Warhammer 40,000, a universe rife with conflict and bloodshed, has spawned numerous video games that immerse players in its grim and unforgiving battles. From turn-based strategy to fast-paced shooters, the Warhammer 40k video game library boasts an impressive array of offerings, each catering to a specific gameplay style and preference. However, not all games manage to capture the essence of the Warhammer 40k setting and its intricate lore, resulting in a mixed bag of quality.
But fear not, for within this article, we shall embark on a journey to uncover the crème de la crème of Warhammer 40k video games. These titles not only showcase exceptional gameplay mechanics but also delve deep into the rich tapestry of the Warhammer 40k universe, allowing players to experience the brutal, unforgiving reality of this dystopian realm. Prepare yourself for an exploration of strategy, tactics, and the relentless warfare that defines the Warhammer 40k universe.
The best Warhammer 40k games captivate players with their immersive worlds, engaging gameplay, and faithfulness to the source material. These games transport you to a universe of unending war and grim darkness, where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Whether you prefer the turn-based strategy of games like Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 or the fast-paced action of Dawn of War, there is a Warhammer 40k game that will satisfy your thirst for strategy, conquest, and the grim splendor of the 41st millennium.
The Dawn of War Series
The Dawn of War series is a critically acclaimed real-time strategy game franchise set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Developed by Relic Entertainment, the series is known for its stunning graphics, gripping gameplay, and deep multiplayer experience. The first game in the series, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, was released in 2004 and quickly became one of the most popular RTS games of all time.
Dawn of War takes place during the 41st millennium, a time of war and chaos in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game features four playable races: the Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, and Chaos Space Marines. Each race has its own unique playstyle and units, making for a diverse and engaging multiplayer experience.
One of the standout features of the Dawn of War series is its emphasis on melee combat. Unlike many other RTS games, Dawn of War allows players to control individual units in melee combat, resulting in bloody and visceral battles. The game’s graphics and sound design also help to create a truly immersive and atmospheric experience.
The Dawn of War series has been praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and deep multiplayer experience. It is considered to be one of the best RTS games of all time and has inspired numerous sequels and spin-offs.
Notable Games in the Series
| Game | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War | 2004 |
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade | 2006 |
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II | 2009 |
| Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III | 2017 |
Space Marine
Space Marine is a fast-paced third-person action game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Players take control of Captain Titus, a Space Marine of the Ultramarines Chapter, as he and his squad fight against the forces of Chaos on the war-torn planet of Graia.
Gameplay
Space Marine’s gameplay is a mix of close-quarters combat, ranged shooting, and squad-based tactics. Players use a variety of weapons to defeat enemies, including bolters, plasma guns, and power swords. They can also command their squad to perform special actions, such as suppressing enemy fire or flanking the enemy.
Setting
Space Marine is set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, a grim and violent setting where humanity is constantly at war with alien races and the forces of Chaos. The game’s story follows Captain Titus and his squad as they fight to defend the planet of Graia from the forces of Chaos, who are led by the sorcerer Erebus.
| Title | Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Space Marine | 2011 | Action |
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War
The 2018-released strategy game from Proxy Studios and Slitherine Software is another well-received 4X title set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. In Gladius – Relics of War, players choose from four factions, namely the Space Marines, Orks, Astra Militarum, and Necrons, to conquer the titular planet Gladius Prime and its various resources. The game boasts a turn-based strategy system, resource management, and customizable units.
Gladius – Relics of War features a dynamic campaign map with branching storylines and numerous procedurally generated events. Players will gather resources, construct buildings, research technologies, and train their armies while progressing through the campaign. Each faction has its unique strengths and weaknesses, providing strategic variety and replayability.
Factions
The four playable factions in Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War are:
| Faction | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Space Marines | Versatility, advanced technology |
| Orks | Relentless hordes, brutal melee |
| Astra Militarum | Overwhelming numbers, artillery support |
| Necrons | Ancient technology, self-resurrecting units |
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 is a real-time strategy game that puts players in command of vast fleets of warships in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game features an expansive single-player campaign, as well as a robust multiplayer component. Players can choose from a variety of factions, each with its own unique ships, abilities, and playstyles.
