Best Rated Warhammer 40K PC Video Games (You Should Play in 2024)

Welcome to the grim darkness of the far future, where intergalactic wars rage across a dystopian universe and mighty factions vie for dominance. This is the realm of Warhammer 40,000, a beloved tabletop franchise that has inspired a legion of video games. 
Best Rated Warhammer 40K PC Video Games

If you’re looking to dive headfirst into the chaos and majesty of this iconic setting from the comfort of your PC, you’re in the right place.

We’ve compiled a list of the best-rated Warhammer 40,000 PC video games by players, spanning various genres and capturing the essence of this expansive universe. Plus, we’ve added all the related miniatures you’ll encounter in each game, as a bonus!

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Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War 

  • Metacritic User Score: 8.7
  • Steam Reviews: 95% Positive
  • Released: 2004
  • Genre: Real-Time Strategy
  • Developer: Relic Entertainment
  • Publisher: SEGA

“Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War”, released on September 20, 2004, is a real-time strategy game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ that transports you into the epicenter of galactic warfare in the beloved Warhammer 40K universe.

The trailer for Dawn of War I

Unlike its sequel, Dawn of War stays true to more traditional real-time strategy roots with base building, resource management, and massive armies clashing on the battlefield. It’s like watching your tabletop miniatures come to life and wreak havoc on a grand scale.

The game allows you to control one of four factions from the Warhammer 40K universe, each with its unique units, strategies, and playstyles, mirroring the diverse army choices you make when assembling your tabletop forces.

Critically acclaimed at the time of its release, “Dawn of War” was praised for bringing the Warhammer 40K universe to life with its detailed units, destructible environments, and dynamic gameplay.

Fans loved the game’s epic scale and the fidelity to the tabletop game’s aesthetics and lore. Its multiplayer was particularly well-received, allowing players to bring their strategic prowess against others in brutal, fast-paced warfare.

What we liked about it?

“Dawn of War” captures the exhilarating, lore-drenched warfare of the tabletop game and translates it into a high-octane video game experience. 

The game’s graphics and sound plunge you straight into the grim darkness of the far future, with every bolter shot and chainsword clash feeling impactful and true to the source material.

The campaign is a deep, narrative-driven experience that explores the rich lore of the Warhammer 40K universe, much like delving into the background stories of your favorite armies and heroes.

The Factions, Miniatures and Characters present in Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War:

ithin this game, players can command various units and characters from several different factions, each with its unique abilities and lore. Here are some of the notable units and characters featured in the first “Dawn of War” game:

  1. Space Marines: As the elite fighting forces of the Imperium of Man, they feature prominently in the game. Key units and characters include:
    • Tactical Squads: Versatile infantry units.
    • Assault Marines: Close-combat specialists with jump packs.
    • Terminators: Heavily armored elites.
    • Dreadnoughts: Walking tanks piloted by mortally wounded Marines.
    • Librarian: A Space Marine psyker with powerful abilities.
    • Force Commander: The primary hero unit, a powerful leader in battle.
  2. Orks: Known for their love for war and chaos, they are a brutal and hilarious faction with units like:
  3. Eldar: An ancient and highly advanced alien race with sophisticated technology and psychic powers, featuring:
  4. Chaos Space Marines: The corrupted counterparts to the Space Marines, they worship the Chaos gods and feature:
    • Chaos Marines: The twisted versions of Space Marines.
    • Possessed Marines: Marines mutated by the warp.
    • Chaos Lord: The primary hero unit, a fearsome leader.
    • Daemon Prince: A powerful demonic entity.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

  • Metacritic User Score: 8.2
  • Steam Reviews: 91% Positive
  • Released: 2023
  • Genre: First-Person Shooter
  • Developer: Auroch Digital
  • Publisher: Focus Entertainment

“Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun” is a must-try for any Warhammer enthusiast looking to live out their tabletop strategies in a bloody, pixelated playground. It’s a warp-infused cocktail of nostalgia and fresh carnage that revives the essence of ’90s retro shooters within the grimdark Warhammer 40,000 universe. 

