Honestly, trying to figure out where to actually play Total War: Warhammer III is a bit of a headache if you’re looking at it for the first time. You’d think in 2026 it would be a simple "buy it anywhere" situation, but the legacy of this trilogy makes it weirdly complicated. Basically, if you buy it on the wrong storefront, you might end up locked out of content you’ve already paid for in the past. It's frustrating.
Let’s get the big question out of the way: Total War: Warhammer III platforms currently include Windows PC, macOS, and Linux. That’s it. If you were hoping to command a legion of Nurglings from your PS5 or Xbox Series X, you’re mostly out of luck for now.
While there’s been a ton of "doomerposting" on Reddit lately about Creative Assembly potentially moving toward consoles for future titles like the rumored Total War: Star Wars or 40K, Warhammer III remains a PC-exclusive experience.
The Storefront Trap: Steam vs. Epic vs. Microsoft
Here is where people usually mess up. The game is available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store (including PC Game Pass).
On paper, they’re all the same game. In reality? They don't talk to each other.
If you own Total War: Warhammer I and II on Steam, and then you see a massive sale for Warhammer III on Epic and decide to grab it there, you have just made a very expensive mistake. To play the "Immortal Empires" mega-campaign with all your old factions, all three games must be owned on the exact same storefront. Creative Assembly has been "working on" a fix for this via their CA Account system for years, but as of right now, cross-platform ownership is a total myth.
- Steam is the gold standard here. It has the Steam Workshop, which is vital because, let's be real, the modding community basically carries this game sometimes.
- Epic Games Store works fine, but the lack of a robust modding hub makes it a distant second choice.
- Microsoft Store/Game Pass is great for a "try before you buy" approach, but it's often the last to get updates and has the most restrictive file system for modding.
Can You Play Total War: Warhammer III on Mac or Linux?
Yes, but there is a "but."
The macOS and Linux versions are handled by Feral Interactive. They do a fantastic job, but they are technically separate ports. This means when a massive patch like 6.0 or a new DLC like Thrones of Decay drops, the Mac and Linux players usually have to wait a few days—or sometimes weeks—to get the update.
Cross-play does work between Windows and Mac, but only if you are on the exact same version. If the Windows version just got a hotfix and the Mac version hasn't, you won't be able to play your multiplayer campaign with your buddies until they match up again.
The Console Rumors and the "Steam Deck" Reality
Is it ever coming to PS5? Probably not. The UI is just too dense. Imagine trying to manage a 40-unit ambush with a thumbstick; it sounds like a nightmare.
However, the Steam Deck is the "secret" console for this game. It's officially "Playable" rather than "Verified," mostly because the text can be tiny and you have to use the trackpads for the mouse. But it works. If you’re desperate to play on the couch, that’s your best bet.
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Cloud Gaming: The GeForce Now Savior
If your PC is a potato and smells like burnt toast every time you try to load a battle, Nvidia GeForce Now is the actual solution.
Since Total War: Warhammer III is on GeForce Now, you can stream it to basically anything—an old MacBook, a tablet, or even a Chromebook. It links directly to your Steam or Epic library. This is arguably the "best" way to play if you want maxed-out ultra settings without spending $2,000 on a new GPU. Just remember that your internet connection needs to be rock solid, or those real-time battles will turn into a slideshow real fast.
What You Need to Do Right Now
Before you drop any money on a new DLC or a different version of the game, double-check your library.
- Stick to one ecosystem. If you started on Steam, stay on Steam.
- Verify your specs. You need at least 8GB of RAM, but honestly, 16GB is the real minimum if you don't want the game to crash during large siege battles.
- Check Feral Interactive’s social media if you are on Mac. They are the only ones who will give you an honest timeline on when the latest DLC will actually be playable for you.
If you're looking to jump into the Immortal Empires map for the first time, just buy the base Warhammer III game first. You no longer need to own the first two games to access the big map—you only need them if you want to play as those specific older races like the Empire or the Dwarfs.