Gameplay
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2’s gameplay is focused on large-scale naval battles. Players must command their fleets effectively, using a combination of strategy and tactics to achieve victory. The game features a variety of ship classes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully consider the composition of their fleet and the tactics they employ in order to succeed.
Factions
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 features a total of 12 factions, each with its own unique ships, abilities, and playstyles. The factions are divided into three main categories: the Imperium, the Chaos, and the Xenos.
| Faction | Description |
|---|---|
| Imperium | The Imperium of Man is the largest and most powerful faction in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Its ships are heavily armored and armed, and they can call upon a wide variety of support units. |
| Chaos | The Chaos factions are made up of traitors who have turned against the Imperium. Their ships are often faster and more agile than Imperial ships, and they can use powerful psychic abilities to overwhelm their enemies. |
| Xenos | The Xenos factions are made up of alien races who are not aligned with either the Imperium or Chaos. Their ships often have unique abilities and weapons that can be difficult to counter. |
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus is a turn-based strategy game that puts you in command of the Adeptus Mechanicus, a faction of cyborg warriors who worship the Machine God. The game is set on the planet Silva Tenebris, where the Mechanicus have discovered an ancient and powerful artifact that could potentially change the course of the war against the forces of Chaos.
Gameplay
Mechanicus is a turn-based strategy game that is played on a grid-based map. You control a squad of Mechanicus warriors, each with their own unique abilities and weapons. The goal of the game is to complete objectives, such as capturing points, destroying enemy units, or escorting a VIP to safety.
Units
The Adeptus Mechanicus has a wide range of units to choose from, including:
| Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Skitarii Rangers | Basic infantry units with long-range weapons. |
| Skitarii Vanguard | Fast-moving infantry units with close-range weapons. |
| Kataphron Destroyers | Heavy infantry units with powerful weapons. |
| Serberys Raiders | Cavalry units with plasma weapons. |
| Onager Dunecrawlers | Large walker units with heavy weapons. |
Tech-Priests
In addition to regular units, you can also control Tech-Priests, who are powerful heroes with unique abilities. Tech-Priests can provide buffs to your units, heal them, or even resurrect them. They are also essential for repairing damaged units and unlocking new upgrades.
Upgrades
As you progress through the game, you will earn experience points that can be used to upgrade your units and Tech-Priests. Upgrades can improve their stats, give them new abilities, or even change their appearance. There are a wide variety of upgrades available, so you can customize your army to suit your own playstyle.
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr
Inquisitor – Martyr is an action RPG set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Players take on the role of an Inquisitor, a powerful agent of the Imperium tasked with rooting out heresy and corruption.
Gameplay
Inquisitor – Martyr features a variety of gameplay elements, including:
– Fast-paced combat: Players engage in intense melee and ranged combat against a variety of enemies, including cultists, mutants, and daemons.
– Character customization: Players can create and customize their Inquisitor, choosing from a variety of classes, weapons, and abilities.
– Exploration: Players explore a variety of planets and locations, uncovering secrets and completing missions.
Story
Inquisitor – Martyr follows the story of an Inquisitor as they investigate a series of heretical cults across the Caligari Sector. As the Inquisitor delves deeper into the investigation, they uncover a sinister plot that threatens the entire sector.
Reception
Inquisitor – Martyr received mixed reviews upon release. Some praised the game’s combat and character customization, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and technical issues. However, the game has since been updated and improved, and it now has a positive reception from both critics and players.
System Requirements
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS: Windows 7 64-bit Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX-6300 Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7850 DirectX: Version 11 Storage: 20 GB available space |
OS: Windows 10 64-bit Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290 DirectX: Version 11 Storage: 20 GB available space |
Total War: Warhammer II
Total War: Warhammer II is a grand strategy game that combines the turn-based strategy of the Total War series with the fantasy setting of Warhammer Fantasy. The game features a vast campaign map spanning the continents of the Old World and the New World, and players can choose to play as one of 11 different factions, each with its own unique units, abilities, and playstyle.
