Ranked: The 15 Greatest Warhammer Games Ever

The Warhammer franchise has produced an extensive collection of games over the years, each gaining popularity and becoming cult classics among fans. Spanning a variety of genres—from intense third-person shooters to narrative-focused isometric RPGs—the Warhammer video game library offers players an immersive experience into its rich lore. Although it does not rival the expansive narratives of the Black Library, these games provide some of the finest gateways into the Warhammer universes.

Recent trends indicate a surge in interest around the Warhammer brand, propelled particularly by the excitement surrounding Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, which stands as one of the year’s most eagerly awaited action titles. Fortunately, several exceptional Warhammer games serve as excellent entry points for newcomers while also enriching the experience for long-time fans. Regardless of genre preference, these titles promise to captivate and entertain.

15 Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin (Frontier Developments)

A Warhammer Fantasy RTS

Set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe during the Age of Sigmar, Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin presents a thrilling real-time strategy experience similar to the renowned Dawn of War series. Players command squads with distinctive abilities in expansive environments, strategizing to capture resources and points.

The game features a captivating story mode and additional match setup options, although its initial reception was mixed. Nevertheless, it has emerged as a standout title in the Warhammer Fantasy strategy genre and is especially recommended for those seeking a deep strategic gameplay experience in this segment of the 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 distinctive 4X game that plunges players into the 40K universe, allowing them to choose from four diverse factions: the Astra Militarum, Space Marines, Orks, or Necrons, with additional DLC enriching the gameplay. Participants strive to expand their territorial hold while vying for vital resources.

Each game session features randomly generated worlds, ensuring unique experiences with every playthrough. It effectively channels the essence of the Civilization series through a Warhammer lens, making it an engaging and enjoyable experience for both strategy and 40K fans alike.

13 Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition (Stream On Studio)

A Tactical Claustrophobic FPS

Despite facing criticism at launch for various bugs, Space Hulk: Deathwing found new life with its Enhanced Edition, which refined its tactical FPS mechanics. The game excels with its intricately designed environments, set against the backdrop of claustrophobic corridors of the titular Space Hulk.

Following a format reminiscent of Left 4 Dead but infused with strategic depth, players navigate as powerful Space Marine Terminators, completing missions while fending off relentless Tyranid swarms. This unique first-person shooter is a must-play for fans who appreciate its gothic aesthetic and tactical gameplay.

12 Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (Fatshark)

The 40K Version Of Left 4 Dead

Darktide, spinning off from the Vermintide series, presents players with a frenzied co-op shooter set in the Warhammer 40K universe. Teaming up as various classes of the Imperial Guard, players must tackle challenging objectives while battling chaotic forces. Each character possesses unique weapons and skills that require careful coordination among players for mission success.

11 Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus (Bulwark Studios)

X-COM Meets 40K

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus delivers a highly strategic experience akin to X-COM, where players lead a squad of Adeptus Mechanicus into battle against the formidable Necron. With a roster of 50 customized missions and extensive personalization options for each unit, the game offers substantial depth and replayability.

Players must navigate through critical decisions impacting multiple endings, enhancing the strategic gameplay. Its captivating visual aesthetics and storytelling, penned by celebrated author Ben Counter, make Mechanicus a commendable title across all platforms.

10 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine

A Gory Third-Person Shooter

Upon its release, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine was a well-received entry that stood up to competition such as Gears of War. Eschewing conventional cover mechanics, it emphasized melee combat paired with a visually impactful gore system.

The game remains a staple even today, featuring a robust narrative and campaign that welcomes newcomers into the 40K lore, establishing itself as an excellent introduction to the series. Excitingly, its sequel, Space Marine 2, promised to uphold and even enhance the legacy of the original, earning praise as one of the finest action games available on the PS5.

9 Blood Bowl 2

A Turn-Based Sports Bloodbath

Blood Bowl 2 takes a refreshing approach by merging tabletop mechanics with the brutality of American football. Players select from various hilarious teams, engaging in a game where the objective is straightforward: transport the ball to the opponent’s end zone—while also strategically eliminating rival players.

Despite its intense combat mechanics, the game follows a turn-based system governed by dice rolls. With a career mode that allows teams to ascend through competitive ranks, and rich multiplayer options, Blood Bowl 2 provides a unique gaming experience.

