Don’t miss this week’s top Warhammer 40k 10th Edition meta lists from Cascade Clash: Descent – 40k Major Fall 2024 and Hanseatic Alliance Open 2024!
Top Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Meta Lists: October 7, 2024
If you’re still looking for a last-second ticket (I was!) to the World Championships of Warhammer, you won’t want to miss the results of these golden ticket events! Smaller than last weekend’s LGT usually means a tighter field all the way to the top, the 82-Player Cascade Clash: Descent – 40k Major Fall 2024 (Mt. Vernon, WA) and 190-Player Hanseatic Alliance Open 2024 (Oldenburg, Germany) events still had people taking time off from Space Marine 2 to attend.
Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Army lists: Tim Schneider
Tim Schneider converted thisLeagues of Votann list into a perfect 8-0 record for our first top Warhammer 40k 10th Edition meta lists this week.
Tim Schneider’s League’s of Votann Oathband
+ Character [165pts] +
Brôkhyr Iron-master [85pts]: Appraising Glare [20pts]
Einhyr Champion [80pts]: Darkstar axe, Grim Demeanour [20pts], Warlord, Weavefield crest
+ Battleline [200pts] +
Hearthkyn Warriors [100pts]: Comms array, Medipack, Pan spectral scanner
7x Hearthkyn Warrior: 7x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, 7x Autoch-pattern bolter, 7x Close combat weapon
Hearthkyn Warrior w/ heavy weapon: HYLas rotary cannon*
Hearthkyn Warrior w/ heavy weapon: HYLas auto rifle*
Theyn: Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon
Hearthkyn Warriors [100pts]: Comms array, Medipack, Pan spectral scanner
7x Hearthkyn Warrior: 7x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol, 7x Autoch-pattern bolter, 7x Close combat weapon
Hearthkyn Warrior w/ heavy weapon: HYLas rotary cannon*
Hearthkyn Warrior w/ heavy weapon: HYLas auto rifle*
Theyn: Etacarn plasma pistol, Kin melee weapon
+ Infantry [480pts] +
Cthonian Beserks [200pts]
8x Beserk: 8x Concussion maul
2x Beserk w/ mole grenade launcher: 2x Concussion maul, 2x Mole grenade launcher
Cthonian Beserks [200pts]
8x Beserk: 8x Concussion maul
2x Beserk w/ mole grenade launcher: 2x Concussion maul, 2x Mole grenade launcher
Hernkyn Yaegirs [80pts]: Hernkyn Yaegir w/ APM launcher, Hernkyn Yaegir w/ magna-coil rifle
8x Hernkyn Yaegir: 8x Bolt revolver and plasma knife, 8x Close combat weapon
+ Mounted [360pts] +
Hernkyn Pioneers [180pts]
Hernkyn Pioneer
Hernkyn Pioneer w/ comms array
2x Hernkyn Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: 2x Bolt revolver, 2x Bolt shotgun, 2x HYLas rotary cannon, 2x Magna-coil autocannon, 2x Plasma knife
Hernkyn Pioneer w/ pan-spectral scanner
Hernkyn Pioneer w/ searchlight
Hernkyn Pioneers [180pts]
Hernkyn Pioneer
Hernkyn Pioneer w/ comms array
2x Hernkyn Pioneer w/ HYLas rotary cannon: 2x Bolt revolver, 2x Bolt shotgun, 2x HYLas rotary cannon, 2x Magna-coil autocannon, 2x Plasma knife
Hernkyn Pioneer w/ pan-spectral scanner
Hernkyn Pioneer w/ searchlight
+ Vehicle [450pts] +
Hekaton Land Fortress [225pts]: Pan spectral scanner, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon
Hekaton Land Fortress [225pts]: Pan spectral scanner, SP heavy conversion beamer, 2x Twin bolt cannon
+ Dedicated Transport [345pts] +
Sagitaur [115pts]: HYLas beam cannon
Sagitaur [115pts]: HYLas beam cannon
Sagitaur [115pts]: HYLas beam cannon
While Votann’s range is admittedly still rather limited, the addition of Yaegirs has brought them from a Meta afterthought for most of the edition to a terrifying draw in pairings.
Short and Sweet (Votann):
The real key behind this army is its “Grudge Token” system, which gives relatively decent-looking stat lines insane efficiency into any target. Grudge Tokens are doled out at the beginning of the game, and every time you kill a unit, stacking up to twice, you gain +1 to hit and +1 to wound after.
