Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War

Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War is a turn-based strategy game developed by DreamForge Intertainment and published by SSI. Released in 1999, the game focuses on the Eldar, offering rare insight into their way of war. The ancient xenos race fights against Imperials, Orks, and Tyranids in hex-based battles.

The gameplay uses the SSI system familiar from Panzer General. Units move and fight on hex fields, and experience improves surviving troops. Eldar units—from Guardian to Avatar—are faithfully implemented with their speed and specialized roles.

The campaign tells of an Eldar Craftworld searching for artifacts vital to their survival. Moral decisions influence the story's progression. The narrative was unusually nuanced for its time, portraying the Eldar as more than simple enemies.

Rites of War remained relatively unknown but was appreciated by fans for its depth and Eldar perspective. It was one of the few games to feature non-Imperial protagonists, offering a unique viewpoint on the 40K universe.