The first tournament weekend since the latest Warhammer 40K rules update is behind us, and the results are already stirring up the community. Auspex Tactics has broken down the early data, offering a deep dive into which factions are thriving and which might be struggling to adapt. But as with all things in the 40K universe, nothing is as simple as it seems.
The Early Standouts
Some factions have stormed out of the gate, showcasing the power of well-designed detachments and strategic synergy:
- Necrons: Boasting a 56% win rate, the Star Shatter detachment is proving to be a powerhouse. Necrons were the most-played faction in this first wave of tournaments, and their combination of durability and firepower is shining.
- Astra Militarum: With a 58% win rate, these steadfast soldiers are holding their ground. The Bridgehead Strike detachment, featuring drop-and-shoot Scions and special weapon teams, has already claimed tournament victories. Despite recent point hikes, they remain competitive.
- Death Watch: With a jaw-dropping 65% win rate, they’re the talk of the meta. However, this is based on a small sample size, leaving some uncertainty about their long-term strength.
Struggling to Keep Up
The road is bumpier (maybe even Chaotic) for other factions, though the data might not tell the whole story:
- Thousand Sons: Sitting at a 31% win rate, the sons of Magnus had a rough start. Still, a few standout performances in smaller events suggest there’s hope for improvement.
- Death Guard: At 35%, the harbringers of Decay are underperforming but could bounce back as players adapt. They’ve been here before and often surprise after initial struggles.
- World Eaters: Sitting at 41%, they’re experimenting with the Goretide Detachment, but it might take time for this faction to show its full potential.
For smaller factions like Black Templars or Sisters of Battle, the limited sample size makes drawing conclusions tricky. Some players are already pivoting to explore new builds—particularly Sisters gravitating toward Hallowed Martyrs detachments.
Trends and Tactics
Several trends are emerging as players adapt to the updated rules:
- Space Marines: The Ultramarines are proving hard to ignore, with Guilliman’s leadership and powerful abilities bolstering win rates. Other Chapters are experimenting, but few are matching the efficiency of Guilliman-led lists.
- Orks: At 48%, they’re stuck in the middle but are testing the waters with Tactical Brigade builds, which might eventually outshine the traditional variants.
The data also highlights some detachment choices that have yet to catch fire. Armies like Thousand Sons, Death Guard, and even Aeldari are largely sticking to the basics, with little interest in their new detachments.
Our Take
The early meta reveals as much about player adaptation as it does faction strength. Necrons and Astra Militarum have capitalized on clear advantages, while Death Watch remains a wildcard due to limited representation. Conversely, factions like Death Guard and Thousand Sons need more time to refine their strategies.
This snapshot raises exciting questions: Will the strong factions dominate the meta, or will underdogs like World Eaters or Blood Angels rise as players crack the code? One thing’s certain—this is just the beginning. The Warhammer 40K meta is a living, breathing beast, and the coming weeks will see new tactics emerge as the community rallies to solve the puzzle.
Stay tuned, commanders. The fight for the tabletop is just getting started!