaive
◦ 9x Splinter pods
Reavers (140 Points)
• 1x Arena Champion
◦ 1x Bladevanes
◦ 1x Cluster caltrops
◦ 1x Heat lance
◦ 1x Splinter pistol
• 5x Reaver
◦ 5x Bladevanes
◦ 1x Cluster caltrops
◦ 1x Heat lance
◦ 5x Splinter pistol
◦ 4x Splinter rifle
Reavers (70 Points)
• 1x Arena Champion
◦ 1x Bladevanes
◦ 1x Cluster caltrops
◦ 1x Heat lance
◦ 1x Splinter pistol
• 2x Reaver
◦ 2x Bladevanes
◦ 2x Splinter pistol
◦ 2x Splinter rifle
Reavers (140 Points)
• 1x Arena Champion
◦ 1x Bladevanes
◦ 1x Cluster caltrops
◦ 1x Heat lance
◦ 1x Splinter pistol
• 5x Reaver
◦ 5x Bladevanes
◦ 1x Cluster caltrops
◦ 1x Heat lance
◦ 5x Splinter pistol
◦ 4x Splinter rifle
Steve Trimble returns to the top 10 lists with his Drukhari Spectacle of Spite. Featuring more Wyches and Hellions than probably anyone wants to ever see across the table from them, Steve takes the dark elves to another top finish. You may remember he was the only Drukhari player at the World Championships of Warhammer that took Spectacle of Spite, while others continued to ride Reaper’s Wager. Drukhari are setup for success going into the post-Q4 Balance Dataslate era and Spectacle of Spite is clearly the front-runner competitive detachment in the codex. Expect to continue to see big results for Drukhari moving on into 2026 as they sit firmly as an A-tier army in the meta.
6. Jordan McGregor – Chaos Daemons – Gash Hammer End of Year GT – The Shark Tank!
Click to see the List
Hope I Don’t Draw Action Secondaries (2000 points)
Chaos Daemons
Strike Force (2000 points)
Scintillating Legion
CHARACTERS
Be’lakor (375 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Betraying Shades
1x The Blade of Shadows
Daemon Prince of Chaos with Wings (200 points)
• Daemonic Allegiance: Tzeentch
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancement: Neverblade
Kairos Fateweaver (285 points)
• 1x Infernal Gateway
1x Staff of Tomorrow
Lord of Change (280 points)
• 1x Bolt of Change
1x Rod of sorcery
1x Staff of Tzeentch
• Enhancement: Infernal Puppeteer
Lord of Change (300 points)
• 1x Bolt of Change
1x Rod of sorcery
1x Staff of Tzeentch
• Enhancement: Improbable Shield (Aura)
Lord of Change (270 points)
• 1x Bolt of Change
1x Rod of sorcery
1x Staff of Tzeentch
OTHER DATASHEETS
Flamers (65 points)
• 1x Pyrocaster
• 1x Flamer mouths
1x Flickering flames
• 2x Flamer
• 2x Flamer mouths
2x Flickering flames
Flamers (65 points)
• 1x Pyrocaster
• 1x Flamer mouths
1x Flickering flames
• 2x Flamer
• 2x Flamer mouths
2x Flickering flames
Screamers (80 points)
• 3x Screamer
• 3x Lamprey bite
Screamers (80 points)
• 3x Screamer
• 3x Lamprey bite
The Lord of Change got a big glow-up in the Q4 Balance Dataslate in the form of reduced points and some buffs to their weapons and the Scintillating Legions are making a big splash in the competitive scene. There seems to be some conjecture on the use of the Infernal Puppeteer Enhancement and drawing visibility from nearby Tzeentch Daemon units and some TOs are ruling it in different ways. This list relies heavily on monsters with triple Lords of Change, Fateweaver and Be’lakor with a small smattering of deep striking Flamers and Screamers for actions, screening and just being nuisances. Chaos Daemons are looking to make a big impact after this dataslate and here we see them taking an event win.
