Don’t miss the top Warhammer 40k tournament army lists featuring Tyranids, Deathwatch, and Dark Angels from A Winter Slay Ride.
Final Standings:
The tournament is over, and now we can look at which 40k factions’ playstyles and army lists managed to secure a place at the top! Check out what these winners brought in their armies with our expert commentary on their selections.
Studying these winning army lists for their tactical synergies provides valuable insights for honing your strategic approach since the latest balance dataslate rules changes and points updates.
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1st Place: Anthony Campanella – Tyranids Army Lists
At A Winter Slay Ride, Anthony’s Tyranids proved that the Hive Mind’s appetite for destruction isn’t just a lore point—it’s a tournament-winning strategy.
Combining overwhelming firepower, terrifying melee threats, and the adaptability the swarm is known for, Anthony’s list didn’t just devour the competition; it left them questioning if their armies were next on the menu. Here’s how this well-tuned swarm claimed victory and why it was the ultimate predator on the battlefield.
Leading the swarm was a Hive Tyrant, bringing Assault abilities and Lethal Hits to turn the front lines into a feeding frenzy. The Tyrant wasn’t just a figurehead—it was a centerpiece of carnage, capable of tearing through anything foolish enough to stand in its way.
Backing up the Tyrant was the Neurotyrant, whose buffs to hit and wound rolls ensured the swarm struck with precision and power. With these two working in tandem, the Hive Mind didn’t just rely on numbers—it wielded them with surgical efficiency.
The list kept its troop choice simple but effective, fielding a single unit of Hormagaunts. These cheap melee critters might not seem like much, but in the Tyranid playbook, they’re the perfect fodder to harass the enemy, hold objectives, or tie up key units. For a faction that thrives on pressure, Hormagaunts are the little pests that ensure the big beasts can shine.
When it came to heavy hitters, Anthony’s list didn’t hold back. A Biovore brought spore mines to the table, adding an element of area denial and disruption to the swarm’s already overwhelming presence. These explosive distractions kept opponents on their toes, ensuring they couldn’t focus entirely on the bigger beasts stomping their way.
Speaking of bigger beasts, three Exocrines offered a terrifying combination of melee and ranged power. These massive creatures are walking (or stomping) artillery platforms that don’t just blast targets from afar—they can also hold their own in close combat. For a dual-phase threat, few Tyranid units do it better.
Anthony’s list also leaned on five units of Tyranid Warriors, each bristling with ranged special weapons. These mid-sized monsters aren’t just versatile—they’re outright dangerous. Capable of mowing down targets of all shapes and sizes, the Warriors provided consistent firepower that complemented the bigger beasts’ raw destructive force.
Rounding out the list was a Neurolictor, a sneaky lone operative with solid utility. This unit excelled at operating independently, capturing objectives, or picking off key targets while staying safe from retaliation. In a list full of blunt instruments, the Neurolictor brought a scalpel’s touch.
The Tyrranofexes rounded out the heavy hitters, adding another layer of dual-phase destruction. Whether laying waste to armored targets with ranged firepower or smashing through infantry in melee, these beasts ensured the list could adapt to any challenge.
2nd Place: Ally Huang – Deathwatch Army Lists
3rd Place: Edwin Mehta – Dark Angels Army Lists
Anthony’s army didn’t just roll across the board—it evolved with each turn, reacting to threats and overwhelming opponents with an endless tide of lethal options.
Whether through spore mines from the Biovore or the terrifying presence of a rampaging Exocrine, Anthony’s Tyranids dominated the battlefield with the relentless efficiency of the Hive Mind itself.
These top army lists from A Winter Slay Ride are a reminder that the Tyranids can win if built with every unit having a purpose and every move is part of a grand strategy. With a little bit of finesse, they can hold their own against even the deadliest Deathwatch and Dark Angels army lists.
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What do you think of the results and top Warhammer 40k A Winter Slay Ride army lists for Tyranids, Deathwatch, and Dark Angels?
About the Author: Andrew Schrank
Andrew Schrank
Job Title: Miniatures & Warhammer Hobby Staff Writer
Socials: Facebook
About Andrew Schrank: Over the past 15 years, Andrew has played all the games, including tabletop and video games, and immersed himself in the associated lore. Andrew joined the Spikey Bits team in 2018 and covers the Warhammer hobby and tournament scene, along with the latest in tabletop miniatures, each week.
Aspiring diplomat, Lord of Fluff, and Master of Ice Hammer, He loves Star Wars, Chaos Undivided, and Gundam. During his free time, he hunts Platinum trophies on PS5 and reads international news. On weekends, Andrew plays commander and cEDH games, often with unique strategies that push the limits.
He believes each day presents a new opportunity to grow and be challenged.
