Is Warhammer: Vermintide Based On A Video Game Or Novel First?

I’ve been deep into the 'Warhammer' universe for years, and 'Vermintide' is one of those gems that started as a video game. It’s a co-op action game where you team up to slash through hordes of Skaven and Chaos warriors. The game pulls heavily from the lore of 'Warhammer Fantasy Battles,' which has tons of novels, but 'Vermintide' itself wasn’t based on a specific book. It’s more like the devs took the rich world-building from the tabletop and novels and turned it into this chaotic, fun gameplay experience. If you love gritty fantasy with a dark edge, this game nails it.

I’ve read a lot of the 'Warhammer' books, and while they share the same setting, 'Vermintide' feels like its own beast. The characters—like Saltzpyre and Kerillian—are original to the game, though they fit perfectly into the lore. It’s a great example of how video games can expand a universe without being tied directly to existing stories.

As someone who spends way too much time diving into lore, I can confirm 'Warhammer: Vermintide' is a video game first. It launched in 2015 as a spiritual successor to games like 'Left 4 Dead,' but set in the 'Warhammer Fantasy' world. The game’s setting and enemies are straight out of the tabletop RPG and novels, but the story and characters were created specifically for the game. The Skaven, the Chaos forces, even the moody atmosphere—they’re all pulled from decades of 'Warhammer' lore, but 'Vermintide' puts its own spin on things.

What’s cool is how it feels like a natural extension of the books. The dialogue, the banter between characters, and the little details in the levels make it feel alive. I’ve read a ton of 'Warhammer' novels, and while 'Vermintide' doesn’t adapt any single one, it captures the spirit perfectly. The sequel, 'Vermintide 2,' even doubles down on the chaos, adding new factions and deeper mechanics. It’s a must-play for fans of the setting or anyone who loves intense co-op action.

If you’re curious about the lore, books like 'Gotrek & Felix' give you a similar vibe—dark, bloody, and packed with humor. But 'Vermintide' stands on its own as a fresh take. The game doesn’t just rehash old stories; it builds something new within a world that’s already packed with history.

I’m a huge fan of both 'Warhammer' games and books, and 'Vermintide' is definitely a video game original. It’s not an adaptation of a novel, though it borrows heavily from the 'Warhammer Fantasy' lore. The game throws you into the End Times, a cataclysmic event from the tabletop game, and lets you fight through it as a group of unlikely heroes. The writing and voice acting are top-notch, making it feel like you’re part of a living, breathing world.

What sets 'Vermintide' apart is how it blends gameplay with storytelling. The levels are packed with little details that reference broader 'Warhammer' lore, but you don’t need to know any of it to enjoy the game. It’s a perfect gateway for newcomers and a treat for longtime fans. The sequel expands everything, adding more enemies, more chaos, and even more lore. If you’re into dark fantasy with a heavy dose of action, this is one of the best ways to experience it.