Campaign Gameplay
The campaign gameplay in Total War: Warhammer II is turn-based, and players take turns moving their armies across the map, capturing settlements, and engaging in battles. The campaign map is divided into provinces, and each province contains a number of settlements. Settlements can be captured by defeating the enemy garrison in battle, and they provide income and other benefits to the player who controls them.
Battle Gameplay
The battle gameplay in Total War: Warhammer II is real-time, and players control their armies directly on the battlefield. The game features a wide variety of units, each with its own unique abilities and strengths. Players must use their units effectively to defeat their enemies and achieve victory.
Factions
There are 11 different factions available to play in Total War: Warhammer II:
| Faction | Description | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Elves | A proud and ancient race of elves who live in the realm of Ulthuan. They are skilled archers and have access to powerful magic. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dark Elves | A dark and twisted race of elves who live in the realm of Naggaroth. They are skilled warriors and have access to dark magic. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lizardmen | A reptilian race of beings who live in the jungles of Lustria. They are strong and have access to powerful magic. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Skaven | A race of rat-like beings who live in the Under-Empire. They are numerous and have access to advanced technology. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Orcs and Goblins | A savage and warlike race of beings who live in the mountains of the Badlands. They are strong and have access to powerful weapons. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dwarfs | A stout and hardy race of beings who live in the mountains of the Old World. They are skilled miners and have access to powerful weapons. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Empire | A human race of beings who live in the Empire of Man. They are well-rounded and have access to a variety of units. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vampire Counts | A race of undead beings who live in the realm of Sylvania. They are powerful and have access to dark magic. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warriors of Chaos | A race of worshippers of the Chaos gods who live in the Chaos Wastes. They are powerful and have access to powerful weapons. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bretonnia | A human race of beings who live in the kingdom of Bretonnia. They are skilled knights and have access to powerful cavalry. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wood Elves | A race of elves who live in the forests of Athel Loren. They are skilled archers and have access to powerful magic. |
| Gang | Description | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escher Wyld Runners | A gang of female warriors who are known for their speed and agility. | Fast, agile, good at close combat | Weak against ranged attacks, low armor |
| Goliath Gangs | A gang of brutes who are known for their strength and toughness. | Strong, tough, good at melee combat | Slow, not very agile, weak against ranged attacks |
| Van Saar Gangs | A gang of techno-savants who are known for their use of high-tech weaponry. | Good ranged attacks, strong weapons, good armor | Expensive, not very tough, weak against close combat |
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters
Gameplay
Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters is a turn-based strategy game where you control a squad of Grey Knights, an elite force of Space Marines, as they fight their way through hordes of Chaos Daemons. The game features a unique blend of tactical combat, base building, and resource management.
Setting
The game is set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, a dark and gritty sci-fi setting where humanity is on the brink of extinction. The Grey Knights are tasked with defending the Imperium of Man from the forces of Chaos, a malevolent force that seeks to destroy all life.
Characters
The game features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. You’ll control a squad of Grey Knights, each of whom has their own strengths and weaknesses. You’ll also encounter a variety of allies and enemies, including the Chaos Daemons, the servants of the Chaos Gods.
Combat
Combat in Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters is turn-based and tactical. You’ll need to carefully position your units and use their abilities to defeat your enemies. The game features a variety of weapons and abilities, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Base Building
In addition to combat, you’ll also need to manage your base, the Grey Knights’ headquarters. You’ll need to build and upgrade structures, research new technologies, and train new units. Your base is essential for your survival, as it provides you with the resources and support you need to fight the forces of Chaos.
Resource Management
Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters features a deep and challenging resource management system. You’ll need to carefully manage your resources, including manpower, ammunition, and research points. If you don’t manage your resources wisely, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed by the forces of Chaos.
Difficulty
Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters is a challenging game, even on normal difficulty. The game features a variety of difficulty settings, so you can tailor the challenge to your own skill level. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding strategy game, Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters is a great choice.
Classes
There are four different classes of Grey Knights in Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters: Interceptors, Purifiers, Terminators, and Paladins. Each class has its own unique abilities and playstyle.
| Class | Abilities |
|---|---|
| Interceptor | Fast and agile, with jump packs for mobility. |
| Purifier | Armed with flame weapons, effective against hordes. |
| Terminator | Heavy armored and armed, with powerful weapons. |
| Paladin | Support class, with healing and buffing abilities. |
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Cooperative Gameplay
Darktide shines with its four-player cooperative gameplay. Players must work together to survive the hordes of enemies, using a variety of weapons and abilities to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Character Customization
Create and customize your own unique character, choosing from four different classes and a wide range of cosmetic options. Level up your character and unlock new weapons, abilities, and cosmetic rewards.
Intense First-Person Combat
Experience intense first-person combat against a variety of enemies, from the hordes of Chaos Cultists to the towering Ogryn and the dreaded Plague Marines. Utilize a variety of melee and ranged weapons to dispatch your foes.
Lore-Rich Campaign
Darktide features a deep and engaging campaign that delves into the rich lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Players will travel through iconic locations like the Underhive, fighting against the forces of Chaos.
Dynamic Missions
No two missions are the same in Darktide. The game features a dynamic mission system that generates unique objectives and challenges, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience with each playthrough.
Progression and Rewards
Level up your character and unlock new weapons, abilities, and cosmetic rewards by completing missions and earning experience. Customize your character and create your own unique playstyle.
Community Hub and Social Features
Join the community hub to connect with other players, form guilds, and participate in challenges. Use the built-in chat system to coordinate your tactics and share your experiences.
Future Updates and Expansions
Darktide is a live-service game, with regular updates and expansions planned. This ensures a constantly evolving and expanding experience for players.
Cross-Platform Play
Darktide supports cross-platform play between PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. Join up with friends on different platforms to experience the cooperative gameplay together.
Immersive Setting and Atmosphere
Darktide immerses you in the grim and dangerous world of Warhammer 40,000. The detailed environments, atmospheric lighting, and immersive sounds create a truly unforgettable experience.
Best Warhammer 40k Games
Warhammer 40k is a beloved tabletop wargame that has spawned a number of video game adaptations. These games range from strategy titles to first-person shooters, and they offer a variety of ways to experience the grim darkness of the far future. Here are some of the best Warhammer 40k games available today:
- Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: This real-time strategy game is widely considered to be one of the best Warhammer 40k games ever made. It features a gripping campaign, fast-paced multiplayer, and a wide variety of units to command.
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine: This third-person shooter puts you in the boots of a Space Marine as you fight your way through hordes of Orks. The game features brutal combat, stunning graphics, and a variety of missions to complete.
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War: This turn-based strategy game lets you command one of four factions in a battle for control of the planet Gladius Prime. The game features a deep and engaging campaign, challenging AI opponents, and a variety of units to unlock.
- Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr: This action RPG lets you create your own Inquisitor and embark on a journey to purge the Imperium of Chaos. The game features a vast open world, intense combat, and a variety of loot to collect.
- Warhammer 40,000: Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2: This real-time strategy game lets you command vast fleets of warships in epic space battles. The game features stunning graphics, realistic physics, and a variety of factions to choose from.
People Also Ask About Best Warhammer 40k Games
What is the best Warhammer 40k game for beginners?
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is a good choice for beginners because it is easy to learn and offers a variety of tutorials.
What is the best Warhammer 40k game for multiplayer?
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine both offer excellent multiplayer experiences.
What is the best Warhammer 40k game for single player?
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War and Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr both offer deep and engaging single-player campaigns.
What is the best Warhammer 40k game for graphics?
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine and Warhammer 40,000: Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 both feature stunning graphics.
What is the best Warhammer 40k game for value?
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is a great value because it offers a lot of content for a low price.
