How to Confederate as Kislev
Confederation is one of the most powerful tools in Total War: Warhammer 3, and for Kislev players, it can be the key to unifying the fractured motherland under one banner. Whether you’re playing as Tzarina Katarin, Kostaltyn, or Boris Ursus, the ability to confederate other Kislevite factions can give you access to more armies, more territory, and powerful heroes. However, confederation doesn’t happen automatically it requires careful planning, manipulation of diplomacy, and occasionally brute force. This guide will explain how to confederate as Kislev, outlining all the strategies you need to build a powerful and unified kingdom.
Understanding Confederation in Total War: Warhammer 3
What Is Confederation?
Confederation is a diplomatic option in Total War: Warhammer 3 that allows one faction to absorb another, gaining control of their settlements, armies, and characters. For Kislev, this means bringing together the three main subfactions The Ice Court, The Great Orthodoxy, and Ursun Revivalists into a single political entity.
Benefits of Confederation
- Control over new provinces and cities
- Access to legendary lords like Boris Ursus if playing another faction
- Increased economy and recruitment capacity
- Unification of the Kislevite cause against Chaos and other threats
Kislevite Factions Eligible for Confederation
The Ice Court (Katarin)
This is the default Kislev faction for many players. Katarin has strong diplomatic bonuses and spellcasting capabilities, making her a prime candidate for early confederation efforts.
The Great Orthodoxy (Kostaltyn)
Representing the religious faction of Kislev, Kostaltyn starts in conflict with Katarin. His approach is more militaristic and zealous, which can make diplomatic confederation trickier unless you’re playing as him.
Ursun Revivalists (Boris Ursus)
Boris can be unlocked through a specific quest and revived, after which he operates as an AI-controlled Kislev faction if not chosen at campaign start. Confederating Boris early gives access to a powerful lord and a stronghold in the north.
How to Increase Chances of Confederation
Build Diplomatic Relations
The most straightforward way to trigger confederation is through diplomacy. To do this effectively:
- Maintain positive relations with the faction you want to confederate.
- Send non-aggression pacts and trade agreements early on.
- Assist them in wars, or join their wars to improve standing.
- Use heroes or agents to spread diplomatic influence.
Playing as Katarin often provides a natural advantage here due to her higher diplomatic bonuses with Kislevite factions.
Wait for Them to Weaken
Factions that are struggling economically or militarily are more likely to accept confederation. If Kostaltyn is losing territory to Chaos or Boris is barely holding on in the north, you can swoop in and offer them security through unity.
Control the Supporters System
One of the unique Kislev mechanics is the Supporters system, where Katarin and Kostaltyn compete for the favor of the people. By earning 600 supporters, you can confederate the opposing faction automatically.
Ways to Earn Supporters
- Construct religious buildings like the Orthodoxy Chapel
- Win battles against Chaos
- Use invocation rituals
- Occupy Kislevite settlements
This method can take time but gives you a guaranteed path to confederation without waiting on diplomacy or war outcomes.
Use Hero Actions
Sending heroes into enemy territory can indirectly help your confederation chances. By damaging their infrastructure or assassinating key units, you can reduce their power rating, making them more likely to seek security in confederation.
Exploit War Fatigue
If your target faction is at war with multiple enemies, they may be more willing to confederate to avoid destruction. You can even aid their enemies to weaken them faster, then approach diplomatically once they are vulnerable.
Confederating Boris Ursus
Reviving Boris
To even consider confederating Boris, you must first revive him by completing the Frozen Falls quest chain. Once revived, he appears in the north and begins functioning as an AI faction.
Steps to Confederation
If you didn’t pick Boris at campaign start, and you revive him as Katarin or Kostaltyn, you can later confederate him through diplomacy or wait for him to weaken in battle. Since Boris starts isolated and often gets overwhelmed, he can usually be confederated after a few turns if protected or ignored.
When to Confederation and When to Wait
Pros of Early Confederation
- Immediate access to new units and settlements
- Prevent Chaos from overrunning weakened Kislevite factions
- Control the full Kislevite army roster
Cons of Early Confederation
- Sudden economic strain from upkeep and corruption
- Public order penalties in newly acquired provinces
- Multiple armies may have overlapping roles or need retraining
Timing is key. If your economy is strong and your provinces are stable, confederate sooner. If you’re barely surviving or expanding rapidly elsewhere, wait until you’re better prepared to absorb new territory.
Managing Your Confederated Holdings
Stabilize Public Order
After confederation, newly acquired provinces will often suffer from instability. Use commandments, garrisons, and buildings that boost public order to avoid rebellion.
Disband Redundant Armies
You might suddenly have more lords and armies than your income can support. Identify which ones to keep, especially legendary lords, and disband weaker units temporarily to rebalance your finances.
Integrate Provinces into Your Strategy
Plan how your new provinces fit into your long-term strategy. Are they frontline fortresses? Economic hubs? Recruitment zones? Upgrade buildings accordingly and assign governors if applicable.
Tips for Success in Confederation Campaigns
- Always monitor the strength rating of potential confederation targets.
- Use diplomacy to stay at peace with them while building supporters or influence.
- Be prepared to defend confederated territory immediately after the deal is made.
- Keep your army cap in mind before taking on new units.
- Use confederation strategically to deny Chaos access to Kislevite regions.
Confederating as Kislev in Total War: Warhammer 3 is more than just a diplomatic button it’s a long-term investment in national unification, army growth, and campaign dominance. Whether you’re guiding Tzarina Katarin’s Ice Court, rallying the faithful under Kostaltyn, or resurrecting Boris Ursus, the path to Kislevite confederation is filled with opportunity and challenge. Focus on strengthening relations, building supporter influence, and weakening rivals diplomatically or militarily. Once confederated, wisely manage your new lands and armies to ensure that Kislev stands united against all who would see it fall.