Settra the Imperishable is one of the most iconic and powerful legendary lords in the Total War: Warhammer series, leading the Tomb Kings faction with authority, discipline, and unmatched ambition. Playing Settra requires understanding his unique campaign mechanics, military strengths, and how to manage the Tomb Kings’ distinct playstyle. With no need for food or upkeep for basic units and a kingdom rising from the sands, Settra’s campaign is a strategic blend of conquest, ancient rituals, and relentless expansion. To succeed with Settra, you’ll need to embrace a different pace and structure than most other factions.
Understanding Settra’s Campaign Strengths
Faction Bonuses
Settra leads the Khemri faction of the Tomb Kings and benefits from several powerful bonuses:
- +10 growth in all provinces
- +20% campaign movement range for all armies
- Can recruit Tomb Guard and Chariots from the beginning
- Starts with a stronger economy and unique army setup
These bonuses make Settra ideal for aggressive early expansion. The movement bonus allows you to strike far and fast, and the early access to elite units provides a major military advantage over rival factions in the initial stages.
Legendary Lord Traits
Settra himself is a powerhouse both in and out of combat. As a lord, he grants public order bonuses, improves unit capacity for elite troops, and bolsters the economy through edicts and construction. In battle, he rides a powerful chariot and later upgrades to the Chariot of the Gods, making him a mobile wrecking machine capable of cutting through infantry lines with ease.
Managing the Tomb Kings Economy
No Gold Upkeep for Units
One of the most defining features of the Tomb Kings is their lack of unit upkeep costs for most troops. Instead, unit caps limit how many soldiers of each type you can field. This shifts your focus from gold generation to infrastructure development and capacity growth. Buildings become essential for expanding your army, and gold is primarily used for construction and research.
Trade and Canopic Jars
Gold income comes from trade, buildings, and settlements. Settra starts in a trade-friendly location and should exploit early trade opportunities with neutral factions like the Dwarfs or Bretonnians. Additionally, canopic jars a unique currency are used for research, crafting, and unlocking powerful Lords and heroes. Managing jars efficiently is key to long-term success.
Army Composition and Unit Strategy
Early Game Units
Settra starts with access to some excellent early game units:
- Tomb Guard: High-tier infantry available from turn one
- Skeleton Chariots: Fast and effective at flanking and chasing
- Skeleton Archers: Provide essential ranged support
- Nehekhara Warriors: Solid mid-tier melee infantry
Early battles should focus on using these units to overwhelm poorly equipped enemies. Chariots are especially effective when used to rear-charge or disrupt enemy missile lines.
Mid to Late Game Units
As you grow, unlock stronger units such as:
- Ushabti: Powerful monstrous infantry
- Nekhekhara Horsemen: Fast cavalry for flanking
- Screaming Skull Catapult: Excellent morale-reducing artillery
- Tomb Scorpions and Hierotitans: High-damage constructs that can hold the line or push aggressively
Settra’s armies can be diverse and terrifying, especially when supported by his magical abilities and mount options.
Research and Dynasties
Mortuary Cult
Instead of a typical tech tree, Tomb Kings use the Mortuary Cult to unlock dynasties and research upgrades. These are powered by canopic jars and trade resources. Prioritize research that increases unit caps or unlocks new Lords to expand your military reach.
Dynasties and Lords
Each dynasty represents a family of Tomb King rulers and provides bonuses to your armies or economy. Unlocking a dynasty grants a new army slot and provides further faction-wide perks, such as improved unit capacity or bonuses to magic. Invest in dynasties early and steadily to support long-term expansion.
Expansion and Conquest Strategy
Early Targets
Settra starts in the southeast of the Old World, surrounded by minor factions and Greenskin tribes. Begin by conquering nearby Tomb Kings or neutral territories to secure full provinces. This grants access to powerful province edicts that bolster your infrastructure and army strength.
Securing Trade and Resources
Many units and research options require exotic trade goods like obsidian, spices, or furs. Target regions with rare resources and secure them early to fuel your Mortuary Cult projects. Protect trade routes and allies to ensure steady income and avoid unnecessary wars early on.
Using Heroes and Agents
Settra benefits from a variety of useful hero types:
- Liche Priests: Powerful spellcasters for the battlefield
- Tomb Princes: Strong melee heroes capable of assassination and hero defense
- Necrotects: Enhance constructs and help reduce building costs
Deploy heroes across the map to spread corruption, assassinate enemy agents, and support armies. Level them wisely and pair them with elite units to maximize their potential.
Battle Tactics with Settra
Chariot-Based Warfare
Settra excels in mobile, hit-and-run combat. His chariot can cut through infantry and cause major disruption. Use chariots to cycle charge, smash missile lines, and break enemy morale. Avoid bogging him down against halberds or anti-large units.
Magic Support
Though not the most powerful caster, Settra can access several useful magical effects, especially through Liche Priests. Use spells like Summon Ushabti to create temporary reinforcements behind enemy lines, or buffs to enhance your front line’s durability.
Undying Legions
Remember that Tomb Kings don’t rout in the same way living factions do. Their units crumble instead, disintegrating when leadership drops too low. Keep units supported, especially with healing spells or leadership buffs, to prevent rapid losses during long fights.
Dealing with Enemy Factions
Vampire Counts and Tomb Kings
These factions are immune to corruption penalties and don’t suffer from public order issues caused by the dead. Expand into their lands when you’re strong enough and build necropolis-based buildings to maintain control. These enemies can be difficult in magic-heavy fights, so keep anti-magic units and ranged options ready.
Greenskins, Dwarfs, and Humans
Expect resistance from these traditional factions. Greenskins are numerous but poorly armored your ranged and chariot units excel here. Dwarfs are more dangerous due to armor and artillery, so close the distance quickly. Human factions like Bretonnia and the Empire rely on cavalry or gunpowder; adapt your tactics accordingly and use constructs to overwhelm them.
Victory and Long-Term Goals
Ultimate Victory Conditions
Settra’s campaign can end through domination or completion of the main objective, which often involves collecting Books of Nagash and asserting control over rival Tomb Kings. Choose your path whether through conquest or ritual and push forward with confidence.
Roleplaying the King of Kings
Settra is not just another warlord he is The Imperishable. Embrace his arrogance in gameplay by building an empire that reflects his pride. Keep your lands orderly, armies powerful, and enemies crushed beneath your wheels. Every city taken is a tribute to your eternal reign.
Mastering how to play Settra the Imperishable in Total War: Warhammer is about understanding the Tomb Kings’ unique mechanics, maintaining constant expansion, and asserting your rule with authority. From the Mortuary Cult to chariot warfare and jar-based research, Settra offers a deep and rewarding experience for players who want a break from traditional campaign mechanics. His mix of aggressive conquest, elite armies, and undead efficiency makes him a standout choice for anyone wanting to lead an empire that will never die. Settra does not serve he rules, and with the right strategy, so will you.
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