Developed by Auroch Digital and published by Focus Entertainment, the game received generally favorable reviews, with a Metascore of 75 and a User Score of 8.2. On Steam, the feedback is Overwhelmingly Positive! 

Drawing parallels between the video game and the tabletop experience, “Boltgun” cleverly incorporates familiar foes, weapons, and the unmistakable Gothic aesthetic.

The gameplay is fast, furious, and unapologetically brutal—much like a tense round of 40K where the dice gods decide your fate. The weapons? Oh, they feel as mighty as wielding an actual chainsword, with the iconic boltgun delivering that satisfying punch we’ve dreamed of.

The game has been well-received for its faithful adaptation, capturing the essence of what makes the Warhammer 40,000 universe so captivating. Players and critics alike have lauded its retro shooter vibe, intense action, and faithful lore integration. It’s not just a game; it’s a warp jump into the heart of the 40k universe.

Why do we like it?

“Boltgun” feels like you’ve just rolled a natural six for initiative. It captures the essence of the 40k universe, where every corridor and battlefield is drenched in the rich, dark lore we know and love.

The game genre isn’t just a nod to the past; it’s a power fist smashing through nostalgia, reminiscent of classic 90s shooters like Duke Nukem 3D or the original Doom.

What Factions and Units You Will Encounter in Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

In “Boltgun” you play as a Space Marine soldier facing-off endless hordes of Chaos units and Daemons. Here’s a comprehensive list of all the enemies you’ll face in the game:

  1. Blue Horror: Lesser daemons spawned from defeated Pink Horrors, mischievous and spiteful.
  2. Chaos Cultist: Human devotees of Chaos, zealously fighting with basic weapons.
  3. Chaos Space Marine: Corrupted Space Marines, heavily armored and formidable.
  4. Chaos Space Marine Terminator: Elite Chaos Space Marines, extremely tough and heavily armored.
  5. Flamer of Tzeentch: Daemonic fire casters serving Tzeentch, hurling magical flames.
  6. Great Unclean One: Vast, disease-ridden daemons of Nurgle, spreading decay.
  7. Greater Plague Toad: Large, toxic toads of Nurgle, resilient and dangerous.
  8. Lesser Plague Toad: Smaller versions of Greater Plague Toads, still toxic and hazardous.
  9. Nurglings: Tiny, swarming daemons of Nurgle, overwhelming in numbers.
  10. Pink Horror: Laughing daemons of Tzeentch, splitting into Blue Horrors upon death.
  11. Renegade Guardsman: Turncoat Imperial soldiers now serving Chaos, less formidable but numerous.
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Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Anniversary Edition

  • Metacritic User Score: 7.8
  • Steam Reviews: 92% Positive
  • Released: 2011
  • Genre: Third-Person Shooter
  • Developer: Relic Entertainment
  • Publisher: THQ

“Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine” offers a thrilling, blood-pumping experience that puts the grimdark action of the Warhammer 40K universe front and center. If you’ve ever dreamt of charging into battle as a Space Marine, chanting the Emperor’s name and striking fear into the heart of xenos and heretics, then this is your game.

“Space Marine” departs from the strategic, bird’s-eye view of its RTS predecessors, thrusting players into the thick of battle. You play as Lieutenant Titus of the Ultramarines, wielding a variety of ranged and melee weapons iconic to the Warhammer 40K universe. 

It’s like taking your meticulously painted Space Marine model into battle, feeling every bolter round fired and every swing of your chainsword. The game captures the heavy, powerful feel of the Space Marines, as you’re plowing through hordes of Orks and forces of Chaos.

Critically, “Space Marine” received praise for its authentic depiction of the Warhammer 40K universe and its intense, action-packed gameplay. Fans of the series appreciated the chance to experience the world from an individual soldier’s perspective, bringing a new dimension to the beloved setting. However, some criticized it for repetitive gameplay and a lack of depth compared to the strategic layers of the tabletop game.

Why do we like it?

“Space Marine” does something exceptional; it puts you directly in the boots of an Adeptus Astartes, the iconic Space Marines, and lets you feel the rush and brutality of frontline combat in the 41st Millennium.

