Once upon a time, Games Workshop's darling tabletop space opera only rarely dipped its toes into digital territory. But today, in the grim darkness of the third millennium, the world's leading purveyor of miniaturized warfare seems to be playing it really fast and loose with the licensing. This has resulted in a lot of questionable titles, to be frank. But the silver lining is that it's resulted in just as many great ones.
With the library of Warhammer 40,000 video games steadily growing by the year, it can't be said that fans of the universe don't have options these days. But how many of them are actually worth playing? The list below is a great place to start. Here are the Warhammer 40,000 video games that did the fandom proud.
Updated on April 30, 2023 by Matt Arnold: There have been some great new additions to the lineup of 40k video games since we first published this article. From stalwart Grey Knights battling the forces of Chaos to expendable undercity operatives, these games let you take nearly any role imaginable in the grim darkness of the far future!
10 Fire Warrior
It might be surprising to see the list start here. After all, Fire Warrior really isn't the greatest in terms of FPS games. But in terms of Warhammer 40,000 titles, it's far from the shabbiest.
Beyond the novelty of getting to play as a Tau soldier, boots-on-the-ground style, it really needs to be noted how well they represented the iconic Space Marine bolter. Inaccurately depicted as a sort of machine gun in most games, the heavy weapon actually lobs massive, high explosive shells, and it certainly feels that way in Fire Warrior.
9 Gladius: Relics Of War
Gladius takes a neat spin on 4X strategy gameplay, placing a heavy focus on combat as you wage war to control the surface of the Necron Tomb World Gladius Prime. Battle lines will quickly be drawn, and you'll need to effectively counter your opponents' troops while sacrificing plenty of your own to gain any ground. The addition of quest victories, which allow each faction to win by completing their unique storyline, provides a way out if you find yourself bogged down in an endless ground war.
Gladius only has four playable factions, but dedicated players can get DLC for their favorite army and bring loads of variety to the battle for Gladius Prime. This one isn't for everyone, but those that like it will find endless campaigns here.
8 Inquisitor - Martyr
Inquisitor - Martyr makes for a fun and accessible Diablo clone with a nice Warhammer 40,000 paint job. It offers three different classes to master, solid multiplayer functionality and plenty of heretics to chop up or shoot to bits.
However, a Diablo clone is precisely what players are getting, and little more. The mechanics that make it unique (such as the cover system) fall a little flat, and the price tag is pretty exorbitant for what it is. Still a wonderful title to pick up on sale for Warhammer fans, though.
7 Shootas, Blood, And Teef
For being such a fan-favorite faction in Warhammer, the Orks haven't gotten nearly enough time in the digital spotlight. Shootas, Blood, And Teef aims to change that with chaotic side-scrolling action that leans fully into both the humor and the brutality of the Green Tide.
Armed with all the ramshackle weaponry the Orks are known for, you'll get to blast your way through Guardsmen, Space Marines, tanks, and even an Imperial Knight! WAAAGH!
6 Space Hulk: Vengeance of the Blood Angels
It wasn't the first digital adaptation of Space Hulk, nor was it the last. Most of them revolve around the same base concept and gameplay elements, but Vengeance of the Blood Angels was among the earliest successful iterations of Warhammer 40,000 in video games.
Pitting Space Marines armored in cumbersome terminator gear against stealthy and agile Genestealers, reviewers praised the heavy atmosphere and tense, strategic gameplay.
5 Space Marine
The trials and tribulations of Ultramarine Captain Titus don't make for a perfect game, but Relic Entertainment managed to do a lot more right than they did wrong here. The melee combat is incredibly meaty and visceral, effectively conveying the might of a chainsword or thunder hammer in close quarters and providing some real eye candy during executions.
The plot isn't particularly strong, but it isn't bad either, and is more than made up for with the combat system. The only real downsides are the questionable AI, clunky shooting mechanics, and a multiplayer component that could've had a lot more done with it.
4 Battlefleet Gothic: Armada II
Armada II is a fairly straightforward sequel. It does everything that Battlefleet Gothic Armada did, but it does it bigger, and does it better. Successfully blending the micromanagement and more "broad strokes" strategic gameplay a little more smoothly than its predecessor, Armada II has shaped up to be a bit more accessible than the original.
The key phrasing there is "a bit", as the game's still got a steep learning curve, and the missions themselves can be a little hit-and-miss. It's still a great deal of fun and incredibly engrossing, if a little involved, and the visuals are predictably outstanding.
3 Darktide
While its launch was far from perfect, Darktide is still loads of fun to play with friends and captures the oppressive nature of the Imperium perfectly. Squads of four battle their way through endless hordes of cultists, mutants, and worse to carry out the objectives demanded of them by the Inquisition.
This game has it where it counts, with combat that makes players feel powerful and vulnerable at the same time. Whether you intend to grind your way to maximum level or just want to spend an hour blasting bad guys after a long day, Darktide provides some of the most fun you can have with a chainsword.
2 Chaos Gate: Daemonhunter
Warhammer 40k is perfect for turn-based tactical gameplay - that's what the original game is, after all - and Chaos Gate: Daemonhunter is the best of the best when it comes to video game adaptations in that regard. Commanding the Grey Knights, Space Marines who specialize in battling the Daemons of the Warp, you'll be in charge of defending an entire sector from the depradations of Chaos.
If you like XCOM and Warhammer, then Daemonhunter is a must-play. Be ready for some losses, both in terms of individual Knights and entire planets - war in the 41st Millennium isn't pretty.
1 Dawn of War 2
The sequel to Dawn of War took the series in a new direction that was somewhat divisive among the fans, but ultimately revitalized the formula for the better. Fusing its RTS elements with the tactical, squad-based focus of games like Company of Heroes and doing away with base building, the result was a tighter, much more action-oriented title.
The models looked cooler, the writing was better, the campaign was more engrossing, and the multiplayer was much more competitive. Dawn of War 2 was a clear improvement over its predecessor, and that's before even considering its addictive mini-MOBA add on, The Last Stand, which totally seals the deal.