Mastering the Orks: Your Guide to Warhammer 40K Playstyles

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In the distant future of Warhammer 40,000, life is bleak and dangerous. At any moment, your peaceful farming planet could be invaded by massive space insects, annihilated by nihilistic robotic skeletons, tainted by malevolent cultists, or obliterated by an Inquisitor convinced that your neighbor Jim is worshipping those giant space bugs.

Despite the despair, one faction not only survives but flourishes in the harsh reality of the 41st millennium: the Orks. They thrive on chaos, revel in combat, and grow larger and more powerful over time. Not to mention, they’ve developed some of the most ingeniously outrageous technology around. If you’re eager to charge into battle shouting “WAAAGH!” with unbridled enthusiasm, the Orks might just be the perfect fit for you on the tabletop.

Why Choose the Orks?

Beyond their distinct look and darkly comedic backstory, Ork armies are refreshingly straightforward: they rush headlong into combat with maximum aggression. If you can get your brawny melee units into close quarters with the enemy, your chances of winning skyrocket.

Keep in mind, however, that the Orks have a few notable quirks. Many of their units possess low armor saves, have poor shooting accuracy, and generally lack dependable anti-tank options aside from melee. Finding your way around these challenges will be crucial as you devise your battle strategies.

Unique Army Ability

Fortunately, you won’t have to rely solely on brute force to claim victory. The Ork Army Rule is aptly named WAAAGH! It serves not only as the Orks’ signature battle cry but also describes a collective of Orks. On the battlefield, you can invoke a WAAAGH! once per match at the beginning of any Battle Round.

Once called, all units in your army receive three significant bonuses until the next Battle Round: a five-plus invulnerable save, a boost of one strength and attack for all melee weapons, and the ability to charge after advancing.

Timing Your WAAAGH!

Mastering when to unleash a WAAAGH! is crucial. It can turn a struggling game into a resounding success, but poorly timing it can lead to unnecessary risks.

For example, you might use it early in a round to withstand incoming attacks and improve your chances of making a critical charge. Alternatively, holding off the WAAAGH! until later could ensure your key units hit harder when they need to clear the board of enemies.

Recommended Units

The variety of Ork units available allows for countless strategies. Here are some of the top units at your disposal:

Characters

Generally, Ork characters are formidable in melee combat, with notable exceptions reaching near-legendary prowess. A fortunate Warboss wielding a Power Klaw can take on formidable foes and often obliterate small enemy units.

Warboss: Your classic leader, excels at annihilating enemy units. Affordable and effective with many Stratagems, he enhances nearby units. Just make sure he reaches the front lines intact.
Weirdboy: Despite the typical notion that Orks aren’t psychic, Weirdboys offer valuable utility. They can teleport themselves and the units they accompany across the battlefield, enabling early charges when luck is on your side.
Big Mek: An unconventional support character, he boosts ranged attacks and enhances mobility. Donning Mega Armor enables him to repair and revive a squad of Meganobz.
Beastboss on Squigosaur: A leader for Beast Snaggas, he can either go on foot or mount a powerful Squigosaur, offering speed and melee prowess.

Battleline

Among Ork enthusiasts, the saying “Boyz before Toyz” rings true. When faced with a choice, adding more Ork Boyz to your army typically yields better results.

Ork Boys: Incredibly versatile and durable for their cost, they form the core of your army. Include at least 20 to 40 for any balanced list.
Beast Snagga Boys: These are your elite troops that excel against monsters and vehicles. Use them for specialized tasks or as an escort for your Beastboss.

Infantry

Orks boast an extensive range of infantry units ready to swarm the battlefield, from hulking Nobz to small Gretchin.

Nobz: The elite of the Ork infantry. They can equip Power Klaws for anti-vehicle capabilities or Big Choppas for mobbing down infantry.
Meganobz: Ideal for brute-force melee combat, capable of dominating the field if given proper transport.
Flash Gitz: These Ork nobles bring mid-range firepower with their custom Snazzguns.
Stormboyz: Quick, rocket-fueled Orks that can traverse the battlefield and engage efficiently.
Gretchin: These small but cunning fighters can score objectives and hold key points.

Mounted Units

Orks have speedy cavalry units to support their infantry in battle. Their resilience and rapid movement make them effective against enemy forces that may have presumed themselves safe.

Squighog Boys: With high durability and strong melee capabilities, they excel in Beast Snagga armies.
Warbikers: Fast and equipped with Twin Dakkaguns, they harass enemy infantry and enjoy a great charge into unsuspecting foes.

Vehicles

While not as robust as other factions’ vehicles, Ork vehicles are cheap and very effective at getting your units into the frontline where they can unleash devastation.

Trukk: Affordable transport options for your infantry. Remember, they can also engage in melee alongside their passengers.
Battlewagon: The primary transport for your troops, equipped with guns and holding up to 22 standard Boyz while providing adept cover in combat.
Hunta Rig: A melee-focused transport for Beast Snagga units. It can facilitate effective charges into enemy units while offering decent fire support.

Detachments

Orks have various detachments tailored to different play styles, from pure vehicle focus to beastly infantry hordes.

War Horde: A versatile detachment that enhances melee weapon effectiveness across your army.
Da Big Hunt: Best for those leveraging Beast Snaggas, offering significant bonuses against enemy vehicles or monsters, resolving one of the Orks’ biggest weaknesses.
Kult of Speed: For players who crave speed, elevating the effectiveness of vehicles and aircraft.
Dread Mob: Ideal for players with a large assortment of Walkers, allowing for random buffs during battle.
Green Tide: If you love overwhelming your opponent with sheer numbers, this detachment centers on having a massive infantry presence.
Bully Boyz: Perfect for focusing on powerful characters and units, letting you unleash devastating strikes.

Sample Armies

Now that you’re acquainted with the Ork units available, let’s look at some sample armies to inspire your next WAAAGH!

Seeing Green (War Horde):

Weirdboy (Enhancement: "Follow Me Ladz")
2x Boyz
Kommandos
Nobz
Battlewagon
Trukk

Tough as Old Boots (Da Big Hunt):

Beastboss on Squigosaur (Enhancement: "Glory Hog")
Beast Snagga Boyz
Gretchin
Stormboyz
Squighog Boyz
Hunta Rig

Krump ’em Good (Bully Boyz):

Big Mek in Mega Armor
Warboss in Mega Armor (Enhancement: "‘Eadstompa")
Weirdboy
Boyz
Gretchin
2x Meganobz
2x Trukks

Each of these army setups gives you the freedom to modify and create your preferred Ork force. No matter how you choose to organize your WAAAGH!, you’re in for a wild time on the battlefield. Embrace the chaos and let the green tide take over!