The Ork Boyz are the rank-and-file infantry of the Ork race in Warhammer 40k. They’re the green-skinned horde that forms the core of almost every Ork army, and they’re famous for being loud, numerous, and brutally effective in close combat.
What are the Ork Boyz?
Boyz is the Ork term for the common Ork warrior. They stand around two metres tall and make up the bulk of any Ork warband. They’re not elite soldiers, but there are a lot of them, and they love a good fight.
In battle, they band together in groups called Mobs, usually led by a Nob, a bigger and tougher Ork who embodies the mob’s preferred way of fighting.
Weapons and variants
Most Boyz fall into two broad camps: Slugga Boyz, who carry a heavy pistol (slugga) and a brutal melee weapon (choppa), and Shoota Boyz, who swap the pistol for a rapid-fire shoota. But that’s just the start. Orks adapt to whatever they enjoy most, so you’ll see plenty of specialists.
- Stikk Bommas: Boyz who’ve figured out which end of a grenade goes bang.
- ‘Ard Boyz: Orks wrapped in scavenged metal plates, tough enough to shrug off small arms fire.
- Burna Boyz: pyromaniacs who just want to watch the galaxy burn.
- Tankbustas: explosion enthusiasts who hunt vehicles.
- Stormboyz: Boyz with rokkit packs, leaping into battle.
- Beast Snagga Boyz: specialists who hunt monsters.
How they fight
Ork Boyz aren’t subtle. They charge forward in a great green tide, firing wildly and then smashing into close combat. Their sheer numbers and aggression can overwhelm even well-trained foes.
They’re more than cannon fodder, though. A mob of Boyz can tie up enemy units, grab objectives, and soak up fire that would otherwise hit your more valuable units. And when they’re led by a Warboss or a Nob with a power klaw, they can punch well above their weight.
Building a mob
The current plastic Ork Boyz kit is a hobbyist’s dream. It comes with nine different bodies, and any of them can be armed with slugga, choppa, or shoota arms. There are eight left arms, six right arms, and four sets of two-handed shoota arms, plus special weapons like burnas, big shootas, and rokkit launchas.
You also get 17 different heads, including classic pointy helmets and modern goggles, plus cosmetic bits like pouches, trophies, and even little squigs. The squad leader, a Boss Nob, has his own options: big choppa or kombi-skorcha, and a kustom choppa or power klaw.
Why they matter
The Ork Boyz are the heart of any Ork army. They’re the most numerous unit, the most adaptable, and the most fun to paint. Without them, a Waaagh! just isn’t a Waaagh!.
They also represent the core Ork philosophy: more dakka, more choppa, more boyz. If you’re starting an Ork army, you’ll need plenty of them.
Key facts
- Ork Boyz are the rank-and-file infantry of the Ork race in Warhammer 40k.
- They stand about two metres tall and fight in groups called Mobs.
- Common variants include Slugga Boyz, Shoota Boyz, ‘Ard Boyz, and Stikk Bommas.
- The current plastic kit offers a huge number of build options, with nine bodies and 17 heads.
- Boyz are the core of any Ork army, providing numbers, aggression, and adaptability.
FAQ
What’s the difference between Slugga Boyz and Shoota Boyz?
Slugga Boyz carry a slugga pistol and a choppa for close combat. Shoota Boyz swap the pistol for a shoota, giving them more ranged firepower.
How many Boyz should I have in my army?
That depends on your list, but most Ork players bring at least a couple of mobs of 10 to 20 Boyz. They’re cheap and cheerful, so you can never have too many.
Can Boyz be equipped with special weapons?
Yes. For every ten Boyz, one can take a special weapon like a burna, big shoota, or rokkit launcha. The Boss Nob can also take a power klaw or other wargear.