The Best Warhammer 40K Games Every Fan Should Play (Part I)
The Warhammer 40K series of games has never seized to amaze and introduce outstanding titles in multiple genres, thus expanding the Warhammer 40K Universe immensely for decades! We decided to compile an extensive list with some of the more prominent gaming experiences to try out in the collection for this popular franchise that you could get from Steam.
The Warhammer Classics collection celebrates the legacy of notable Warhammer video games from the past 30 years of 40K craze. However, due to so much time passing by, some of the more classic content may not fully align with the rather recent and/or current depictions of later introduced lore in the Warhammer universe. In any case, we have chosen titles that could be referred as “representative” from all previous eras and available genres.
Another thing to have in mind for this compilation list is that it is not arranged in a specific ascending or descending order and that there would be something for all types of gaming fans to enjoy, so with no further delay, let’s get right to action and proceed to the battles!
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition offers players a complete experience of the iconic real-time strategy, including the original game and all of its existing expansions. It features enhanced graphics, improved camera functionality as well as support for 64-bit platforms and 4K displays. The game's release was scheduled for August 14th 2025 and it is developed and published by Relic Entertainment. It brings together everything from the original 2004 game and more, showcasing four full campaigns, nine distinct factions and over 100 maps. The game honors and revitalizes the Warhammer 40,000 universe, further enhancing its appeal for both new players and long-time fans. Multiplayer gameplay supports 2 to 8 players, allowing for team-based or free-for-all battles with numerous modes to choose from.
Players can command nine unique factions in this edition, including the Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, Chaos forces, Imperial Guard, Tau, Necrons, Dark Eldar and Sisters of Battle. Each faction has its own strengths and styles in combat. The game includes four comprehensive campaigns, such as the original Dawn of War campaign, the Winter Assault, the Dark Crusade and the Soulstorm, all offering various scenarios and strategic choices.
Updates include advanced image-based lighting, upgraded unit textures (at least four times their original resolution) and superior world lighting features, which improve the game's visual quality while keeping the original feel intact. The draw distances have been increased, resulting in a more cinematic feel during battles, while the HUD and screen layout have been optimized for widescreen viewing. Pathfinding has also been enhanced to allow for better unit management. Additionally, the game supports the modding community with an integrated Mod Manager and compatibility with two decades of community-created mods.
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus offers players to take control of the Adeptus Mechanicus, a highly-advanced faction in the Imperium. More specifically, in this Warhammer 40,000 game, you are taking the lead role of Magos Dominus Faustinius on the planet Silva Tenebris. This turn-based tactical game holds great emphasis on decision-making and each choice you make would count as it may bring dire consequences. The game was set to release all the way back on November 15th 2018 and it was developed by Bulwark Studios and published by Kasedo Games.
You would have the option to customize the forces, manage various resources, uncover all kinds of lost technology and fend off the awakening of the Necrons through the 50 custom missions included in the Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus gameplay. Players can decide to upgrade their Tech-Priests with multiple weapon types and other sorts of mechanical enhancements. The game also offers different character classes, allowing for diverse squad formations based on the preferred playstyle that you pick. The tactical combat is designed in such a way to actively challenge players against the Necron threat, utilizing Cognition points in order to unleash a variety of powerful attacks. The narrative authored by Ben Counter further enhances the experience, featuring unique character encounters and immersive visual scenes accompanied by the detailed audio design.
Additionally, players would have to face up to some tough decisions aboard their Ark Mechanicus, influencing the direction towards the multiple game endings. Exploring Necron tombs would certainly present significant risks alongside the valuable rewards. Players can also earn in-game achievements, unlocking powerful abilities to use during the battles. At the time of writing this article, Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II has been in development for some time and is already announced as an upcoming title, so be sure to check the original in case you are not yet familiar with it. May the Omnissiah protect!
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - Anniversary Edition
We are reaching an emblematic gaming title on our list already, in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, you get to play as Captain Demetrian Titus, an experienced veteran Space Marine from the Ultramarines chapter. The popular hit game recently marked its 10th year anniversary with a whole new edition to celebrate the milestone that got released by Relic Entertainment.
