Weapon evolutions are one of the most important parts of your progression in Warhammer Survivors. Every character comes with a unique starting weapon, but you can make it much more powerful by combining it with the correct passive item. These combinations unlock evolved weapons that deal more damage, cover larger areas, and can help you survive against increasingly dangerous enemy waves.
However, finding every evolution can take a lot of experimenting, especially when you don’t know which passive item works with a particular weapon. Some combinations are straightforward, while others require you to upgrade a specific item to its maximum level before the evolution becomes available. There are also a few special evolutions that every character can access, regardless of their starting weapon.
In this guide, I’ll cover all the Warhammer Survivors weapon evolutions, including their recipes, names, damage types, and status effects. I’ll also explain which evolutions are worth prioritising for crowd control and boss fights, so you can build a stronger loadout instead of wasting time testing random combinations.
Warhammer Survivors Weapon Evolutions Guide – How to Unlock
Every character starts with a unique weapon, and you can evolve it by combining it with a compatible passive item. Once you have the correct combination, you can unlock a stronger version of your original weapon.
The important thing is to pay attention to the required items. Some evolutions only need you to combine two specific items, while others require the passive item to reach its maximum level first.
For example, Commissar Sebastian Yarrick’s Power Klaw needs Da Lucky Stikk at maximum level to evolve into Bale Eye. Saint Celestine also requires a fully upgraded Tactical Rock for her Weapon of the Matriarch evolution.
There are also universal evolutions that don’t depend on your starting character. These are particularly useful because you can work towards them regardless of which champion you select.
All Warhammer 40K Weapon Evolution Recipes
The Warhammer 40,000 universe has several unique weapon evolutions. Most characters have their own combination, but some evolutions can be unlocked by multiple champions using the same weapon and passive item.
Here are all the 40K evolution recipes and their effects.
1. Eviscerator Chainsword
- Character: Malum Caedo and Lieutenant Titus
- Evolution Recipe: Chainsword + Tape Measure
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: Bleeding
Both Malum Caedo and Lieutenant Titus use the Chainsword, so they share the same evolution recipe.
Combine the Chainsword with Tape Measure to unlock Eviscerator Chainsword. The evolved weapon also applies Bleeding, making it useful for dealing additional damage to enemies.
2. Meltagun
- Character: Trooper Bartosz Kozlowski
- Evolution Recipe: Lasgun + Gauntlet
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Trooper Bartosz uses the Lasgun, which evolves into Meltagun when combined with Gauntlet.
This is his character-specific weapon evolution, so make sure you collect Gauntlet during your run if you want to unlock it.
3. Heavy Bolter
- Character: Brother Luca Amasius and Black Templars Castellan
- Evolution Recipe: Boltgun + Dice Cube
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Both Brother Luca and Black Templars Castellan use Boltgun as their starting weapon.
You can evolve it into Heavy Bolter by collecting Dice Cube. This weapon is particularly useful against enemies at a distance and can also be a solid option during boss encounters.
4. Emperor’s Wrath
- Character: Sister Superior Amalia Novena
- Evolution Recipe: Shield of Faith + Bugman’s Tankard
- Damage Type: Fire
- Status Effect: Burning
Sister Superior Amalia’s Shield of Faith evolves into Emperor’s Wrath when combined with Bugman’s Tankard.
The evolved weapon deals Fire damage and applies Burning, making it a useful choice when you want to keep damaging enemies while dealing with large groups.
5. Heavy Flamer
- Character: Canones Aurora Veritas
- Evolution Recipe: Flamer + Glue
- Damage Type: Fire
- Status Effect: Burning
The Flamer evolves into Heavy Flamer when you combine it with Glue.
This is a strong crowd-clearing option because it covers a wide area in front of your character and applies Burning to enemies. It is particularly useful when you need to open a path through a crowded battlefield.
6. Executioner Shotgun
- Character: Max Mahon
- Evolution Recipe: Combat Shotgun + Magnet
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Max Mahon’s Combat Shotgun can be evolved into Executioner Shotgun using Magnet.
If you are playing Max Mahon, make sure you collect Magnet during your run to complete the weapon combination.
7. Orbital Bombardment
- Character: Captain Tor Garadon
- Evolution Recipe: Whirlwind Battery + Liquid Green Stuff
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Captain Tor Garadon’s Whirlwind Battery evolves into Orbital Bombardment when combined with Liquid Green Stuff.
This is the required combination for his character-specific evolution.
