Necromunda: Underhive Wars

55%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,120 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Necromunda: Underhive Wars Game Cover
Necromunda: Underhive Wars is a capable strategy games full of tactical options, but the glacial pace will put more people off than draw them in.
Starting at €1.99Buy now
Get on Steam Get on Xbox Games Store

Necromunda: Underhive Wars is a turn-based strategy game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Lead your gang of fighters in brutal gang warfare in the dangerous underhives of Necromunda. Utilize unique class abilities, gang customization, and environmental destruction to gain an edge in tactical combat.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

55%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,120 reviews
story175 positive mentions
stability263 negative mentions
  • The game captures the atmosphere and aesthetic of the Necromunda universe well, with detailed graphics and engaging environments.
  • Customization options for gang members are extensive, allowing players to create unique characters and strategies.
  • The turn-based gameplay offers tactical depth, with various skills and abilities that can be utilized in combat.
  • The AI is poorly designed, often making illogical decisions and failing to provide a challenging experience.
  • The game suffers from numerous bugs and crashes, impacting overall gameplay and enjoyment.
  • The campaign mode feels like a long tutorial with little player agency, as it forces players to use pre-defined characters instead of their custom gangs.
  • story1,296 mentions

    The story in "Necromunda: Underhive Wars" is often described as a lengthy tutorial rather than a compelling narrative, with many players finding it shallow and disconnected from the core gameplay. While the cutscenes and voice acting receive some praise, the overall execution is criticized for being tedious, with repetitive missions and a lack of meaningful character progression. Many reviewers suggest that the story mode serves primarily to unlock customization options for the more engaging gang management gameplay, which is where the game's true potential lies.

    • “The story is interesting, the cutscenes are nice, but I still prefer the 'real' game mode with warband management and actual progress and consequences.”
    • “The story mode serves as a lengthy tutorial that takes you through the three houses featuring beautifully rendered cutscenes and voiced characters.”
    • “The story is good so far with lots of action-packed cutscenes between levels which is neat.”
    • “The story in Necromunda: Underhive Wars is extremely shallow, serving merely as a link between the single-player missions.”
    • “The story mode is a long drawn out and nearly useless tutorial since many aspects of the game are not even explained, and you never really get used to any build because they are changed from chapter to chapter.”
    • “The story is very underwhelming, to say the least, and serves as a poor and cumbersome tutorial.”
  • gameplay584 mentions

    The gameplay of "Necromunda: Underhive Wars" is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the extensive customization options and tactical depth, but criticizing the sluggish combat pace, poor AI, and numerous bugs that detract from the experience. While some find the turn-based mechanics engaging and reminiscent of tabletop gameplay, others feel the execution is flawed, leading to repetitive and frustrating encounters. Overall, the game shows potential but suffers from significant design and technical issues that hinder its enjoyment.

    • “The developer has really mastered the gameplay flow, the level design (okay, there are a couple of snags but it's near perfection), the character load-out and skills they have.”
    • “The graphics are great, gang customization is extensive enough that they really feel like *your* gang, maps and missions are interesting, and the gameplay is satisfying, with even that touch of silliness that brings memorable moments I recall from playing tabletop Necromunda.”
    • “Gameplay is fun, a little slow-paced, waiting for your turn can be a little annoying, especially because the AI needs some work, they can make some silly decisions and occasionally get stuck walking into walls but the progression of your gang and tactics are very satisfying.”
    • “The gameplay experience is frustrating, primarily due to its sluggish combat pace.”
    • “Unfortunately, the gameplay in Underhive Wars is quite disappointing.”
    • “The gameplay is boring and simplistic; it frequently crashes, and the save games can corrupt with no way to fix them.”
  • graphics325 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the aesthetic and art design as a strong point that effectively captures the grim atmosphere of the Warhammer 40k universe. While some players note that the visuals are impressive and well-rendered, others criticize the game for graphical glitches and a lack of variety in character models and environments. Overall, the graphics are generally considered good, but not groundbreaking, with some players feeling that they do not compensate for the game's other shortcomings.

    • “The graphics are amazing and probably the best representation of the Warhammer 40k world up close to date.”
    • “The game has great graphics and atmosphere, capturing the dark and gritty feel of the underhive.”
    • “The visuals are beautiful, exactly what Necromunda should look like, immersing you into the grim reality of 40k.”
    • “Graphics do the job but they feel old.”
    • “The graphics are pretty, but certainly not the grungy world of 40k that Necromunda is based in.”
    • “The graphics are okay, quality-wise.”
  • stability267 mentions

    The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. While some players note that it runs smoothly on high-end PCs, many others experience frequent issues, including AI malfunctions and game-breaking errors. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," with many recommending waiting for substantial patches before purchasing.

