First Total War: Warhammer 40,000 gameplay footage puts Astra Militarum against Orks

The first gameplay reveal for Total War: Warhammer 40,000 has arrived, showing a battle between the Astra Militarum and Orks in a sci-fi adaptation of the classic strategy formula. Polygon reported that the game blends real-time tactical combat with turn-based strategy, introducing cover mechanics, destructible environments, and large-scale battles that are a hallmark of the Total War series.

"The game's visual fidelity may push PC hardware to its limits."

This shift from the fantasy Warhammer setting to the more detailed Warhammer 40,00 universe brings a new aesthetic that Polygon noted could require a powerful PC to run smoothly. The impressive scale and visual detail were highlighted as key features of the footage, though the demanding graphics might pose a challenge for some players.

Polygon described the adaptation as a natural evolution of the Total War formula, moving from feudal armies to futuristic factions while retaining the core loop of turn-based empire management and real-time battles. The choice of Astra Militarum versus Orks in the first reveal sets the stage for the grimdark conflict that defines the 40K lore.

While no release date was announced, the gameplay debut signals that Creative Assembly is forging ahead with the long-requested crossover. Fans of both Total War and Warhammer 40,000 will likely be watching closely to see how the series handles ranged combat, vehicles, and the tactical depth expected from the franchise.