Why list building matters more in 10th Edition

In 10th edition, you don’t win by killing the most models — you win by scoring consistently across five turns. That’s good news for players with limited time, because it means smart list structure beats endless optimisation.

A good list should:

• function without perfect dice
• score points even when things go wrong
• be easy to pilot under time pressure. If your list needs flawless sequencing to work, it’s already too complicated.

The 3 roles every 10th edition list needs

Every successful list — regardless of faction — covers three roles:

Scorers
Action Units & Objective holders: Units whose primary job is standing somewhere and not dying immediately.

Never rely on your best damage unit to also be your main scorer.

• If you can’t name at least 3–5 units in your list whose job is only scoring, you’ll struggle.
• Busy-player rule:
• Cheap, replaceable bodies

Enablers
Units that make scoring easier:

• Screens
• Buff pieces
• Move-blockers
• Cheap trading units
  These don’t need to survive long — they just need to buy time.

Threats
Units that force your opponent to react.

• They don’t need to table the enemy
• They need to punish mistakes
• Ideally threaten objectives, not just kills
  A list with no real threats gives your opponent too much freedom.

The “Busy Player” list-building framework
When time is limited, use this simple structure:
50–60% of points → scoring & durability

20–30% of points → threats

10–20% of points → utility & tech

If your list flips that ratio, it’s probably trying to do too much.

Common 10th edition list-building mistakes

Avoid these and you’ll instantly improve results:

❌ Too many fragile damage units

❌ Multiple overlapping buffs that require perfect positioning

❌ Units that only work in ideal matchups

❌ Lists that score well only when winning

If your list can’t score while losing, it’s not a tournament-ready list.

Final takeaway

A good 10th edition list:

• survives mistakes

• scores without heroics

• is easy to pilot when tired

That’s how busy players win games.