Here’s the top ten list of Warhammer 40k board games if you’re looking for alternative ways to get your grim dark fix in 2023!
The vast, tumultuous universe of Warhammer 40k isn’t just reserved for tabletop miniatures. Games Workshop and other collaborators have developed immersive board games over the years that plunge players deep into the grimdark galaxy.
We’ll show you our ten favorite board games, each offering a distinct Warhammer 40k experience. Don’t worry; we also like a few AoS games for fantasy players!
The Ten Best Warhammer 40k & AoS Board Games in 2023
We’ll expand more on each game, but below is a quick reference guide for the best Warhammer 40k and AoS Board Games!
- Space Hulk– let’s be honest, how can Space Hulk not be #1?
- Warhammer Quest Blackstone Fortress– Blackstone Fortress is a really fun game with some of the most iconic minis ever in a board game!
- Warhammer Quest Cursed City– This has some amazing minis inside and even some cool expansions.
- Horus Heresy The Board Game– You can replay the galaxy’s biggest civil war with this great game.
- Warhammer Quest Silver Tower– This is a super fun fantasy adventure that has tons of playability.
- Deathwatch Overkill– The game lets you play as one of the most elite Space Marine Chapters out there.
- 40k Talisman/ Relic– The game draws off the classic Talisman game but with a 40k twist!
- Forbidden Stars– This game is perfect if you want to play a game on a galactic scale.
- Warhammer 40k Risk– If you love Risk and Warhammer, this is a no-brainer!
- Warhammer 40k Monopoly– Do you want to own everything in the galaxy? Then play 40k Monopoly!
Do Warhammer Board Games Come With Miniatures?
Yes, most games feature beautifully detailed miniatures, immersing players further into the 40k or AoS universe.
Are These Board Games Accessible to Those Unfamiliar With the 40k Lore?
Absolutely! While prior knowledge of the 40k universe can enrich the experience, each game is crafted to be inviting for newcomers.
Now, without further ado, let’s crack into this list!
1. Space Hulk (2009)
Traverse the eerie corridors of derelict starships with a squad of Terminator Space Marines. This strategic game pits your squad against the Genestealers, an alien menace lurking within the abandoned vessels. Players are thrust into the claustrophobic corridors of derelict spacecraft, known as Space Hulks, where they control squads of Space Marine Terminators or alien Genestealers.
The game’s tense atmosphere and strategic depth arise from the asymmetrical gameplay – Space Marine players must navigate the labyrinthine ship, completing objectives and battling the Genestealer menace, which their opponent controls.
Space Hulk is one of the games that you could probably get in on the shorter end duration-wise. Honestly, this is just a classic game that you can’t pass it up! If you want to delve into what the grimdark is all about, this game is a great place to start!
2. Warhammer Quest Blackstone Fortress
Unravel the enigmas of the ancient Blackstone Fortress. With a band of explorers, navigate the fortress’s arcane chambers, combating foes and revealing its concealed truths. With a mix of role-playing, combat, and exploration, players assume the roles of diverse characters, each with unique abilities and backgrounds, forming a cohesive team.
The game’s modular board, ever-changing threats, and the enigmatic “Negavolt” event deck create a dynamic and unpredictable gameplay experience, enhancing replay value. The intricate miniatures and immersive narrative detailing the mysteries of the 41st millennium contribute to its captivating allure.
This box comes with some of the best miniatures in a box game! There is a giant variety of Xenos, robots, and so much more. If you love wild minis and a really fun game, this is a no-brainer. In addition, Blackstone Fortress is one of those board games that might take a few sessions to run to completion.
3. Warhammer Quest Cursed City
The cursed city of Ulfenkarn beckons. Assemble a team to face off against hordes of undead, from relentless zombies to sinister vampires, and seek to lift the curse that shrouds the city. This cooperative board game combines strategic combat, exploration, and role-playing elements, allowing players to take on the roles of distinct heroes, each with their own strengths and backstories.
With its intricately designed miniatures, modular board, and evolving challenges, the game offers immersive gameplay that’s both engaging and unpredictable.
The rich lore and atmospheric storytelling delve into the depths of the Mortal Realms, appealing to both dedicated Warhammer fans and newcomers to the franchise. This game has some amazing miniatures, and most even have rules for AoS, meaning you can play both with this set!
4. Horus Heresy The Board Game
Relive the galaxy’s most pivotal event: The Horus Heresy. This game offers a deep dive into the Imperium’s civil war, challenging players to pick a side and determine the galaxy’s fate. Players command legions of troops, deploy iconic heroes and villains, and engage in tactical battles on a grand scale.
The game’s richly detailed miniatures and customizable units bring the tragic lore to life, while the modular board and card-based mechanics provide depth and replayability. Focusing on asymmetrical gameplay, it captures the tension of the Heresy, where one player embodies the treacherous Warmaster Horus and the other, the loyalist Emperor. This creates a gripping narrative as players vie for control of the galaxy’s destiny.
While this doesn’t have a ton of miniatures, it will let you play out the epic battle of the Horus Heresy! This is a must-play for fans of the Warhammer 40k mythos and those seeking an immersive and strategic tabletop experience.