8. Ripper Pistol
- Character: The Legend of Catachan
- Evolution Recipe: Frag Grenade + Bandolier
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: Poisoned
The Legend of Catachan starts with Frag Grenade, which evolves into Ripper Pistol when paired with Bandolier.
The evolved weapon also applies Poisoned, giving it an additional status effect beyond its default damage.
9. Remote Detonation
- Character: K9 Mastiff
- Evolution Recipe: Mechanical Bite + Sabaton
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: Stunned
K9 Mastiff’s Mechanical Bite evolves into Remote Detonation when combined with Sabaton.
The evolution can also inflict Stunned, which makes it useful for interrupting enemies and controlling their movement.
10. Bale Eye
- Character: Commissar Sebastian Yarrick
- Evolution Recipe: Power Klaw + Da Lucky Stikk (Maxed Out)
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effects: Vulnerable and Battle Shocked
Yarrick’s Power Klaw requires a fully upgraded Da Lucky Stikk to evolve into Bale Eye.
Make sure you reach the maximum level with Da Lucky Stikk before expecting this evolution to become available. It also applies Vulnerable and Battle Shocked to enemies.
11. Weapon of the Matriarch
- Character: Saint Celestine
- Evolution Recipe: Ardent Blade + Tactical Rock (Maxed Out)
- Damage Type: Fire
- Status Effect: Burning
Saint Celestine’s Ardent Blade evolves into Weapon of the Matriarch when paired with a fully upgraded Tactical Rock.
This evolution deals Fire damage and applies Burning. It is also one of the interesting options for boss encounters because its long blade can cover a huge area when combined with Tape Measure.
12. Gauntlets of Ultramar
- Character: Marneus Calgar
- Evolution Recipe: Power Fist + Codex Astartes
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Combine Marneus Calgar’s Power Fist with Codex Astartes to unlock Gauntlets of Ultramar.
Make sure you collect the required passive item while using Calgar.
13. Assault Cannon
- Character: Sergeant Furan
- Evolution Recipe: Storm Bolter + Lightning Bolt
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Sergeant Furan’s Storm Bolter evolves into Assault Cannon when combined with Lightning Bolt.
This is the weapon combination you should aim for when playing Furan.
14. Side Sponsons
- Character: Knight-Commander Pask
- Evolution Recipe: Battle Cannon + Figure Case
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Knight-Commander Pask’s Battle Cannon evolves into Side Sponsons when combined with Figure Case.
One interesting thing about this evolution is that the original tank weapon remains operational. You get two additional machine guns that target areas above and below the tank while the Battle Cannon continues functioning.
15. Thorn of the White Rose
- Character: Celestian Sacresant Aveline Aboye
- Evolution Recipe: Spear of the Faithful + Chaos Sigil
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: Burning
Aveline’s Spear of the Faithful evolves into Thorn of the White Rose when combined with Chaos Sigil.
The evolved weapon also applies Burning, giving you an additional damage effect during combat.
16. Benediction of Fury
- Character: Chaplain Fo’Baran
- Evolution Recipe: Crozius Arcanum + Lightning Bolt
- Damage Type: Shock
- Status Effect: Stunned
Chaplain Fo’Baran’s Crozius Arcanum can be evolved into Benediction of Fury using Lightning Bolt.
This evolution deals Shock damage and can inflict Stunned, making it a useful option for controlling enemies.
17. Fury of the Ancients
- Character: Chief Librarian Mephiston
- Evolution Recipe: Smite + Ardcoat
- Damage Type: Warp
- Status Effect: None listed
Mephiston’s Smite evolves into Fury of the Ancients when combined with Ardcoat.
This is his unique weapon evolution, so collect Ardcoat during your run if you want to unlock it.
18. Purgator Mirabilis
- Character: Morvenn Vahl
- Evolution Recipe: Fidelis + Golden Demon
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Morvenn Vahl’s Fidelis evolves into Purgator Mirabilis when combined with Golden Demon.
19. Deathstrike Missile
- Available To: Every character
- Evolution Recipe: Storm Eagle Rocket + White Dwarf
- Damage Type: Instant Kill
- Status Effects: Stunned, Bleeding, Burning
Deathstrike Missile is a universal evolution, meaning you can unlock it with any character.
Combine Storm Eagle Rocket with White Dwarf to obtain this powerful weapon. It is particularly useful against bosses because it prioritises the enemy with the highest HP.
