Glory has returned to the Warhammer: 40,000 franchise with the runaway success of Warhammer: Space Marine 2.
On release, the third-person shooter garnered rave reviews. Players engaged in chaos and carnage as the Primaris Marine Titus under the Ultramarines Chapter.
One of Space Marine 2's most significant impacts on its newer audience was an introduction to the Warhammer 40,000 franchise. Interest surged in all things Warhammer 40,000.
Fortunately, a wide selection of games opens the door to these chaotic universes.
1. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
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+ 7Can't get enough of the visceral action in Space Marine 2 and want to experience it up close and personal? From game developer Fatshark, we have Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, a first-person shooter set in the dystopian horrors of Tertium Hive. Classes in the game possess unique skills and traits that each needs to survive and conquer space zombie onslaughts.
Darktide is essentially a first-person version of Space Marine 2. If you enjoy fighting hordes of enemies and the Warhammer: 40,000 universe, this is the game to play. Darktide features the same melee combat the Vermintide series made famous, another game by Fatshark.
2. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
click to enlarge + 7To new players who may not be aware, the Warhammer 40,000 franchise isn't just digital fun; it's also the world's most famous miniature tabletop war game! Staying true to the turn-based gameplay of these tabletop campaigns, Rogue Trader is one of many CRPGs derived from the franchise. And in an industry gradually filling up with exemplary CRPGs, Rogue Trader has a place in the genre's upper echelon.
Described as XCOM: Enemy Unknown, set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, it shares the same gameplay as Firaxis' turn-based tactics alien invasion video game. The game is also an excellent entry point for understanding and immersing yourself in the setting of Warhammer 40,000.
3. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War series
click to enlarge + 7Naturally, a game titled Space Marine would feature the adventures of the titular characters. While Space Marine 2 does an excellent job of introducing the other races at play, you will learn even more about them in the Dawn of War series.
Players can control almost every race in the Warhammer 40,000 franchise. From the silly, gun-wielding Orks to the shambling Necrons, all races want to show their dominance in Dawn of War.
4. Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr
click to enlarge + 7Warhammer 40,000 video games have a distinct atmosphere, as they are stories set in grimdark space fantasy. Players who want to immerse themselves in the desolation and brutality of the 41st millennium can do just that with Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr.
The action RPG has Inquisitors sent out on a mission to clear dangerous infestations in the Caligari Sector under the banner of the Emperor. Wreak havoc against the forces of Chaos, as any of the Inquisitor classes. Along the way, the Inquisitors discover terrifying clues about the hidden history of the cause they serve.
5. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun
click to enlarge + 7Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun takes inspiration from the many first-person shooters of days gone by. Paying homage to the classics like Doom and Quake, Boltgun has the player wear the superpowered armor of Ultramarines Sternguard veteran Malum Caedo. He must survive hordes of Ruinious Forces that are out to kill him. Unfortunately for his enemies, Caedo has a destructive arsenal of weapons to defend himself.
The gameplay is pretty simple for players who want to play in the Warhammer: 40,000 universe. Combine brutality with excellent level design, and you have Boltgun, a game that stands out as a first-person shooter without frills and all kills.
6. Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters
click to enlarge + 7Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters showcases the ferocity of the Grey Knights in the familiar XCOM fashion. These particular knights from a secret chapter of the Ultramarines need to control a plague known as 'Bloom of Nurgle' before it corrupts the entire galaxy.
The Baleful Edict serves as the Grey Knights' vessel as they set out on missions to suppress the feral hordes of the plague's victims.
7. Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2
click to enlarge + 7While it doesn't bear the Warhammer 40,000 name, the Battlefleet Gothic series enriches the franchise lore significantly since it features pivotal space battles much grander than the other games on this list. Think floating alien hives conducting skirmishes against destroyers from the Imperium to expand their influence over the galaxy. This is how epic the Battlefleet Gothic series orchestrates the destruction Warhammer 40,000 video games are known for.
Its most recent iteration, Armada 2, underwent sophisticated changes, improving the franchise's potential for destruction by leaps and bounds. Fans praised the complexity behind the game, but take note: The micromanagement in this game is not for the faint of heart! Master commanding these skills in the game and dominate through strategic superiority!
Space Marine 2 sparked an interest in the Warhammer 40,000 video games that they have deserved for a long time. Following the positive reaction Space Marine 2 received, the audience that wants to explore this grimdark universe filled with carnage just got bigger!
For more articles like this, take a look at our Features , Lists , and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 pages.