Wira Meta Report Back for the New Year!
Wira Meta Report Back for the New Year! - By Shaz
Last Week's Event Showcase
New Years Knockout 2026: Hosted By Mindgames and Magic (92 players) - Post Slate
Winner: Dan Sammons
| Dan Sammons | Astra Militarum | Grizzled Company |
Show List
New Year New Butt Stuff (2000 points) 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
Runner Up: Josh Lewis
| Josh Lewis | Space Marines (Astartes) | Forgefathers Seekers |
Show List
Flaming balls (1985 Points) Space Marines Salamanders Forgefather’s Seekers Strike Force (2,000 Points) CHARACTERS Adrax Agatone (85 Points) • 1x Drakkis • 1x Malleus Noctum Librarian (75 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Force weapon • 1x Smite • Enhancements: Immolator Librarian (80 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Force weapon • 1x Smite • Enhancements: Forged in Battle Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades Vulkan He’stan (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Gauntlet of the Forge • 1x Spear of Vulkan 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 Bladeguard Veteran Squad (170 Points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Neo-volkite pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran ◦ 5x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 5x Master-crafted power weapon Company Heroes (105 Points) • 1x Ancient ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Company Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 2x Company Veteran ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Master-crafted bolt rifle ◦ 1x Master-crafted heavy bolter Gladiator Lancer (160 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Lancer laser destroyer • 2x Storm bolter Infernus Squad (180 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 9x Infernus Marine ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Pyreblaster Infernus Squad (180 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 9x Infernus Marine ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Pyreblaster Land Raider Redeemer (270 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon Repulsor (180 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Hunter-slayer missile • 1x Las-talon • 1x Repulsor defensive array • 1x Twin lascannon Repulsor (180 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Hunter-slayer missile • 1x Las-talon • 1x Repulsor defensive array • 1x Twin lascannon
The NOTTINGHAM 40K SUPER-MAJOR (355 players) - Pre Slate
Winner: Innes Wilson
| Innes Wilson | Space Marines (Astartes) | Blade of Ultramar |
Show List
the greed they talk about in the bible is not being that in love with the second best unit of victrix guard (2000 points) 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 Exported with App Version: v1.45.0 (105), Data Version: v720 It's very important to me that you know that I tried... So goddamn hard to get the Desolation Marines in after last year. Long live the bloodless angels, gone too soon.
Runner Up: Sam Nash
| Sam Nash | Adeptus Custodes | Talons of the Emperor |
Show List
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Custodes + DETACHMENT: Talons of the Emperor (Revered Companions) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Inquisitor Draxus + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x4) - Assassination: 2 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ BATTLELINE 5x Custodian Guard (190 pts) • 5x Custodian Guard 4 with Guardian Spear 1 with Misericordia, Vexilla, Praesidium Shield 5x Custodian Guard (190 pts) • 5x Custodian Guard 4 with Guardian Spear 1 with Misericordia, Vexilla, Praesidium Shield 4x Custodian Guard (150 pts) • 4x Custodian Guard 3 with Guardian Spear 1 with Misericordia, Vexilla, Praesidium Shield 4x Custodian Guard (150 pts) • 4x Custodian Guard 3 with Guardian Spear 1 with Misericordia, Vexilla, Praesidium Shield 4x Custodian Guard (150 pts) • 4x Custodian Guard 4 with Guardian Spear 4x Custodian Guard (150 pts) • 4x Custodian Guard 4 with Guardian Spear OTHER DATASHEETS 4x Prosecutors (40 pts) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior 1 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor 3 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon 4x Prosecutors (40 pts) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior 1 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor 3 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon 4x Prosecutors (40 pts) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior 1 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor 3 with Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1x Venerable Land Raider (220 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, 2x Godhammer lascannon, Hunter-killer missile, Storm bolter, Twin heavy bolter 1x Venerable Land Raider (220 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, 2x Godhammer lascannon, Hunter-killer missile, Storm bolter, Twin heavy bolter 1x Venerable Land Raider (220 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, 2x Godhammer lascannon, Hunter-killer missile, Storm bolter, Twin heavy bolter 4x Witchseekers (45 pts) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior 1 with Close combat weapon, Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker 3 with Close combat weapon, Witchseeker flamer ALLIED UNITS Char2: 1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts) 1 with Neural shredder, Phase sword and poison blades Char1: 1x Inquisitor Draxus (95 pts) 1 with Dirgesinger, Power fist, Psychic Tempest, Warlord
Feliz Exterminatus IV (98 players)
Winner: Joshua Campbell
| Joshua Campbell | Necrons | Awakened Dynasty |
Show List
