Total War: WARHAMMER Wiki

Terrain is a crucial element on both the strategic and tactical level. Terrain should not be confused with climate or corruption.

There are two types of terrain: campaign terrain, on the campaign map, and battle terrain in battles.

Summary[]

  • Rivers, mountains, and dense forests restrict movement across the campaign map.
  • Armies can use their zone of control to block narrow passes.
  • Roads that cross the landscape usually provide the fastest and safest method of travel.
  • Terrain type has a big effect on the success chance of any ambush laid there.

Campaign[]

The most important impact terrain has is how it affects movement of armies. Even the most powerful army can be undone if it's outmaneuvered by a more powerful adversary. Additionally, some kinds of terrain cause attrition.

The following tables include multipliers for movement costs (i.e. how much more movement points are expended to cover the same distance, compared to the base movement speed through grassland/plains or across a lake).

Land[]

Terrain type Movement cost Cost multiplier Ambush chance
Grassland 80 100% (baseline) +0% (baseline)
Plains 80
Chaotic wasteland 96 120%
Desert 112 140% -5%
Light forest 112 140% +25%
Tundra 112 140%
Wasteland 112 140%
Hills 144 180% +5%
Hilly light forest 176 220%
Jungle 192 240% +30%
Marsh 192 240%
Dense forest 240 300%
Mountain 240 300% +30%
Swamp 240 300% +0%
River 2160 2700% -40%


Water[]

Terrain type Movement cost Cost multiplier
Lake 60 100%
Coast 64 106.66%
Maelstrom 64 106.66%
River 64 106.66%
Ocean 128 213.33%
Reef 192 320%

Battlefield[]

Terrain features on the battlefield can play a decisive role in any battle. Hills, mountains, forests and rivers can be used to conceal troops or funnel an enemy’s advance.

  • Most troop-types can be hidden in forests, as long as they walk or remain stationary.
  • Units with the high ground enjoy a significant advantage when fighting on sloped terrain.
  • Steep slopes are impassable, and may be used to cover the flank of an army.
  • Hills and other terrain features can obscure visibility, allowing units to be hidden from the enemy’s line of sight.