War is Hell. But it's also a Heck of a lot of fun.
In the far, far future of the year 40,000, the Imperium of Man fights an endless battle with their enemies. The ferocious Orks, the malevolent Necrons, the vicious Harlequins and the deadly, terrifying Tyranids are but a few of the enemies you'll face as you fight across the cosmos.
While PC games based on this tabletop war game have appeared across numerous platforms throughout the years, none of them can compare to the amazing variety of 40K games available today. These games are more than skirmishes and tactics, as they cover lots of the game’s rich history and back story in addition to the battles.
And let's face it, sometimes you just want to make some aliens eat lasers and fly around in cool spaceships. We’re here to help you prepare for battle with our list of the best of the best Warhammer 40,000 PC games. So, what are you waiting for? Put away your paints, grab your codex, log into Steam and try out one of the 18 best Warhammer games for you PC, presented here in no particular order!
18. Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach
A simple skirmish in Sanctus Reach
Not quite a full moon as the Dreadnoughts - led by a wolf, take to the battlefield.
Howling at the moon isn’t required on your mission to guide the Space Wolves to their destiny—saving mankind! In Sanctus Reach, you'll take command of your own army of Space Wolves across epic, 3D, turn-based battles.
Players can blast their enemies across insane types of terrain. Taking refuge among the gnarled, twisted trees across from a felled spaceship, a unit of Space Wolves stand in a vulnerable position. Suddenly, three blasts from behind the remains of a building and each hit shatters the armor of the soldiers. Blood spills as the end of the battle approaches. But this war is just beginning.
Though it’s a tactical game—much like the tabletop game—the animation and graphics make Sanctus Reach one of our favorite games in the 40K universe. The stunning, visual beauty of this game, combined with the fun game play, strategy and extensive 40K lore make this a worthy addition to anyone's gaming library. It's also quite long, with plenty of expansions, so it'll keep you coming back for more and more. Possibly until the end of time.
What a Pain: An Ork Painboy prepares for some battlefield surgery. Painboys are the surgeons or field medics for the entire Ork race. They sometimes cause more damage than they cure and have been known to add or remove an extra limb or two to members of their own army.
17. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
The Dawning of War
Let’s get Orky: A contingent of orks prepares to make their move. The orks are fiersome creatures that you don't want to mess with!
In Dawn of War, prepare to face off against your enemies as one of four different well-known 40K armies. The Space Marines, the Eldar, the Orks and the Chaos Space Marines are all in conflict with each other in the dark future of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, a game that will be sure to keep you coming back for more with its fun gameplay and expansion that feature additional armies.
You’ll set up your bases and build your army before engaging in battle, then enjoy a classic digital skirmish in the Warhammer setting. Prepare to immerse yourself in the glory of war, with albeit slightly outdated visuals. And don’t forget to check out the expansions! The spoils of war will be yours!
All your base are belong to…well, you know the rest.
16. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2
The…er…second dawning of war
Orks vs Dreadnoughts: it doesn’t look good!
Get your Rhinos and Dreadnoughts ready and battle through a glorious, a brand-new Space Marines campaign in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2! This game marks a departure from its predecessor, removing a few in-game elements and changing the initial available armies. But this time, you can play as Tyranids from the start, so that’s…something. A terrifying something…made even worse by the game’s crazy expansions!
Explosions and laser fire blast across the battlefield as the forces battle with one another in the dim light of a darkened world. The real-time strategic elements, along with the ferocious combat satisfies the bloodlust of all but the most hardened general. Get ready for the second dawn of war!
Terrible Tyranid: one of the characters from The Last Stand expansion. Move over Godzilla!
15. Warhammer 40K: Armageddon
Armaged-it on.
In the desert, some space marines gear up for a skirmish
With a bit more of a classic PC game feel and puzzle-like approach to combat, Warhammer: Armageddon is 40K-themed, turn-based strategy is at its finest. It’s Imperial Steel Legion and Space Marines vs. my favorite adversaries, The Orks in this insanely fun game. And besides, who doesn’t love hexes? The battle grid is made up of them, which makes it a clear winner in my book! I’m a fan of good cartography and well-made terrain, both of which are superb in this title.
Bash, Smash, Crash, Bust and Burn your way through rough terrain as you battle your adversaries! Draw a line from one position to the next and avoid the wrath of your enemies’ troops and vehicles in this battle royale.
Support your local steel legion today!
14. The Horus Heresy: Betrayal at Calth
The Betrayal is Real
Sarc looks on in the title screen for Betrayal at Calth. This is one Mecanus you don’t want to mess with.
Alright, so we’re cheating a bit on this one because technically the Horus Heresy takes place in the year 30,000, but it is one of the most important events in the 40K universe. In Betrayal at Calth, players take the role of a member of the Mechanus, Sarc, as he meets various objectives on the space station, Calth.
This game has everything fans of the Adeptus Mechanicus could want. Tasty combat? Check. Intrigue? Check. Strategy? Check. Tactical combat with space marines? That’s a big ol’ check, my friend. This game takes everything that was fun about the board game and condenses it into one heck of a video game.
