US Open Warhammer 40k Winning Lists- Orlando, FL

August 16, 2021

Games Workshop has returned with the first Warhammer US Open Series hosted in Orlando, Florida as part of the US Open Series 2021! There was 3 days of competitive Warhammer 40k Gaming and the top 3 had two surprises! Notice the lack Of Drukhari? Definitely the first surprise… The other is that a pure Custodes list managed to pull out a third place win with a 6 point lead!

The Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament

Here’s a breakdown from Games Workshop on how the tournament worked:

“The Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournaments will have 256 player spots available and will use missions and rules from the most current Grand Tournament mission pack. After four rounds, all players will be bracketed into pods of 16 players with an equivalent record, ensuring the remaining rounds are played with their most closely matched opponents. Each tournament will include three rounds on Friday and three rounds on Saturday, with two bracketed Final Rounds on Sunday.

The Warhammer Age of Sigmar Grand Tournaments will have 128 player spots available, and will use missions, pairing, and scoring formats from the soon-to-be-released new edition of Warhammer Age of Sigmar! Each tournament will include three rounds on Saturday and three rounds on Sunday.

Each event will present two equal top awards – one for the player with the best overall record (any ties will be broken by the quality of their competitive performance), and the player with the best combined paint and competitive score. Numerous other awards will be presented for categories such as army painting, bracket wins, and runner-up finishes.”

In this article we are not covering Warhammer Age of Sigmar, but if that’s something that interests you and you’d like to see it covered as well please let us know in the comments below!

Our resident expert David Villareal breaks down his thoughts on this installment of the US Open Series 2021 for each of the top three winners of this Grand Tournament!

Warhammer 40,000 First Place Winner!

First Place went to Richard Siegler and his Admech list. This list makes use of a different Forgeworld than the Competitive norm. That’s Forgeworld Metalica. Metallica is a very strong forgeworld because they have access to two Coded Supplements. One specifically for Metalica and the second being the Army of Renown, the Skitarii Veteran Cohort.

US Open Warhammer 40,000 Winning List Review

Key Takeaways from this army, be wary of the Metalican Lung, it has a re-roll to wound aura for any Metalican unit shooting at a target within 3” of the bearer. Of course you have to get that character there hence the AshRunner warlord trait. You’re not making a melee monster out of a Tech Priest but disembarking from a Skorpius Dunerider Transport, 3” + 9” Move + Advance roll which for Metalica can be an auto 6 on any unit, the all important reroll to wound can get there.

Who else rides in that transport could be any number of units but for consideration, the 5 man Vanguard squads. Combined with reroll all wounds Metallican Vanguard squads have access to a 6” aura of -1 Strength and Toughness.

With all the Obscuring terrain of these events making use of melee and fast moving units, such as the Ruststalkers provides a lot of punch backed up by great admech shooting. The MSU troops in an army of renown are doing well with their 5++ invulnerable saves and can do excellent screening and easy actions.

There are essentially 6 Free CP built into this list. With so many units that want to get stuck in depending on mission, Raise the banners, Engage, Eradication of flesh, or any other action secondary will rake in points.

So how did Mr Siegler handle the Admech nerf to Ironstriders? He just didn’t take any. Obviously it worked. Congrats again.

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Mechanicus) [111 PL, 6CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Army of Renown – Skitarii Veteran Cohort

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment Command Cost

Forge World Choice: Forge World: Metalica

+ Stratagems +

Stratagem: Archeotech Specialist [-2CP]: 2x Archeotech Specialist

Stratagem: Artefactotum [-1CP]: Artefactotum

Stratagem: Host of the Intermediary [-1CP]: Host of the Intermediary

Stratagem: Mechanicus Locum [-2CP]: 2x Mechanicus Locum

+ No Force Org Slot +

Brotherhood of the Cog [4 PL, 80pts]

. Technoarchaeologist: Genetors, Mechanicus Locum, Relic (Metalica): Metalican Lung, Warlord Trait (Metalica 2): Ashrunner

+ HQ +

Skitarii Marshal [3 PL, 45pts]: Relic (Skitarii Veteran Cohort): Cantic Thrallnet, Warlord, Warlord Trait (Skitarii Veteran Cohort): Calculate Without Diversion

Skitarii Marshal [3 PL, 45pts]: Mechanicus Locum, Relic: Exemplar’s Eternity, Warlord Trait (Codex 6): Eyes of the Omnissiah

Tech-Priest Manipulus [6 PL, 105pts]: Logi, Magnarail lance

+ Troops +

Skitarii Rangers [4 PL, 50pts]

. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle

. 4x Skitarii Ranger: 4x Galvanic Rifle

Skitarii Rangers [4 PL, 50pts]

. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle

. 4x Skitarii Ranger: 4x Galvanic Rifle

Skitarii Rangers [4 PL, 50pts]

. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle

. 4x Skitarii Ranger: 4x Galvanic Rifle

Skitarii Rangers [10 PL, 195pts]: Omnispex

. Ranger Alpha: Galvanic Rifle, Host of the Intermediary, Warlord Trait (Codex 3): Programmed Retreat

. 18x Skitarii Ranger: 18x Galvanic Rifle

Skitarii Vanguards [4 PL, 50pts]

. 4x Skitarii Vanguard: 4x Radium Carbine

. Vanguard Alpha: Radium Carbine

Skitarii Vanguards [4 PL, 50pts]

. 4x Skitarii Vanguard: 4x Radium Carbine

. Vanguard Alpha: Radium Carbine

+ Elites +

Sicarian Infiltrators [4 PL, 85pts]

. Infiltrator Princeps (Flechette/Taser)

. 4x Sicarian Infiltrator (Flechette/Taser): 4x Flechette Blaster, 4x Taser Goad

Sicarian Infiltrators [4 PL, 85pts]

. Infiltrator Princeps (Flechette/Taser)

. 4x Sicarian Infiltrator (Flechette/Taser): 4x Flechette Blaster, 4x Taser Goad

Sicarian Infiltrators [8 PL, 136pts]

. Infiltrator Princeps (Stub/Sword)

. 7x Sicarian Infiltrator (Stub/Sword): 7x Power Sword, 7x Stubcarbine

Sicarian Ruststalkers [8 PL, 136pts]

. Ruststalker Princeps (Blades)

. 7x Sicarian Ruststalker (Blades): 7x Transonic Blades

Sicarian Ruststalkers [8 PL, 136pts]

. Ruststalker Princeps (Blades)

. 7x Sicarian Ruststalker (Blades): 7x Transonic Blades

Sicarian Ruststalkers [8 PL, 170pts]

. Ruststalker Princeps (Blades): Artefactotum, Relic: Temporcopia

. 9x Sicarian Ruststalker (Blades): 9x Transonic Blades

+ Fast Attack +

Pteraxii Sterylizors [8 PL, 171pts]: Pteraxii Sterylizor Alpha

. 8x Pteraxii Sterylizor: 8x Phosphor torch, 8x Pteraxii Talons

Serberys Raiders [6 PL, 149pts]: Enhanced Data-Tether, Serberys Raider Alpha

. 8x Serberys Raider: 8x Cavalry Sabre, 8x Clawed Limbs, 8x Galvanic Carbine

Serberys Raiders [6 PL, 117pts]: Enhanced Data-Tether, Serberys Raider Alpha

. 6x Serberys Raider: 6x Cavalry Sabre, 6x Clawed Limbs, 6x Galvanic Carbine

+ Dedicated Transport +

Skorpius Dunerider [5 PL, 95pts]

++ Total: [111 PL, 6CP, 2,000pts] ++

Warhammer US Open Series Second Place Winner!

Congratulations to John Lennon. Unlike the Lone Star Open Warhammer 40k Tournament, the terrain was preset which precluded the use of the Sisters Fortification. However, in John’s skilled hands that has left him room to swap in a rhino for the same points. This allows for one squad of the Repentia to be protected and provide a counter punch to any army that dares to come close.

Warhammer 40,000 US Open Winning List Review

The large Obscuring terrain pieces for this warhammer event also helps the melee focus and short range of his Sisters get to where they need to be.

Otherwise this list ran the same as the Lone Star Open. If it’s not broke…

++ Patrol Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [42 PL, 844pts, -1CP] ++

Order Convictions: Order: Bloody Rose

+ No Force Org Slot +

Repentia Superior [2 PL, 40pts, -1CP]: Relic: Litanies of Faith, Stratagem: Saint in the Making, Warlord Trait: 4. Beacon of Faith

+ HQ +

Morvenn Vahl [13 PL, 265pts]: Warlord

+ Troops +

Battle Sister Squad [3 PL, 55pts]

. 4x Battle Sister: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Boltgun, 4x Frag & Krak grenades

. Sister Superior

. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun

+ Elites +

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 112pts]

. 8x Sisters Repentia: 8x Penitent Eviscerator

Sisters Repentia [6 PL, 112pts]

. 8x Sisters Repentia: 8x Penitent Eviscerator

+ Fast Attack +

Zephyrim Squad [4 PL, 90pts]

. 4x Zephyrim: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Power sword

. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol, Zephyrim Pennant

Zephyrim Squad [4 PL, 90pts]

