The short answer is – yes, absolutely there are some great free video games set in the immersive Warhammer universe for you to explore!
As an avid gamer and Warhammer fan myself, I‘ve played and enjoyed quite a few of these free titles on both PC and mobile. In this guide, I‘ll give you a comprehensive overview of the best free Warhammer games available as of 2024. I‘ll also provide some tips and insights on getting started with these games as a new player.
Let‘s dive in!
What Is Warhammer?
For those new to the franchise, Warhammer is a popular tabletop war game universe set in dark, gritty fantasy and science fiction settings. It was originally created by Games Workshop in the 1980s. Players collect and paint detailed miniatures, then battle with armies and heroes from iconic Warhammer factions.
The tabletop game requires buying expensive rulebooks and miniatures. This can make Warhammer quite intimidating and costly to dive into as a new hobbyist.
Fortunately, there are lots of Warhammer video games that let you experience the thrilling battles and characters in a much more accessible way. And many of the best Warhammer video games out there are actually free-to-play!
Why Play Free Warhammer Games?
Here are some of the major benefits free Warhammer video games offer:
No Cost Barrier: You can start playing immediately without any upfront purchase. This makes it easy to try out Warhammer and see if you enjoy the universe.
Access Iconic Factions: Free games let you command armies and heroes from famous Warhammer factions. Lead the Space Marines, Imperial Guard, Chaos Daemons, Skaven, and many more iconic groups.
Learn Warhammer Lore: Through gameplay and cutscenes, you‘ll start to learn about the expansive lore, stories, and history behind the Warhammer settings.
gateway to the Hobby: Trying out free games can spark an interest that leads to the physical tabletop. The games serve as an on-ramp to the deeper Warhammer hobby.
Polished Experiences: Many free Warhammer games are full commercial products with high production values. They deliver tight gameplay and impressive cinematic moments.
Now let‘s dive into the specific free Warhammer games worth checking out across PC, iOS, and Android platforms.
Best Free Warhammer Games on PC
The PC platform offers several excellent free-to-play Warhammer titles, especially in the strategy and RPG genres. Here are some of the top picks:
1. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War
Gladius is a stellar 4X strategy game developed by Proxy Studios and published by Slitherine. The game throws you into vicious war for control of the planet Gladius Prime.
You‘ll choose to lead one of four iconic 40k factions, including:
- Space Marines: Super soldiers who are few in number but elite in every regard
- Astra Militarum: The Imperial Guard – vast regiments of ordinary human soldiers
- Orks: Savage alien beings who overwhelm enemies through sheer numbers
- Necrons: Ancient android race with incredibly advanced weaponry and technology
Once you choose your faction, you‘ll start with a headquarters and single unit. From there, you must explore the planet, gather resources, research technologies, build bases and defend them from attack.
Key gameplay elements include:
- 4X gameplay: Expand territorially, exploit resources, exterminate enemies, and excel through research of impactful technologies.
- Asynchronous turns: Battles play out in real-time but you can pause anytime to issue orders.
- Army customization: Recruit and upgrade various units to create effective armies that align with your strategic goals.
- Lore details: Experience environments, weapons, characters, and technologies that authentically align with the 40k universe.
Gladius does an amazing job at capturing the look and feel of the iconic Warhammer 40k setting while also delivering deep and engaging 4X strategy gameplay.
While Gladius normally sells for $39.99, it was made permanently free on the Epic Games Store in March 2022. This means you can now add this acclaimed 40k strategy game to your PC library at no cost!
Release Date: 2018
Developer: Proxy Studios
Platforms: Windows, MacOS
2. Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
For those wanting to experience the dark tech-obsessed nature of the Adeptus Mechanicus faction, Mechanicus is a great pick. This turn-based tactical game puts you in command of a squad of Mechanicus Tech-Priests.
