I initially approached Warhammer Survivors with a sense of curiosity, envisioning it as a creative twist on the beloved Vampire Survivors, crafted by the talented team at Auroch Digital, known for their work on Boltgun. After immersing myself in its demo for ten hours, I find myself leaning towards a more enthusiastic classification: this game feels less like a mere spin-off and more like a worthy sequel.
The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the hero designs, expansive maps, and the array of grotesque creatures intent on your demise. Rather than simply echoing the mechanics of Vampire Survivors, Auroch Digital has infused the game with fresh elements, including followers and more pronounced boss encounters.
Everything you dig about Vampire Survivors is here too
Fans of the original will find familiar mechanics woven throughout Warhammer Survivors. Weapon evolutions, treasure-dropping enemies, arcana, and challenging bosses are all present, albeit with a Warhammer flair. Experience gems have been cleverly replaced with experience skulls, and the formidable Red Death has been reimagined as the Extremis bosses—massive foes that seem invincible until you uncover their weaknesses.
Nuln oil is deadly
As a seasoned Warhammer painter, I’ve had my fair share of mishaps with Nuln oil—spilling it on everything from my jeans to my dog. In Warhammer Survivors, however, this substance has been transformed into a weapon, inflicting damage and slowing enemies while also making them more susceptible to fire. Players can also acquire explosive dice that roll across the battlefield before detonating, adding a layer of chaotic fun to the gameplay.
Each map has a strong theme
The initial WH40k map immerses players in a battlefield overtaken by tyranids, characterized by its vibrant pink hues and grotesque alien landscapes. In contrast, the Age of Sigmar map introduces players to the skaven, complete with glowing warpstones. There’s even a whimsical tabletop map, where all the game’s monstrous entities converge to challenge you.
You’re not alone
While Warhammer Survivors is primarily a single-player experience, companionship is not entirely absent. Players can rescue unlockable characters during their battles, who will then join the fray. These allies can be summoned in future encounters when players select their associated weapons during level-ups, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay. One character, for instance, benefits from having more followers, enhancing his abilities as he fights alongside fellow Astra Militarum soldiers.
It’s tough!
Having invested countless hours in Vampire Survivors, I found Warhammer Survivors to present a steeper challenge. The pace of battles escalates rapidly, and I struggled to find effective weapon combinations to manage the onslaught of enemies. Healing opportunities felt scarcer than I was accustomed to, suggesting that the early game might benefit from a slight easing of intensity—though this could be attributed to the demo’s limited selection of weapons and characters.
Enemy factions have unique traits
Each enemy faction in Warhammer Survivors boasts distinct traits that can complicate encounters. For example, tyranids can be empowered by more intelligent members of their species, using their synapse abilities to enrage lesser creatures nearby. Orks, on the other hand, can trigger a WAAAGH, resulting in increased numbers and enhanced speed and strength.
WH40k and AoS are completely separate
Players must choose a universe before diving into Warhammer Survivors, with characters, upgrades, and unlocks tailored to each realm. While some passive abilities may overlap, the game effectively feels like two distinct spin-offs housed within a single title.
It already works perfectly on Steam Deck
Vampire Survivors was the game that justified my investment in a Steam Deck, and I’m pleased to report that Warhammer Survivors runs seamlessly on the device. Although Auroch Digital is still fine-tuning compatibility, my experience has been nothing short of enjoyable.
It’s almost here, thank the Emperor
Mark your calendars for November 10, as Warhammer Survivors is set to launch. My anticipation is palpable; while it may be categorized as a spin-off, it undeniably feels like a genuine sequel to Vampire Survivors, potentially becoming my favorite bullet heaven since the original.
