Ork Klan Guide: Which Kulture Should You Paint?

Hey guys! Ever found yourself staring at your pile of unpainted Orks, wondering which kulture to choose? You're not alone! Deciding on an Ork kulture (or Klan) can be a tough decision, but it's also one of the most exciting parts of building your Waaagh!. Each Klan in Warhammer 40,000 offers a unique flavor, playstyle, and, of course, a distinct color scheme. So, let's dive into the wild world of Ork Klans and figure out which one is the perfect fit for your Boyz!

Understanding Ork Klans: More Than Just Colors

Before we get into the specifics of each Klan, it's crucial to understand that they're more than just a paint job. The Klan you choose will significantly impact how your army plays on the tabletop. Each Klan comes with its own set of special rules, Stratagems, and even favored units. This means that your army composition and tactics will differ depending on whether you're running a horde of Goff melee fanatics or a Mek-heavy army of Deathskulls.

Think of it like this: your Klan is the foundation of your army's identity. It shapes their behavior, their fighting style, and even their perception of the universe. Orks, being the creatures of pure Waaagh! energy that they are, are heavily influenced by their collective beliefs and the cultural norms of their Klan. This translates into tangible benefits (and sometimes drawbacks) on the battlefield.

For example, a Goff army will naturally excel in close combat, thanks to their aggressive nature and penchant for krumpin' things up close. On the other hand, a Deathskulls army will be more versatile, looting and salvaging equipment to keep their war machine running. Understanding these core differences is the first step in choosing the right Klan for you.

Furthermore, the lore surrounding each Klan is incredibly rich and engaging. Delving into the history, beliefs, and quirks of each Klan can add a whole new dimension to your hobby experience. You'll find yourself not just painting models but building a narrative, a story of your own Waaagh! and its place in the vast, chaotic universe of Warhammer 40,000. So, don't just pick a color – pick a culture, a way of life (or should we say, a way of Waaagh!).

A Deep Dive into the Major Ork Klans

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the Klans themselves! We'll break down each of the major Ork Klans, highlighting their key characteristics, favored tactics, and, of course, their signature color schemes. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant and brutal world of Ork culture!

1. Goffs: Da Biggest and Da Best

Goffs are the quintessential Orks: brutal, straightforward, and obsessed with close combat. They're the biggest, the toughest, and the most numerous of all the Klans. If you like the idea of charging headfirst into the enemy lines, screaming Waaagh!, and krumpin' everything in sight, then Goffs are the Klan for you. Their color scheme is primarily black, often with red accents, conveying their no-nonsense, all-out aggression.

Goffs are renowned for their love of a good scrap, and this is reflected in their special rules. They excel in melee combat, gaining bonuses to their attacks and strength when they charge into the fray. This makes them a formidable force up close, able to tear through enemy lines with raw power and ferocity. Their Waaagh! banner is a common sight, driving the Boyz into an even greater frenzy. Think of them as the heavy metal band of the Ork world – loud, aggressive, and always ready to rock (and krump!).

Their leadership also plays a crucial role in their effectiveness. Goff Warbosses are particularly skilled at leading from the front, inspiring their Boyz to even greater feats of violence. They understand that the best way to win a fight is to simply hit the enemy harder than they hit you, a philosophy that's deeply ingrained in Goff culture. This makes Goffs an excellent choice for players who enjoy a straightforward, aggressive playstyle, relying on brute force and overwhelming numbers to achieve victory.

Moreover, Goffs embody the Ork ideal of physical strength and dominance. They see themselves as the natural leaders of Ork society, and their sheer size and ferocity often back up this claim. Other Orks tend to follow Goffs out of respect (and fear), making them a central force in any major Waaagh!. Their commitment to close combat also means they often favor units like Boyz, Nobz, and Warbosses, creating an army that's built for one thing and one thing only: krumpin'. So, if you're looking for a Klan that embodies the raw, brutal spirit of the Ork race, the Goffs are waiting for you to join their Waaagh!

