Total War: WARHAMMER II The Warden and the Paunch expands the core strategy experience of the base game with two new Legendary Lords locked in a personal rivalry. Eltharion the Grim leads the High Elf faction of Yvresse while Grom the Paunch commands the Greenskin Broken Axe tribe. Both lords operate outside the main Vortex race yet pursue their own campaign objectives centered on rebuilding or conquest in Ulthuan. The pack adds new units, faction mechanics, and battle abilities that integrate directly into single-player campaigns and multiplayer matches.
Gameplay
Players manage campaign maps through province development, army recruitment, and diplomatic choices while resolving conflicts in real-time battles. Eltharion focuses on defensive upgrades at Tor Yvresse and the ruined site of Athel Tamarha. Rebuilding structures there raises the region's defense rating and unlocks elite Mistwalker units. The Mist of Yvresse gradually expands across Ulthuan, granting combat bonuses to friendly troops and penalties to enemies inside its area. Captured enemy heroes and lords can be interrogated at Athel Tamarha for additional campaign rewards.
Grom emphasizes resource gathering and customization through his personal cauldron. Ingredients collected across the map or purchased from a troll hag merchant combine into recipes that provide army-wide buffs or temporary unit additions. Certain dishes permanently improve Grom's stats after repeated use. His advisor Blacktoof, reduced to a severed head, occasionally issues tasks that steer the campaign toward a confrontation with Eltharion. In battles, Grom rides a chariot that inspires nearby troops, with the effect strengthening when he joins the melee.
Both lords receive new units that fit their playstyles. High Elf additions include War Lions of Chrace, Lion Chariots, Arcane Phoenixes, and specialized Mistwalker regiments exclusive to Eltharion. Greenskin options feature River Trolls, Stone Trolls, Rogue Idols, and variants of Snotling Pump Wagons equipped with wings or spiked rollers. Regiments of Renown offer further elite choices for each side.
Game Modes
The Warden and the Paunch supports the Eye of the Vortex campaign, the Mortal Empires sandbox map, and standalone custom or multiplayer battles. In campaign mode, Eltharion and Grom follow separate victory conditions that culminate in direct conflict rather than participation in the central Vortex ritual. Custom battles allow immediate access to the new lords, units, and abilities without campaign progression. Multiplayer battles and co-op campaigns enable head-to-head or allied play with the added factions and mechanics.
Eltharion Campaign Mechanics
Eltharion begins with a damaged Tor Yvresse that improves through Athel Tamarha upgrades. These upgrades also strengthen the Mist of Yvresse and expand its coverage. The Invocation of Ladrielle rite replaces the standard High Elf rite and further empowers the mist effects. Archmages join the roster as a new lord type with access to all eight Winds of Magic plus High Magic. Rangers and Silverin Guard provide additional troop variety suited to defensive and scouting roles.
Grom Campaign Mechanics
Grom's campaign revolves around cooking mechanics that reward exploration and ingredient collection. Blacktoof's guidance adds narrative direction and occasional battle summons when assigned to a shaman. New hero options include Giant River Troll Hags that cast Lore of Death spells. The full range of troll and snotling units supports aggressive, disruptive army compositions focused on breaking enemy lines through sheer mass and special abilities.
Is It Worth Playing?
This DLC suits players who enjoy faction-specific campaign systems and large-scale battles between contrasting armies. The rivalry between Eltharion and Grom creates focused objectives that differ from the base game's Vortex race. New units and abilities add variety to High Elf and Greenskin rosters without requiring ownership of other packs. Those who prefer defensive empire-building or recipe-driven army customization will find distinct playstyles here. The content integrates cleanly into existing campaigns and battles, extending replay value for owners of Total War: WARHAMMER II.
