Unleash the WAAAGH! with our ultimate guide to the new Orks codex in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k: how to play, tips, strategies, and review!

Warhammer 40k New Orks Codex Review: Army Guide, How to Play, & Rules

Oi, you lot! Whether you’re a newbie Grot just learning to swing a choppa or a grizzled Warboss with a pile of skulls, the new Ork Codex for 10th Edition Warhammer 40k is here to make sure your Waaagh! is louder and meaner than ever. Packed with shiny new rules, lore straight from the battlegrounds, and enough dakka to make a Mek blush, this codex is your ticket to leading the green tide to victory. Click any of the links below to jump to the info you need the most, or just dig in from the beginning.

• Overview of the New Ork Codex
• Detailed Analysis of Ork Detachments
• How to Play Orks Key Units and Their Roles
• Practical Tips and Strategic Advice
• Engaging with the Ork Lore
• Video Review

Overview of the New Ork Codex

Introduction to the New Codex

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Greetings, greenskins! The long-awaited 10th Edition Ork Codex is here, ready to bring chaos and mayhem to your tabletop battles. This new codex is packed with everything an aspiring Warboss needs to lead their boyz to victory whether you’re new to the green tide or a long-time Waaagh! leader, this codex has something for everyone. Let’s smash through what you can expect.

Orks Codex Release Date and Pricing

The new Ork Codex hit shelves on April 27th, 2024. It’s priced at $60 USD, which is a small price to pay for the glory of the Waaagh! For those wanting something a bit more fancy, there’s a Collector’s Edition available for $100 USD. Think of it as extra teef in your war chest, ready to help you krump your enemies in style.

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What’s Included in the Codex

This hefty 152-page tome is brimming with green goodness. Inside, you’ll find:

• New Lore: Fresh tales of Ork heroics and the latest happenings in the galaxy. From epic battles to cunning plots, it’s all here.
• Updated Artwork: Stunning new visuals to inspire your next painting session or army build.
• Datasheets: Detailed information on every unit, including the new Big Mek and the stompin’ Stompa Boyz.
• Detachment Rules: Tailor your army with specific detachment rules to suit your playstyle.
• Crusade Rules: Narrative play rules that let you bring your Ork saga to life over a campaign.

In short, it’s a treasure trove of Orkiness, perfect for leading your green horde to victory.

How to Play Orks: Key Changes in the 10th Edition

Charging and Advancing Rules

First up, let’s talk movement. Orks are all about getting stuck in, and the new charging and advancing rules make that even easier. Now, your boyz can charge and advance in the same turn. This means those sneaky humies won’t know what hit ’em until it’s too late. Imagine your opponents’ faces as your ladz sprint across the battlefield, eager to get into melee and start krumpin’. The battlefield just got a lot more dangerous.

Codex Orks Review: New Waaagh! Ability

Ah, the Waaagh! It’s the heart and soul of any Ork army, and it’s better than ever. In the 10th Edition, calling a Waaagh! now boosts every model in your army. Yes, every single one. No more fiddling around with keywords or specific units. And the best part? You can kick off a Waaagh! at the start of a battle round. If you’re going second, this means you can use that sweet invulnerable save to shrug off enemy fire before launching into a devastating charge. The Waaagh! is now as flexible as it is powerful, making your Orks even more formidable.

Impact on Gameplay

These changes mean your Ork army will hit harder and faster than ever before. The ability to advance and charge ensures you’re always on the offensive, closing the gap and getting into the thick of combat where Orks thrive. The improved Waaagh! ability means your entire army benefits from the charge, turning even the humble Gretchin into a force to be reckoned with.

Strategically, you can now dictate the pace of the battle from the get-go, using your Waaagh! to counter enemy strategies and maximize your damage output. This makes the new codex not just a set of rules, but a game-changer that captures the raw, chaotic energy of the Orks.

So, grab your choppa, rally your boyz, and prepare for glory. The new 10th Edition Ork Codex is here, and it’s time to show the galaxy what a real Waaagh! looks like. WAAAGH!

How to Play Ork Detachments

Codex Orks Review: War Horde Detachment

Detachment Rules and Enhancements

This is where it’s at if you want to make your Orks hit even harder. The core rule here is Sustained Hits on melee weapons. What does that mean for you? Every time you roll a 6 to hit, you get an extra hit. That’s right, one hit becomes two, making your choppas and squighog jaws twice as deadly. This is Orks being Orks at their best: more hits, more damage, and more fun.

