Is Total War: Warhammer 3 Set in 40k?
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The short, definitive answer is: No, Total War: Warhammer 3 is absolutely not set in the Warhammer 40,000 (40k) universe. It is crucial to understand that while both franchises are owned by Games Workshop, they are distinct and separate universes with different themes, settings, and stories. Total War: Warhammer 3, along with its predecessors, is firmly rooted in the Warhammer Fantasy setting, a world of high fantasy replete with magic, mythical creatures, and epic battles. Warhammer 40k, on the other hand, is a grim, science-fiction dystopia set in the far future, featuring spaceships, laser guns, and different alien factions.
Confusing the two is understandable given the shared “Warhammer” title, but the differences are profound. To fully understand where Total War: Warhammer 3 fits in the grand scheme of Warhammer, let’s delve deeper into the specifics of the setting and distinguish it from its sci-fi counterpart.
Understanding the Warhammer Fantasy Setting
Total War: Warhammer 3, just like the previous two installments in the trilogy, takes place in the Warhammer Fantasy world. This is a world of classic fantasy tropes: towering castles, sprawling forests, and menacing mountain ranges. It’s a realm where elves, dwarfs, orcs, goblins, and humans clash in brutal and often magical conflicts.
The setting is typically characterized by:
- High fantasy: Magic is commonplace, and mythical beasts roam the land.
- Medieval-esque technology: The armies rely on swords, axes, bows, and early gunpowder weapons.
- A structured world map: With clearly defined continents, nations, and territories.
- A rich history and lore: Developed over decades of sourcebooks and miniatures.
Total War: Warhammer 3 is specifically focused around the reign of Emperor Karl Franz in the early 26th century of the Imperial Calendar (IC). While the games do take liberties with the lore to create compelling campaigns, they fundamentally adhere to the established narrative and geography of the Warhammer Fantasy world. The game features iconic factions from the setting like the High Elves, Skaven, and many other races.
Contrasting with the Warhammer 40k Universe
The setting of Warhammer 40,000, or 40k, is a vast departure. It’s a world of:
- Grim dark science fiction: Set approximately 40,000 years in the future, it is characterized by constant war, technological decline, and pervasive religious zealotry.
- Advanced technology: Including spaceships, power armor, laser weapons, and psychic abilities.
- Galactic scale conflicts: Wars take place across vast stretches of space, involving different alien empires and cosmic entities.
- A different pantheon of gods and monsters: The pantheon of Chaos gods that is present in the fantasy universe, like Slaanesh, has different manifestations, but fundamentally, in both settings the Chaos forces pose existential threats to life.
Key differences between the two settings also include:
- Races: While some races like Orks share a conceptual basis, the factions of Warhammer 40k are largely different. Examples are the Eldar, Necrons, T’au, and Tyranids.
- Technology: There’s a stark difference in technology level, with 40k being far more advanced compared to the medieval technology of the fantasy setting.
- Scale: 40k battles are often fought on a galactic scale, while Fantasy battles are more confined to a single world.
Therefore, the gameplay, the characters, and the overall aesthetic of Total War: Warhammer 3 are completely divorced from the 40k universe.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Warhammer Universe and Total War
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the differences and provide additional information:
1. Is there a connection between the Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40k universes?
While not directly connected, there are shared concepts and themes. Games Workshop has stated they are separate universes, but some speculate they may be distantly related through the Warp, a dimension of chaotic energy. The similarities between some races like elves and their 40k counterparts highlight the shared conceptual foundations, but they are ultimately different.
2. Will there ever be a Total War: Warhammer 40k game?
There are currently no official announcements for a Total War: Warhammer 40k game. Given the immense popularity of both franchises, it’s certainly a possibility in the future, but no concrete plans have been revealed. The release of Total War: Pharaoh suggests any such announcement is unlikely before 2024 at the earliest.
3. Is Total War: Warhammer 3 a sequel to Warhammer 40k games?
No, Total War: Warhammer 3 is a direct sequel to Total War: Warhammer and Total War: Warhammer II, all of which are set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe. It has no connection to any games set in the 40k setting.
4. Is Total War: Warhammer 3 set in the Age of Sigmar?
No, Total War: Warhammer 3 is set in the traditional Warhammer Fantasy world before the “End Times” event, which led to the creation of Age of Sigmar. Age of Sigmar is a distinct, post-apocalyptic fantasy setting which is separate to the setting of the Total War series.
5. What is the difference between Warhammer 40k and the Total War: Warhammer series?
The difference lies in the setting: Warhammer 40k is a futuristic science-fiction setting, while Total War: Warhammer is set in a world of high fantasy. These vastly different settings offer completely different gameplay experiences, storylines, and aesthetics.
6. Is there any overlap in factions between the two universes?
There are some conceptual overlaps. Orks in 40k are somewhat similar to Orcs in the fantasy setting. And the Eldar in 40k are in some ways similar to elves, but they are distinct races in distinct universes.
7. What time period is Total War: Warhammer 3 set in?
Total War: Warhammer 3 is set during the reign of Emperor Karl Franz, roughly around the early 26th century IC. The exact timeline is slightly flexible to accommodate campaign narratives, but it’s within the established Warhammer Fantasy timeline.
8. Is Warhammer 40k more popular than Warhammer Fantasy?
Warhammer 40k is generally considered to be the more popular franchise due to its unique blend of science fiction and gothic horror. The sci-fi elements also lend themselves well to a variety of video game adaptations.
9. Is Total War: Warhammer 3 a AAA game?
Yes, the Total War: Warhammer series, including the third installment, is considered a AAA title, representing the pinnacle of the Total War franchise with its detailed graphics, large-scale battles, and immersive campaign experience.
10. Do you need to play Total War: Warhammer 1 and 2 to enjoy 3?
While not strictly required, owning the previous games allows you to access the Immortal Empires mode, which combines all the factions and maps from the trilogy into one gigantic campaign. Total War: Warhammer III can be played as a standalone product.
11. Does Warhammer 3 take place before or after Warhammer 2?
All three Total War: Warhammer games take place simultaneously. They are set in different parts of the same world, with each game expanding on the map, factions, and lore.
12. Is Sigmar the same as the Emperor of Mankind from Warhammer 40k?
No, they are different characters. Sigmar is a legendary hero in the Warhammer Fantasy setting, who was the first Emperor of the Empire of Man. The Emperor of Mankind is a completely separate character from the 40k universe.
13. Does Warhammer 40k have Skaven?
No, the Skaven, a race of rat-men, are unique to the Warhammer Fantasy universe. There are no Skaven in Warhammer 40k, despite the prevalence of other chaotic factions.
14. Which factions are included in Total War: Warhammer 3?
The game includes factions such as the Daemons of Chaos, Kislev, Cathay, Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, Slaanesh, and many others from the Warhammer Fantasy setting.
15. Where should I start with the Total War: Warhammer series?
It is generally advised to start with Total War: Warhammer 3 for the most up-to-date mechanics and the access to the Immortal Empires mode, but you can always explore the previous installments if you wish to experience the full trilogy and lore.
Conclusion
In summary, while both franchises carry the “Warhammer” name, Total War: Warhammer 3 is firmly rooted in the Warhammer Fantasy world, not the science-fiction universe of Warhammer 40k. Understanding the significant differences in setting, technology, and lore is key to appreciating the unique experiences each franchise offers. If you’re looking for classic fantasy with swords, magic, and mythical creatures, Total War: Warhammer 3 is the perfect fit. If your preference is a grim, science-fiction universe with lasers and spaceships, then Warhammer 40k is the franchise for you.