The Hammer and Bolter animation is an anthology series set in the Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar universes. It’s the flagship show on Games Workshop’s streaming service, Warhammer+, and each episode tells a standalone story from a different faction’s point of view.
What is the Hammer and Bolter animation?
It’s an animated anthology created by Games Workshop and produced by Farside Features. Episodes run 15 to 30 minutes, and the first season has 16 of them.
The show premiered on Warhammer+ in August 2021 and wrapped its first season in January 2025. It’s exclusive to that platform, so you won’t find it on other streaming services.
Unlike a single continuous story, each episode stands alone. That makes it easy to jump in anywhere, though some fans prefer watching in release order to see how the animation style evolves.
Why it matters for Warhammer fans
Hammer and Bolter was the first major animated series for Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar, and it set the tone for Warhammer+ as a whole. It showed that Games Workshop could tell small, character-driven stories rather than just big battles.
The anthology format lets the show explore corners of the lore that rarely get screen time. You’ll see stories from the perspective of Orks, Aeldari, Chaos Space Marines, and even regular Imperial citizens, more than Space Marines.
It also bridges the two main game settings. The first eight episodes focus on Warhammer 40,000, while later episodes switch to Age of Sigmar, giving viewers a taste of both universes.
Notable episodes and factions
The first eight episodes each spotlight a different 40k faction. “Death’s Hand” follows an Inquisitor targeted by a Callidus Assassin. “Bound for Greatness” deals with a librarian tempted by Tzeentch. “Old Bale Eye” pits Orks against Commissar Yarrick. “Fangs” focuses on Space Wolves aspirants. “A Question of Faith” features Sisters of Battle defending a shrine. “Garden of Ghosts” follows an Aeldari Spiritseer. “Kill Protocol” stars a Tech-priest and her Kastelan robot. “Cadia Stands” shows Imperial Guard facing Tyranids.
Later episodes move into Age of Sigmar territory. “Double or Nothing” and “Monsters” are set in that universe, and “Undercity” follows a Witch Hunter in Hammerhal Aqsha.
The show isn’t afraid to mix tones. Some episodes are grim and tragic, while others have a bit of dark humor. That variety is part of its appeal.
| Episode | Faction focus | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Death’s Hand | Inquisition | Warhammer 40,000 |
| Bound for Greatness | Adeptus Astra Telepathica | Warhammer 40,000 |
| Old Bale Eye | Orks vs. Astra Militarum | Warhammer 40,000 |
| Fangs | Space Wolves | Warhammer 40,000 |
| A Question of Faith | Sisters of Battle | Warhammer 40,000 |
| Garden of Ghosts | Aeldari | Warhammer 40,000 |
| Kill Protocol | Adeptus Mechanicus | Warhammer 40,000 |
| Cadia Stands | Astra Militarum vs. Tyranids | Warhammer 40,000 |
| Double or Nothing | Orruks | Age of Sigmar |
| Monsters | Darkoath | Age of Sigmar |
| Undercity | Witch Hunters | Age of Sigmar |
How it connects to wider Warhammer lore
Every episode is canon-adjacent, meaning it fits within the broader setting without rewriting major events. You’ll see characters and factions that appear in codexes and novels, but the stories are self-contained.
For example, “Old Bale Eye” ties into the long rivalry between Commissar Yarrick and the Ork warlord Ghazghkull Thraka. “Cadia Stands” references the fall of Cadia, a central moment in 40k history.
If you’re new to Warhammer, Hammer and Bolter works as a sampler platter. It gives you a feel for different factions without requiring you to know decades of lore.
Key facts
- Hammer and Bolter is an animated anthology series exclusive to Warhammer+.
- It premiered in August 2021 and the first season ran until January 2025.
- The show has 16 episodes, each 15 to 30 minutes long.
- Episodes cover both Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar settings.
- It was created by Games Workshop and animated by Farside Features.
FAQ
Where can I watch the Hammer and Bolter animation?
It’s exclusive to Warhammer+, Games Workshop’s streaming service. You won’t find it on Netflix, Amazon, or other platforms.
Is Hammer and Bolter getting a second season?
As of early 2025, there’s been no official announcement about a second season. The first season concluded in January 2025.
Do I need to know Warhammer lore to enjoy it?
Not at all. Each episode is standalone and explains what you need to know. It’s a good entry point for newcomers.