5. Warhammer Quest Silver Tower
Journey into the Silver Tower’s dynamic lair, home to the mysterious Gaunt Summoner. Here, your team of heroes must confront treacherous challenges and adversaries as you strive to unlock the tower’s secrets. This cooperative board game merges immersive storytelling, strategic combat, and exploration as players embody distinct champions with their own skills and motivations.
The intricately sculpted miniatures and modular game board create a visually captivating and dynamic experience. With its blend of fantasy, adventure, and tactical gameplay, Warhammer Quest: Silver Tower offers an engaging and unpredictable journey for both dedicated Warhammer fans and newcomers.
The game’s atmospheric narrative dives into the mystical fabric of the Mortal Realms, making it an enticing choice for those seeking cooperative tabletop excitement with a fantastical twist. For the price, this game has a lot of miniatures with a lot of playability.
6. Deathwatch Overkill
As a member of the elite Deathwatch, your mission is to thwart the Genestealer cults. Collaborate, strategize, and deploy your units to combat this emerging threat. This standalone board game presents an elite squad of Deathwatch Space Marines against the cunning and deadly Genestealer Cult forces on the mining world of Ghosar Quintus. Players command both sides of this fierce conflict, employing strategic planning and tactical mastery in brutal skirmishes.
The game includes highly detailed miniatures representing both Deathwatch Space Marines and the diverse cultists, capturing the essence of the 41st millennium’s brutal combat.
The modular game board and dynamic mission system enhance replayability while the immersive narrative unfolds within the context of the war-torn galaxy. Playing as a crack team of Deathwatch Marines will always be fun, especially when you’re smashing through the Genestealer Cults!
7. 40k Talisman by FFG
Explore the galaxy, forge alliances, and face off against foes in this epic quest for power. The game combines the classic Talisman gameplay with the iconic elements of Warhammer 40k. Players embark on a treacherous journey as various characters, each vying to reach the center of the board and claim ultimate power.
The game’s mechanics incorporate Warhammer 40k races, classes, and weaponry, creating an engaging and thematic experience. The intricate miniatures and richly detailed game board immerse players in the war-torn galaxy while chance and strategy blend to shape the outcome.
Wizkids makes amazing games, and if you love Talisman, this will be a perfect pickup. Even if you never played the game it’s based on, it is really fun and has a ton of playability. The game delivers a unique blend of fantasy adventure and grim sci-fi in a single captivating package.
8. Forbidden Stars
Engage in grand galactic warfare, commanding one of four iconic Warhammer 40k factions. Control the Herakon Cluster, employing strategy, troops, and shrewd tactics. Players assume the roles of different factions, including Space Marines, Chaos Space Marines, Eldar, and Orks, each vying for control of the Herakon Cluster.
This strategic game seamlessly combines area control, combat, and resource management mechanics, offering a dynamic and immersive experience. The game’s modular hexagonal tiles create a constantly evolving battlefield, while the inclusion of iconic units, leaders, and fleets from the Warhammer 40k lore adds a rich layer of thematic depth.
This game is focused on a giant scale, so it doesn’t have minis for normal games of 40k. The game showcases an intricately designed game board complemented by detailed miniatures and event cards that capture the grimdark essence of the universe. With its blend of strategy and tactical warfare, Forbidden Stars delivers an engaging tabletop adventure for both Warhammer enthusiasts and strategy game aficionados.
9. Warhammer 40k Risk
Risk takes on a grimdark flavor. Engage in the classic global domination game, conquering the galaxy one territory at a time. Set in a dystopian future, players command various factions in their quest for galactic dominance. As armies clash across planets, players engage in strategic conquest, resource management, and tactical combat.
The game’s intricately designed miniatures and thematic game board immerse players in the rich lore of the 41st millennium. The inclusion of faction-specific abilities, leaders, and objectives adds depth to the gameplay, while the dynamic balance of power mirrors the sprawling conflicts of the Warhammer universe.
If you’ve played Risk, you know right away what it’s all about, but doing it with 40k units and characters is just so much better! Will you control the world and win the day, or will your supposed friends thwart you?
10. Warhammer 40k Monopoly
Trade, invest, and strategize your way to domination in this unique rendition of Monopoly. Players traverse the grimdark galaxy, navigating the treacherous worlds and iconic locations from the Warhammer lore. This version replaces traditional properties with planets, while railroads become starships, all fitting seamlessly within the 41st millennium’s universe.
Players can choose from an array of factions, each with unique abilities and thematic tokens. The game introduces a new layer of strategy through faction-specific cards and planetary objectives, blending the tactical essence of Warhammer with classic Monopoly mechanics.
Another classic adaptation, but again, far better because it’s 40k! You can own all the property in the grimdark and show off your monetary might, just like the Imperium would.
Are There Expansions For These Games?
Many, like Space Hulk, Cursed City, and 40k Talisman, have expansions introducing new challenges and characters. Always check for available add-ons to expand your gaming experience.
Can I Play Warhammer 40k Board Games Solo?
Some, like Warhammer Quest Blackstone Fortress, have solo-play modes. It’s best to consult the game’s specifics.
The Warhammer 40k galaxy teems with tales of heroism, treachery, and cosmic warfare. Players get a unique lens into the universe’s various facets through these board games. Whether a seasoned 40k enthusiast or a board game aficionado, there’s bound to be a game on this list that captures your imagination.
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How many of these Warhammer 40k and AoS games on the list have you played?
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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 also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), 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 1980s, 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.
