Warhammer 40K Building The Best Anti-Ork Army List
#title: Warhammer 40K Building the Best Anti-Ork Army List
Orks, the green tide of carnage and mayhem, are a formidable foe in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Their sheer numbers, combined with their brutal close combat prowess and surprisingly cunning tactics, can overwhelm even the most seasoned commanders. To effectively combat these rampaging greenskins, crafting a well-thought-out anti-Ork army list is crucial. This guide delves into the essential strategies, unit choices, and tactical considerations for building an army capable of crushing the Ork menace.
Understanding the Ork Threat
Before diving into list construction, it's essential to understand the Ork mindset and their common battlefield tactics. Orks are a predominantly melee-focused army, excelling in close-quarters combat where their 'Choppas' and brute strength can tear through enemy lines. Their 'Waaagh!' ability further amplifies their combat effectiveness, granting them additional attacks and boosting their morale. Understanding the core tenets of Ork warfare is crucial for formulating effective counter-strategies. Orks thrive on aggression and overwhelming numbers. They rely on waves of infantry, often supported by heavy firepower and ramshackle vehicles, to crash into enemy lines. Their units are generally resilient, thanks to their 'Ere We Go' ability, which allows them to re-roll charge rolls, and their inherent toughness. However, their armor is often weak, making them vulnerable to focused fire. Common Ork threats include hordes of Boyz, elite units like Nobz and Meganobz, heavy support units like Deff Dreads and Lootas, and fast-moving units like Warbikers and Stormboyz. Ork psykers, known as 'Weirdboyz', can also pose a threat, unleashing unpredictable psychic powers that can devastate enemy formations or buff Ork units. To successfully counter Orks, an army must be able to withstand their initial assault, whittle down their numbers with ranged firepower, and effectively engage them in close combat when necessary. A balanced approach that combines ranged firepower, durable units, and strategic counter-assault capabilities is key to victory.
Key Principles of an Anti-Ork Army List
Building an effective anti-Ork army requires adhering to certain key principles. These principles form the foundation of a successful strategy against the green tide:
1. Prioritize High Volume of Firepower
One of the most effective ways to counter Orks is to thin their ranks before they reach close combat. This necessitates a list with a high volume of firepower. Focus on weapons with rapid rates of fire and the ability to target multiple enemies simultaneously. Weapons such as Heavy Bolters, Assault Cannons, and Bolt Rifles are invaluable for chewing through hordes of Ork Boyz. Weapons with a high rate of fire are crucial for dealing with the sheer number of Orks. Heavy Bolters, Assault Cannons, and similar weapons that can unleash a hail of bullets are perfect for mowing down hordes of Boyz and other infantry units. Consider including units that can provide covering fire, such as Devastator Squads with Heavy Bolters or Predator tanks with Autocannons, to create a deadly firestorm that Orks will struggle to overcome. In addition to the rate of fire, the weapon's strength and armor penetration are also important factors. While Orks generally have weak armor, some units, such as Nobz in Mega Armour, are significantly more resilient. Include weapons with sufficient strength and AP to deal with these tougher targets. Plasma weapons, Multi-meltas, and Lascannons are excellent choices for cracking Ork armor and taking down their heavy units.
2. Embrace Mobility and Maneuverability
Orks often rely on brute force and direct assaults. An army with greater mobility can dictate the terms of engagement, avoid unfavorable matchups, and exploit weaknesses in the Ork lines. Speed allows you to position your units strategically, focusing firepower where it is needed most and avoiding being bogged down in close combat with overwhelming numbers of Orks. Fast-moving units such as Bikes, Skimmers, and Jump Pack Infantry can quickly redeploy to counter Ork advances, seize objectives, and harass their flanks. This tactical flexibility allows you to control the flow of the battle and prevent the Orks from dictating the engagement. A mobile army can also exploit weaknesses in the Ork deployment and isolate key targets. By outmaneuvering the Orks, you can pick off vulnerable units, such as Lootas or artillery pieces, before they can pose a significant threat. This hit-and-run tactics can significantly disrupt the Ork battle plan and give you a strategic advantage. Conversely, a slow and static army is likely to be overrun by the Orks. Without the ability to react to Ork movements, you will be forced to fight on their terms, which is exactly what they want. A lack of mobility can also make it difficult to secure objectives and control the battlefield, which is essential for winning the game.
