15 Best Warhammer Games Of All Time, Ranked

There have been a plethora of Warhammer games across the decades that have become fan favorites and cult classics. Covering practically every genre there is, from third-person shooters to narrative-driven isometric RPGs, the Warhammer video game library is vast and plentiful. While it doesn’t quite cover the breadth of the Black Library books, the Warhammer video games are some of the best ways to get invested in the brand.

It’s no surprise that people are starting to become more invested in the Warhammer brand, especially with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 being one of the most anticipated action games of the year. Fortunately, there are a handful of truly excellent Warhammer games that are great starting points for newcomers and excellent ways of investing in these universes for fans. No matter what genre fans prefer, these Warhammer games are sure to delight.

15

Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin (Frontier Developments)

A Warhammer Fantasy RTS

Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is a strategy game set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, specifically during the titular Age of Sigmar period. It is a real-time strategy game, akin to the Dawn of War series, although the later entries. Players command squads of warriors with unique abilities around large environments, attempting to capture points to increase their resources.

There’s a story mode which is particularly compelling, as well as additional modes that let players set up their own matches. While it was received with mixed reviews at launch, Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is one of the best Warhammer Fantasy strategy games available, as well as one of the best strategy games on console. It is well worth playing for those who want a strong strategy experience set during this particular part of the Warhammer lore.

14

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War (Proxy Studios)

A Warhammer 40K 4X Experience

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War is a rare attempt at a 4X game set in the 40K universe. It allows players to take on the role of one of four factions, the Astra Militarum, Space Marines, Orks, or Necrons – with DLC further expanding the roster – as they attempt to expand across a planet in search of resources and glory. Each faction is unique with its own unique units and building types, which makes replaying it a lot of fun.

Additionally, each world is randomly generated, meaning that players can keep coming back and have a different experience with each run. It is, for all intents and purposes, Warhammer 40,000’s answer to the Civilization series, with it borrowing ideas and mechanics liberally. However, the 40K skin makes a big difference and offers a genuinely compelling 4X experience that fans of the genre and Warhammer will enjoy.

13

Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition (Streum On Studio)

A Tactical Claustrophobic FPS

Space Hulk: Deathwing launched as a bit of a buggy mess, with critics panning it as a result. However, the developer released an Enhanced Edition which ironed out a lot of the bugs and let its extremely unique tactical FPS gameplay shine. Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition has some of the best environments of any 40K game, with its titular Space Hulk setting lending itself nicely to a variety of claustrophobic corridors and impressive grand halls.

In a lot of ways, Deathwing follows the Left 4 Dead formula, albeit with a lot more tactical twists thanks to its board game roots. It sees players stomp through various environments as a Terminator as they attempt to complete objectives while avoiding getting swarmed by Tyranids. Deathwing, while certainly a unique FPS, is one of the better 40K entries, and worth playing for those who adore the Gothic setting.

12

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (Fatshark)

The 40K Version Of Left 4 Dead

Darktide is the 40K spin-off of the Vermintide series by the same developer, Fatshark. It is an intense Left 4 Dead-esque shooter that sees a group of Imperial Guard of Astra Militarum soldiers complete objectives while tackling overwhelming Chaos forces. Much like Vermintide, Darktide has a number of classes for players to choose from, with each one bringing its own unique weapon and abilities.

It’s up to the player and their friends to balance these characters to ensure each mission and its challenging objectives are completed without error. With a story written by legendary 40K writer, Dan Abnett, and plenty of loot for players to unlock, Darktide is a great 40K game and a worthy follow-up to the critically acclaimed Vermintide series.

11

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus (Bulwark Studios)

X-COM Meets 40K

Another great strategy game set in the 40K universe is Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus. This X-COM-esque strategy game sees players command a squad of Adeptus Mechanicus as they try and take on the fearless Necron hordes. With 50 hand-crafted missions to complete and a plethora of customization options for each soldier, Mechanicus has a lot for players to see and do.

