Total War: Warhammer 3 has arrived, bringing an epic conclusion to Creative Assembly's grand strategy trilogy. The third Total War game set in the sprawling Warhammer universe will take players to the snowy north, where the human kingdom of Kislev struggles to hold back the forces of Chaos. Although Kislev appeared in the second game, Total War: Warhammer 3 gives the ice-bound kingdom its own unique units, mechanics, and Legendary Lords.

The two starting Legendary Lords for Kislev are Tzarina Katarin and Supreme Patriarch Kostaltyn. However, it's also possible to unlock Boris Ursus in the Total War: Warhammer 3 campaign, gaining the ability to start a new game with the former Tzar. Boris starts far to the east of his daughter Katarin, and must either return home, or carve out a new kingdom beneath the Chaos Wastes. Here's how players can take him to victory.

The Motherland

Total War Warhammer 3 Kostaltyn

Although Boris Ursus isn't part of the power struggle between his daughter Katarin and Supreme Patriarch Kostaltyn, he still uses the Motherland turn-based campaign mechanic. Just like the other Kislevite Legendary Lords, Boris can spend Devotion on offerings to the four gods of Kislev, and will receive a different bonus from each. Devotion is primarily earned by defeating Chaos-aligned armies, and by executing their captives. However, it can also be gained through various Buildings, Events, Hero Actions, and Technologies.

RELATED: Age Of Empires 4: Everything You Need To Know About Playing As The Englis

Boris Ursus will receive Supporters for his offerings, as well as from a few Buildings and Events, and can spend them to boost either Katarin or Kostaltyn. Although Boris won't see a direct benefit from supporting either the Ice Court or Great Orthodoxy, it does allow him to force them into unity before the armies of Chaos arrive. Because of this, it's a good idea for Boris Ursus to pick the side that he has the highest Diplomatic Relations with, and help them win the power struggle. This will most likely be the Ice Court, as Boris starts off with a +30 Diplomatic Relations bonus with his daughter's nation.

The Atamans

Total War Warhammer 3 Land of Kislev

Unlike Katarin and Kostaltyn, or Zhao Ming and Miao Ying in Grand Cathay, Boris Ursus starts far from his homeland. With untamed lands all around him, it can be tough for Boris to grow his nation, even with a unique skill that eliminates the cost of colonization. The key to maintaining Growth and Control for the Ursun Revivalists are the Atamans, Kislev's next campaign mechanic. Atamans are a special kind of Lord that focuses on administration over battle, and Boris will be able to employ one for every two complete Provinces under his banner.

RELATED: Age Of Empires 4: Best Defensive Civilizations

It's important to hire Atamans whenever possible, as their buffs can be essential to the growing nation. Combined with Boris' factionwide buffs to Construction, they should help the Ursun Revivalists carve out a strong nation in the east. Although Atamans can be called up to lead an army like a regular Lord, they will not have a unique starting trait while doing so. In addition, while an Ataman is on campaign, none of their administrative benefits will apply.

The Ice Court

Total War Warhammer 3 Kislev

With his own daughter being a powerful Ice Witch, no one knows the strength of Kislev's unique Lores of magic better than Boris Ursus. Unlike nations like Grand Cathay's Northern Provinces, the nation of Kislev must train their casters in the Ice Court before they can deploy them. Both Frost Maiden Heroes and Ice Witch Lords can be assigned to the Ice Court for training, giving players a chance to choose their traits.

Boris Ursus doesn't have any special bonuses for spellcasters, but that doesn't mean they don't have an important place in his armies. Not only are Frost Maidens powerful force multipliers in battle, they can also be used to close Chaos Rifts without having to fight a battle over each one.

Boris Ursus in Battle

Total War Warhammer 3 Kislev War Bear

Boris Ursus is a commanding presence of the battlefield, with a variety of bonuses to Kislev's most elite units. All War Bear Riders in the Ursun Revivalists have +2 Recruit Rank, and in Boris' personal army, they have a -50% Upkeep reduction. In addition, Boris' unique skills grant even more bonuses to War Bear Riders, along with Elemental Bears and Tzar Guard. A strong frontline of Tzar Guard supported by Kossars should be enough to stop even the most maddened of Chaos hordes, with Kislev's versatile hybrid infantry swapping easily between ranged and melee.

War Bear Riders are best used on the flanks of Boris' army, first to deal with enemy cavalry and monsters with their impressive Anti-Large bonus, and then to charge into the rear of engaged enemy units. The big advantage of War Bear Riders over regular cavalry like Zhao Ming's Jade Lancers is their impressive staying power and mass, which allows them to both disrupt formations and spend more time in close combat. The towering Elemental Bear is more of a shock-and-awe unit, and is best employed causing terror and havoc wherever the combat is thickest.

Total War: Warhammer 3 is out now for PC.

MORE: Age Of Empires 4: Every Unit Type, Explained