Roam and explore the corridors of a large, fully rendered 3D environment. Carefully plot your next move and battle your foes in fantastic turn-based combat. With incredible graphics, a free roaming camera and TONS of back story and fluff, Betrayal at Calth offers a fun alternative to the year 30,000.
Chainsaw swords make all the difference in the galaxy.
13. Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf
Trading cards and howling at the moon
Let’s see what’s in the cards…with the Space Wolf deck
Canines and cannons abound in this adventure set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game revolves everyone’s favorite lupine warriors, the Space Wolves. Setting itself apart from some of the other Warhammer games, Space Wolf is a collectible card game in video game form.
It feels as if you're sitting at a table with a hand of cards right in front of you. The animations are awesome and it feels more like an augmented tabletop card game than a video game and therein lies its appeal. The game is just different enough to be interesting and extensive enough to provide endless hours of fun. The collectible card aspect is a nice departure from tradition and the graphics/gameplay round out the experience.
Battling just like MAGIC…
12. Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade
Eternal war
A Space Marine takes a moment to blast the enemy
Marking another departure from the typical turn-based strategy of the series, Eternal Crusade provides massive player vs. player battles. Set in the third person shooter style, the game is more action-oriented than some other games in the Warhammer line. The game is built around the Unreal Engine and the Space Marines, Chaos Marines, the Orks and the Dark Eldar.
Fast, frenetic action in highly detailed environments is only part of the fun. You can pick up a variety of insane weapons and blast the Xenos until the orks come home. The ability to use the terrain to your advantage and the competitive gameplay give this game an incredibly sharp edge. Exploring the Caligari sector is a fun—if somewhat daunting—experience the RPG elements truly seal the deal for me.
For those interested in such things, the game also received a console release in 2016.
No! Don't die on me now! Or maybe you should...
11. Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor: Martyr
Are you ready for some inquisition?
No One Expects the Imperial Inquistion!
Getting ready of action: a small skirmish in Inquisitor
If you love action RPG's, you'll love this game. If you've ever wondered what it's like to work for the Inquisition, then this is the game for you!
In the tradition of games like Diablo, this game provides a top down view of the action. A leveling system helps build strength and prepare your inquisitor for an epic showdown with the enemy. It's dark, it's dank and you'll need to run for cover.
But, hey, at least you have a Laz Gun...
A highly detailed reactor core. I wonder what’s down there…
10. Total War: Warhammer I & II (2016)
Prepare for TOTAL WAR
Lizard men riding dinosaurs. What more could you want or need?
Ok, Ok. I know. We're cheating a bit on this one, too. In Total War: Warhammer, you play the classic, fantasy version of the tabletop war game, but in the style of the Total War game series. The second game in the series continues the action in spectacular ways, marking these games as a one-two punch of fun for PC gamers.
Engage in a fierce, turn-based battle against those pesky green skins! Marvel at the fully realized, detailed visuals. You'll believe you're playing a hyper realistic version of the tabletop game with this one. Come for the battle, stay for the war!
This is one of the best games I've ever played and a superb entry to the Total War series in every way.
These are some trees you don’t want to hide in
9. Blood Bowl 2
Why do the skeletons need padding?
If you love the crazy aliens and butt-kicking space marines from the 40K universe, but also enjoy American football, Blood Bowl is the game for you! Take control of a variety of Xenos or Imperium teams and get ready for some (bloody) football in this follow-up to the 2009 original! And you don’t even have to wait until Monday night!
Playing like NFL Blitz, but with a spiky football and much more blood, players take their teams through a typical play. Then, uppercut your opponents and violently cut them down before they can even have a chance. An entire season of violent football fun awaits!
While the original 2009 title is still loads of fun, this update to the franchise is just what Blood Bowl needs to make it the go-to sports game for non-sports fans. When you finish playing, try out the tabletop version of the game for some additional fun and lore.
It’s a ballroom blitz! You know, like NFL Blitz and that Sweet song from 70s? Just go with it. Only this time with lizards.
8. Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Attack the tide of Vermin
A burning village and some undead set the tone for the game
This sequel to the original Vermintide game is a fun, fast-paced, first-person melee game. Also taking place in the world of the original Warhammer, Vermintide combines stunning visuals with fast and fun gameplay to create the ultimate fighting experience. The story itself is phenomenal, making you return often.
Through the ruined village of another time, slice, hack and stab your way to victory! Use magic to wipe out a horde of undead foes! Fight to the death, leaving a trail of destruction in your wake. Only in Vermintide 2 do you get all the action of Doom in a Warhammer fantasy setting and as an FPS melee game, it stands out among its competitors.
It’s fun playing this game. It reminds me of a fantasy version of Space Marine and is a worthy addition to any collection. There’s so much undead, though, it feels like one should bring a cleric along for the journey…but since this isn’t D & D, you’re going to need all the luck you can get.
Axes at the ready, our hero stalks his prey. Let's go on a witch hunt!
7. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine
Everyone needs a Laz Gun…
Die, they must die. The orks, they must die!
