Explore the strategies and playstyles of the Orks in Warhammer 40k, as well as master tactics and rules combos to unleash the unstoppable power of the WAAAGH!
Updated December 19th, 2024, by Rob Baer with the latest information and links.
So, you’ve heard the call of the WAAAGH! and want to know what makes the Orks tick—or maybe stomp, smash, and laugh maniacally while doing it. In this guide, we’re going straight into the heart of Warhammer 40k’s most rambunctious faction: the Orks.
From zany strategies to brutal tactics, you’ll get the know-how to turn your tabletop games into an absolute riot. Let’s talk rules, combos, and how to harness that unstoppable green tide to overwhelm your foes and have a laugh doing it. This is Orks at their best—messy, chaotic, and oh-so-glorious!
WAAAGH! Your Guide to Playing Orks in Warhammer 40k
The Orks are loud, chaotic, and absolutely glorious in Warhammer 40k. If you’ve ever wanted an army that’s part comedy show, part rolling wall of destruction, the Orks are calling your name. With their cobbled-together war machines, endless swarms of Boyz, and their absolute belief in the power of their ramshackle contraptions.
Orks bring a unique flavor to the tabletop (and smash fancy armies like the Emperor’s Children or the hordes of DKoK). Let’s break down their key dynamics, playstyles, and strategies to help you channel the power of the WAAAGH! effectively.
Ork Army Dynamics: Controlled Chaos on the Tabletop
Orks thrive on mayhem. Their approach isn’t subtle, and that’s part of the fun. They rely on overwhelming numbers, creative combos, and a whole lot of dice rolls. Their units range from cheap and cheerful Boyz to hilariously destructive vehicles like the Battlewagon or the Deff Dread.
The army’s core strength lies in its unpredictability. No matter how much destruction the Orks deal—or how much they fail hilariously—they guarantee an unforgettable match.
What makes them so special? For one, their ability to bring massive hordes of troops. A unit of 30 Boyz can soak up firepower, tie up enemy units, and then smash faces in melee. On the other hand, if hordes aren’t your style, Orks Warhammer has plenty of war machines to dominate the board with raw firepower and crushing strength. This is what would make them so awesome on the Cavill Amazon series!
Ork Ork Playstyles: Smash, Shoot, or Speed?
One of the great things about Orks is the variety of ways to play them. Whether you love melee brawls or prefer wild gunfire (even if it rarely hits), there’s a playstyle for you.
Horde Armies
Want to flood the board with so many models your opponent panics? Hordes of Ork Boyz and Gretchin are the way to go. This playstyle is about swarming objectives and forcing your opponent to waste valuable resources trying to cut through the green tide.
Speed Freaks
For those who love fast-paced action, the Speed Freaks approach is all about vehicles. From Trukks zooming across the battlefield to Warbikers weaving through enemy lines, Speed Freaks keep the pressure on and make every turn feel like a demolition derby.
Dakka Dakka Dakka
Orks may not be the most accurate shooters in Warhammer 40k, but when you roll buckets of dice, something’s bound to land! Focus on Lootas, Tankbustas, and Shokk Attack Guns to bring long-range mayhem. It’s chaotic and hilarious—just the way Orks like it.
Understanding Orks 40k Battle Strategies: Winning with WAAAGH!
Success with Orks comes down to leveraging their quirks effectively. Here are some top tips for unleashing green carnage:
- Timing the Waaagh!: The Waaagh! ability gives your units a huge boost for charges and melee attacks. Plan it carefully for maximum devastation.
- Board Control: Use hordes to clog lanes, capture objectives, and tie up enemies in combat. Orks excel at controlling the flow of battle.
- Target Prioritization: Focus on crippling your opponent’s key units early. Orks may lack finesse, but they hit hard when aimed at the right targets.
- Synergies: Mix mobs of Boyz with support characters like Warbosses or Painboys for buffs. Vehicles like the Killa Kans can add even more muscle to your horde.
Smashing the Competition: Winning with Orks in Warhammer 40k
If there’s one thing Orks in Warhammer 40k do well, it’s turning chaos into victory. With their larger-than-life personalities and a playstyle that embraces destruction and hilarity, Orks are a favorite for players who enjoy a mix of strategy and sheer randomness. Let’s break down the tactics, the art of timing the WAAAGH!, and the best combo playstyles to crush your opponents in glorious green fashion.