The game’s graphics and sound design are spot-on, bringing the grimdark atmosphere to life with detailed environments and character models. The visceral combat is a highlight, with a seamless blend of shooting and melee that feels both tactical and satisfyingly brutal.

The beloved Warhammer 40,000 universe is set to expand further as the gritty action of “Space Marine” returns with a highly anticipated sequel, “Space Marine 2.”

Here’s a list of notable enemies you’ll face in the game:

  • Orks: The primary adversaries for much of the game, players will face a wide range of Ork enemies including:
    • Boyz: The most common infantry units.
    • Nobz: Larger, tougher Orks leading the smaller Boyz.
    • Shoota Boyz: Orks armed with ranged weapons.
    • Gretchin: Smaller, weaker Orks often used as cannon fodder.
    • Warboss Grimskull: A formidable Ork leader and a primary antagonist.
  • Chaos Forces: Later in the game, the forces of Chaos emerge as deadly foes, including:
    • Chaos Space Marines: Corrupted counterparts to the player’s own Space Marine.
    • Chaos Cultists: Human devotees to the Chaos gods, often used as front-line troops.
    • Daemon Prince: A powerful and terrifying agent of Chaos.
    • Chaos Daemons: Various daemonic entities serving the Chaos gods.

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 

  • Metacritic User Score: 8.1
  • Steam Reviews: 92% Positive
  • Released: 2018
  • Genre: Turn-Based Tactics
  • Developer: Bulwark Studios
  • Publisher: Kasedo Games

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus” offers a unique, immersive experience into the mechanical heart of the Warhammer 40K universe. For fans of the Adeptus Mechanicus, or those looking for a game that combines deep tactical gameplay with rich lore, Mechanicus is a compelling journey into the dark, machine-obsessed world of the tech-priests

The game offers a deep dive into the lore and strategic combat of the Warhammer 40K universe, focusing on the tech-priests of Mars, known for their technological prowess and insatiable hunger for lost knowledge.

“Mechanicus” stands out with its attention to detail in the faction’s lore, bringing to life the intricate rites, cybernetic augments, and the cold logic that defines this faction.

You’ll manage your team, customizing tech-priests with a wide array of augments, weapons, and tech, reminiscent of the careful, deliberate assembly and customization of your tabletop forces. 

“Mechanicus” received positive feedback for its atmospheric storytelling, strategic depth, and the unique focus on a less frequently spotlighted faction of the Warhammer 40K universe.

Critics and players lauded the game for its challenging tactical gameplay, the immersive soundtrack, and the way it captures the essence of the faction.

Some noted the game’s steep learning curve and wished for more variety in mission structures, but overall, the game is praised for bringing something fresh to the Warhammer 40K video game adaptations.

Why do we like it?

Mechanicus faithfully captures the esoteric and technologically arcane essence of the Adeptus Mechanicus. The game allows players to take control of Magos Dominus Faustinius and his cohort of tech-priests and servitors, leading them through the tombs of Silva Tenebris to salvage ancient technologies and confront swarms of Necrons.

The turn-based combat is both cerebral and atmospheric, demanding strategic positioning, resource management, and the adept use of powerful tech-relics and abilities.

What Units and Characters you’ll encounter in the game:

  • Adeptus Mechanicus Forces:
    • Magos Dominus Faustinius: The main character the player controls, a high-ranking tech-priest with customizable skills and equipment.
    • Tech-Priests: The elite leaders of your force, customizable with various weapons, items, and technological augments.
  • Necron Forces – your main enemy:
    • Necron Warriors: The basic infantry of the Necron forces, reliable and reanimating.
    • Immortals: More durable and deadly than the Warriors, equipped with superior weaponry.
    • Deathmarks: Snipers capable of marking and swiftly eliminating key targets.
    • Lychguard: Elite guards of the Necron nobility, incredibly tough and deadly.
    • Flayed Ones: Close combat horrors that strike fear into the hearts of enemies.
    • Canoptek Scarabs: Swarming, self-repairing constructs used for various purposes.
    • Canoptek Wraiths: Fast and deadly, capable of phasing through solid matter.
    • Necron Overlord: The commanding unit, exceptionally powerful and strategic.
    • Crypteks: Necron technomancers that can bolster their forces or weaken yours.
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Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef 