There are also multiple endings which are affected by the various challenging decisions players will make throughout the game. Mechanicus is an excellent strategy game that is available on all platforms. It does the setting proud, not just by focusing on a lesser-known faction, but with its excellent art direction, unit design, and story by acclaimed writer Ben Counter.

10

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine

A Gory Third-Person Shooter

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine was a well-received third-person shooter that dared to go up against the great Gears of War. It dropped in an era where waist-high boxes were all the rage and players could deal with every combat encounter by hiding behind a wall and shooting their gun over the top. Space Marine did things a little differently, however, prioritizing melee combat and amping up the gore to eleven.

Space Marine still absolutely holds up to this day, offering a robust and enjoyable campaign with a strong narrative set in the 40K universe. It’s very digestible too for newcomers, acting as a good starting point for those who are curious what all these big blue guys are about. Luckily, its sequel, Space Marine 2, lived up to the first game’s reputation, making it easily one of the best action games on PS5 and one of the best looking games of its generation.

9

Blood Bowl 2

A Turn-Based Sports Bloodbath

Blood Bowl 2 is a very different type of Warhammer game as it blends tabletop rules with gory American football gameplay. It is based off of a tabletop game of the same name, in which players pick one of the many teams and play a mostly standard game of American football, albeit without any of the rules. The goal is still to get the ball from one end of the pitch to the other, only this time the teams can kill opposing players.

Despite the gory and action-packed nature of Blood Bowl 2, it is a turn-based affair with dice rolls determining every move players make. There’s a career mode in which fans can see their team rise through the leaderboard, losing teammates along the way, and multiplayer modes. It’s a great and unique experience, and the second entry is by far the best.

8

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

A Perfect Warhammer Boomer Shooter

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun once again takes the franchise in a new direction and offers players an extremely gory boomer shooter experience. This is a fast-paced, blood-soaked FPS with gorgeous pixel-art visuals and a killer soundtrack. What makes Boltgun stand apart from its contemporaries is its setting, which makes full use of the 40K universe.

Boltgun is definitely a unique game, one that prioritizes action over absolutely everything, giving players a visceral and exhilarating experience. However, it is lacking in the story department, although the gameplay more than makes up for it. It is no surprise then that Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun reviews were extremely positive, making it not only a definitive boomer shooter for fans of the 40K universe, but also of all time.

7

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector

The Best Adaptation Of The Tabletop Game

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, much like Blood Bowl 2, is a more faithful recreation of the tabletop experience than any of the other Warhammer games. It is a turn-based strategy game that sees players select a number of units and then head into battle, forced to reckon with the opponent’s overwhelming forces. The base game pits the Blood Angels against the Tyranid hordes, but the various DLC expansions add new factions, including the Tau, Orcs, and Chaos.

There are a number of modes for players to choose from, including a campaign that tells the thrilling story of Sergeant Carleon as he attempts to rid Baal Secundus of its Tyranid invaders. Players can also enjoy a Skirmish mode, a Planet Supremacy mode, and multiplayer modes, all of which are a lot of fun. For those who want an experience more akin to the tabletop game, then Battlesector is the perfect choice.

6

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

A Story-Rich Warhammer RPG

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is an epic isometric turn-based RPG set in an open-world expanse of the 40K universe. Players will need to assemble a team from across the various 40K factions and embark on a grand adventure across the uncharted void. Rogue Trader is a heavily narrative-driven experience with players forced to make difficult choices that impact them and their allies.

There is also complex turn-based combat against the Chaos forces and more that sees fans needing to use everything at their disposal to win. Rogue Trader is essentially Warhammer Baldur’s Gate 3, albeit with some obvious differences. With an incredibly likable cast of companions in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader to get to know, and a sprawling narrative to uncover, there’s more than enough 40K content for fans to sink their teeth into.

