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.
It’s a new year and the meta is starting to settle down since the release of the latest Necrons Detachment rules and datasheet updates for C’tans. Necrons have been sitting firmly at around a 55% win rate since the C’tan updates, with most players running Starshatter builds. That being said, while Necrons players have certainly seen plenty of success, they’ve yet to crack the top spot at a major event (with many smaller GT wins). Astra Militarum, Space Marines and T’au continue to roll with several major event wins. Let’s take a look at the top 10 competitive Warhammer 40K lists for January 2026.
1. Conan Jennings – Space Marines – Glass City GT 2026
Click to see the List
Space Marines
Ultramarines
Blade of Ultramar
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
CHARACTERS
Captain in Gravis Armour (90 Points)
• 1x Boltstorm gauntlet
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Relic blade
• Enhancements: Armour of Antoninus
Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
Marneus Calgar (200 Points)
• 1x Marneus Calgar
◦ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard
◦ 2x Victrix power sword
Roboute Guilliman (340 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Emperor’s Sword
• 1x Hand of Dominion
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
Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
◦ 4x Astartes chainsword
◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
Ballistus Dreadnought (150 Points)
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Ballistus lascannon
• 1x Ballistus missile launcher
• 1x Twin storm bolter
Ballistus Dreadnought (150 Points)
• 1x Armoured feet
• 1x Ballistus lascannon
• 1x Ballistus missile launcher
• 1x Twin storm bolter
Incursor Squad (80 Points)
• 1x Incursor Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine
◦ 1x Paired combat blades
• 4x Incursor
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Haywire Mine
◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine
◦ 4x Paired combat blades
Repulsor Executioner (220 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Heavy laser destroyer
• 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 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 Ironhail heavy stubber
• 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
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Combat knife
◦ 1x Heavy bolter
◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle
Victrix Honour Guard (240 Points)
• 1x Chapter Ancient
◦ 1x Banner of Macragge
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Chapter Champion
◦ 1x Blades of honour
• 4x Victrix Honour Guard
◦ 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine
◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon
Conan takes the Blade of Ultramar all the way to a top finish at this 100 player event. This event happened prior to the Victrix wound update earlier this month. That said, Conan didn’t really spam them running only a single unit. Using the flexibility of being able to double-down on Doctrines with Calgar in the list, along with double Repulsor Executioners, and a brick of death with Calgar and the Victrix, Conan takes the new Ultramarines Detachment all the way to a top finish at a major.
2. Innes Wilson – Space Marines – The Nottingham 40K Super Major
Click to see the List
Space Marines
Ultramarines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Blade of Ultramar
CHARACTERS
Captain in Gravis Armour (90 points)
• 1x Boltstorm gauntlet
1x Power fist
1x Relic blade
• Enhancement: Armour of Antoninus
Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
Marneus Calgar (200 points)
• 1x Marneus Calgar
• 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard
• 2x Victrix power sword
Roboute Guilliman (340 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Emperor’s Sword
1x Hand of Dominion
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
Incursor Squad (80 points)
• 1x Incursor Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Occulus bolt carbine
1x Paired combat blades
• 4x Incursor
• 4x Bolt pistol
1x Haywire Mine
4x Occulus bolt carbine
4x Paired combat blades
Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points)
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Macro plasma incinerator
1x Onslaught gatling cannon
1x Redemptor fist
1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher
Redemptor Dreadnought (195 points)
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Macro plasma incinerator
1x Onslaught gatling cannon
1x Redemptor fist
1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher
Repulsor Executioner (220 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy laser destroyer
1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon
1x Icarus rocket pod
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
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 Ironhail heavy stubber
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
Victrix Honour Guard (240 points)
• 1x Chapter Ancient
• 1x Banner of Macragge
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 1x Chapter Champion
• 1x Blades of honour
• 4x Victrix Honour Guard
• 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine
4x Master-crafted power weapon
Innes Wilson has become pretty much a staple in these monthly Top 10 Lists articles. No real surprise considering he is one of the best 40K players on the planet. Innes’s list is very similar to Conan’s above, however Innes opts to take a pair of Redemptor Dreadnoughts as opposed to Ballistus. This proved to be a solid choice as Innes takes this list all the way to the top at this 355 player super major event. Congrats…again, Innes. Maybe one of these days you’ll stop being so dang good at Warhammer? But it will not be this day!