Don't worry one of the ctan is on a 40mm still (2000 points) Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Awakened Dynasty CHARACTERS Catacomb Command Barge (120 points) • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Overlord’s blade 1x Resurrection Orb C’tan Shard of the Deceiver (285 points) • 1x Cosmic insanity 1x Golden fists C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon (310 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm Hexmark Destroyer (95 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols • Enhancement: Veil of Darkness Illuminor Szeras (165 points) • 1x Eldritch Lance 1x Impaling legs Orikan the Diviner (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Staff of Tomorrow Royal Warden (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Relic gauss blaster • Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket BATTLELINE Necron Warriors (200 points) • 20x Necron Warrior • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Gauss reaper DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Ghost Ark (115 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 2x Gauss flayer array OTHER DATASHEETS Canoptek Reanimator (75 points) • 2x Atomiser beam 1x Reanimator’s claws Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers • 2x Claws 1x Transdimensional isolator 1x Twin gauss reaper Deathmarks (60 points) • 5x Deathmark • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Synaptic disintegrator Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws Exported with App Version: v1.46.1 (107), Data Version: v728
Runner Up: Daniel Bradcovich
| Daniel Bradcovich | Adepta Sororitas | Bringers of Flame |
Show List
✅ BoF - Balanced (1995 Points) Adepta Sororitas Bringers of Flame Strike Force (2,000 Points) CHARACTERS Canoness (60 Points) • 1x Hallowed chainsword • 1x Inferno pistol • 1x Null Rod Daemonifuge (85 Points) • 1x Ephrael Stern ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Sanctity • 1x Kyganil of the Bloody Tears ◦ 1x The Outcast’s Weapons Junith Eruita (80 Points) • 1x Mace of Castigation • 1x Twin Ministorum heavy flamer Morvenn Vahl (185 Points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis • 1x Lance of Illumination • 1x Paragon missile launcher DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Immolator (115 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Twin multi-melta Immolator (115 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Twin multi-melta Sororitas Rhino (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter OTHER DATASHEETS Castigator (160 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Castigator battle cannon • 3x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter Castigator (160 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Castigator autocannons • 3x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter Castigator (160 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Castigator autocannons • 3x Heavy bolter • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm bolter Dominion Squad (120 Points) • 1x Dominion Superior ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 5x Boltgun ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Meltagun ◦ 1x Simulacrum Imperialis Dominion Squad (120 Points) • 1x Dominion Superior ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Dominion ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 5x Boltgun ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Meltagun ◦ 1x Simulacrum Imperialis Paragon Warsuits (210 Points) • 1x Paragon Superior ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Multi-melta ◦ 1x Paragon storm bolters ◦ 1x Paragon war blade • 2x Paragon ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Multi-melta ◦ 2x Paragon storm bolters ◦ 2x Paragon war blade Retributor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Retributor Superior ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Retributor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Multi-melta Retributor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Retributor Superior ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Inferno pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Retributor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Multi-melta Sanctifiers (110 Points) • 1x Miraculist ◦ 1x Burning hands ◦ 1x Holy fire • 1x Salvationist ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Salvationist Medikit • 1x Death Cult Assassin ◦ 1x Death Cult blades • 2x Missionary ◦ 1x Holy fire ◦ 1x Ministorum flamer ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Sanctifier melee weapon • 4x Sanctifier ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Ministorum hand flamer ◦ 2x Sanctifier melee weapon ◦ 1x Simulacrum Imperialis Exported with App Version: v1.46.1 (1), Data Version: v728
Faction GT Performance Overview
data from https://40k-event-tracker.nuxt.dev/
Last Week in Warhammer 40,000: Shockwaves, Star Gods, and a Meta in Motion
Last week’s Warhammer 40K events were already shaping up to be interesting but the surprise balance update turned them into a genuine inflection point for the meta. Results from across GTs and large RTTs showed players reacting in real time to meaningful changes, with some archetypes collapsing overnight and others surging forward faster than anyone expected. While some pre-slate events show that the timely adjustment to Victrix was more than well deserved.
The headline stories were impossible to miss: Victrix Guard finally coming back down to earth, Necrons surging behind revamped datasheets and empowered C’tan, and Grizzled veterans once again proving that fundamentals still win games. If there was any doubt that balance updates matter immediately, last weekend put that question to rest.
The Victrix Correction: Three Wounds, Real Consequences. (Pictured above losing a whole feet of height)
The most disruptive change of the update was the quiet but devastating adjustment to Victrix Guard dropping to 3 Wounds. On paper, it looks modest. On the tabletop, it fundamentally changes how Ultramarines function at the top end.