Key Units and Strategies

For Waaagh! Tribe, you want to field units that get into combat quickly and often. Your Boyz, Nobz, and Squighog Boyz are all prime candidates. Pair them with a Warboss to maximize their potential. The strategy here is simple: charge into combat and keep rolling those 6s. Use your Waaagh! ability early to get that invulnerable save, absorb the enemy’s fire, and then krump them in close combat. Ghazghkull Thraka himself is a natural fit here, leading the charge with his brutal melee prowess.

How to Play Orks: Green Tide

Durability and Mobility

Green Tide is all about swarming the battlefield with hordes of Boyz. This detachment gives your Boyz a 5+ invulnerable save, making them surprisingly tough to kill. Combine this with the Mob Rule, which boosts their leadership based on the number of models in the unit, and you’ve got a force that’s hard to break and even harder to stop.

Strategic Advantages

The key advantage of Green Tide is overwhelming your opponent with sheer numbers. Fielding large mobs of Boyz means you can soak up a lot of damage while still dishing out plenty of attacks. Use the stratagems to bring back slain Boyz and keep your mobs at full strength. This detachment shines in objective-based games where you can flood the board, hold multiple points, and wear down your opponent through attrition.

Codex Orks Review: Da Big Hunt

Targeting Prey and Bonuses

Da Big Hunt is for those who like a bit of strategy with their brutality. This detachment lets you choose an enemy Monster, Vehicle, or Character as your Prey each command phase. Your units gain re-rolls to charge and an extra -1 AP against that target. It’s like putting a big red target on the enemy and then unleashing the hounds.

Aggressive Playstyle Tips

To make the most of Da Big Hunt, focus on high-mobility units that can quickly close the distance and bring down their prey. Beast Snagga Boyz and Squighog Boyz are perfect here, with their speed and hitting power. Use the bonuses to tear through tough targets and disrupt your opponent’s plans. The key is to be aggressive and keep your prey in sight. Never let them escape your wrath.

Kult of Speed

Maneuverability and Shooting

If speed is your thing, then Kult of Speed is where you want to be. This detachment allows your Speed Freeks to shoot even when they advance or fall back. It’s all about keeping the dakka going while staying on the move. Your buggies, bikes, and planes can zip around the battlefield, unleashing firepower without ever slowing down.

Enhancements and Stratagems

Enhancements like “Wazblasta” let a Deffkilla Wartrike move again after shooting, giving you unparalleled mobility. Stratagems like “Dakkastorm” grant sustained hits for shooting attacks, turning your units into mobile fire platforms. The key strategy is to stay fast, stay flexible, and keep your opponent guessing. Hit hard, hit fast, and never let up.

Codex Orks Review: Dread Mob

Random Buffs and Hazardous Conditions

Dread Mob is the choice for those who like a bit of chaos with their krumping. This detachment allows your Walker, Grot Vehicle, and Mek units to gain random buffs each time they shoot or fight. The catch? Some of these buffs come with the Hazardous condition, adding an element of risk to your strategy.

Walker and Grot Vehicle Focus

Focus on fielding units like Killa Kans, Deff Dreads, and Stompas. These units benefit most from the random buffs, turning them into unpredictable powerhouses. Use stratagems to push your luck and maximize your damage output, but be prepared for the occasional explosion. The strategy here is controlled chaos: roll the dice, take the risks, and watch the mayhem unfold.

Bully Boyz

Elite Unit Focus

Bully Boyz is all about the toughest, meanest Orks you can muster. This detachment gives you a second Waaagh! that only affects Warbosses, Nobz, and Meganobz. These elite units gain extra attacks and resilience, making them even deadlier in combat.

Second Waaagh! and Strategic Uses

The second Waaagh! allows you to unleash a devastating follow-up attack, perfect for when the battle starts getting intense. Use your Warboss to lead a squad of Meganobz into the thick of the fight, utilizing stratagems to boost their power and keep them fighting. The strategy is straightforward: hit hard, hit often, and use your second Waaagh! to turn the tide in your favor when it matters most.

Key Units and Their Roles

Leaders

Ghazghkull Thraka

Ah, Ghazghkull Thraka, the Prophet of the Waaagh! Himself. Ghazghkull isn’t just any Warboss; he’s the biggest, baddest Ork around. With his massive cybork body and a power klaw that could tear through a Titan, he’s a force of nature on the battlefield. Leading your army with Ghazghkull means you’re bringing a living legend to the fight. His aura abilities boost nearby Orks, making them even more lethal, and when the Waaagh! is called, he turns into an unstoppable juggernaut, soaking up damage and dishing out punishment like no other.

