Step into the Shadows: New Warhammer Game Features Skaven Assassin in Stealth-Action Adventure

The Warhammer universe has seen a multitude of video games, predominantly set in the iconic futuristic realm of Warhammer 40,000. However, fans of the classic fantasy elements from Warhammer Old World or the revamped Age of Sigmar have had limited options. The latest title, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, launched in 2023 but received a mixed response. Fortunately, a new adventure is on the horizon with Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Deathmaster, promising a fresh experience.

Revealed at the recent Warhammer Skulls event, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Deathmaster is an upcoming 2D side-scrolling action platformer crafted by Old Skull Games, known for Valiant Hearts: Coming Home, and set to release in 2027. Players will step into the shoes of Vihneek, a Skaven assassin from the Eshin clan, as he embarks on a bloody quest to ascend to the title of Deathmaster.

Longtime fans of Warhammer are likely buzzing at the prospect of the first dedicated Skaven game. In the rich lore created by Games Workshop, Skaven are treacherous humanoid rats who revere a demon known as the Great Horned Rat. In combat, they typically rely on overwhelming numbers and cunning tactics. Deathmaster will emphasize the latter, offering stealth-driven gameplay and a compelling narrative.

According to the official announcement, players will be able to “Set traps, exploit your surroundings and outwit enemies as you ruthlessly carve your fate through the darkest corners of the Skaven world. Slink past threats undetected while devising cunning plans, savagely slaughtering any Skaven who foolishly stands in your way, from cowering dregs to towering rat ogors.”

Stealth will be a key component of the gameplay. Design manager Marco Mele shared in an interview that players can choose to clear sections without resorting to killing. “We wanted to make players feel like a predator or a bird of prey,” Mele explained. “You can eliminate your targets or choose to go unnoticed. We give players the freedom to decide how they want to handle enemies.”

To support this gameplay style, the level design will be intricately crafted, contributing to the storytelling. “We strongly believe that the environment tells something about the place, the people that live there or lived there before,” Mele noted. “The art team has focused heavily on these elements to ensure they reflect the story while also facilitating stealth mechanics.”

Mele and game director Andreas Bonnardel emphasized the significance of storytelling in Deathmaster, given the extensive lore of the Warhammer universe. “We communicate directly with Games Workshop,” Bonnardel stated. “We take the time to read the Battle Tomes and understand the rules. We’re fortunate to have many Warhammer fans on the team as well.”

Deathmaster will also introduce new lore to the Age of Sigmar universe, featuring a new Eshin clan.

The Warhammer games draw inspiration from the tabletop wargames created by Games Workshop. In the traditional Warhammer world, known as The Old World, the Skaven faction is divided into four Great Clans (Eshin, Pestilens, Moulder, and Skyrie), each specializing in different warfare aspects. In the Age of Sigmar setting, which unfolds after a cataclysmic war that scattered the original Warhammer world’s inhabitants across various planets, each Great Clan has given rise to numerous subclans. In Deathmaster, Vihneek will ascend through his clan by employing cunning and cruelty, with gameplay reflecting this progression as new abilities unlock with each rank.

Skaven are among the most beloved factions in Warhammer. Created by Jes Goodwin, who shaped their visual identity and initial lore, Skaven have always been entertaining to play due to their unpredictable nature and dual-edged rules. Their machinery can wreak havoc on the battlefield or malfunction at the worst possible moment. Their numbers seem endless, but without a leader, they can scatter in an instant. Their lore is rich and detailed, portraying a complex society where only the strongest and smartest survive.

The team at Old Skull Games recognizes the importance of maintaining this strong identity for the game’s success. Fans can be reassured that the project is in capable hands. With 25 years of Warhammer experience, Bonnardel even corrected some of my unit and character name missteps, reminding me of the intricacies of the lore.

Stealth-focused side-scrolling games are a rarity, and one of the major inspirations for Deathmaster is Mark of the Ninja, alongside Unravel for its puzzle-platforming elements.

“A lot of people will likely focus on the stealth aspect of the game,” Mele remarked. “But we don’t want it to be seen solely as a stealth experience; it’s a blend of action platforming and stealth mechanics. More than anything, Deathmaster is a journey. You’ll traverse various environments, engaging in action platforming, while also encountering situations that require stealth.”

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Deathmaster is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X in 2027.