20. Mordant Earth
- Available To: Every character
- Evolution Recipe: Nuln Oil + Hourglass
- Damage Type: Null
- Status Effect: Null
Mordant Earth is another universal evolution. You can unlock it by combining Nuln Oil with Hourglass, regardless of your selected character.
It is one of the best options for controlling large groups of enemies because it damages and slows enemies inside its affected area.
21. Sustained Fire Dice
- Available To: Every character
- Evolution Recipe: D6 Dice + Scatter Die
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Combine D6 Dice with Scatter Die to unlock Sustained Fire Dice.
This evolution is available to every character, so you can work towards it during any run.
All Age of Sigmar Weapon Evolution Recipes
Age of Sigmar characters also have their own weapon evolutions. Some use familiar passive items, while others require combinations that are unique to their weapons.
Here are all the Age of Sigmar evolution combinations.
1. Whirlwind Axes
- Character: Neave Blacktalon
- Evolution Recipe: Tempest Axes + Sabaton
- Damage Type: Shock
- Status Effect: None listed
Neave Blacktalon’s Tempest Axes evolve into Whirlwind Axes when combined with Sabaton.
The evolved weapon deals Shock damage.
2. Duelling Pistols
- Character: Armand Callis
- Evolution Recipe: Brace of Pistols + Bandolier
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Armand’s Brace of Pistols can be upgraded into Duelling Pistols by collecting Bandolier.
3. Aquatic Illusions
- Character: Lorai, Child of the Abyss
- Evolution Recipe: Nebulous Sea-Fog + Bugman’s Tankard
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Lorai’s Nebulous Sea-Fog evolves into Aquatic Illusions when paired with Bugman’s Tankard.
This is one of the most useful Age of Sigmar evolutions for crowd control, especially when you combine it with the right passive upgrades.
4. Juntar Bernskyn
- Evolution Recipe: No standard evolution listed.
A standard weapon evolution combination has not been provided for Juntar Bernskyn.
5. Typhoon Crossbow
- Character: Shakana Goldenblade
- Evolution Recipe: Boltstorm Pistol + Dice Cube
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Combine Boltstorm Pistol with Dice Cube to unlock Typhoon Crossbow.
The evolved weapon automatically targets nearby enemies, making it a useful option when you want to focus on movement rather than constantly aiming.
6. Celestial Greatsword
- Character: Sharynn Azurwrath
- Evolution Recipe: Grand Blade + Tape Measure
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Sharynn’s Grand Blade evolves into Celestial Greatsword when combined with Tape Measure.
7. Voice of the God-King
- Character: Hendrick, The Silver Wolf
- Evolution Recipe: Cyclone Sword + Magnet
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Hendrick’s Cyclone Sword can be evolved into Voice of the God-King by combining it with Magnet.
8. Anti-Wizard Flintlock
- Character: Hanniver Toll
- Evolution Recipe: Flintlock Pistols + Ardcoat
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Hanniver’s Flintlock Pistols evolve into Anti-Wizard Flintlock when combined with Ardcoat.
9. Zangrom-Thaz
- Character: Gotrek Gurnisson
- Evolution Recipe: Fyrestorm Greataxe + Kragg Blackhammer’s Master Rune
- Damage Type: Not specified
- Status Effect: Not specified
Gotrek’s Fyrestorm Greataxe evolves into Zangrom-Thaz using Kragg Blackhammer’s Master Rune.
Make sure you collect the required passive item during your run.
10. Uskavar the Sunderer
- Character: Rostus Oxenhammer
- Evolution Recipe: Stormcharged Warhammer + Tactical Rock
- Damage Type: Not specified
- Status Effect: Not specified
Rostus’s Stormcharged Warhammer evolves into Uskavar the Sunderer when combined with Tactical Rock.
11. Master of Runes
- Character: Ulgromthier
- Evolution Recipe: Brazier Staff + Liquid Green Stuff
- Damage Type: Not specified
- Status Effect: Not specified
Combine Ulgromthier’s Brazier Staff with Liquid Green Stuff to unlock Master of Runes.
12. Enchanted Glove
- Character: Maleneth Witchblade
- Evolution Recipe: Twin-Tailed Cat + Golden Demon
- Damage Type: Not specified
- Status Effect: Not specified
Maleneth’s Twin-Tailed Cat evolves into Enchanted Glove when combined with Golden Demon.