The story follows Captain Titus defending an Imperial Forge World from a massive Ork invasion, as losing control over this world is simply not an option to even be considered. Additionally, players are able to engage in 8 vs 8 online combat, forming Space Marine squads or Chaos Space Marine warbands, all happening while they got the option to customize their characters the way they deem fit. Players can gain experience and this way unlock new gear as they battle against their enemies, delivering some of the most intense and brutal action available in the Warhammer universe.
The Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - Anniversary Edition includes the main game and all of its downloadable content (DLC), which consists of various map packs, armor sets, and special weapons. Specifically, it contains the Chaos Unleashed Map Pack, Dreadnought Assault DLC, along with multiple armor sets such as Blood Angels and Alpha Legion. Players have the option to unlock new weapons, armor as well as abilities through a progression system, which could greatly enhance their combat experiences. It also features the complete original soundtrack, classic and new wallpapers, the official manual paired with a strategy guide, a ringtone, a collector’s artbook, and collector’s cards, all of which are available in PDF format, coming paired with the bonus of the original launch trailer.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a co-op action shooter where players are actively trying to reclaim the city of Tertium from the grasp of the dangerous enemies you are going to encounter in this title. Both developed and published by Fatshark, the game is fairly recent and was set to release on November 30th 2022. It greatly builds upon the combat mechanics established in the Vermintide series, thus combining the strong melee action aspects with some of the more intense gunplay shoots.
In this game, players must endure in battle against the new dark forces threatening to engulf Tertium in utter chaos, and order just cannot allow for that to happen. Take on the role of Rejects working in accordance with the Inquisition, striving to eliminate the enemy before the city actually falls. Teamwork in this title is of crucial importance, as wandering too far from your allies makes you quite vulnerable to threats or in risk of captivity by the fierce foes. When a specific player falls, teammates must do their best to rescue them, highly emphasizing the advantages of sticking together.
Players are able to create and customize their very own unique characters, choosing their appearance, voice, background details and origin. Different classes may offer various skills and traits to exploit, allowing to select between being a seasoned veteran, a sly outsider or among the most passionate of zealots.
Tertium is portrayed as a truly harsh and unforgiving environment, filled with some of the most dangerous challenges scattered around desolate locations such as industrial complexes and abandoned forts full of constant threats. Players must undertake the missions in order to eradicate the hidden dangers in the hive city. Additionally, you really have to adapt to the dynamic challenges introduced by Chaos, which can require teams to adjust tactics and change equipment on the go to succeed in the missions.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition
The Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition effectively combines the entire Dawn of War II experience into one package. This glorious edition includes the three full campaigns, six multiplayer factions, and a co-op Last Stand mode with eight unique heroes. It was originally released quite some time ago on February 18th 2009, by Relic Entertainment on Windows PC and by Feral Interactive for Mac and Linux.
Dawn of War II emphasizes fast-paced real-time strategy gameplay, immersing players in the greater Warhammer 40,000 science fiction universe. Players take command of battle squads, transforming them from fresh recruits into veterans through the aggressive melee and ranged combat. The game features intense frontline action with opportunities for tactics and utilization of the destructible environments for better strategic advantages.
The single-player campaign is non-linear, allowing players to control an elite strike force and develop their squads and commanders throughout the journey. Additionally, it offers co-operative multiplayer, enabling players to complete the entire campaign with a friend at any time.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II utilizes the proprietary Essence Engine 2.0 by Relic, delivering high-quality visuals, detailed graphics, and impressive special effects. In the Chaos Rising expansion, players lead the Blood Ravens to protect their sector from the Black Legion's Chaos Space Marines while in 15 new missions. It also introduces the option to play as the Chaos Space Marines in multiplayer battles and adds two new Last Stand heroes.
On the other hand, the Retribution expansion offers a new standalone campaign where players can choose from six unique factions, experience a customized single-player campaign, and build their armies. As players progress, they can upgrade their heroes and unlock new units while battling with any of the available races in the multiplayer modes.
Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector
Now, heading to Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, which is another interesting turn-based strategy game happening in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Players choose their forces, build their armies, use powerful leading heroes, and plan their strategies in order to achieve victory. The game was released just a few years back on July 22nd 2021, by Slitherine Ltd.
This entry includes a single-player campaign called Age of Crimson Dawn, featuring twenty missions that follow Sergeant Carleon and his team as they battle against the Tyranids on Baal Secundus, working towards the goal of upholding the Blood Angels' honor. In Skirmish Mode, players could select maps and factions for customizable battles, with three main objectives: Exterminate, Conqueror and then Strategic Command. Planetary Supremacy Mode, was added later in a free update, allows players to lead their favorite faction in a skirmish campaign focused on conquering a specific planet. Players engage in procedurally generated battles, capturing areas and resources to expand their armies while defeating their opponents.
Another popular mode, the Daemonic Incursion, is a single-player challenge where you have to survive against waves of Khornate daemons. This mode was released with the Sisters of Battle Faction Pack. Players take command over well-known units such as the Sanguinary Priest and Hive Tyrant coming with over a huge number of abilities and weapons in combat. Each faction has a unique Momentum system that allows units to perform extra actions or improve their skills. Players can also call in air support, vehicles, and specialized troops by using Command Points, with faction-specific abilities to aid in battles. Live and asynchronous multiplayer options are available, including hotseat modes intended for competing with friends.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Heading back to another leading entry, in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, players will once again take on the role of the fan-favorite Space Marine character, showcasing his superhuman skills in combat against the Tyranid swarms. The sequel game includes both solo and multiplayer modes featuring spectacular third-person action. Originally set for release on September 9th 2024, it was developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment.
As mentioned, players would once again fight as the now demoted Lieutenant Demetrian Titus, returning to the Ultramarines to defend humanity against deadly threats. The game offers incredibly epic battles on distant planets, all while at the same time revealing many dark secrets. Players can engage in the fast-paced, intense action against hundreds of enemies, utilizing on the Swarm Engineby Saber for the most immersive gameplay experience.
Customization is of course a key feature, thus allowing players to actually create their very own Space Marines from a total of seven unique classes. Players are able to unlock up to 25 unique perks for each class, customize their weapons in detail and further enhance their appearance by using various armor and cosmetic options. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 also includes multiplayer options such as a PvE and PvP modes, along with a 3-player Siege mode, in which players should accumulate points to obtain resources or summon reinforcements during the campaigns.
A definite hit among the fans of the 40K Universe and in case you have not played either entries in the Space Marine franchise, you should absolutely catch up with times and experience it for yourself!
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun
Load up your Boltgun and take advantage of the awesome Space Marine arsenal to blast your way through an explosion of gore and blood in this perfect blend of Warhammer 40,000 frenetic gameplay and the emblematic visuals of 90s retro shooters.
Although it may look a bit dated, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a relatively recent retro-style first-person shooter released on May 23rd 2023, developed by Auroch Digital and published by Focus Entertainment. In this game, players take on the role of Malum Caedo, a strong Space Marine, who is on a mission to find a shard of a mysterious power source on the dangerous Forge World of Graia. The world is threatened by Cultists, Traitors, and Chaos Daemons and players must search for powerful weapons and equipment to purge these enemies once and for all.
As Malum Caedo, players are able to explore various intense environments, including bastions, cathedrals and war-torn locations. The Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun gameplay heavily emphasizes on visceral combat, featuring fast-paced gunfights, high mobility and plenty of bloodshed as players exploit the variety of brutal weapons such as shotguns and meltaguns. Malum's chainsword is really effective for close combat and players can also unlock different grenade types to strengthen their offensive tactics even more.
Additionally, the Free Horde mode allows players to battle against the endless waves of enemies, creating an even more potent experience of purging heretics. The game's unique visual style pays a modern homage to retro gaming, making it appealing to fans of that era.
Phew, with so many interesting and impactful titles in one franchise to cover, we simply can’t contain all of them in a single blog post, otherwise it would just become too long, so we declare our promise to bring the rest very soon in the second part of our list for the best Warhammer 40K games every fan should play!