Total War: Warhammer 3’s Daemons of Chaos transform the game into an RPG

Spectral bears, flesh-eating ogres, horny cyclops minions — the previously announced seven factions for Total War: Warhammer 3 There was already an entire rogues’ gallery of explosive fantasy animals. And now, with just under a month until the strategy game’s release, developer Creative Assembly has revealed yet another playable faction: the Daemons of Chaos.

The turn-based/real time strategy game was fun to play for hours last week. I was able to command the new faction most of the time. And although the third entry has yet to even release, it was some of the most fun I’ve had in the trilogy to date.

I was able to access the demo and see all 50 of its features. Warhammer 3’s campaign, which follows various warring armies in their quest to gain access to the ethereal Realms of Chaos. Each faction leader has their own reasons for the journey, and the ensuing fighting, intrigue, diplomacy, and backstabbing take place on an absolutely massive map that’s twice the size of either in the first two games. Simply put: Total War: Warhammer 3 This is incredible. It is huge.

Image: Creative Assembly/Sega via Polygon

Daemons are able to mix units from four different chaos factions (the earlier announced Nurgle Slaanesh Tzeentch and Khorne) and create some interesting armies. For my first few battles, I fielded my melee-centric Khorne warriors at the center of my army, while pestering the enemy’s archers with airborne Tzeentch units. Slaanesh’s brutal torture machines made quick work of the enemy flanks, and as my troops whittled away at the enemy’s front lines, I sent in Kharn, my Daemon Prince, to mop up the rear guard.

Creative Assembly continues to refine its asymmetrical faction design. Total War: Warhammer 2’s excellent DLC packs, the Daemons of Chaos also feel wholly unique in the turn-based layer between battles. Rather than harvesting resources or establishing trade routes, the Daemons earn “Glory,” which is used as a tribute to each of the aforementioned Chaos gods. The more Glory I devoted to each god’s respective track, the better units I unlocked from that demon’s roster. Glory can also be given to Chaos Undivided which distributes power in the late-game turn amongst all four factions.

But here’s Daemons of Chaos’ biggest wrinkle: Not only was I unlocking new units with which to flesh out my armies, but I was also earning interchangeable armor, weapons, and New body partsMy Daemon Prince faction head. Filling out each of the ten slots gave me attribute bonuses and passive capabilities for my Daemon Prince faction leader to deploy in combat. Similar to how the faction’s armies become a kind of demonic portmanteau, my lord’s appearance and powers reflected which of the four Chaos gods I consistently paid tribute to.

Image: Creative Assembly/Sega

It was almost like playing a role in a game of strategy, but the result was a faction that played as well as a real character. It was thrilling to watch my Daemon prince dual-wielding Khorne inspired melee weapons and swinging his Tzeentch outfitted tail while poisoning enemies with the powers that Nurgle gave him. It was amazing! More of a thrill to swap out every piece of equipment for the next battle, the better to counter the Empire’s ironclad tanks with.

The Daemons of Chaos were my highlight of time, but I will not forget them. Total War: Warhammer 3Grand Cathay was also my partner in 50 turn play. In Chinese mythology, the human faction includes floating artillery as well as terracotta warriors who tower over you. There are also omniscient deities that can transform into dragon-like snakes. My missile units eliminated airborne enemies, resulting in spectacular displays of firepower during battles. The bulk of Cathay’s early turns were spent defending a massive wall from the invading armies of Chaos, as well as establishing an extensive trade network that extends far to the southwest portions of the map.

It is in no way a boring faction — in fact, I had tons of fun with it — but in the leadup to the game’s February 17 release, it’s the Daemons of Chaos I can’t wait to experiment more with. Creative Assembly has spent many years developing, improving, and tweaking unique factions. Total War: Warhammer 2’s DLC, and I can’t wait to see where the experience has gotten them.