13. Thengavar
- Character: Lyssa Revenya
- Evolution Recipe: Blade of High Heavens + Figure Case
- Damage Type: Not specified
- Status Effect: Not specified
Combine Blade of High Heavens with Figure Case to unlock Thengavar.
14. Bladed Vortex
- Character: Valius, the Keeper Aqshian
- Evolution Recipe: Poisoned Throwing Knives + Gauntlet
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: Poisoned
Valius’s Poisoned Throwing Knives evolve into Bladed Vortex when combined with Gauntlet.
The evolved weapon retains the Poisoned status effect.
15. Ghost of Rhea
- Character: Not specified
- Evolution Recipe: Rope & Grapnel + White Dwarf
- Damage Type: Not specified
- Status Effect: Not specified
Combine Rope & Grapnel with White Dwarf to unlock Ghost of Rhea.
16. Warding Lantern
- Character: Not specified
- Evolution Recipe: Mystical Ward + Glue
- Damage Type: Not specified
- Status Effect: Not specified
Mystical Ward evolves into Warding Lantern when combined with Glue.
17. Mordant Earth
- Available To: Every character
- Evolution Recipe: Nuln Oil + Hourglass
- Damage Type: Null
- Status Effect: Null
This universal evolution is also available in the Age of Sigmar universe. Combine Nuln Oil with Hourglass to unlock it.
18. Sustained Fire Dice
- Available To: Every character
- Evolution Recipe: D6 Dice + Scatter Die
- Damage Type: Default
- Status Effect: None listed
Sustained Fire Dice is another universal option that you can unlock using D6 Dice and Scatter Die.
Best Weapon Evolutions for Crowd Control
When you are surrounded by enemies, having a weapon with high single-target damage isn’t always enough. You need evolutions that can hit several enemies, slow down incoming waves, and give you enough room to move.
These are the evolutions I recommend prioritising when your main goal is clearing large groups.
Mordant Earth
- Recipe: Nuln Oil + Hourglass
- Available To: Every character
Mordant Earth is one of the strongest crowd-control options because it damages enemies across a large area while also slowing them down.
What makes it particularly useful is its availability. You don’t need a specific character or starting weapon to unlock it, so you can work towards this evolution with almost any build.
If you want to increase its effectiveness, focus on these passive items:
- Tape Measure: Increases the size of the affected area.
- Bandolier: Increases how frequently the black liquid drops.
- Gauntlet: Improves its base damage.
I would prioritise Tape Measure if you want to cover more ground. A larger affected area means more enemies can be caught and damaged at the same time.
Side Sponsons
- Recipe: Battle Cannon + Figure Case
- Character: Knight-Commander Pask
Side Sponsons is an excellent choice for dealing with large groups while keeping your original weapon active.
After evolving the Battle Cannon, the tank gains two additional machine guns that target areas above and below it. The original Battle Cannon continues to operate, giving you additional damage coverage.
Gauntlet is particularly useful with this evolution because it also improves the tank’s crushing damage. At its base level, the tank deals nearly 300 damage when running over an enemy. A fully upgraded Gauntlet can increase this damage by approximately 50%.
This makes Side Sponsons especially useful during later parts of difficult stages when enemies become harder to eliminate.
Heavy Flamer
- Recipe: Flamer + Glue
- Character: Canones Aurora Veritas
Heavy Flamer is another strong option when you need to clear a path through incoming enemies.
It covers almost 180 degrees in the direction you are facing and applies Burning to enemies caught in its attack. This makes it useful when large groups are approaching from the same direction.
However, its reload time is quite long, so you won’t be able to use it continuously.
To improve its performance, I recommend upgrading Bandolier to its maximum level. This helps increase the frequency of its attacks and reduces the downtime between shots.
One thing to remember is that Heavy Flamer isn’t as powerful as Promethium Canister. If you are preparing for elite or Extremis bosses, you should still look for that pickup rather than relying entirely on Heavy Flamer.
Aquatic Illusions
- Recipe: Nebulous Sea-Fog + Bugman’s Tankard
- Character: Lorai, Child of the Abyss
If you are playing in the Age of Sigmar universe, Aquatic Illusions is worth considering for crowd control.
Its effect is similar to having a smaller version of Mordant Earth that moves around with you. Enemies entering its radius take damage and are slowed down, making it easier to control nearby threats.
To get more out of this evolution, focus on:
- Tape Measure: Increases its effective size.
- Bandolier: Improves its hit frequency.
