The Warhammer series has been a staple of the fantasy strategy genre for years, captivating audiences with its rich lore, engaging gameplay, and immersive worlds. With the release of two critically acclaimed titles, Total War: Warhammer and Total War: Warhammer II, new players are often left wondering which game to start with. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Warhammer, exploring the key differences between the two games, their unique features, and ultimately, help you decide which one to play first.
Understanding the Warhammer Universe
Before diving into the specifics of each game, it’s essential to understand the Warhammer universe. The Warhammer Fantasy setting is a dark, gothic-horror inspired world, filled with mythical creatures, legendary heroes, and ancient magic. The series is set in a medieval-inspired world, where various factions vie for power and survival.
The Warhammer universe is vast and complex, with a rich history spanning thousands of years. The games are set in a time of great turmoil, as the forces of Chaos, led by the Dark Gods, seek to destroy the world. Players take on the role of a faction leader, guiding their army through battles, diplomacy, and exploration.
Total War: Warhammer – The First Installment
Released in 2016, Total War: Warhammer was a groundbreaking game that brought the Warhammer universe to life. The game introduced a new formula to the Total War series, combining turn-based strategy with real-time battles.
Key Features of Total War: Warhammer
- Immersive World: The game features a vast, open world, set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe.
- Faction Variety: Players can choose from five unique factions, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and playstyle.
- Magic and Monsters: The game introduces a range of magical abilities and mythical creatures, adding a new layer of depth to the Total War series.
- Campaign Mode: The game features a single-player campaign mode, where players can guide their faction through a series of battles and quests.
Pros and Cons of Starting with Total War: Warhammer
Pros:
- Establishes the Foundation: Total War: Warhammer sets the stage for the series, introducing players to the Warhammer universe and its mechanics.
- More Focused Experience: The game has a more focused narrative and gameplay experience, making it easier for new players to jump in.
Cons:
- Outdated Graphics: Compared to Total War: Warhammer II, the graphics and sound design may seem outdated.
- Limited Content: The game has less content than its sequel, with fewer factions and a smaller campaign map.
Total War: Warhammer II – The Sequel
Released in 2017, Total War: Warhammer II built upon the success of the first game, introducing new features, factions, and gameplay mechanics.
Key Features of Total War: Warhammer II
- New Factions: The game introduces four new factions, each with its own unique playstyle and mechanics.
- Improved Graphics and Sound: Total War: Warhammer II features improved graphics and sound design, creating a more immersive experience.
- Expanded Campaign Map: The game features a larger campaign map, covering more of the Warhammer world.
- New Gameplay Mechanics: The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the “Eye of the Vortex” campaign, which adds a new layer of strategy to the game.
Pros and Cons of Starting with Total War: Warhammer II
Pros:
- Improved Graphics and Sound: The game features improved graphics and sound design, creating a more immersive experience.
- More Content: Total War: Warhammer II has more content than the first game, with more factions and a larger campaign map.
Cons:
- Steep Learning Curve: The game’s new mechanics and features may be overwhelming for new players.
- Less Focused Experience: The game’s narrative and gameplay experience may feel less focused than the first game.
Which Game to Play First?
Ultimately, the decision of which game to play first comes down to personal preference. If you’re new to the Warhammer series, starting with Total War: Warhammer may be the best option. The game provides a more focused experience, introducing players to the Warhammer universe and its mechanics.
However, if you’re looking for a more immersive experience with improved graphics and sound design, Total War: Warhammer II may be the better choice. The game’s new features and mechanics add a new layer of depth to the series, but may be overwhelming for new players.
A Suggested Play Order
If you’re looking to play both games, we recommend starting with Total War: Warhammer and then moving on to Total War: Warhammer II. This play order allows you to:
- Establish a Foundation: Total War: Warhammer sets the stage for the series, introducing players to the Warhammer universe and its mechanics.
- Appreciate the Improvements: Playing Total War: Warhammer II after the first game allows you to appreciate the improvements and new features introduced in the sequel.
Conclusion
The Warhammer series is a rich and immersive world, full of complex gameplay mechanics and engaging lore. Whether you start with Total War: Warhammer or Total War: Warhammer II, you’ll be embarking on an epic journey through a dark, gothic-horror inspired world.
By understanding the key differences between the two games, their unique features, and pros and cons, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which game to play first. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey.
Final Thoughts
The Warhammer series is a testament to the power of strategy gaming, combining deep gameplay mechanics with immersive lore and engaging worlds. Whether you’re a seasoned strategy gamer or new to the genre, the Warhammer series has something to offer.
So, which game will you play first? Will you start with Total War: Warhammer, establishing a foundation in the Warhammer universe, or will you dive into Total War: Warhammer II, experiencing the improved graphics and sound design? The choice is yours, and we hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
What is the main difference between Warhammer 1 and Warhammer 2?
