Kislev in Total War: Warhammer 3 offers a unique and flavorful army composition that reflects their culture a strong blend of Slavic inspiration, icy resilience, and a relentless dedication to protecting the world from Chaos. As a faction caught between the mortal empires and the demonic North, Kislev fields a versatile and well-rounded roster of units. Whether you’re commanding Tzarina Katarin or Kostaltyn, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Kislev units is essential to achieving victory across the frozen battlefields. This detailed breakdown explores the full range of Kislev’s units, from early game infantry to magical beasts and artillery.
Infantry Units of Kislev
Kossars
Kossars are the backbone of the Kislevite infantry. These dual-purpose units are equipped with bows and axes, allowing them to perform both ranged and melee roles. Their hybrid nature makes them excellent early-game options that can hold the line while still harassing enemies from a distance.
- Kossars with Spears: Provide anti-large support while maintaining their ranged capabilities.
- Kossars with Axes: Better in melee combat, suitable for flanking and engaging light infantry.
Armored Kossars
A significant upgrade from basic Kossars, Armored Kossars come with higher defense and better melee capability. These units are reliable frontline soldiers that can hold off tougher enemies for longer periods.
- Useful against mid-tier enemies.
- Still retain ranged capabilities with pistols or bows depending on variant.
Tzar Guard
Among Kislev’s elite infantry, Tzar Guard are highly durable units with excellent leadership and melee stats. They serve as the faction’s best defenders and are great for anchoring your line against elite enemy forces.
- Come in sword-and-shield or great weapon variants.
- Shield variant excels in prolonged combat and defense.
- Great weapon variant is ideal for smashing through armored foes.
Missile Units
Ice Guard
Ice Guard are elite hybrid units that combine precision archery with ice magic. They are expensive but incredibly effective, especially when used to support other units with their magical slowing effects and high missile damage.
- Two variants: sword and glaive.
- Glaive variant has anti-large capabilities in melee.
- Great for countering fast or large enemy units.
Little Grom
Kislev’s unique artillery piece, Little Grom is a cannon pulled by a bear. It provides powerful long-range fire and is also capable of defending itself in melee thanks to the bear crew. It’s best used to destroy enemy monsters or large formations before they reach your lines.
Cavalry and Mobility
Winged Lancers
These light cavalry units are ideal for flanking maneuvers and rear charges. Winged Lancers have high charge bonuses and decent speed, making them effective for hit-and-run tactics and disrupting enemy backlines.
Gryphon Legion
Heavier and more durable than Winged Lancers, the Gryphon Legion is a shock cavalry unit that can engage in extended combat more effectively. Their high armor and leadership make them suitable for punching through weak enemy lines.
Horse Archers
Horse Archers provide Kislev with skirmishing capabilities. Fast and mobile, they can kite slower units and harass exposed flanks. While they are not strong in melee, their agility makes them hard to pin down.
War Bear Riders
One of Kislev’s most iconic units, War Bear Riders are monstrous cavalry that combine brute force with fearsome presence. They are excellent at breaking through enemy formations and dealing with monsters or elite infantry.
- High charge bonus and melee strength.
- Good for anchoring flanks or reinforcing key points.
Flying and Monster Units
Elemental Bear
The Elemental Bear is Kislev’s massive monster unit. This towering beast deals massive area-of-effect damage and causes terror among enemy troops. It is ideal for leading a charge or acting as a centerpiece of your army.
- Immune to psychology.
- Deals frostbite damage, slowing enemy units.
- Effective against massed infantry or elite troops.
Frost Maiden and Patriarch Mounts
While not monsters themselves, Frost Maidens and Patriarchs can be mounted on War Bears or even on magical constructs like Frost Wyrms. These mounts increase their survivability and allow them to support the army from mobile positions.
Magic and Hero Support
Frost Maidens
These spellcasters wield the Lore of Ice or Lore of Tempest. Frost Maidens can slow enemy units, summon blizzards, and provide crowd control. Their spells work well in synergy with Kislev’s hybrid units to keep enemies at bay while whittling them down with ranged fire.
Patriarchs
Patriarchs are support heroes who use prayers rather than traditional spells. They can boost leadership, regenerate health for surrounding units, and are vital in keeping the Kislev army fighting when morale gets low.
Boyars
Boyars are melee-focused heroes who act as bodyguards or line commanders. With high leadership and combat stats, they are effective in the thick of battle, helping to stabilize frontline units and challenge enemy characters.
Unique Kislev Mechanics
Hybrid Combat
One of Kislev’s defining features is its use of hybrid units. Many of their soldiers can switch between ranged and melee, offering a flexible approach to combat. This allows Kislev to adapt quickly depending on how the battle unfolds.
Motherland System
Though not a unit itself, the Motherland system provides passive benefits to Kislev armies depending on which deity is empowered. These blessings can affect unit performance by improving leadership, melee attack, or magic regeneration, making unit synergy even more vital.
Passive Ability: By Our Blood
Most Kislev units come with a unique passive called By Our Blood. This allows them to keep fighting for a short time even after their leadership breaks. It gives you time to recover morale or reinforce their position before they flee.
Tips for Using Kislev Units Effectively
- Use hybrid units like Kossars to engage enemies from afar and soften them before switching to melee.
- Anchor your flanks with Tzar Guard or War Bear Riders to prevent collapse.
- Save powerful units like the Elemental Bear for high-priority threats or key moments in battle.
- Support your frontlines with Frost Maidens and Patriarchs to keep them fighting longer.
- Use mobility from Winged Lancers and Horse Archers to disrupt artillery or harass isolated units.
Kislev’s units in Total War: Warhammer 3 are a powerful mix of hybrid versatility, strong leadership, and impactful support. From the humble Kossar to the awe-inspiring Elemental Bear, each unit has its place on the battlefield when used strategically. Mastering Kislev’s roster means learning when to hold the line, when to unleash a cavalry charge, and when to bring the cold fury of ice magic upon your enemies. With the right tactics, Kislev can stand firm against the forces of Chaos and emerge victorious.