Are All Warhammer Games Connected? Unraveling the Threads of the Warhammer Multiverse
The Warhammer universe, in all its grimdark glory, is vast and often confusing. Spanning multiple game genres, tabletop wargames, novels, and more, it’s natural to wonder: are all Warhammer games connected? The short answer is: it’s complicated. While they share common lore, themes, and often the same pantheon of gods, they primarily exist within distinct, yet related, universes. Warhammer Fantasy Battle (and its successor, Age of Sigmar) and Warhammer 40,000 are the two main settings, connected by the mysterious Warp, but are ultimately separate entities. Games like Vermintide and Total War: Warhammer exist within the Fantasy Battle/Age of Sigmar framework, while Darktide is firmly rooted in the 40,000 universe. Let’s dive deeper.
Understanding the Warhammer Universes
Warhammer Fantasy Battle/Age of Sigmar
This is the setting for games like Total War: Warhammer, Vermintide, and, of course, the tabletop game Warhammer Fantasy Battle (now superseded by Age of Sigmar). It’s a classic high-fantasy world filled with elves, dwarves, orcs (Greenskins), humans, and the forces of Chaos. This universe is characterized by its relatively low-tech level (though magic abounds) and its focus on grand battles between massive armies. Vermintide and Vermintide 2 place players in the midst of this conflict, fighting against the Skaven (rat-men) hordes.
Warhammer 40,000
A far cry from the medieval fantasy setting, Warhammer 40,000 (often shortened to 40k) is a grimdark science fantasy world set in the 41st millennium. Humanity, ruled by the God-Emperor of Mankind, fights a constant war for survival against alien races, daemonic incursions, and internal strife. Games like Darktide, Space Marine, and countless others, explore this universe’s brutal and unforgiving nature. Technological marvels exist alongside psychic powers and daemonic forces, creating a unique and compelling setting. The GamesLearningSociety.org website has great resources for game enthusiasts.
The Warp: The Connecting Thread
While the universes are distinct, they aren’t entirely separate. The Warp, also known as the Immaterium, is a realm of psychic energy and raw emotion. It exists outside of space and time and is the source of psychic powers in both universes. It is often described as a hellish dimension, home to daemons and other entities of Chaos. The Warp is the primary conduit connecting Warhammer Fantasy/Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40,000. Though the precise relationship between the two and the Warp remains somewhat vague and open to interpretation, with some considering it to be an active, direct link, and some considering it to be more thematic.
Implications for Gameplay
The separation (and connection) of these universes has implications for gameplay. While certain elements, like the Chaos Gods (Khorne, Nurgle, Tzeentch, and Slaanesh), appear in both, they manifest differently and influence the respective worlds in unique ways. A Total War: Warhammer campaign feels drastically different from a Darktide mission, reflecting the contrasting settings. Factions, units, and even the style of combat vary significantly between the two main universes.
Thematic Connections and Easter Eggs
Despite the differences, thematic connections and easter eggs abound. Players familiar with one universe will often recognize parallels in the other. The Elves of Warhammer Fantasy share a clear ancestry with the Eldar of 40k, and the Lizardmen’s Slann have similarities to the Old Ones. These connections are intentional, enriching the lore and rewarding dedicated fans. These similarities are meant to be nods towards each other, and that is the extent of the similarities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that can help clarify the connections and differences between the various Warhammer games:
1. Are the Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 universes the same?
No, they are separate universes, but they are linked by the Warp. They share common themes, lore, and the pantheon of Chaos Gods, but the specific histories, technologies, and factions differ significantly. They are often considered different realities, with the Warp providing the only connection.
2. Is Vermintide connected to Warhammer 40,000?
No, Vermintide is set in the Warhammer Fantasy Battle/Age of Sigmar universe, while Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. They are distinct but share thematic similarities and some lore elements. They are not directly connected in terms of plot or characters.
3. Are the Chaos Gods the same in both universes?
Yes, the Chaos Gods (Khorne, Nurgle, Tzeentch, and Slaanesh) exist in both Warhammer Fantasy/Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40,000. However, their influence and manifestation vary depending on the specific universe. They draw power from similar emotions but affect their respective worlds in different ways.
