Should I Play Total War: Warhammer in Order? A Comprehensive Guide
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The burning question for any newcomer gazing upon the vast and chaotic landscape of the Total War: Warhammer trilogy is this: Should I play them in order, starting with the first game? The short answer is: no, not necessarily, but it depends on what you’re looking for. Jumping straight into Total War: Warhammer III is perfectly viable, especially if you prioritize the most up-to-date gameplay, features, and content. However, owning the older games unlocks significant benefits, primarily in the form of the Immortal Empires campaign in Warhammer III, a gargantuan map combining all three games’ territories and factions.
The Total War: Warhammer series isn’t like a traditional, linear narrative where missing a chapter ruins the whole experience. Each game, particularly II and III, offers substantial standalone campaigns. They refine gameplay, introduce new factions, and expand the lore. Starting with the latest entry allows you to bypass some of the older mechanics that may feel dated by comparison.
That said, disregarding the earlier games entirely means missing out on the specific campaigns and experiences each offers. The original Total War: Warhammer introduced the core factions and set the stage, while Total War: Warhammer II expanded on the narrative and refined many aspects of the game. It really comes down to personal preference, your budget, and your desired level of completeness.
If you’re completely new to the Total War series, consider dipping your toes in with Warhammer III. Its initial learning curve may be gentler thanks to the Prologue campaign. Furthermore, if you enjoy it, consider investing in the previous entries to enhance the Immortal Empires experience, which is arguably the ultimate Total War: Warhammer sandbox. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for learning more about the educational aspects of gaming. You can find them at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Benefits of Playing in Order
While not strictly required, playing the games sequentially does offer some advantages:
- Gradual Introduction: Each game introduces new factions, mechanics, and geographical areas. Playing in order allows you to absorb these elements gradually, preventing information overload.
- Appreciating the Evolution: You can witness firsthand how the gameplay and features evolved across the trilogy. This provides a greater appreciation for the improvements and changes made with each installment.
- Experiencing Unique Campaigns: Each game has its own distinct campaign narrative and flavor. Total War: Warhammer I features a more focused and linear campaign, while Total War: Warhammer II offers a dynamic vortex campaign.
- Unlocking Content for Immortal Empires: Owning all three games unlocks the Immortal Empires campaign in Warhammer III, which combines the maps and factions from all three games. This is the definitive Total War: Warhammer experience for many players.
The Case for Starting with Total War: Warhammer III
Despite the benefits of playing in order, starting with Total War: Warhammer III is a perfectly valid and, for some, the preferable option:
- Up-to-Date Gameplay: Warhammer III features the latest mechanics, balance changes, and quality-of-life improvements. You avoid learning outdated systems and can immediately enjoy the most refined gameplay.
- Immortal Empires Accessibility: As of a recent update, you only need to own Warhammer III to play the Immortal Empires campaign. This means you don’t need to buy the older games immediately to access the combined map. However, without owning the first two, you only get access to the factions native to Warhammer 3.
- The Prologue Campaign: Warhammer III offers a great prologue campaign, which is a perfect starting point for a new player
- Most Active Community: The most active player base is concentrated in the latest game. This means easier access to multiplayer matches, community mods, and online resources.
Navigating the DLC Landscape
The Total War: Warhammer series is known for its extensive DLC library. These downloadable content packs add new factions, legendary lords, units, and campaign features. While essential for completionists, they are entirely optional for new players.
It is highly recommended to start the base game and gradually add the DLC you wish to play based on the factions and units they offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to own all three Total War: Warhammer games?
No, you don’t need to own all three. Total War: Warhammer III is a standalone game with its own campaign. However, owning the previous games unlocks content in Warhammer III’s Immortal Empires campaign, allowing you to play as factions from those games.
2. Can I play Mortal Empires if I only own Total War: Warhammer 1 and 2?
Yes, you can. Mortal Empires is a campaign mode in Total War: Warhammer II that combines the maps and factions of the first two games. You need to own both games to access this mode within Warhammer II.
3. Is Total War: Warhammer 2 a good starting point?
Yes, Total War: Warhammer II is often considered a very user-friendly entry point to the series. However, because Total War: Warhammer III features up-to-date gameplay and access to the massive Immortal Empires campaign with only the base game required, Warhammer III is an even better option.
4. Which Total War: Warhammer game has the best tutorial?
Warhammer 3 has the best tutorial, thanks to its prologue campaign.
5. What are the key differences between Total War: Warhammer 1, 2, and 3?
Each game introduces new factions, expands the map, and refines gameplay mechanics. Warhammer III features the most modern mechanics and combines all content into the Immortal Empires campaign (provided you own the previous games).
6. If I buy a DLC for Total War: Warhammer 1 or 2, does it carry over to Warhammer 3?
Yes, if you own a DLC for Warhammer I or II on the same platform (e.g., Steam), the content (factions, units, legendary lords) will be available in Warhammer III’s Immortal Empires campaign.
7. Is the Immortal Empires campaign worth it?
For most fans, the Immortal Empires campaign is the ultimate Total War: Warhammer experience. It’s a massive sandbox with a vast array of factions and strategic possibilities.
8. What if I’m new to Total War games in general?
If you’re entirely new to the Total War series, starting with Warhammer III is a great way to learn the core mechanics with modern improvements.
9. Should I wait for a sale before buying any of the Total War: Warhammer games?
The Total War games and their DLC often go on sale, especially during Steam’s seasonal sales. Waiting for a sale can save you a significant amount of money.
10. Are there any mods I should consider using?
The Total War: Warhammer series has a thriving modding community. Many mods enhance gameplay, add new content, and improve the user interface.
11. Is multiplayer active in all three Total War: Warhammer games?
Multiplayer is most active in the latest game, Total War: Warhammer III. While you can still find matches in the older games, the player base is smaller.
12. Is Total War: Warhammer a pay-to-win game?
No, Total War: Warhammer is not a pay-to-win game. While DLC adds new factions and units, they are not inherently stronger than the base game content. Skill and strategy are the primary determinants of success.
13. What is the difference between Mortal Empires and Immortal Empires?
Mortal Empires is a campaign in Total War: Warhammer II that combines the maps and factions of the first two games. Immortal Empires is a campaign in Total War: Warhammer III that combines the maps and factions of all three games.
14. Which faction is the best to start with in Total War: Warhammer III?
For new players, Cathay and Kislev are often recommended as beginner-friendly factions in Total War: Warhammer III.
15. Where can I learn more about strategy and tactics for Total War: Warhammer?
Numerous online resources are available, including YouTube channels, forums, and wikis dedicated to Total War: Warhammer strategy.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to play Total War: Warhammer in order is a personal one. Weigh the benefits of gradual introduction and experiencing unique campaigns against the advantages of starting with the most up-to-date gameplay and the Immortal Empires campaign in Warhammer III. No matter which path you choose, you’re in for a wild ride through the Old World and beyond.