Could Skaven bring chaos to Warhammer 40k- here’s what the sneaky ratmen would add to the grimdark future when they decide to invade.
Will Skaven Ever Invade Warhammer 40k? Fans Are Hungry For Their Favorite Ratmen in the 41st Millennium
Click any of the links below to jump to the info you need the most, or just dig in from the beginning.
- Introduction: The Missing Piece in Warhammer 40k’s Universe
- Understanding the Skaven: Lore, Chaos, and Technology
- Could Skaven Fit Into Warhammer 40k’s Universe?
- Skaven References in Warhammer 40k: Teases and Easter Eggs
- Fan Demands: Why Skaven Deserve a Place in Warhammer 40k
Introduction: The Missing Piece in Warhammer 40k’s Universe
The Great Horned Rat is a Chaos God in AoS
Let’s talk about the elephant-sized rat in the room. For years, fans have marveled at Warhammer 40k’s sheer variety of doom, gloom, and grimdark horror. There are space elves obsessed with sensory overload, Orks with cockney accents and a love for explosions, and literal gods of chaos tearing apart reality. Yet, amid all the gene-splicing, daemon-summoning madness, one group of nasties is conspicuously absent: the Skaven.
If you’ve spent any time in Warhammer Fantasy or its successor, Age of Sigmar, you know who we’re talking about. The Skaven are those conniving, backstabbing ratmen scurrying through filthy tunnels, scheming to gnaw their way to total domination (or, at the very least, each other’s throats). They’re the sort of villains who’d gleefully blow themselves up if it means taking you down too, all while chanting “for the Great Horned Rat!” The fact that they haven’t yet tunneled their way into 40k feels like a glaring oversight.
Fans Want It
Fans have long whispered about what might happen if Skaven made the leap into the far future. After all, they’ve infested nearly every dark corner of Warhammer’s fantasy settings. Their verminous presence is as inescapable as their signature stench. And with Age of Sigmar’s reality-bending realms, it’s not so far-fetched to imagine them gnawing their way into the galaxy. The very idea sends shivers down the spines of lore aficionados and tabletop generals alike.
Think about it. The Skaven’s blend of mad science and raw malice is practically tailor-made for the 40k universe. Warpstone-powered weapons? Check. Cackling leaders plotting betrayal even as they charge into battle? Double check. The potential for catastrophic weapon failures that obliterate friend and foe alike? Well, that’s basically their whole schtick. They could add a chaotic twist to the already bonkers world of 40k, where every other faction takes itself way too seriously.
Why Not Yet?
So why hasn’t Games Workshop made it happen? Maybe they’re keeping this ace up their sleeve for some future reveal, or maybe they just enjoy watching us speculate. Either way, the Skaven remain the most glaringly absent threat in 40k, a filthy force lurking just out of reach, ready to burst from beneath the floorboards at any moment. Whether they ever do remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the galaxy would be a lot more fun (and dangerous) with these ratmen running amok.
Understanding the Skaven: Lore, Chaos, & Technology
The Skaven are a plague on legs, scurrying through the darkest recesses of the Warhammer universes like a particularly determined infestation. But they aren’t just your run-of-the-mill vermin; they come with the added bonus of a society that’s as chaotic as it is cunning, powered by both sorcery and mad science. To understand what makes these ratmen tick, you need to take a closer look at their roots, their bizarre culture, and the unholy forces they worship.
Origins of the Skaven in Warhammer Fantasy and Age of Sigmar
The Skaven first gnawed their way into the Warhammer Fantasy setting as the ultimate subterranean menace. They’re a race of twisted, man-sized rats driven by equal parts paranoia, hunger, and a fanatical devotion to their god, the Great Horned Rat. This malevolent deity is as much a reflection of the Skaven as he is their creator—a creature of pure spite, greed, and endless scheming. The Skaven’s capital, Skavenblight, is the perfect embodiment of their nature: a sprawling, disease-ridden cesspit filled with tunnels, traps, and all manner of vile experiments.