  • Metacritic User Score: 8.3
  • Steam Reviews: 88% Positive
  • Released: 2022
  • Genre: 2D Platformer
  • Developer: Rogueside
  • Publisher: Rogueside

“Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef” is a riotous explosion of Ork mayhem, bringing the tabletop’s most boisterous faction to the forefront. Released in 2022, this side-scrolling shooter, developed by Rogueside and published by Games Workshop, is a raucous tribute to the greenskin way of life!

For those of you steeped in the lore of the 40k universe, imagine unleashing a WAAAGH! from your living room. This game does just that, mixing the unruly charm of Orks with a good old-fashioned, shoot-em-up adventure. It’s like taking your favorite Ork units for a spin, but instead of dice, you’re armed with a controller and a bad attitude.

The game genre harks back to classic platform shooters, but with a modern twist. It’s all the fun of a tabletop skirmish, translated into a fast-paced, teeth-gritting, dakka-dakka-dakka festival of violence. The weapons are loud, the action is relentless, and the humor? As cheeky as a Grot in a loot pile.

Now, what’s the word on the street? Fans of Warhammer 40,000 have praised Shootas, Blood & Teef for its faithful and fun representation of the Ork culture. The game’s vibrant art style, combined with its over-the-top violence and humor, captures the essence of the Orks beautifully. Critics and players alike have given it a big, green thumbs-up for its engaging gameplay, chaotic battles, and, of course, the endless opportunity to yell “WAAAGH!”

Why do we like playing it?

If you’re itching for a bit of anarchy and want to indulge in the joyous carnage of an Ork WAAAGH!, then Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef is your ticket to mayhem. It’s not just a game; it’s an Ork invasion—and you’re leading the charge! So, grab your shoota, paint yourself purple (because it’s sneaky), and dive into the madness.

Ork Minis and Characters you’ll find in the game

There are 4 playable classes of Boyz in the game, which you can select from 4 available Ork Clans: The Goffs, Evil Sunz, Deathskulls, and Bad Moons. You have the option to switch your clan each time you modify your loadout. However, your choice of clan does not impact the game’s mechanics.

  • Beast Snagga: A type of Ork that specializes in capturing and riding (and using) ferocious beasts.
  • Weirdboy: Ork psykers that channel the WAAAGH! energy of their fellow Orks to cast powerful psychic spells.
  • Flash Git: The wealthiest and most ostentatious of the Ork Boyz, known for carrying kustomized, flashy shootas.
  • Stormboy: Equipped with rokkit packs, they are the Ork equivalent of shock troops.

As enemies, you’ll face a wide variety of adversaries; expect to clash with Astra Militarum, Genestealers, Space Marines, and even other Orks all aiming to pulverize you!

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector 

  • Metacritic User Score: 7.6
  • Steam Reviews: 90% Positive
  • Released: 2021
  • Genre: Turn-Based Tactics
  • Developer: Black Lab Games
  • Publisher: Slitherine Ltd.

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector” is a blood-pumping, strategic thrill-ride set in the beloved universe of the tabletop game. Released in 2021, this turn-based strategy game developed by Black Lab Games and published by Slitherine Ltd. serves as a digital battlefield for the die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

The game genre is a perfect fit for the Warhammer 40,000 fans focusing on tactical deployment, unit positioning, and making the most out of every grim, glorious combat round. It’s as close as you can get to the tabletop experience, with the added bonus of no setup time!

The community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Players love the faithful representation of the 40K units and the satisfying, tactical depth the game offers. It’s been praised for its attention to detail, immersive environments, and the way it captures the essence of the tabletop game’s strategic gameplay. 

Whether you’re executing a flank maneuver with your Blood Angels units or unleashing a psychic storm with your Tyranids models, Battlesector delivers a visceral Warhammer 40,000 experience.