. 4x Zephyrim: 4x Bolt pistol, 4x Frag & Krak grenades, 4x Power sword

. Zephyrim Superior: Bolt pistol, Zephyrim Pennant

+ Dedicated Transport +

Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]

++ Outrider Detachment -3CP (Imperium – Adepta Sororitas) [56 PL, 1,156pts, -4CP] ++

+ Configuration +

Detachment Command Cost [-3CP]

Order Convictions: Order: Ebon Chalice

+ HQ +

Celestine and Geminae Superia [10 PL, 200pts]

. 2x Geminae Superia: 2x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades, 2x Power sword

+ Elites +

Celestian Sacresants [6 PL, 131pts]

. 8x Celestian Sacresants (Anointed Halberd): 8x Anointed Halberd, 8x Bolt pistol, 8x Frag & Krak grenades

. Sacresant Superior: Bolt pistol, Spear of the Faithful

Dogmata [4 PL, 65pts, -1CP]: 4. Litany of Enduring Faith, 5. Verse of Holy Piety, Relic: The Sigil Ecclesiasticus, Stratagem: Saint in the Making, Warlord Trait: Terrible Knowledge

+ Fast Attack +

Dominion Squad [4 PL, 80pts]

. Dominion Superior

. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun

. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificier-crafted storm bolter

Dominion Squad [4 PL, 80pts]

. Dominion Superior

. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun

. Dominion w/ Special Weapon: Artificier-crafted storm bolter

Seraphim Squad [4 PL, 90pts]

. 2x Seraphim: 4x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades

. Seraphim Superior: Bolt pistol, Bolt pistol

. Seraphim w/ Special Weapons: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers

Seraphim Squad [4 PL, 90pts]

. 2x Seraphim: 4x Bolt pistol, 2x Frag & Krak grenades

. Seraphim Superior: Bolt pistol, Bolt pistol

. Seraphim w/ Special Weapons: 2x Ministorum Hand Flamers

+ Heavy Support +

Retributor Squad [6 PL, 130pts]: 2x Armourium Cherub

. Retributor Superior

. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun

. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Ministorum Heavy Flamer

. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

Retributor Squad [6 PL, 130pts]: 2x Armourium Cherub

. Retributor Superior

. . Bolt Pistol & Boltgun

. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Ministorum Heavy Flamer

. Retributor w/ Heavy Weapon: Multi-melta

+ Dedicated Transport +

Sororitas Rhino [4 PL, 80pts]

++ Total: [98 PL, -5CP, 2,000pts] ++

Warhammer US Open Series Third Place Winner!

How the Custodes list works is a combination of several key units. Trajan Valoris has a reroll ones to hit and ones to wound aura. Great for a units that weapon and ballistic skill of a 2+. The Triple Telemon can be hard for Drukhari to handle as they are T8, 2+ save, 4++ invulnerable save and -1 damage and a 6+++ ignore wounds ability. Yes they can take a hit. However as Shadow Keepers they can reduce the strength of attacks going at one unit which is great when they can turn off any re-rolls against that same unit.

Warhammer 40,000 Winning List Review

They can deliver a beating as well. Their Fist, has a flat damage 4 and Steve Trimble combined that with Eternal Penitent for a total of 6 attacks for each one. But there is some range play in this list. Most notably, would be Pistol 2 shots from Venatari can become pistol 4 with exploding 6’s to hit for extra shots out of the unit when using Superior Fire Patterns. One option would be to use Blood Games Veterans in order to allow the unit to automatically wound on a 6 to hit as well. The bonus hits gained from the pistol’s profile would still need to roll to wound.

This list really shows what the Emperor’s own can do with a very elite army.

The Second Place List for the US Open Orlando:

++ Battalion Detachment 0CP (Imperium – Adeptus Custodes) [98 PL, 8CP, 2,000pts] ++

+ Configuration +

Battle Size [12CP]: 3. Strike Force (101-200 Total PL / 1001-2000 Points)

Detachment Command Cost

Shield Host: Shadowkeepers

+ HQ +

Captain-General Trajann Valoris [10 PL, 190pts]

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike [9 PL, -1CP, 178pts]: Auric Aquilas, Captain-Commander, Misericordia, Salvo Launcher, Superior Creation, Unstoppable Destroyer, Warlord

+ Troops +

Custodian Guard Squad [7 PL, 156pts]

. Custodian: Sentinel Blade, Storm Shield

Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 153pts]: Sagittarum Custodian, Sagittarum Custodian

. Sagittarum Custodian: Misericordia

Sagittarum Custodians [7 PL, 153pts]: Sagittarum Custodian, Sagittarum Custodian

. Sagittarum Custodian: Misericordia

+ Fast Attack +

Venatari Custodians [16 PL, 330pts]

. Venatari Custodian