Total War: Warhammer 40,000 will be released with four distinct factions: Space Marines, Orks, Astra Militarum, and Aeldari. While there are plenty more names like Death Guard, Necrons, and even Black Templars, they won’t just yet. However, Creative Assembly has mentioned (via IGN) that they’ll add every faction throughout the years, and that’s a promise.
With that said, you’re getting into the Warhammer universe for the first time, and the lore seems jarring. We’ve explained all for the four factions arriving with the launch of Total War: Warhammer 40,000.
1. Space Marines
Image Credit: Focus Entertainment
Image Credit: Focus Entertainment
Image Credit: Focus Entertainment
Image Credit: Focus Entertainment
Image Credit: Focus Entertainment
In the distant future of the year 40000, humanity lives in a grim darkness, and the Space Marines or Adeptus Astartes are a beacon of hope. Each warrior has been genetically engineered to become a warrior and is meant to serve the Emperor with unwavering loyalty.
In Total War: Warhammer 40,000, the Space Marines aren’t just soldiers built for war; they are symbols of Imperial might and faith, respected by the common men and women of the Astra Militarum who wage war alongside them across countless battlefronts.
And the Space Marines are one of the best factions known for their methodical and precise approach to their missions. Wherever they step in, even hopeless battles turn into miracles, which is why they’re still highly regarded. Furthermore, the Space Marines are immune to plague or any kind of natural disease that could kill any normal human being.
However, other factions in Total War: Warhammer 40,000 aren’t very fond of the Space Marines, like the Orks, because of their brutal treatment of their race. On the other hand, the Aeldari just see them as children who are aware of what is happening and jump into battle.
The Astartes, also known as Space Marines, embody decisive force and unshakeable conviction. They are often surrounded by allies who are not quite comrades and enemies who never truly die. Their reason to fight is not for glory, but to seek peace in the war-torn galaxy of the 41st Millennium.
2. Orks
These hordes of mindless beings won’t stop coming. | Image Credit: SEGA
The Space Marines aren’t the only biologically engineered species in the war-torn galaxy of Total War: Warhammer 40,000, because Orks are one of them. The xenos species is known for its iconic green skin and has features of both animals and fungi.
The Orks often fight on with crude technology, ramshackle vehicles, and roaring war machines. While they lack in intelligence, their sheer self-belief drives them, at least that’s how the infamous “Ork science” works. If enough of them believe it works, it probably will.
In this world, the Orks are not seen as allies by anyone because they’re seen to be barbaric and crude. Yet they happen to be the most widespread intelligent species that can be found around the galaxy. But not every Ork is brutal, because there are merciful ones. Alas, their lives are often short-lived.
While the Orks are seen to be the enemies of the galaxy, their history of warring has been internal as well. The goal of the Orks has been to wage wars until the strongest survives; the one to win would unite the tribe for a better cause.
In Total War: Warhammer 40,000, Orks are a test of endurance and honor, an enemy that returns repeatedly, demanding ceaseless vigilance. Some Ork warbosses even remember particular Space Marine foes, treating them as worthy rivals in the chaotic conquest.
3. Astra Militarum
Take pride in sacrifice, that’s the human way. | Image Credit: Slitherine Ltd.
The Astra Militarum, or the Imperial Guard, are the allies of the Space Marines with a common goal of eradicating threats to humanity. The military force consists of various regiments that operate with various armored vehicles and are the first line of defence for humanity.
The tactics of the Astra Militarum are different from the Space Marines, because they aren’t built like those superhumans. Instead, they rely on sheer numbers to overwhelm their enemies and use heavy artillery to bring conflicts to an end. While others would seek roaring enthusiasm, the Guard responds with discipline, firing lines, and coordinated armor spearheads.
Astra Militarum may not be genetically enhanced like the Space Marines in Total War: Warhammer 40,000, but they are crucial as they often weaken their enemies so that the Astartes can deliver the final blow. They are true humans who are driven by a sense of bravery and celebrate the sacrifice of their lives for a greater cause.
Just like the Orks, the Astra Militarum’s endless armies shake their enemies due to their unwavering pride. While they are seen as enemies by the Aeldari, there are times when they’ve fought side by side. In a galaxy of gods, aliens, and monsters, the Guard proves that Humanity’s greatest weapon is its indomitable will to fight on, no matter the cost.
4. Aeldari
There’s are only fighting for their survival. | Image Credit: SEGA
Aeldari, or the Eldar, are ancient beings who are known for their humanoid xenos appearance. They are considered to be superior beings in the Total War: Warhammer 40,000 universe because of their unmatched psychic power, artistry, and technological mastery. Alas, all golden ages end, and they now live in the shadows.
Just like the Space Marines, the Aeldari are known for their precision, favoring speed and foresight. Whichever battle they go into, it’s always calculated for their survival till the end. To be fair, even the Space Marines respect the elegance of the Aeldari kind, and at the same time fear their intelligence.
Instead of diving into battles like mindless soldiers, the Aeldari race depends on deceiving and manipulating. Thus, the Orks have always been pawns to the Aeldari because of their brutish ways. On the other hand, the Aeldari look down on Space Marines and the Astra Militarum as well, but at the same time, they do consider them undeniably formidable.
Through all these complex relationships, the Aeldari cling to existence with desperate resolve. They are haunted by the sins of their past and guided by fragile hope as they strive to rebuild what they’ve lost. They move like shadows through a hostile galaxy, fighting not for conquest or glory, but for the faint, flickering chance that their ancient people might endure a little longer against the endless tide of war.
Those were all four factions arriving with Total War: Warhammer 40,000 at launch. Which faction’s lore is your favorite? Are you excited for the game launch? Which factions would you love to see next with the franchise? Share with us in the comments!
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