2. Evil Sunz: Speed Freeks Extraordinaire

Evil Sunz are the speed demons of the Ork world. These guys are obsessed with going fast, whether it's in Trukks, Warbikes, or even souped-up Grot tanks. If you love the idea of a high-octane, fast-moving army that can outflank and outmaneuver the enemy, then Evil Sunz might be your Klan. Their color scheme is predominantly red, naturally, as everyone knows red ones go faster!

Evil Sunz are all about speed and aggression, translating into gameplay where they can quickly close the distance with their foes. They gain bonuses to their movement and advance rolls, allowing them to get into the fight faster than any other Klan. This makes them incredibly effective at capturing objectives, harassing enemy units, and generally causing chaos on the battlefield. Their love of speed also means they often favor vehicles and bikes, creating an army that's both fast and hard-hitting.

Their Mekboys are particularly revered within the Evil Sunz culture, constantly tinkering with engines and vehicles to squeeze out every last bit of speed. They're not afraid to take risks, and their contraptions are often as dangerous to their own crew as they are to the enemy. But for an Evil Sun, the thrill of the ride is worth the risk. They live for the roar of the engine, the wind in their (non-existent) hair, and the satisfying crunch of metal as they smash into the enemy lines.

Furthermore, Evil Sunz embody the Ork desire for freedom and adventure. They see the battlefield as a playground, a place to unleash their speed and aggression. They're always looking for the next thrill, the next race, the next opportunity to go faster and hit harder. This makes them a dynamic and exciting Klan to play, perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced, aggressive playstyle. So, if you've got a need for speed and a love of all things fast and furious, then hop on board the Evil Sunz Waaagh! – just hold on tight!

3. Deathskulls: Lootas and Mekboys Unite

Deathskulls are the scavengers and looters of the Ork world. They believe that anything that isn't nailed down is theirs for the taking, and they're not afraid to get their hands dirty to acquire it. If you like the idea of a versatile army that can adapt to any situation, with a knack for salvaging and repairing their equipment, then Deathskulls might be your Klan. Their color scheme is predominantly blue, often with a patchwork of other colors representing their looted gear.

Deathskulls are characterized by their resourcefulness and their love of a good bargain (or a good theft). On the tabletop, this translates into abilities that allow them to re-roll hit rolls and save rolls, making them surprisingly resilient and accurate. They also excel at looting and salvaging equipment, representing their ability to keep their war machine running even in the harshest conditions. This makes them a versatile force, able to handle a variety of threats and adapt to changing battlefield conditions.

Their Gretchin slaves are particularly valued within the Deathskulls Klan, often sent into harm's way to loot and scavenge on the battlefield. Deathskulls see Gretchin as expendable but also as essential to their operations. They provide the manpower needed to collect scrap, repair vehicles, and generally keep the Waaagh! running smoothly. This pragmatic approach to warfare is a hallmark of the Deathskulls, and it's one of the reasons why they're so successful at surviving and thriving in the brutal galaxy of Warhammer 40,000.

Moreover, Deathskulls embody the Ork spirit of adaptability and opportunism. They're always looking for an edge, whether it's a piece of looted technology or a tactical advantage on the battlefield. They're not afraid to take risks, and they're always willing to try something new. This makes them a dynamic and unpredictable Klan to play, perfect for those who enjoy a more tactical and adaptable playstyle. So, if you're a fan of looting, salvaging, and generally making the most of a bad situation, then join the Deathskulls and get ready to scavenge your way to victory!

4. Bad Moons: Da Richest and Da Shootiest

Bad Moons are the wealthiest and the shootiest of the Ork Klans. They're known for their love of flashy weapons and their uncanny knack for finding (or making) the best dakka. If you like the idea of an army that can unleash a hail of gunfire, with a focus on ranged firepower, then Bad Moons might be your Klan. Their color scheme is predominantly yellow, representing their wealth and their love of all things shiny.

Bad Moons are renowned for their love of dakka (lots and lots of dakka), which is perfectly reflected in their special rules. They gain bonuses to their shooting attacks, making their ranged weapons even more effective. This makes them a formidable force at a distance, able to shred enemy units with a hail of bullets and shells. Their preference for ranged combat also means they often favor units like Lootas, Flash Gitz, and Mek Gunz, creating an army that's built for firepower.

