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Orks

WAAAGH! The Green Tide - Overwhelming Numbers and Dakka

Faction Overview

The Orks are the most widespread and successful warrior species in the galaxy. Born for battle, they live only to fight, and the more Orks gather together, the more powerful they become through the mysterious psychic field they generate - the WAAAGH!

Orks are the perfect beginner faction because they're forgiving, fun, and have a straightforward playstyle: get lots of Boyz, give them lots of dakka, charge at the enemy, and yell "WAAAGH!" While they may seem simple, skilled Ork players know how to use their numbers, speed, and psychological warfare to devastating effect.

Playstyle

Key Strengths:

  • Numbers: More models than almost any other faction
  • WAAAGH!: Army-wide buff that makes them faster and deadlier
  • Dakka: Lots of shooting attacks, especially with multiple shots
  • Speed: Bikes, buggies, and Battlewagons get you into combat fast
  • Morale: Generally good leadership, especially with characters nearby
  • Forgiving: Mistakes are less punishing when you have 100+ models

Key Weaknesses:

  • Low Toughness: Most Boyz are T4 but have poor armor saves
  • BS 5+: Generally poor shooting accuracy (but lots of shots make up for it)
  • Model Count: Can be physically tiring to move 100+ models
  • Anti-Tank: Can struggle against heavy armor without specialized units
  • Psychic: No psykers, vulnerable to psychic powers

Core Tactics for Newcomers

1. Understand WAAAGH!

This is your most important ability. Know when and how to use it:

  • When to use: On the turn you want to charge or when you need maximum dakka
  • Effects: +1 to hit, +1 to Advance and charge rolls, can Advance and charge
  • Timing: Usually best on turn 2 or 3 when you're in position to charge
  • Don't waste it: Don't use WAAAGH! if you can't reach the enemy that turn

2. Embrace the Dakka

Orks aren't accurate shooters, but they make up for it with volume:

  • Shootas: 2 shots each at BS 5+. With 30 Boyz, that's 60 shots!
  • More shots > better shots: Prioritize volume over quality
  • Cover: Your shooting is already bad - don't worry about moving out of cover
  • Overwatch: Don't bother with Overwatch - your BS is too low

3. Get Into Combat

Orks are at their best in melee. Don't be afraid to charge:

  • Chopas: S user, AP-0. Not great individually, but lots of attacks!
  • Numbers win combats: 30 Boyz charging = 60-90 attacks (depending on Nob)
  • Mob Rule: Use your numbers to win combats through attrition
  • WAAAGH!: Use it to guarantee charges

Recommended Starter Units

Boyz

Why: The core of your army. Cheap, numerous, and decent in both shooting and melee.

Tip: Run 20-30 man squads. More Boyz = more dakka and more attacks.

Warboss

Why: Your basic HQ. Tough, gives buffs, and can fight.

Tip: Give him a Power Klaw for anti-tank capability.

Nobz

Why: Elite Boyz. Better stats, can take Power Klaws.

Tip: Attach a Nob to your large Boyz squads for leadership and extra punch.

Battlewagon

Why: Transport that can carry 20 Boyz. Tough, has guns, and can fight.

Tip: Use it to get your Boyz into combat quickly and safely.

Trukk

Why: Fast transport for 12 Boyz. Cheap and quick.

Tip: Great for objective grabbing or getting melee units where they need to be.

Mek Gunz

Why: Cheap artillery. Great for long-range fire support.

Tip: Kustom Mega-Kannons give you anti-tank capability.

Sample 1000 Point Starter List

BATTALION DETACHMENT

HQ:

Warboss (Power Klaw, Big Choppa, 'Eavy Armour) - 90 pts

Warboss (Power Klaw, Shoota/Slugga) - 80 pts

TROOPS:

Boyz x30 (Nob with Power Klaw, 2x Big Shootas, Boss Pole) - 210 pts

Boyz x30 (Nob with Power Klaw, 2x Rokkit Launchas, Boss Pole) - 210 pts

Boyz x20 (Nob with Big Choppa, 2x Big Shootas) - 140 pts

FAST ATTACK:

Warbikers x5 (Nob with Power Klaw, 1x Rokkit Launcha) - 105 pts

HEAVY SUPPORT:

Mek Gunz x3 (Kustom Mega-Kannon) - 90 pts

DEDICATED TRANSPORT:

Trukk (Rokkit Launcha) - 55 pts

TOTAL: 980 pts

20 pts remaining - add upgrades!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake: Running too many small Boyz squads
    Solution: 20-30 man squads are better. They're harder to break and put out more dakka.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to use WAAAGH!
    Solution: This is your best ability. Plan when to use it at the start of the game.
  • Mistake: Trying to be accurate shooters
    Solution: Orks hit on 5+. Embrace the dakka - more shots = more hits. Quality isn't your thing.
  • Mistake: Not taking Power Klaws
    Solution: Power Klaws on Nobs and Warbosses give you anti-tank and anti-elite capability. Don't leave home without them.
  • Mistake: Getting bogged down in shooting matches
    Solution: Get into combat! Orks are better in melee than they are at shooting. Charge early, charge often.
  • Mistake: Neglecting anti-tank
    Solution: Rokkits, Power Klaws, and Kustom Mega-Kannons. You need something to deal with tanks and heavy armor.

Why Orks Are Great for New Players

Orks are the most forgiving faction for beginners. Mistakes are less punishing when you have 100+ models. Their playstyle is straightforward but has depth for those who want to master it. Plus, they're incredibly fun to play - yelling "WAAAGH!" never gets old!

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