Total War: WARHAMMER III – Omens of Destruction DLC Review – A Thrilling Expansion!

Total War: WARHAMMER III is an expansive war simulation that can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers. But fear not—if you’re new to the game, The Lost God campaign provides a manageable entry point. It’s designed with a smaller-scale experience and a prologue that’s perfect for learning the basics. For veteran players who haven’t played in a while, it also acts as an excellent refresher, allowing you to reacquaint yourself with the mechanics before diving back into the larger campaigns. Once you’ve grasped the fundamentals or re-familiarized yourself with the game, you can jump into the more complex campaigns like The Realm of Chaos or Immortal Empires.

While The Realm of Chaos offers a more structured, goal-oriented campaign, Immortal Empires provides a far more expansive experience with a massive map and over 270 factions. It’s a chaotic, dynamic battlefield where any faction can rise to power, and the possibilities are endless. For those ready to explore the full scope of what Total War: WARHAMMER III has to offer, you’re in for a thrilling ride.

In this review, I’ll break down the key features of the Omens of Destruction DLC and how it enhances the game’s already rich tapestry. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new and whether it’s worth your time.

The Three Lords of Destruction: New Playstyles for Every Fan

Omens of Destruction adds three exciting Legendary Lords, each bringing fresh dynamics to the game: Skulltaker (Khorne), Golgfag Maneater (Ogre Kingdoms), and Gorbad Ironclaw (Greenskins). With unique mechanics, lore, and special units, these Lords each offer something distinct to the Total War experience.

Skulltaker: The Relentless Lord of Battle

If you’re a fan of relentless warfare and crushing enemies beneath the weight of your power, Skulltaker is your ideal Lord. His obsession with battle and defeating the strongest opponents makes him a formidable force in the game. His core mechanic, Cloak of Skulls, allows him to grow stronger after each battle by claiming the Champion’s Essence of fallen Lords. The more powerful his enemies, the stronger Skulltaker becomes, turning him into an unstoppable fighting machine.

This relentless cycle of battle is both his strength and his challenge. Skulltaker thrives on continuous conflict, and players must carefully choose which Lords to engage, particularly early in the campaign when building a strong enough army is crucial. His gameplay loop is focused on increasing combat power and reaping rewards from strong opponents, meaning war isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity. Skulltaker’s backstory of hunting the greatest of warriors fits neatly into the brutal philosophy of Khorne, giving his campaign a dark and exciting narrative tone that’s a delight for fans of high-octane, aggressive gameplay.

Golgfag Maneater: Mercenary Master of Contracts

Golgfag Maneater introduces a refreshing twist: he’s not interested in ruling the world—he’s here for gold, meat, and mercenary contracts. His campaign is unique because you’ll be handling contracts from other factions, deciding which ones to take on depending on their rewards and difficulty. The contracts reward you with Treasury and Meat—but the more lucrative contracts come with greater risks.

Golgfag’s gameplay adds an interesting balance of diplomacy and strategy, as taking on higher-reward contracts will inevitably bring powerful enemies. The difficulty lies not only in defeating these enemies but also in managing your troops’ hunger and ensuring your warband stays well-fed with Meat. This mechanic introduces a level of resource management that keeps things fresh, as balancing your mercenary obligations with your own faction’s needs is key to success. The ability to maintain diplomatic relationships while managing your mercenary duties is a fun and unique challenge that distinguishes Golgfag from other Lords.

Golgfag’s character, rooted in the world of mercenaries, adds a layer of humor and grit that is a delight. He’s not just a traditional conqueror; he’s a pragmatic contractor who finds humor in his actions and objectives. His story is a welcome departure from the typical bloodthirsty conquest narratives in WARHAMMER, adding much-needed variety to the game.

Gorbad Ironclaw: Master of Strategic Tactics

Gorbad Ironclaw is a traditional Greenskin Warboss, but he adds an extra layer of depth with his unique Da Plan mechanic. This system allows you to implement tactical buffs that enhance your faction’s strength. Unlike other Lords, Gorbad’s campaign requires long-term planning and strategic execution.

To use Da Plan, Gorbad earns Planz after winning battles, which can then be used to activate various Tactics that affect not only Gorbad but all the Lords in his faction. However, executing these Tactics requires a combination of units and fulfilling specific conditions, meaning every battle must be planned carefully to ensure maximum benefits. This slow-burning progression might feel less immediate compared to the other Lords, but for players who enjoy methodical, strategy-heavy gameplay, Gorbad’s campaign offers a satisfying challenge. The deeper you go into the Da Plan system, the more powerful your army becomes—if you can keep up with the growing demands.

Gorbad’s tactical approach is perfect for players who appreciate slow, deliberate decision-making rather than the frantic pace of constant battle. The ability to shape your army through careful planning offers a more thoughtful, strategic experience in a game often known for its chaotic warfare.

Final Verdict: A Step in the Right Direction for Total War: WARHAMMER III

After responding to the backlash of Shadows of Change, Omens of Destruction returns with quality content that feels like a return to form. The three new Lords—Skulltaker, Golgfag, and Gorbad—each bring something fresh and exciting to the table, ensuring that Total War: WARHAMMER III remains engaging long after its initial release.

While these Lords offer diverse campaigns, they won’t appeal to everyone. Some players might find the mechanics of Skulltaker’s constant warfare, Golgfag’s mercenary lifestyle, or Gorbad’s strategic planning to be too specific or slow-paced. However, the flexibility of being able to purchase each Lord separately—as was done with the Thrones of Decay bundle—gives players more freedom and ensures they can choose the experience that suits them best.

With Omens of Destruction, Creative Assembly proves it can still deliver engaging, high-quality DLC that enhances the core Total War: WARHAMMER III experience. The future looks promising, especially if more content follows the direction established in this release.

Fans interested in the game can check it out here. If you enjoyed this review, be sure to explore our other reviews here!

Reviewed on PC, code provided by SEGA.

Total War: Warhammer 3

Publisher: Sega

Developer: Creative Assembly

Release Date: 2022-02-17

Microsoft Windows, Steam

The cataclysmic conclusion to the Total War: WARHAMMER trilogy is coming. Rally your forces and step into the Realm of Chaos, a dimension of mind-bending horror where the very fate of the world will be decided. Will you conquer your Daemons… or command them?

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