The Orks have always been one of the standout factions in Warhammer 40,000, and there’s definitely a soft spot in many fans’ hearts for these formidable green giants. While every faction in the Warhammer universe plays the role of the villain in some way, the Orks bring their own unique touch to their brand of chaos—by being quite humorous as they wreak havoc. In a universe mostly driven by despair and terror, the Orks somehow manage to enjoy themselves amidst the chaos. Recent rule changes have only bolstered their appeal, leaving competitive 40K enthusiasts wary of the seemingly unstoppable Ork resurgence.
In Warhammer 40,000, players craft powerful armies using model collections and a crucial codex, a rulebook filled with the details of each faction’s distinctive characteristics. The factions couldn’t be more varied. Take the Space Marines, for example—they have the ability to “deep strike” into enemy territory using drop pods. The T’au, on the other hand, excel at long-range precision. Meanwhile, the Imperial Guard relies on sheer numbers combined with durable tanks, and the Necrons have the unnerving ability to resurrect after defeat.
Now, the Orks bring an entirely different energy to the battlefield, focusing on their passion for combat and the chaos they can cause. Their iconic WAAAAAAAGH is both a battle cry and a massive Ork uprising, sweeping across the galaxy. Recently, one Detachment rule—More Dakka—has contributed significantly to their dominant position. For those unfamiliar, “Dakka” is the sound effect of Ork gunfire, a fitting testament to their firepower.
The Orks abide by a simple philosophy: overwhelming force with a barrage of shots rather than precision aim. Thanks to the More Dakka rule, they have seen a notable increase in their damage output. Competitive match records clearly reflect an upswing in Ork victories across various circuits. Although strong contenders like the Aeldari and World Eaters have also made impressive progress, the balance leans heavily toward the Orks.
Meanwhile, factions such as the T’au, Necrons, and Custodes have struggled to keep up, suffering noticeable setbacks. Judging by the competitive scene, it almost feels like we’re just living in an Ork-dominated galaxy. While Games Workshop might step in to tweak these dynamics soon, the upcoming AdeptiCon presents an immediate battleground. Scheduled from March 27 to March 30, this major wargaming event will put the Orks’ newfound prowess to the test, and the question remains: can any player devise a strategy to counter all that relentless Dakka? If not, we’re likely to witness the Ork WAAAAAAAGH continue its impressive run.