What is the Best Total War: Warhammer Game to Start With?
Total War: Warhammer, the popular turn-based strategy franchise, has expanded to encompass three main games, along with numerous DLCs (downloadable content). Among these, deciding which one to start with can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll provide the answer to this crucial question, guiding you through an in-depth analysis of the best Total War: Warhammer game for new players.
New Players Start with Warhammer 2
For new players, Total War: Warhammer II (hereafter referred to as Warhammer 2) is the best starting point. Released in 2017, this game combines the rich lore of Games Workshop’s Warhammer with the strategic depth of Turn-based strategy. The third installment, Total War: Warhammer III (hereafter referred to as Warhammer 3), was announced in 2021. While Warhammer 3 offers enhanced game mechanics and new features, Warhammer 2 is still a fantastic introduction to the franchise.
Why Warhammer 2?
- Beginner-Friendly Campaign: Warhammer 2 includes three beginner-friendly campaigns: Battle-Vortex, High and Low Kingdoms, and Eye of the Vortex. These campaigns ease newcomers into the game mechanics.
- Inclusion of All Factions: Warhammer 2 features all nine available factions from the Warhammer Fantasy setting, giving you a broad range of choice and exploration.
- Enhanced Mechanics and Balance: Warhammer 2 features the most balanced and refined war mechanics in the franchise’s history, making it suitable for new players.
Comparison to Other Games in the Series
Here, we’ll compare the beginner-friendliness and notable features of each Total War: Warhammer game (Table 1).
| Warhammer I | Warhammer II | Warhammer 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campaign length | Short, simplified | Long, in-depth | Longer, with strategic depth |
| Inclusion of factions | Limited to 3 starter factions | All 9 original factions | 20 additional factions, including all factions with DLC |
| Difficulty Level | Steeper than Warhammer 2 and 3 | Ideal difficulty level for new players | More challenging, but easier than Warhammer 3 |
Total War: Warhammer 2’s Advantages
For new players, Warhammer 2 outshines its predecessors, offering a more enjoyable beginner experience. Here’s how:
- Short campaigns: The game features five short, bite-sized campaigns, each lasting approximately 10-20 hours.
- Innovative mechanics: Warhammer 2 introduced improved diplomacy, politics, and diplomacy systems, enhancing multiplayer and campaign experiences.
- Balance and pacing: The game’s developers iterated on the Warhammer 1’s formula to create a more refined product, offering a smooth game experience.
Start with Warhammer 3?
While Warhammer 3 brings new and exciting features like the Mortal Empires campaign, it is advisable to start with Warhammer 2:
- Steep Learning Curve: Warhammer 3 demands strong knowledge of the series to fully appreciate its content. New players may struggle due to the game’s intensity.
- Long Playtime: Warhammer 3 has fewer beginner-friendly campaigns compared to Warhammer 2, making it less enjoyable for new players.
- Expensive DLC Requirement: To access most campaign content, you need a significant amount of DLC packs, adding to the financial burden.
How to Play Warhammer III
If you decide to start with Warhammer 3, make sure to:
- Familiarize yourself with new mechanics: The game boasts improved diplomacy, espionage, and combat systems, offering a richer experience for vets and new players alike. Take the time to experiment and understand these features.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a new to the series or returning enthusiast, Total War: Warhammer II serves as the best introduction to the franchise. The balanced gameplay, inclusion of all original factions, and enhanced war mechanics create a rich game experience suitable for both hardcore fans and newcomers.
Here’s a summary:
• Start with Warhammer 2: As it offers the most balanced campaign, an introduction to each faction, and enhanced features.
• Understand Warhammer 3: Familiarize yourself with new mechanics and plan carefully to make the most out of your experience.
Remember, each game offers incredible depth and replay value; the best Total War: Warhammer game for a new player is one where they feel comfortable learning.