That Heavy Conversion Beamer that hits on 4+ and wounds on 5+ into your Land Raider? Guess what, it’s 3+ and 4+ now. They gain these efficiencies everywhere (Pioneers wound Custodes on 2+!), and executing a “grudged” target early gives them a boatload of CP as well.
The Pioneers are a critical component to the list, having “uppy-downy,” and just a boatload of guns, they can shred opponents’ chaff all the way up to light vehicles. Sagitaurs splitting 2 units of warriors gives the list a lot of problematic bodies and efficient mission play, while Berserks wait for anyone that gets tired of being pounded by Votann firepower.
This list answers both the combat and shooting phases with extreme efficiency, and that propelled it to an undefeated placing at Hanseatic. You can see more on how to play Leagues of Votann here.
Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Army Lists: Jaden Iwaasa
Jaden Iwaasa Wolf Jailed myself, and everyone else at Cascade Clash with this Space Wolf Army list!
Jaden Iwaasa’s Space Wolves
Stormlance Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)
CHARACTERS
Bjorn the Fell-Handed (180 Points)
• 1x Assault cannon
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 1x Trueclaw
Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
Logan Grimnar (100 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x The Axe Morkai
Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Storm Shield
Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Storm Shield
Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf (80 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Storm Shield
Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (110 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Relic Shield
• Enhancements: Hunter’s Instincts
Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (100 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Relic Shield
Wolf Lord on Thunderwolf (100 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Crushing teeth and claws
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Relic Shield
OTHER DATASHEETS
Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (80 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 (80 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
Infiltrator Squad (100 Points)
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Helix Gauntlet
◦ 1x Infiltrator Comms Array
◦ 4x Marksman bolt carbine
Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Boltgun
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Boltgun
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
Scout Squad (65 Points)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Boltgun
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Scout
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Boltgun
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 Points)
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
◦ 1x Crushing teeth and claws
◦ 1x Heirloom weapon
◦ 1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
◦ 5x Crushing teeth and claws
◦ 5x Heirloom weapon
◦ 5x Storm Shield
Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 Points)
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
◦ 1x Crushing teeth and claws
◦ 1x Heirloom weapon
◦ 1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
◦ 5x Crushing teeth and claws
◦ 5x Heirloom weapon
◦ 5x Storm Shield
Thunderwolf Cavalry (200 Points)
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
◦ 1x Crushing teeth and claws
◦ 1x Heirloom weapon
◦ 1x Storm Shield
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
◦ 5x Crushing teeth and claws
◦ 5x Heirloom weapon
◦ 5x Storm Shield
ALLIED UNITS
Callidus Assassin (100 Points)
• 1x Neural shredder
• 1x Phase sword and poison blades
I played against this list and got absolutely demolished! I thought I was ready, I had reps, I had a plan, and you know what they say about plans, everyone has one until you get punched in the mouth. This list is 24 Thunderwolves. It slams efficiently into almost every target in the game (the AP-1 may be the only limit into AoC armies) because of overwhelming rerolls, lethals, and damage profiles.
Space Wolves, Wolves, and More Wolves
There is a “Go Turn” and Logan Grimnar makes this army Go. Giving full rerolls to charge and hit across the board for one turn makes everything able to charge reliably and fish for lethals even into high-toughness targets.
There are also two “Lord of Deceit” abilities in this army that can absolutely punish opponents trying to use stratagems constantly. Bjorn delivers the aura on a powerful C’tan-esque profile for wading into battle, while Callidus allows for strategic placement or doubling up for maximum punishment.
The list looks light on mission play on the surface, but Jump Pack Intercessors, Combi Lieutenant, Callidus, and 2 Scouts really do get the job done while people have to deal with tons of dogs in their face. The wolf leaders also become valuable even after losing the unit for getting to objectives or hidden targets.
Space Wolves have been one of the top armies for a while, if you think you’re ready for them, like I did, maybe take a few extra reps so you don’t make my same mistakes in round six! Learn more about how to play Space Wolves here.
Warhammer 40k 10th Edition Meta Army lists: Steven Ross
This was my list that won me my first Golden Ticket! I went 5-1, only losing to Jaden in the finals.