Your objectives are to uncover lost archaeotech and ancient technologies from a derelict Necron tomb world. Gameplay involves navigating gloomy tombs and engaging in tactical turn-based combat against armies of skeletal Necron warriors.
Key elements that make Mechanicus such an atmospheric and engaging 40k experience:
- Strategic use of Canticles: These augmentations buff your soldiers in key ways during combat. Managing Canticles along with action points is crucial.
- Gothic cyberpunk visuals: The art design is incredible at conveying the twisted, ritualistic and arcane nature of the Adeptus Mechanicus faction.
- Compelling story: Uncover the secrets of the tomb world through story cutscenes and bits of environmental narrative.
- Streamlined systems: Approachable game systems make this an ideal intro to turn-based 40k battles for new players.
While Mechanicus sells for $39.99, you can often grab it for free during 1-2 week giveaway periods on the Epic Games Store. Definitely take advantage of the next opportunity you get!
Release Date: 2018
Developer: Bulwark Studios
Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux
3. Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground
Storm Ground is the newest free Warhammer game option on PC. This turn-based strategy title focuses on the fantasy side of Warhammer known as Age of Sigmar. You‘ll choose a faction between the noble Stormcast Eternals and ghastly Nighthaunts.
This game blends turn-based tactical battles with an overhead campaign map. Your heroes gain experience to acquire new abilities while structures produce resources and units. Combat requires thoughtfully maneuvering units to utilize their strengths against enemy weaknesses.
Key reasons Storm Ground stands out:
- Hybrid gameplay: Combines tense, up-close battles with high-level army management.
- Rewarding progression: Levelling up heroes and expanding bases feels impactful.
- Streamlined systems: Easy to pick up but still offers depth for strategy fans.
- Fantasy appeal: Brings the grim setting of Age of Sigmar to life.
Originally $29.99, Storm Ground was made permanently free on Epic Games in September 2022. If you want your free Warhammer fix in a fantasy setting, don‘t miss grabbing this title!
Release Date: 2021
Developer: Gasket Games
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
4. Total War: Warhammer II + Mortal Empires DLC
While not free itself, owning just Total War: Warhammer II grants access to the colossal Mortal Empires DLC for free. This combines content from all Total War: Warhammer games into one giant turn-based strategy and real-time tactics experience.
Mortal Empires lets you wage war across a massive map as one of over a dozen iconic fantasy factions. These include Empire, Dwarfs, Vampire Counts, Greenskins, High Elves, Lizardmen, and more. Each faction has deep strategic mechanics and tactical combat abilities to master.
Reasons Mortal Empires delivers incredible free value:
- Massive scope: A sprawling campaign map with over 250 regions and over 70 playable legendary lords.
- Hundreds of hours of content: Achieving victory with just one faction can easily take over 100 hours.
- Diverse factions: Wide range of fantasy races and playstyles to experience.
- Grand strategy and real-time battles: Proper management of cities, economies, and diplomacy is crucial to fuel tactical battles.
Owning only Total War: Warhammer II (frequently discounted to around $20) provides unlimited access to the Mortal Empires campaign. This means hundreds of hours of epic fantasy warfare free for the taking!
Release Date: 2017 (Mortal Empires DLC: 2017)
Developer: Creative Assembly
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Best Free Warhammer Games on Mobile
Alongside PC, Warhammer video games are also available on iOS and Android mobile devices. Here are some excellent free titles for Warhammer fans on the go:
1. Warhammer 40,000: Freeblade
In Freeblade, you‘ll experience the devastating firepower of an Imperial Knight in cinematic first-person. You play as a lone Freeblade pilot seeking vengeance against the Chaos warbands that destroyed your house.
Gameplay is presented through a first-person perspective from the Knight‘s cockpit. You‘ll blast enemies with rapid-fire weapons and cleave through foes up close with a massive chainsword. Controls are simple but shooting and slashing enemies is very satisfying.
While the campaign is fairly short, it‘s still an epic way to experience piloting a massive Imperial Knight for free on your phone.