5

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War 2

Narrative-Driven Warhammer RTS

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 switched up the series’ RTS-focused combat for a more narrative-driven experience that is, nevertheless, still incredibly compelling. Unlike the original game, in which players built bases and sent out waves of soldiers to capture points and destroy the enemy’s base, in Dawn of War 2 they must navigate linear levels with their pre-determined squads and complete set objectives. This is a more mission-focused and character-driven affair, although it does still retain much of what made the original so great.

For those who don’t enjoy the more story-focused campaign, there is the Skirmish mode, which follows more closely in the original Dawn of War’s footsteps. Additionally, players can pick up the various standalone expansions that add more factions, such as the Imperial Guard, as well as modes. This is a content-rich game that is sure to delight fans looking for a story-driven RTS set in the 40K universe.

4

Warhammer: Vermintide 2

Left 4 Dead But With Giant Rats

Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is a first-person action game in which players, either with friends or the AI, must complete objective-based levels in the grim-dark Warhammer universe. Rather than the boltguns and plasma pistols players may be familiar with from the Space Marine games, they’ll be given spears, axes, swords, magic, and more to dispense with their Skaven foes. This is a Left 4 Dead-inspired game with gorgeous environments, fun progression, and great characters.

Vermintide 2 has received a lot of post-launch support and DLC which greatly expands on the overall experience. Some of this will set players back a handful of dollars, but it’s all worth it for those who get truly invested. Verminitide 2 is a great co-op experience, and the perfect Warhammer game for those who want to explore the darker sides of its fantasy setting.

3

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

A Gorgeous Return To Form

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is by far the best-looking Warhammer game of all time, and also one of the most feature-rich. Fans have access to a robust campaign mode, a co-op Operations mode which adds additional replayable missions that supplement the main story, and the Eternal War multiplayer mode, that pits Space Marines against Chaos Marines in 6v6 battles. It’s an expansive game and perhaps the most definitive Space Marine simulator, especially thanks to the feature-packed Space Marine 2 roadmap.

Luckily, fans don’t need to have played the original Space Marine game in order to enjoy this sequel. Space Marine 2 is a standalone experience, albeit one that uses the same characters, and is a perfect starting point for those who want to delve into the 40K universe. This is a truly epic Warhammer experience, one that will likely draw in a new crowd to the 40K universe, especially with the glowing Space Marine 2 reviews calling it one of the best games of 2024.

2

Total War: Warhammer 3

The Ultimate Warhammer Grand Strategy Game

Total War: Warhammer 3 is not just the best Total War: Warhammer game, but also one of the best Total War games ever made. It offers a narrative-focused campaign mode that gives fans something they haven’t experienced before with a whole host of amazingly designed factions. It also added the Immortal Empires mode, which brought together every faction from the three games and their DLC into one enormous grand strategy mode.

The Immortal Empires game mode is worth the price of admission alone, as it combines the three games’ maps into a truly impressive and awe-inspiring Total War experience. However, the more story-led campaign with its detailed tutorial is very engaging and features some incredible writing and storytelling. Total War: Warhammer 3 isn’t just the previous games with new factions, it’s a complete overhaul of what fans have come to expect with a plethora of new features and modes.

1

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War – Dark Crusade

The Best Warhammer 40K Experience

By far, the definitive Warhammer 40,000 experience is Dawn of War – Dark Crusade, a standalone expansion of the original Dawn of War game. Players do not need to own or have played the other Dawn of War games in order to access Dark Crusade, as it is a completely separate game. Rather than a story-led campaign, players wage war across a single planet, picking one faction and battling the others for control of each area.

The new factions introduced in Dark Crusade, the Necrons and Tau, brought a whole new dimension to the already excellent RTS experience, giving the previously included factions a run for their money. While Dark Crusade doesn’t have the incredible visuals of the later entries, the army painter, enormous amount of maps, impressive Skirmish mode, and varied factions make it a stand-out experience. For those who prefer strategy games over third-person shooters, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Dark Crusade is by far the best game to play.