Total War: Warhammer Gameplay Mechanics Detailed

Total War: Warhammer was announced in April with the release of a CGI trailer that depicted the hordes of greenskins taking on the empire. It's the first ever title in the Total War series to take place outside of a historical setting, embracing instead the fantasy aesthetic created by Games Workshop. 

The new setting is a big departure from the series, which has always taken place in periods of real world history spanning from Roman times to the Napoleonic era. According to the developers, the series' move away from real world settings allows them to depict more fantastic scenes of battle. 

In the upcoming game, players will be able to select from one of four factions to play as, including the Empire, the Greenskins, the Dwarves, and the Vampyre. Each faction will be able to build an empire through diplomacy and warfare. Much like the tabletop game, each of the game's four factions offers unique strategies and units making for a game much more intricate than simple rock-paper-scissors style RTS gameplay. 

Equipped with firearms, melee weapons and magic alike, units will be able to perform attacks from near or far on the battlefield. Your forces are accompanied by hero units, a staple of the Warhammer setting. These special units have their own levels and skills that are earned throughout the campaign. Players familiar with the old Total War-style RTS Warhammer: Dark Omen might be familiar with some of these mechanics.

Beyond the battlefield, players will be able to put time into creating a continent-spanning dominion with gameplay mechanics reminescent of previous Total War games. The Empire faction plays very much like you'd expect–they can build trade routes, engage in regional politics, and build an empire reliant on a strong economic backbone. 

In contrast to the Empire, the Greenskins have little need for diplomacy and their empire is built on conquest. 

The mechanics of the two other factions, the Dwarves and the Vampyre, will be revealed at a later date. 

The game's developers at Creative Assembly released half a dozen screenshots from the game, which remains in development at the studio. There's no announced release date for the title, so expect news on that front in the near future.

Total War Warhammer E3 2015