# Top 5 Factions to Play First in Total War: Warhammer III
Total War: WARHAMMER III is a massive game, and choosing your first faction can be a tough decision. This guide will help you pick a starting faction that is easy to learn and powerful on the battlefield. We will cover the top five factions for beginners, explaining their strengths and how to get started with them.
The Empire
The Empire is a great choice for new players because of its balanced army and straightforward mechanics. Their infantry, cavalry, and artillery are all solid, giving you a flexible force that can handle any situation. The Empire's home province of Reikland is a strong economic base, so you can build up your armies without much trouble. For early expansion, focus on uniting the other Imperial provinces through diplomacy or conquest. This will give you a secure heartland from which to launch your campaigns.
High Elves
The High Elves are another excellent option for beginners due to their powerful economy and strong defensive units. They have some of the best archers in the game, and their spearmen can hold the line against almost any enemy. High Elf trade is very profitable, so you can easily afford to field multiple top-tier armies. A good starting strategy is to secure the island of Ulthuan and build up your economy. Once you have a strong base, you can use your wealth and military might to project power across the world.
Dwarfs
Dwarfs are the most defensive faction in the game, making them very forgiving for new players. Their warriors are heavily armored and have high leadership, so they will rarely run from a fight. Dwarfs also have powerful artillery that can soften up the enemy before they even reach your lines. Your early game should focus on retaking the lost Dwarf holds in the mountains. This will give you a network of fortified settlements that are very difficult for the enemy to attack. With a secure mountain empire, you can then look to expand into the lowlands.
Greenskins
If you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, the Greenskins are a fun and chaotic choice. Their armies are a mix of goblins and orcs, and they can overwhelm opponents with sheer numbers. The "Waaagh!" mechanic allows you to summon a second army to join you in battle, which can be devastating. As the Greenskins, you should always be on the attack. Your economy is weak, so you need to constantly be fighting and sacking settlements to make money. A good early target is the Dwarfs, as their holds are rich in plunder.
Norsca
Norsca is a faction of Viking-like warriors who excel at raiding and hit-and-run tactics. Their units are fast and hard-hitting, but they are not as heavily armored as other factions. Norsca's campaign is all about sailing the seas and plundering coastal settlements. You can also dedicate your victories to one of the four Chaos Gods to unlock powerful rewards. A good starting move is to unite the Norscan tribes and then begin raiding the coasts of the Empire and Bretonnia. This will give you the resources you need to build up your armies and challenge the more powerful factions.
Understanding Your Army
No matter which faction you choose, it is important to learn the strengths and weaknesses of your units. A balanced army will have a mix of infantry to hold the line, cavalry to flank the enemy, and ranged units to provide fire support. You can view your faction's full unit roster in the game, and even see how they look with AI 3D unit generation.
Tips for New Players
- Take your time: Don't be afraid to pause the game in battle to issue orders.
- Use diplomacy: Alliances and trade agreements can be very helpful.
- Watch your economy: A strong economy is the key to victory.
- Don't give up: You will probably lose some battles, but that's part of the learning process.
Choosing the right faction is the first step on your journey to conquering the Warhammer world. The five factions in this guide are all great choices for beginners, so pick the one that sounds the most fun to you and start your campaign. Good luck, and have fun!