Steven Ross’ Necrons
Awakened Dynasty
CHARACTERS
Hexmark Destroyer (70 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols
Illuminor Szeras (175 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Eldritch Lance
1x Impaling legs
Overlord (105 points)
• 1x Resurrection Orb
1x Voidscythe
• Enhancement: Veil of Darkness
Skorpekh Lord (95 points)
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
1x Flensing claw
1x Hyperphase harvester
• Enhancement: Enaegic Dermal Bond
Skorpekh Lord (80 points)
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
1x Flensing claw
1x Hyperphase harvester
Skorpekh Lord (80 points)
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
1x Flensing claw
1x Hyperphase harvester
Technomancer (105 points)
• 1x Staff of light
• Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket
OTHER DATASHEETS
Canoptek Reanimator (75 points)
• 2x Atomiser beam
1x Reanimator’s claws
Canoptek Reanimator (75 points)
• 2x Atomiser beam
1x Reanimator’s claws
Canoptek Wraiths (250 points)
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws
Cryptothralls (60 points)
• 2x Cryptothrall
• 2x Scouring eye
2x Scythed limbs
Flayed Ones (60 points)
• 5x Flayed One
• 5x Flayer claws
Lokhust Destroyers (30 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss cannon
Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (100 points)
• 2x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer
• 2x Close combat weapon
2x Gauss destructor
Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (50 points)
• 3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer
• 3x Close combat weapon
3x Gauss destructor
Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (50 points)
• 1x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss destructor
Lychguard (170 points)
• 10x Lychguard
• 10x Dispersion Shield
10x Hyperphase sword
Skorpekh Destroyers (90 points)
• 3x Skorpekh Destroyer
• 1x Plasmacyte
3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons
Skorpekh Destroyers (90 points)
• 3x Skorpekh Destroyer
• 1x Plasmacyte
3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons
Skorpekh Destroyers (90 points)
• 3x Skorpekh Destroyer
• 1x Plasmacyte
3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons
I’ve been scheming about this list for months, I knew in my heart of hearts Awakened Dynasty had legs (pun intended, I counted them, it has 137 legs) and wanted to prove it. Every week, I preach innovation and bucking the meta, so who would I be to tell you that without doing it myself?
Awake Me Up When Pariah Ends
After playing lots of practice games and slowly refining the list, I found things that I absolutely loved about it: the Skorpekhs and the Characters. Bringing a Skorpekh Lord, or hilariously Szeras, back to life is one of the most potent stratagems in the game. I planned on exploiting the power of a few Necrons characters and overloading, specifically Toughness 6.
The Wraiths unit is a well-known commodity at this point in the meta, so how can we make it better? Add Cryptothralls. These guys do something special; they give unit 6 more ablative wounds and make it an infantry unit. What does that mean? Wraiths are now a “Cull The Horde” Target! This came up in four of my 6 games, punishing opponents for drawing it every time.
The pair of reanimators seem unassuming, but they are wildly durable for their points, and taking two allows you to lose one and still maximize efficiency on your reanimation stratagem (the other powerful stratagem I wanted to pour my CP into). I was finding one Reanimator couldn’t always be in a location I wanted, and I fell in love with the pair of them. They also make incredible action monkeys since their value comes entirely from their OC, Durability, and Aura.
Can you kill three Skorpekh Lords? Yes? Can you do it again? All of my opponents answered no the second time. These guys run around dealing mortals on the charge and just get the job done. T7, 7 Wounds 4++, and a 4+++ on one just to be spicy.
I love Necrons, I love this list, I love Warhammer, and I love this community. My wife and family were watching the finals on Wargames Live, and they said there was unbelievable support even during my 70+ point blowout.
So there you have it, whether you’re a fan of the Votann’s “Grudge Token” system or the ferocious Space Wolves, there’s definitely something for everyone in the top Warhammer 40k 10th Edition meta army lists.
It’s always exciting to see how players innovate and adapt to make the top Warhammer 40k 10th Edition meta army lists. Innovation is clearly not dead, and the best time to try that new idea is right now. Especially with the new Warhammer rules changes from the latest Balance Dataslate and points updates.
Click Here For More Top Warhammer Army Lists
What do you think of this week’s top Warhammer 40k 10th Edition meta lists?
About the Author: Steven Ross
Steven Ross
Job Title: Competitive 40k Writer
Socials: Steven on Facebook
About Steven Ross: Steven plays more Warhammer 40k in a week than most people do in a quarter, maybe even a calendar year. He studies every Warhammer tournament army list each week, watches all the live streams, and interacts everywhere he can online.
After only being in the hobby for a few years, Steven placed 8th overall out of several hundred at the Warhammer 40k Adepticon Championships in 2024, and was selected to play in the Warhammer World Championships as well.
Basically, he knows 10th Edition Warhammer 40k like few others, so watch this space for some great advice from tactics to army list building.
