Total War: Warhammer 40k—What to Expect from the Next Dark Chapter in the Series

May 1, 2026: A new “maps and planets” section has been added, highlighting fresh details revealed during the recent Show and Tell livestream.

It’s official: Total War: Warhammer 40k is on the way, and soon we’ll be diving into the Imperium of Man to wage war and claim victory across the galaxy. This has been a long-anticipated crossover, as fans have speculated about this blend of strategy giants for years. Given the success of Total War: Warhammer, this collaboration feels like a natural evolution.

While we don’t have a specific release date yet, there’s plenty of information to unpack from the initial blog post, store page, and insights shared during the developer roundtable and Show and Tell livestream. If you’re keen on Total War: Warhammer 40k, you can add it to your wishlist on Steam.

Currently, there’s no official release date, but Creative Assembly mentioned in a developer Q&A that more details will emerge in 2026, suggesting a release won’t happen until at least 2027. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, marking the first time a Total War title will launch on consoles. Expect to see more gameplay footage in June 2026.

So far, there’s only one trailer for Total War: Warhammer 40k, featuring some cinematic scenes alongside early pre-alpha gameplay. Content creators had a chance to play the game earlier this year, but they’re not yet able to share specifics about their experiences.

Similar to Total War: Warhammer, the 40k version will launch with four factions. Here are the official descriptions from the blog:

You might be wondering, “What about the Chaos Space Marines?” Creative Assembly has confirmed that while they won’t be available at launch, they are definitely part of future plans, along with other iconic factions from the lore. This decision likely stems from the controversy surrounding the first Total War: Warhammer, where Chaos was released as a pre-order DLC faction, frustrating many fans due to their significance in the setting.

In a shift from previous titles, Total War: Warhammer 40k will include the blood and gore options as part of the base game, rather than as a separate DLC, addressing past criticisms.

The recent developer roundtable provided insights into faction dynamics, noting that Space Marines, being an elite faction, will typically deploy smaller units compared to the Orks and Astra Militarum, who will focus on larger infantry formations.

The Aeldari will play quite differently from previous factions, emphasizing advanced technology and utilizing the webway to avoid large-scale battles, reflecting their status as a dwindling race with limited forces.

Set in the grimdark future of the 41st millennium, Total War: Warhammer 40k places players in a universe where the Imperium of Man faces threats from Xenos incursions, while the chaos gods (Khorne, Nurgle, Tzeentch, and Slaanesh) vie for dominance and seek to corrupt everything in their path.

This game is specifically set during the Era Indomitus, following the Fall of Cadia and the subsequent creation of the Cicatrix Maledictum, a galaxy-wide warp storm that isolates planets and fractures the Imperium.

The Primaris Ultramarines, led by their Primarch Roboute Guilliman, embark on the Indomitus Crusade to reclaim humanity’s lost territories, a central theme reflected in the trailer. This chaotic period sees various factions competing for power, making it an ideal backdrop for a Total War experience. The developer livestream confirmed that each campaign will unfold in a “Crusade Theatre,” emphasizing this aspect of gameplay.

Additionally, David Harbour, known for his role in Stranger Things, announced the game at The Game Awards and is set to lend his voice to a character, likely a new Space Marine commander, possibly the white-haired figure seen in the trailer.

The developer roundtable last year revealed a lot about the game mechanics, and the recent Show and Tell livestream added even more details. From what we’ve gathered, it seems we won’t be controlling Roboute Guilliman directly, as Primarchs are essentially demi-gods and might be too powerful for gameplay balance—though it appears Dawn of War 4 may allow players to take on that role.

Instead, we’ll create our own Space Marine Force Commander, customizing both their wargear and chapter.

The recent Show and Tell livestream showcased a planet and some battle maps, unveiling key details about their functionality.