Weapon file / Warhammer 40,000
Chainsword
The Chainsword is the first weapon many players will hold and the last one they should underestimate. Its horizontal serrated arcs turn a crowd into a single target, and the reported Eviscerator route gives it a clear long-term direction.
On this page4 sections
What the Chainsword does
Malum Caedo starts with the Chainsword in Warhammer Survivors. Auroch describes horizontal serrated attacks that hit multiple enemies in a sweep. That is a line-clearing tool, not a single-target duellist’s blade. Its value rises when the horde approaches in a front, which is exactly what the early waves do.
The official reveal does not publish damage numbers, cooldown or a level curve. The useful planning fact is the shape: the weapon rewards a player who lets enemies gather in front of the swing instead of chasing one target around the edge of the screen.
- Universe: Warhammer 40,000.
- Confirmed wielder: Malum Caedo.
- Confirmed behaviour: horizontal serrated attacks that hit several enemies.
- Launch unlock: not announced.
Tape Measure to Eviscerator
The October community recipe table pairs the Chainsword with Tape Measure and lists the Eviscerator Chainsword as the result. The Eviscerator is not officially documented, so treat both the companion and the result as a demo-era lead. Auroch’s own reveal only names the base Chainsword.
The reported trigger is to max the weapon and open a boss chest. Exact level thresholds and chest rules are unconfirmed. If you are testing the recipe at launch, note the displayed weapon level and the chest source before concluding the pairing has changed.
Evidence level: base Chainsword and attack behaviour are official. Tape Measure → Eviscerator Chainsword is community-reported and may not survive launch balance.
How to use it
Move in broad arcs and keep the horde in front of the blade. Do not reverse to finish one straggler; the next swing should meet the group that followed you. When a rescue ring or elite chest appears, clear a wedge first, then enter along the cleared lane.
The Chainsword’s biggest weakness is ranged pressure behind the front line. Lootas and Ratling Gunners can keep firing while you carve the melee ranks. Break the pattern, move laterally and make the ranged threat the next thing the arc meets.
- Let the pack compress in front of the swing.
- Use wide turns to keep the next group inside the next arc.
- Take movement speed before a second damage stat when the screen closes.
- Bank one defensive upgrade for the first boss or rescue ring.
Build and users
The Chainsword wants area, damage and attack frequency. A faster swing tightens the overlap; more area makes every swing meet more bodies. Movement is the support layer because the blade has no escape tool in its confirmed kit.
Malum Caedo is the obvious user and the safest first-run champion. The Caedo dossier covers his demo route, while the Chain Vanguard build turns the priorities into a checklist.
Pre-launch note. Values and evolution triggers can change before 10 November 2026. Community pairings are labelled and should be verified in the launch build. See the update log for newer information.
Sources and evidence
Editorial methodOfficial claims, press observations and community reports are kept separate. Where Auroch has not published a value, this guide says so instead of filling the gap.