Warhammer Survivors is a survivors-like roguelite action game that places players in control of Warhammer champions against relentless enemy hordes. Developed by Auroch Digital in partnership with poncle, the title blends the bullet heaven formula with pixel-art depictions of the Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer: Age of Sigmar settings. On PS5 it delivers fast-paced runs where automatic attacks clear waves while upgrades shape each attempt.
Gameplay
The core loop follows the survivors format. Players move across arenas while weapons fire automatically at approaching foes. Experience orbs drop from defeated enemies, allowing level-ups that present choices between new weapons, evolutions, and passive upgrades. Builds grow through combinations that turn initial tools into screen-clearing effects, such as evolving a chainsword into wider arcs or pairing bolt weapons with area explosions.
Characters begin with distinct starting weapons and stats. Over 40 options exist across the two universes, including Malum Caedo with his chainsword focus and Neave Blacktalon with her lightning-based approach. No two play identically because each brings unique base abilities and weapon affinities. A companion system lets rescued allies join runs when their associated weapons are selected, adding coordinated fire without direct control.
Power-ups and relics expand options during a run. Paint pots appear as collectables that tie into meta progression, unlocking new character forms and permanent improvements between attempts. Gold collected during survival carries over to strengthen future starts. Stages feature distinct layouts, from open plains to confined corridors, each tied to specific enemy factions and hidden collectables.
Game Modes
Warhammer Survivors structures its content around two distinct universes that function as separate experiences. The Warhammer 40,000 side pits champions against factions such as Tyranids and Orks in environments like abandoned Space Hulks. The Age of Sigmar side focuses on Mortal Realms threats including Skaven, with stages set in realms like the ashen plains of Aqshy.
Each universe maintains its own roster of characters, weapons, and enemy types, creating independent progression tracks and unlock lists. Stages within each universe vary in layout and enemy composition while sharing the same core survival objective. Runs end when health reaches zero, after which collected gold and discoveries feed into long-term unlocks.
Extremis bosses appear in later waves as large, high-threat encounters that demand specific loadouts. These include figures such as Ghazghkull Thraka and the Great Unclean One. Secrets scattered across stages encourage exploration for additional rewards beyond standard survival goals.
Characters and Weapons
The roster draws from both Warhammer universes and emphasizes variety in playstyle. Examples include Sebastian Yarrick for the Imperium side and Stormcast Eternals for the Order side. Each champion starts with signature gear that influences early decisions, while later unlocks expand the pool.
The arsenal exceeds 75 entries, mixing iconic armaments with hobby-inspired items. Standard options cover boltguns, chainswords, and whirlwind axes. Novel additions include exploding D6 dice whose damage varies by roll and pots of Nuln Oil that apply status effects. Evolutions combine base weapons with power-ups to create hybrid effects, such as ranged barrages from melee starters or area denial from projectile origins.
Is It Worth Playing?
Warhammer Survivors targets players who enjoy survivors-style runs and have interest in Warhammer lore. Its affordable price point and availability on Xbox Game Pass at launch lower the barrier for trying the formula. The dual-universe structure and companion mechanics add layers beyond basic horde survival, while the pixel presentation captures key visual elements from the source material.
Those seeking short, repeatable sessions with build experimentation will find the loop engaging. Fans of either Warhammer setting gain extra appeal from recognizable champions, weapons, and factions. A demo is available ahead of the November 10, 2026 release, allowing direct assessment of the pace and content density before purchase.
