Total War Warhammer 3 Factions List: How To Play All Factions
The Total War: Warhammer 3 factions list is a major factor for any budding player, because these are the different races you can play as. Each one is unique with their own Lords, army units and overall goal within Total War: Warhammer 3 to achieve victory. There are quite a few factions and races in the game though, so which one should you play as? Here's what you need to know with our Total War: Warhammer 3 factions guide.
- Still unsure whether to get the final instalment in the trilogy? Read our Total War: Warhammer 3 review.
Each faction has its own playstyle and this may determine who you will want to play as. Campaigns can take a ton of hours to complete so there is no point in picking a faction that is built around slow and steady play if you’re looking to play on the front foot and be aggressive from the start.
So, whether you’re looking to take on the role of a human faction like the noble Kislev or one of the Daemon armies like the Khorne, you’re in for a treat with the variety that is available. While more factions are expected to be added as DLC throughout the life of Total War: Warhammer 3, there are seven starting factions and one DLC option available at launch.
Total War Warhammer 3 Factions: Kislev
Click to enlargeThe Realm of the Ice Queen is the most northern civilisation within the Old World. They’re a powerful and war-driven faction who step aside for no one. They’ve been in a constant battle with the hordes of Chaos with generations having been lost to the conflict.
They will continue to fight their battle as proud Kislevites for their Motherland - and its inhabitants - safety.
As one of only two human type factions in Total War: Warhammer 3, the Kislev are considered a great starting race. Their mechanics are very simple and managing their armies is simple due to the way they closely reflect historical units like archers, spearmen and cavalry.
It’s highly recommended that you play through the prologue tutorial which will see you play through an introductory campaign as the Kislev faction. Not only is it a great way to learn the basics of Warhammer 3 but also a very interesting introduction to the lore behind the game.
- Just getting started with the game? Check out our top Total War: Warhammer 3 tips.
Total War Warhammer 3 Factions: Daemons Of Chaos
Click to enlargeThe Dameon Prince has given himself to the Choas Gods and thus the Daemons of Chaos were formed. An army that can call upon all the legions of Choas to strike fear into their enemies and take over the mortal land.
Chaos Undivided will take the best and strongest units from the Khorne, Nurgle, Slaanesh and Tzeentch factions and bring them under one banner against all sovereignty and even the Gods themselves.
One really unique feature for the Daemons of Chaos is their Lord, the Daemon Prince. While other Lords can equip gear to change their stats and boost the performance of their units, the Prince takes this one step further. He is entirely customisable down to being able to swap out different body parts and change his appearance entirely.
You will gradually unlock more body parts and gear by pleasing the various Chaos Gods. If you choose to primarily honour one God in particular, you will unlock their options much faster but there are bigger benefits on offer if you spread your honour between the five available options.
- One of the best features in the game is explained in our how to use the tactical map in Total War: Warhammer 3 guide.
Total War Warhammer 3 Factions: Grand Cathay
Click to enlargeNever before seen in a Total War: Warhammer setting, the Grand Cathay are travellers from the east with tales to tell and riches to sell. Their armies are fiercely loyal making them all the more dangerous.
Do not underestimate their power as if the attention of the Celestial Dragon Empire as while they may have harmony in their best interests, they know how to navigate a battlefield and will defend themselves with honour to the death.
Such is the Grand Cathay’s dedication to harmony, that you will need to make sure decisions made throughout a campaign do not upset the balance they aim to maintain. A progress bar of sorts is present on screen when playing as this faction and keeping the bar in the centre will produce greater rewards.
Total War Warhammer 3 Factions: Chaos Gods - Khorne, Nurgle, Tzeentch and Slaanesh
Click to enlargeEach of the Chaos Gods have their own faction in Warhammer 3. They have very similar mechanics with slight changes to make each feel unique enough to deserve their addition as a separate faction.
In each of the factions, there is only one starting Legendary Lord compared to the two found in most others. However, it’s been very delicately suggested that more will be added as DLC over time.
As the name suggests, each of these factions is all about Chaos and you’ll be aiming to please your Gods through your actions on the battlefield. Neither of the factions has the strongest starting armies but once you start to build up your income and spread your influence, the numbers advantage will take effect.
Aggression is typically key with these factions and you’ll want to always be on the front foot and looking to fight. Army units will always start out fairly weak but with time and experience, you’ll become an unbeatable force.
Total War Warhammer 3 Factions: Ogre Kingdoms
Click to enlargeThe first DLC faction in the game, the Ogre Kingdoms we also present in Total War: Warhammer 2. They’re not the most nimble or agile faction on offer, but when they hit, they hit hard (if they’re not too drunk to stand up that is).
Power is key within the Orge Kingdoms and your rule over the realm will not happen quickly but brute force tactics will pay off in the long run.
Playing as the Orge faction probably isn’t recommended as a first playthrough as their mechanics are trickier to get your head around unless you have experience with Total War: Warhammer 3.
Additional DLC Factions?
More factions will be added over time as has been the case with Warhammer 1 and 2. We could see the High Elves and Vampire Coast return from Warhammer 2 while the Dwarves would be returning from the first game.
It would also be fun to see more completely brand new factions introduced like with the Grand Cathay. Games Workshop has invested a lot of time and resources to ensure that their properties are well represented in the Total War games so more ‘first-time ever’ content is likely.
On top of entirely new factions, new Lords are also expected to be added to all of the existing factions to expand the options available when starting a new campaign. The great thing about these additions is that they will fuel Warhammer 3 for years to come. This means that your upfront investment in the game will set you up for the long term!