    • “Runs great.”
    • “Runs great though, still very enjoyable.”
    • “If you are looking for a smooth, bug-free experience, or did not like Mordheim, then maybe give it a pass; but otherwise, I recommend it.”
    • “Additionally, there are numerous bugs, visual glitches, and occasional crashes.”
    • “An unfinished mess that is both buggy and extremely dull.”
    • “It's a buggy mess and it feels half-baked and rushed.”
  • atmosphere73 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its ability to capture the grim and gritty essence of the Warhammer 40k universe, particularly the underhive setting. Many reviewers highlight the impressive graphics, sound design, and environmental details that evoke nostalgia for the tabletop experience, although some note occasional glitches and a lack of engagement in gameplay. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a strong point, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the franchise.

    • “The atmosphere is fantastic.”
    • “They did a great job with the atmosphere, environments, music... the game really doesn't deserve all the hate.”
    • “The look of the underhive is interesting, but it just seems to lack the right atmosphere to give you the feeling that you're fighting down in the filthy depths alongside your gang.”
    • “Bad realization of sci-fi cyberpunk bands which leads to a destroyed atmosphere (they looked like kids with guns, not the smart ones).”
    • “The atmosphere appropriately conveys the grunge and grime of the industrial wastes of the underhive, without seeming too same-y like many environments from Mordheim.”
  • music61 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its ability to enhance the dark ambiance and atmosphere, particularly through its electronic industrial style that dynamically shifts during gameplay. While some find the soundtrack fitting and immersive, others describe it as generic and unmemorable compared to other titles in the genre. Overall, the music is seen as a strong aspect that complements the game's visuals and setting, despite some criticisms regarding its originality.

    • “The soundtrack is a definite highlight - the electronic industrial music provides excellent ambiance, and dynamically changes with the gameplay, rising in intensity in combat and when a unit is put out of action.”
    • “The graphics are solid, the gameplay is unique, and the soundtrack is awesome.”
    • “The music kicks ass, the gameplay is solid with an absolute multitude of ways to build your gangs, let alone the visual customizations.”
    • “Music is very generic and not memorable.”
    • “The music is so mediocre it hurts.”
    • “Sound is okay, but besides the voice overs from the main story, music and sound in Necromunda is... just there.”
  • grinding38 mentions

    Players consistently describe the grinding aspect of the game as tedious and frustrating, primarily due to long wait times between animations, slow AI turns, and repetitive resource-gathering missions. Many reviewers feel that the gameplay is drawn out and lacks meaningful progression, making the experience feel like a chore rather than an engaging challenge. While some improvements over previous titles are noted, the overall sentiment is that the game suffers from excessive grind and poorly designed mechanics that detract from enjoyment.

    • “Managing your own gang is fun and not tedious like it was in Mordheim. There's definitely work to be done, but so far it's shaping up to be a faithful recreation of the tabletop game.”
    • “Long wait times between animations make battles feel tedious, and the clunky UI further hampers enjoyment.”
    • “The constant selecting of your fighter, then waiting for the screen to tell you it's your turn, and watching the other team make their moves first... it took 3 hours of tedious running around fighting.”
    • “But those two improvements while needed, aren't enough to fix the real problem which is boring, repetitive gameplay that just seems like grinding for the sake of grinding.”
  • humor38 mentions

    The humor in the game is largely derived from the hilariously inept AI, which often engages in absurd behaviors like getting stuck, throwing grenades at walls, and performing ridiculous animations. While some players find the initial comedic moments entertaining, the novelty tends to wear off, leading to frustration as the AI's antics disrupt gameplay. Overall, the humor is a mix of charm and annoyance, with players appreciating the absurdity despite the game's flaws.

