Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Total War Warhammer.
What is Total War: Warhammer?
It is a hybrid strategy game series that combines large-scale real-time battles with turn-based empire management, set in the fantasy universe created by Games Workshop. Players command unique factions featuring iconic heroes and monsters while conquering territories across the Old World.
Which faction should I play first?
The Empire or the Vampire Counts are generally recommended for beginners due to their balanced mechanics and straightforward unit compositions. These factions provide a clear introduction to the game's core systems without overwhelming new players with complex mechanics.
Who is Karl Franz in the series?
Karl Franz serves as the Emperor of the Empire, acting as a central human leader who strives to unite the realm against supernatural threats. He appears across multiple titles and often plays a pivotal role in major plot events involving the Grey Knights or the Chaos invasion.
What is the Great Game?
The Great Game refers to the massive strategic campaign where players compete for dominance over the entire world map, culminating in epic clashes between all playable factions. This overarching narrative connects the three main games and their expansions into a single cohesive experience.
Who are the primary antagonists of the series?
The main enemies include the forces of Chaos led by the Ruinous Powers, as well as the Dark Elves under Malekith and the Undead hordes commanded by Vlad von Carstein. These factions constantly threaten the stability of the world with their destructive ambitions.
How do the three games relate to each other?
The trilogy consists of Total War: Warhammer I, II, and III, which together form a single massive map when played in conjunction with specific updates. Each title introduces new regions, factions, and mechanics while allowing players to continue their campaigns across all continents.
What is the significance of the End Times?
The End Times represents a major narrative arc where the world faces imminent destruction from Chaos, requiring heroes like Sigmar or Malus Darkblade to make critical choices. This storyline drives the final conflicts in the series and determines the ultimate fate of the setting.
Can I play with friends online?
Yes, the game supports cooperative multiplayer campaigns where two to four players can team up to manage a shared empire against AI opponents or other human rivals. Competitive matches also allow players to face off directly in real-time battles or campaign modes.
What makes Norsca unique among factions?
Norsca is a faction composed of raiding tribes from the frozen north that relies on overwhelming numbers and aggressive tactics rather than traditional army structures. Their gameplay focuses on constant expansion, pillaging, and utilizing massive horde armies to crush opponents.
Is there a story mode or campaign narrative?
While the game features lore-rich descriptions and faction-specific objectives, it does not have a linear scripted story like a single-player RPG. Instead, the narrative emerges dynamically based on player decisions, alliances, and territorial control during the campaign.