On this episode of the Squad Games Podcast, Dakotah is joined by Sheldon Steer, also known as Kill Team Stream, and Alex Popov to talk about non-standard maps in Warhammer 40k Kill Team.

After the All Valley Team Tournament, we discuss whether Kill Team has become too dependent on standardized layouts, why custom terrain and creative tables can make events more memorable, and how non-standard maps can still be competitive when they are tested and clearly communicated.

We also talk about AVTT, the viral D Dust 2 map, sportsmanship, Grill Team, Squad Ops, Boys Bash, and why Kill Team events need a balance between competitive structure and hobby creativity.

This episode is also tied to a YouTube version where we show off some of the maps discussed, so podcast listeners may want to check out the video version as well.

Dakotah is joined by Yohan for Part 2 of our How to Win with XV26 Stealth Battlesuits series. After meeting Yohan while TOing in Wales, Dakotah brings him on to break down his very different approach to playing XV26 in competitive Kill Team.

Unlike the more cagey, denial-focused style from Part 1, Yohan explains how he plays Stealth Battlesuits aggressively by pushing up the board, controlling threat ranges, forcing bad activations, and using the team’s durability, mobility, and tricks to create pressure.

They discuss the Neutralizer, fusion blaster placement, the Liberator, EMP grenade plays, drones, mines, equipment choices, Patient Hunters, Prepare Ambush, Hollow Wave Countermeasures, Vectored Retro Thrusters, Savior Protocols, Steel Intelligence, and how the recent buffs may affect the team going forward.

The episode also covers beginner tips, common mistakes, how narrative play can improve tournament skill, and how XV26 handles key matchups like Goremongers, Wolf Scouts, Canoptek Circle, Chaos Cults, Brood Brothers, Mandrakes, and more.

If you play XV26 Stealth Battlesuits, are thinking about picking them up, or just want to understand why this team may be stronger than people think, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Squad Games Podcast, Dakotah and David talk about the All Valley Team Tournament, how it grew from a local team event into one of the biggest third-party Kill Team events in the United States, and why team tournaments might be the best way to experience Kill Team.

We break down what makes AVTT different, from the 3-player team format and narrative boards to the Forge Brush painting competition, prize support, sportsmanship, community culture, and the work that goes into running a massive event as a small independent company.

We also recap the Bay Area Open, David’s Golden Ticket win, what makes a great tournament experience, and some lessons learned from both the best and worst events we’ve attended.

If you’ve never been to All Valley, this is the episode that explains why people keep coming back.

Topics include:

• Why team tournaments are growing
• How AVTT became one of the biggest Kill Team events in the USA
• Why narrative boards and hobby events matter
• Building a strong tournament community
• Bay Area Open recap
• Golden Tickets, Forge Brush, and future Squad Games events

Check out upcoming events and Squad Games products at: squad-games.net GET YOUR AVTT TICKETS!

Join the Squad Games Discord to submit your own hot takes and be part of a future live call-in episode.

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On today’s episode of the Squad Games Podcast, we are joined by Shane from Command Point for another Warhammer 40k Kill Team Hot Takes call-in show.

We talk through the newest balance dataslate, whether Hierotek Circle is back, if climbing is actually fixed, and how the latest Tac Op changes affect the meta. The community calls in with takes on GW map design, Octarius vs. Volkus, Tau teams not being able to shoot twice, Exaction Squad being underrated, day-one patches, rosters, heavy weapons, and more.

We also get into a bigger conversation about the state of the Kill Team community, whether the game is in a better place than people give it credit for, and why negativity around competitive play can sometimes drown out the fun.

Join the Squad Games Discord to submit your own hot takes and be part of a future live call-in episode.

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Warhammer 40k Kill Team just got one of its biggest balance updates yet, and we are breaking down what actually matters.

On this episode of the Squad Games Podcast, Dakota is joined by David to talk through the newest Kill Team balance dataslate, including the massive Approved Ops changes, the long-awaited climbing clarification, and what these updates mean for the current meta. We dig into whether Games Workshop finally fixed climbing, why Seek and Destroy teams may be much better now, and how these changes could reshape competitive Kill Team.

We also cover major team updates, including Striking Scorpions getting their 3+ save, big Battleclade buffs, Blooded changes, Canoptek Circle nerfs, Death Korps improvements, Hearthkyn Salvagers, Hierotek Circle, Warp Coven, Wolf Scouts, and more.

If you play competitive Kill Team, run events, or just want to understand what this dataslate means before your next game, this episode is for you.

We also talk about upcoming Squad Games events, including the All Valley Team Tournament and the Forged Brush Painting Competition.

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Pick Up These Brushes from Highlander Hobbies

Join the Squad-Games Discord

Watch the Latest Kill Team Battle Report

Squad-Games Stuff:

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Kill Team Blitz is our fast-play Kill Team format built for quicker games, easier teaching, and sharper competitive practice. In this episode, we cover how Blitz works, what we learned from our first event, what rules we’re already adjusting, and why the format feels so strong for both new and experienced players. We also dig into Octarius terrain, break down the issues with the current layout and rules, and talk about the fixes we’d make to improve it.

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Watch the Latest Kill Team Battle Report

Squad-Games Stuff:

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In today’s Squad Games Podcast, Dakotah and David talk about what Warhammer 40,000 Kill Team feels like it is missing right now. From narrative and identity to hype, releases, and long-term excitement, they break down why Kill Team can sometimes feel empty despite being a strong competitive game. They also discuss the newest Kill Team reveal, share first impressions on the latest release, and talk about new Squad Games products.

Try Out Squad Ops!

Pick Up These Brushes from Highlander Hobbies

Join the Squad-Games Discord

Watch the Latest Kill Team Battle Report

Squad-Games Stuff:

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Giacomo, Dakotah, and Johnathan talk about the Squad Op Playing Pack used at the Boyz Bash.

Try Out Squad Ops!

Pick Up These Brushes from Highlander Hobbies

Join the Squad-Games Discord

Watch the Latest Kill Team Battle Report

Squad-Games Stuff:

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warhammer

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