The first ever Warhammer roguelike isn't what I expected, but now it seems obvious

There's one major problem with most Warhammer videogames. In fact, it's an issue that extends to the tabletop as well. None display the true power fantasy of the lore. A lone Space Marine should be able to defeat an opposing force armed only with a Bolt Pistol and the guidance of the Emperor. These are superhuman creatures bred for the sole purpose of war, and the myriad novels detailing the 41st millennium show just how brutal, how powerful, they are. In a game, that doesn't make sense. You need jeopardy as well as agency. Space Marine 2 has come closest to matching this so far, but Warhammer Survivors, looks set to turn the power up to 11.

Warhammer Survivors is, as you might have guessed, a Vampire Survivors-like. But it's not just a copycat, Warhammer 40k Boltgun developer Auroch Digital is working alongside Vampire Survivors' very own Poncle to bring this game to life. It's not the Warhammer game that I expected to land in my inbox, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.

Firstly, this marks the first ever Warhammer roguelike by my reckoning. That the hugely popular genre is as yet unexplored by the Space Marines (or any other Warhammer faction for that matter) is surprising. But a Survivors-like? This will see Malum Caedo brutalize a bazillion Tyranids every round, just like the Space Marines of the lore.

However, Warhammer Survivors goes a step further. As well as adding two further characters for the 40k mode - Cadian Shock Trooper Kozlowski and Space Marine Intercessor Brother Luca - you can switch the Tyranids for Skaven and play as a host of Age of Sigmar characters. Neave Blacktalon off the telly is joined by none other than Gotrek Gurnisson (of Felix fame) and Stormcast Vanquisher Sharynn Azurwrath.

Warhammer Survivors promises an array of weapons, fun easter eggs (the pot of Nuln Oil in particular brings a smile to my face), and that bullet hell action that the genre embraces. Whether you prefer Chainsword or Greatsword, this official collaboration could be your next favorite game.

Warhammer Survivors will release in 2026. You can wishlist it on Steam here.

If you can't wait until then, check out our list of the best Warhammer 40k games for more grimdark adventures. If this has you in the mood for some Vampiric activity, our Vampire Survivors weapon evolution guide will get you back into the game in no time.