Why we like it?

“Battlesector” takes the meticulous strategy of the tabletop and transposes it into a fast-moving, visually stunning digital arena. Imagine deploying your forces with the click of a button, commanding squads of Space Marines or Tyranid swarms across detailed, war-torn landscapes.It’s like having an entire 40K battlefield in your computer, minus the spilled paint and lost dice! 🙂

Playable Armies and Units in the Game

The game features a huge pool of units available for your army, from almost all the Warhammer 40,000 Factions. Here are some of them:

Blood Angels Units

  • Lieutenant: Junior officers who lead Space Marine squads into battle, bolstering their brethren with tactical prowess and fighting skill.
  • Primaris Librarian: A new breed of psychic warrior, combining the might of a Primaris Space Marine with the psychic mastery of a Librarian.
  • Sanguinary Priest: Elite Blood Angels responsible for the physical and spiritual well-being of their brothers, wielding the power to heal and inspire.
  • Intercessor Squad: The backbone of the Primaris forces, equipped with versatile bolt rifles and renowned for their resilience and firepower.
  • Inceptor Squad: Rapid assault troops capable of deep striking with jump packs, bringing heavy firepower down on the enemy.
  • Hellblaster Squad: Specialists in heavy plasma weaponry, decimating foes with superheated death.
  • Aggressor Squad: Encased in heavy Gravis armor and wielding a relentless storm of firepower, ideal for breaching and clearing.
  • Assault Marine Squad: Close combat experts utilizing jump packs to strike swiftly and decisively.
  • Death Company Squad: Blood Angels afflicted with the Black Rage, fighting with a terrifying frenzy until death.
  • Techmarine: Skilled engineers who maintain and repair the chapter’s war machines and technology.
  • Furioso Dreadnought: A heavily armored walker piloted by a critically injured Space Marine, particularly favored by the Blood Angels.
  • Librarian Dreadnought: A rare combination of psychic might and the raw power of a Dreadnought’s armored chassis.
  • Land Speeder: Fast and agile anti-gravity vehicles used for reconnaissance and rapid strikes.
  • Land Speeder Typhoon: A variant of the standard Land Speeder, equipped with heavier weapons for increased firepower.
  • Baal Predator: A variant of the Predator tank exclusive to the Blood Angels, designed for maximum carnage in close-range firefights.

Sisters of Battle (Adepta Sororitas) Units

  • Sisters of Battle: The militant arm of the Adepta Sororitas, devout and fierce warriors of the Ecclesiarchy.
  • Battle Sister Squad: The main infantry unit of the Sisters, known for their faith and fiery zeal.
  • Seraphim Squad: Elite jump troops of the Sisters, wielding dual pistols and descending upon foes with divine fury.
  • Sister Superior Verity: A named character, likely a leader or hero among the Sisters of Battle, embodying their righteous wrath.

Tyranids Units

  • Hive Tyrant: Towering commanders of the Tyranid swarm, directing their broods with a formidable psychic presence.
  • Tervigon: Monstrous living incubators that spawn endless waves of Termagants while bolstering nearby Tyranids.
  • Tyranid Warriors: The strategic and adaptable linchpins of the Tyranid swarm, capable of fulfilling various battlefield roles.
  • Tyranid Prime: An alpha creature that enhances the capabilities of nearby Tyranid Warriors.
  • Venomthropes: Pernicious creatures that exude toxic spores, providing cover for fellow Tyranids and poisoning enemies.
  • Trygon: Gigantic serpentine beasts capable of burrowing deep and emerging amidst enemy lines for surprise assaults.
  • Termagants: Numerous and expendable, these basic troops swarm the enemy with sheer numbers.
  • Hormagaunts: Fast and ferocious melee combatants, leaping into the fray with scything talons.
  • Genestealers: Insidious predators known for their speed and lethal claws, often the vanguard of an invasion.
  • Exocrine: Artillery beasts that rain bio-plasmic death upon foes from a distance.
  • Thornback: A variant of the Carnifex, covered in chitin spikes and used primarily for crushing enemy defenses.
  • Tyrannofex: Heavily armored living fortresses, bristling with bio-weapons to decimate enemy ranks.
  • Gargoyles: Flying Tyranids that harass and disorient enemies, blinding them with venom before the swarm descends.

