Should You Play Total War: Warhammer in Order?
The Total War: Warhammer series is a beloved franchise that combines the grand strategy of the Total War series with the dark fantasy world of Warhammer. With three main games in the series, players may wonder if it’s necessary to play them in order or if they can jump in at any point. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of playing the series in order and provide guidance on which game is the best starting point for new players.
Can You Play the Series Out of Order?
Yes, you can play the Total War: Warhammer series out of order, but it’s not recommended. Each game builds upon the previous one, adding new factions, mechanics, and storylines. By playing the series in order, you’ll get a more cohesive and immersive experience.
Why Play in Order?
Here are some reasons why playing the series in order is recommended:
- Storytelling: The Total War: Warhammer series tells a cohesive story across its three games. Playing the series in order allows you to follow the narrative thread and understand the motivations of the factions and characters.
- Faction Progression: Each game introduces new factions, and playing the series in order allows you to see the development of these factions over time. This adds depth to the world-building and storytelling.
- Mechanics: The series introduces new mechanics and features in each game, building upon the ones introduced in the previous titles. Playing the series in order allows you to experience these mechanics in the intended order.
- Multiplayer: Playing the series in order also allows you to play multiplayer with friends who have also played the series in order. This ensures a more balanced and enjoyable multiplayer experience.
Which Game is the Best Starting Point?
If you’re new to the series, it’s recommended to start with Total War: Warhammer. This game sets the stage for the series and introduces the core mechanics and factions. Total War: Warhammer II builds upon the first game, adding new factions and mechanics. Total War: Warhammer III is the most recent title in the series and introduces new features and factions.
Key Differences Between Each Game
Here’s a brief summary of the key differences between each game in the series:
| Game | Features | Factions |
|---|---|---|
| Total War: Warhammer | Introduces the core mechanics and factions of the series. | 4 factions (Empire, Chaos, Bretonnia, and Vampire Counts) |
| Total War: Warhammer II | Introduces new factions and mechanics, including the beastmen and skaven factions. | 8 new factions (Beastmen, Skaven, Dark Elves, High Elves, Lizardmen, and Khalid ibn al-Walid) |
| Total War: Warhammer III | Introduces new features, including the Immortal Empires game mode and 10 new factions. | 10 new factions (Ogre Kingdoms, Cathay, Kislev, and others) |
Conclusion
While you can play the Total War: Warhammer series out of order, it’s recommended to play the games in order to get the most out of the story, mechanics, and factions. If you’re new to the series, starting with Total War: Warhammer is the best way to get familiar with the core mechanics and factions. With three main games in the series, there’s something for every type of player, so dive in and experience the world of Warhammer!