Tactics for Winning with Orks: Smarter Mayhem
They might look like they rely on brute force and luck, but there’s a cleverness to their carnage. Winning with Orks 40k involves playing to their strengths while keeping opponents off balance.
- Objective Control
Orks excel at swarming objectives with large units of Boyz and Gretchin. A massive mob can hold key areas and deny your opponent the chance to claim points. Even when a few fall, there are always more to take their place. - Target Saturation
Bring a mix of cheap infantry and heavy-hitting vehicles to overwhelm your enemy’s firepower. By flooding the battlefield with more targets than your opponent can handle, you’ll force them to spread their fire—and Orks thrive when they get in close. - Using Characters for Buffs
Warbosses, Painboys, and Weirdboyz provide invaluable support for your mobs. Whether it’s improving melee attacks or keeping your Boyz alive, stacking these buffs can make your army even deadlier.
Leveraging WAAAGH! for Maximum Impact
The WAAAGH! is the beating heart of any Orks Warhammer army. Timing this faction-wide ability correctly can be the difference between victory and defeat.
- The Power of Momentum
The WAAAGH! boosts your charges and melee attacks, letting you get stuck into combat faster. Use it to overwhelm your opponent’s lines, hitting multiple units at once to create chaos. - Combining WAAAGH! with Key Units
Pair the WAAAGH! with fast-moving units like Stormboyz or Warbikers to create devastating charges. Their speed lets them reach your opponent’s most valuable units, forcing them to scramble. - Know When to Hold Back
Timing is everything. Don’t waste the WAAAGH! on a turn when your Boyz are still out of range. Hold it for the moment you can bring your army’s full force to bear.
Effective Ork Ork Combo Playstyles
Combos are where the real magic happens for Orks. By combining different units and abilities, you can create unstoppable synergies that maximize your army’s potential.
- Horde Meets Hammer
Combine mobs of Boyz with heavy hitters like Deff Dreads or a Gorkanaut. The mobs keep your opponent busy while your vehicles dish out serious damage. - Speed Demons
For a fast, aggressive playstyle, use Speed Freaks like Trukks and Warbikers. Back them up with a Mek Gun or two to add some firepower as you blitz across the board. - Dakka Overload
Lean into the Orks’ love of firepower by focusing on Lootas, Shokk Attack Guns, and Tankbustas. Roll enough dice, and something will hit—it’s all part of the fun.
Meet the Green Tide: Breaking Down the Orks in Warhammer 40k
The Orks in Warhammer 40k are more than just a horde of green-skinned troublemakers—they’re a faction packed with variety and personality. Each type of them brings something unique to the battlefield, from the commanding Warboss to the smallest Gretchin.
Understanding how they work together can be the key to making your army unstoppable. Let’s take a closer look at the main players in an Orks Warhammer army and their roles.
Types of Orks and Their Functions
They come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments, but every one of them has a role to play.
- Boyz: The backbone of every Ork army. They’re cheap, tough, and dangerous in melee combat. These lads excel at swarming objectives and overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers.
- Nobz: Think of them as Boyz on steroids. Nobz hit harder, last longer, and can lead smaller squads into battle. They’re also great for adding some extra punch to a mob of Boyz.
- Speed Freaks: These Orks are all about going fast and hitting hard. Units like Warbikers and Trukk-mounted Boyz are perfect for blitzing across the battlefield.
- Lootas and Burnas: For players who love a bit of chaos from a distance, Lootas and Burnas bring firepower and unpredictability to your army. Whether you’re mowing down infantry or torching everything in sight, they add some Dakka to the mix.
Warbosses and Their Role
The Warboss is the ultimate leader in an Orks 40k army. This larger-than-life figure doesn’t just look intimidating; they bring some serious buffs to the table.
- Leading the Charge: The Warboss excels at inspiring nearby Orks to fight harder. Their leadership abilities ensure that even the most chaotic mobs stay in the fight.
- Smash Things Proper: A Warboss is a melee powerhouse, capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the toughest units in Warhammer 40k. Equip them with a Power Klaw or a Big Choppa, and they’ll make quick work of anything unlucky enough to get in their way.
- WAAAGH! Coordination: The Warboss is often the one leading the WAAAGH!, a game-changing ability that boosts your army’s mobility and melee effectiveness. Timing this right is essential for crushing your opponents.
Orks Warhammer: Boyz and Nobz
If Orks are the heart of your army, Boyz and Nobz are the blood pumping through its veins.
