The Total War Show & Tell recently provided a massive deep dive into the future of Total War: Warhammer 3. While there was notable coverage regarding historical titles and even Warhammer 40,000, much of the presentation focused on upcoming content. Most notably, fans are preparing for the arrival of the Empire's most OTT lord.

Game director Rich Aldridge confirmed that a patch is already in the works to address player frustrations. This update will specifically target issues regarding idling AI and units clustering around settlements, with a release expected "very soon."

New Legends and Cathay Reworks

The roadmap for Update 8.1 promises significant additions to the existing factions. Players can look forward to the arrival of the legendary lord Bhashiva, the White Tiger. She brings a unique gameplay mechanic called Heaven's Gate, a teleportation ability that allows her to bounce across the battlefield and explode upon landing.

Cathay is also set for a major overhaul during this update. Alongside a revamped technology tree and various unit buffs, players will receive a new free DLC hero: Taoyan the Merciless.

The Arrival of Graf Boris Todbringer

The biggest revelation of the showcase was the introduction of Graf Boris Todbringer. Joining Nagash as part of the Lords of the End Times DLC, Boris will lead the Ulrican faction based in Middenheim. As the Empire's most OTT lord, his playstyle is designed to be much more aggressive than previous Imperial lords.

A New Era of Aggression

According to associate design director Sean Macdonald, Boris represents a departure from defensive tactics.

"Boris is much more about taking on anyone and everyone that's in the Empire right now," says Macdonald. "And anyone that's even thinking about getting the Empire, he's taking the fight to them. No more defensiveness. He's embodying the god Ulric... He's got his claws out."

Featuring a Yogscast Legend

Players will have a unique choice regarding Boris's presentation in battle. You can choose between the standard campaign voice actor or YouTuber Angory Tom from the Yogscast. Known to many fans as "Toddy," his performance is expected to be just as flamboyant and over-the-top as the character himself.

The Ulrican faction is also receiving new unit variety:

  • Knights Panther: New heavy hitters for the roster.
  • Teutogen Guard: Elite bodyguards for the high priest, Ar-Ulric Emil Valgeir.
  • Potential Additions: Hints suggest Hunting Hounds and the Celestial Hurricanum may follow.

Siege Overhauls and Future Roadmap

Looking further ahead to Update 9.1, Creative Assembly is addressing long-standing siege mechanics. The developers are removing "pocket ladders" as the default setting. While players can still toggle the old "ass ladders" in the menu, the new default will require attackers to bring siege towers into battle to deploy ladders.

The Total War: Warhammer 3 showcase concluded with a clear timeline for fans. Expect more news throughout May, with specifically promised free additions arriving in June.