Diving into Warhammer: Do You Need to Play Previous Games?
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The Warhammer universe, whether we’re talking the fantasy realms of Total War: WARHAMMER or the grim darkness of Warhammer 40,000, can seem intimidating to newcomers. The sheer volume of lore, factions, and game titles can be overwhelming. So, let’s cut right to the chase: No, you don’t need to play previous Warhammer games to enjoy the latest installments. However, understanding the connections, benefits, and nuances of the series will certainly enhance your experience. This article will explore the ins and outs of jumping into the Warhammer world, guiding you through the various entry points and explaining how the games relate to one another.
Understanding the Warhammer Landscape
Before diving into specific game series, it’s crucial to understand the broader Warhammer landscape. The two major branches are:
- Warhammer Fantasy: This is the setting for the Total War: WARHAMMER series. It’s a high-fantasy world filled with elves, dwarves, orcs, and all sorts of monstrous creatures locked in eternal conflict.
- Warhammer 40,000 (40k): A grimdark science fantasy setting set in the far future, featuring space marines, aliens, and daemons locked in a perpetual war.
While they share some themes (like the influence of Chaos), the settings, characters, and stories are fundamentally different.
Total War: WARHAMMER Series: A Closer Look
The Total War: WARHAMMER series is where many PC gamers first encounter the Warhammer Fantasy universe. The series consists of three main titles:
- Total War: WARHAMMER (TWW1)
- Total War: WARHAMMER II (TWW2)
- Total War: WARHAMMER III (TWW3)
These games are standalone titles, meaning you can technically play each one individually. However, the real magic happens when you combine them.
Mortal Empires and Immortal Empires
The key to understanding the interconnectedness lies in the Mortal Empires and Immortal Empires campaigns.
- Mortal Empires (TWW2): This combines the maps and factions from TWW1 and TWW2 into one massive campaign. To access it, you need to own both TWW1 and TWW2, but you only need to have TWW2 installed.
- Immortal Empires (TWW3): This is the ultimate grand campaign, combining content from all three games. You need to own TWW1, TWW2, and TWW3 to access all the factions, but again, only TWW3 needs to be installed.
The beauty of Immortal Empires is that it provides an unparalleled sandbox experience, allowing you to play as almost any faction from the entire series on a gigantic map. While owning the previous games unlocks more content, the base game of TWW3 itself provides a substantial and enjoyable experience. Understanding the connection is a great way to enhance your enjoyment of the game. If you’re interested in learning more about the educational potential of games like these, be sure to check out GamesLearningSociety.org.
Starting Points: Where to Begin?
If you’re new to Total War: WARHAMMER, there are a few potential entry points:
- Total War: WARHAMMER III: This is the most up-to-date game and a great place to start. It has a compelling standalone campaign and, as mentioned, allows access to Immortal Empires (provided you own the other games).
- Total War: WARHAMMER II: Some players recommend starting here, as it’s considered by many to be the most polished and accessible entry point.
- Total War: WARHAMMER: While showing its age, it’s the cheapest way to dip your toes in and see if you enjoy the gameplay.
Ultimately, the best starting point depends on your budget and preferences. If you’re willing to invest in the entire series, starting with TWW3 and gradually acquiring the older titles is a solid strategy.
Warhammer 40,000: Different Genre, Different Entry Points
While Total War: WARHAMMER focuses on grand strategy, Warhammer 40,000 encompasses a wide range of genres, including tabletop wargaming, role-playing games, and video games.
- Tabletop Wargaming: This is the original and arguably the most iconic form of Warhammer 40,000. It involves collecting, painting, and battling with miniature figurines. The Warhammer 40,000: Starter Set is an excellent place to begin.
- Video Games: The 40k universe has spawned numerous video game adaptations, ranging from real-time strategy (e.g., Dawn of War series) to action RPGs (e.g., Inquisitor – Martyr). Each game offers a unique perspective on the setting.
