Immortal Empires: Your Guide to Downloading and Playing the Ultimate Warhammer Experience
You could have downloaded Immortal Empires starting August 23rd, 2022. The release coincided with Update 2.0 for Total War: WARHAMMER III, and it automatically downloaded with the update. No extra steps were needed if you already owned Total War: WARHAMMER III.
What is Immortal Empires?
Immortal Empires is a massive, combined campaign map for Total War: WARHAMMER III that brings together the landmasses, factions, and units from all three Total War: WARHAMMER games into one grand strategy experience. It’s the definitive way to play Warhammer strategy, offering unprecedented scale and strategic depth. Think of it as the culmination of years of development, a true testament to the power of grand strategy gaming, and a must-have for any fan of the series. It takes the best elements from each game and melds them into a single, breathtaking experience. To get more insight into the study of games, learning, and education, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Why is it so Popular?
- Unprecedented Scale: The combined map is truly gigantic, with dozens of factions vying for control.
- Faction Variety: Play as any faction from any of the three games you own, giving you a huge range of strategic options.
- Long-Term Campaigns: The sheer size of the map and number of factions ensures incredibly long and replayable campaigns.
- The Definitive Warhammer Experience: For many, Immortal Empires represents the ultimate expression of the Total War: WARHAMMER formula.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Immortal Empires
Here are some frequently asked questions designed to help you better understand Immortal Empires and how to get the most out of it.
1. Do I Need All Three Games to Play Immortal Empires?
Previously, yes, you did need to own all three Total War: WARHAMMER games to access Immortal Empires. However, as of a significant update, Immortal Empires is now available to all WARHAMMER III owners, regardless of whether they own the first two titles. This was a game-changer, opening up the grand campaign to a much wider audience.
2. Do I Need to Install Warhammer I and II?
No, you do not need to install Warhammer I and Warhammer II to play Immortal Empires. You only need Warhammer III installed. The assets from the other games are integrated into Warhammer III if you own them. If you wish to play the original, individual campaigns of Warhammer I and II, then, of course, they need to be installed separately.
3. Is Immortal Empires Free?
Yes! Immortal Empires is now a free addition for all owners of Total War: WARHAMMER III. This means you get the massive, combined campaign map without any extra cost. It’s a fantastic value and a compelling reason to jump into Warhammer III if you haven’t already.
4. Is Immortal Empires Harder Than the Base Game?
Many players find Immortal Empires to be more challenging than the base game, especially on lower difficulty settings. The increased number of factions and the sheer size of the map mean you’re likely to be facing threats from multiple directions. Some players report the AI being unusually passive on legendary difficulty, but this can vary.
5. Do I Need to Buy DLC for Immortal Empires?
While Immortal Empires is free, owning DLC for the individual games enhances the experience. DLC from Warhammer I and Warhammer II unlock specific factions and units that can be used in Immortal Empires. You don’t need them, but they add a lot of variety and strategic options. Fortunately, you can purchase the DLC for game 1 and 2 within the Warhammer 3 client, which is quite convenient.
6. Is Immortal Empires Good?
Absolutely! Immortal Empires is widely considered to be a fantastic addition to the Total War: WARHAMMER series. It offers a massive sandbox campaign with tons of replayability. The quality-of-life improvements introduced in Warhammer III also make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
7. Can I Play Immortal Empires in Multiplayer?
Yes, you can play Immortal Empires in multiplayer. Like the base game, it supports up to eight players in a campaign. This allows for cooperative or competitive grand strategy on a truly epic scale. Imagine coordinating your campaigns with friends to dominate the Old World!
8. What’s the Goal of Immortal Empires?
The primary goal in Immortal Empires is to achieve Victory Objectives. These vary depending on the faction you choose and often involve conquering specific settlements, eliminating rival factions, or forming alliances. However, the sandbox nature of the campaign also allows you to set your own goals and play the game however you like.
9. Is Total War: WARHAMMER III on Game Pass?
Yes, Total War: WARHAMMER III is available on PC Game Pass. This provides an excellent way to try out the game and access Immortal Empires without purchasing it outright. If you’re a Game Pass subscriber, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
10. Is Immortal Empires on Xbox?
While Total War: WARHAMMER III is available on PC Game Pass, the game itself, including Immortal Empires, is not natively available on Xbox consoles. It’s primarily a PC title.
11. Does Immortal Empires Count for Achievements?
Yes, Immortal Empires has its own set of achievements to unlock. These achievements often involve completing specific tasks or achieving certain milestones within the campaign. It adds another layer of challenge and reward for dedicated players.
12. Why Can’t I Play a Specific Faction in Immortal Empires?
If you can’t play a specific faction in Immortal Empires, it’s likely because you don’t own the corresponding DLC. Each game and its associated DLC unlock additional factions that can be played in the grand campaign. Check your Steam library to see which DLC you own and install it if necessary.
13. What Are Some Essential DLC to Buy for Immortal Empires?
The “essential” DLC depends on your preferred factions and playstyle. However, some universally recommended DLC include:
- The Warden & The Paunch: Adds Grom the Paunch, a very fun Greenskin warlord.
- The Shadow & The Blade: Adds Malus Darkblade, a unique Dark Elf lord, and Deathmaster Snikch, a sneaky Skaven assassin.
- The Twisted & The Twilight: Adds the Sisters of Twilight for the Wood Elves, and Throt the Unclean for the Skaven, both powerful additions to the game.
Choosing the right DLC really enhances your experience. The Games Learning Society provides an avenue for further exploration in the world of gaming.
14. Can I Mod Immortal Empires?
Yes! Total War: WARHAMMER III has robust modding support, and Immortal Empires benefits from this. You can find a wide variety of mods on the Steam Workshop that can change gameplay, add new units, or even introduce entirely new factions. Modding is a great way to customize your experience and keep the game fresh.
15. What Tips Do You Have for New Players Starting Immortal Empires?
Here are a few tips for players diving into Immortal Empires for the first time:
- Choose a faction you enjoy: With so many options, pick a faction that appeals to you thematically or strategically.
- Start on an easier difficulty: Immortal Empires can be challenging, so don’t be afraid to start on Normal or even Easy to learn the ropes.
- Focus on your economy: A strong economy is essential for building armies and expanding your empire.
- Don’t neglect diplomacy: Forming alliances and trade agreements can be crucial for survival.
- Be prepared for long campaigns: Immortal Empires campaigns can take hundreds of hours to complete, so settle in for the long haul!
Immortal Empires is a truly remarkable achievement in grand strategy gaming. Its vast scope, incredible faction variety, and endless replayability make it a must-play for any fan of the Total War: WARHAMMER series. So, dive in, choose your faction, and conquer the world!