In Warhammer Fantasy, the Skaven were infamous for tunneling beneath cities, unleashing hordes of shrieking ratmen on unsuspecting foes. When the Old World blew itself to smithereens during the End Times, the Skaven hardly missed a beat. Now, in the Age of Sigmar, they’ve spread even further, carving out their territory in the Mortal Realms. Their ability to warp reality through twisted machinery and sorcery makes them a persistent threat no matter where (or when) you find yourself.
At the heart of all their schemes and madness lies Warpstone—a radioactive, green-hued mineral that’s basically concentrated Chaos in crystalline form. Warpstone is the Skaven’s lifeblood; they use it to power their insane inventions, corrupt their own bodies, and fuel their dark magic. It’s volatile, highly addictive, and generally the worst possible thing to base an entire civilization on—so naturally, the Skaven can’t get enough of it.
Key Traits and Characteristics of the Skaven
If there’s one thing the Skaven excels at, it’s self-sabotage. Their society is built on backstabbing, betrayal, and a rigid hierarchy where the weak are eaten—sometimes literally. The Skaven are driven by an endless hunger for power, wealth, and, above all, survival. But this desperation is also their downfall; they’re so consumed by infighting that they often end up undermining their own schemes.
Yet, for all their treachery and cowardice, the Skaven are far from harmless. They possess a dangerous mix of cunning and unpredictability. On the one hand, they’re laughably craven, prone to fleeing at the first sign of trouble. On the other, they wield some of the deadliest (and most unreliable) technology in the Warhammer universe, ranging from giant lightning cannons to plague-ridden gas bombs. Their weapons are as likely to blow up in their own faces as they are to devastate their enemies, but that’s just part of the Skaven charm.
The Role of the Great Horned Rat in Age of Sigmar
In the Age of Sigmar, the Great Horned Rat has leveled up, securing a place as one of the major Chaos gods alongside heavyweights like Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, and Slaanesh. This wasn’t just a promotion—it was a sign of the Skaven’s resilience and ambition. The Horned Rat embodies everything Skaven society stands for: deceit, greed, and the relentless pursuit of domination, even if it means betraying your closest allies.
Unlike the other Chaos gods, who have distinct realms and armies, the Great Horned Rat is constantly scheming from the shadows, pulling strings and setting his minions against each other in endless power plays. It’s a fitting role for a god whose followers thrive on paranoia and treachery. His rise to divinity is a testament to the Skaven’s ability to turn their own flaws—fear, greed, and mistrust—into a twisted kind of strength.
Could Skaven Fit Into Warhammer 40k’s Universe?
The Skaven are like that one guest who crashes every party, even the ones they’re not invited to. From the dank underbelly of Warhammer Fantasy to the multi-realm madness of Age of Sigmar, these ratmen have gnawed their way into every corner of the setting. But when it comes to the far future of Warhammer 40k, these sneaky, scheming vermin are conspicuously absent. Let’s face it—if there’s any faction chaotic enough, paranoid enough, and just plain weird enough to thrive in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, it’s the Skaven. So, how exactly could they fit into Warhammer 40k’s universe? Let’s scratch beneath the surface.
Similarities Between Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40k Lore
The connections between Warhammer Fantasy and 40k have always been there, even if Games Workshop tries to act like they’re separate. Sure, the timelines and settings are officially distinct, but the Chaos gods don’t seem to care. Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, and Slaanesh are the same bloodthirsty, scheming, plague-spreading, pleasure-seeking troublemakers across both universes. The Great Horned Rat might be the new kid at the Chaos table, but his presence in Age of Sigmar opens the door for some interesting possibilities in 40k.
There’s also a sneaky history of Skaven-like creatures lurking in 40k’s shadows. Remember the Hrud? Back in the day, these creepy, rat-tailed scavengers were introduced as a potential nod to the Skaven. They lived in underground warrens, relied on unreliable technology, and shared that same greasy survival instinct that makes the Skaven so infamous. Over time, the Hrud evolved into something more insectoid and less ratty, but the parallels are hard to miss.
Even outside of the Hrud, there’s always been a hint of Skaven-like chaos in 40k. Whether it’s malfunctioning Ork tech, the warp-infused madness of Chaos, or the sheer unpredictability of Tyranids, the ingredients for a Skaven infestation are already baked into the setting. The difference is that the Skaven would bring their own brand of backstabbing, self-destructive charm to the mix, and that’s something 40k could use a bit more of.
