Rank 1: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
- Genre: Strategy
- Release: January 1, 2006 (Anniversary Edition), previously September 20, 2004
- Rating on Steam: 95 % (all) / 92 % (recent)
- Players: Singleplayer, Coop, PvP
- Dawn of War: Anniversary on Steam
The currently best Warhammer game of all time on Steam is Dawn of War, which also got a spot in our list of the best strategy games – despite its age. Similar to Total War: Warhammer, you have a selection of various factions, but in the dystopian sci-fi world of Warhammer 40,000.
Unlike Total War, however, everything in Dawn of War takes place in real-time, similar to StarCraft or Age of Empires. As a follower of chaos, Adepta Sororitas, Dark Eldar, T’au, or one of the many races from Warhammer 40,000, you conquer outposts, train troops, and crush the enemy in single missions and maps.
Despite its age, the last standalone expansion Soulstorm still has over 1,200 players on Steam (via steamcharts). The sequels have all not been as popular as the original; however, there are current speculations that something new is coming for Dawn of War.
Dawn of War is suitable for:
- Strategy fans looking for games in the style of StarCraft with slightly reduced speed
- Players who enjoy having a wide selection of factions in strategy games
- Anyone looking for a balanced combination of base-building and combat in a game
- Gamers who don’t mind slightly outdated graphics
Bonus: PowerWash Simulator
Although this is not an official Warhammer game, the PowerWash Simulator is the highest-rated game when you search for Warhammer on Steam. This is because there is an expansion for the game.
In PowerWash Simulator, you wash all sorts of things with the power of cleaning agents in coop: trains, cruise ships, the teahouse from Alice in Wonderland, or indeed titans, tanks, and ships from Warhammer 40,000. The game itself is 97 % positive on Steam.
Bonus: Gladius, Vermintide 2, and Rogue Trader
Though the base games just missed the top 5, several other Warhammer games still need to be mentioned here, as some of their DLCs and expansions are rated higher than games on our list – but they are not playable on their own.
Gladius is global strategy in the style of Civilization with a focus on combat and a complete lack of diplomacy. What makes it so special is the very accurate representation and feeling of the species from Warhammer 40,000. In the top ratings on Steam, you will find the Adeptus Mechanicus and Adepta Sororitas.
In Vermintide 2, you take on the role of one of the heroes from Warhammer Fantasy just before the world collapses. In the style of Left 4 Dead, you fight through individual missions, ideally in coop, and battle hordes of Skaven, Beastmen, and Chaos worshippers. The free extension “Verminious Dreams” is rated the best.
The role-playing game Warhammer 40,000, Rogue Trader, has impressed players since its release and almost made it onto the list itself. You play as a rogue trader, one of the most powerful citizens of the Imperium, and uncover intrigues and corruption in the Koronus Expanse – with a significant plot twist.
As is typical for role-playing games, you have a sophisticated class and level system, weapons and equipment, as well as various companions, with whom you can even form romances. The first expansion Void Shadow brings even more content and almost made it onto the list with a rating of 91 %.
Even if this list features the best Warhammer games on Steam, they are not necessarily the best when it comes to immersing yourself in the world. If you have nothing to do with Warhammer yet, you will find the 7 best games to get into the world of Warhammer.
