# Total War: Warhammer 40,000 development and mechanics > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/total-war-warhammer-40000-development-and-announcement > Updated: 2026-09-08T11:31:00.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 8. Creative Assembly and SEGA have provided hands-on gameplay previews for Total War: Warhammer 40,000, a project in development for several years. Early demonstrations include tutorials for basic battle mechanics such as troop movement, unit commands, and the use of cover. Players can manage various unit types, including melee or ranged Space Marines, and decide between conducting separate skirmishes or large-scale combined squad battles. The preview also showcased features for customizing Space Marines and managing campaign missions. Regarding gameplay balance, developer Dave Petry addressed the inclusion of ‘cheese’ tactics at Gamescom. Petry stated that the studio does not intend to eliminate unconventional or ‘less honorable’ tactics entirely, as they can contribute to an authentic experience. The development team distinguishes between ‘bad cheese’ and ‘delicious cheese’ by evaluating whether a tactic enhances enjoyment or negatively impacts gameplay, while ensuring mechanics align with the game’s lore. For example, the team aims to ensure Space Marine armor remains effective against low-level weaponry. Additionally, planned updates include revisions to reinforcement mechanics through the implementation of strategic reserves. Creative Assembly has also confirmed that Traitor Guard will appear in the campaign. While Chaos Space Marines are not among the four playable factions at launch, Chaos elements will play a significant role. The Traitor Guard will serve as an antagonist force capable of fighting players and inciting uprisings in conquered territories. This mechanic replaces generic rebel armies with former Imperial soldiers to better integrate the Chaos theme into the core systems. ## Claims - Dave Petry stated that 'cheeseable' tactics can be part of authentic representation in the game. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Creative Assembly does not intend to completely remove 'cheese' tactics from Total War: Warhammer 40,000. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The game will introduce changes to certain mechanics, such as revising reinforcement functions through strategic reserves. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The developer analyzes whether a tactic is 'bad cheese' by determining if it adds fun or degrades gameplay. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Creative Assembly confirms Traitor Guard in Total War: Warhammer 40,000 Creative Assembly confirmed that the Traitor Guard will appear in Total War: Warhammer 40,000, acting as an antagonist force that can incite uprisings in conquered territories. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/creative-assembly-confirms-traitor-guard-in-total-war-warhammer-40000 ### 2026-09-06: Creative Assembly to allow 'cheese' tactics in Total War: Warhammer 40,000 Creative Assembly developer Dave Petry stated that Total War: Warhammer 40,000 will allow certain 'cheese' tactics to maintain authenticity, while refining mechanics like strategic reserves. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/creative-assembly-to-allow-cheese-tactics-in-total-war-warhammer-40000 ### 2026-09-02: Total War: Warhammer 40K receives hands-on gameplay preview Creative Assembly and SEGA have showcased hands-on gameplay for Total War: Warhammer 40K, featuring unit customization and strategic battle mechanics. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/total-war-warhammer-40k-receives-hands-on-gameplay-preview ### 2026-09-02: Creative Assembly confirms Chaos presence in Total War: Warhammer 40,000 Creative Assembly confirmed that Chaos will feature in Total War: Warhammer 40,000, serving as a narrative presence despite not being listed among the initial four main factions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/creative-assembly-confirms-chaos-presence-in-total-war-warhammer-40000 ### 2026-08-31: Total War: Warhammer 40,000 introduces sci-fi combat mechanics Creative Assembly is bringing the Warhammer 40,000 universe to the Total War series, introducing destructible environments and a heavy emphasis on ranged combat and tactical cover. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/total-war-warhammer-40000-introduces-sci-fi-combat-mechanics ### 2026-08-29: Creative Assembly details Total War: Warhammer 40,000 gameplay Creative Assembly is adapting the Total War formula for Warhammer 40,000, featuring faction-specific diplomacy and plans to eventually introduce Necrons to the game. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/creative-assembly-details-total-war-warhammer-40000-gameplay ### 2026-08-26: Creative Assembly reveals Total War: Warhammer 40,000 gameplay details Creative Assembly has revealed new gameplay details for Total War: Warhammer 40,000, highlighting its campaign mechanics, real-time battles, and focus on the Armageddon setting. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/creative-assembly-reveals-total-war-warhammer-40000-gameplay-details ### 2026-08-24: Creative Assembly announces Total War: Warhammer 40,000 for consoles Creative Assembly announced Total War: Warhammer 40,000, bringing the series to consoles (PS5 and Xbox) for the first time, featuring voice work by David Harbour. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/creative-assembly-announces-total-war-warhammer-40000-for-consoles --- Cite as: Total War: Warhammer 40,000 development and mechanics. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/total-war-warhammer-40000-development-and-announcement