Beastboss on Squigasaur

If you fancy a bit more of a wild ride, look no further than the Beastboss on Squigasaur. This fearsome leader charges into battle on a massive, snarling squig, tearing through enemies with beastly fury. The Beastboss excels at leading Beast Snagga Boyz, enhancing their already formidable combat abilities. With high mobility and a brutal attack profile, this leader is perfect for smashing into the enemy’s lines and causing chaos. Plus, the visual of a giant Ork on a giant squig is just too fun to pass up.

Warboss in Mega Armour

When you need a leader who can both lead and tank, the Warboss in Mega Armour is your go-to. Clad in the heaviest armour available, he can take a beating and keep on krumping. His presence boosts the accuracy and strength of nearby Orks, making your boyz hit harder and more reliably. Throw him in with a squad of Meganobz, and you have a unit that’s hard to kill and deadly in close combat. This Warboss is all about durability and brute force, perfect for holding the line or leading a devastating charge.

Big Mek

Every Ork army needs a bit of teknology, and that’s where the Big Mek comes in. Whether he’s wielding a custom force field to protect your boyz or a shokk attack gun to obliterate the enemy from afar, the Big Mek is a versatile and invaluable leader. His ability to repair vehicles and boost their firepower makes him a key support unit, keeping your Dreads and Buggies in the fight longer. Plus, his penchant for wild and unpredictable weapons adds that classic Ork randomness we all love.

Battleline Units

Beast Snagga Boyz

The new kids on the block, Beast Snagga Boyz, are tougher and meaner than regular Ork Boyz. Equipped with crude but effective weapons, they excel at taking down big targets like vehicles and monsters. Their higher toughness and Feel No Pain ability make them hard to shift, and when led by a Beastboss, they become a brutal spearhead for your army.

Ork Boyz

The backbone of any Ork army, Ork Boyz are cheap, numerous, and ready for a fight. Armed with choppas and sluggas, they flood the battlefield, overwhelming enemies with sheer numbers. Whether you’re holding objectives or charging into the enemy, Ork Boyz get the job done. Their versatility and cost-effectiveness make them a staple in any Ork force.

Ork Gretchin

Don’t underestimate the little guys! Ork Gretchin might not be the best fighters, but they’re excellent at holding objectives and performing those sneaky actions that win games. Plus, they’re cheap as chips, so you can bring a bunch of them. Their ability to generate command points with Thievin’ Scavengers makes them surprisingly useful on the battlefield.

Support Units

Kommandos

If you want to add a bit of sneakiness to your Ork army, Kommandos are the way to go. These sneaky boyz can infiltrate and set up ambushes, catching your opponent off guard. With their ability to avoid Overwatch and hit hard in close combat, they’re perfect for disrupting enemy plans and causing chaos behind enemy lines.

Squighog Boyz

Mounted on ferocious squigs, Squighog Boyz are fast and hit like a truck. They’re ideal for flanking maneuvers and can quickly get to where they’re needed most. Their high-speed charges and brutal attacks make them a great addition to any Ork army, especially when paired with a Beastboss on Squigasaur.

Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy

For some mobile firepower, the Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy is a solid choice. This vehicle lobs explosive squigs at the enemy, providing indirect fire support. Its mobility allows it to stay out of trouble while still contributing to the battle, and its unique weaponry adds a fun and effective element to your army’s ranged capabilities.

Killa Kans

These small walkers, piloted by Grots, pack a surprising punch. Killa Kans are versatile, able to dish out both ranged and melee damage. Their relatively low cost and decent durability make them great for supporting your main forces, and they can be surprisingly effective when used en masse.

Meganobz

Clad in mega armour and armed to the teeth, Meganobz are the elite of the elite. They’re slow, but once they get into combat, they can take on anything and win. Use them to break through tough enemy lines or hold critical objectives. When paired with a Warboss in Mega Armour, they become an unstoppable force.

Heavy Hitters

Kill Rig

The Kill Rig is a monstrous vehicle that combines transport, firepower, and psychic support. It’s a one-stop shop for Ork mayhem, carrying boyz into battle while blasting away with its arsenal of weapons. The onboard Weirdboy adds psychic powers to the mix, making the Kill Rig a versatile and deadly addition to any Ork army.