7. Cody Jiru – Drukhari – Wizard’s Winter GT
Click to see the List
This Ones for Neeley Forsheezy My Neezy (2000 points)
Drukhari
Strike Force (2000 points)
Spectacle of Spite
CHARACTERS
Lady Malys (100 points)
• 1x Lady’s Blade
1x Razor fan
Lelith Hesperax (85 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Lelith’s blades
Succubus (65 points)
• 1x Archite glaive and agoniser
• Enhancement: Chronoshard
Succubus (70 points)
• 1x Archite glaive and agoniser
• Enhancement: Morghenna’s Curse
Succubus (75 points)
• 1x Archite glaive and agoniser
• Enhancement: Periapt of Torments
BATTLELINE
Wyches (90 points)
• 1x Hekatrix
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Wych
• 3x Gladiatorial weapons
6x Hekatarii blade
6x Splinter pistol
Wyches (90 points)
• 1x Hekatrix
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Wych
• 3x Gladiatorial weapons
6x Hekatarii blade
6x Splinter pistol
Wyches (90 points)
• 1x Hekatrix
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Wych
• 3x Gladiatorial weapons
6x Hekatarii blade
6x Splinter pistol
Wyches (90 points)
• 1x Hekatrix
• 1x Blast pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Wych
• 3x Gladiatorial weapons
6x Hekatarii blade
6x Splinter pistol
DEDICATED TRANSPORTS
Raider (85 points)
• 1x Bladevanes and chainsnares
1x Disintegrator cannon
Raider (85 points)
• 1x Bladevanes and chainsnares
1x Disintegrator cannon
Venom (70 points)
• 1x Bladevanes
2x Splinter cannon
OTHER DATASHEETS
Cronos (55 points)
• 1x Spirit syphon
1x Spirit-leech tentacles
Hellions (170 points)
• 1x Helliarch
• 1x Hellglaive
1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher
1x Power weapon
1x Splinter pistol
1x Splinter pods
• 9x Hellion
• 9x Hellglaive
9x Splinter pods
Hellions (85 points)
• 1x Helliarch
• 1x Hellglaive
1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher
1x Power weapon
1x Splinter pistol
1x Splinter pods
• 4x Hellion
• 4x Hellglaive
4x Splinter pods
Hellions (85 points)
• 1x Helliarch
• 1x Hellglaive
1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher
1x Power weapon
1x Splinter pistol
1x Splinter pods
• 4x Hellion
• 4x Hellglaive
4x Splinter pods
Mandrakes (75 points)
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade
Mandrakes (75 points)
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
1x Glimmersteel blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
4x Glimmersteel blade
Reavers (70 points)
• 1x Arena Champion
• 1x Bladevanes
1x Grav-talon
1x Heat lance
1x Splinter pistol
• 2x Reaver
• 2x Bladevanes
2x Splinter pistol
2x Splinter rifle
Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 points)
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dark lance
Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 points)
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Dark lance
Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 points)
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Shardcarbine
• 4x Scourge
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Haywire blaster
Again we see Spectacle of Spite take another GT event win post-Q4 Balance Dataslate. Cody adds in some Scourges with Dark Lances and Haywire weapons along with the usual suspects of Wyches and Hellions and some Mandrakes for good measure and scoring. No surprise again here with Drukhari as they continue to have strong finishes since the dataslate. Cody takes the dark elves all the way to a 5-0 finish and top placing.
