14 Best Warhammer 40K Games to Play in 2025
The grim darkness of the 41st Millennium has never been more vibrant or accessible. Games Workshop's iconic tabletop universe, Warhammer 40,000, has exploded in popularity, leading to a golden age of video games that let you step directly into its war-torn galaxy. Whether you want to be an unstoppable super-soldier, a cunning general, or a rogue trader exploring the unknown, there is a 40K game for you.
For those new to the lore, Warhammer 40,000 imagines a distant future where humanity has spread across the stars under the rule of a decaying Imperium. It is a setting of perpetual war, where genetically engineered Space Marines battle demonic legions, alien empires, and ancient horrors. It’s a universe defined by its epic scale, gothic architecture, and gloriously over-the-top action.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Anticipation is at a fever pitch for this long-awaited sequel. Space Marine 2 promises to dial up everything that made the original a cult classic. Players will once again step into the massive power armor of Captain Titus as he faces down seemingly endless swarms of Tyranids. The gameplay revealed so far showcases brutal third-person combat that seamlessly blends devastating melee strikes with powerful ranged weaponry, capturing the sheer power fantasy of being a Space Marine like never before.
- Genre: Third-Person Action / Shooter
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Play this if you like: Fast-paced, cinematic action and fighting against overwhelming odds.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
For those who prefer strategy and story over brute force, Rogue Trader is a masterpiece. This classic role-playing game (CRPG) puts you in the shoes of the titular Rogue Trader, a powerful privateer with the authority to explore the darkest corners of the galaxy. You will build your crew, make difficult choices that shape the narrative, and engage in deep, tactical turn-based combat. It’s a massive, sprawling adventure that truly captures the immense scale and lore of the 40K universe.
- Genre: CRPG
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Play this if you like: Deep storytelling, complex characters, and strategic turn-based combat.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
If you enjoy cooperative action, Darktide is an essential experience. You and up to three friends play as "Rejects"—expendable operatives pressed into service to fight a Chaos infestation in the massive hive city of Tertium. The game features intense, visceral first-person combat that emphasizes a hybrid of melee and ranged fighting. Teamwork is critical to survive the relentless hordes, making every successful mission a deeply satisfying achievement.
- Genre: First-Person Co-op Action
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
- Play this if you like: Team-based shooters and intense, visceral melee combat.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun
Boltgun is a pure, unfiltered shot of adrenaline and a loving tribute to the retro shooters of the 90s. You are a lone Sternguard Veteran on a perilous mission, armed with the iconic boltgun and a chainsword. The gameplay is fast, bloody, and incredibly fun, as you sprint and blast your way through pixelated Chaos Space Marines and daemons. It perfectly marries old-school aesthetics with the modern grimdark setting.
- Genre: Retro First-Person Shooter
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Play this if you like: Classic FPS games like DOOM and non-stop, high-speed action.
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters
This turn-based tactical game puts you in command of the Grey Knights, a secretive and elite chapter of Space Marines who specialize in hunting daemons. You must manage your squad, upgrade your starship base, and lead your Knights in brutal, high-stakes battles against the forces of Chaos. The gameplay is challenging and strategic, rewarding careful planning and aggressive tactics in equal measure.
- Genre: Turn-Based Tactics
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Play this if you like: XCOM-style strategy and commanding a squad of elite warriors.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine
The game that started it all for Captain Titus remains a must-play. This 2011 classic set the standard for third-person action in the 40K universe. Its combat system, which encourages you to dive into melee to regain health, is still brilliant today. The story is a perfect, action-packed introduction to the world of Space Marines and Orks, and it still holds up as one of the best 40K experiences ever crafted.
- Genre: Third-Person Action / Shooter
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (Playable on modern consoles via backward compatibility)
- Play this if you like: A heroic power fantasy with a great story and satisfying combat.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Considered by many to be one of the greatest real-time strategy games of all time, the original Dawn of War and its expansions are legendary. It stripped away complex resource gathering to focus on frontline combat, territory control, and squad-based tactics. Commanding armies of Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, or Chaos feels incredible, and the epic single-player campaigns are still fantastic.