Both upgrades can help you deal with larger groups without needing to constantly reposition yourself.
Best Weapon Evolutions for Boss Damage
Crowd-control weapons are excellent for clearing regular enemies, but they aren’t always the best choice when facing an Extremis boss.
During boss fights, you need weapons that can consistently hit a single target and deal significant damage. I recommend keeping at least one or two boss-focused evolutions in your build instead of relying entirely on area damage.
Here are some of the best options to consider.
Deathstrike Missile
- Recipe: Storm Eagle Rocket + White Dwarf
- Available To: Every character
Deathstrike Missile is one of the strongest choices for boss damage because it uses a targeting system that prioritises the enemy with the highest HP.
This means that even when you are surrounded by regular enemies, the missile can target the elite boss instead of wasting its attack on smaller enemies.
It also has a large area of effect, so nearby enemies can take damage when the missile hits.
Another important advantage is its ability to help prevent a boss from healing itself. If you are struggling against a boss with healing abilities, Deathstrike Missile is an evolution worth prioritising.
The only downside is its long reload time. Because of this, I wouldn’t use it as your only crowd-control weapon.
Heavy Bolter
- Recipe: Boltgun + Dice Cube
- Characters: Brother Luca Amasius and Black Templars Castellan
Heavy Bolter is a machine-gun evolution with long-range attacks. You can aim it directly at enemies, which makes it a useful option against bosses.
Its range allows you to keep attacking targets even when they are positioned far away from you.
However, its overall damage isn’t as high as some of the other boss-focused evolutions. Gauntlet can improve its damage output, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on Heavy Bolter alone for an Extremis boss.
Use it alongside another high-damage evolution to get better results.
Weapon of the Matriarch
- Recipe: Ardent Blade + Tactical Rock (Maxed Out)
- Character: Saint Celestine
Weapon of the Matriarch is an unusual evolution because it is technically a melee weapon, but its enormous size gives it impressive range.
The evolved blade can extend across a large portion of the screen, allowing you to hit enemies from a considerable distance.
Tape Measure makes this weapon even more interesting. When fully upgraded, it can increase the blade’s size so much that only its hilt may remain visible on your screen.
However, the evolution has a long reload time, similar to Heavy Flamer. To make it appear more frequently, you should also upgrade Bandolier.
The downside is that you need to dedicate multiple passive slots to improve a single evolution. This makes it a less efficient choice than some of the other boss-damage options.
Typhoon Crossbow
- Recipe: Boltstorm Pistol + Dice Cube
- Character: Shakana Goldenblade
Typhoon Crossbow is another useful option for dealing with individual targets.
Unlike Heavy Bolter, you don’t need to aim it manually. It automatically fires bolts towards the nearest enemy, which makes it easier to keep attacking while moving around the battlefield.
Its firing rate isn’t as high as Heavy Bolter, but automatic targeting is a useful advantage during boss encounters.
Keep in mind that Typhoon Crossbow isn’t powerful enough to defeat an Extremis boss on its own. I recommend combining it with another evolution that deals stronger single-target damage.
Which Weapon Evolutions Should You Unlock First?
If you are unsure which evolutions to prioritise, I would start with the universal combinations. They are available across characters, meaning you don’t have to change your champion just to unlock them.
Here is the order I would recommend based on their uses:
- Mordant Earth: A great starting choice for slowing down and damaging large enemy groups.
- Deathstrike Missile: Prioritise this when you need strong damage against high-HP enemies and bosses.
- Side Sponsons: An excellent option for additional damage coverage while keeping the Battle Cannon active.
- Heavy Flamer: Useful for opening paths through crowded areas and applying Burning.
- Aquatic Illusions: A good Age of Sigmar option for keeping nearby enemies under control.
- Typhoon Crossbow: Useful for automatically targeting enemies while you focus on movement.
You don’t need to use all these evolutions in one run. Instead, choose combinations based on the character you are playing and the type of enemies you expect to encounter.
Weapon evolutions can completely change how your character performs in Warhammer Survivors. Some combinations are designed to clear large groups, while others are better suited to dealing with bosses and stronger enemies.
My recommendation is to avoid building your entire loadout around a single type of damage. Try to keep a balance between crowd control and boss damage, especially when progressing through harder stages.
Start by learning the universal recipes for Mordant Earth, Deathstrike Missile, and Sustained Fire Dice. Once you are comfortable with these combinations, experiment with your character-specific evolutions to find the weapons that work best with your playstyle.