Best Warhammer Video Games — All Games Ranked
The best Warhammer video games are Total War: Warhammer III, Space Marine 2, Dawn of War, Vermintide 2, and Mechanicus. The Warhammer franchise has produced over 100 video games across nearly every genre, from real-time strategy and turn-based tactics to third-person action and first-person shooters. Quality varies enormously, so this guide ranks the essential titles worth playing.
What Are the Best Warhammer 40k Video Games?
The Warhammer 40,000 setting has produced some of the best strategy and action games ever made, alongside some forgettable titles. Here are the 40k games ranked from best to good, covering every major release worth considering.
1. Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 (2024)
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S. Genre: Third-person action shooter. Rating: 9/10.
Space Marine 2 is the definitive Warhammer 40k action game. You play as Lieutenant Titus of the Ultramarines, fighting massive Tyranid swarms and Chaos forces in breathtaking set pieces. The melee combat is visceral and satisfying, the scale of battles is unprecedented, and the game captures the power fantasy of being a Space Marine perfectly. The cooperative Operations mode and PvP multiplayer add significant longevity. This is the game that finally shows non-hobbyists what Warhammer 40k is all about.
2. Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War (2004)
Platforms: PC. Genre: Real-time strategy. Rating: 9/10.
The original Dawn of War remains one of the greatest RTS games ever made. Its squad-based combat, territory control mechanics, and outstanding faction design set a new standard for the genre. The expansions — Winter Assault, Dark Crusade, and Soulstorm — added more factions and a compelling meta-campaign. Despite its age, the gameplay holds up remarkably well and the modding community keeps it fresh. Dawn of War is the game that introduced millions of people to Warhammer 40k.
3. Warhammer 40k: Mechanicus (2018)
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch. Genre: Turn-based tactics. Rating: 8.5/10.
Mechanicus is a turn-based tactical game where you lead a Tech-Priest expedition into a Necron tomb world. The atmosphere is outstanding — the soundtrack alone is worth experiencing. The customisation system for your Tech-Priests is deep and satisfying, and the tactical combat rewards careful planning. It captures the Adeptus Mechanicus aesthetic and philosophy brilliantly. One of the most underrated Warhammer games and an essential play for anyone interested in the faction.
4. Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War II (2009)
Platforms: PC. Genre: Tactical RPG / RTS hybrid. Rating: 8/10.
Dawn of War II shifted from base-building RTS to squad-based tactical RPG, which divided fans of the original. Taken on its own merits, it is an excellent game. The campaign focuses on a small force of Space Marines with RPG-style progression, and the Chaos Rising expansion adds one of the best narrative hooks in any Warhammer game. The multiplayer remains distinctive with its hero-unit focus.
5. Warhammer 40k: Darktide (2022)
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S. Genre: Co-op first-person action. Rating: 7.5/10.
Darktide is a 4-player co-op action game set in the underhive of a 40k hive city. The combat is weighty and satisfying, mixing melee and ranged fighting against hordes of cultists and daemons. After a rocky launch, extensive updates have improved the game substantially. The atmosphere and environmental design are exceptional, making you feel truly immersed in the grimdark underbelly of the 41st millennium.
6. Warhammer 40k: Boltgun (2023)
Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Switch. Genre: Retro FPS. Rating: 7.5/10.
Boltgun is a retro-styled first-person shooter inspired by classic DOOM and Quake. You tear through Chaos forces as a Space Marine Sternguard Veteran in fast-paced, old-school gunplay. The pixel-art aesthetic combined with modern game feel creates a unique experience. It is not a deep game, but it is pure fun and a great palette cleanser between longer titles.
7. Warhammer 40k: Battlesector (2021)
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One. Genre: Turn-based strategy. Rating: 7/10.
Battlesector is a hex-based turn-based strategy game featuring Blood Angels versus Tyranids, with additional factions added through DLC. The momentum system rewards aggressive play and the campaign provides a solid narrative. It is a good entry point for players who want a turn-based Warhammer 40k experience without the complexity of a grand strategy game.
8. Warhammer 40k: Gladius — Relics of War (2018)
Platforms: PC. Genre: 4X Strategy. Rating: 7/10.
Gladius takes the 4X strategy formula and strips out diplomacy entirely — on this world, there is only war. Each faction plays distinctively, and the focus on combat over politics creates a unique 4X experience. Extensive DLC has added many factions. It is niche but excellent for players who want a Civilization-style game in the 40k setting.
9. Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader (2023)
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S. Genre: CRPG. Rating: 7.5/10.
Developed by Owlcat Games, Rogue Trader is a classic isometric RPG set in the 40k universe. You play as a Rogue Trader navigating political intrigue, exploration, and combat across the Koronus Expanse. The narrative depth and character development are outstanding, and it captures the broader scope of the 40k universe beyond just warfare. Some technical issues at launch have been largely resolved through patches.
10. Warhammer 40k: Inquisitor — Martyr (2018)
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One. Genre: Action RPG (Diablo-like). Rating: 6.5/10.
Inquisitor Martyr is an action RPG in the style of Diablo, where you play as an Imperial Inquisitor investigating a massive derelict vessel. The game had a difficult launch but has been substantially improved with updates and the Prophecy expansion. The environments and atmosphere are excellent, but the gameplay loop can become repetitive. Worth playing if you enjoy the ARPG genre and want a 40k flavour.
11. Warhammer 40k: Space Marine (2011)
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360 (Master Crafted Edition remaster on PC and Xbox Series X/S). Genre: Third-person action. Rating: 7.5/10.
