The best Warhammer 40K games to play in 2025 are ones that embrace Games Workshops’ grimdark, far-future setting of the 41st millennium, in all its over-the-top glory. Thankfully, in our current third millennium (also known as the 21st century, for now), there’s no shortage of games to choose from. Warhammer 40K is more popular than ever before, with new games across a wide range of genres releasing every year.
A quick primer for the uninitiated: Warhammer 40K imagines humanity far in the future, and one where mankind’s interstellar empire is held together by duct-tape and sheer willpower, is ruled by a corpse emperor, and is besieged on all sides by terrifying aliens and ancient gods intent on destroying the universe. As the tabletop sourcebook from which Warhammer 40K derives declares, to be a human in this universe is to “live in the cruelest and most bloody regime imaginable.”
With that in mind, Warhammer 40K games are often steeped in blood and misery, though the setting is also known for its black humor and penchant for the absurd. The top Warhammer 40K games walk the line between both, relishing in the bloodshed and tragedy of it all, but also, if we’re being honest, the silliness of it all too.
Whether it’s stomping Tyranids as a super-soldier in games like Space Marine 2, commanding giant spaceships (that happen to look like churches) in Battlefleet Gothic Armada 2, or controlling armies in Dawn of War, there is a great Warhammer 40K game for every type of player, for those willing to take the plunge into one of the most lore-rich and fascinating sci-fi universes of all time. If playing some of these games piques your interest in the setting, check out our Warhammer 40K beginner’s guide for more.
Darktide
- Developer: Fatshark
- Release Date: November 2022
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
- Genre: Co-op shooter
Those who can’t get enough of games like Left 4 Dead (there’s an argument to be made for this being one of the best zombie games of all time) will feel right at home in Darktide, a co-op shooter where a band of misfits are drafted into service and forced to battle their way through the underbelly of a Chaos-infested Hive World. Each of the game’s five classes play fairly differently and have a different set of abilities and weapons at their disposal. While guns do play a part, Darktide’s crunchy melee combat (reminiscent of Fatshark’s Warhammer fantasy game series Vermentide) makes it truly stand out from other similar games in the genre. Darktide also manages to perfectly capture the oppressive atmosphere of the setting in a way few other 40K games do. Combined with Jesper Kyd’s all-timer of a soundtrack, and you’ll be happy to purge heretics for hours at a time.
Dawn of War: Definitive Edition
- Developer: Relic Entertainment
- Release Date: September 2004 (Original), August 2025 (Definitive Edition)
- Platforms: PC
- Genre: Real-time strategy
Despite being released over 20 years ago, Dawn of War is not only one of the definitive Warhammer 40K games out there but still one of the best strategy games out there. While the base game campaign focuses on the Blood Ravens Space Marine chapter, later expansions would introduce campaigns supporting a whole host of other 40K factions, including Necrons, Sisters of Battle, Imperial Guard, T’au, and more. A recent Dawn of War: Definitive Edition, which includes all of the original game’s expansions, brings the beloved RTS into 2025 with improved visuals, updated lighting, support for 4K displays, a HUD optimized for widescreen monitors, and more.
Dawn of War 2
- Developer: Relic Entertainment
- Release Date: February 2009
- Platforms: PC
- Genre: Real-time strategy
Relic Entertainment’s Dawn of War 2 could have been a straightforward sequel to a beloved RTS. Instead, Relic dramatically reimagined the franchise by putting the focus on a small handful of units, powerful hero characters, and RPG-upgrade mechanics complete with a color-coded gear system. While remarkably different from the original Dawn of War, it absolutely works, and those familiar with MOBAs will feel right at home using hero abilities to decimate foes. There’s still plenty of RTS depth as well, with unit positioning, upgrades, and resource management still playing key roles. Dawn of War 2 and its two expansions are also among the best PC games to play in co-op.