8. Adam Weinstein – Chaos Daemons – The Portal Winter GT
Click to see the List
Scinty Boi (1995 points)
Chaos Daemons
Strike Force (2000 points)
Scintillating Legion
CHARACTERS
Be’lakor (375 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Betraying Shades
1x The Blade of Shadows
Kairos Fateweaver (285 points)
• 1x Infernal Gateway
1x Staff of Tomorrow
Lord of Change (280 points)
• 1x Bolt of Change
1x Rod of sorcery
1x Staff of Tzeentch
• Enhancement: Inescapable Eye
Lord of Change (280 points)
• 1x Bolt of Change
1x Rod of sorcery
1x Staff of Tzeentch
• Enhancement: Infernal Puppeteer
BATTLELINE
Nurglings (40 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
OTHER DATASHEETS
Flamers (130 points)
• 1x Pyrocaster
• 1x Flamer mouths
1x Flickering flames
• 5x Flamer
• 5x Flamer mouths
5x Flickering flames
Flamers (65 points)
• 1x Pyrocaster
• 1x Flamer mouths
1x Flickering flames
• 2x Flamer
• 2x Flamer mouths
2x Flickering flames
Flamers (65 points)
• 1x Pyrocaster
• 1x Flamer mouths
1x Flickering flames
• 2x Flamer
• 2x Flamer mouths
2x Flickering flames
Flesh Hounds (75 points)
• 1x Gore Hound
• 1x Burning roar
1x Collar of Khorne
1x Gore-drenched fangs
• 4x Flesh Hound
• 4x Collar of Khorne
4x Gore-drenched fangs
Screamers (160 points)
• 6x Screamer
• 6x Lamprey bite
Screamers (160 points)
• 6x Screamer
• 6x Lamprey bite
Screamers (80 points)
• 3x Screamer
• 3x Lamprey bite
Yet another big finish for Chaos Daemons Scintillating Legions. This list features 2 Lords of Change, Fateweaver, Be’lakor and other scoring and harassment units like Nurglings and Flesh Hounds. As I noted earlier, Daemons, and especially Scintillating Legions, looks to be a top tier army heading into 2026. Adam took them all the way to a top placing defeating legendary Alex Fennell and his Necrons on the top table to take home the win and finish 5-0.
9. John Kilcommons – T’au Empire – Second City Games 40K GT December
Click to see the List
Praying for layout 1 and 6 all weekend (2000 Points)
T’au Empire
Mont’ka
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
CHARACTERS
Ethereal (90 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Honour stave
• 1x Hover Drone
• 2x Shield Drone
• Enhancements: Coordinated Exploitation
BATTLELINE
Breacher Team (90 Points)
• 1x Support turret
• 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Guardian Drone
◦ 1x Gun Drone
◦ 1x Pulse blaster
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
• 9x Breacher Fire Warrior
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Pulse blaster
◦ 9x Pulse pistol
Strike Team (70 Points)
• 1x Support turret
• 1x Fire Warrior Shas’ui
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Guardian Drone
◦ 1x Gun Drone
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
◦ 1x Pulse rifle
• 9x Fire Warrior
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Pulse pistol
◦ 9x Pulse rifle
DEDICATED TRANSPORTS
Devilfish (85 Points)
• 1x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Smart missile system
Devilfish (85 Points)
• 1x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Smart missile system
OTHER DATASHEETS
Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points)
• 1x Battlesuit Support System
• 1x Cyclic ion raker
• 1x Ghostkeel fists
• 1x Twin fusion blaster
Hammerhead Gunship (145 Points)
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Railgun
• 2x Seeker missile
Hammerhead Gunship (145 Points)
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Ion cannon
• 2x Seeker missile
Hammerhead Gunship (145 Points)
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Ion cannon
• 2x Seeker missile
Pathfinder Team (90 Points)
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Gun Drone
◦ 1x Pulse carbine
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
◦ 1x Recon Drone
◦ 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
◦ 1x Shield Drone
• 9x Pathfinder
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Ion rifle
◦ 6x Pulse carbine
◦ 9x Pulse pistol
Pathfinder Team (90 Points)
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Grav-inhibitor Drone
◦ 1x Gun Drone
◦ 1x Pulse carbine
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
◦ 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
◦ 1x Shield Drone
• 9x Pathfinder
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Ion rifle
◦ 6x Pulse carbine
◦ 9x Pulse pistol
Piranhas (60 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Piranha fusion blaster
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Twin pulse carbine