Release Date: 2016
Developer: Pixel Toys
Platforms: iOS, Android
2. Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf
Space Wolf lets you command the legendary Space Wolves Chapter of Space Marines against the enemies of humanity. This free mobile game combines turn-based tactical combat with progression systems and base management.
You‘ll assemble deadly squads of space wolf troops, heroes, and vehicles to undertake missions against Chaos, Orks, and more. Heroes can equip looted wargear and bases can be upgraded to unlock better units.
With great art design and tactical depth, Space Wolf is one of the best free intros to the Space Marines on mobile.
Release Date: 2016
Developer: HeroCraft
Platforms: iOS, Android
3. Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realm War
Realm War brings the bloody clashes of the fantasy Age of Sigmar setting to life on mobile devices. You‘ll build armies from factions like the Stormcast Eternals, Nighthaunts, Maggotkin of Nurgle, Fyreslayers and Sylvaneth.
These assembled forces can be taken into PvP duels and co-op PvE challenges. While battles play out automatically, there‘s strategy in army composition, hero equipment, and ability timing. Plus the graphics do a great job at rendering units in the dark Age of Sigmar style.
Realm War is a great way to get your quick fix of fantasy warfare on your phone or tablet for free.
Release Date: 2018
Developer: Roadhouse Games
Platforms: iOS, Android
Upcoming Free Warhammer Games
Beyond what you can play now, there are also some exciting free Warhammer video games on the horizon. Let‘s discuss two major titles worth keeping on your radar:
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
In development by the talented folks at Fatshark, Darktide is a co-op action game set in the gritty 40k universe. It builds upon the melee-focused gameplay of their previous Vermintide titles.
In Darktide, you‘ll team up with friends as agents of the Inquisition descended upon the massive city of Tertium. Your goal is to carry out bloody missions purging hordes of enemies like cultists, mutants, and the forces of Chaos.
Gameplay aims to blend gunplay with visceral melee combat against swarms of foes in tight spaces. Fatshark has proven they can deliver intense and satisfying co-op action in the Vermintide series. Expect Darktide to translate that successful formula into the dark sci-fi universe of Warhammer 40k.
Darktide launches on November 30, 2022 for Xbox Series X/S and PC. The game will also be available for free via Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef
This 2D side-scrolling shooter brings hilarious Ork action in a vibrant Saturday morning cartoon art style. As an Ork, you‘ll blast and smash your way through levels packed with Imperial foes.
There will be plenty of zany Ork weaponry to causally destroy enemies with. Vehicles like jets, tanks, and even flying squigs will make for some ridiculous run ‘n gun gameplay. Expect simple but chaotic fun perfectly fitting the crude Ork mentality.
While an exact release date is still unknown, Shootas, Blood & Teef was announced as a console and PC title coming day one to Xbox Game Pass. This means Ork fans will get access to all the silly TD violence they can handle for free via subscription.
Closing Thoughts on Free Warhammer Games
As you can see, there are tons of great free Warhammer video games available across PC and mobile platforms. Here are some key takeaways:
- Gladius and Mechanicus provide excellent free Warhammer 40k strategy on PC.
- Storm Ground and Mortal Empires offer free fantasy warfare for Total War fans.
- Freeblade, Space Wolf, and Realm War bring gritty battles to your mobile device.
- Upcoming titles like Darktide and Shootas, Blood & Teef are exciting free options on the horizon.
These games let you experience the grim dark universe of Warhammer through thrilling real-time, turn-based, and tactical gameplay without any upfront financial commitment.
I hope this guide gives you a helpful overview of the top free Warhammer games available in 2024. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to provide tips and insight to help new players get into these franchises.
Now grab your chainsword, load your bolter, and get ready to dive into the free games that let you explore the thrilling Warhammer universe. Time to lead your forces to bloody victory against the enemies of your chosen faction!
