Creative Assembly's grand strategy simulation 'Total War: Warhammer III' is set to receive a new DLC featuring a massive influx of 'Tiger Warriors' for the Cathay faction. True to a series known for its unique unit themes—ranging from three-headed elves and dinosaurs riding dinosaurs to mecha-Guan Yu 'Ongi-bots'—the new unit roster adds another layer of high-fantasy flair.

The core of this DLC is 'Bashiba the White Tiger' and her followers, the Tiger Warriors. Bashiba is an anti-infantry specialist who uses fire-based melee attacks; she is a warrior-type lord with a combined attack and defense stat of 115. Equipped with abilities such as 'Hidden Huntress,' which reduces the movement speed and defense of enemy units for a set duration, and 'Heavenly Gate,' which allows her to teleport short distances, she is expected to be used primarily for sniping enemy infantry lords and heroes.

The 'Tiger Warrior Sawai' is added as a generic Lord. As a melee specialist with anti-large and armor-piercing capabilities, he appears even sturdier than Bashiba on paper. Additionally, the 'Clawspeaker' joins as a common hero for Cathay; they are spellcasters who utilize the Lore of Life while maintaining respectable melee performance with a combined attack/defense stat of 80 or higher.

The core of the new units, the 'Tiger Warriors,' appear as infantry units with 80 models rather than monstrous infantry. Their base configuration is shock infantry armed with dual axes, specialized for anti-infantry combat. 'Tiger Warrior Trackers' are infantry equipped with chakrams as ranged weapons; they boast excellent melee performance and the rare ability to fire while moving. However, they are limited to just two pieces of ammunition and have lower survivability, with 15 armor and a unit size of 60. The final variant, the 'Steel Claw Tiger Warriors,' features 60 armor. Armed with a weapon called a 'Guan Dao,' they serve as an anti-large unit with high combined attack/defense, leadership, and armor-piercing capabilities.

Bashiba’s unique faction mechanics have also been revealed. In line with the concept of loyalty to the Iron Dragon Zhao Ming, Bashiba and her Tiger Warriors can earn 'Favor of the Iron Dragon' as a faction resource, which can be used to unlock new unit types or summon reinforcements. Furthermore, players can collect various artifacts via the 'Ivory Road'—similar to trade routes—and manage the faction's development through the 'Tiger Court.'

Additionally, 'Taoyan the Merciless' will be added as a free legendary hero for Cathay, available even to those who do not purchase the DLC. Taoyan is a female hero wielding a trident; with high combined attack/defense, anti-large traits, and magical attacks, she is expected to perform well against enemy monsters and lords.

The 'Bashiba' character pack DLC will be released on May 21.