Ork Boyz: Combat Patrol Issue 43 Swells the Green Tide

The long march of Games Workshop's Combat Patrol subscription magazine brings us to Issue 43, and as Goonhammer's "Contemptor Kevin" rightly points out, it's another glorious "Ork boyz-fest." For veterans of the hobby, a subscription model like this immediately triggers a cost-benefit analysis. For newer players, it’s a measured, manageable entry point into Warhammer 40,000. But what does a continued focus on the humble Ork Boy mean for the table, both now and in the long run?

Let’s crunch the numbers and the rules. The Combat Patrol format itself, distinct from the full 2000-point game, is designed for quick, accessible skirmishes. It strips away much of the complexity, focusing on core unit interactions and tactical movement. Each faction’s Combat Patrol box, and by extension, the units provided in these subscription issues, comes with a bespoke, simplified datasheet and a set of Detachment Rules. When Issue 43 drops more Ork Boyz into your burgeoning collection, it’s not just about adding bodies; it’s about reinforcing the fundamental Ork strategy within this specific game mode: overwhelming numbers, brutal close combat, and sheer resilience through volume of attacks. More Boyz means a deeper pool for your Mob Rule test, more potential wounds to soak, and a larger footprint on objectives. The mechanical implication is clear: this issue further cements the 'green tide' playstyle, encouraging players to lean into the Ork faction's core strength. For those building a dedicated Combat Patrol force, these incremental additions allow for experimentation with mob sizes, unit leaders (Nobz, if previous issues provided them), and the tactical flexibility that comes from having reserves. It’s a slow build to a truly imposing force, ideal for learning the ropes of movement, charging, and managing morale in a smaller game footprint.

From a lore perspective, nothing screams 'Ork' quite like a burgeoning mob of Boyz. This isn’t about precision or intricate strategy; it’s about the raw, visceral joy of the Waaagh! Every additional Boy is another voice in the chorus of 'Waaagh!', another pair of choppas eager for a scrap, another ramshackle body ready to rush headlong into the fray. Issue 43 isn't just delivering plastic; it’s delivering the very essence of Ork culture – growth, aggression, and the unending pursuit of a good fight. Imagine your Warboss at the head of a truly massive mob, each Boy a testament to the collective psychic energy that fuels the greenskin empire. The narrative practically writes itself: a small warband growing into a terrifying Waaagh! through sheer force of numbers. This drip-feed of models, while practical for the subscription, perfectly mirrors the organic, chaotic growth of an Ork horde in the grim darkness of the far future. It’s a thematic win, reinforcing the core identity of the faction in a way that resonates with long-time lore enthusiasts.

So, what’s the verdict for the table? For new players, Combat Patrol Issue 43 offers a steady, affordable path to building a thematic and mechanically sound Ork force. It mitigates the initial intimidation factor of buying entire boxes and provides a structured learning experience. For veteran players, particularly those with existing Ork armies, these issues represent excellent value for expanding their units, providing extra bodies for conversions, or simply replacing battle-worn models. The 'boyz-fest' might seem repetitive to some, but it’s precisely what a horde army needs: *more horde*. The strength of the Combat Patrol format lies in its balanced, self-contained nature, and a robust Ork force built through these issues will undoubtedly provide exciting, brutal games. The steady release schedule ensures that by the time you've assembled and painted one batch of Boyz, the next is likely on its way, maintaining momentum in the hobby. If you’re looking to dive into the greenskin madness without breaking the bank, or just need to pad out your existing ranks, this is a solid proposition. The Crit Sheet's Ork Tactics Guide provides excellent strategies for maximizing your Boyz' potential, no matter their numbers.