Warhammer 40K: Strongest Orks, Ranked

Summary

• Orks in Warhammer 40K rely on quantity over quality, overwhelming foes with sheer numbers and mayhem.
• Certain Ork units compensate for lack of firepower with combat utility, excelling in battle and handling enemies.
• Ork units like Stormboyz, Ghazghkull Thraka, and The Beast stand out for their unique abilities and impact on the galaxy.

Orks or Greenskins make up some of the wildest armies in Warhammer 40K, proving that quantity is better than quality. Relying on recklessness that borders on the efficient, Warhammer 40K players who want to overwhelm enemy foes with sheer numbers, shock tactics, and pure mayhem can’t go wrong with an Ork army.

However, just because Ork armies tend to be chaotic doesn’t mean they’re inefficient when the going gets tough. With the correct Ork units, even the most formidable enemy vehicle or tank can’t withstand the might of the Waaagh! Which Ork units in the grimdark world of Warhammer 40K compensate for their lack of firepower with combat utility and make it to the top of the food chain?

Updated on January 15, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: With the Death Korps of Krieg for the Astra Militarum and the Warp Spiders and the Phoenix Lord on their way to the Aeldari, fans of Warhammer 40K might be wondering if the series will also show love for Orks. After all, they’re considered among the most dangerous races to ever arrive in the galaxy. However, players still eagerly waiting for the arrival of more Orks in 10th Edition might want to dabble into Ork lore instead, especially when it comes to figuring out the strongest in the bunch. Among must-knows in terms of the best of the best in Orks include an Ork who can talk in Gothic, a Khorne-approved Daemon-Killa, and two Orks the Emperor personally had to intervene in order to stop.

14

Squighog Boyz

Orks With A Defensive Line

Gretchins accompany Orks among the Beast Snaggas who become Squighog Boyz as they ride the monstrous Squigs in combat. Although not as fast as the Warbike and not as large as the Kill Rig, their Toughness allows them to get into the thick of battle and potentially damage everything in their field of vision once they charge.

Squighog Boyz of the Ork Warhammer 40K faction enjoy a plethora of melee (Saddlegit Weapons, Squighog Jaws) and ranged (Saddlegit Weapons, Strikka) weapons that enable them to attack opponents at whichever configuration they desire. Every three models in the unit give them a Bomb Squig, a deadly ordinance that can debilitate enemy forces and cause additional damage to vehicles.

13

Dakkajet

Perfect For Raining Hell From The Skies

The carelessly aggressive Orks should avoid the skies in their Warhammer 40K gameplay, but the Dakkajet embodies Ork aerial domination through horrifying recklessness. Each Mekboy adds a unique flavor to its Dakkajet design, but all of these aircraft are equipped to get as fast as possible while fitting as many weapons as physically viable. As a result, Dakkajets have insane thrust but are hard to move (Supersonic), though this surprisingly also makes them difficult to hit (Hard to Hit).

When used as a unit, each Dakkajet is equipped with four Supa-Shootas, although two more could be added for more firepower. This works well with the More Dakka (Kustom Job), as an attacking Dakkajet has a chance of firing all their weapons at once. At 100 Points, the Dakkajet is quite the expendable asset that offers a lot of combat utility compared to other aerial units.

12

Warbikers

Velocity Addicts Even More Addicted To Killing

Bikerboyz or Warbikers of the Kult of Speed are velocity addicts that can’t resist racing at suicidal speeds, with the likes of legendary Warbiker Wazdakka Gutsmek more than willing to scout the battlefield to trigger traps and catch enemies off-guard. As a Warhammer 40K unit, players can attach various weapons to both Warbikers and their Boss Nob on Warbike, reflecting how Warbikerz don’t even care if their weapons are too heavy for their Warbikes – if their bikes swerve uncontrollably while firing, it’s part of the fun.

What makes Warbikers a potent Ork unit is how speed is used to their advantage. Thick smoke belching from their Warbikes makes them hard to hit (Cloud of Smoke), and the roaring of unstable engines means they go uncontrollably fast to maneuver (Big Red Button). Depending on the type of Warbiker, they can even move immediately after shooting a la hit-and-run (Drive By Dakka, Evil Sunz) and even shoot while Falling Back (More Gitz Over ‘Ere). Warbikers make excellent units for Speedwaaaghs!, as the additional weapon attacks (Da Big Race) and Armor Penetration (Give ‘Em Sum Dakka!) can debilitate enemy forces.

11

Kill Rig, Wurrboy

Hyper-Efficient Beast-Riding Killas

Unsurprisingly, the Squig-transforming Wurrboy would choose to ride a Kill Rig to battle. Belonging in the Beast Snagga sub-kultur of beast-riding Orks, tremendous Tramplasquigs pull Kill Rigs and their mounted Wurrtower to combat in Warhammer 40K battlefields. This terrifying combination manifests in the Kill Rig’s classification as a Psyker unit, being able to use Smite and Beasthead powers.