Mechanics: How Skaven Could Function in 40k
Imagine a Skaven army in Warhammer 40k. Now, imagine that army is a chaotic horde of shrieking, rat-headed lunatics wielding barely-functional weapons that are just as likely to blow up their own lines as their enemies. Sound familiar? It’s basically Orks, right? Well, yes and no. Where Orks lean into the “brutal but kunnin’” vibe, Skaven would be more about cowardice and betrayal. Picture this: units that flee at the first sign of trouble, but then regroup and launch a sneak attack from behind your own troops. Their tech would be a hilarious mix of genius and disaster, with weapons powered by Warpstone that could either vaporize an enemy tank or implode in a green flash.
In many ways, they’d straddle the line between Orks, Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard), and Tyranids. Like the Guard, they’d be numerous, poorly armored, and easy to kill. Like the Orks, they’d rely on sheer numbers, mad science, and volatile weapons. And like the Tyranids, they’d be swarming in from every angle, but with more backstabbing and fewer alien hive minds.
Why Skaven Would Add Value to Warhammer 40k
Warhammer 40k’s universe is many things: dark, brutal, and full of grim seriousness. But it’s also a setting that thrives on absurdity. Adding Skaven to the mix would inject a dose of humor and unpredictability that’s often missing from the current factions. Sure, you’ve got the slapstick insanity of the Orks and the creepy crawliness of the Tyranids, but the Skaven would bring something entirely unique: a narrative driven by paranoia, double-crossing, and wildly unpredictable outcomes.
Imagine the storytelling potential: battles where half the Skaven army blows itself up, but the survivors somehow snatch victory from the jaws of defeat—or vice versa. Entire campaigns could be built around Skaven tunneling under hive cities, only to have their own plans undone by internal treachery. They’re the perfect embodiment of chaotic evil in its most comedic form, with just enough menace to make them a serious threat.
Skaven References in Warhammer 40k: Teases & Easter Eggs
Hrud is in the bottom left.
The Skaven have scurried their way into the hearts of Warhammer fans for decades, and even though they’ve never officially made the jump to 40k, there are plenty of hints and winks that suggest they’ve tried to tunnel through. From subtle lore references to fan-fueled conspiracy theories, the idea of Skaven in Warhammer 40k has long been an itch that Games Workshop just won’t fully scratch. Let’s take a closer look at where these ratty references show up and why the fanbase is itching for more.
Early References: The Hrud and Rodotoxin
Back in the wild west days of early Warhammer 40k, when lore was still getting its legs under it, there was a shadowy race known as the Hrud. Described as a mysterious, subterranean species with rat-like qualities, the Hrud were immediately pegged by fans as 40k’s answer to the Skaven. They lived in underground warrens, they were known for scavenging, and their descriptions included wiry tails and hunched forms. Sound familiar? It’s like Games Workshop dangled the idea of space rats in front of fans, only to pull them away at the last minute.
As the years rolled on, the Hrud started evolving into something more alien and less Skaven-like, with newer depictions painting them as time-distorting, cloaked figures more reminiscent of insectoids than rodents. Still, those early hints have left fans wondering what could have been if the Hrud had fully embraced their ratty origins.
Then there’s the Warhammer 40,000: Compendium from 1989, which casually dropped a reference to “Rodotoxin”—a poison specifically described as being used against Skaven. This Easter egg is the closest we’ve come to official recognition that the Skaven exist (or once existed) in the 40k universe. It’s a tantalizing breadcrumb, but it’s one that’s been left dangling for over three decades.
Recent Teases and Lore Updates
For those paying close attention, there have been some more modern nods to Skaven in 40k lore. In the Horus Heresy series, there’s a mention of a lesser Chaos god named Kweethul, who just so happens to share a name with a notorious Skaven character from Warhammer Fantasy. Kweethul’s brief cameo in the 40k setting feels like a knowing wink to fans still holding out hope for a Skaven infestation.
Then there are the Hammer and Bolter episodes that briefly dip into stories involving rat-like creatures. While never explicitly called Skaven, the similarities are enough to get fans speculating. Add in the occasional rat-themed Easter egg in 40k-related media, and it’s clear that the idea of Skaven infiltrating the 41st millennium is one Games Workshop enjoys teasing.