Morkanaut/Gorkanaut

These massive walkers bring both heavy firepower and transport capacity. Whether you choose the shooty Morkanaut or the choppy Gorkanaut, you’re getting a tough and terrifying unit that can dominate the battlefield. Their array of guns can soften up the enemy before the onboard boyz charge in to finish the job.

Stompa

The Stompa is the pinnacle of Ork engineering – a gigantic war machine bristling with weapons. It’s expensive, but it’s also nearly indestructible and capable of wiping out entire units in a single volley. The Stompa is a true centerpiece for your army, both in terms of gameplay and sheer spectacle.

Practical Tips and Strategic Advice

How to Play Orks: Effective Use of Waaagh!

Timing and Activation

Calling a Waaagh! is the most iconic move in an Ork player’s playbook. Timing it right can mean the difference between a glorious victory and a humiliating defeat. The best time to call a Waaagh! is usually at the start of a critical turn where you need that extra push. If you’re going second, consider calling it at the start of the first battle round to weather an alpha strike. This gives your boyz a fighting chance to soak up damage and still be around to krump the enemy. Alternatively, if you’ve set up a big charge, call the Waaagh! right before you throw your ladz into combat can ensure they hit harder and stay in the fight longer.

Maximizing Bonuses

Once the Waaagh! is called, your entire army gains a slew of bonuses. For the best results, make sure you’re ready to capitalize on these buffs. Position your key units to take advantage of the invulnerable saves and the extra attacks. Spread out your forces to control multiple objectives while benefiting from the Waaagh!’s bonuses. Use fast units like Stormboyz and Deffkoptas to strike where the enemy is weakest, leveraging the speed and attack buffs to full effect. Remember, the Waaagh! only lasts for a battle round, so make every moment count.

Building a Balanced Ork Army

Codex Orks Review: Combining Units and Detachments

A balanced Ork army is one that combines the strengths of various units and detachments. Start with a solid core of Boyz to hold objectives and provide a steady stream of dakka. Add in some Beast Snagga Boyz for heavy hitting power against tougher opponents. Use units from different detachments to complement each other – for example, pair the fast-moving Kult of Speed with the resilient Green Tide. This way, you have a mix of speed, durability, and firepower. Don’t forget about support units like the Big Mek with a Kustom Force Field to protect your mobs and Weirdboyz to provide psychic support.

How to Play Orks: Sample Starter Army

Here’s a sample starter army to get you going:

• HQ: Warboss in Mega Armour
• Troops: 30 Ork Boyz, 20 Beast Snagga Boyz
• Elites: 5 Meganobz
• Fast Attack: 5 Deffkoptas
• Heavy Support: 3 Killa Kans
• Transport: 1 Trukk

This army provides a good mix of durability, firepower, and mobility, giving you a flexible force that can handle various threats.

Orks Combat Patrol

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The Warhammer 40k Combat Patrol boxes are a great choice for new players who are interested in exploring a particular faction. They offer a quick and easy way to assemble a small army and jump straight into playing games.

Last update on 2024-09-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These sets are similar to the Start Collecting Sets, which were introduced by GW in 2016. They are designed to help players get a feel for the faction and start building their skills right away.

Combat and Shooting Tactics

Codex Orks Review: Close Combat Strategies

Orks excel in close combat, so make sure you get your boyz into the thick of it as soon as possible. Use your Boyz and Beast Snagga Boyz to engage the enemy front lines, while your elite units like Meganobz and Warbosses deal with tougher targets. Always try to charge multiple units into a single enemy unit to overwhelm them with sheer numbers and attacks. Remember to use stratagems like “Ere We Go!” to re-roll failed charges and ensure your ladz get stuck in.

How to Play Orks: Utilizing Firepower

While Orks are known for their close combat prowess, their shooting should not be underestimated. Units like Lootas and Flash Gitz can lay down a surprising amount of dakka. Use vehicles like the Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy for mobile fire support, and don’t forget about your Killa Kans and Deff Dreads, which can dish out some serious firepower while advancing. Position your shooting units to cover key objectives and support your advancing melee troops.

Managing Resources

Command Points

Command Points (CP) are a crucial resource for any Ork player. Use them wisely to enhance your units’ performance with stratagems. Prioritize CP for critical moments, such as re-rolling important dice rolls, interrupting combats, or ensuring crucial charges succeed. Keep a few CP in reserve for late-game surprises, and always be on the lookout for opportunities to regain CP through abilities or relics.

