Greenskins
A chaotic race of warriors driven by an endless hunger for battle.
The Greenskins represent one of the most iconic races within the Total War: Warhammer universe, encompassing both Orcs and Goblins. They are a chaotic, warlike people who view violence as the highest form of existence and organization. Unlike other factions seeking order or salvation, they thrive on conflict, believing that the world exists solely to be smashed and looted by their hordes. In the grand tapestry of the fantasy setting, Greenskins serve as agents of pure destruction. They do not seek to rule in a traditional sense but rather to engage in endless warfare against anyone standing in their path. Their presence is a constant reminder that civilization is fragile when faced with unbridled aggression and numbers.
- Race Type
- Greenskin
- Primary Deity
- Gork and Mork
- Society Structure
- Tribal Hierarchy
- Motivation
- War and Conquest
- Playable Factions
- Multiple Warbands
- Origin
- The Old World
- Status
- Active
Lore & Background
The Greenskins believe in the Great Game, a cosmic conflict where strength determines worth and survival. Their society is built on a brutal hierarchy where might makes right, with Orks dominating Goblins through sheer physical force. They worship two distinct gods, Gork and Mork, who represent different aspects of warfare, though many Greenskins cannot distinguish between them or believe they are the same entity. Their technology is crude but effective, powered by Waaagh! energy generated by their collective belief in victory. This psychic force allows them to make guns work without understanding mechanics and even animate crude effigies, though they do not grow creatures from scrap metal. Despite their lack of long-term planning or agriculture, they are incredibly resilient, constantly splitting into new warbands when a tribe becomes too large for the available fighting.
In Their Own Story
The mud splattered against the Warboss's tusks as he roared over the gathered horde. Behind him, the jagged silhouette of their stolen tower loomed under a bruised purple sky. Spears rattled in eager hands while goblins scurried like rats around the larger feet of their masters. There was no strategy here, only the promise of blood and the smell of burning timber. The Warboss raised his choppa high, signaling the charge that would turn another kingdom into a pile of rubble for the glory of Gork or Mork.
Reader's Guide
In the Total War: Warhammer series, Greenskins serve as some of the most dynamic and aggressive playable factions available to commanders. These factions are not united under a single banner but operate as independent warbands led by charismatic Warbosses who seek dominance over all others. Their primary goal is simply to fight; they do not conquer for resources or ideology, but because fighting itself is their purpose. Players controlling Greenskins must manage the Waaagh! mechanic, which fuels special abilities and buffs based on aggression levels. Key members include Ork Boyz, Gretchin, Squigs, and specialized units like Big Waz or Weirdboyz who manipulate psychic energy through sheer noise and belief. They often struggle against more organized enemies due to their lack of discipline but excel in overwhelming numbers and morale-breaking charges. Within the broader conflict of the world, Greenskins act as a destabilizing force that threatens both human empires and elven kingdoms alike. While they occasionally ally with Chaos forces out of shared hatred for order, they remain distinct entities focused solely on their own internal wars and external conquests.
Did You Know?
- Gork and Mork are two distinct gods, not aspects of a single deity, though their exact natures are often confused by Greenskins themselves.
- Greenskin technology functions on belief rather than engineering principles known as Waaagh! energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Greenskins in Total War: Warhammer?
The Greenskins are a faction group that unites Orks and Goblins under one chaotic banner. They are a war-mad people from the Old World who see every living thing as either a target to destroy or a trophy to steal.
Who do the Greenskins worship?
Their faith centers on Gork and Mork, two divine figures who embody the spirit of reckless violence and mayhem. Unlike other races with structured pantheons, Greenskin devotion is less about prayer and more about channeling raw destructive energy.
How is Greenskin society organized?
They operate under a tribal hierarchy where the loudest, strongest, and most brutal individuals rise to lead their warbands. There is no centralized government or long-term planning—authority simply belongs to whoever can beat the others into submission.
What is the Greenskins' ultimate goal?
They have no desire to build empires or achieve salvation; their sole drive is to find something to smash and something to loot. Conflict is not a means to an end for them—it is the entire point of existence.
Which playable factions are part of the Greenskins group?
The Greenskins are represented by several distinct warbands, each led by a different chieftain or warboss with their own roster of units and abilities. This lets players experience the same chaotic horde gameplay through different leaders and tactical compositions.
More in Factions & Armies
Elsewhere in the Total War Warhammer universe
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