Additionally, if you purchase the Daemons of Khorne DLC you will get access to Khorne Units:

  • Bloodletters: Fierce and relentless daemon infantry of Khorne, known for their savage combat skills and hellblades.
  • Bloodcrushers: Daemonic cavalry riding monstrous Juggernauts, trampling and crushing enemies beneath their brazen hooves.
  • Flesh Hounds: Vicious and swift daemonic beasts that hunt in packs, known for their keen senses and loyalty to Khorne.
  • Bloodmaster: Herald of Khorne who leads Bloodletters into battle, inspiring them to greater acts of slaughter.
  • Skull Cannon: A daemonic artillery piece that fires skulls and gore, fueled by the remains of Khorne’s enemies.
  • Soul Grinder: Towering daemon engine that combines the daemonic essence with immense mechanical bodies, armed with devastating weaponry.
  • Bloodthirster: Among the mightiest of Khorne’s servants, these towering daemons are the embodiment of wrath and martial prowess.
  • Daemon Prince: Once mortal champions elevated to daemonhood by the Chaos Gods, each is a unique and powerful entity, customized and twisted by their patron deity’s gifts.

The game also offers a Deluxe Edition, with even more factions such as the Orks and Necrons!

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Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2

  • Metacritic User Score: 7.7
  • Steam Reviews: 87% Positive
  • Released: 2009
  • Genre: Real-Time Strategy
  • Developer: Relic Entertainment
  • Publisher: THQ

“Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II”, released on February 19, 2009, is a gripping spectacle of relentless warfare set in the grim darkness of the far future. Developed by the same Relic Entertainment and published by THQ, this real-time strategy game plunges players straight into the heart of battle in the iconic Warhammer 40K universe. 

The game ditches the traditional base-building elements typical of RTS games for a more focused, squad-based strategy akin to the careful maneuvering and tactical foresight required in the tabletop game.

You command a handful of elite units, upgrading their equipment and abilities, much like painstakingly customizing your miniatures.

Each battle requires the strategic nous of a seasoned tabletop general, making decisions about positioning, cover, and when to unleash your devastating abilities.

“Dawn of War II” is praised for its intense, visceral combat and the detailed, faithful rendering of the Warhammer 40K world. 

As for feedback, players and critics alike have lauded the game for its innovative approach to strategy and tactics, with particular praise for its cooperative multiplayer mode, which allows friends to battle together against the AI. However, it’s not without its detractors; some miss the large-scale base building of its predecessor and other traditional RTS games.

What we like about it?

As a tabletop enthusiast, I can tell you that “Dawn of War II” does a brilliant job of translating the strategic depth and lore-rich universe of the miniature wargame into a dynamic and immersive video game experience.

The game’s graphics and sound design are top-notch, capturing the gothic, over-the-top aesthetic of the world. The campaign is richly narrated and provides a deep dive into the lore, pleasing fans and newcomers alike.

In “Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II,” the game focuses more on smaller-scale tactical battles rather than the large armies of its predecessor, emphasizing squad-based tactics and individual unit management.

As it’s predecessor it features a multitude of Space Marines, Orks, Chaos Space Marines and Eldar units and additionally, Tyranids.

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War

  • Metacritic User Score: 7.1
  • Steam Reviews: 81% Positive
  • Released: 2021
  • Genre: Turn-Based Tactics
  • Developer: Proxy Studios
  • Publisher: Slitherine

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War” is the grimdark 4X strategy game that tabletop veterans have been dreaming of. With its blend of detailed lore, strategic gameplay, and a world filled with danger at every turn, it’s a must-play for any Warhammer 40,000 enthusiast. 

Just as you would carefully plan your army’s composition and strategy over a tabletop, Gladius – Relics of War lets you build, expand, and command your forces in a hostile environment.