3. Utilize Durable Units and Formations
Orks hit hard, so your army needs to be able to weather the storm. Including durable units that can absorb damage and hold key positions is essential. Units with high toughness, multiple wounds, and/or strong armor saves can act as a bulwark against the Ork onslaught, preventing them from overrunning your lines. These units provide a crucial anchor for your battle line, allowing your more fragile units to operate safely behind them. Terminators, Dreadnoughts, and heavily armored vehicles are excellent choices for this role. They can withstand a significant amount of Ork firepower and provide a solid base of operations for your army. In addition to individual unit durability, consider using formations that enhance the resilience of your army. Units deployed in tight formations benefit from cover bonuses and can support each other in combat. This makes them harder to target and more difficult to break. Also, consider including units with abilities that further enhance their durability. Units with the 'Feel No Pain' ability, for example, can shrug off wounds that would otherwise cripple them. Similarly, units with invulnerable saves can ignore even the most powerful attacks.
4. Exploit Ork Weaknesses
While Orks are formidable in close combat, they have certain vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Their low leadership, susceptibility to morale, and reliance on numbers can be turned against them. Ork leadership is notoriously low, making them vulnerable to morale tests. Units with abilities that inflict morale penalties, such as psykers or units with special weapons, can disrupt Ork formations and force them to fall back. Pinning down large units of Orks with suppressive fire can also force them to take morale tests, further reducing their combat effectiveness. Additionally, Orks often rely on large numbers of infantry, which can be a liability in certain situations. Conscripting large squads can make them more vulnerable to blast weapons and psychic powers that target multiple units. Using terrain to channel Orks into kill zones can also maximize the effectiveness of your firepower and minimize their ability to overwhelm your lines.
Faction-Specific Considerations
Different factions in Warhammer 40,000 have unique strengths and weaknesses that make them better or worse suited for fighting Orks. Here are some faction-specific considerations:
Space Marines
Space Marines are a versatile faction with a strong emphasis on tactical flexibility and firepower. Their 'Bolter Discipline' and 'Shock Assault' doctrines make them well-suited for both ranged engagements and close combat. Space Marines offer a balanced approach to fighting Orks, with access to a wide range of units and weaponry. Their Tactical Marines provide a solid core for your army, while their Devastator Squads can deliver devastating firepower. Assault Marines and Inceptors provide the mobility needed to counter Ork flanking maneuvers, while Terminators and Dreadnoughts offer the durability to withstand Ork assaults. A key strength of Space Marines is their ability to adapt to different battlefield conditions. Their chapter tactics provide additional bonuses that can be tailored to specific opponents. For example, the Ultramarines' tactical flexibility makes them well-suited for countering Ork horde armies, while the Imperial Fists' siege warfare expertise can help them break through Ork defenses.
Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard)
The Astra Militarum excels at overwhelming the enemy with massed infantry and heavy firepower. Their Orders system allows them to buff their units and coordinate their attacks, making them a formidable force on the battlefield. The Astra Militarum is a classic anti-Ork faction, relying on overwhelming firepower to thin the green tide before it can reach their lines. Their infantry squads, supported by heavy weapons teams and artillery batteries, can unleash a devastating hail of fire that can decimate Ork hordes. Their tanks, such as the Leman Russ, provide the armor and firepower needed to take on Ork vehicles and heavy units. A key strength of the Astra Militarum is their ability to field large numbers of units at a relatively low cost. This allows them to create multiple fire lanes and overwhelm the Orks with sheer volume of fire. Their Orders system further enhances their effectiveness, allowing them to focus their firepower on key targets and coordinate their attacks. However, the Astra Militarum is also vulnerable to close combat. Their infantry squads are relatively fragile and can be easily overwhelmed by Orks in melee. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance and rely on firepower to whittle down the enemy before they can reach your lines.
