Total War: WARHAMMER III

Total War: Warhammer III is the best Total War has ever been, period. The sheer scale of it all is truly awe inspiring, which makes the attention every little detail receives all the more astounding.

78%Game Brain Score

gameplay, graphics

optimization, stability

73% User Score Based on 66,071 reviews

Critic Score 83%Based on 23 reviews

Platforms

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About

Total War: Warhammer III is a warfare real-time strategy game that offers multiplayer and single-player modes, including a co-op option. The game transports players to the Realm of Chaos, where they must confront mind-bending horror and make a fateful choice: will they conquer their Daemons or command them? The final installment in the Total War: WARHAMMER trilogy promises a cataclysmic conclusion to an epic fantasy saga.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

73%

Audience ScoreBased on 66,094 reviews

gameplay1.9k positive mentions

optimization866 negative mentions

The gameplay offers depth and variety with diverse factions, each providing unique playstyles and lore-rich experiences.
The graphics are stunning, showcasing detailed unit designs and vibrant landscapes that enhance the overall experience.
The humor and whimsical elements throughout the game create an engaging and entertaining atmosphere, making even frustrating moments enjoyable.

The game suffers from numerous bugs, poor optimization, and technical issues, leading to crashes and performance drops.
The campaign mechanics are criticized for being linear and tedious, lacking the depth and replayability expected from the series.
The monetization strategy is viewed as excessively aggressive and exploitative, overshadowing the gameplay experience.

