At The Game Awards, Creative Assembly finally revealed a project fans have been whispering about for years: Total War: Warhammer 40,000.
The announcement marks the series’ first jump into a futuristic setting, blending large-scale galactic strategy with real-time battles set in the grim darkness of the 41st Millennium.
The reveal trailer, introduced by actor and Warhammer superfan David Harbour, offered a look at a new character he’ll be playing, the game’s tone, and even a few seconds of early gameplay.
Below is a full breakdown of everything announced, what Creative Assembly confirmed, and what players can expect from this new chapter of Total War.
Everything Announced for Total War: Warhammer 40K
A New Era for Total War
For the first time, Total War is moving away from its historical and fantasy settings to a totally different time line. Creative Assembly referred to the game as a galactic Total War experience, in which you will lead armies, oversee planets, and engage in battles on the scorched worlds of war.
Instead of a single continent, the campaign takes place in the entire star system map, with space systems, fleets, and planetary fortresses.
The developers stated that it is not only a rebranding of the existing ones. Their aim is to create the “best strategy game ever” for the Warhammer 40K universe, which will be further developed over time by adding more factions, heroes, and places.
The Reveal Trailer
The announcement trailer shows:
- Ultramarines clashing with massive Ork hordes
- Aeldari warriors striking from the shadows
- Astra Militarum tanks rolling across destroyed terrain
- A few seconds of pre-alpha gameplay, highlighting large battlefield maps and sci-fi unit interactions
David Harbour also confirmed he will voice a major character, though his role remains secret.
The trailer ends by teasing the scale of battles and a campaign that jumps between planetary warzones and galaxy-wide decisions.
Playable Factions at Launch
Creative Assembly confirmed four factions for release, each built with distinct mechanics, units, and campaign styles:
1. Space Marines
The top-tier soldiers, equipped with heavy armaments and small but very effective forces. They hit hard and with great accuracy.
2. Orks
Always the innumerable hordes carrying the most unreliable guns and the most clumsy but imposing war machines. Their motto is clear: WAAAGH!, and they take it by fighting, pounding, and shouting.
3. Aeldari
Quick, weak, and precise. They make use of psychic powers, guerrilla warfare, and the discovery of their enemies’ weak spots.
4. Astra Militarum
The enormous ground army of mankind. Never-ending lines of infantry backed up by artillery, tanks, and fortified positions.
Moreover, the Creative Assembly has also announced that the iconic factions like the Chaos Space Marines would be introduced eventually.
A Galactic Sandbox Campaign
The campaign is designed around a full star system rather than a traditional map. You can:
- Conquer planets
- Strengthen fleets
- Build and upgrade bases
- Bombard enemy worlds
- Deploy forces to fight real-time battles
If a planet becomes too dangerous, you can unleash apocalyptic weapons and erase it from the campaign entirely.
Army Creation and Customization
Players can either lead known sub-factions or build their own. The game includes:
- Naming your warband
- Choosing armor colors and insignias
- Modifying units with traits, abilities, and specialized
Creative Assembly said they want to capture the “tabletop freedom” of 40K, letting players shape armies that feel personal.
Real-Time Battles With Massive Units
The game retains classic Total War combat but reimagined for the 41st Millennium. Features include:
- Large squads of infantry
- Elite units and veterans
- Walkers and towering war machines
- Aerial strikes, artillery salvos, and destructive beam weapons
- Terrain deformation — blasts leave impact craters and change cover
Reinforcements also play a bigger role, allowing battles to escalate as factions call in backup.
Developer Insight
Game Director Attila Mohacsi shared a message confirming that the team has been dreaming about a 40K Total War entry for years. Many developers are long-time fans of the setting, and the project is a passion piece for them. He also stressed that the reveal is only the beginning — much more gameplay will be shown in 2026.
Additional Details, Platforms, and Future Updates
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Release window: Not announced yet
- Modding: Supported at launch via Steam Workshop; official tools will come later because of the new engine
- No pre-order DLC (bonuses will be announced later)
- Blood and dismemberment will be included without a separate pack
- Next update: A December 16 developer roundtable, with more major reveals returning in Spring 2026
Total War: Warhammer 40K aims to be one of the most ambitious games Creative Assembly has ever made. From planetary invasions to galactic warfare, customizable armies, and massive sci-fi battles, everything about this announcement points to a bold new direction for the franchise.
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