Think of it as being a planetary governor, with the entire might of a Warhammer 40,000 faction at your fingertips. You’re not just rolling dice here; you’re orchestrating the movements of units across an entire world, from the ravenous Tyranids to the stoic Space Marines.

Feedback from the community has been largely positive. Players have praised “Gladius – Relics of War” for its faithful representation of the 40K factions and its challenging, engaging gameplay. It’s been noted for its ability to capture the essence of the Warhammer 40,000, offering a deep, immersive experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

Why do we like it?

The game genre is a perfect fit for those who love the strategic depth of the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop. It’s all about resource management, tactical unit placement, and grand strategy, akin to moving your army across a vast battlefield, but with the added intensity of a 4X game.

What Armies and Factions can you play as?

In “Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War,” players can lead one of several factions from the Warhammer 40,000 universe, each with its unique units and playstyles in a quest for domination on the planet Gladius.

Here’s just a few of the available units in the base game and with DLCs:

Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters

  • Metacritic User Score: 7.1
  • Steam Reviews: 78% Positive
  • Released: 2022
  • Genre: Turn-Based Tactics
  • Developer: Complex Games Inc.
  • Publisher: Frontier Foundry

Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters” is a strategic, immersive dive into the Warhammer 40K universe, offering a narrative-driven, tactical experience. If you’re a fan of the lore, especially the mysterious and mighty Grey Knights, and enjoy deep, thoughtful gameplay, this game will likely seize your interest and not let go. 

You command a squad of Grey Knights, leading them in a critical campaign against the forces of Nurgle, particularly a deadly plague known as the Bloom. The game captures the grim, gothic feel of the universe, with each mission and combat encounter drenched in the dark atmosphere Warhammer fans love.

Strategic and tactical decision-making is at the heart of the game, much like carefully planning your moves in a tabletop match. You must manage and upgrade your strike force, harnessing the distinct psychic powers and martial prowess of the Grey Knights. 

Every choice, from the paths you take to the battles you engage in, feels weighty and significant, echoing the strategic nuance of assembling and commanding a tabletop army.

Why we like it?

We appreciate how “Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters” faithfully adapts the tabletop’s strategic depth and rich narrative into a video game format. The fact that choices matter and you can lose even your best Knights, kept us engaged and on our toes throughout the entire campaign. 

Units, Characters and Enemies you’ll encounter in the game:

  • The Player’s Grey Knights: Customizable squad of Grey Knights, each member can be tailored and specialized.
    • Purgation Knights: armed with some of the most powerful ranged weaponry
    • Interceptors: Fast and agile, Interceptors are equipped with personal teleporters
    • Grey Knight Terminators: the elite of the elite, encased in nearly impregnable armor
    • Paladins: the most elite warriors among the Grey Knights, second only to the Brotherhood’s Grand Master.
    • Lord Kaldor Draigo: A key character who guides and aids the player through psychic abilities and knowledge.
    • Grand Master Vardan Kai: one of the most powerful and revered leaders within the Order.
  • Nurgle Forces: As the plague of the Bloom is associated with the Chaos God Nurgle, you will primarily face forces related to him, including:
    • Plague Marines: Corrupted Space Marines dedicated to Nurgle, tough and resilient.
    • Poxwalkers: Infected and zombified creatures, often in swarms.
    • Nurglings: Small, mischievous daemons of Nurgle.
    • Great Unclean One: A powerful daemon of Nurgle, representing a significant threat.
    • Beast of Nurgle: grotesque and slug-like daemons that embody the repulsive decay and resilience of their patron god.
    • Primarch Mortarion: the Primarch of the Death Guard, one of the original legions of Space Marines who fell to Chaos.
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Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

  • Metacritic User Score: 7.3
  • Steam Reviews: 74% Positive
  • Released: 2023
  • Genre: Turn-Based Tactics
  • Developer: Owlcat Games
  • Publisher: Owlcat Games

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader” is an audacious and thrilling venture into the vast, uncharted regions of the 40k universe. As the first classic CRPG in the Warhammer 40,000 setting, developed by Owlcat Games, this title promises to immerse players in the role of a Rogue Trader, a revered and independent explorer commissioned by the Imperium.

