Necromunda: Underhive Wars stands out as a turn-based tactical RPG set in the grim Warhammer 40,000 universe, where players command gangs battling for dominance in the shadowy depths of a polluted hive city.
Gameplay
In this tactical RPG, you take charge of a gang, customizing and developing its members through specialization. Each fighter gains new skills and equipment as you progress, allowing for strategic depth in combat. Battles unfold in dystopian environments where terrain plays a key role; you can climb elevated walkways for better positioning, set traps to hinder enemies, or launch ambushes that lead to intense melee clashes. The system blends movement points with action points, enabling free third-person movement rather than strict grid-based navigation, which adds flexibility to your tactics during gunfights and close-quarters fights.
Progression feels persistent, as your gang evolves over time with looted gear and honed abilities, rewarding careful planning and adaptation to the hazardous underhive settings. Combat requires balancing ranged attacks with the risks of getting up close, making every decision count in these high-stakes encounters.
Game Modes
The game offers a narrative campaign that draws you into the underhive's lore, where you guide your gang through a story-driven series of missions focused on survival and rivalry. This single-player experience builds on tactical challenges and gang management.
For multiplayer, you can jump into 4-player online gang fights, pitting your customized team against others in competitive battles. These modes emphasize persistent gameplay, where your gang's development carries over, creating ongoing rivalries and strategic matchups.
Factions and Mechanics
Three core factions define the starting choices: Escher, known for agility and chemical prowess; Goliath, emphasizing brute strength and resilience; and Orlock, focused on industrial might and firepower. Each faction brings unique traits that influence how you build and fight with your gang.
Key mechanics revolve around exploiting the vertical and cluttered environments of the underhive. You manage resources like action points to execute moves, while looting defeated enemies provides gear upgrades. The tactical layer includes overwatch setups and morale effects, adding tension to every skirmish.
Is It Worth Playing?
With mixed player reception, including 55 percent positive reviews from over 2,000 English-language assessments on platforms, the game appeals to fans of tactical RPGs who enjoy deep customization and Warhammer lore. However, issues like occasional glitches, slow pacing, and AI inconsistencies have been noted, which might frustrate those seeking polished experiences.
If you prefer strategic depth in a dystopian setting and can overlook some technical rough edges, it offers solid value for solo campaigns or online clashes. For newcomers to the genre, the learning curve and persistent progression make it a commitment, but dedicated players find the gang-building rewarding despite the flaws.
