Mechanics

Last checked: 2026-10-26

The systems that make each faction play differently, as described by the studio.

Waaagh!Ork core mechanic: army size and kills charge a meter you unleash for a temporary fighting boost. Timing it — after your army can reach its targets — is the skill.Power Matrix & DominionNecron economy: buildings spread the Matrix, many structures require it, and expansion generates the Dominion resource. Units on the Matrix gain resilience and faster recovery.Noosphere NetworkAdeptus Mechanicus: link structures, static weapons and units. More connections raise the level — cheaper, stronger forces — but exposed links are infrastructure the enemy can cut.Void ShieldStops hostile shooting across its boundary while allowing units to pass through — making the approach itself part of the defence.Orbital StrikeSpace Marine stratagem: attacks a large area from space.Thunderhawk Bombing RunSpace Marine stratagem: sweeps an area with aircraft fire.Translocation ScienceNecron stratagem: teleports up to five units to another visible part of the map.Action Points and Strike ForcesCore system described by the studio. Balance figures not yet published; not guessed here.Army PainterCustomise armour, equipment, colours, decals and wargear — including existing factions from the Warhammer 40,000 universe.Auger VisionMechanicus reconnaissance: enemy activity beneath the fog of war as an imperfect heatmap — a reason to scout, not a replacement for it.Combat Director"Brutally satisfying" encounter system, detailed 2 Dec 2025 — coordinates choreographed Sync Kills battlefield-wide.Sync Kill SystemThe series' signature melee finishers return in an expanded form — "an unprecedented degree of melee combat detail".Cover, Retreat & Field ReinforcementThree preservation tools: cover reduces ranged damage; retreat pulls a squad to the nearest production structure with damage reduction (cancellable once the indicator turns yellow); field reinforcement pays resources to sustain squads away from base. Necrons do not use cover.VeterancyExperienced squads unlock equipment and extra models — the reason a veteran is worth more than a cheap replacement. Orks veteran fast.