gameplay
7,277 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
65%
9%
The gameplay of Total War: Warhammer III has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its depth, variety of factions, and unique mechanics, while others criticize its numerous bugs, unbalanced mechanics, and tedious campaign elements. The introduction of new factions and gameplay features has been appreciated, but many feel that core mechanics from previous titles have been neglected or poorly implemented, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, while the game offers engaging strategic gameplay and a rich fantasy setting, it suffers from significant technical issues and a monetization model that many players find exploitative.
- “The gameplay is smooth, and I had so much fun.”
- “The game builds on the strengths of its predecessors while introducing new mechanics that add depth and replayability.”
- “The factions are incredibly diverse, each offering unique playstyles, mechanics, and lore-rich experiences.”
- “The game itself has bugs, poorly implemented mechanics and features, outright missing animations and more.”
- “The siege overhaul that came with TW:WH3 is also a poorly implemented, often frustrating mechanic that makes the auto-resolve button a greater temptation than it's ever been.”
- “The campaign mechanics are basic, I'm personally not a warhammer fan so the fantasy elements do nothing for me.”
optimization
3,478 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
64%
25%
The optimization of Total War: Warhammer III has received significant criticism, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering, crashes, and long loading times, particularly on the campaign map. While some users with high-end systems have experienced smoother gameplay, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized compared to its predecessors, leading to a frustrating experience for many. Players are advised to wait for patches and optimizations before purchasing, as the current state of the game is seen as unacceptable for a AAA title.
- “The game runs smoothly, has tons of factions, and overall there isn't a lot bad I can say about the game.”
- “Despite some initial bugs and performance issues, regular updates have significantly improved the experience.”
- “The optimization of the game has gotten much better, along with the campaign itself.”
- “This game is horribly optimized and continues to crash even on minimum settings.”
- “The optimization is quite poor and I have to limit fps around 45 so my GPU does not overheat on 1440p with RX 5700 XT/R7 3700X/32 @ 3600MHz RAM.”
- “The game simply does not work on a technical level, rife with bugs, not optimized well at all.”
graphics
2,420 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
60%
7%
The graphics in "Total War: Warhammer 3" have received mixed feedback from players. While many praise the stunning visuals, intricate unit designs, and vibrant landscapes, others criticize the game's optimization issues, leading to performance drops and graphical glitches, particularly on mid-range systems. Some players feel that the graphics are a step back from previous titles, with a more cartoonish aesthetic that detracts from the series' darker themes, while others appreciate the new art style and improvements in certain areas. Overall, the graphics are seen as a highlight for some, but a source of frustration for others due to performance inconsistencies.
- “The graphics are stunning, showcasing detailed unit designs and epic battlefields that enhance the overall experience.”
- “The attention to detail in both the visuals and the sound design is exceptional, immersing you in a world teeming with mythical creatures, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes.”
- “The graphics are beautiful and the gameplay is deep and rewarding.”
- “I'm not sure what they did with the graphics, but the game is blurry and everything is shimmering.”
- “The graphics look extremely ugly; it's either a blurry mess or the jaggiest thing ever because the devs are too lazy to implement anti-aliasing or a DLSS/FSR to allow upscale for this blurry mess.”
- “The graphics are a downgrade from what they were before, at least in my opinion.”
story
2,384 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
62%
8%
The story aspect of "Total War: Warhammer III" has received mixed reviews from players. Many appreciate the engaging prologue and the overall narrative, which introduces players to the Warhammer universe and sets the stage for the main campaign. However, the main story campaign has been criticized for its linearity and forced mechanics, which detract from the traditional sandbox experience that fans expect from the series. Players have noted that the quest-driven nature of the campaign can feel repetitive and punishing, especially with the introduction of chaos rifts that disrupt gameplay. Overall, while the story has its compelling moments, many players feel it lacks the depth and replayability of previous titles in the franchise.
- “As someone who's completely new to PC gaming and the strategy genre, I was apprehensive at first, but the tutorial campaign featured in this game is absolutely brilliant at guiding you through the basics while not being a simple 'do this, do that, press the x button,' but actually does it through an engaging story.”
- “The game's rich lore pulls you in, making each campaign feel like an epic story.”
- “Total War: Warhammer 3 is a spectacular conclusion to the Total War: Warhammer trilogy, offering a grand mix of strategy, epic battles, and immersive fantasy storytelling.”
- “The story is completely bereft of any depth, and just plays like a non-campaign mode in any other strategy game.”
- “The main story is getting boring after you have played through it once.”
- “The story is bland; people don't generally play these games for the story in particular; it's more about the immersion in the universe it's in, and honestly, the story is forgettable.”
stability
1,781 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
94%
The stability of Total War: Warhammer III has been a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as a "buggy mess." Users report frequent crashes, freezes, and various glitches affecting gameplay, particularly during battles and campaign interactions. While some players have noted improvements over time, the overall consensus is that the game remains unstable and unpolished, with many recommending waiting for further updates before diving in.
- “The game for me is totally stable and bug free.”
- “Runs great on my potato PC.”
- “Game runs great and I personally haven't run into any alt tab or slow down issues others are mentioning.”
- “Game is still as buggy as ever, and I say that as someone who has always enjoyed playing it.”
- “Buggy, crashes 24/7.”
- “This game is a buggy mess.”
replayability
990 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
53%
7%
The replayability of Total War: Warhammer 3 is widely praised, with many players highlighting the vast array of factions, unique mechanics, and the expansive Immortal Empires campaign that significantly enhances the game's longevity. Users report that the game offers nearly infinite replay value, especially when combined with downloadable content (DLC) and mods, allowing for diverse playstyles and strategies. However, some critiques mention that the base campaign lacks replayability compared to previous entries, particularly due to its linear mechanics and reliance on specific objectives. Overall, the game is considered a must-play for strategy enthusiasts, with replayability being one of its standout features.
- “The variety of factions, from the iconic human empires to the dark, chaotic forces, offers endless replayability.”
- “Endless replayability, an engaging campaign, and unique units will keep you entertained for hours.”
- “The game builds on the strengths of its predecessors while introducing new mechanics that add depth and replayability.”
- “The campaign is linear and offers essentially no replayability, it's filled with bugs, and seems to have been released at least 6 months early.”
- “The chaos realms have zero replay value after your first run as they don’t change.”
- “The main campaign has no replayability and isn't that fun.”
grinding
599 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
5%
94%
The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for its tediousness and lack of engagement, with many players feeling that the gameplay devolves into a monotonous cycle of repetitive tasks and battles. Players often resort to auto-resolving battles due to the chaotic and time-consuming nature of manual combat, leading to a sense of frustration and burnout. Overall, the game is perceived as requiring an excessive amount of time and effort to progress, with many reviewers suggesting that it feels more like a chore than an enjoyable gaming experience.
