In Total War: WARHAMMER II, the Great Vortex is faltering, and four rival races pursue control of its magic. The campaign frames their struggle across Lustria, Ulthuan, Naggaroth and the Southlands, with each faction seeking to stabilise the world or exploit its peril. This gives the game a clear strategic purpose beyond simply expanding an empire: the contest over the Vortex drives its fantasy setting and narrative.
Play moves between a turn-based campaign and tactical real-time battles. On the campaign map, players manage settlements, recruit armies, explore, conduct diplomacy and develop Legendary Lords and Heroes. Battles then put those forces into direct command, with monsters, dragons and magic among the tools of war. Four races offer distinct campaign mechanics and methods of war, while different starting positions give their leaders different openings.
The game supports both solo and multiplayer campaigns, as well as custom and multiplayer battles. Co-op campaign play makes the long-running race for the Vortex a shared strategic undertaking; custom battles offer a separate way to field an army against others.
