Warhammer 40K: This Week’s Meta Hotness – Grand Master In Nemesis Dreadknight

Let’s take a look at a unit that’s been mastering the competition- the Grand Master In Nemesis Dreadknight.

In the ever-shifting meta of 40K armies rise and fall. We’ve spent a lot of time talking about armies that are hot or not and a lot less time looking at units that are running the show. That changes today as we’re taking a look at one of the hottest units currently running around the tabletop: the Grand Master In Nemesis Dreadknight!

What Is It

The Grand Master In Nemesis Dreadknight is a Grey Knights heavy HQ choice. Grand Masters are one of the highest ranks in the Grey Knights and roughly equivalent to a Marine Chapter Master. On their own they are a powerful force, but sometimes they strap themsleves into the even more powerful Dreadknight suite and go to town. In a Dreadknight they combine ranged firepower, psychic might, and heavy close combat ablity for a really deadly combination.

Why They Are Good

I mean… just look at that thing. This unit has it all really. A solid core stat line makes it faster than infantry, and though. Though its only T6, 13 wounds, a 2+/4++ and a save vs mortal wounds means it can take a lot to chew through. As it can also deep strike its resilient to Alpha Strikes and more mobile then it seems. This is a model thats some effort to put down and can get around. It can also dish out a ton of damage. With access to a great suite of guns it can bring deadly accurate midrange firepower. The Heavy Psycannon in particular can devastate MEQ units and vehicles.

In combat its also super deadly. It’s 6 accurate attacks can be made with a choice of strong weapons. The greathammer has massive damage output, but the greatsword is a clear winner.  It can throw out 6 powerful attacks, or double up to 12 attacks still at D2. Combined with the shooting you can rip through multiple MEQ units a turn or shred light and medium armor. On top of all that, the Grand Master is a Psyker, getting more buffs. Has a great buffing Aura, and can take warlord traits. This is a unit that really does it all, delivering usefulness in every phase of the game. If it wasn’t limited to one per detachment it would be broken.

Saying a unit is hot is all well and good but let’s take a look at how players are using it. Pretty much every Grey Knight list is running A Dreadnight Grand Master and some have done well at recent events recently. One list that shows off the use of Grandmaster is Ben Cherwien’s list he ran to take 1st place at the recent Iron Halo GT.  ​

Using the Unit

This list makes use of two kitted out Grand Masters in Dreadknights. Both are armed with the Gatling Psylincer and the Heavy Psycannon for a great mix of long range firepower, 18 shots each. One is armed with a greathammer, for going up agasin heavy targets, and one with the Greatsword for taking down MEQs in droves.  They’ve been buffed with powers and warlord traits and can chew through the enemy. They are also supported by three regulars Dreadknights and together they form a rampaging block of death that treats across the table. Its brutal and deadly.

Let us know what units you think are hot right now, down in the comments! 

Author: Abe Apfel

Abe is that rare thing, an Austin local born and raised here. Though he keeps on moving around, DC, Japan, ETC., he always seems to find his way back eventually. Abe has decades of experience with a wide range of tabletop and RPG games, from historicals, to Star Wars to D&D and 40K. He has been contributing to BOLS since almost the start, back when he worked at and then owned a local gaming store. He used to be big into the competitive Warhammer tournament scene but age has mellowed him and he now appreciates a good casual match. He currently covers 40K tactics and lore, as well as all things Star Wars, with occasional dabbling in other topics. Abe remains in mourning over the loss of WFB to this day.