From Dawn of War to Deathwatch, check out the five best Warhammer 40k video games that capture the grimdark hobby we all love.
Warhammer 40,000 isn’t just about rolling dice and painting plastic; it’s also been the source of some of the most entertaining video games out there. So whether you’re a die-hard hobbyist or just curious about the factions of Warhammer 40k, these games nail the atmosphere, strategy, and larger-than-life heroics of the setting.
Let’s walk through the five best Warhammer 40k games you can actually play right now.
1. Dawn of War (Definitive Edition)
When you think of the best 40k games, this one usually tops the list. Dawn of War remains one of the best real-time strategy experiences ever made. The Definitive Edition modernizes the original with enhanced visuals, better stability, and quality-of-life updates like 64-bit support.
The magic of Dawn of War lies in its mix of base building, map control, and the sheer personality of its units. From the Orks’ hilarious battle cries to the stoic Space Marines shouting the Emperor’s praises, it feels like the tabletop game comes to life. The expansions (Dark Crusade, especially) only added to its legendary status. If you’re looking for the most iconic entry point into Warhammer video games, this is it.
2. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 1 & 2
Sometimes you don’t want to strategize; you just want to wade into battle with a chainsword in hand. Space Marine delivers exactly that. Playing as Captain Titus, you stomp across battlefields, carving through Orks and Chaos Marines with brutal efficiency.
The game blends third-person shooting with satisfying melee combat, giving you that power fantasy of being a hulking Adeptus Astartes.
It’s one of those rare Warhammer 40k games that captures both the scale of the setting and the personal, up-close brutality of combat. Plus, the follow-up, Space Marine II is also quite amazing!
3. Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
If you’re an XCOM fan, Mechanicus is the title that will hook you. It trades Space Marines for the mysterious Adeptus Mechanicus, giving players control of Tech-Priests and their mechanical cohorts as they face down the Necrons.
What makes this one of the best 40k games is its tactical depth paired with flavor. Every decision feels weighty, whether you’re upgrading your squad with exotic cybernetics or managing resources to keep your explorations going. The soundtrack deserves a special nod, too; it’s dripping with the weird, mechanical vibes you’d expect from a game centered on machine-worshippers.
- Augment - flesh is weak! Upgrade your tech-priests with weapons, support items, servo-skulls and other mechanical augments as you assemble your cohort. Customise your team's disciplines, choosing from multiple character classes to create a squad for every playstyle.
- difficult decisions - Make tough decisions that will forge the future from your ARK mechanic us, the caestus metal I can, and send you towards alternate endings for a truly unique play through. Be warned, however, the more you explore each Tomb, the greater the rewards but also greater the threat.
- unique tactical combat - Engage in immersive strategic combat that will test your mettle under the extreme pressure of the xenos ambush. Access your most powerful weapons and abilities by using cognition points and advance on your enemy without pause. Fear not, the omnissiah favours the brave.
- the library of immersion - A compelling story written by Black library author, Ben counter, specifically crafted to fit the unique personality of the Adeptus mechanic us faction, with each character having their own personalities and Agendas. Feel the tension and Admire the devotion with unique visual effects and breathtaking audio
- English (Subtitle)
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4. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
The grimdark galaxy isn’t all about wars of attrition; it’s also about power, politics, and profit. Rogue Trader dives into this side of 40k, delivering a narrative-driven CRPG full of choices, companions, and rich storytelling.
Developed by Owlcat Games, it’s perfect for players who enjoy the slower pace of a role-playing experience. You’ll guide your dynasty through branching storylines, fight turn-based battles, and make decisions that ripple across entire sectors of space. It’s a refreshing take on the setting that shows there’s more to Warhammer 40k than just endless war, though there’s plenty of that too.
5. Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch – Enhanced Edition
Deathwatch often flies under the radar, but it deserves a spot on this list. This turn-based tactical game puts you in charge of a squad of Space Marines tasked with purging Tyranids. Think of it as a smaller-scale XCOM with that signature Warhammer grit. Some would put Chaos Gate, Space Hulk, or Battlefleet Gothic Armada here instead, but we like this game a lot.
The Enhanced Edition, available on PC and consoles, sharpened the experience with better visuals and smoother gameplay. Missions are quick, tense, and rewarding, making it easy to lose hours customizing your squad and perfecting your strategies.
Coming Soon: Dawn of War IV & Space Marine III
If this list leaves you hungry for more, the future looks bright. Dawn of War IV is returning the franchise to its RTS roots, hopefully blending classic base-building with modern tactical layers (and maybe will take the top spot for the best Warhammer video game). Meanwhile, Space Marine 3 promises to bring back Captain Titus for another round of bolter fire and chainsword carnage.
Both games are shaping up to be must-plays for fans of the Warhammer 40k universe, factions, and armies.
Final Thoughts From Us: Best Warhammer 40k Games
Any of the Warhammer 40k games are at their best when they capture the scale and style of the tabletop. From the tactical brilliance of Mechanicus to the cinematic carnage of Space Marine, these five best 40k games showcase just how versatile the franchise can be in digital form.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to experience your favorite Warhammer or Horus Heresy army outside of painting and dice rolling, this list should give you plenty of options.
See the Dawn of War IV Announcement Here!