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
- Platforms: PC
- Play this if you like: Classic RTS action focused on combat over base-building.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
The sequel took the series in a bold new direction, ditching base-building entirely to focus on tactical, squad-based combat with strong RPG elements. You command a small number of hero-led squads, leveling them up and equipping them with powerful wargear. The campaign is a thrilling saga, and the focus on small-scale tactics makes every battle feel personal and impactful.
- Genre: Real-Time Tactics / RPG
- Platforms: PC
- Play this if you like: Tactical squad combat and RPG-style character progression.
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2
Take command of massive fleets in this spectacular real-time strategy game. Armada 2 allows you to control the iconic starships of the 41st Millennium in breathtaking celestial battles. You'll manage dozens of unique ships across 12 different factions, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The scale is immense, and watching a fleet of Imperial battleships unleash a full broadside is a sight to behold.
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
- Platforms: PC
- Play this if you like: Grand-scale naval combat and commanding massive fleets of starships.
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
In Mechanicus, you command the forces of the Adeptus Mechanicus, the cybernetic tech-priests of the Imperium. This turn-based tactical game is unique for its focus on exploration, resource management, and combat that feels more like a deadly puzzle. The atmospheric sound design and writing perfectly capture the bizarre nature of this fan-favorite faction.
- Genre: Turn-Based Tactics
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
- Play this if you like: Tactical puzzles, unique factions, and a highly atmospheric experience.
Necromunda: Hired Gun
This is a fast-and-furious FPS set in the grimy underbelly of the 40K universe. You play as a bounty hunter in the sprawling hive city of Necromunda, equipped with a grappling hook, wall-running abilities, and a cyber-mastiff companion. The movement is fluid and lightning-fast, creating chaotic and thrilling combat encounters in a uniquely gritty corner of the Imperium.
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Play this if you like: High-mobility shooters and exploring a dark, cyberpunk-inspired setting.
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Often described as "Civilization with bolt-guns," Gladius is a 4X strategy game focused almost entirely on warfare. You choose one of four factions (with more available as DLC) and must explore, expand, and exterminate your rivals on the planet of Gladius Prime. There is no diplomacy—only war. It’s a deep and challenging strategy game for those who love to build a massive army and conquer the map.
- Genre: 4X Strategy
- Platforms: PC
- Play this if you like: Deep, combat-focused strategy games like the Civilization series.
Space Hulk: Deathwing - Enhanced Edition
If you want to feel the claustrophobic tension of boarding a derelict vessel infested with aliens, this is the game for you. In Deathwing, you and a co-op squad of friends play as Terminator Space Marines, exploring the tight corridors of a massive "Space Hulk." You must work together to survive relentless assaults from Genestealers in this atmospheric and intense FPS.
- Genre: First-Person Co-op Shooter
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4
- Play this if you like: Claustrophobic, squad-based horror shooters.
Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef
Step into the boots of an Ork in this hilarious and chaotic 2D run-and-gun adventure. The hand-drawn art style is fantastic, the action is non-stop, and the humor perfectly captures the wild spirit of the Orks. It’s a simple, fun, and loud celebration of all things WAAAGH!, complete with local and online co-op.
- Genre: 2D Action / Run & Gun
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Play this if you like: Classic side-scrolling shooters and pure, unadulterated fun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warhammer 40,000 Games
What is a good Warhammer 40K game for beginners?
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is an excellent starting point. It's a straightforward action game with a strong story that does a great job of introducing the universe's core concepts without being overwhelming. For retro shooter fans, Boltgun is also a fantastic and accessible entry.
Are there any good co-op Warhammer 40K games?
Absolutely. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is one of the best co-op experiences available, focusing on 4-player team-based action. Space Hulk: Deathwing also offers a great 4-player co-op experience with a more tense, horror-like atmosphere.
Which game best represents the tabletop strategy experience?
For turn-based tactics that feel like a detailed tabletop match, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters and Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus are top choices. If you prefer the grand scale of moving entire armies, the original Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War is the quintessential RTS experience for the setting.