Here are the 20 best quotes from the Warhammer 40k universe that will get you in that grimdark mindset in no time!
In the vast, bleak, and war-torn expanse of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, grand tales of heroism, treachery, and despair unfold against a backdrop of eternal conflict. These stories are amplified by powerful quotes that embody the ethos of this dark future, encapsulating the spirit and tenacity of the various factions vying for survival, control, and supremacy.
Just remember, in the Warhammer 40k universe, there are no clear-cut “good guys” and “bad guys.” The various factions and races exist in a morally gray area, and each has its own motivations, making it difficult to classify any of them as purely good or evil.
It’s a bit like a cosmic free-for-all with no clear good guys in sight!
Echoes of War: 20 Unforgettable Quotes from the Warhammer 40k Universe
Check out these quotes for a peek into the badass world of Warhammer 40k. Each line is packed with the weight of a thousand battles and the unbreakable spirit of the fighters. Whether you need a boost of inspiration or a reminder of why you love Warhammer 40k, these quotes will hit you right in the feels.
- 20: “To admit defeat is to blaspheme against the Emperor.” – What better to start with than a quote from the Imperial Guard? Come on, when has the Guard actually admitted defeat?
- 19: “Give me a hundred Space Marines. Or failing that, give me a thousand other troops.” – As a Primarch, Rogal Dorn knows the strength of Space Marines.
- 18: “Burn the heretic. Kill the mutant. Purge the unclean.” – This is the motto of the Inquisition, reflecting their brutal and uncompromising methods. Plus, it’s just cool.
- 17: “Even in death, I still serve.” – The Dreadnought’s words encapsulate the Space Marines’ eternal dedication.
- 16: “Only in death does duty end.” – This isn’t from one legion or faction of the Imperium; everyone says it, and it shows just how fanatical they are to the Emperor!
- 15: “Innocence proves nothing.” – A quote from the Inquisition, representing the harsh reality that if they say you are going to die, you have no hope.
- 14: “There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.” – Yet another harsh quote from the Inquisition, perfectly showing how they think, and that they will pursue any foe.
- 13: “Pain is an illusion of the senses, despair an illusion of the mind.”– A quote from the Legion of the Damned. When you’re on fire all the time, pain is never far from your mind.
- 12: “In the darkness, a blind man is the best guide. In an age of madness, look to the madman to show the way.” – This quote by Roboute Guilliman shows his mindset in 40k, he really didn’t wake up to what he expected…
- 11: “I am the hammer, I am the mail about His fist. I am the Spear in His hand.” – A Space Marine quote reflecting their view of themselves as instruments of the Emperor’s will.
- 10″Death by the blade’s kiss is to be cherished, for even the lowliest of mortals may ascend to godhood through it.” – This Dark Eldar quote gives you a real taste of their gladiatorial nature.
- 9: “Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment.” – A fatalistic statement from the Space Marines; however, when you’ve been through endless battles, you know you must do the job and not hope for the best.
- 8: “From the moment I understood the weakness of my flesh, it disgusted me. I craved the strength and certainty of steel. I aspired to the purity of the machine.” – A quote from the Adeptus Mechanicus that shows their reverence for technology.
- 7: “I have no fear, for I am fear incarnate.” – This Space Marines quote demonstrates their faith in themselves and the power they possess.
- 6: “Walk softly, and carry a big gun.” – An Imperial Guard adage, they always have a tank or two (or hundreds) waiting to throw at the enemy!
- 5: “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.” – This phrase sets the tone for the entire franchise; everyone is the bad guy, and everyone is always fighting. It’s just how 40k goes.
- 4: “For the Emperor!” – The iconic battle cry of the Space Marines underscores their unwavering loyalty and dedication to the Emperor of Mankind.
- 3: “An open mind is like a fortress with its gates unbarred and unguarded.” – This quote from the Blood Ravens Librarian warns about the dangers of Chaos corruption. They already like to steal stuff, so let’s not let more chaos in.
- 2: “Blessed is the mind too small for doubt.” – From the Imperium, emphasizing the necessity of absolute faith, no need to think about anything else, believe in the Emperor!
- 1: “The difference between heresy and treachery is ignorance.” – Either way, they will get you, but at least you won’t be considered a heretic.
30 More of Our Favorite Warhammer 40k Quotes
- It’s amazing how much paperwork an act of heroism requires. – Ciaphas Cain
- No pity! No remorse! No fear! – Chaplain Grimaldus
- Let the galaxy burn! – Abaddon the Despoiler
- Kill! Maim! Burn! – Khârn the Betrayer
- The most dangerous weapon is the one no one expects. – Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn
- There is no art more beautiful and diverse as the art of death. – Farseer Macha
- To be a man in such times is to be one amongst untold billions. It is to live in the cruellest and most bloody regime imaginable. – Narrator
- I’m da hand of Gork and Mork, dey sent me to make war! – Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka
- A mind without purpose will wander in dark places. – Ravenor
- Victory is achieved through mettle. Glory is achieved through metal. – Iron Hands Maxim
- A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer. – Rogal Dorn
- They shall be my finest warriors, these men who give of themselves to me. – The Emperor of Mankind
- Suffer not the unclean to live. – Puritan Inquisitor
- I have dug my grave in this place and I will either triumph or I will die! – Commissar Yarrick
- We do not fight for victory, but for the survival of our species. – Farseer Eldrad Ulthran
- By His will alone is Terra kept safe. – Adeptus Custodes Creed
- Ruthlessness is the kindness of the wise. – Lord Solar Macharius
- A small mind is easily filled with faith. – Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor
- Only the insane have strength enough to prosper. Only those who prosper may truly judge what is sane. – Night Lords
- For those who seek perfection, there can be no rest on this side of the grave. – Adeptus Mechanicus Belief
- Beginning reform is beginning a revolution. – Inquisition Teaching
- Success is measured in blood, yours or your enemy´s. – Khorne Worshipper Saying
- The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Imperium. – Ecclesiarchy Saying
- Truth is Subjective. – Inquisition Maxim
- We are the Emperor’s angels of death, not his angels of mercy. – Blood Ravens Devastator Sergeant Avitus
- What I cannot crush with words, I will crush with the tanks of the Imperial Guard! – Lord Commander Solar Macharius
- I fear no evil, for I am fear incarnate! – Chaos Space Marines
- Embrace the Immaterium. – Chaos Sorcerer
- Victory is but a prelude to the next battle. – Space Marine Commander
- The enemy of my enemy is still my enemy. – Ork Units
- Flesh is weak! – Techmarine
Wrapping Up: The Best of Warhammer 40k Quotes
Well, there you have it: 50 of the best quotes from the Warhammer 40k universe! We’ve journeyed through the grim darkness, soaked up some legendary lines, and hopefully sparked a bit of inspiration for your next painting session or tabletop battle.
Whether you chant “The Emperor protects” as you roll your dice or contemplate the cosmic wisdom of “Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment,” these quotes remind us why we love this brutal, epic universe.
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Which of these quotes is your favorite saying from Warhammer 40k?
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures. Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including the Adepticon Team Tournament and American Team Tournaments, and is on a first-name basis with almost every major company in the space.
He’s all gaming all the time. With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. He advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1908s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
