Fans of the strategy genre have a major reason to be excited about Total War: Warhammer 40,000. During a recent Total War: Show & Tell, developers confirmed that a much-requested cover system is officially coming to the grimdark battlefield. Not only can units use terrain for protection, but players will also have the power to destroy it.
Breaking the Battlefield: Destructible Cover in Total War: Warhammer 40,000
Battle product owner Dave Petry highlighted how destruction adds a new layer of strategy during a recent map flyover. "You've got all of these tactical options and then strategic elements that can come out of it," Petry explained. He specifically noted that terrain like forests won't be permanent obstacles for your armies.
"That forest, if you don't like it, you don't have to keep it. If you find that pesky forest is getting in your way and you can't see around it then you can get rid of that thing. Or you can use it to hide in," Petry said.
While a developer roundtable four months ago teased destructible buildings, this new information confirms that environmental elements are also part of the plan. However, developers are being careful not to overcomplicate the map.
"Being completely clear, not absolutely everything is destructible, right?" Petry clarified. "We've kept it to areas where it really works and it makes sense and it feels like it can add to that depth."
Orbital Bombardments and Hive World Warfare
The importance of cover is vital in the 40K universe, which features many powerful but flat-firing weapons. One way players will clear the map is through orbital bombardments. The showcase featured a stunning view of a hive world from space—a massive, toxic landscape filled with gargantuan cities.
The footage provided several glimpses into the scale of the upcoming conflict:
- Hive-city warzones featuring steep angles and gothic architecture.
- Massive, planet-covering cities shrouded in toxic gas.
- Astra Militarum troopers lined up in formations reminiscent of Napoleonic regiments.
The scale of the environment looks straight out of the final stages of Spore, effectively capturing the grimdark atmosphere fans expect. While the footage is promising, Total War: Warhammer 40,000 still carries a release date of "to be announced" on Steam, leaving plenty of time for further developments.
