If you love gaming with a friend (and hobby fun), the 2025 LVO Long War 40k Doubles tourney was the place for you to be!
The Long War 40k Doubles at LVO 2025 was an absolute blast, packed with incredible armies, killer strategies, and a whole lot of fun. Teams brought their A-game, showing off stunning paint jobs and creative lists that turned heads all weekend.
Whether it was perfectly coordinated tactics or just a love for rolling dice with a buddy, the energy was through the roof. If you missed out, don’t worry—we’ve got all the highlights, jaw-dropping armies, and unforgettable moments right here. Let’s take a look at what made this year’s event one for the books!
Long War 40k Doubles Armies at LVO 2025: Stunning Team-Ups and Incredible Paint Schemes
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The 2025 Las Vegas Open had players from all over the country stop in and show off their most beautifully painted armies. On the Doubles side, they put in a ton of work and made some awesome armies for the Long War Doubles 40k tournament!
Here is a quick preview of some of the armies that were on hand at the event. Look for more in-depth features coming soon for each of these hobby masterpieces!
Custodes Bring Fire and Ice
One standout force came from a Custodes team that split their forces into a stunning contrast of fire and ice. Half the models gleamed in the classic gold and red, while the other half donned a dark gray and blue scheme.
Together, they created a visually striking army that was not only cohesive but downright intimidating. The battlefield presence of the Custodes never fails to impress, but this team took it to another level with their artistic approach.
Necrons and Imperial Knights: A Perfect Match
Sometimes, the most unexpected pairings just work, and that was the case with the Necrons and Imperial Knights. You might not expect these factions to team up, but their shared love of destruction—and a perfectly matched color scheme—made for an army that looked like it was meant to be. Giant war machines standing alongside eerie, skeletal warriors created a force that was as terrifying as it was effective.
Orks and Necrons Smash and Blast
On the other end of the spectrum, the Orks and Necrons brought their own flavor of mayhem. This army was a mix of raw melee power and devastating firepower, showing that sometimes, more really is more. The bright, bold Ork colors blended surprisingly well with the eerie metallic hues of the Necrons, making for a force that was as fun to look at as it was to play.
GSC Tanks and Sisters of Battle Precision
The Imperial Guard (actually, just GSC in their tanks…) rolled in with an arsenal of tanks, bringing their firepower to support the Sisters of Battle, who focused on close-combat dominance.
The mix of heavy armor and elite infantry was a tactical dream and looked fantastic together on the tabletop. Whether blasting enemies from afar or charging in to finish the job, this force struck a perfect balance between brute force and precision.
Orks vs. Orks? Why Not!
Who needs allies when you have more Orks? One team took the all-Ork approach, splitting their forces into two distinct color schemes.
The result? Double the fun, double the destruction, and an army that perfectly captured the wild energy Orks are known for. Seeing this force in action was a reminder that sometimes, sticking to what works is the best plan.
Tyranids and Orks: Red and Green Menace
Another team-up that turned heads was the Tyranids and Orks, combining monstrous power with relentless aggression.
Their red and green paint schemes worked surprisingly well together, creating a force that not only smashed through enemies but looked fantastic doing it.
Custodes and Death Guard: A Golden Alliance with a Rotten Twist
Now, here’s a pairing you don’t see every day—Custodes and Death Guard standing side by side, and yes, Mortarion himself made an appearance! The shining gold of the Custodes contrasted sharply with the grotesque, decaying aesthetic of the Death Guard, making for an army that was equal parts awe-inspiring and unsettling.
This unlikely duo brought a mix of unbreakable resilience and brutal efficiency, proving that even the most unlikely alliances can deliver serious results on the battlefield.
Thousand Sons and Space Wolves: Enemies Turned Allies
Thousand Sons and Space Wolves teaming up? Now that’s a twist. This classic rivalry saw an unexpected turn as Magnus and Ragnar stood together instead of across the battlefield from one another. The result was an army packed with psychic might, feral aggression, and some seriously cool visuals.
The contrasting styles of both forces worked surprisingly well, showing that sometimes, even bitter enemies can find common ground—especially when there are bigger threats to deal with.
Chaos Knights and Nurgle: Pure Battlefield Domination
When Chaos Knights join forces with the forces of Nurgle, you know things are about to get messy. Towering war machines covered in rust and decay marched alongside bloated, festering warriors, creating an army that looked as deadly as it was durable.
The paint schemes brought out the best of both factions, blending mechanical destruction with organic corruption in a way that made for an unforgettable presence on the tabletop.
Drukhari and Chaos Knights Bring the Pain
The Drukhari found an unlikely ally in the Chaos Knights, and the results were nothing short of stunning.
Their white and metallic color schemes blended seamlessly, creating an army that brought a sinister elegance to the table while delivering punishing attacks.
Dark Angels and Tau: The Perfect Tag Team
Rounding out the list, the Dark Angels and Tau combined their strengths for a deadly mix of ranged firepower and up-close brutality.
With the Tau laying down devastating long-range support, the Dark Angels closed in to finish off whatever was left standing.
Final Thoughts on the Long War Doubles at LVO 2025
The Long War 40k Doubles at LVO 2025 brought out some of the most creative and unexpected team-ups we’ve seen yet. From classic rivalries turned alliances to color schemes that shouldn’t work but totally do, this event was a showcase of talent, strategy, and sheer passion for the hobby.
Whether it was golden Custodes standing shoulder to shoulder with decaying Death Guard or Orks running wild with Tyranids, the armies on display were nothing short of inspiring. If you’re looking for ideas for your next project or just love seeing what others bring to the table, this event had plenty to offer.
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Got a favorite army from the Long War Doubles at LVO 2025? Let’s hear it!
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