- Boyz for Days: Boyz are your go-to units for capturing objectives, swarming enemies, and soaking up firepower. Their sheer numbers make them a force to be reckoned with.
- Nobz Bring the Pain: Whether leading Boyz or running as their own squad, Nobz are versatile heavy-hitters. They’re tougher and more dangerous in combat, making them great for flanking or taking out priority targets.
The Role of Gretchins and Squigs
Not every Ork unit is a hulking brute. Gretchins and Squigs might be small, but they play important roles in an Orks Warhammer army.
- Gretchins (Grots): These little guys might not win any battles on their own, but they’re invaluable for screening your units, holding objectives, or even just being a distraction.
- Squigs: Whether as mounts or weapons, Squigs add an extra layer of fun and chaos. From exploding Squigs to combat-ready Squighogs, they’re as entertaining as they are effective.
The Madness and Genius of Orks in Warhammer 40k
Orks in Warhammer 40k are not just another faction—they’re a way of life. Equal parts destructive and hilarious, they operate on their own unique logic, which often defies the laws of physics (and common sense). From their improbable technology to their boisterous culture, they bring a special kind of chaos to the galaxy. Let’s break down what makes them tick—and why they’re so much fun to play.
Orks’ Unique Characteristics
Orks are unlike anything else in Warhammer 40k. While other factions are built on precision, discipline, or overwhelming firepower, Orks thrive on one thing: being Orks.
- Sheer Numbers: Orks excel at turning quantity into quality. Their armies are massive, filled with mobs of Boyz who can overrun just about anything through sheer determination (and a lot of green fists).
- Resilience Through Fun: Orks are surprisingly tough. Their basic infantry might not have the best stats, but their durability in numbers and cheerful refusal to give up make them a nightmare to deal with.
- The Power of Belief: Perhaps their most unique feature is that their collective belief can literally shape reality. If enough Orks think something will work, it often does—even if it shouldn’t. Paint a vehicle red? Now it’s faster. Believe a cobbled-together weapon is devastating? It suddenly is.
The Physics-Defying Technology of Orks
If there’s one thing Warhammer fans love, it’s their bizarre approach to technology.
- Ramshackle Yet Effective: Ork machines are a miracle of improvisation. Built from scraps, they somehow manage to function—often spectacularly. From roaring Trukks to devastating Killkannons, Orks have no need for blueprints when they’ve got “Da Mekz.”
- Red Means Go Faster: They have taken the concept of a “hot rod” to the next level. Simply painting a vehicle red makes it faster because they believe it does. It’s not just funny—it’s effective on the tabletop.
- Weapons of Mass Mayhem: Shokk Attack Guns, Looted Wagons, and Deff Dreads are all prime examples of Orky ingenuity. Sure, they might explode in your face, but when they work, they’re devastating.
Ork Behavior and Culture
At the heart of Orks 40k is their vibrant and chaotic culture. They’re not just warmongers—they’re artists of destruction.
- WAAAGH! Energy: The WAAAGH! isn’t just a rallying cry; it’s a shared psychic field that empowers Orks to fight harder, run faster, and generally cause more mayhem. It’s the ultimate expression of their collective spirit.
- Tribes and Clans: Orks are organized into clans, each with its own flavor. Bad Moons are wealthy (by Ork standards), Goffs are brutal brawlers, and Evil Sunz love speed. No matter the clan, every Ork loves a good scrap.
- Violence as a Hobby: For Orks, fighting isn’t just a necessity—it’s fun. They’ll brawl with anyone, including themselves, just to keep things interesting.
Why Orks Warhammer Players Love Them
Orks aren’t about precision—they’re about energy, chaos, and hilarity. Their unique characteristics, improbable tech, and larger-than-life culture make them one of Warhammer 40k’s most entertaining factions. Whether they’re charging headlong into battle or laughing as their contraptions misfire, Orks remind us that sometimes, the best strategy is to just have fun.
Building Your Ork Army in Warhammer 40k: WAAAGH! Unleashed
If you’ve decided to unleash the green tide of Orks in Warhammer 40k, congratulations—you’re about to have more fun than any other player on the table. Building an Ork army isn’t just about picking units; it’s about creating chaos, maximizing carnage, and making sure your mobs are ready for the ultimate WAAAGH!