3. Dan Sammons – Astra Militarum – New Years Knockout 2026
Click to see the List
Astra Militarum
Strike Force (2000 points)
Grizzled Company
CHARACTERS
Cadian Command Squad (65 points)
• 1x Cadian Commander
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 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 Lasgun
1x Regimental Standard
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
Rogal Dorn Commander (275 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
3x Heavy stubber
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
BATTLELINE
Cadian Shock Troops (65 points)
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
• 1x Chainsword
1x Laspistol
• 9x Shock Trooper
• 9x Close combat weapon
7x Lasgun
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster
Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 points)
• 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
• 9x Jungle Fighter
• 9x Close combat weapon
2x Flamer
7x Lasgun
1x Vox-caster
OTHER DATASHEETS
Attilan Rough Riders (120 points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
• 1x Hunting lance
1x Lasgun
1x Laspistol
1x Power sabre
1x Steed’s hooves
• 9x Rough Rider
• 9x Hunting lance
9x Lasgun
9x Laspistol
9x Steed’s hooves
Death Riders (60 points)
• 1x Ridemaster
• 1x Death Rider lascarbine
1x Frag lance
1x Power sabre
1x Savage claws
• 4x Death Rider
• 4x Death Rider lascarbine
4x Frag lance
4x Power sabre
4x Savage claws
Death Riders (60 points)
• 1x Ridemaster
• 1x Death Rider lascarbine
1x Frag lance
1x Power sabre
1x Savage claws
• 4x Death Rider
• 4x Death Rider lascarbine
4x Frag lance
4x Power sabre
4x Savage claws
Field Ordnance Battery (110 points)
• 2x Ordnance Team
• 2x Battery close combat weapons
2x Bombast field gun
2x Lasgun
2x Laspistol
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
3x 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
Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
3x Heavy stubber
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
Scout Sentinels (55 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw
Scout Sentinels (55 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw
Scout Sentinels (55 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw
Tempestus Aquilons (100 points)
• 1x Tempestor Aquilon
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hot-shot lascarbine
1x Sentry flamer
• 8x Tempestus Aquilon
• 8x Close combat weapon
6x Hot-shot lascarbine
1x Hot‐shot long‐las
1x Plasma carbine
• 1x Gunfighter
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hot-shot lascarbine
Grizzled Company has come out as the top performing Detachment in major events since its release during Grotmas. Dan Sammons takes this build all the way to a top placing featuring triple Leman Russ Vanquishers, Rogal Dorn tanks, Gaunt’s Ghosts and a pair of indirect Field Ordnance Batteries not to mention plenty of mounted units with Death Riders and Attilan Rough Riders. Oddly enough, Dan opts out of using the Bullgryn/Commissar combo in favor of more mobile units and high damage dealing tanks. If you’re looking to get into Astra Militarum, now seems like as good a time as any.
4. Durante “Glynisir” Bozzini – Tau Empire – Warhammer Open: Palm Springs
Click to see the List
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – T’au Empire
+ DETACHMENT: Mont’ka (Killing Blow)
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1980pts
+ WARLORD: Char1: Commander Shadowsun
+ ENHANCEMENT: N/A
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 17
+
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CHARACTER
Commander Shadowsun (100 pts)
• 1x Battlesuit fists
• 1x Flechette launcher
• 2x High-energy fusion blaster
• 1x Light missile pod
• 1x Pulse pistol
• Warlord
BATTLELINE
Breacher Team (90 pts)
• 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Pulse blaster
• 1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Support turret
• Guardian Drone, Shield Drone
• 9x Breacher Fire Warriors
• 9x Close combat weapon
• 9x Pulse blaster
• 9x Pulse pistol
OTHER DATASHEETS
Devilfish (85 pts)
• 1x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Smart missile system
Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 pts)
• 1x Ghostkeel fists
• 1x Cyclic ion raker
• 1x Twin fusion blaster
• Battlesuit support system
Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Railgun
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Smart missile system
Kroot Carnivores (65 pts)
• 1x Long-quill
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Kroot pistol
• 1x Kroot carbine
• 1x Kroot Carnivore
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Tanglebomb launcher
• 8x Kroot Carnivores
• 8x Close combat weapon
• 8x Kroot rifle
Pathfinder Team (90 pts)
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Pulse carbine
• 1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
• 1x Drone burst cannon
• Gun Drone, Shield Drone, Recon drone
• 1x Drone burst cannon
• 9x Pathfinders
• 9x Close combat weapon
• 6x Pulse carbine
• 9x Pulse pistol
• 3x Ion rifle
Pathfinder Team (90 pts)
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Pulse carbine
• 1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
• 1x Drone burst cannon
• Gun Drone, Shield Drone, Recon drone
• 1x Drone burst cannon
• 9x Pathfinders
• 9x Close combat weapon
• 6x Pulse carbine
• 9x Pulse pistol
• 3x Ion rifle
Piranhas (60 pts)
• 1x Piranhas
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Twin pulse carbine
• 1x Piranha fusion blaster
• 2x Seeker missile
Piranhas (60 pts)
• 1x Piranhas
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Twin pulse carbine
• 1x Piranha fusion blaster
• 2x Seeker missile
Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts)
• 1x Riptide fists
• 1x Ion accelerator
• 2x Missile pod
• 1x Twin smart missile system
Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts)
• 1x Riptide fists
• 1x Ion accelerator
• 2x Missile pod
• 1x Twin smart missile system
Riptide Battlesuit (200 pts)
• 1x Riptide fists
• 1x Ion accelerator
• 2x Missile pod
• 1x Twin smart missile system
Sky Ray Gunship (150 pts)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Seeker missile rack
• 2x Smart missile system
Stealth Battlesuits (110 pts)
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
• 1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Fusion blaster
• Homing beacon, Gun Drone, Marker Drone
• 4x Stealth Shas’ui
• 4x Battlesuit fists
• 3x Burst cannon
• 1x Fusion blaster
Stealth Battlesuits (110 pts)
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
• 1x Battlesuit fists
• 1x Pulse pistol
• 1x Fusion blaster
• Homing beacon, Gun Drone, Marker Drone
• 4x Stealth Shas’ui
• 4x Battlesuit fists
• 3x Burst cannon
• 1x Fusion blaster
Vespid Stingwings (65 pts)
• 1x Vespid Strain Leader
• 1x Neutron blaster
• 1x Stingwing claws
• 4x Vespid Stingwings
• 4x Neutron blaster
• 4x Stingwing claws
Durante is quickly making a name for himself on the super major scene. This month he takes his T’au all the way to a top finish in the first of GW’s official events of the season, Warhammer Open: Palm Springs. This is a pretty typical Mont’ka list which has had quite a bit of success since the last Balance Dataslate. T’au continue to show dominance in large scale events. Here Durante takes full advantage of the Breacher/Devilfish combo backed up with powerful shooting from Riptides, Skyrays and Hammerhead Gunships. This list wants to hit you hard and fast within the first 3 turns, while their Detachment rule is firing off. Seems to be a successful formula as Durante takes the greater good all the way to a top placing in this 177 player event.
