'Total War: Warhammer 40,000': Release window, gameplay, factions & everything else we know about this upcoming grimdark sci-fi strategy game

June 2, 2026 - 22:16

Creative Assembly is taking its signature blend of grand strategy and real-time battles beyond the fantasy realm and into the far future. Following the massive success of the Total War: Warhammer trilogy, the studio has officially announced a new title set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Here is everything we know so far about this highly anticipated shift into sci-fi.

The game is currently in development, with a release window targeting late 2025 or early 2026. Unlike the fantasy setting, this entry will replace traditional melee lines with ranged firepower, armored vehicles, and devastating psychic abilities. The core loop remains the same: manage an empire on a turn-based campaign map, then zoom in for massive real-time battles. However, the scale is expected to be even larger, with units like Space Marines, Ork Boyz, and Necron Warriors clashing across ruined cityscapes and alien worlds.

Confirmed factions include the Imperium of Man, represented by the iconic Space Marines and Astra Militarum, alongside the chaotic Orks and the ancient, undying Necrons. Leaks and rumors suggest that the Tyranids and Chaos Space Marines will also appear, possibly as pre-order or launch content. Each faction will have unique mechanics, such as the Orks' Waaagh! meter or the Necrons' reanimation protocols.

The biggest change is the inclusion of air units and artillery as standard battlefield elements, something the fantasy trilogy only touched on. Siege battles will also be reworked to reflect 40K's emphasis on fortified bunkers and void shields. Creative Assembly has promised a "gritty, authentic" tone, leaning into the dark humor and brutality of the setting.

No specific price or platform details have been confirmed, but a PC release is guaranteed, with console versions likely following later. For now, fans can expect more reveals in mid-2025, including a full gameplay trailer. The grimdark future is finally getting the Total War treatment, and it looks worth the wait.