This is a grand-scale strategy game set in a rich fantasy world teetering on the brink of destruction. Players choose from four distinct and varied factions, each with their own motivations and playstyles, to embark on a campaign of conquest. The core experience is divided into two distinct phases: a turn-based strategic campaign map where players manage their empires, and intense, tactical real-time battles that unfold across detailed and fantastical landscapes.

The Great Vortex and the Fate of the World

Millennia ago, a magical vortex was created to repel a Chaos invasion. Now, this vital arcane mechanism is failing, threatening the world with ruin. Players are thrust into a race against time, where powerful forces seek to either mend the vortex or exploit its volatile energies for their own gain. The narrative centers on the High Elves' efforts to stabilize the vortex, the Lizardmen's march to prevent cataclysm through ancient methods, the Dark Elves' opportunistic pursuit of weakness, and the machinations of a secretive fourth race whose motives remain obscured.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay loop combines strategic empire management on a turn-based campaign map with exhilarating real-time tactical battles. On the campaign map, players will:

Recruit and manage armies
Develop settlements and infrastructure
Conduct diplomacy with other factions
Research new technologies and magic
Undertake quests and manage resources

In real-time battles, players command vast armies, utilizing diverse unit types, powerful magic, and legendary heroes to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents on the battlefield. The strategic positioning of units, effective use of abilities, and understanding of terrain are crucial for victory.

What makes the gameplay loop so engaging?

The game's unique appeal lies in its fusion of deep, turn-based empire management with visceral, large-scale real-time battles, all set within a compelling fantasy narrative. The distinctiveness of each of the four playable races, from their starting positions and unique campaign mechanics to their unit rosters and legendary lords, offers significant replayability and varied strategic challenges.

Faction Diversity and Playstyles

Each of the four initial factions offers a fundamentally different experience:

High Elves: Focus on trade, diplomacy, and powerful magic, with a strong defensive capability.
Lizardmen: Utilize ancient magic and powerful dinosaur units, with a focus on maintaining the "Great Plan."
Dark Elves: Employ slave economies, ruthless tactics, and powerful cavalry, driven by ambition and cruelty.
Skaven: A secretive race of ratmen, relying on overwhelming numbers, cunning traps, and destructive warpstone technology.

Additional Content and Platforms

This title is a main game and has seen the release of 21 downloadable content (DLC) packs, which introduce new factions, legendary lords, units, and campaign scenarios, expanding the game's scope and offering further strategic depth.

The game is available on PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, and Mac.