Their obsession with wealth also influences their culture and tactics. Bad Moons are known to pay extra for the best equipment, and their armies are often adorned with shiny trinkets and modifications. This extravagance extends to their vehicles, which are often heavily armored and bristling with weapons. They believe that if a little dakka is good, then a lot of dakka is even better, and they're not afraid to spend their teef (Ork currency) to get it.

Furthermore, Bad Moons embody the Ork desire for status and recognition. They see wealth as a sign of power and influence, and they're always looking for ways to show off their riches. This makes them a flamboyant and ostentatious Klan, always eager to impress (or intimidate) their rivals. If you're a fan of shooting, looting, and generally flaunting your wealth, then join the Bad Moons and get ready to rain dakka on your enemies!

5. Snakebites: Old-School Ork Toughness

Snakebites are the most traditional and savage of the Ork Klans. They shun technology in favor of more primitive weapons and tactics, preferring to hunt, fight, and live in the wild. If you like the idea of an army that's tough, resilient, and close to nature, with a focus on melee combat and bestial allies, then Snakebites might be your Klan. Their color scheme is predominantly earthy tones, such as browns and greens, often with tribal markings and animal skins.

Snakebites are characterized by their resilience and their connection to the natural world. On the tabletop, this translates into bonuses to their durability and their ability to shrug off damage. They also often field units of Squighogs, Beast Snaggas, and other creatures, representing their close relationship with the Orkoid ecosystem. This makes them a tough and adaptable force, able to survive in the harshest conditions and excel in close combat.

Their Shamans and Weirdboys hold a particularly important place in Snakebite society, channeling the power of the Waaagh! to heal their warriors and unleash psychic attacks. Snakebites believe that the natural world is full of powerful spirits, and they seek to harness this power to aid them in battle. This spiritual connection sets them apart from other Klans, who tend to rely more on technology and brute force.

Moreover, Snakebites embody the Ork ideals of toughness and self-reliance. They see themselves as the true Orks, uncorrupted by technology and closer to the primal instincts of their race. They're proud of their savagery and their ability to survive in the wild, and they look down on other Klans who they see as soft or weak. If you're a fan of close combat, resilient units, and a more traditional Ork aesthetic, then join the Snakebites and get ready to unleash your inner beast!

Choosing Your Klan: Factors to Consider

So, how do you choose the right Klan for you? Here are a few factors to consider:

• Playstyle: Do you prefer a fast-moving army, a shooty army, a melee-focused army, or a more versatile force? Each Klan has its own strengths and weaknesses, so choose one that matches your preferred playstyle.
• Color Scheme: Let's be honest, the look of your army is important! Pick a Klan whose colors you enjoy painting. After all, you'll be spending a lot of time working on these models.
• Lore: Delving into the lore of each Klan can add a whole new dimension to your hobby experience. Choose a Klan whose backstory and culture you find engaging.
• Unit Preference: Some Klans favor certain units over others. If you have a particular fondness for certain Ork units (like Warbikes or Lootas), choose a Klan that synergizes well with them.

Painting Your Orks: A Few Tips and Tricks

Once you've chosen your Klan, it's time to get painting! Here are a few tips to help you bring your Ork Boyz to life:

• Basecoat: Start with a solid basecoat of the appropriate color for your chosen Klan. This will provide a foundation for the rest of your paint job.
• Layering: Use layers of progressively lighter colors to create highlights and add depth to your models.
• Washes: Washes are your friend! They can help to add shadows and definition to your models, making them look more realistic.
• Details: Don't forget the details! Painting things like teeth, eyes, and metal parts can really make your models stand out.
• Basing: A well-based model looks much more impressive. Use texture paints, sand, or other materials to create a realistic base for your models.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Waaagh!

Choosing an Ork Klan is a fun and rewarding part of the Warhammer 40,000 hobby. Each Klan offers a unique playstyle, color scheme, and lore, allowing you to create an army that truly reflects your personality and preferences. So, take your time, do your research, and embrace the Waaagh!. No matter which Klan you choose, you're sure to have a blast krumpin' your enemies and spreading the green tide across the galaxy. Happy painting, guys!