There are various factions in the Total War: Warhammer series, including the Empire, Greenskins, Dwarfs, Vampire Counts, High Elves, Dark Elves, Skaven, Tomb Kings, Bretonnia, Norsca, and more. Each faction has unique units, abilities, and playstyles, offering diverse gameplay experiences for players.
Empire
The Empire faction in Total War: Warhammer is one of the most versatile factions in the game. It is led by Emperor Karl Franz and represents the human civilization of the Old World. The Empire's strengths lie in their well-rounded unit roster, including infantry, cavalry, artillery, and powerful spellcasters. They are known for their strong leadership and tactical flexibility. The Empire units are inspired by European medieval armies, with swordsmen, spearmen, knights, and handgunners forming the backbone of their forces.
Greenskins
The Greenskins faction is made up of various orc and goblin tribes that inhabit the badlands of the Warhammer world. Led by legendary leaders like Grimgor Ironhide and Wurrzag Da Great Green Prophet, the Greenskins rely on their sheer numbers, brutal melee units, and monstrous creatures like giants and trolls to overwhelm their enemies. They have a unique mechanic called "Fightiness" that affects their behavior in battle, making them more aggressive as their Fightiness rises.
Dwarfs
The Dwarfs are a proud and ancient race that inhabits the mountain strongholds of the Warhammer world. Led by kings like Thorgrim Grudgebearer, the Dwarfs are known for their sturdy infantry, powerful artillery like cannons and organ guns, and heavily armored units. Their units have high armor and morale, making them tough to break in battle. The Dwarfs also have a unique mechanic called "Grudges," where they must settle scores with their enemies to maintain their honor and loyalty.
Vampire Counts
The Vampire Counts faction is composed of undead creatures ruled by powerful vampire lords like Mannfred von Carstein and Vlad von Carstein. They rely on raising the dead to replenish their ranks and field powerful monsters like Vargheists, Crypt Horrors, and Terrorgheists in battle. The Vampire Counts have access to powerful magic and can spread corruption in enemy territories. Their units do not rout but crumble in battle, making them relentless and terrifying opponents.
Bretonnia
Bretonnia is a chivalric kingdom inspired by Arthurian legends. Led by powerful knightly lords like Louen Leoncoeur and Alberic de Bordeleaux, Bretonnia fields elite cavalry units like Grail Knights, Pegasus Knights, and the fearsome Royal Hippogryph Knights. They have a strong code of chivalry that affects their diplomatic relations and recruitment options. Bretonnia's peasant units are generally weak, but their knights are among the best in the game, capable of delivering devastating charges on the battlefield.
Chaos
The Chaos faction represents the forces of Chaos, led by the Chaos Gods and their powerful champions like Archaon the Everchosen and Kholek Suneater. Chaos units are heavily armored, highly offensive, and immune to psychology, making them formidable opponents in battle. They can also spread corruption in enemy territories and have access to powerful demons and monstrous units like the Chaos Dragon and Hellcannon. The Chaos faction is focused on destruction and chaos, seeking to conquer and corrupt the Warhammer world.
High Elves
The High Elves faction represents the proud and ancient civilization of Ulthuan, led by powerful Phoenix Kings like Tyrion and Teclis. High Elves are known for their disciplined infantry, skilled archers, and powerful mages. They have access to dragons, phoenixes, and elite units like White Lions and Swordmasters of Hoeth. The High Elves excel at both ranged and melee combat, with a focus on agility, speed, and precision. They also value loyalty, honor, and the defense of their homeland against the forces of Chaos and Destruction.
Dark Elves
The Dark Elves are a cruel and sadistic race led by the tyrannical Witch King Malekith and his mother, Morathi. They rely on fast and agile units like Dark Riders, Cold One Knights, and Executioners to strike swiftly and mercilessly against their enemies. The Dark Elves excel at hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and causing fear and terror in their foes. They also have access to powerful magic, monstrous units like Black Dragons, and a unique mechanic called "Slave Economy" where they capture and sacrifice slaves to fuel their war efforts.
Skaven
The Skaven are a race of ratmen who dwell in the Under-Empire, led by powerful warlords like Queek Headtaker and Lord Skrolk. Skaven units are numerous but weak individually, relying on swarming tactics, ambushes, and overwhelming firepower from weapons teams like Warpfire Throwers and Ratling Guns. They also have access to powerful magic, monstrous units like Hell Pit Abominations, and unique abilities like the Menace Below, which allows them to deploy troops anywhere on the battlefield. The Skaven are known for their cowardice, treachery, and penchant for using experimental and deadly technology in battle.
These are just some of the factions available in the Total War: Warhammer series, each with its unique playstyle, units, mechanics, and legendary lords that offer diverse and engaging experiences for players to explore and master.