Strategic Reserves

Strategic Reserves allow you to outflank and surprise your opponent. Use them to deploy units like Kommandos or Deffkoptas behind enemy lines, forcing your opponent to split their forces. This can be especially effective for capturing objectives or taking out key enemy units. Deploy your reserves at the right moment to maximize their impact, such as hitting vulnerable targets or supporting an ongoing assault.

Codex Orks Review: Lore

History of the Orks

Welcome to the chaotic and hilariously brutal history of the Orks! These green-skinned hooligans have been causing mayhem across the galaxy since the beginning of time (or at least as long as anyone can remember). Let’s take a look at some key events and notable leaders who have defined Ork history.

Key Historical Events

Ork history is a series of Waaaghs! and epic battles. One of the most famous events is the Second War for Armageddon, where the mighty Ghazghkull Thraka led a massive invasion against the Imperium. The sheer scale of destruction and chaos left the planet in ruins, and even though the Orks were eventually repelled, they left a lasting impression.

Another notable event is the Battle of the Porphyry Cluster, where the cunning Warboss Tuska the Daemon-Killa launched an assault on a Chaos-held region. What makes this battle legendary is Tuska’s insatiable thirst for combat, even against the terrifying forces of Chaos. His relentless pursuit of battle, regardless of the enemy, epitomizes the Ork spirit.

Famous Ork Leaders

Ghazghkull Thraka is undoubtedly the most famous Ork Warboss. Known as the Prophet of the Waaagh!, he’s a towering figure both in stature and influence. Ghazghkull’s leadership and vision have united countless Ork tribes, making him a nearly unstoppable force. His invasions of Armageddon are legendary, showcasing his tactical brilliance and sheer brutality.

Another notable leader is Orkimedes, the genius Big Mek whose technological prowess rivals even the most advanced races. Orkimedes is known for creating some of the most devastating Ork machinery, including the infamous Shokk Attack Gun. His inventions have added a unique flavor to Ork warfare, blending mechanical ingenuity with sheer destructive power.

Understanding Ork Culture

Society and Hierarchy

Ork society is as chaotic and brutal as you’d expect. At the top of the hierarchy is the Warboss, the biggest and baddest Ork who can krump any challengers. Below the Warboss are Nobz, the elite warriors who lead mobs of Boyz into battle. The Boyz make up the bulk of the Ork population, eager for a fight and always looking to prove themselves.

Then there are the oddballs: Meks, who create all the wonderful Ork machinery, and Painboyz, the ‘doctors’ who patch up injured Orks with a mix of brutality and questionable medical practices. Gretchin, or Grots, are at the bottom of the food chain, doing all the menial work and often getting kicked around by their larger kin.

Beliefs and Rituals

Orks believe in two gods, Gork and Mork. Gork is brutally cunning, while Mork is cunningly brutal. This duality reflects the Ork way of life, blending savagery with a surprising amount of strategy. Ork rituals are often violent and chaotic, from Waaagh! chants to headbutting contests to establish dominance. They also have a strange affinity for painting things red, believing it makes them go faster – and somehow, it actually works!

Orks Codex Video Review

If you’re looking for reviews on YouTube, be sure to watch your favorite presenters talk about their take on how to play Orks and their new codex book at the links below:

• Art of War
• StrikingScorpion82
• Auspex Tactics (above)

Latest 40k Rules Updates For the Orks:

The latest updates for the Orks 10th Edition rules will be released in what Games Workshop calls a Balance Dataslate, sometimes along with accompanying points changes as well.

You can see all the latest Balance Dataslate updates here in our post, which breaks down the most recent changes.

How To Play Warhammer 40k Orks: Points

You can find the latest points for playing this faction in 10th Edition Warhammer 40k here on our Munitorum Field Manual Points Updates Page.

Is It Still Worth Playing Orks?

Do you like rampaging across the galaxy, fighting anything and everything in your path? Well, playing Orks is totally worth it! Their win rate is great right now as well, meaning you not only get to have fun, but win games! They are a super fun army, are great to hobby on, and are just one of the most classic armies out there!

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more fun army than Orks.

Final Thoughts on the Codex Orks Review

Alright, you green-skinned maniacs, that’s the lowdown on smashing face in the 10th Edition with your new Ork Codex. Whether you’re painting the battlefield red with the blood of your enemies or just enjoying the chaos of a good Waaagh!, this guide has got you covered. Remember, it’s not just about winning; it’s about having a laugh and causing as much havoc as possible along the way.  Now, go out there and give ‘em a good krumpin’! WAAAGH!

What are your thoughts on our new Warhammer 40k codex Orks review and how to play them? 

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!

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