While not as fast as the Trukk, Kill Rigs pride themselves on multipurpose killing capacity. On top of the Wurrtower being able to attack after the Rig uses psychic power, the vehicle itself has other weapons such as the ‘Eavy Lobba, Stikka Kannon, Butcha Boyz, Savage Horns, and Hooves, and even Saw Blades. Embarked units can also move and run simultaneously as the Rig (Open-Topped) and can stop enemy vehicles and monsters from moving if the Stikka Kannon hits them (Snagged).

10

Trukks, Trukk Boyz

The Best Transformation Available In A WAAAGH!

Ever the bloodthirsty combat enthusiasts of Warhammer 40K, Orks won’t miss a chance of getting to the battlefield, with a Wartrukk explicitly designed to bring as many Boyz as possible (and as soon as possible) to their destination. Nicknamed Trukks, these shoddy-looking vehicles make up for their lack of durability with practicality. Trukks have Big Shootas in the front to shoot enemies from afar and can still relish in the thrill of melee with a Grabbin’ Klaw and Wreckin’ Ball, provided its bearer manages to fight.

And fight the Trukk Boyz do, even when moving. Trukks allow embarked passengers to run and gun along with the vehicle (Open-topped), with Strategems that heavily encourage surprise tactics: attack buffs (Got’em Trapped, Dakka Storm, Ramming Speed), speed boosts (Stick It To ‘Em, Ladz!, Careen!), and even quick repositions (Tellyporta). While not the “strongest” vehicle, the Trukk and its transportation prowess make it a central part of a fast-acting Ork army.

9

Megatrakk Scrapjet

A Killer Vehicle With Deadly Melee Armaments

There’s a reason why the front of the Megatrakk Scrapjet in a Warhammer 40K playthrough eerily looks like the front of a Dakkajet, and that’s because it quite literally is one. At its core, an Ork Mek creates a Megatrakk Scrapjet by strapping a rocket at the back and massive melee armaments on the front. In turn, former Flyboyz pilots and Speed Freeks enjoy a grounded version of vehicular mayhem, this time ramming into huge enemy vehicles while turning everything else into gory pulp.

The Megatrakk Scrapjet at 90 Points is quite a cheap yet mobile buggy in combat. Moreover, its hefty arsenal of weapons is enhanced further with damage buffs, such as attack boosts to its Twin Big Shootas (Grot Gunner) and even mortal wounds on melee (Spiked Ram).

8

Stormboyz

Deadly Because Of Their Discipline

Tired of the freedom of the anarchic Ork lifestyle, Stormboyz prefers the strictness of discipline, making them one of the more calculating Boyz in the bunch. While other Orks usually treat them with disdain, the Stormboyz’ mastery over their rocket packs makes them an invaluable resource on the battlefield. Considered Ork shock troopers, their +2 cost than the usual Boyz is compensated easily with their increased arsenal and battlefield capabilities.

Their hovering nature in Warhammer 40K gameplay allows them to move further at the risk of damage (Full Throttle) or even reposition on the map instead of a usual setup (Stormboyz Strike). This capability to race to the skies enables Stormboyz to pursue objectives more efficiently than other Ork units, making them invaluable for fast-acting players.

7

Kommandos

An Ork Free To Slaughter

The word “covert” isn’t ordinarily associated with the rowdy Orks, which explains why many distrust Kommandos who enjoy sabotage and subterfuge. Their expertise in using the environment against them allows them to replace their Wargear regularly depending on their needs, enabling them to deploy deadly ordinances in the middle of the battlefield (Bomb Squig) or be set up anywhere within 9’’ of enemy deployment zones and models (Kunnin’ Infiltrators).

This freedom of deployment is crucial to the Kommandos’ proficiency in melee, as they enjoy attack buffs when striking within a terrain feature (Throat Slittas) and more defenses in cover (Sneaky Gitz). What makes Kommandos such an attractive unit on top of these perks is their measly +1 Point cost compared to basic Boyz. In turn, players who want to jumpstart their Warhammer 40K gameplay may enjoy deploying Kommandos near terrain features or even use Distraction Grots as substitutes for such a feature, transforming these units into the game’s version of Rogues in Dungeons & Dragons.

6

Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy

A Crazy Water Balloon Caravan Warmachine

Perhaps the equivalent of a speedy carnivorous water balloon caravan, the Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy was a mobile Ork-feeding unit turned lethal. On top of long-ranged armaments that can be fired alongside other weapon types (Riding Shotgun) in Warhammer 40K gameplay, the Squigbuggy excels in its namesake. Thanks to both the basic and Heavy Squig Launcha, the Squigbuggy can race to the enemy frontlines and whip out Squigs that cause heavy damage (Grot Gunner) even to units not visible to the Squigbuggy’s passengers.

Not only that, but speed-related Stratagems can enhance the Squigbuggy’s overall performance, be it rerolls (Blitz Dakka), additional damage (Crashin’ Through), shooting when Falling Back (More Gitz Over ‘Ere), and replenishable Squigs (Lotsa Squigs!). Kustom Jobs can improve the Squigbuggy’s tactics with wound buffs (Nitro Squigs), damage bounce (Shokka Hull), and more speed (Squig-Hide Tyres).

5

Ghazghkull Thraka

The Best Representation Of Orks

No one in the Warhammer 40K universe personifies the Orks more than Ghazghkull Mag Urk Thraka, whose vision of leading the greatest Waaagh! in the galaxy is reflected in the sheer ferocity of his hulking size and cybernetic enhancements. On the battlefield, Ghazghkull reigns supreme in melee, capable of riding around the battlefield and wrecking enemy forces up close with Gork’s Klaw, Makari’s Stabba, and at long range with Mork’s Roar.

However, where Ghazghkull shines is his buffs, cementing his role as Prophet of the Waaagh! When on the field, Ghazghkull constantly boosts attacks and damage off units he leads (Prophet of Da Great Waaagh!), and calling a Waaagh! will have nearby friendlies get Lethal Hits on melee (Ghazghkuull’s Waaagh! Banner). The sheer speed and tenacity of Orks in numbers allow Ghazgkull to outpace armies that excel in one particular phase, such as the Tau at long-range and the Aeldari with their Psykers.

4

Gharkul Blackfang

An Ork Whose Rampaged The Emperor Himself Had To Stop

Not a lot of information is known about Gharkul Blackfang, except for the fact that he was a powerful Ork Warboss that the Imperium of Man had to fight during its expansion in the Great Crusade. The planet of Gyros-Thravian was once his stronghold, and his cunning was enough to coordinate his Ork Waaagh! into fighting the combined Legions of Horus, Mortarion, and Rogal Dorn – and to bring them close to defeat.

Such was Gharkul’s might that the Emperor of Mankind himself had to arrive with a thousand of the Custodians to confront Gharkul and eventually kill him. While the Battle of Gyros-Thravian was an Imperial victory, one can’t deny that Gharkul must have posed too much of a threat that the Emperor himself had to personally leave the Golden Throne and defeat him.

3

Tuska

Khorne-Approved Daemon-Killa

Among factions in Warhammer 40K, Orks are known for their natural love for warfare, which makes Warboss Tuska an unsurprising presence in the Eye of Terror as he and his Waaagh! made a nigh-unstoppable assault deep into Chaos territory – and seemingly for the funsies. However, the Warboss’s luck ran out when he crash-landed into a world owned by the Blood Prince, Khorne’s mightiest, who eventually bested Tuska and his forces. This wasn’t done easily, however, as Tuska and his forces died fighting – so much so that Tuska even managed to impale the Blood Prince between his legs before suffering a fatal wound.

Such was Khorne’s admiration for Tuska’s sheer bloodlust that he “gifted” Tuska and his Waaagh! immortality. Their deaths in combat meant rising the next day, practically forcing them to engage in a never-ending war. Not only that, Khorne brought Tuska straight to his own domain and pitted his elite Bloodletter generals against Tuska. What makes Tuska such a terrifying Warboss isn’t just the fact that he’s earned the favor of a Chaos God, but as an Ork naturally gets stronger the “closer” they get to the verge of death, Tuska is on a never-ending trajectory of perpetual growth the more he fights.

2

The Beast

An Ork Who Almost United The Entire Race

The warring nature of the Orks in Warhammer 40K lore meant they were tough to organize in groups, but The Beast was one such Ork Warboss who managed to almost unite the entire Ork race in an effort to colonize the entire galaxy. Such was The Beast’s threat that its Waaagh! ended up being the largest the galaxy has ever seen – even larger than the Ullanor Crusader’s horde that won Horus the title of Warmaster. It took a great deal of effort – and loss – on the part of the Space Marines to eliminate the Beast, and it showed such terrifying qualities in combat.

For starters, the Beast is perhaps the only Ork capable of speaking flawless Gothic – a fact that managed to frighten the Imperium. The Beast’s trademark war machine was the Attack Moon, which is quite a literal planetoid retrofitted to destroy other celestial bodies with a special beam. It took the Primarch Vulkan absorbing powerful Waaagh! energies and firing it back at The Beast to kill it… only for it to resurface yet again. It’s at this point that it’s revealed that The Beast was actually comprised of six different Warbosses who took up the same mantle, of which one of them was a leading Prime-Beast. It took defeating this “Beast of Beasts” for the rest to die simultaneously, but the losses the Imperium had suffered at its hands were enough to earn The Beast a place in the annals of humanity’s history.

1

Warboss Of Gorro

An Ork Who Had Actually Damaged The Emperor

One of the most surprising Orks to have ever graced the battlefield against the Imperium wasn’t ever identified – and the “surprising” part of its history with the Imperium is how it had actually landed a melee attack against the Emperor of Mankind. Only known as the Warboss of Gorro, this monstrosity was faced alongside its bionics-enhanced Waaagh! in the planet of Gorro during the early parts of the Great Crusade.

Although the Emperor of Mankind and Horus had led the Space Marines in a triumphant assault, their forces were almost no match for the Warboss of Gorro. Such was the latter’s attack that it managed to separate the Emperor from its forces. And despite the Emperor’s sheer power, the Warboss actually managed to tackle the Emperor – forcing Horus to intervene and, with his and the Emperor’s combined might, managed to slay the Warboss then. Although victorious, the Warboss of Gorro proved to be one of the few forces in the cosmos to have actually landed a physical blow against the Emperor.