In what is probably my --and many other 40K fan's--favorite PC game based on the War game, players take control of their own space marine in a fantastic first-person shooter setting. Control your Ultramarine on a desolate forge world as he battles an endless swarm of orks. Blast through an army of Ork Boyz as they storm toward you on the battlefield. Fight your way through the horde and emerge victories in spectacular and beautifully rendered settings. At times intriguing and at others relentless, the game is full of heart pumping action!
It's such a blast to play a space marine in an action game, that this has become one of my favorite games of all time, not just in the Warhammer series. It’s a refreshing, action-packed shooter among a world of RPGs and tactics games.
This blast brought to you by the ultra marines…
6. Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch
Ready to fight off a Tyranid invasion
Deathwatch--The OP protectors of the galaxy
Reaching the entrance to the temple will help stave off the Tyranid invasion!
The most powerful space marines around are the Deathwatch--the nightmare of the enemies of Man. In this streamlined version of a turn-based RPG, players can battle the Tyranids until they can’t take it anymore.
Over the course of 40 missions, blast your enemies and leverage your strength to accomplish your goals. Various objectives keep the game fresh and the creepy atmosphere evokes the feeling of the Alien films as you play. Battling the tyranids themselves is fun and challenging, but also frustrating. The customization options are fantastic, and the game lends itself well to the fluff surrounding the Deathwatch in 40K. The expansion of the lore aside, once you get into this title, you’re not going to want to get out!
Choose the form of your protector...or at least a player character
5. Space Hulk Death Wing Enhanced Edition
Aliens on steroids
Terrible tyranids...it's like a scene ripped straight from the Alien films!
Aboard a derelict spaceship or a floating barge of space debris, you must fight for survival. Based on the board game of the same name, you'll find yourself clashing with evil in space, where no one can here you scream! Enter the Space Hulk and prepare to eat or be eaten, so to speak. Although, with tyranids involved, being eaten may pose an actual threat.
This first-person shooter takes the battle with those pesky genestealers to an entirely new level. With a massive battle to fight across beautiful environments and spectacular visuals, this game is a must have for any fan of 40K or shooter games. Fight they tyranid menace and emerge victories. Or die trying…
Those pesky genestealers will get ya every time
4. Legacy of Dorn: Herald of Oblivion
Choose your own adventure!
View of an interesting journal entry in the game
You play the game as a veteran Space Marine of the Imperial Fists Chapter. You get to wear terminator armor and have some killer weapons, but there’s a problem: you’re trapped on a space hulk called the Herald of Oblivion. And you’re the only one left alive. It’s almost a survival horror scenario, masquerading as a Warhammer game.
Go through several interesting and terrifying adventures with a unique, older computer style graphical layout. It’s almost like those old Fighting Fantasy gamebooks, but in a computer game. What truly makes this game stand out is the decreased focus on action and the real danger of being the sole survivor of a doomed mission. It’s a bit lo-fi, but that doesn’t prevent it from being great!
Something strange is happening with the Necrons here…
3. Eisenhorn: Xenos
Literary Value
Meet your favorite inquisitor...and get to know him well.
Dan Abnett's character Eisenhorn is well known among 40K fans, for his trilogy of Black Library books. Eisenhorn himself is someone you don't want to mess with! The book is one of the best and most interesting stories in from the Warhammer Black Library and to see it adapted into a video game is like a dream come true!
Following the plot of the first book, the game takes the player through numerous key locations and scenes from the story. Battle the enemies of Man in your quest to unravel the (I won’t spoil it for you) mystery of the book. Fight some demonic beings as everyone’s favorite Inquisitor—Eisenhorn! Sweet third person action and tons of story cement this title as one to play at least once in your life time!
Reminiscent of Devil May Cry with some of the action scenes, the game never grows stale.
Eisenhorn – who knew he was also a melee battling badass?
2. Space Hulk (2013)
The original space hulk
Get your tactics on in Space Hulk
Space. The final frontier…wait, wrong franchise. Space is a strange and deadly place. Sometimes, abandoned ships are left to float in space. These ships are then reclaimed, spliced together and repurposed as a brand new, flying space hulk. Orks love these things and they can be a daunting site for even the most hardened Space Marine. However, in this game, orks aren’t the problem…
Plot your course through the interior of the space hulk. Roll the virtual dice with the best. And watch out for those confounded genestealers. There’s a nice mix of RPG and tactical elements in a grim dark setting. It’s the perfect virtual 40K experience and a fantastic way to learn more about space hulks in general!
Space Marines square off against their opponents on the space hulk...
1. Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
Something mechanical this way comes
Adeptus Mechanicus: Machines are superior in every way
Last, but not least, we have a game that technically hasn't been released yet. But come on, who doesn’t love the Adeptus Mechanicus? Nothing beats these machine-worshiping members of the Imperium of Man. Not only one of my favorite armies to play in the tabletop game, they also possess some of the most interesting lore. I'm looking forward to this turn-based strategy game featuring my second favorite army sometime in late 2018.
The Adeptus Mechanicus will strike soon - an alpha build screen from the game
We hope you've enjoyed this look at our favorite Warhammer games for the PC and we'll see you next time! Let us know what your favorite Warhammer games are in the comments. Thanks for reading and we’ll see you next time!
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