- “For strategic, there are no tedious chores to do; you don't need to constantly build and swap armies as one must do in traditional Total War games.”
- “It's also surprisingly not tedious when managing the economy or the army, which is a huge plus.”
- “The prologue was great, if not grindy, because it's mostly for new players, but the story it takes you through is very much worth it.”
- “Overall, the game is too tedious; it feels like work.”
- “The campaign mechanics are just so tedious and annoying.”
- “The campaign is tedious, repetitive, and feels small.”
monetization
434 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
30%
67%
The monetization strategy of Total War: Warhammer III has drawn widespread criticism for being excessively aggressive and exploitative, with many players labeling it a blatant cash grab. Reviewers express frustration over the high prices of DLCs, which often contain minimal content, and the requirement to purchase previous games to access a significant portion of the current game. While some acknowledge the game's quality, the overwhelming sentiment is that the monetization practices overshadow the gameplay experience, leading to disappointment among long-time fans.
- “Apart from the monetization, it's generally a good game with most of the things you want and expect from a 4X with a heavy focus on unit control in actual real-time battles.”
- “Even with their monetization practices, I feel like I've gotten more than my money's worth out of the game.”
- “The monetization is a bit much if you want to have them all, but honestly, combining all the lords, units, factions, and territories from all three games into one huge map is an amazing achievement.”
- “The game is great, but the monetization is horrible.”
- “Total War: Warhammer III is, without a doubt, a blatant cash grab disguised as a strategy game.”
- “The constant barrage of paid content creates a sense that the developers are prioritizing profits over player experience, fragmenting the community and making the game feel like a cash grab.”
humor
313 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
96%
4%
The humor in "Total War: Warhammer III" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the game's absurdity and whimsical elements, particularly the antics of the Skaven and other factions. Many reviews mention the hilarious voice lines, quirky unit behaviors, and the overall comedic tone that permeates the gameplay, making even frustrating moments entertaining. Despite its flaws, the game's blend of strategy and humor creates a unique experience that keeps players engaged and laughing throughout their campaigns.
- “The voice acting is excellent and very funny at times.”
- “With its thrilling battles, hilarious moments, and enough loot to make even the most avaricious skaven squeak with delight, it's a game that's sure to satisfy even the pickiest of rat-men.”
- “Total War: Warhammer III isn't just a game; it's a hilarious rollercoaster ride through a fantasy realm where strategy meets the absurd.”
- “Countless bugs that aren't fixed, DLCs which add to them even, no real big mid-DLC patches, a slow development speed, and a balancing that is just not funny are the nails in the coffin for this one.”
- “Whatever happened in between Total War: Warhammer II's end of development and the release of III is not funny.”
- “The mechanics and the way in which the campaign plays out is so very not Total War it's actually not funny anymore; at first, I was able to laugh this off as another learning curve that I inevitably have to overcome when playing a new Total War game.”
music
309 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
48%
2%
The music in "Total War: Warhammer III" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its epic and immersive qualities that enhance the game's dark fantasy atmosphere. While some players appreciate the distinct soundtracks for each faction and the overall sound design, others find the music forgettable or lacking in emotional impact. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant improvement over previous titles, contributing to the game's immersive experience, though some players wish for more variety and stronger thematic elements.
- “The soundtrack is equally impressive, perfectly capturing the epic and dark fantasy themes.”
- “The sound and music are exceptional, with a powerful soundtrack that enhances the sense of grandeur and chaos.”
- “The music is incredible, they really hit the ball out of the park for this one, and it greatly improves the game experience.”
- “It's honestly so meh I don't even realize it's there 99% of the time, so if you're a music guy, this isn't going to knock you out of your socks; it might actually put you to bed.”
- “The music depends on the faction played and it varies from exhilarating to outright boring.”
- “Extremely underwhelming soundtrack.”
emotional
90 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with many players expressing deep attachment to the franchise and feeling heartbroken over its perceived decline in quality and direction. While some find the gameplay to be a source of joy and nostalgia, others are frustrated by bugs, monetization issues, and a lack of engaging content, leading to feelings of disappointment and betrayal. Overall, the emotional investment in the game is significant, with players oscillating between enjoyment and frustration, often resulting in tears and heartfelt reflections on their experiences.
- “Made me cry 10/10”
- “Thank you CA for such an emotionally fulfilling experience.”
- “It's heartbreaking but I will not spend another cent on this game.”
- “The core game is great, but they need to update the narrative and chaos realm elements to make the game enjoyable instead of a constant slog to hold three provinces for a boring story.”
- “Warhammer 3 railroads you into utterly boring story battles that frame the entire single-player experience.”
atmosphere
67 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
36%
4%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and beautifully crafted environments, enhanced by impressive graphics, sound design, and music that captures the dark and fantastical essence of the Warhammer universe. Players appreciate the detailed world-building and thematic depth, which contribute to a profound sense of immersion during gameplay. However, some critiques mention inconsistencies in atmosphere across different elements, with a few players feeling that certain aspects detract from the overall experience.
- “I feel the brutality of the Warhammer world is really well conveyed in this game, and this definitely adds to the atmosphere of this game.”
- “The sound design is equally impressive, with an epic soundtrack that perfectly captures the dark and foreboding atmosphere of the Warhammer world.”
- “The most atmospheric and evocative Total War yet, the new mechanics add some flavor to the underlying game that we've all seen before.”
- “The gloomy atmosphere of the first game was decent but felt overly serious for such a goofy setting; the second game's jarring clash of old assets with a newer (better looking) style was kind of bad.”
- “Visually, the game seems to be more 'cartoony', which, in my opinion, takes away from the more realistic and gloomy atmosphere of Warhammer Total War 2.”
- “I have played nearly 6000 hours on Total War: Warhammer 2, great game (with the mods), but something here is missing: no atmosphere, no great story, and the combat is underwhelming.”
character development
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
64%
15%
21%
Character development in the game is praised for its depth and engagement, with players appreciating the intricate designs and animations that bring the characters to life. The lore and storytelling are noted as compelling, enhancing the overall experience, although some critiques mention a cartoony aesthetic that may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the character design and development contribute significantly to the game's strategic and immersive qualities.
- “Fun and well made RTS game with very well written and designed world, the lore is interesting, the story is good, character design is another level with nice details and animation.”
- “The warhammer universe is brought to life with stunning visuals, intricate character designs, and sprawling, diverse landscapes.”
- “This game has varying choices for factions, fun and memorable character design, unique story, occupying and strategy-implying gameplay, and lovingly crafted diplomacy and kingdom management.”
- “Character design and story are cartoony Nickelodeon crap.”
- “Also, the game itself feels much more cartoony due to the character designs.”
- “Please fix some of the character designs.”

83%Critics’ scoreBased on 24 critic reviews

Buy Total War: WARHAMMER III

99h Median play time

391h Average play time

15-600h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 427 analyzed playthroughs

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