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What Is the War in Heaven?

The War in Heaven was an ancient galaxy-spanning conflict fought millions of years before the current Warhammer 40K era. It involved the Necrons and their C’tan allies fighting against the Old Ones and the races they created.

QUICK FACTS

ItemDetail
EventWar in Heaven
EraTens of millions of years before M41
Main FactionsNecrons and C’tan vs Old Ones
ScaleGalaxy-wide conflict
OutcomeCollapse of the Old Ones’ civilization

EXPLANATION

The War in Heaven was one of the earliest and most devastating conflicts in the history of the Warhammer 40K galaxy. It began when the Necrontyr civilization, suffering from short lifespans and disease, grew resentful of the powerful and ancient Old Ones.

The Necrontyr eventually discovered powerful cosmic beings known as the C’tan, or Star Gods. With the help of the C’tan, the Necrontyr transformed themselves into immortal mechanical bodies through a process called biotransference, becoming the Necrons.

Empowered by the C’tan, the Necrons launched a massive war against the Old Ones. In response, the Old Ones created several new species designed for war, including the ancestors of the Eldar and the Orks.

The conflict devastated the galaxy. Eventually the Old Ones disappeared or were destroyed, and the Necrons turned against the C’tan, shattering them into fragments. After the war, the Necrons entered stasis for millions of years.

WHY IT MATTERS

The War in Heaven shaped the entire structure of the Warhammer 40K galaxy. Many major factions—including the Necrons, Eldar, and Orks—trace their origins to this ancient conflict.

RELATED LORE

What Are the C’tan
Who Is the Silent King
Who Are the Necrons
Who Are the Eldar

FAQ

Who fought in the War in Heaven?

The main participants were the Necrons and the C’tan fighting against the Old Ones and the species they created.

Why did the Necrons enter stasis after the war?

They went into dormancy to outlast their enemies and wait for a time when the galaxy would be easier to conquer.

author avatar
Baron Von Vault Founder & Gaming Systems Analyst
Baron Von Vault is the founder of the Von Vault Network and creator of D4Dead, BorderlandsHQ, and 40KFAQ. He publishes research-driven analysis of action RPG and looter shooter systems, focusing on progression loops, class mechanics, and endgame design.
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