Warhammer fans have much to be thankful for, especially after Games Workshop and Amazon Studios finalized their deal to bring the grimdark universe to TV screens and cinemas. Here are the top 12 Warhammer games available now for you to enjoy.
Best 12 Warhammer Games You Can Play Right Now
For this list, I’ve focused solely on titles released in the last five years. Yes, I know there are all-time classics, such as Dawn of War 2 and Space Marine — the latter of which has an upcoming sequel in September 2024. Still, long-time fans know that the Warhammer license has had more misses than hits over the years. Likewise, with technological advancements, I feel it’s better to focus on the here and now.
Rogue Trader
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Right off the bat, we’ve got the most recent Warhammer release, and it’s none other than Rogue Trader. The eponymous character is one of a select few sanctioned to utilize all resources, including Xenos allies, to aid the Imperium’s plight in the farthest reaches of the galaxy. This CRPG, with its rich narrative and turn-based combat, even earned a high score in our review.
My initial experience was quite different owing to a litany of bugs, though. On the bright side, developer Owlcat Games has been hard at work providing numerous patches and hotfixes. Hopefully, you’ll have a smoother playthrough as you recruit companions and bring down the enemies of the Imperium.
Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters
Platforms: PC
Similar to Rogue Trader, Warhammer 40K: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters features tactical turn-based combat. The difference is that it’s more akin to an XCOM-style affair than a CRPG, and you’re also controlling a squad of Grey Knights. As noted in our review, Daemonhunters does have a strong gameplay loop, though the difficulty can be off-putting.
Mechanicus
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
I really enjoyed playing 40K: Mechanicus back when I reviewed it for PC Invasion, so much so that I still consider it one of the best Warhammer games available now. The turn-based tactical game features an oft-neglected faction, the Adeptus Mechanicus, human-machine hybrids facing off against the deadly Necrons. The only problem was the disappointing Heretek expansion, which lacked meaningful features.
Gladius: Relics of War
Platforms: PC
Gladius: Relics of War is yet another strategy title set in the 40K universe. This time, though, it’s part of the 4X sub-genre, where you control unique factions so you can explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate. Since its release in 2018, Gladius has received multiple DLCs that added more factions, including the Adeptus Mechanicus, Adepta Sororitas, and Drukhari (i.e. Dark Eldar).
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2
Platforms: PC
When I reviewed Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 for PC Invasion, it truly put me in the shoes of a commander ready to face off against a multitude of foes. Set during Abaddon the Despoiler’s 13th Black Crusade, I fended off incursions from hostile squadrons, taking them head-on in real-time void warfare. The game also featured campaigns involving the Imperium, Necrons, and Tyranids, while a DLC added the Chaos campaign.
Battle Sister
Platforms: PC VR
As someone who’s enjoying VR gaming more often nowadays, I do think that there should be more Warhammer offerings. Only a select few are available now, and the best happens to be Battle Sister. You’ll use the Bolter, Melta, and Flamer to lay waste to the Xenos, Daemon, and Heretic, all in a virtual setting.
Boltgun
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Speaking of using Bolters and taking out foes, there’s Warhammer 40K: Boltgun. What makes this first-person shooter truly cool is that it’s inspired by classics, such as Doom and Quake, complete with pixelated models and hilarious blood spatters.
Darktide
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
Our own Ashley Shankle loved Warhammer 40K: Darktide so much that she spent almost 130 hours playing the bejeezus out of it by the time she wrote her review. Made by Fatshark, the online co-op shooter-melee-combat-hybrid had its share of woes when it was originally released. Fortunately, it’s received some much-needed updates. Now would be a good time to take on hordes of cultists with your squad.
Vermintide 2
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
I didn’t like Darktide as much as Vermintide 2, which was Fatshark’s previous game. VM2 is set in the Warhammer Fantasy Battles universe during the onset of The End Times. There are five heroes to choose from (the Ubersreik Five), each with unique subclass types and some hilarious banter to boot. To this day, I consider VM2 to be one of the top Warhammer games around.
Total War: Warhammer 2 and 3
Platforms: PC
You can’t go wrong with Creative Assembly’s Total War: Warhammer titles. Set in the world of Warhammer Fantasy Battles, the third game features a clash between the “good” factions of Kislev and Cathay (a surprise reveal at the time) and the armies of the four Chaos Gods.
There are even cool additions, such as a Daemon Prince that can lead Chaos Undivided, the Ogre Kingdoms, the Chaos Dwarfs, and fan-favorite heroes like Ulrika Magdova. Still, perhaps the most impressive feature is the “Immortal Empires” sandbox campaign, where every faction and lord in the trilogy can duke it out in a free-for-all.
Chaosbane
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
I was a bit critical of Warhammer: Chaosbane when I reviewed it for PC Invasion. Still, it’s an ARPG in the vein of Diablo, which is an unlikely genre for the Warhammer license unless you count 2018’s Inquisitor: Martyr. That being said, Chaosbane lets you choose from various heroes, such as a High Elf wizard or a Dwarf slayer, to bring down countless daemons and their rotten ilk.
Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Not counting the upcoming Old World launch, we can say that Age of Sigmar is the newest setting created by Games Workshop. As such, it also features the fewest number of tie-ins. Still, one that stands out is Realm of Ruin, an RTS where you lead the Stormcast Eternals, Nighthaunt, Orruk Kruleboyz, or the Disciples of Tzeentch.
These are what I consider the top 12 Warhammer games that you can play now. 2024 certainly has a lot in store, such as Space Marine 2. We’ll also see new DLCs for Total War: Warhammer 3. I’m certainly looking forward to Thanquol finally becoming a playable legendary lord. With Warhammer coming to TV and movie screens, there’s a good chance that the license expands further, and we’d get more video game tie-ins, too.