Unlike the Total War: WARHAMMER series, there isn’t a single linear progression through the 40k video games. You can jump in with any title that interests you.
FAQs: Your Warhammer Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the entry points and connections within the Warhammer universe:
1. Do I need to own all three Total War: WARHAMMER games to enjoy the series?
No, each game is playable as a standalone title. However, owning all three unlocks the full potential of the series through the Immortal Empires campaign.
2. Do I need to install all three Total War: WARHAMMER games to play Immortal Empires?
No, you only need to have Total War: WARHAMMER III installed. The game will recognize that you own the other titles in your Steam (or other platform) library and unlock the corresponding content.
3. Is Total War: WARHAMMER III worth buying without the DLC?
Absolutely! The base game provides a substantial and engaging experience on its own. DLCs add extra factions and units, but they aren’t essential for enjoying the core gameplay.
4. Which Total War: WARHAMMER game is the best starting point for newcomers?
Many recommend Total War: WARHAMMER II as the most polished and accessible entry point. However, Total War: WARHAMMER III is also a great option, especially if you plan to eventually acquire the other games.
5. Are Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 connected?
Although they share thematic similarities, the settings and stories are completely separate. The Chaos Gods, for example, exist in both universes but are not identical entities.
6. Is there any reason to play Total War: WARHAMMER 1 if I own 2 and 3?
Yes, owning TWW1 unlocks the races and factions from that game in the Mortal Empires (TWW2) and Immortal Empires (TWW3) campaigns.
7. What is the difference between Mortal Empires and Immortal Empires?
Mortal Empires combines content from TWW1 and TWW2, while Immortal Empires combines content from all three games. Immortal Empires offers a larger map and more factions.
8. Do I need to know anything about the lore to enjoy the Total War: WARHAMMER games?
No, the games are designed to be accessible to newcomers. However, a basic understanding of the factions and their motivations can enhance your experience. The narrative elements of each game provides a soft introduction to the Warhammer lore.
9. Can I play Total War: WARHAMMER 2 without owning Total War: WARHAMMER 1?
Yes, TWW2 is a standalone game. However, you’ll miss out on the Mortal Empires campaign, which combines content from both games.
10. What is the best way to get started with Warhammer 40,000 tabletop wargaming?
The Warhammer 40,000: Starter Set is the ideal starting point. It includes everything you need to begin playing, including miniatures, rules, dice, and rulers.
11. Is Warhammer 40,000 more expensive to get into than Total War: WARHAMMER?
Tabletop wargaming can be more expensive due to the cost of miniatures, paints, and other supplies. However, there are also more affordable entry points, such as video games.
12. Do I need to read the Warhammer 40,000 novels to understand the setting?
No, but they can greatly enhance your appreciation of the lore. There are countless 40k novels to choose from, covering a wide range of characters and events.
13. What if I don’t like painting miniatures? Can I still enjoy Warhammer 40,000?
Yes! Many players enjoy the strategic and tactical aspects of the tabletop game without being particularly interested in painting. You can also hire someone to paint your miniatures for you.
14. Are there online communities for Warhammer players?
Absolutely! There are numerous online forums, social media groups, and Discord servers dedicated to both Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000. These communities are great for finding opponents, sharing tips, and discussing the lore.
15. What is the Warhammer Community website?
The Warhammer Community website (warhammer-community.com) is the official source for news, updates, and articles related to all things Warhammer. It’s a great resource for staying informed about the latest releases and events.
Final Thoughts
The Warhammer universe is vast and multifaceted, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re drawn to the grand strategy of Total War: WARHAMMER or the grim darkness of Warhammer 40,000, there’s a place for you in this rich and immersive world. Remember, you don’t need to play previous games to enjoy the latest installments, but understanding the connections and options will undoubtedly enhance your experience. Jump in, explore, and discover the wonders that await! Games can be used to explore and discover many new avenues of learning and this is why the Games Learning Society is such a great place to visit.