Previously, Victrix bricks warped the meta around themselves. Lists were built either to leverage their absurd durability or to specifically counter it and often failed. Last weekend, the data showed the nerfs were well warranted. Ultramarines dominant in pre slate events with Innes Wilson taking down the largest event yet with the offending Victrix. With the oppressive “auto-pilot” durability was gone. Victrix units now go down to a premier offensive units with 'good' durability. I still expect to see one unit of 3 or 6 in every Ultramarines list going forward, a much healthier amount for the game.
Importantly, this wasn’t the deletion of a faction it was a normalization. Skilled Ultramarine players will still post strong finishes, but the days of simply absorbing entire enemy turns and walking away intact appear to be over. The meta immediately breathed easier, or is does it? Wardens and Titus are set to hit shelves and a brick of 20 wounds at 90 points is sure to have an impact on Ultramarine lists. Unless a bigger monster shadows the meta.
The Rise of Necrons: New Datasheets, New Nightmares
If Victrix Guard falling was the release of pressure, Necrons rising was the sudden spike.
Updated datasheets and reworked C’tan shards transformed Necrons from a middling, grindy faction into one of the most feared presences of the weekend. Across multiple events, Necron players posted strong win rates, deep runs, and top-table appearances.
The C’tan are no longer just durable anchors. They are now proactive threats, forcing opponents to answer multiple high-damage, hard-to-interact-with monsters simultaneously. The slight points hike does little to counteract the extra wounds, movement and deepstrike they just gained. The pillow fisted Deceiver is especially powered up with both its shootign and melee profile going up by 1 damage. The army’s internal balance also improved: better datasheets meant fewer “tax” units and more points invested directly into pressure. We have also yet to see what I believe to be the biggest offender among the all. Nekrosor Ammentar. The bevy of auras, abilities and attack profile on this model would make Primarch players salivate, but it comes in a 165 point package. Flashes of pre-nerf Cawl come to mind, an entirely too cheap price point for an army warping play piece.
Necrons are set to dictate the coming meta
The Five C’tan: Pantheon of Woe
The most interesting list of the weekend was, without question, the Five C’tan Pantheon of Woe.
Show List
Tedd Williamson-Necrons-Pantheon of Woe
Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Pantheon of Woe CHARACTERS Catacomb Command Barge (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Overlord’s blade C’tan Shard of the Deceiver (325 points) • 1x Cosmic insanity 1x Golden fists C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer (345 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon (330 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm Transcendent C’tan (330 points) • 1x Crackling tendrils 1x Seismic assault Transcendent C’tan (330 points) • 1x Crackling tendrils 1x Seismic assault OTHER DATASHEETS Triarch Stalker (110 points) • 1x Heat ray 1x Stalker’s forelimbs Triarch Stalker (110 points) • 1x Heat ray 1x Stalker’s forelimbs
This build leaned fully into the new reality of Necrons, fielding an overwhelming lineup of star gods that dared opponents to solve impossible problems ,
- Multiple C’tan shards applying constant pressure
- Staggered threat ranges that punished passive play
- Damage profiles that bypassed traditional defensive tech
- Enough board presence to force bad decisions every turn
What made the list so effective wasn’t just raw power it was inevitability. Opponents were forced to commit disproportionate resources to removing individual C’tan, often only to see another one take over the game. Several events saw this list either winning outright or falling just short in finals, and its impact was felt far beyond its actual representation.
Expect this archetype to become a central testing point going forward.
Grizzled Still Grinds: Experience Wins Games
Amid all the noise around balance changes and flashy new lists, one thing remained constant: Grizzled is still a force to be reckoned with.
Across the weekend, Grizzled armies defined by durability, disciplined play, and incremental advantage continued to rack up strong results. These weren’t lists relying on surprise tech or untested interactions. They won by denying points, trading efficiently, and punishing mistakes.
In a weekend defined by upheaval, Grizzled players showed its strengths. While others were still learning how to navigate the new dataslate, they were already executing game plans that didn’t rely on any single broken interaction. That consistency translated into podium finishes and deep runs yet again.
What Last Week Tells Us About the Meta
The immediate takeaway from last week’s events is clear: the meta is shifting fast
Victrix Guard is no longer the axis everything revolves around
-Necrons are a legitimate top-tier threat, not a fringe concern
- C’tan-heavy builds demand respect and preparation
- Fundamentals-heavy factions and players remain extremely dangerous
Rather than pure chaos, the surprise balance update injected momentum. Players are experimenting, adapting, and refining at speed and the results are already more diverse and interactive than what we saw just weeks ago.
If last weekend is any indication, the next few weeks of competitive Warhammer 40K are going to be defined by innovation, counterplay, and a renewed emphasis on execution over raw stat-checking, unless the Ctan warp the meta in their overstatted glory.
Overall an exciting beginning of the end for 10th edition.