Adeptus Custodes
The Adeptus Custodes are an elite fighting force known for their exceptional durability and combat prowess. Their high toughness, strong armor, and powerful weapons make them a nightmare matchup for Orks. Adeptus Custodes are a small but incredibly powerful force, excelling in both ranged and close combat. Their units are incredibly durable, with high toughness, strong armor saves, and invulnerable saves, making them difficult for Orks to kill. Their weapons are also exceptionally powerful, capable of shredding Ork armor and taking down even the toughest units. A key strength of the Adeptus Custodes is their ability to operate effectively in small numbers. A single Custodian squad can hold a key objective or withstand an Ork assault that would overwhelm a larger force of lesser troops. This makes them ideal for missions that require controlling key points or defending vulnerable areas. However, the Adeptus Custodes are also a relatively expensive army, and they can struggle to deal with large hordes of enemies. While their individual units are incredibly tough, they can be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. Therefore, it is crucial to use their mobility and firepower to target key threats and avoid being bogged down in melee with large Ork formations.
Grey Knights
The Grey Knights are a chapter of Space Marines dedicated to fighting daemons, but their psychic powers and anti-horde capabilities also make them effective against Orks. Grey Knights combine the durability and firepower of Space Marines with powerful psychic abilities, making them a versatile force on the battlefield. Their psychic powers can be used to buff their own units, debuff enemy units, and unleash devastating attacks. Their anti-daemon weaponry is also highly effective against Orks, as many Ork units are vulnerable to psychic attacks and special ammunition. A key strength of the Grey Knights is their ability to teleport units around the battlefield. This allows them to quickly redeploy to counter Ork advances, seize objectives, and harass their flanks. Their teleportation abilities also make them difficult to pin down, allowing them to dictate the terms of engagement. However, Grey Knights are also a relatively expensive army, and they can struggle to deal with hordes of enemies if their psychic powers are disrupted. Therefore, it is crucial to protect their psykers and use their teleportation abilities to maximize their effectiveness.
Sample Anti-Ork Army Lists
To illustrate the principles discussed above, here are a few sample army lists for different factions:
- Space Marines (Ultramarines): A balanced list with Tactical Marines, Devastators, Assault Marines, and a Dreadnought. Focus on tactical flexibility and overwhelming firepower.
- Astra Militarum: A horde list with multiple Infantry Squads, Heavy Weapons Teams, and Leman Russ tanks. Emphasize massed firepower and coordinated attacks.
- Adeptus Custodes: A small, elite force with Custodian Guard, Allarus Custodians, and a Telemon Heavy Dreadnought. Focus on durability, combat prowess, and objective control.
- Grey Knights: A psychic-heavy list with Strike Squads, Paladins, and a Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight. Utilize psychic powers and teleportation to control the battlefield.
Tactical Considerations During the Battle
Crafting a strong army list is only half the battle. Effective battlefield tactics are crucial for securing victory against the Orks. Prioritize target selection, focusing on the most immediate threats and high-value targets. Ork vehicles, such as Trukks and Battlewagons, should be targeted early to disrupt their mobility and prevent them from delivering their passengers into combat. Lootas and artillery pieces should also be prioritized, as they can inflict significant damage from range. When engaging Ork infantry, focus fire on large units to maximize casualties and force morale checks. Use terrain to your advantage, creating chokepoints and kill zones where you can concentrate your firepower. Denying Orks cover will make them more vulnerable to your ranged attacks. Be mindful of your positioning, avoiding close combat engagements unless you have a significant advantage. Use your mobility to dictate the terms of engagement, forcing the Orks to fight on your terms. If you are forced into close combat, focus on eliminating the most dangerous threats first, such as Nobz and Meganobz. Use your durable units to absorb Ork assaults, allowing your more fragile units to continue firing from a safe distance.
Conclusion
Crafting an effective anti-Ork army list requires a thorough understanding of Ork tactics and weaknesses, combined with a strategic approach to list construction and battlefield deployment. By prioritizing firepower, mobility, durability, and tactical acumen, you can build an army capable of weathering the green tide and emerging victorious. Remember, the key to defeating Orks is to outsmart them, outmaneuver them, and outgun them at every turn. With careful planning and execution, you can crush the Ork menace and secure victory for the Imperium... or whatever faction you choose to command! Ultimately, the best anti-Ork army list is one that suits your playstyle and leverages the strengths of your chosen faction. Experiment with different units and tactics, and don't be afraid to adapt your strategy as the battle unfolds. The Waaagh! is a force to be reckoned with, but with the right preparation and execution, you can overcome the Ork threat and claim victory on the battlefield.
