The 7 best Warhammer fantasy video games, ranked

Games Workshop’s Warhammer Fantasy setting is a unique beast. The Warhammer Fantasy setting was once something special (dark high fantasy), but then was relaunched. Warhammer Age of Sigmar (hard to explain), and now it seems like they’re bringing proper Warhammer Fantasy back (via Warhammer, The Old World). It’s a little confusing.

Well, it is, and it isn’t. Warhammer Video Games are an excellent way to get into Warhammer Fantasy’s varied and complex world. Most of these games act as gateways to the greater universe. (If you’re more in the mood for grim sci-fi, we also ranked the best video games set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.)

7. Blood Bowl 2

Image: Cyanide Studios/Focus Home Interactive

Take noteBlitz: The League? Blood Bowl is the tabletop game of Blood Bowl. It has elves and orcs. This tabletop game is entertaining and funny, making it a staple in Warhammer Fantasy. If you aren’t familiar with the tabletop game, coming to grips with the dice-based, turn-focused approach to football might never click with you, and that’s OK. It has a strong league mode and multiplayer, however. Blood Bowl 2 is an incredibly fun time for folks who likely already have a soft spot for the universe it’s based in.

Blood Bowl 2It is compatible with Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 as well as Xbox One and Xbox Series X.

6. Warhammer: Chaosbane

Image: Eko Software/Bigben Interactive

The Warhammer Fantasy setting is perfect for a Diablo-like ARPG, and Eko Software and Bigben Interactive’s Warhammer: Chasobane capitalizes. You mean, complete stop. It’s a Diablo game with a fresh coat of Warhammer paint, with a grim atmosphere and lots of squishy, gory combat that makes for a fun, if a bit repetitive, gameplay loop. Warhammer: ChaosbaneAlthough it is quite front-loaded, the opening hours of Warhammer Fantasy are amazing. The loot and Nurgle have more disgusting creatures than usual. Although the high gradually decreases as you progress, it is still a rewarding and satisfying game that truly captures the Gothic beauty of Warhammer Fantasy.

Warhammer: ChaosbaneIt is compatible with Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 as well as Xbox One and Xbox Series X.

5. Mordheim: City of the Damned

Image: Rogue Factor/Focus Home Interactive

Based on the tabletop game that Games Workshop originally released in 1999, Rogue Factor and Focus Home Interactive’s Mordheim: City of the DamnedIt is a bizarre and challenging twist on the XCOM model. Mercenary warbands of all races from all reaches of the Warhammer world have descended upon the city of Mordheim in search of the wyrdstone (a fantasy stone), and that leads to some difficult skirmishes throughout the game’s campaign. It puts the player in a third-person perspective à la Valkyria Chronicles, with permadeath and permanent injuries to make the long game even more difficult. It is dark and moody, with a steep learning curve that can be difficult to grasp.

Mordheim: City of the DamnedThis is compatible with Windows PC and PlayStation 4 as well as Xbox One.

4. Warhammer: Dark Omen

Image by Mindscape/Electronic Arts

Mindscape and Electronic Arts’ Warhammer: Dark OmenThis is the 1998 sequel of another game (the one below). Dark Omen It’s almost like. Total War: WarhammerOn a smaller scale, but still skirmish. Build out your mercenary company’s roster, and enjoy the trappings of the grim but oddly charming Warhammer Fantasy setting. Its take on Games Workshop’s Warhammer Fantasy BattleThe tabletop game has a simple gameplay with melee, ranged and artillery clashes on a variety terrains. You must account for the lines of sight between one target and the next, just as in the tabletop game.

Warhammer: Dark OmenIt is now available for Windows PC via GOG

3. Warhammer Shadow of the Horned Rat

Mindscape Image

Many people prefer this option. Warhammer: Dark Omen Its predecessor. I’m not one of them. It is an amazing game. I love the visuals and real-time strategy it offers in Warhammer. Mindscape created this strategy game from 1995 in a way it can make up for its visual shortcomings with Warhammer Fantasy textures and challenge. The dark and campy cutscenes, as well as the epic battle dialog are all part of the game’s charm. Shadow of the Horned RatWarhammer’s trademark is obvious. The new units allow for innovative tactics Shadow of the Horned Rat’s missions, which take place along a relatively linear path, but optional missions and certain story path decisions make the game feel a bit more unpredictable. Plus, you get to fight the rat-men, Skaven, and orcs — the coolest, weirdest foes in Warhammer Fantasy.

Warhammer Shadow of the Horned RatIt is now available for Windows PC via GOG

2. Warhammer: Vermintide 2

Fatshark

I’m going to say it: Warhammer: Vermintide 2It is Four Dead LeftBut it’s better. Fatshark’s Warhammer: Vermintide 2 This 2018 co-op survival game for hordes is first-person and played in a cooperative setting. It takes place in the End Times, a slow-moving apocalypse that brought about the Age of Sigmar. You can choose your class (I like the Witch Hunter), and begin slicing and smashing your way through Chaos hordes. Although the gameplay is simple it’s incredibly rewarding. From Skaven to Chaos Champions to Beastmen, the variety of enemies is as surprising as the level design — which is only deepened and improved with the wonderful DLC campaigns. The art direction brings out the Warhammer Fantasy’s dark beauty best.

Warhammer: Vermintide 2It is compatible with Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 as well as Xbox One and Xbox Series X.

1. Total War: Warhammer 2

Image: Creative Assembly/Sega

Total War: Warhammer 2,Creative Assembly took the Warhammer Fantasy settings and tabletop battle games and brought them to life. Total War: Warhammer 2The second game takes the great elements of the original game and adds even more. It is a masterpiece of Warhammer Fantasy gaming. Whatever you see on screen, no matter the battle, is wonderfully reminiscent of the tabletop game — detailed, complex environments littered with as many miniatures as possible, duking it out in large-scale warfare. (Total War: Warhammer 3 It is worth mentioning on this list as well, particularly after the recent update. Immortal Empires expansion, but it’s still ironing out its many wrinkles.)

Total War: Warhammer 2It is compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, and Linux.