20 Unforgettable Quotes from the Warhammer 40k Universe

By Rob Baer | April 21st, 2024 | Categories: 40k Lore, 40k News & Articles, Chaos Space Marines, Space Marines, Tabletop Gaming News & Rumors

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.

Here are the 20 best unforgettable quotes from the Warhammer 40k universe – each shedding light on its inhabitants’ complex ideologies, relentless courage, and uncompromising determination.

Echoes of War: 20 Unforgettable Quotes from the Warhammer 40k Universe

Each of these quotes embodies the ethos of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, capturing the setting’s grim, uncompromising, and relentless nature. They also reflect the individual factions’ philosophies and ideologies.

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, 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, just believe in the Emperor!
1: “The difference between heresy and treachery is ignorance.” – Either way, they are going to 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

As we step back from the vast landscape of Warhammer 40k, we carry with us these stirring echoes of a universe locked in unending strife.

These 40k quotes starkly remind us of the grim realities faced by these warriors, their unwavering faith in their causes, and the depths of their courage. They reflect not only the relentless spirit of Warhammer 40k but also the core human qualities that persist, even in a far-flung, fictional dystopian future.

Whether you’re a veteran of countless tabletop games or a curious newcomer to the hobby or lore of Warhammer 40k, these words bring you a taste of the grim darkness of the far future, where there is only war.

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About the Author: Rob Baer

Virginia Restless, Miniature Painter & Cat Dad.
I blame LEGOs. There was something about those little-colored blocks that started it all… Twitter @catdaddymbg