Savage Orks Project: Starting an OrK Combat Patrol from the Cupboard

If you’ve been following my hobby ramblings, you’ll know I’m a bit of a hobby butterfly—always chasing shiny new ideas and getting distracted by whatever’s lurking at the back of my cupboard. But this time, I’m determined: I’m finally going to focus on a project that’s been brewing for ages. The plan? Build a savage, high-energy Ork force using models I already have (okay, maybe with a few sneaky additions if the urge gets too strong).

Why Orks (Again)? Because They’re the Best, That’s Why

"Proof that Orks have always known how to party. Just look at these Rogue Trader legends—less 'snagga,' more 'snuggle' (but still totally ready for a scrap!).

Let’s be honest, Orks are just too much fun. There’s something about their chaotic energy, wild poses, and the sheer joy of painting them that keeps dragging me back. The new Combat Patrol box—with Squighog Boyz, Beast Snagga Boyz, and all sorts of beastie goodness—has totally reignited my inspiration. I’m leaning right into the “savage Orks” theme: beast-riding, trophy-hunting, and generally causing as much mayhem as possible.

But why do I keep coming back to these green lunatics? Here’s my totally unbiased (not really) list:

• Built for a Brawl: Orks don’t do subtle. They’re basically walking tanks, always ready to smash something—and usually each other.

• Never-Ending Horde: Think you’ve wiped them out? Think again. Orks pop up like weeds. Spores everywhere, mate.

• Waaagh! Magic: The best bit—Orks believe their crazy stuff works, so it does. Red vehicles go faster? Yep. Weird guns shoot weird stuff? Absolutely. It’s like magic, but way louder.

• Janky But Deadly Tech: Their gear looks like it’s held together with chewing gum and hope, but somehow it works. Big noisy trucks, ramshackle weapons, and all the explosions you could want.

• Loads of Variety: Squig-riders, hulking warbosses, wild conversions—if you can imagine it, you can build it.

• Tough as Old Boots: Orks shrug off wounds like it’s nothing. They just keep coming, no matter what you throw at them.

• Comic Relief in a Grimdark World: The 40k universe is dark and grim, but Orks bring the laughs with their wild antics and love of mayhem.

• Legendary Warbosses: These guys don’t just lead—they inspire Waaaghs! that shake entire star systems. Big, loud, and impossible to ignore.

• Wild and Unpredictable Gameplay: Orks are all about charging in, rolling dice like mad, and seeing what crazy thing happens next. No boring tactics here!

• Orky Culture and Gods: Gork and Mork, the gods of brutal cunning and cunning brutality, plus all the tribal vibes—there’s just nothing else like them.

So yeah, Orks aren’t just an army—they’re a whole vibe. Loud, wild, and full of personality. What’s not to love?

The Hobby Challenge: Use What I’ve Got

This project is as much about self-control as it is about creativity. My goal: minimize new purchases and make the most of the models already lurking in my cupboard. I’m starting with a 500-point force, mainly using what’s on hand, and seeing how far I can get before the hobby butterfly in me gets distracted again.

What’s Actually in the 2025 Ork Combat Patrol Box? (And My Rambling First Impressions)

“Warning: Opening this box may cause sudden urges to paint 20 Boyz at once, convert every squig, and start talking to your models in Orky accents. Ask your doctor if Waaagh! is right for you.”

Alright, let’s get into the good stuff—what’s actually in this year’s Ork Combat Patrol box? If you’re into the savage, beastie side of the greenskins (which, let’s face it, I absolutely am), this is a cracking place to start.

Here’s what you get to play with (plus my honest, hobby-butterfly thoughts as I poke at the sprues):

Beastboss

"Meet the Beastboss: big, bold, and ready to bash heads with zero subtlety. He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t ask questions—he just smashes answers."

The big boss himself. He’s here to lead the Waaagh! and generally bash heads together. Classic Ork energy. The model is lovely—big, bold, and absolutely built to smash someone straight in the face. I did make a few tweaks (those shoulder horns are a bit odd, so off they went), but he’s still got all the classic Ork vibes. Can’t wait to slap some paint on him and make him the centrepiece of the mob.

4 Squighog Boyz (plus a Bomb Squig!)

"Squighog Boyz: Orks on squigs, because why walk when you can ride a screaming, chomping beast into battle? Loud, fast, and guaranteed to cause a ruckus (and maybe some collateral damage)."

These lads are absolutely wild. Orks riding squigs into battle? Yes please. Plus, there’s a Bomb Squig for a bit of extra chaos. I love squigs—bright, bold, massive gobs, and a mouthful of teeth—what’s not to like? The Squighog Boyz are just brilliant: loud, proud, and guaranteed to steal the show. Honestly, these are the kind of models that make me wish I could fill a whole army with nothing but squigs and their riders. GW should’ve done this years ago! The scopes and details are ace—definitely going to enjoy building and painting these.

20 Beast Snagga Boyz

"Beast Snagga Boyz: your trusty mob of toothy maniacs. Monopose? Sure. But who cares when they’re this tough, this rowdy, and this ready to krump anything that moves?"

This is your main mob. Tough as nails, always up for a scrap, and perfect for holding objectives or just getting stuck in where it matters. These are awesome models—sure, they’re a bit monopose, but nothing a little hobby tinkering can’t fix. Loads of detail (maybe a bit of a pain for batch painting, but I’ll manage). I’m already thinking about adding a banner or two if I can be bothered—or if inspiration strikes. No clue what the “best” loadouts are, so I’m just going with whatever looks the coolest. Rule of cool always wins, right?

(And yes, they all come with the right bases—because even orks need to stand up straight sometimes.)

If you’re looking to kick off an orky project or just want a box with loads of conversion potential, this is a brilliant way to get started. I’m genuinely excited to see how much character I can squeeze out of these models, especially with my cupboard challenge in mind. Now, let’s see if I can actually stay focused long enough to finish them… famous last words for a hobby butterfly like me!

Stay tuned for more progress, wild ideas, and probably a few hobby sidetracks along the way. Waaagh!