Welcome to another Meta Monday 40K, the weekly roundup from Grimhammer Tactics covering the latest Warhammer 40K tournament meta trends.
See all past editions of Meta Monday 40K here.
Our first Meta Monday for 40K since the Q4 Balance Dataslate released last Wednesday. I wrote about the Q4 Balance Dataslate biggest winners and losers last week and it seems some of those predictions turned out to be accurate. Astra Militarum did indeed end up being one of the biggest winners of the dataslate posting some big placings with the new Grizzled Company detachment. I’m going to be highlighting 3 of the biggest events of the past weekend that used the new Q4 Balance Dataslate. There were several GT level events that did not utilize the Q4 Balance Dataslate due to coming out after their list/rules cutoff deadline had passed. We’re going to be looking at the Rise of the Empire GT 2025, Safety’s Off Second Coming of the Double Critmas Charity GT and finally over across the pond in the UK with Da Winter Waaagh 2025. Let’s get into it!
Rise of the Empire GT 2025 – Houston, TX – 97 Players
First, we take a trip to the great state of Texas with the Rise of the Empire GT 2025. This was the biggest event of the weekend using the latest Balance Dataslate with 97 players. This event was a 5 round event with a 6th round for the Finals between the top 2 players. This game featured Raul Valencia and his Dark Angels Wrath of the Rock vs David Smith and his Astra Militarum Grizzled Company. This game came down to the absolute wire with David pulling it off on the bottom of Turn 5 with a 79-77 victory and the first big win for the Astra Militarum Grizzled Company! This game was streamed live over on Wargames Live on YouTube in case you want to catch the replay. Let’s take a look at the top 5.
- David Smith – Astra Militarum – 6-0
- Raul Valencia – Dark Angels – 5-1
- Jensen Simmons – Death Guard – 4-0-1
- Nick Toomey – Chaos Space Marines – 4-0-1
- Adam Haecker – Drukhari – 4-1
The Winning List: David Smith – Astra Militarum – Grizzled Company
Click to see the List
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
Astra Militarum come out of the gate swinging with the new Grizzled Company grotmas detachment. This detachment was a huge boon to Astra Militarum players especially considering they received no changes to points or army rules in the Q4 Balance Dataslate. This army was definitely setup to make a big splash in the competitive 40K scene and did just that with a huge win in the weekend’s biggest event. It was a nail biter of a final match into Wrath of the Rock, but ultimately the Astra Militarum proved that Cadia still stands.
Safety’s Off Second Coming of the Double Critmas Charity GT – Roebuck, South Carolina – 45 Players
Heading over to South Carolina we have the Safety’s Off Second Coming of the Double Critmas Charity GT and the winning player is probably a name familiar to many. Jonathan Arkin, aka Happy Krumping Wargaming on YouTube, takes the event win with his Wrath of the Rock Dark Angels. Here’s a look at the top 5:
- Jonathan Arkin – Dark Angels – 5-0
- John Casey – Space Marines – 4-1
- Seth Piper – World Eaters – 4-1
- Clay Plumridge – Space Marines – 4-1
- Steven Saroka – World Eaters – 4-1
The Winning List: Jonathan Arkin – Dark Angels – Wrath of the Rock
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
Jonathan has been playing Dark Angels Wrath of the Rock for some time now. It seems with some of the adjustments he has opted into using a Desolation Squad, a unit that seems to be coming back into favor after the Q4 Balance Dataslate. Jonathan is not a stranger to top placings at big events and takes the Dark Angels to a big GT event win defeating Victrix Honour Guard spam in the final to take home the win.
Da Winter Waaagh 2025 – United Kingdom – 60 Players
Heading over to the UK we have the Da Winter Waaagh GT, part of the Northern Tournament Circuit, a circuit in it’s second year featuring events in northern England and hosted by the Lords of Waaagh Club. If you’re up in northern England definitely check them out. Let’s take a look at the top 5:
- Matt Charles – Blood Angels – 5-0
- Ross Small – Astra Militarum – 4-0-1
- Caius Swindlehurst – Astra Militarum – 4-0-1
- Paul Withington – Necrons – 4-1
- Sam Boardman – Emperor’s Children – 4-1
The Winning List: Matt Charles – Blood Angels – Rage-Cursed Onslaught
Click to see the List
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
The Blood Angels got an awesome new detachment as part of Grotmas 2025 in the form of Rage-Cursed Onslaught which is sort of like a mash-up of Lost Brethren and Liberator Assault Group into one nasty black rage fueled package. I mentioned that this build may end up being the “anti-Victrix” list for melee. As it turns out Matt defeated Adam Wass (who was undefeated at that point and 4-0 on the top table and ended up finishing in 6th place) and his Space Marines Victrix build 85-68. This list features 2 brutal Death Company packages, one led by a Chaplain with the once per battle Fights First enhancement, and the other led by Lemartes for super durability with damage reduction along with access to a 5+ Feel No Pain stratagem. The Captain with Jump Pack is equipped with the Angel’s Fang enhancement which is sort of a mini version of Rage-Fueled Warrior from Liberator Assault Group, giving the bearer Sustained Hits 2 with melee attacks that target Character, Monster and Vehicle units. Finally we have 3 units of Sanguinary Guard coming in with 2 extra attacks when battle shocked (which they will be from the Limb From Limb Stratagem), extra AP making the swords AP -4 and the Spears AP -3, and either Strength 7 or 8 (depending on if being led by a Captain with Jump Pack or Dante). There’s a lot to be excited about if you’re a Blood Angels player heading into the 2026 season.
Final Thoughts
The Q4 Balance Dataslate has landed with a bang. It certainly seems Aeldari have fallen out of favor among Competitive 40K players having a steep drop in representation post-dataslate (at least at the events I looked at this weekend anyway). Meanwhile Dark Angels, Blood Angels, and Astra Militarum are seeing huge upticks in results across the global meta. Space Marines Victrix Honour Guard spam still has a large player base, with many making it to top tables and coming up short. It seems counters are already starting to develop and they may essentially become a gatekeeper army, but time will tell.
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