Let’s break down how to assemble your army, strategize effectively, and get familiar with some of the most popular Ork units. To start playing them, you will need a Codex book or access to a reference site like Wahapedia, or the official Warhammer 40k army builder app (subscription required for most up-to-date rules.)
Building an Ork Army
Starting an Orks army means embracing the beautiful chaos that is Ork warfare. The best part? There’s no wrong way to go green!
- Horde Mentality: they are known for their numbers. If you love the idea of swarming your opponent with wave after wave of Boyz, you’re in for a treat. Horde armies are not only effective but also intimidating when you see 100+ models on the table.
- Mixing It Up: While mobs of Boyz are essential, the Warhammer faction offers plenty of variety. Add vehicles, heavy support units, and specialist troops to give your army a versatile edge.
- Conversions Galore: Building an army is a dream for hobbyists. They are famous for their cobbled-together aesthetic, making them perfect for creative kitbashing and custom builds. Want a Battlewagon that looks like a rolling junkyard? Go for it. Your opponents will love (and fear) your creations.
Strategies for Assembling Orks 40k
When putting your Orks together, think beyond the units themselves. How you assemble your army will shape how you play on the battlefield.
- Balancing Speed and Strength: Orks excel in close combat, but they need to get there first. Balance your foot-slogging mobs with fast-moving units like Trukks or Warbikers to close the gap quickly.
- Objective Grabbers: Don’t overlook the importance of small, cheap units like Gretchins for holding objectives. While your Boyz are smashing faces, the Grots can quietly rack up points.
- Synergistic Leaders: Characters like Warbosses and Painboys bring essential buffs to your mobs. These leaders aren’t just about smashing heads (though they’re great at that too); they also make your army more effective.
- WAAAGH! Timing: Your whole strategy should build toward the moment you unleash the WAAAGH! A well-timed charge can cripple your opponent and secure victory in a single turn.
Popular Ork Units in Warhammer 40k
No Orks army is complete without some iconic units. Here are a few fan-favorites that bring both fun and function to your games.
- Boyz: The bread and butter of any Orks Warhammer army. Cheap, tough, and great in melee, these green-skinned warriors are your frontline troops.
- Nobz: Think of them as Boyz, but beefier and angrier. They’re perfect for dealing with tougher targets or leading smaller squads.
- Deff Dreads: These lumbering war machines bring serious firepower and melee strength. They’re a great way to add some armored muscle to your army.
- Lootas: For Orks who like shooting (and lots of it), Lootas are a go-to choice. They may not be accurate, but they’re sure to cause mayhem.
- Warbikers: Fast, aggressive, and ridiculously fun, Warbikers can harass enemies and hit hard in combat. They’re also great for flanking strategies.
Green Tide Ready to Roll
Building an Ork army is all about mixing fun, chaos, and strategy. With the right balance of Boyz, big guns, and brutal melee units, your Orks 40k army will be a force to be reckoned with. So grab your paintbrush, get your dice ready, and prepare to unleash the WAAAGH!
Orks in Warhammer 40k: Lore, Chaos, and the Mighty WAAAGH!
Orks in Warhammer 40k are more than just an army—they’re a force of nature. With their unique mix of brutal strength, hilarious antics, and an almost magical belief system, Orks are one of the most entertaining factions in the galaxy. From their wild lore to the infamous WAAAGH!, let’s dive into what makes these green-skinned warriors the ultimate agents of chaos in the Warhammer 40k universe.
Orks Lore: Chaos with a Side of Comedy
In the grim darkness of the far future, where most factions are grim and serious, Orks bring a riotous blend of destruction and humor. They were created millennia ago by ancient beings called the Old Ones to fight an endless war against the Necrons. Over time, their creators vanished, but the Orks stuck around—largely because they didn’t know how to do anything else.
Orks are a genetically engineered race with one purpose: to fight. Their entire culture revolves around warfare, and they’re perfectly fine with fighting each other when no other enemies are available. They’re not just violent—they’re inventive. Orks have an uncanny ability to repurpose junk into deadly weapons, ramshackle vehicles, and even spacecraft.
Their love of battle is matched only by their unshakable optimism. For Orks, every day is a good day as long as there’s something to smash, loot, or set on fire.
Overview of Orks in Warhammer 40k
Ork 40k armies are as chaotic on the tabletop as they are in the lore. Here are the key aspects that make Orks unique:
- Strength in Numbers: Orks excel at swarming their enemies. A mob of Boyz can overwhelm even the toughest units simply by showing up in massive numbers.