The original Space Marine is a classic third-person action game where you play as Captain Titus defending a Forge World from Orks and Chaos. The combat is satisfying and the game does an excellent job of making you feel like a Space Marine. The Master Crafted Edition remaster (2025) brought it to PC and Xbox Series X/S with improved visuals. While superseded by its sequel in many ways, the original remains a great standalone experience.
What Are the Best Warhammer Fantasy and Age of Sigmar Video Games?
The Warhammer Fantasy setting has produced some of the franchise’s greatest games, particularly in the strategy and action genres.
1. Total War: Warhammer III (2022)
Platforms: PC. Genre: Grand strategy / Real-time battles. Rating: 9.5/10.
Total War Warhammer III with the Immortal Empires campaign is the definitive Warhammer strategy experience. Combining the content of all three Total War Warhammer games creates a massive sandbox featuring every major Warhammer Fantasy faction. The real-time battles are spectacular, the campaign provides hundreds of hours of gameplay, and the faction variety is unmatched in any strategy game. This is arguably the best strategy game ever made and is essential for any Warhammer fan.
2. Warhammer: Vermintide 2 (2018)
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One. Genre: Co-op first-person melee action. Rating: 8.5/10.
Vermintide 2 is a 4-player co-op game where you fight through hordes of Skaven and Chaos warriors in intense first-person melee combat. The combat system is some of the best melee gameplay in any game, with each weapon having distinct feel, reach, and attack patterns. The career system provides excellent replayability, and the atmosphere captures the grim, desperate tone of the Old World perfectly. Years of content updates have made it one of the best value propositions in gaming.
3. Total War: Warhammer (2016) and Total War: Warhammer II (2017)
Platforms: PC. Genre: Grand strategy / Real-time battles. Rating: 8.5/10 each.
The first two games in the trilogy are excellent on their own, but they truly shine as part of the combined Immortal Empires experience in Total War Warhammer III. If you want to play Immortal Empires, you need to own all three games (they frequently go on sale). Each game is playable standalone with its own campaign, but the combined experience is the real draw.
4. Warhammer: Total War — The Old World (Upcoming)
A new Total War title set in The Old World setting is anticipated by the community. While not yet confirmed, the success of the trilogy makes a return to Warhammer highly likely for Creative Assembly.
Which Warhammer Video Games Should You Avoid?
Not every Warhammer game is worth your time. The franchise has had its share of mediocre and poor releases. Generally avoid budget-priced mobile ports, games with very low review scores on Steam, and titles from developers with no track record. Notable disappointments include Dawn of War III, which failed to satisfy fans of either predecessor, and several hastily produced licensed games that feel like they used the Warhammer name purely for marketing.
What Is the Best Warhammer Video Game for Beginners?
If you are new to Warhammer and want to experience the universe through video games, your best entry points depend on your preferred genre. For action, start with Space Marine 2 — it is accessible, spectacular, and captures the 40k aesthetic perfectly. For strategy, start with Total War Warhammer III — purchase the base game first, and add the earlier titles later if you enjoy it. For co-op with friends, start with Vermintide 2 or Darktide depending on whether you prefer fantasy or sci-fi settings.
If you play on console, these are the physical editions of our top 40k picks that you can buy on Amazon.
Price details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.As an Amazon Associate, Warhammer Guild earns from qualifying purchases.
Price details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.As an Amazon Associate, Warhammer Guild earns from qualifying purchases.
Price details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.As an Amazon Associate, Warhammer Guild earns from qualifying purchases.
Summary — Best Warhammer Video Games Ranked
The Warhammer franchise has produced genuinely world-class video games across multiple genres. Total War Warhammer III stands as one of the greatest strategy games ever made. Space Marine 2 delivers the ultimate 40k power fantasy. Dawn of War defined an era of RTS gaming. Vermintide 2 offers some of the best co-op melee combat in gaming. And smaller titles like Mechanicus and Boltgun prove that Warhammer works brilliantly across genres when given to talented developers who understand the source material.
Whether you are a lifelong Warhammer fan or someone who has never touched a miniature, there is a Warhammer video game that deserves a place in your library. The universe translates beautifully to interactive entertainment, and the best Warhammer games stand among the finest in their respective genres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Warhammer video games can you play co-op?
The best co-op Warhammer games are Space Marine 2, whose Operations mode supports three players, and the four-player horde games Darktide (40k) and Vermintide 2 (Warhammer Fantasy). Total War: Warhammer III also supports multiplayer campaigns, including Immortal Empires. If you want to play with friends who are new to Warhammer, Space Marine 2 or Darktide are the most accessible starting points.
Do I need to play Space Marine 1 before Space Marine 2?
No. Space Marine 2 follows Titus again, now a Lieutenant in the Ultramarines, but it explains what you need to know and works as a standalone game. Playing the original adds context about Titus’s history and why the Inquisition distrusts him, so it is worth picking up if you enjoy the sequel, but it is not required.
Which Warhammer games are on Nintendo Switch?
From this list, Warhammer 40k: Mechanicus and Warhammer 40k: Boltgun are both available on Nintendo Switch. Mechanicus is a turn-based tactics game that suits handheld play well, while Boltgun is a fast retro shooter. The big recent releases, such as Space Marine 2, Darktide, Rogue Trader and Total War: Warhammer III, are not on Switch.
Related Content
- Space Marine 2 — Get our in-depth Space Marine 2 guide
- Total War: Warhammer III — Master Total War: Warhammer
- How to Start a Warhammer Collection — Transition from video games to the tabletop
- Warhammer 40k Explained Simply — Understand the universe behind the games