These 3 40k armies bucked the trends and did well in competitive events. Don’t miss the top homebrew army lists that shocked the meta this week.

Looking to some of the more unique lists found in tournaments, these are our top three of what was spotted over the weekend. These lists brought units/factions that no one really expected and still managed to do decently well. Thanks to Best Coast Pairings we can look back at the events as if we were there ourselves.

Iron Warriors: Ryan Stanton- Wars on the Shore

This is probably the first time we’ve ever covered Iron Warriors in a list review. And on top of that, they even brought a full battalion of regular Chaos Marines! Making use out of the same Chapter Tactics as their Loyalist counterparts, the Imperial Fists, this player loaded up on siege weaponry. For the heavy-hitting firepower, a dual butcher cannon Contemptor hit the field. Along with some Las Cannon/missile launcher Havocs with the mark of Slaanesh for the Endless Cacophony (shoot twice) strat.

As for the rest of the list, three whole Vindicators were taken. This list is just decked-out with things we didn’t expect to see. While these tanks have high strength shots and are fairly cheap, people still don’t like the random shot output from the big cannon and usually opt out of taking them. However, this list made full use of them along with a Knight Despoiler. Taking the best of both worlds, the Despoiler was given what looks to be 2x avenger gatling cannons for the dakka. Great job!

Dark Angels: Fletcher Stevenson- Wars on the Shore

The Ravenwing showed up in full force with Sammael leading the charge in his Sableclaw. Looking at the very first detachment, this Outrider took up most of the points for the list. However, these bikes were all mixed with bolters, plasma guns, chainswords, and a ton of speed.

A Ravenwing Darkshroud hit the field giving it’s helpful -1 to hit aura to the other bikers it hovered beside. On top of that, a Dark Talon was brought along to break up the fire concentration on the enemy and bring some turn-one heat.

Finally, for some CP, a Battalion was taken with a mix of characters on a bike/land speeder. The bare minimum amount of troops were taken to flesh out the detachment and some plasma Inceptors were thrown in for some reactive plasma firepower. All in all, what an awesome unique list!

Farsight Enclaves: Jerald Springer- Wargames Con XI 40k GT

Starting off this awesome Tau list, the Farsight Enclaves hit the field sporting “The Eight” LOW selection. This is the first time we’ve ever covered these guys making an appearance in a competitive setting as well! With eight characters total giving off different effects and buffs, this LOW group is filled to the brim with rules.

To support all of the different battlesuits inside of The Eight’s group, two Battalions of Tau were brought along with Drones for extra protection and stealth suits for mid-field disruption in the early game. Overall, great job on this list!

What are your thoughts on these army selections? Have you tried playing The Eight in Tau before? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and sign up to get your free hobby updates newsletter each morning as well!