5. Cam Hawkins – Dark Angels – Texas Open 2026 – Warhammer 40k Champs
Click to see the List
Space Marines
Dark Angels
Wrath of the Rock
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
CHARACTERS
Azrael (125 Points)
• 1x Lion’s Wrath
• 1x The Lion Helm
• 1x The Sword of Secrets
Chaplain in Terminator Armour (90 Points)
• 1x Crozius arcanum
• 1x Storm bolter
• Enhancements: Deathwing Assault
Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
Lion El’Jonson (315 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Arma Luminis
• 1x Fealty
Ravenwing Command Squad (120 Points)
• 1x Ravenwing Champion
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Apothecary
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Ancient
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
BATTLELINE
Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessor
◦ 4x Astartes chainsword
◦ 4x Heavy bolt pistol
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
Deathwing Knights (250 Points)
• 1x Watcher in the Dark
• 1x Knight Master
◦ 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven
• 4x Deathwing Knight
◦ 4x Power weapon
Invader ATV (60 Points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Twin bolt rifle
Land Speeder Vengeance (120 Points)
• 1x Assault cannon
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Plasma storm battery
Outrider Squad (80 Points)
• 1x Outrider Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
◦ 2x Astartes chainsword
◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 2x Twin bolt rifle
Ravenwing Black Knights (160 Points)
• 1x Ravenwing Huntmaster
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 5x Ravenwing Black Knight
◦ 5x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 5x Bolt pistol
◦ 5x Plasma talon
Ravenwing Black Knights (160 Points)
• 1x Ravenwing Huntmaster
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 5x Ravenwing Black Knight
◦ 5x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 5x Bolt pistol
◦ 5x Plasma talon
Ravenwing Black Knights (160 Points)
• 1x Ravenwing Huntmaster
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 5x Ravenwing Black Knight
◦ 5x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 5x Bolt pistol
◦ 5x Plasma talon
Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (135 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Stormfury missiles
• 1x Thunderstrike las-talon
• 1x Twin Icarus rocket pod
Dark Angels take down a super major event with a Wrath of the Rock build focusing primarily on hard hitting Ravenwing Black Knights and the Lion. This list moves super fast, and a Bike squad here can Advance and Shoot AND Charge. Not to mention the first turn Deathwing Knights drop thanks to the Chaplain with the Deathwing Assault enhancement. This army is an effective jail list that can lock the opponent into their deployment zone and deny primary scoring for most of the game. Cam takes this list to a top placing at this 166 player event.
6. Alex Macdougall – Genestealer Cults – Wet Coast GT
Click to see the List
Genestealer Cults
Strike Force (2000 points)
Final Day
CHARACTERS
Abominant (85 points)
• 1x Power sledgehammer
Benefictus (90 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Psionic Cascade
• Enhancement: Inhuman Integration
Patriarch (85 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Patriarch’s claws
• Enhancement: Enraptured Damnation
Reductus Saboteur (65 points)
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charges
1x Remote explosives
BATTLELINE
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 (95 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber
Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points)
• 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
• 2x Armoured hull
2x Heavy mining laser
2x Spotter
2x Twin heavy stubber
Achilles Ridgerunners (95 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mining laser
1x Spotter
1x Twin heavy stubber
Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points)
• 1x Demolition charge cache
1x Drilldozer blade
1x Heavy mining laser
1x Heavy stubber
Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points)
• 1x Demolition charge cache
1x Drilldozer blade
1x Heavy mining laser
1x Heavy stubber
Hybrid Metamorphs (70 points)
• 1x Metamorph Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 4x Hybrid Metamorph
• 1x Cult Icon
3x Hand flamer
4x Metamorph mutations
Hybrid Metamorphs (70 points)
• 1x Metamorph Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 4x Hybrid Metamorph
• 1x Cult Icon
3x Hand flamer
4x Metamorph mutations
Purestrain Genestealers (140 points)
• 10x Purestrain Genestealer
• 10x Cult claws and talons
ALLIED UNITS
Deathleaper (80 points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons
Gargoyles (85 points)
• 10x Gargoyle
• 10x Blinding venom
10x Fleshborer
Gargoyles (85 points)
• 10x Gargoyle
• 10x Blinding venom
10x Fleshborer
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
Neurolictor (70 points)
• 1x Piercing claws and talons
Alex Macdougall is no stranger to top finishes at super major events and this year, he takes his Final Day Genestealer Cults list all the way to victory at this 185 player event. GSC have had quite a few ups and downs over the course of 10th edition (mostly downs) but Alex finds a way making the most of super maneuverable Tyranids units to boost his GSC units with the Detachment rule. And with having the advantage of running a build that pretty much no one understands until it’s too late, Alex pulls off a great top placing at one of January’s largest events.
