Warhammer 40K: So Far, So Orky – Greenskins Looking Solid
Adam here to look at some of the new 40K Ork stuff and how that could affect the competitive ecosystem. Thumbs up so far!
We are finally starting to see some substantial rules previews for the Orks. Unfortunately, not many of us that want the new codex will be able to get our hands on one so hopefully, the regular codex will follow shortly after this release. I don’t want to wait as long as I did for the regular Sisters of Battle codex. In the meantime hopefully, all you Warbosses are dusting off your models, preparing new boyz for the Waaagh, or just getting some practice in with your current army to keep the boyz in fighting shape. The rules preview already a small taste of what is to come and there is already a bit of a buzz about it. This week we will be taking a look at a couple of the preview rules that have piqued our interest.
The New Dakka
As with each of the books that transitioned from 8th edition to 9th edition, there have been updates to the weapons in the game. A lot of the weapons now have the “Dakka” rule. What this means is that the number of shots a weapon can fire depends on the range to the unit being fired upon. It seems to be similar to rapid fire weapons but without some of the limitations. This seems pretty good since most Ork armies like to get up close and personal. Being able to lay down a lot of firepower up close can be pretty strong with the right traits.
Now it is still Ork shooting so that kind of balances it out and, if they happen to get a warlord trait or stratagem that lets them fall back and shoot, it could really pack a punch if you fall back out of combat with a large squad of Boyz. I am really curious as to what else this new form of Dakka can do with certain warlord traits and stratagems. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a mass amount of shooting from this army.
Weapon Changes
Coupled with this new version of Dakka is the new weapon profiles. As I just mentioned, it seems like Games Workshop is using this transition to a new edition to update many of the weapons in the army. I just mentioned the new Dakka rule but they are also changing some of the better guns in the army. Rokkits are changing so that each one gives you more shots and that includes the Rokkit Cannon. The downside to this is that both weapons become “Heavy” so they suffer the -1 to hit penalty when not on vehicles. This may not be a big deal since Orks normally hit on 5s and 6s anyway.
Even so, it can be the difference between wounding and destroying a squad or vehicle. They also have the blast ability, so if an Ork vehicle with these weapons get “stuck in” they won’t be able to use the weapon to get the enemy off of them. Even the Kustom Mega Blasta got hit with the “Heavy” bat. Yes you might get an extra shot or two but I am not sure if it is worth it. In a vacuum, these changes don’t look so good but once we get our hands on the full codex, we will be able to see if there is a way to mitigate this new weapon classification. To end it section on a high note, I kind of like the BubbleChukka and it’s new variable strength. I think you’ll see a lot of them if you haven’t already.
Sorta Transhuman (Ork)
So Games Workshop also showed us one of the Ork Kultures. The Snakebite Kulture looks interesting. it basically says that if they are attacked by a weapon that is less than strength 8, then they are only wounded on a 4+. This is different from other versions of Transhuman but still pretty good. That means that weapons, such as the popular Volkite culvern for Contemptors, will not be as effective against units with this culture. I kind of like this version of transhuman as it doesn’t seem as over the top and big weapons can still hurt them like they should. The second part of the kulture, being able to wound easier, is nice if you are playing an army that utilizes a lot of Squigs like, oh I don’t know, some of those new models we have been seeing. I won’t be surprised if a lot of Ork players suddenly find a new respect for the old ways of Ork kulture and we see more Snakebite klans on the horizon.
~That’s all for this week. I hope you enjoyed the article. Let me know what you think, and what previews you liked or disliked, in the comments below.