Picture this: if you’ve ever daydreamed during a tabletop campaign about the wider adventures your character might embark on, Rogue Trader is set to make those dreams a reality.

You’re not just commanding squads; you’re leading an entire dynasty through the warp and beyond, with all the narrative depth and strategic complexity that comes with the tabletop experience.

The game genre is a perfect vessel for storytelling and complex decision-making, reflecting the intricate narratives and moral quandaries we weave around our tabletop characters.

As a Rogue Trader, you’ll navigate political intrigue, alien threats, and the very will of the Warp, making decisions that will shape the destiny of your house and those under your command.

Early feedback, based on available information and previews, is mainly positive. Fans are excited about the prospect of diving deeper into the lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, especially through a game that promises such narrative richness and strategic depth.

Why do we like it?

“Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader” is shaping up to be an essential experience for any fan looking to expand their adventure beyond the tabletop. It’s not just a game; it’s a chance to live out the sagas of power, betrayal, and honor that we all love in the 40K lore. 

Companions You can Recruit and Play as in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

  1. Cassia: A Navigator and part-officer, part-psyker, offering unique abilities and aiding teammates with more Action Points.
  2. Yrliet: An Aeldari Operative with the ability to mark targets for guaranteed hits on her next turn.
  3. Sister Argenta: A Ministorum Priest and Soldier, effective with various weapons, particularly strong early in the game.
  4. Abelard: A Navy Officer and Warrior, serving as a solid tank with damage-absorbing capabilities.
  5. Heinrix: A Sanctioned Psyker-Biomancer and Warrior, known for versatility and self-healing in battle.
  6. Pasqal: A Tech-Priest and Operative, useful for debuffing enemies and providing support.
  7. Ulfar: A Space Wolf Marine with Soldier Arch-Militant hybrid skills, adept in melee combat and buffs.
  8. Marazhai: A Drukhari Warrior Assassin, specializing in close-range damage.
  9. Jae: A Cold Trader and Officer, helpful in a support role and able to use Xenos weapons.
  10. Idira: An Unsanctioned Psyker and Operative, excelling at mage support and crowd control.
  11. Calligos Winterscale: A Rogue Trader and swashbuckling brute, known for his adventurous spirit.
  12. Incendia Bastaal-Chorda: A firebrand Rogue Trader, staunch Imperialist, and aggressive in her principles.
  13. Uralon: A Chaos-aligned rebel and cultist, recruitable for those following the Heretical conviction path.

Our Honorable Mention:

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2

  • Metacritic User Score: 7.6
  • Steam Reviews: 77% Positive
  • Released: 2019
  • Genre: Turn-Based Tactics
  • Developer: Tindalos Interactive
  • Publisher: Focus Entertainment

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2” sails into the digital void as a spectacular adaptation of the classic Warhammer 40,000 tabletop game, Battlefleet Gothic. Developed by Tindalos Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, this real-time strategy game released in 2019, lets you command the colossal starships of the 40K universe in epic space battles.

The game genre is a seamless fit, capturing the essence of space fleet command with all the chaos and glory of 40K.

With a focus on ship positioning, firepower, and boarding actions, it feels like you’re plotting out moves and counter-moves in a high-stakes game of cosmic chess — except here, the pawns are kilometer-long battleships armed to the teeth!

The reception of Battlefleet Gothic: Armada has been commendably positive. The community has lauded it for its faithful representation of the tabletop game’s strategic depth and the immersive 40K narrative.

Critics and players alike have praised its detailed ship models, tactical gameplay, and the rich, dark world it brings to life. There’s something undeniably satisfying about unleashing a nova cannon blast or executing a perfect high-speed turn to unleash a broadside.

Why we like it?

“Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2” is your chance to take the helm of the most powerful space armadas in the galaxy. It’s a game that demands sharp wit, a strategic mind, and an unyielding resolve. It’s like watching your painstakingly painted fleet come to life, complete with every lance strike and torpedo salvo you could dream of.

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