Luckily, Mantic has some pretty amazing rats that you could use in 40k as anything you want!
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They are perfect for anyone looking to kick off a Veer-myn army (or a proxy 40k Skaven army) or beef up their existing swarm to overrun enemy cities and infest starships with a whole lot of rodent chaos!
Fan Demands: Why Skaven Deserves a Place in Warhammer 40k
Community Enthusiasm and Popularity
The Skaven have a cult following that’s grown even more rabid thanks to their starring role in games like Vermintide. These ratmen are beloved not just for their chaotic nature, but for the sheer hilarity they bring to the battlefield. With their unstable technology and penchant for backstabbing, they’ve become icons of Warhammer’s dark humor. The recent release of the Skaventide box set for Age of Sigmar only fanned the flames, reminding fans that the Skaven remains a central (and popular) part of the Warhammer franchise.
Given their enduring popularity in Age of Sigmar, it’s no wonder fans have been clamoring for a Skaven debut in 40k. Whether it’s in lore or on the tabletop, there’s a vocal section of the community that wants to see the ratmen gnaw their way into the future. The fan theories, forum debates, and YouTube speculation videos all point to one thing: there’s a Skaven-shaped hole in 40k that needs filling.
The Fun Factor: Skaven as a Narrative Machine
Why do so many fans want Skaven in 40k? For one, they’d bring a unique flavor of chaos that’s both tragic and absurd. The Skaven are masters of irony—they’re a faction whose self-destructive tendencies are as likely to ruin their own plans as their enemies’. Imagine the narrative possibilities: armies accidentally blowing themselves up, schemes falling apart due to betrayals mid-battle, and that one lucky rat who survives against all odds, only to die tripping over his own tail.
The speculative discussions are endless. Fans have proposed everything from Skaven infiltrating Space Hulks to them being a lost warp-infected race hiding in the depths of the galaxy. The potential for hilarious (and terrifying) storylines is huge, and it’s exactly why so many are hoping that, one day, we’ll finally get to see these sneaky rodents scratching around the grim darkness of the far future.
Conclusion: Will Games Workshop Ever Bring Skaven to 40k?
It’s the question that’s gnawed at the minds of Warhammer fans for years: Will Games Workshop ever take the plunge and bring the Skaven into Warhammer 40k? It’s not hard to see why people want these ratmen in the grimdark future. The Skaven are an absolute riot of treachery, chaos, and mad science. They’d fit right into 40k with their blend of backstabbing politics, insane technology, and an all-consuming urge to ruin everyone’s day—including their own.
The fan demand is clear. Across forums, YouTube channels, and social media, the desire for 40k Skaven is real, and it’s persistent. Whether it’s theories about warp-tunneling rats or dreams of a horde army filled with unreliable death machines, the community has put forward endless reasons why they should make the jump from Age of Sigmar to 40k.
But, as with all things Warhammer, there are obstacles. For starters, 40k already has a roster bursting with factions, and adding another horde army might feel redundant. Orks, Tyranids, and the Astra Militarum already fill that niche in different ways. Still, the Skaven would bring their own brand of chaos—equal parts slapstick and menace—that could carve out a unique identity on the tabletop.
The biggest hurdle, though, is whether Games Workshop even wants to go there. The company has been teasing Skaven-like elements in 40k for years without fully committing. Maybe they’re saving it for a big reveal someday, or maybe they’re content to let the fans keep dreaming (and debating) for the foreseeable future. Whatever the case, it’s clear that the Skaven are a beloved part of the Warhammer universe, and their absence from 40k feels like a missed opportunity for both narrative chaos and gameplay hijinks.
So, will Games Workshop ever bring Skaven to 40k? The answer remains a frustrating “maybe.” For now, the ratmen stay confined to their tunnels in Age of Sigmar, but the door remains ajar, just enough for fans to keep hoping. After all, if there’s one thing the Skaven excel at, it’s waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
All the Latest Warhammer Rules & Model Rumors
What do you think about Skaven coming to Warhammer 40k, and how would you like to see their rules play?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