4. Does Earth exist in Warhammer 40,000?
Yes, Earth, referred to as Terra, is the Throneworld of the Imperium of Man in Warhammer 40,000. It is the original homeworld of humanity and the location of the Emperor’s Golden Throne.
5. Can I use models from Age of Sigmar in Warhammer 40,000?
Generally, no. You can use Age of Sigmar models in Warhammer 40,000 if they are part of Chaos factions, since they share the same Chaos deities. However, Warhammer 40,000 models cannot be used in Age of Sigmar, as their technology does not exist in that setting. Always check with local gaming groups or tournament organizers for specific rules.
6. Is Darktide a sequel to Vermintide?
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a spiritual successor to the Warhammer: Vermintide series, developed by the same company, Fatshark. While they share similar gameplay mechanics, they are set in different universes and feature different characters and stories.
7. Is there a creator god in Warhammer?
No, in Warhammer lore, there is no singular creator god. The Chaos Gods are among the earliest and most primordial beings, born from the raw emotions and energies of the Warp. The various gods worshipped by different races are generally considered to be creations of their respective cultures.
8. Can you mix and match Warhammer 40k armies?
You can mix and match Warhammer 40k armies within certain limitations. Generally, all detachments in your army must share a common faction keyword, such as [IMPERIUM] or [CHAOS]. This allows for alliances between different Imperial forces or various Chaos factions, but prevents mixing Imperium and Chaos armies.
9. Should I play Total War: Warhammer games in order?
While not strictly necessary, playing through the Total War: Warhammer series in order can enhance your understanding of the lore and factions. However, Total War: Warhammer III is often recommended as a starting point, as it features a more comprehensive tutorial and a more accessible initial campaign.
10. Do I need all three Total War: Warhammer games installed to play Immortal Empires?
Previously, you needed to own all three Total War: WARHAMMER games to access Immortal Empires. However, Immortal Empires is now available to all WARHAMMER III owners, regardless of whether they own the other titles. Owning the previous games unlocks their respective factions for use in the Immortal Empires campaign.
11. Which Warhammer game is the most popular?
Warhammer 40,000 is generally considered the most popular Warhammer setting. Its grimdark science fantasy aesthetic and rich lore have captivated fans for decades, leading to a vast array of video games, tabletop miniatures, novels, and other media.
12. What is the best Total War: Warhammer game to start with?
Total War: Warhammer III is often considered the best starting point for new players due to its improved tutorial and more accessible campaign. However, Total War: Warhammer II also offers a good experience and can serve as a solid introduction to the series.
13. Can you play Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar together?
Not directly. While both games are miniatures wargames made by Games Workshop, their rulesets, models, and factions are distinct. While you can use some Age of Sigmar models in Warhammer 40,000 if they fit within a Chaos faction, mixing entire armies is not permitted.
14. Is there a multiverse in Warhammer 40k?
Yes, the Warhammer 40,000 universe does contain elements of a multiverse, with various alternate timelines and realities existing within the lore. Many of these alternate universes are centered around pivotal events, such as the Horus Heresy.
15. Why are there no playable Space Marines in Darktide?
The developers of Darktide have stated that playable Space Marines do not fit the game’s design. Darktide focuses on the struggles of ordinary humans fighting against overwhelming odds. Space Marines, being genetically enhanced super-soldiers, would fundamentally change the game’s dynamic and thematic focus.
Final Thoughts
While the Warhammer universes are distinct, they are interwoven by the Warp and share common threads of lore and theme. Whether you’re drawn to the high fantasy of Age of Sigmar or the grimdark science fantasy of Warhammer 40,000, understanding the relationship between these universes can enrich your appreciation of the Warhammer mythos. Exploring these games and stories offers insights into narrative design and world-building, key elements that the Games Learning Society emphasizes in its research and resources. Dive in and discover the interconnected web of conflict and lore that defines the Warhammer universe!