Ranking the Grimdark Champions
Warhammer Survivors features an unprecedented roster of over 40 playable champions from across the Warhammer 40,000 galaxy and the Age of Sigmar Mortal Realms. Your choice of champion sets your baseline durability, movement speed, starting weapon, and innate passive perk—defining your opening five minutes and steering your subsequent evolution paths.
To understand how each hero's starting armament transforms, review our Evolution Guide and full Evolution Recipes List.
Champions Tier List Summary
| Tier | Champion Name | Universe / Faction | Starting Wargear | Innate Passive Perk | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Tier | Malum Caedo | 40k (Ultramarines) | Boltgun | Righteous Fury: +1 Armor per 10 levels, +20% Knockback | Unstoppable frontline survivability; fast Heavy Bolter rush. |
| S-Tier | Neave Blacktalon | AoS (Stormcast) | Tempest Axes | Shadow Hunter: +15% Move Speed, lightning critical chain | Supreme mobility; effortless kiting and rapid AoE clears. |
| S-Tier | Callidus Assassin | 40k (Officio Assassinorum) | Phase Sword | Polymorphine: 10% chance to dodge hits, +25% Crit Damage | Highest single-target burst; shreds Extremis bosses in seconds. |
| A-Tier | Trooper Kozlowski | 40k (Astra Militarum) | Lasgun | Take Aim!: +20% Projectile Speed, +1 Pierce | Outstanding ranged kiting; early Meltagun boss rush. |
| A-Tier | Knight-Incantor | AoS (Stormcast) | Brazier Staff | Arcane Ward: Periodic magical shockwave that repels swarms | Reliable radial barrier against aggressive melee rushes. |
| A-Tier | Chaplain Kathor | 40k (Black Templars) | Crozius Arcanum | Litany of Hate: +15% Melee Area, kills grant brief speed | Excellent brawler; synergizes with cleaving chainswords. |
| B-Tier | Gotrek Gurnisson | AoS (Fyreslayers) | Fyrestorm Axe | Unkillable Slayer: +25% Damage when below 50% HP | Massive comeback damage; requires high health pool management. |
| B-Tier | Kroot Carnivore | 40k (Tau Auxiliary) | Kroot Rifle | Evolving Chitin: Eating meat drops grants stacking Armor | High late-game bulk; weaker early-game firepower. |
S-Tier Champions Breakdown
1. Malum Caedo (Space Marine Vanguard)
The beloved protagonist of Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun takes top honors in Warhammer Survivors. Caedo starts with the Holy Boltgun, meaning you only need to draft the Dice Cube & Passives to unlock the devastating Boltgun Evolution by the 5-minute chest. His innate armor scaling makes him the most forgiving pick for beginners. Read our complete Malum Caedo Build Guide.
2. Neave Blacktalon (Stormcast Skirmisher)
Neave brings high base movement speed that allows her to dance around dense swarms without getting boxed in. Her Tempest Axes evolve into Whirlwind Axes, unleashing swirling arcs of lightning that clear whole screens automatically.
3. Callidus Assassin (Imperial Specialist)
With natural dodge chance and massive critical strike multipliers, the Callidus Assassin is the premier choice for boss-killing challenges. Paired with the Lasgun Evolution, she can eliminate late-game bosses like the Norn Emissary before their second attack phases trigger.
A-Tier Tactical Picks
For players who prefer defensive ranged gameplay, Trooper Kozlowski turns standard Astra Militarum wargear into a sniper platform. Meanwhile, melee champions benefit heavily from combining the Chainsword Evolution with high Armoury Meta Progression investments.
To learn how to unlock all 40+ heroes, refer to our comprehensive Character Unlocks Guide.
