It’s been nearly a month since my last 40k Meta Monday review, and it still looks disgustingly similar. Deathguard never left, and Knights are keeping their predators at bay.
Updated on August 13th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information on final placings at LSO.
With all the 40k Royalty over at WTC, we’re going to take a look at a unique playing field from last weekend at the Lone Star Open 2025 (322 players in Allen, TX), and Iowaaagh! Moose-Tacular 2025 ( 63 Players in Cedar Rapids, IA).
Sadly, the 40k Meta Monday is still basically in a state of emergency, as the Warhammer 40k is probably in its most dire spot since 10th edition dropped in 2023.
Let’s take a look at what is still winning, and why…
Latest Warhammer 10th Edition Meta Lists
“The “Why GW Why” (trademark Art of War 40k) tier is Deathguard, seeing no points changes! They’re still probably the top dogs when it comes to singles, with so much efficiency in every aspect of their army right now.” – Me on June 16th, 2025
Now let’s dig into what’s winning, or at least trading blows with Deathguard currently, as the Warhammer 40k meta is still in free fall.
Lone Star Open 2025 40k Champs
Derek is still running the same Virulent Vectorium List; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This is something that’s incredibly important to learn, and I can’t stress enough. I’m also a list tinkerer, to a fault. But when you’ve got a good thing, stick with it!
There were also two other undefeated Deathguard lists, but Apsche’s is still the coolest with big Morty, so he gets another shoutout.
Derek Apsche’s – Virulent Vectorium
You can see my previous breakdown on the undefeated Death Guard here.
40k Champs List 2, Undefeated Boogaloo
As a Necron one-trick, I can’t let this list go unheralded. I never considered something like this being able to slam this hard at a super major, and that’s on me. What an incredible list from Justin Moore.
Plus, with the cheating disqualification of James Carmona, Justin now takes 3rd place at the event.
Justin Moore – Awakened Dynasty
This list compares two of the most difficult and distinct defensive profiles in the game. 20 Warriors with Stealth and a 4++ save is a challenge only a few armies can handle. Trust me, there are only about five datasheets in the entire game that genuinely fear this combination.
If you’ve ever tried to crack Warriors with the wrong profile, you know how futile it can be, especially when combined with reanimation from a Ghost Ark and strategems from the Awakened.
This unit is a serious threat. It also benefits from falling back, shooting, and charging. Cryptothralls will also mess with the math significantly since they have a 3+ save.
The other end of the spectrum is the 12 wraiths with 3+4++5+++ on T6 4W bodies. Wraiths are usually the anchor for most lists, but in this case, they can work together with the warriors and use the two very different and very annoying defensive profiles to exploit any army.
The list also, just for fun, includes three Doomsday Arks. Doomsday Arks are casino cannons without the reliability granted by reroll 1s from Silent King or Starshatter’s Enhancement (Dread Majesty), but they can still deal absurd damage whenever they activate and remain a solid defensive profile overall.
This is definitely the most original list I’ve seen go undefeated at an event of this level since the appearance of Deathguard, and probably even before, so it just proves the meta is never solved and there’s always room for innovation!
Iowaaagh! Moose-tacular 2025
What’s Astra Militarum been up to? Nothin’, just hangin’ around.
Jacob Ott whipped up a list that was able to take sole possession of first place at Iowaaagh!
Jacob Ott – Combined Arms
This list basically took a look at the meta full of big tanks or hearty vehicles and said, “I got a Leman Russ for that!”
Triple Vanquishers are a pretty solid answer to the current Knight Meta, and they pack a solid punch into other heavy targets like what Deathguard brings to the table with their extra weaponry of Meltas and Lascannons. It’s the most efficient Leman chassis, and its time to shine is now.
Rogal Dorn’s, in triplicate, will handle the rest of the heavy lifting into basically any target. Their profiles are varied and oppressive, as the names imply.
Throw a command squad and Creed in there to stab someone’s heart out when they draw Cull The Horde, and you have a list ready to take on all of the top offerings in the current meta.
Final Thoughts on These 40k Meta Army Lists
And that’s where things stand. Deathguard’s still choking the table, Necrons pulled a stunt no one saw coming, and Astra Militarum decided it’s tank o’clock.
If you’re waiting for the perfect time to break the mold, it’s now. The old kings aren’t budging, but we’re starting to see cracks in the throne room.
With so many new codexes flooding the scene, along with a new mission pack, it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint if or when there will be a new Meta Monday 40k army right now.
It’s wild out there, but that’s half the fun.
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