Do I Need Warhammer 2 Installed for Warhammer 3? The Definitive Answer
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
No, you absolutely do not need to have Total War: Warhammer 2 installed on your computer to play Total War: Warhammer 3. This is a common point of confusion, and thankfully, the developers at Creative Assembly have made it much simpler than it used to be. While owning Warhammer 2 (and Warhammer 1) unlocks content within Warhammer 3, specifically factions and Legendary Lords, it’s the ownership of the games, not the installation, that matters.
This means you can keep your hard drive space clear and still enjoy the vast, interconnected world of Immortal Empires, provided you own the relevant games on the same platform (e.g., Steam). Let’s dive deeper into how this works and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Understanding Immortal Empires and Content Ownership
The key to understanding this lies in the Immortal Empires campaign, the grand, combined map that brings together all the factions and locations from all three Total War: Warhammer games. Originally, accessing Immortal Empires required owning all three titles. However, Creative Assembly changed this to allow all Warhammer 3 owners to access the campaign.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Base Game Access: Owning Warhammer 3 grants you access to the Immortal Empires campaign, as well as the Realm of Chaos campaign.
- Faction Unlocks: Owning Warhammer 1 and Warhammer 2, and their respective DLC, unlocks the associated races and Legendary Lords within the Immortal Empires campaign in Warhammer 3. You don’t need to install them; the game simply recognizes that you own them on your account.
- Standalone Campaigns: If you want to play the specific, unique campaigns from Warhammer 1 or Warhammer 2, then, of course, you’ll need to install those games separately.
Why This System Is Beneficial
This system is incredibly beneficial for several reasons:
- Reduced Storage Requirements: The Total War: Warhammer games are massive, each requiring a significant amount of hard drive space. Eliminating the need to install all three games saves a considerable amount of storage.
- Simplified Access: It streamlines the process of accessing the full scope of Immortal Empires. You no longer need to worry about installing and managing multiple games.
- Focus on the Latest Experience: It encourages players to focus on Warhammer 3, the most recent iteration, which benefits from the latest graphical improvements, gameplay mechanics, and content updates.
- Cost-Effective: It allows players to cherry-pick which games and DLC they want to own, without forcing them to buy or install everything to enjoy the core Immortal Empires experience.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Warhammer 3 and Its Predecessors
Let’s address some common questions to clarify any remaining confusion.
1. Can I play Warhammer 3 without owning Warhammer 1 and 2?
Yes, you can absolutely play Warhammer 3 without owning Warhammer 1 and 2. You will have access to the base Warhammer 3 factions and the Immortal Empires campaign, but you will not have access to factions unlocked by owning the older games or their DLC.
2. Do I need to buy all the DLC to enjoy Immortal Empires?
No, you don’t need to buy all the DLC. You can pick and choose which DLC factions and Legendary Lords you want to unlock within Immortal Empires. The base game experience is still substantial and enjoyable.
3. What happens if I uninstall Warhammer 2 after playing it?
Uninstalling Warhammer 2 does not affect your ability to access its content within Warhammer 3, as long as you still own it on your Steam (or other relevant) account.
4. Is Immortal Empires free in Total Warhammer 3?
Yes, Immortal Empires is available for free to all owners of Total War: Warhammer 3. It used to require owning all three games, but this is no longer the case.
5. Should I start with Warhammer 1, 2, or 3?
For new players, Warhammer 3 is generally recommended. It has the most up-to-date graphics, mechanics, and features. While Warhammer 2 is a good starting point also, it might be better to go to 3 to future-proof yourself.
6. Does Warhammer 3 look better than Warhammer 2?
Yes, Warhammer 3 generally looks better than Warhammer 2. There have been graphical improvements and remade maps.
7. Is Total War: Warhammer 3 worth it without DLC?
Yes, Total War: Warhammer 3 is worth it without DLC. The base game offers a significant amount of content. DLC provides additional options but is not essential for enjoyment.
8. Can I play the Warhammer 2 campaigns within Warhammer 3?
No, you cannot play the specific campaigns of Warhammer 2 within Warhammer 3. To play the Eye of the Vortex campaign, you need to install and play Warhammer 2.
9. How big is the download for Warhammer 3?
The approximate installation size for Warhammer 3 is around 120 GB. Make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive.
10. What are the minimum system requirements for Warhammer 3?
The minimum system requirements for Warhammer 3 are:
- CPU: Intel i3/Ryzen 3 series
- RAM: 6 GB
- Video Card: Nvidia GTX 900/AMD RX 400 series | Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Dedicated Video RAM: 2048 MB
- OS: Windows 7 64-bit
- Free Disk Space: 120 GB
11. What does Warhammer 2 unlock for Warhammer 3?
Owning Warhammer 2 unlocks the races and Legendary Lords from that game within the Immortal Empires campaign of Warhammer 3. Specifically, you unlock the High Elves, Dark Elves, Lizardmen, and Skaven. Additional DLC will further expand your roster.
12. Can I use Warhammer 2 factions in Warhammer 3?
Yes, you can use factions unlocked by owning Warhammer 2 (and its DLC) in the Immortal Empires campaign of Warhammer 3.
13. Is Immortal Empires harder than the Realm of Chaos campaign?
Immortal Empires can be more challenging due to its larger scale and the increased number of factions and potential enemies. The AI also behaves differently in the campaign, but difficulty can be changed for the Immortal Empire Campaign to suit the player.
14. How do I download Total War: Warhammer DLC?
DLC is typically downloaded automatically through Steam (or your chosen platform) once purchased. Ensure that you have enough space on your drive.
15. Does owning Warhammer 2 and its DLC make Warhammer 3 easier?
Not necessarily easier, but it gives you more options and strategic flexibility. Having more factions and Legendary Lords to choose from can provide different approaches to the game.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Warhammer World Your Way
In conclusion, you don’t need to have Warhammer 2 installed to play Warhammer 3. Owning Warhammer 2 unlocks factions for the Immortal Empires campaign. This streamlined approach allows players to enjoy the latest Total War: Warhammer experience without the burden of managing multiple installations. So, dive into the Mortal Realms, conquer your foes, and enjoy the vast, interconnected world of Total War: Warhammer 3! Learning is an important part of gaming and education and you can learn more about it from the Games Learning Society website.