Unlock victory with the top 40k tournament army lists featuring Tau Empire, Slaanesh Chaos Daemons, and Tyranids from the Merry Slaaneshmass 2024.
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.
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1st Place: Donald Plummer – T’au Empire Army Lists
At Merry Slaaneshmass 2024, Donald’s Tau army delivered a victory that wasn’t just efficient—it was downright poetic. Combining the pinpoint precision the Tau Empire is known for with an aggressive edge led by Commander Farsight himself, this list proved that you don’t need endless waves of infantry or hulking monsters to dominate a battlefield.
Let’s take a closer look at how Donald’s cadre of battlesuits and firepower redefined “goodwill toward men” as “well-placed plasma shots.”
At the head of the list was none other than Commander Farsight, the renegade leader with a penchant for close-range combat. While most Tau commanders prefer to engage enemies from a comfortable distance, Farsight thrives in the thick of the action, proving that even in the Tau Empire, sometimes the best defense is a glowing red blade.
His unique approach to leadership brought an aggressive flavor to Donald’s list, setting the tone for a cadre that didn’t shy away from getting its hands dirty.
Backing up Farsight were three Coldstar Commanders, each a masterclass in mobility and precision. With their devastating weapons and the ability to buff nearby units, these battlesuit aces brought a perfect mix of utility and firepower. They weren’t just there to look cool—they were the tactical linchpin of the list, ensuring that every engagement was fast, precise, and utterly one-sided.
No Tau list would be complete without some long-range devastation, and Donald delivered with two units of Broadsides equipped with Rail Rifles. These iconic weapons excel at punching through armored targets, making them the perfect choice for deleting tanks, dreadnoughts, or anything else foolish enough to stand still for too long.
Two Fireknife units brought solid all-around firepower with the durability to back it up, while a single Starscythe unit leaned into close-range chaos with their flamers. For those tough armored targets, Donald fielded two Sunforge units, armed with fusion blasters designed to turn enemy vehicles into smoldering wreckage.
Adding some heft to the lineup was a Ghostkeel battlesuit, the Tau’s stealthy heavy hitter. Durable and armed with powerful ranged weapons, the Ghostkeel excelled at disrupting enemy plans while soaking up attention and damage. Its presence added another layer of versatility to Donald’s list, ensuring that his cadre had a tool for every situation.
On the infantry side, Kroot Carnivores and a Pathfinder team provided the groundwork for objective play and board control. The Kroot offered cost-effective bodies to hold key points, while the Pathfinders brought much-needed utility with their markerlights and scouting abilities.
Three units of Stealth Battlesuits added another layer of mobility and firepower. Cheap but effective, these suits excelled at flanking maneuvers and harassing enemy backlines. And to round things out, a single unit of Vespid Stingwings added even more mobility, ensuring that Donald’s army could reach any corner of the battlefield when needed.
2nd Place: Paul Winters – Slaanesh Chaos Daemons Army Lists
3rd Place: Ryan Lynn – Tyranids Army Lists
Donald’s Tau army was a masterclass in synergy, leveraging the unique strengths of the faction while leaning into an aggressive playstyle that kept opponents on the back foot. Farsight and the Coldstars provided leadership and mobility, while the Broadsides and Ghostkeel delivered heavy firepower.
Battlesuit units like the Fireknives, Sunforges, and Starscythes ensured that there was no safe range for the enemy—whether up close or at a distance, Donald’s cadre had the tools to dominate.
These top army lists from Merry Slaaneshmass 2024 are a reminder that the T’au Empire 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 Slaanesh and Tyranids.
The performance of these armies serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the competitive Warhammer 40k meta. Studying these winning army lists for their tactical synergies provides valuable insights for honing your strategic approach.
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What do you think of the results and top Warhammer 40k army lists at Merry Slaaneshmass 2024 for Tau Empire, Slaanesh, and Tyranids?
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.