Mechanicus
- Developer: Bulwark Studios
- Release Date: November 2018
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, Switch 2, Mac
- Genre: Turn-based strategy
The Adeptus Mechanicus is one of Warhammer 40K’s most fascinating factions–a group dedicated to worshipping and understanding machines–and Mechanicus does a great job of highlighting what makes them unique. A turn-based-tactics game, Mechanicus tasks you with uncovering the secrets of a Necron tomb while upgrading their Tech-Priests with all kinds of mechanical augments and abilities. How to upgrade units, however, isn’t the only decision you will have to make. You will not only have to make smart choices in order to survive intense, turn-based battles, but also decide how to navigate the Necron tomb one mission at a time, with a number of different paths and endings available depending on the paths taken. An upcoming sequel, Mechanicus 2, will make the Necron faction playable, as well as feature the first video game appearance of the dwarf-like Leagues of Votann faction.
Rogue Trader
- Developer: Owlcat Games
- Release Date: December 2023
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Mac
- Genre: CRPG
Few Warhammer 40K games put an emphasis on story or setting, instead opting for blood and spectacle. Rogue Trader manages to do both. A heavily narrative-driven RPG rich with interesting characters and choices as well as a complex tactical combat, Rogue Trader offers an in-depth dive into the 40K universe that is unmatched. The game’s setup of putting you in the role of an extremely privileged and powerful Rogue Trader is a perfect route through which to explore this universe, with an eclectic cast of party members (which even includes several Xenos characters, a rarity for the setting) and big choices that do justice to the galactic scale the setting is known for. While its old-school CRPG gameplay might not be for everyone, it’s still one of the best RPGs of the past few years, and those who want to immerse themselves in this universe will find plenty to love here. It’s currently among the best games available on Game Pass. A spiritual sequel, Dark Heresy, is slated for a 2026 release.
Battlesector
- Developer: Slitherine
- Release Date: July 2021
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
- Genre: Turn-based strategy
Translating the Warhammer 40K tabletop miniatures game into video game form is no small task. Battlesector, however, succeeds, and the result is a bloody, hard-hitting tactics game that is a great gateway into the 40K universe. Its base game is fairly limited in terms of factions, with only two to choose from (and its single-player campaign is solely playable as the Blood Angels), but there are a number of other factions like the Orks, Necrons, T’au, and Sisters of Battle to choose from as DLC. A free update added a Planetary Supremacy conquest-style single-player mode where any faction can be used in a campaign of procedurally generated battles.
Space Marine 2
- Developer: Saber Interactive
- Release Date: September 2024
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
- Genre: Third-person shooter
For those who want to step into giant blue metal boots of Warhammer 40K poster boys the Ultramarines, it doesn’t get better than Space Marine 2. Despite featuring plenty of third-person gunplay, it’s Space Marine 2’s melee combat that steals the show, allowing for well-timed parries and pistol ripostes that make every enemy encounter (particularly when fighting the Tyranids) a joy to fight through. Its campaign can be played in co-op with two other players, and it also features a full suite of both competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes. New updates have been frequent, adding new enemy types, weapons, missions, and more since launch, with a new class for the game’s Operations and Siege modes coming next year. If you want the ultimate Space Marine power fantasy, Space Marine 2 should be at the top of your list, and is one of the best games for PS5.
Boltgun
- Developer: Auroch Digital
- Release Date: May 2023
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, Switch 2
- Genre: First-person shooter
Boltguns, or bolters, are one of the most iconic weapons of the 40K universe (alongside the chainsword). Warhammer 40K: Boltgun is an entire boomer shooter revolving around the favored weapon of the Space Marines, and it certainly delivers on its premise. Its titular Boltgun feels and sounds just as powerful as you’d hope. Combine that with the game’s retro Doom aesthetic and a rocking soundtrack, and Boltgun is a great reminder that sometimes the 40K universe doesn’t have to be all doom (though it can be Doom) and gloom. Sometimes it can just be a rip-roaring, demon-killing good time. A sequel, Boltgun 2, is slated for 2026, and there’s even a typing-game spin-off, Boltgun: Words of Vengeance, you can play for free on PC.
Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters
- Developer: Complex Games
- Release Date: May 2022
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
- Genre: Turn-based strategy
A tactics game where you take command of the mysterious Grey Knight Space Marines, Chaos Gate – Daemon Hunters is an X-COM-like on an epic scale that befits the 40K universe. Entire planets are in danger of Chaos corruption, and it’s up to you to lead a fully customizable team of Grey Knight forces to victory in fast-paced tactical battles. X-COM players will know, however, that the actual tactics part of the game is only half the battle, as you’ll also need to upgrade your base of operations, build facilities, and research new technology in order to gain every advantage against an overwhelming foe.
Inquisitor – Martyr
- Developer: NeocoreGames
- Release Date: June 2018
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
- Genre: ARPG
The first ARPG set in the 40K universe, Inquisitor – Martyr puts you in the shoes of an agent of the powerful Inquisition on a mission to root out heresy in the Caligari Sector. It may not be on the same level of ARPG heavy hitters like Path of Exile, but Inquisitor – Martyr is still one of the best games like Diablo for those just looking to kill some demons, grab some loot, and learn more about the 40K setting. Combat-wise, the game feels quite different from other titles in the genre, largely due to an emphasis on gun-based ranged combat and the inclusion of a cover system. It’s also playable in four-player co-op.
Speed Freeks
- Developer: Caged Element Inc.
- Release Date: May 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Genre: Racing
Racing isn’t exactly what first comes to mind when you picture the grimdark future of the 41st millennium, so you know the franchise’s comedy-relief faction, the Orks, have to be involved somehow (even though they are still pretty horrifying and violent). Orks are a great pick for a 40K spin on Twisted Metal-style vehicle combat, and Speed Freeks delivers on that front, with plenty of high-octane action, explosions, and that signature Ork bravado that makes them so beloved. Even if it’s not one of the best racing games ever, with several different vehicles to choose from and plenty of customizations options (da red ones go fasta), Speed Freeks highlights that yes, 40K can be goofy, but that doesn’t make it any less fun.
Shootas, Blood & Teef
- Developer: Rogueside
- Release Date: October 2022
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, Switch 2
- Genre: 2D Side-scrolling shooter
Shootas, Blood & Teef is a straightforward but nonetheless satisfying run-and-gun adventure that is the most outwardly comical and cartoony game on this list, further proving that 40K doesn’t have to be all serious, all the time. When another Ork steals your hat, you go on a completely reasonable rampage to prove you are the strongest Ork, along the way blasting through Genestealer Cultists, humans, and fellow Orks alike. There’s plenty of dakka to choose from (Ork for excessive firepower) and four unique classes to play as, with options for four player co-op as well. It might not be as grimdark as other games in this setting, but for those looking for a glimpse at the more over-the-top and comical side of the 40K universe, this is a great option.
- Developer: Tindalos Interactive
- Release Date: January 2019
- Platforms: PC
- Genre: Real-time strategy
No sci-fi setting is complete without spaceships, and Battlefleet: Gothic Armada 2 helps to remind fans that yes, there are spaceships in 40K, and yes, they are rad as hell. Commanding a fleet of giant spaceships that look like churches is a novelty that never truly wears off, but if you do get bored, Battlefleet Gothic Armada 2 actually features three single-player campaigns: one for the Tyranids, Necrons, and the Imperium. In multiplayer, the options are even greater, with a total of 12 factions to choose from. While there are plenty of 40K games about commanding armies of soldiers, Battlefleet: Gothic Armada 2 gives you the best look at what space warfare looks like in the 41st millennium, and for that reason alone is worth checking out.
Necromunda: Hired Gun
- Developer: Streum On Studio
- Release Date: May 2021
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
- Genre: First-person shooter
Necromunda is an entire subset of Warhammer 40K, and one that takes place on a massive (and massively corrupt) Hive World of the same name. There are several strategy games that share the Necromunda name, but only one FPS–Necromunda: Hired Gun. A wicked-fast FPS through the underbelly of the 40K universe’s most infamous Hive City, Hired Gun is what happens when you combine elements of some of the best FPS games–like the pace of new Doom games and the parkour and movement of Titanfall–and blend it all together into a Warhammer 40K smoothie. The result definitely isn’t as polished or refined as games from either one of those legendary FPS franchises, but Hired Gun is still a fun time for fans who want to explore the somehow even darker and seedier side of the 40K setting with a cyber mastiff at your side.