8 Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

A Perfect Warhammer Boomer Shooter

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun offers an exhilarating boomer shooter experience with a gory twist. This fast-paced first-person shooter captivates with its retro pixel-art aesthetic and a dynamic soundtrack, pulling players deep into the heart of the 40K universe.

Prioritizing action, Boltgun delivers a heart-pounding gameplay experience, although its narrative depth may not be its strongest suit. Nonetheless, reviews have praised it as a definitive title within both the 40K franchise and the boomer shooter subgenre.

7 Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector stands out by mirroring tabletop mechanics more closely than any other Warhammer title. This turn-based strategy game allows players to command units in epic battles against overwhelming foes, featuring the Blood Angels against Tyranids in its base game. Additional DLC expands the array of factions, including the Tau and Chaos, although they require separate purchases.

6 Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

A Story-Rich Warhammer RPG

In Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, players embark on an expansive isometric turn-based RPG adventure in an open-world setting. Teams are assembled from various factions of the 40K universe, challenging players to navigate through complex narratives rich with difficult choices that affect character outcomes.

This RPG features intricate turn-based combat against Chaos entities and others, utilizing a diverse range of abilities and strategies to emerge victorious. Often compared to Baldur’s Gate 3, Rogue Trader expands the 40K landscape with an engaging cast of characters and a sweeping narrative, making it an essential title for fans.

5 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War 2

Narrative-Driven Warhammer RTS

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 represents a shift from traditional real-time strategy combat towards a more compelling narrative framework. Players engage in mission-focused gameplay with predetermined squads, navigating through linear levels to accomplish specific challenges, a departure from the base-building mechanics of previous entries.

For fans wishing to experience more classic gameplay elements, the Skirmish mode is available and mirrors the original Dawn of War’s style. With several expansions introducing additional factions and modes, this strategically rich title offers a content-filled experience for narrative enthusiasts.

4 Warhammer: Vermintide 2

Left 4 Dead But With Giant Rats

Warhammer: Vermintide 2 invites players into a frenetic first-person combat experience against the Skaven, best tackled alone or with friends. Equipped with a range of melee weapons, magic, and other tools, players advance through objective-based levels in a beautifully rendered Warhammer universe.

For those who prefer the Warhammer 40K setting, Darktide offers an analogous gameplay experience, albeit in a sci-fi context. With substantial post-launch support and DLC, Vermintide 2 offers an excellent co-op experience, engaging players who wish to dive into Warhammer’s darker fantasy realms.

3 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

A Gorgeous Return To Form

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is hailed as the most visually stunning entry in the franchise, offering a feature-rich experience. It includes a robust campaign and various gameplay modes, including a co-op Operations feature that adds replayability while enhancing the central narrative.

Moreover, the Eternal War multiplayer mode engages players in 6v6 battles, pitting Space Marines against their Chaos foes. Importantly, the game serves as a standalone experience, welcoming newcomers to the lore while earning accolades as one of 2024’s best releases.

2 Total War: Warhammer 3

The Ultimate Warhammer Grand Strategy Game

Total War: Warhammer 3 stands out not only as the best title in its series but also as one of the most celebrated entries among grand strategy games. Its campaign mode focuses on narrative while introducing players to exceptionally crafted factions, expanding World of Warhammer into the grand strategy realm.

The Immortal Empires mode merges all factions from the preceding games and expansions into a colossal campaign, though players need to own the earlier titles to access the full range of content. The impressive storytelling, intricate mechanics, and numerous new features redefine what fans can expect, making it a worthwhile addition to any strategy fan’s library.

1 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War – Dark Crusade

The Best Warhammer 40K Experience

Arguably, the standout title in the Warhammer 40,000 series is Dawn of War – Dark Crusade, a standalone extension of the original game. It enables players to select their faction and engage in warfare across a single planet, strategizing for territorial dominance without necessitating prior ownership of the other titles.

Notable for introducing intriguing new factions, such as the Necrons and Tau, Dark Crusade expands the tactical depth of the RTS genre and enhances gameplay variety. Despite its earlier graphics, it remains a fan favorite due to its army painter feature, expansive map selection, and dynamic skirmish mode, cementing it as the leading choice for those drawn to strategic gaming in the Warhammer 40K universe.

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