Warhammer Survivors Review: Mindless Action With A Lack Of Grimdark Soul

Warhammer Survivors transplants the addictive loop of Vampire Survivors into the grimdark Warhammer 40,000 universe. The premise is simple: pick a character, mow down endless waves of enemies, and collect upgrades to grow stronger. But beneath its mindless veneer, there's a surprising layer of strategy. Positioning around terrain, timing grenade throws, and prioritizing certain upgrades can make or break a run. One item, vuln oil, initially seemed useless until forced experimentation revealed its true potential after upgrades.

However, the game's design choices can feel exploitative. Treasure chests burst open with slot-machine flair, coins spraying out to triumphant music—a transparent psychological trick to keep you hooked. The passive focus required, akin to driving a car, leaves your brain on but unengaged, leading to a sense of mental atrophy rather than satisfying challenge.

The biggest letdown, though, is the game's flavor. You start as an Ultramarine, the poster boys of 40K, and the writer is tired of their overuse in video games. There's no option for the Horus Heresy era, a missed chance to play as a Salamander on Isstvan V, battling traitor legions. A moment of hope—thinking they'd unlocked beloved character Tarik Torgaddon—was crushed when the name turned out to be Tor Garadon. For a self-proclaimed Horus Heresy fan, this was a bitter pill.

For players, Warhammer Survivors offers a competent survivors-like with a 40K coat of paint, but it struggles to capture the depth of its source material. The repetitive action and manipulative reward systems may wear thin, especially if you're craving a more authentic Warhammer experience.

Would you rather see a Horus Heresy-themed survivors game, or do you think the Ultramarine focus is just fine? Share your thoughts in the comments.