    • “The AI is pretty much all over the place and still somehow uses the pretty funny movement restrictions well to its advantage.”
    • “The AI is hilariously stupid and the game is very obviously half-baked, but despite that, the character customization is very nice, and the gameplay is still, while very simple, also pretty fun.”
    • “Some of the regular walking animations are just straight-up hilarious looking (looking at you, Goliath gang) and some of the close combat animations are quite silly (though some are weirdly awesome).”
    • “Nope, not funny.”
  • optimization22 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant performance issues, including crashes, glitches, and lag, while others report smooth gameplay without major problems. Many users noted that the AI performance is subpar, contributing to overall dissatisfaction, and there are calls for further polishing and patches to improve stability. Overall, while some players find the game well-optimized, others strongly advise waiting for updates before diving in.

    • “I haven't personally had any bugs, performance issues, or anything technical like that.”
    • “Mechanically the game functions fine for me and I haven't encountered any performance or save corruption others have reported.”
    • “Performance and gameplay is buttery smooth.”
    • “The game can be buggy and unstable at times, with some crashes, glitches, and performance issues, and the game can also have a steep learning curve, a slightly confusing interface, with little tutorial or guidance.”
    • “Does not appear to be finished with many glitches and what appears to be poor optimization.”
    • “Purchased, downloaded, adjusted my settings, 2 minutes of choppy unoptimized gameplay before it crashed abruptly, requested refund.”
  • replayability17 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the tactical depth and variety offered in multiplayer and procedural missions, others criticize the main story mode for lacking replay value and feeling repetitive due to limited faction diversity. Overall, the potential for replayability exists, particularly if future updates improve AI and gameplay flow, but current limitations may hinder long-term engagement.

    • “Great tactical gameplay with real replayability.”
    • “Lots of replayability value and kept me very entertained.”
    • “This game has a lot to offer in terms of replay value, if not in the gameplay loop or story mode then at least in multiplayer.”
    • “No replay value in the main story.”
    • “Only five fighter classes, three gangs are playable.”
    • “Faction variety and asymmetry is critical for me, and the problem is, not only do three factions with identical classes reduce the game's replayability and I would dare say capacity for self-expression in a given playthrough, but it also means that you're going to see the same opponents for hours upon hours, with no end in sight, especially since the main mode I'd expect to play seems like it is 100% procedural with flavorless RNG-generated gangs like those in Mordheim filler missions.”
  • monetization14 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with multiple DLC packs released despite unresolved core issues and broken mechanics. Players feel that the developers prioritized profit over quality, leading to a perception of the game as abandoned and exploitative. Overall, the monetization approach has detracted significantly from the game's potential and player experience.

    • “What could have been such an engaging game stinks to high heaven of a dirty cash grab!”
    • “What a joke of a game; might as well call it abandonware with the added insult of multiple cash grab DLCs being released while the core mechanics of the game are still broken.”
    • “I'm really upset that they'd go for a cash grab DLC before fixing game-killing problems.”
  • character development10 mentions

    Overall, character development in the game is praised for its RPG-style depth and engaging storylines, with well-designed characters that are true to the source material. However, some players note a lack of variety in customization options and a linear campaign that feels more like a tutorial than a true character development experience. While the graphics and atmosphere are highly regarded, unclear quest design can detract from the overall enjoyment.

    • “The RPG style character development and equipment system offers some fairly deep character and group builds.”
    • “Great time waster, I am really enjoying the storyline and character development.”
    • “It's very true to the source material in character design, weapons, and terrain.”
    • “There is also a linear campaign but without character development, which serves as a lengthy tutorial.”
    • “Lacks a few character design options; it needs more hairstyles and face options.”
    • “+/- easier to learn than Mordheim: with all of the gangers available from the start, and a bit more simplistic character development, you can really quickly get the hang of things.”
  • emotional8 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits mixed reactions, with some players expressing deep disappointment and frustration due to gameplay mechanics, while others find moments of genuine connection, even shedding tears. Despite a basic story, the emotional impact varies widely, with some players feeling emotionally drained by the experience, while others appreciate the multiplayer chaos as a contrasting emotional outlet. Overall, the game seems to evoke a range of feelings, from heartbreak to moments of joy, though it may not resonate deeply with everyone.

    • “I love it a lot, even if the story/lore is basic as heck, but the gameplay needs some touching up.”
    • “I cried a little bit, then started to pay attention.”
    • “Not being able to run around barrels and just walking slowly for ten minutes directly into the barrel and making no progress while you click escape, try to forfeit the match out of emotional exhaustion, and get the message that all gangers will roll for injury and have a 50% chance to lose their gear if you do.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

57% average critic score

Buy Necromunda: Underhive Wars

Play time

11hMedian play time
36hAverage play time
9-43hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 32 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News