Orruk Warclans (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)

Orruk Warclans are the green-skinned Destruction army of Warhammer Age of Sigmar, built around fast, aggressive melee and a love of a good scrap. They suit players who want a bold, characterful army with big centrepiece models and a straightforward plan: get stuck in. The easiest way in is the Spearhead: Orruk Warclans – Ironjawz Bigmob set, which gives you a small, ready-to-play force.

What are the Orruk Warclans?

The Orruk Warclans bring together three distinct orruk cultures under one battletome. Each shares the same brutal outlook, but they fight in very different ways, so choosing a sub-faction is the first real decision you will make.

• Ironjawz: heavily armoured orruks who hit hard and charge straight at the enemy.
• Bonesplitterz: painted, frenzied tribal warriors led by shamans and spirit-driven mystics, with a wilder, more primal look.
• Kruleboyz: cunning swamp-dwelling orruks who favour tricks, poison, ambush and dirty tactics over honest brawling.

You can collect one sub-faction in a focused way or mix them. Starting with one gives you a more cohesive army and a more cohesive paint scheme.

How do Orruk Warclans play?

In general terms, Warclans are an aggressive close-combat army. Ironjawz lean on durable, hard-hitting units, Bonesplitterz on speed and momentum, and Kruleboyz on cunning and disruption. If you enjoy being the player who takes the fight to the opponent rather than waiting for it, this is a natural fit.

They are also a forgiving army to learn with. The models are large and the plan is clear, which makes them a good choice for newer players, as long as you are comfortable with an army that wants to be in the thick of things. For a wider look at the game itself, see our Warhammer Age of Sigmar guide.

Where should I start with Orruk Warclans?

Pick the sub-faction whose look and feel you like most, then buy a small group of troops and one leader. These are the most useful first purchases:

1. Spearhead: Orruk Warclans – Ironjawz Bigmob is the simplest start. It is a compact boxed force designed for smaller games, so you can build, paint and play without a large commitment.
2. Megaboss gives an Ironjawz army a strong leader and a satisfying first big paint project.
3. Orruk Ardboyz or Orruk Brutes form the Ironjawz core. Ardboyz are the armoured line troops, while Brutes are the heavier, more brutal option.
4. Destruction Battletome: Orruk Warclans is worth having from the start, so you understand how your chosen sub-faction fits together.

If you would rather go the swamp route, begin with a leader such as the Swampboss Skumdrekk and add support from there.

Which Ironjawz kits are worth knowing?

Ironjawz are the most common entry point, and the range covers plenty of roles.

• Ardboy Big Boss is a leader built to command the armoured line troops.
• Orruk Ardboyz are your dependable infantry, a natural first box to buy in multiples.
• Orruk Brutes add heavier hitters to the battleline.
• Weirdnob Shaman is a spellcaster for armies that want some of the orruks' unpredictable magic.
• Megaboss on Maw-krusha is the monstrous centrepiece, ideal if you want a model that dominates the table.

What about Bonesplitterz?

Bonesplitterz are the most visually distinctive part of the range, with tribal markings, bones and wild face paint. Two kits stand out as starting points:

• Weirdbrute Wrekkaz are frenzied warriors that give a Bonesplitterz force its identity.
• Tuskboss on Maw-grunta is a mounted leader and a strong centrepiece for a tribal army.

What about Kruleboyz?

Kruleboyz suit players who like their armies sneaky and a bit grimy. The range includes ranged and melee options, swamp creatures and a powerful speaker for the faction.

• Swampboss Skumdrekk is a leader for a Kruleboyz warband.
• Hobgrot Slittaboss adds the small, scheming hobgrots that fight alongside the orruks.
• Man-Skewer Boltboyz and the Beast-skewer Killbow give the army ranged firepower.
• Breaka-boss on Mirebrute Troggoth and the Marshcrawla Sloggoth bring in big swamp monsters.
• Gobsprakk, The Mouth of Mork is a distinctive character model for collectors who like to build around a named figure.

Are there other models that go with Warclans?

Yes. Orruk Warclans: Manifestations adds faction-themed summoned effects to the table. Kragnos, the End of Empires is a huge Destruction character that appeals to players who like a monster centrepiece in the same broad alliance. Terrain such as the Bossrokk Tower helps your army look at home on the table.

If you also like big, brawling armies from the same alliance, our Ogor Mawtribes guide is a good next read.

How do I paint Orruk Warclans?

Orruks are a good first army to paint because the large areas of skin forgive simple techniques. Start with a consistent method for the green skin, then add one strong accent colour per sub-faction: bold metals for Ironjawz, bone and tribal colours for Bonesplitterz, and murky, muted tones for Kruleboyz.

If you are new to the hobby, read how to start painting Warhammer miniatures first. For choosing paints, our Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide explains the base, shade, layer and contrast ranges so you can pick what suits your army.

Which book do I need for Orruk Warclans?

The Destruction Battletome: Orruk Warclans (English) is the main army book. It covers the lore, army rules and background for all three sub-factions, so it is the one reference you will keep returning to. Check that you have the current edition of the core rules for your games, as the army book is designed to work alongside them.

Frequently asked questions

Are Orruk Warclans good for beginners?

Yes. The models are large, the plan is easy to understand and the army rewards confident, aggressive play. The Ironjawz Spearhead set is a sensible first purchase.

Which Orruk Warclans sub-faction should I choose?

Choose by style. Ironjawz suit players who want heavy armour and direct combat, Bonesplitterz suit those who like a wild tribal look, and Kruleboyz suit players who enjoy cunning tactics and a swampy theme.

Can I mix Ironjawz, Bonesplitterz and Kruleboyz?

You can collect all three, and many players do. The battletome covers the whole faction, but a single sub-faction usually makes for a more focused army and an easier paint scheme.

Do I need the battletome to play?

You will want it. It contains the army rules and background for the faction, so it is the key book for building and playing a Warclans army.

What army are Orruk Warclans good against?

Warclans want to reach the enemy quickly, so how well they do depends on your opponent and your list. It is worth reading about the armies you will face, such as Ossiarch Bonereapers, Seraphon, Skaven and Nighthaunt.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer Age of Sigmar
• Ogor Mawtribes (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Ossiarch Bonereapers (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Seraphon (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Skaven (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Nighthaunt (Warhammer Age of Sigmar)
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures