Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun sees a typical tale of Warhammer 40k where a battle-hardened Space Marine faces unfavorable odds and the calamitous Forces of Chaos. The situation spells doom for this faithful servant of the Imperium of Man and the God-Emperor, but they will prevail — with wrath as their weapon and contempt as their armor. And fortunately for the Space Marine, there are many powerful boons that will aid them in their mission to purge the Forge World of Graia.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun features seven powerups known as Relics, each with names and effects befitting the Warhammer 40kuniverse. These powerups are scattered throughout each level and are often secluded, requiring players to scour the map for buffs and boosts that can turn the tide against the evil of the Ruinous Powers. Knowing what each Relic is and what they do is beneficial, as they make completing Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun much more manageable.
7 Emperor's Visage
- Effect: VISIONS OF THE EMPEROR BOLSTER YOUR CONTEMPT. RECEIVE A HUGE CONTEMPT BOOST.
- Duration: Until Contempt falls below the 200 Contempt Maximum.
Emperor's Visage is a powerful Relic that boosts the Contempt of the Space Marine, fortifying their defenses against the Forces of Chaos. Upon collecting this powerup, the player's Contempt becomes 300, extending beyond the 200 maximum they can have by 100. This wondrous Relic is invaluable, but once their Contempt falls below the max, it cannot exceed 200 without using another Emperor's Visage.
The Contempt boost granted by Emperor's Visage is perfect for grueling fights against numerous or notably strong foes. Contempt is armor for the Space Marine, acting as a barrier before enemies can damage their Health, making 300 Contempt a hefty buffer for the player. Those looking to improve their survivability in preparation for a chaotic fight should seek the brilliant Emperor's Visage Relic.
6 Aura Of Doom
- Effect: INCREASES YOUR DAMAGE AND REDUCES INCOMING DAMAGE.
- Duration: 30 Seconds.
Aura of Doom is a game-changing Relic that increases the Space Marine's damage while reducing the damage they take. Upon collecting this powerup, the player inflicts nearly double the damage with all their weapons and reduces most damage taken to one. This Relic turns an already proficient and durable killing machine into an unstoppable and enduring force of destruction that can sustain deadly blows and deal them back in full.
The empowering effect of Aura of Doom is an all-encompassing boon that only suffers from a limited duration of thirty seconds. Players must make the most of the short time to unleash unrelenting carnage upon their enemies and overcome foes of seemingly insurmountable power and endurance, making it an effective buff for purging waves of enemies. Sowing fear in daemons and heretics is the sole purpose of the Aura of Doom Relic.
5 Assault Doctrine
- Effect: POWERS UP YOUR CHAINSWORD. CUT THEM TO PIECES.
- Duration: 30 Seconds.
Assault Doctrine makes the awe-inspiring power of the Chainsword all the more astounding. Upon collecting this powerup, the player's Chainsword becomes stronger for thirty seconds, elevating its damage to monstrous heights that will leave the Forces of Chaos fearful. This Relic turns the Chainsword from a secondary finish-the-job-type weapon to one worth using above everything else.
The Chainsword honed by Assault Doctrine is a terrifying thing that can cut through the strongest foes like a hot knife through butter. While this superpowered super sword is remarkable, it becomes even more so when considering that using it will save valuable ammo. The Assault Doctrine Relic is perfect for close encounters against many enemies, not to mention that it is a satisfying way of dispatching daemons and heretics.
4 Munitions Boon
- Effect: INCREASES YOUR MAXIMUM AMMO.
- Duration: Until the end of a mission.
Munitions Boon is a helpful Relic that expands the number of bullets the Space Marine's guns can carry. Upon collecting this powerup, the maximum ammo of the player's weapons increases considerably, allowing them to take more ammunition with them throughout a mission. This Relic ensures that players have more to work with when engaging the Forces of Chaos and reduces the chance they will be caught with their guns on empty.
The simple practicality of Munitions Boon belies just how beneficial it is, especially considering how small some gun's maximum ammo is. Many of the more powerful weapons in Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun have a negligible ammunition capacity to balance them, but this powerup negates that balance, leaving only deadly weapons that see more use. The Munitions Boon Relic is a simple but effective way of keeping well-equipped against Chaos.
3 Machine Spirit
- Effect: POWERS UP YOUR WEAPONS. MACHINE SPIRITS CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE. EVERY WEAPON IS AFFECTED DIFFERENTLY.
- Duration: Until the end of a mission.
Machine Spirit is an unpredictable Relic that powers up the Space Marine's weapons, each benefiting uniquely. Upon collecting this powerup, the weapon wielded by the player receives a distinctive buff, which varies significantly. It can be an improvement to the weapon's Strength, a quickened fire rate, or even ricocheting bullets that bounce off surfaces. This Relic turns even the humblest of guns into weapons of mass destruction.
The upgrades afforded by Machine Spirit are undeniably beneficial, albeit tricky to identify and use effectively. Players must understand how this powerup affects each weapon and under what circumstances particular armaments should receive enhancements. But even without understanding the different boons gifted to each weapon, the Machine Spirit Relic proves a game-changing powerup that disadvantages enemies.
2 Infinite Ammo
- Effect: NEVER RUN OUT OF AMMO (FOR A LIMITED TIME).
- Duration: 30 Seconds.
Unlimited Ammo is a straightforward yet immensely devastating boon that grants the Space Marine endless ammunition for a period. Upon collecting this powerup, the player enters a slow-motion state for several seconds and has limitless ammo for thirty seconds. During this time, they can unload round after round without worry for ammunition or accuracy, the only trouble being what weapon to use and the need to reload.
The unending rounds of ammunition granted by Unlimited Ammo are extraordinary. However, while any weapon benefits significantly from this Relic, the Heavy Bolter proves the most effective, as it does not need to reload, allowing the player to shoot relentlessly without interruptions to their flurry of explosive rounds. No matter what weapon benefits, the Unlimted Ammo Relic is an ace for any confrontation against the Forces of Chaos.
1 Vortex Grenade
- Effect: CREATES A WARP VORTEX THAT DESTROYS EVERYTHING IN ITS PATH.
- Duration: Until the Vortex Grenade is used.
Vortex Grenade is a Relic that harnesses the destructive and harrowing power of the Warp and unleashes it upon enemies. Upon collecting this powerup, the player will find a Vortex Grenade among their other explosives, which can be equipped and thrown at foes. When it makes contact, the Vortex Grenade bursts, releasing energy from the Warp that destroys anything within its vicinity, from the lowliest cultist to the highest daemon.
The catastrophic capabilities of the Vortex Grenade make it a surefire means of dispatching powerful enemies. It covers a large area, inflicts lethal damage, and lasts for several seconds, almost ensuring that anything within its deadly reach dies. The Vortex Grenade Relic is a destructively dependable explosive for situations that demand swift and cataclysmic force. Few things match the raw devastation of the Warp unleashed freely.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.