7. Michael Pappin – Space Marines – Uprising Adelaide 2026
Click to see the List
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Adeptus Astartes – Ultramarines
+ DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force (Combat Doctrines)
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Marneus Calgar
+ ENHANCEMENT: The Honour Vehement (on Char3: Captain with Jump Pack)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 15
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (3×2) + (1×4) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char3: 1x Captain with Jump Pack (90 pts): Power Fist, Plasma Pistol
Enhancement: The Honour Vehement (+15 pts)
Char1: 1x Cato Sicarius (95 pts): Artisan Plasma Pistol, Talassarian Tempest Blade
Char2: 3x Marneus Calgar (200 pts): Warlord
• 1x Marneus Calgar: Gauntlets of Ultramar
• 2x Victrix Honour Guard: 2 with Victrix Power Sword
5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts)
• 4x Intercessor
3 with Bolt pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close combat weapon
1 with Astartes grenade launcher, Bolt pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close combat weapon
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist
1x Impulsor (80 pts): Armoured Hull, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Ironhail Skytalon Array, 2x Storm Bolter
1x Impulsor (80 pts): Armoured Hull, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Ironhail Skytalon Array, 2x Storm Bolter
3x Inceptor Squad (120 pts)
• 2x Inceptor: 2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma Exterminators
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant: Close combat weapon, Plasma Exterminators
5x Infernus Squad (90 pts)
• 4x Infernus Marines: 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Pyreblaster
• 1x Infernus Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Pyreblaster
1x Land Raider Redeemer (270 pts): Armoured Tracks, 2x Flamestorm Cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Multi-melta, Storm Bolter, Twin Assault Cannon
5x Scout Squad (70 pts)
• 2x Scout
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy Bolter
1 with 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
5x Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (100 pts)
• 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack: Vanguard Veteran Weapon, Inferno Pistol
• 4x Vanguard Veterans with Jump Packs: 4 with Vanguard Veteran Weapon, Inferno Pistol
6x Victrix Honour Guard (220 pts)
• 1x Chapter Ancient: Banner of Macragge, Master-crafted Power Weapon
• 1x Chapter Champion: Blades of Honour
• 4x Victrix Honour Guard: 4 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted Power Weapon
6x Victrix Honour Guard (220 pts): 6 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted Power Weapon
1x Vindicator (185 pts): Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Storm Bolter
Michael Pappin, a self-described casual player, takes his Gladius Task Force Ultramarines build all the way to the top of one Australia’s largest events at Uprising Adelaide. I had the honor of chatting a bit with Michael about his event win when I featured it in a previous Meta Monday article. One thing of note in our discussion was how much fun he had meeting new people and getting high fives from people he had only met that weekend. This community is smaller than we think and despite the elation of an event win, Michael was more excited about the experience he had at the event itself. Meeting new people. Sharing the highs and lows of his games and overall just having an enjoyable experience. That’s what competitive 40K is all about and what makes this community so amazing. Congrats, Michael. Sending a digital high five your way.
8. Roger Boira – Astra Militarum – OPEN TALAVERA 2026
Click to see the List
Astra Militarum
Strike Force (2000 points)
Grizzled Company
CHARACTERS
Cadian Command Squad (65 points)
• 1x Cadian Commander
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 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 Lasgun
1x Regimental Standard
Commissar (50 points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• Enhancement: 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 Bolt pistol
1x Chainsword
• 9x Shock Trooper
• 9x Close combat weapon
7x Lasgun
1x Meltagun
1x Plasma gun
DEDICATED TRANSPORTS
Taurox (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin autocannon
OTHER DATASHEETS
Artillery Team (95 points)
• 1x Crew close combat weapons
1x Heavy mortar
1x Lasgun
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 (60 points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
• 1x Hunting lance
1x Lasgun
1x Laspistol
1x Steed’s hooves
• 4x Rough Rider
• 4x Hunting lance
4x Lasgun
4x Laspistol
4x Steed’s hooves
Basilisk (140 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Earthshaker cannon
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
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
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 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 Meltagun
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
2x Meltagun
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
Surprise! Grizzled Company…again! Roger Boira takes his Astra Militarum to a top placing at the Open Talavera 2026 major. This list features the usual suspects of Bullgryn being led by the Commissar with Abhuman Detail, Gaunt’s Ghosts, Leman Russ Vanquishers, Kasrkin and Rogal Dorn tanks. With multiple super major wins and a crazy high win rate since release, it will be interesting to see how GW handles the Grizzled Company in the next Balance Dataslate. But for now, they rank among one of the best armies in the game.
