Force Spotlight: Covenant Strike Cell
Player: ninjaofcheese
(Built using the 2024 ruleset – points and interactions may change in the current 2026 version)
In this Force Spotlight, we’re taking a look at a compact and flexible 200‑point Covenant list used by ninjaofcheese. This force is a great example of how Covenant armies can combine board control, mid‑range firepower, and disruption tools into a cohesive game plan.
⚠️ Important note:
This list was built using the 2024 rules. With the ongoing refinement of the system in the 2026 version, points, unit roles, and some interactions may change. Consider this a snapshot of how the Covenant played—and felt—under the previous iteration.
The List (200 pts – 2024 Rules)
- 2× Elite Minors with Plasma Rifles – 55 pts
- 3× Special Operations Grunts with Needlers
(Plasma pistol replacement) – 30 pts - 2× Jackals with Plasma Pistols – 20 pts
- 1× Jackal Sniper with Particle Beam Rifle – 35 pts
- 1× Grunt with Needler
(Plasma pistol replacement)
A lean list with very little wasted space—every model has a job.
How the List Plays
This Covenant force is built around early pressure, flexible board control, and layered threat ranges rather than raw durability.
🟣 Special Operations Grunts – Early Game Control
The Spec Ops Grunts are the workhorses of the opening turns. They are typically used for:
- Early objective grabs
- Forward board presence
- Screening and denial depending on the mission
Their Needlers make them surprisingly dangerous if ignored, especially when working together.
🟡 Jackals – Pressure & Flanking
The Jackals act as pushing and flanking elements, using their mobility and positioning to:
- Threaten objectives
- Support the Grunts’ advance
- Force enemy units out of cover
They don’t need to survive the entire game—just long enough to disrupt the opponent’s plans.
🔵 Elite Minors – Mid‑Range Brawlers
The Elites form the backbone of the list. Armed with plasma rifles, they:
- Dominate mid‑range engagements
- Support Jackal advances
- Anchor contested areas once objectives are in play
They provide reliability and hitting power without over‑investing points.
🔴 Jackal Sniper & Lone Grunt – Control and Denial
The Jackal Sniper and the final Needler Grunt fill a key support role:
- Pelican drop denial
- Long‑range pressure
- Forcing opponents to respect backfield threats
They are less about kills and more about controlling where the enemy is allowed to deploy or move.
Why This List Works
What makes this list effective is how well the pieces support each other:
✅ Early board presence from Grunts
✅ Mid‑range dominance from Elites
✅ Constant positional pressure from Jackals
✅ Deployment and drop denial from the sniper element
It plays like a true Covenant force—coordinated, opportunistic, and punishing mistakes rather than brute‑forcing fights.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Rules
With the current (2026) version of the rules still evolving:
- Point costs may shift
- Some unit interactions may change
- Roles like Spec Ops Grunts or Snipers may be refined
That said, the core concept of this list remains strong: layered threats, objective pressure, and flexible response tools. It’s a solid foundation that should adapt well as the system continues to tighten.
Final Thoughts
This is a great example of a clean, purposeful Covenant list built with a clear plan in mind. It rewards good positioning, timing, and coordination—and punishes opponents who underestimate “cheap” units like Grunts.
Big thanks to ninjaofcheese for sharing both the list and the thinking behind it.