Piranhas (60 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Piranha fusion blaster
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Twin pulse carbine
Riptide Battlesuit (200 Points)
• 1x Ion accelerator
• 2x Missile Drone
• 1x Riptide fists
• 1x Twin fusion blaster
Riptide Battlesuit (200 Points)
• 1x Ion accelerator
• 2x Missile Drone
• 1x Riptide fists
• 1x Twin fusion blaster
Stealth Battlesuits (110 Points)
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
◦ 1x Battlesuit fists
◦ 1x Fusion blaster
◦ 1x Gun Drone
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
• 4x Stealth Shas’ui
◦ 4x Battlesuit fists
◦ 3x Burst cannon
◦ 1x Fusion blaster
◦ 1x Homing Beacon
Stealth Battlesuits (110 Points)
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
◦ 1x Battlesuit fists
◦ 1x Fusion blaster
◦ 1x Gun Drone
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
• 4x Stealth Shas’ui
◦ 4x Battlesuit fists
◦ 3x Burst cannon
◦ 1x Fusion blaster
◦ 1x Homing Beacon
Vespid Stingwings (65 Points)
• 1x Vespid Strain Leader
◦ 1x Neutron blaster
◦ 1x Stingwing claws
• 4x Vespid Stingwing
◦ 4x Neutron blaster
◦ 4x Stingwing claws
T’au took a slight hit in the Q4 Balance Dataslate with a 10 point increase on Riptides. It didn’t seem to be enough to slow them down here as John takes them to a 5-0 finish and top placing at the Second City Games GT. Many T’au players seem to be leaning heavily on Mont’ka for early game pressure with hard hitting shooting threats to eliminate the opponent early. John took on Space Marines Victrix Honour Guard spam here in the final and pulled off the win. T’au seem to be in an ok place moving forward into 2026 and while they may not be the highest in the tier rankings, John proves that with a successful pilot they can still carry big wins.
10. Harley Scully – World Eaters – Black Crow Gaming’s Battle of the RAGNAR GT! DEC
Click to see the List
Ragnar (1995 Points)
World Eaters
Berzerker Warband
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
CHARACTERS
Daemon Prince of Khorne (230 Points)
• 1x Hellforged weapons
• 1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancements: Helm of Brazen Ire
Khârn the Betrayer (100 Points)
• 1x Gorechild
• 1x Plasma pistol
Lord on Juggernaut (115 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Bladed horn
• 1x Exalted chainblade
• 1x Plasma pistol
• Enhancements: Battle-lust
Slaughterbound (100 Points)
• 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw
BATTLELINE
Khorne Berzerkers (360 Points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
◦ 1x Chainblade
◦ 1x Icon of Khorne
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
• 19x Khorne Berzerker
◦ 15x Bolt pistol
◦ 15x Chainblade
◦ 4x Khornate eviscerator
◦ 4x Plasma pistol
Khorne Berzerkers (180 Points)
• 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion
◦ 1x Chainblade
◦ 1x Icon of Khorne
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
• 9x Khorne Berzerker
◦ 7x Bolt pistol
◦ 7x Chainblade
◦ 2x Khornate eviscerator
◦ 2x Plasma pistol
DEDICATED TRANSPORTS
Chaos Rhino (85 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x 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
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
Exalted Eightbound (140 Points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
◦ 1x Chainblades
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
◦ 2x Chainblades
Goremongers (75 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
Jakhals (65 Points)
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
◦ 1x Skullsmasher and mangler
• 8x Jakhal
◦ 8x Autopistol
◦ 7x Chainblades
◦ 1x Icon of Khorne
◦ 1x Mauler chainblade
Rounding out our top 10 lists for December we have Harley Scully and his World Eaters Berzerker Warband. This build features all the units we’ve come to expect in a World Eaters brawler list including Kharn, Slaughterbound, and a Daemon Prince along with tons of Berserkers, Eightbound variants, Chaos Spawn and some Goremongers and Jakhals for scoring. Harley took on Thousand Sons on the top table getting the win and a 5-0 finish.
Final Thoughts
The Q4 Balance Dataslate has landed and the meta has certainly shifted. It would seem that the originally feared Space Marines Victrix spam build has taken a significant hit with the points increases. They are still making strong showings at major events, but seem to be coming up short with a lot of X-1 finishes. Meanwhile, Astra Militarum, Chaos Daemons, Blood Angels and Drukhari seem to be excelling with multiple top finishes in events.
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