9. Scott Horras “Heresy” – Astra Militarum – Hammer in the New Year 2026
Click to see the List
Astra Militarum
Strike Force (2000 points)
Combined Arms
CHARACTERS
Gaunt’s Ghosts (100 points)
• 1x Ibram Gaunt
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Gaunt’s chainsword
• 1x Colm Corbec
• 1x Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Elim Rawne
• 1x Rawne’s lascarbine
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Hlaine Larkin
• 1x Larkin’s long-las
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x ’Try Again’ Bragg
• 1x Bragg’s autocannon
1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Oan Mkoll
• 1x Lascarbine
1x Mkoll’s straight silver knife
Rogal Dorn Commander (275 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
2x Meltagun
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
Rogal Dorn Commander (275 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
2x Meltagun
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
Ursula Creed (85 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
1x Power weapon
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
Taurox (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin autocannon
Taurox (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Storm bolter
1x Twin autocannon
OTHER DATASHEETS
Field Ordnance Battery (110 points)
• 2x Ordnance Team
• 2x Battery close combat weapons
2x Bombast field gun
2x Lasgun
2x Laspistol
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
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
Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
2x Meltagun
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
2x Meltagun
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
Scout Sentinels (55 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw
Scout Sentinels (55 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
1x Sentinel chainsaw
Wait…this isn’t Grizzled Company! What’s going on here?! Scott takes his Combined Arms build all the way to a top placing at the Hammer in the New Year 2026 event. Coming in with triple Kasrkin units and the usual Astra Militarum units, this is a hard hitting shooting build with good mobility taking full advantage of the Lethal Hits from the Detachment Rule. Kudos for taking an Astra Militarum build that isn’t Grizzled Company to a top placing.
10. Joe Loke – Chaos Daemons – Exterminatus XI – 2 Exterm 2 Furious
Click to see the List
Chaos Daemons
Scintillating Legion
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
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
• Enhancements: Neverblade
Lord of Change (280 Points)
• 1x Bolt of Change
• 1x Staff of Tzeentch
• Enhancements: Infernal Puppeteer
Lord of Change (300 Points)
• 1x Bolt of Change
• 1x Staff of Tzeentch
• Enhancements: Improbable Shield (Aura)
Lord of Change (270 Points)
• 1x Bolt of Change
• 1x Staff of Tzeentch
The Changeling (90 Points)
• 1x Infernal Flames
• 1x The Trickster’s Staff
OTHER DATASHEETS
Burning Chariot (115 Points)
• 1x Fire of Tzeentch
• 1x Flamer mouths
• 1x Screamer bites
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
Screamers (80 Points)
• 3x Screamer
◦ 3x Lamprey bite
Chaos Daemons have seen a resurgence in play since the latest Balance Dataslate update giving the Lord of Change a points drop and a weapon boost on top of it. Scintillating Legion continues to be a terrifying build to face and this one is no different. Triple Lords of Change, Be’lakor and a smattering of min squad scoring units, the Scintillating Legion continues to see success.
Final Thoughts
The internet is abuzz because of Necrons and C’tans and Redditors are losing their minds over the 55% win rate. That said, they have 8 GT level event wins over the month, but none of the largest event wins. Astra Militarum and Space Marines seem to be going strong and there seems to be no end in sight for their reign of large event terror. That being said, the meta overall is in a pretty healthy spot on the whole with a variety of factions seeing success at the top level of events. There’s probably not been a better time to be playing competitive 40K. 500 Worlds is coming and with it will be coming the next wave of Chaos Space Marines in the form of Huron Blackheart and the Red Corsairs along with more Aeldari Corsairs. We will likely see a brief meta turn in a month or so when the next Balance Dataslate hits as we ride that wave through until the summer and the inevitable coming of 11th Edition.
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See you on the tabletop.