The main difference between Warhammer 1 and Warhammer 2 lies in their settings and gameplay mechanics. Warhammer 1, also known as Total War: Warhammer, is set in the Old World, a traditional fantasy setting with a focus on medieval-style warfare. It features four playable factions: the Empire, Dwarfs, Vampire Counts, and Greenskins. On the other hand, Warhammer 2 is set in the New World, a tropical region inspired by the mythology of the Americas and Africa. It introduces four new playable factions: the High Elves, Dark Elves, Lizardmen, and Skaven.
Warhammer 2 also builds upon the gameplay mechanics of the first game, introducing new features such as the Eye of the Vortex campaign, where players must compete to control a powerful magical vortex. Additionally, Warhammer 2 features improved diplomacy and naval warfare mechanics, allowing for more complex and strategic gameplay. Overall, while both games share the same core gameplay, Warhammer 2 offers a fresh setting and new mechanics that enhance the overall experience.
Which game is more suitable for beginners?
For beginners, Warhammer 1 is generally considered a more accessible game. The Old World setting and medieval-style warfare are more familiar to new players, making it easier to understand the game’s mechanics and factions. Additionally, the game’s campaign is more straightforward, with a focus on conquering and defending territories. The game also features a more gentle learning curve, introducing new mechanics and features gradually as the player progresses through the campaign.
In contrast, Warhammer 2 introduces new mechanics and features that may be overwhelming for new players. The Eye of the Vortex campaign, for example, requires players to manage multiple objectives and factions, which can be challenging for those new to the series. However, if you’re new to the series and prefer a more exotic setting, Warhammer 2 is still a great choice, and the game’s tutorials and guides can help you get started.
Can I play Warhammer 2 without playing Warhammer 1?
Absolutely, you can play Warhammer 2 without playing Warhammer 1. While both games share the same core gameplay, they are designed to be standalone experiences. Warhammer 2 features a new setting, factions, and mechanics that are independent of the first game. You don’t need to know the story or lore of Warhammer 1 to enjoy Warhammer 2, and the game’s tutorials and guides will help you get started.
However, keep in mind that Warhammer 2 builds upon the gameplay mechanics of the first game, so you may miss out on some of the context and background information that is established in Warhammer 1. Additionally, some of the factions and characters in Warhammer 2 may reference events or characters from the first game, but this is not necessary to understand the game’s story or gameplay.
Will I miss out on any story or lore by playing Warhammer 2 first?
While Warhammer 2 is designed to be a standalone experience, playing it first may mean that you miss out on some of the story and lore that is established in Warhammer 1. The first game sets the stage for the Warhammer world, introducing key characters, factions, and events that shape the story of the series. By playing Warhammer 2 first, you may not fully understand the context and background information that is referenced in the game.
However, it’s worth noting that the Warhammer series is designed to be flexible, and you can still enjoy the story and lore of Warhammer 2 even if you haven’t played the first game. The game’s story is self-contained, and you’ll still be able to understand the key events and characters that drive the plot. Additionally, the game’s lore is extensive, and you can always read up on the background information and story of the Warhammer world if you’re interested.
Are the gameplay mechanics different between Warhammer 1 and Warhammer 2?
While the core gameplay mechanics of Warhammer 1 and Warhammer 2 are similar, there are some key differences between the two games. Warhammer 2 builds upon the gameplay mechanics of the first game, introducing new features such as the Eye of the Vortex campaign, improved diplomacy and naval warfare mechanics, and new faction abilities. Additionally, Warhammer 2 features a more complex and dynamic weather system, as well as improved graphics and sound effects.
However, the core gameplay mechanics of the series remain the same, with a focus on turn-based strategy, real-time battles, and faction management. You’ll still need to manage your faction’s economy, military, and diplomacy, and make key decisions about which territories to conquer and which alliances to form. Overall, while there are some differences between the gameplay mechanics of Warhammer 1 and Warhammer 2, the core experience remains the same.
Can I play both Warhammer 1 and Warhammer 2 together?
Yes, you can play both Warhammer 1 and Warhammer 2 together, thanks to the Mortal Empires campaign. This campaign combines the maps and factions of both games, allowing you to play as any of the factions from either game in a massive, combined campaign. The Mortal Empires campaign is available as a free update to owners of both games, and it offers a unique and challenging experience that combines the best of both worlds.
Playing both games together allows you to experience the full range of factions and gameplay mechanics that the series has to offer. You’ll be able to play as your favorite factions from either game, and explore the entire Warhammer world in a single campaign. However, keep in mind that the Mortal Empires campaign is a challenging experience, and it’s recommended that you have a good understanding of the gameplay mechanics and factions of both games before attempting it.
Which game has better graphics and sound effects?
Warhammer 2 has better graphics and sound effects than Warhammer 1. The game features improved graphics, including more detailed unit models, environments, and special effects. Additionally, the game’s sound effects and music have been improved, with more realistic sound effects and a more epic soundtrack.
However, it’s worth noting that the graphics and sound effects of Warhammer 1 are still excellent, and the game holds up well even today. The game’s graphics and sound effects were widely praised at the time of its release, and they remain some of the best in the strategy genre. Overall, while Warhammer 2 has better graphics and sound effects, both games are still visually and aurally stunning, and you can’t go wrong with either one.