- Jury-Rigged Technology: Their machines are a marvel of crude engineering. What shouldn’t work often does, thanks to the Orks’ collective belief in their inventions.
- Clan Culture: Orks are divided into clans, each with its own style and specialties. From the speed-obsessed Evil Sunz to the brutal Goffs, every clan brings something different to the fight.
- Unpredictable Yet Powerful: Ork units are known for being random but deadly. Whether it’s a Shokk Attack Gun teleporting snotlings into enemy tanks or a Warboss smashing through elite units, Orks are all about high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
The Concept of WAAAGH!: Orky Psychic Energy
The WAAAGH! isn’t just a battle cry—it’s a manifestation of the their collective psychic power. This energy grows stronger as more Orks gather, turning their belief into reality. Think your Trukk goes faster because it’s red? Thanks to the WAAAGH!, it actually does.
In gameplay, the WAAAGH! is a game-changing ability that boosts your Orks’ speed and melee effectiveness. Timing it right can be the difference between victory and defeat.
But the WAAAGH! is more than just a mechanic—it’s the essence of what makes Orks Warhammer such a joy to play. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and incredibly fun.
Wrapping Up the WAAAGH!: The Unpredictable Nature of Orks in Warhammer 40k
Orks in Warhammer 40k are a glorious mix of chaos, comedy, and carnage. If there’s one thing you can count on when playing Orks, it’s that nothing will go exactly as planned—but that’s half the fun! Whether you’re smashing face with mobs of Boyz, sending a red-painted Trukk hurtling toward the enemy, or watching a Shokk Attack Gun hilariously misfire, every game with Orks is a unique experience.
So, what makes them so delightfully unpredictable, and how do you harness that chaos for victory? Let’s dive into why the green tide stands out and share some final thoughts on mastering Orks 40k.
The Unpredictable Nature of Orks
Orks thrive on randomness. Every roll of the dice, every cobbled-together machine, and every WAAAGH! moment is packed with potential—both for triumph and disaster. Here’s what makes their unpredictability so special:
- Ramshackle Technology: Orks’ machines and weapons shouldn’t work, yet somehow they do. That Deff Dread might stomp its way to victory—or break down spectacularly. It’s all part of the Orky charm.
- Volume Over Accuracy: Orks don’t worry about aiming. Their philosophy is simple: throw enough Dakka at the problem, and something will stick. This means games with Orks are always a dice-rolling frenzy, filled with dramatic successes and hilarious failures.
- Adaptable Chaos: While their playstyle is wild, it’s also flexible. Orks can shift strategies on the fly, turning mishaps into opportunities. Is your Trukk wrecked? Now your Boyz are perfectly placed for a charge. Did your Lootas miss everything? Time to laugh it off and WAAAGH! your way to melee glory.
This unpredictability might frustrate some, but for Orks players, it’s the heart of the experience. Every game is a story filled with memorable moments, and no two battles ever play out the same way.
Final Thoughts on Mastering Orks in Warhammer 40k
To truly master Orks in Warhammer, you need to embrace their chaotic nature and learn to turn it to your advantage.
- Play to Their Strengths: They are at their best when they’re in your opponent’s face. Focus on overwhelming your enemy with sheer numbers, melee power, and fast-moving units.
- Laugh at the Misfires: Things will go wrong. Accept it, lean into it, and enjoy the ride. They are about having fun, even when the odds (or dice) aren’t in your favor.
- Use the WAAAGH! Wisely: The WAAAGH! is the ultimate power move. Timing it just right can swing a battle in your favor, so plan your charges and unleash it when it’ll have the biggest impact.
- Stay Creative: From customizing your models to creating wild strategies on the tabletop, Orks give you endless ways to make the game your own.
A Final WAAAGH!
Orks in Warhammer 40k are pure, unfiltered fun. They don’t just play the game—they redefine it with every chaotic move and every improbable success. Whether you’re leading mobs of Boyz, piloting a Stompa, or betting it all on a Shokk Attack Gun shot, you’re guaranteed a wild ride. So slap some paint on those Trukks, rally your Boyz, and bring the WAAAGH! to the battlefield. After all, in the Ork mindset, if it’s loud, messy, and fun, you’ve already won.
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What do you think about the Orks in Warhammer 40k? Do you like the playstyle and units in 40k?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
