In Warhammer III, Ursun is often just a means to an end – a convenient experiment for one group or a witness to an event of divine importance for another.

Everyone wanted the same thing in Warhammer II: control of the Vortex. Decisions determine what equipment or skill you might get and have little story significance, which is a slight disappointment considering how Warhammer III frames some of the choices you face along the way.Ĭampaign and the various stories are engrossing nonetheless and feel more energetic and innovative thanks to the stronger sense of purpose in each faction’s goals. The objectives that appear on the campaign map help tell your faction’s story, and while your leader must make significant decisions at key points, it’s never quite on the level of something such as Frostpunk. It rarely feels overwhelming, though, and nothing compares to the feeling of witnessing a long-term plan bear fruit. There’s a staggering amount to balance and consider in a given turn. You also need to balance your investments in these settlements, carefully choosing between economic development and the military power you need for the next siege. On the Risk side, you’re building an ever-increasing collection of conquered settlements and solidifying your presence in enemy territories, fending off attacks and making strategic alliances to avoid conflict when possible.

These disparate stories unfold in campaign mode, Warhammer 3’s grand strategy segments, akin to a fantastical version of Risk and Civilization. Sure, they don’t spread poison and gain power by offering people’s skulls as tribute, as other factions do, but they’re hardly an admirable bunch. The Kislev might seek to repair Yuri’s damage, but they enforce outdated and oppressive beliefs on their people. There are no heroes in Warhammer 3, not in the usual sense at least. It’s an appropriately chaotic narrative background and a dynamic, making it feel different from previous Warhammer games (and even most strategy games). The old man is equally happy trying to restore harmony in the far east if it means getting what he wants, though. Choosing the recommended starter campaign, for example, sees the old man act as advisor to Kylas, Yuri’s demon form, as he tries conquering the gods of Chaos and setting himself up as the most powerful deity. The old man slots himself in as magical advisor – and convenient tutorial giver – to each faction in a bid to get Ursun’s blood by helping them realize their own goals. A drop of Ursun’s blood is just what he needs, and the old man will go to any length imaginable to break his bonds and profit from the book. He’s determined to sever the book’s hold on him. After the prologue, a seemingly minor character comes to the fore: an unlucky old man bound to the Tome of Fates, a book that has the answer to every question for everyone except him. Yuri’s act of heresy against his beloved god is the catalyst that gives life to Warhammer 3, though not in the way you might initially think.

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