Total War: Warhammer II — Heart of the Dark final battle guide

Oxyotl’s final battle

Compared to Taurox’s version of the Heart of the Dark, I found Oxyotl’s scenario to be slightly tougher. Primarily, it’s because I’m not used to skirmishing/hit-and-run tactics with dozens of units. Another reason is that Taurox’s mechanics allow you to fully empower him with ease, whereas Oxyotl’s campaign tends to be more tedious and slow.

In this battle, I had Lord Kroak, a Skink Oracle, a Skink Chieftain, and Chameleon Stalkers. Likewise, I had several Blessed Spawning and Regiments of Renown units such as a Feral Troglodon, Dread Saurian, Carnosaur, Chameleon Skinks, Saurus Spears, and Temple Guards.

Note: Based on the Total War: Warhammer II – The Silence & The Fury review build that we have, Oxyotl’s Heart of the Dark final battle only gives you five turns to initiate it. Once you’ve unlocked it, you’ll have to make sure you’re well-prepared. I’m not yet certain if this will be tweaked.

Now, at the start, you’ll see a Doombull lord on a nearby hill. This guy is calling for the rest of his herd, which is why you’ll want to send your fastest units and monsters to handle him. If some of your troops are slow, form a defensive line so they don’t get wrecked once the Centigors crash into them.

The reason why you need to speed things up is that routing the Doombull will cause his entire army to retreat as well. You’ll be able to minimize your loses at an early stage.

Once you’re done, take the hill and form a defensive perimeter. Two Bray-Shamans will arrive from the flanks. They’ve got Bestigors, Razorgors, and even a Jabberslythe and Ghorgon.

As long as you’ve got the high ground, you can use your ranged units to pepper the dangerous monsters with their javelins/blowpipes. With Oxyotl’s own empowerment (i.e., Daemonbane/Poisons of the Warp), skirmisher units can whittle down their HP within seconds.

While you’re fighting with the Bray-Shamans, the prisoners (i.e., weak, sword-wielding units) will be released. They’ll try to duke it out with Taurox’s army, but they’ll get beaten after a few minutes pass.

Eventually, you should be done with the Bray-Shamans, and Taurox would’ve eliminated more prisoners. This allows him to complete the ritual. He’ll gain several Chaos Spawn, two Cygors, and a unique monster known as the Ghorgon of Khorne.

Thankfully, Lizardmen reinforcements arrive. This army has several Skinks, Saurus Warriors, Ripperdactyl Riders, Bastiladons, and other dinos. They will be able to distract Taurox’s troops long enough for you to advance further. If you have Lord Kroak, make sure that you’re casting the Deliverance of Itza spell when enemies are clumped together. Likewise, use your Skink Oracle healing spells to keep your large monsters alive.

Try to reform your lines once your ranged units are able to shoot the Cygors (who are probably still lobbing boulders at your reinforcements). Taurox should notice you as your reinforcements start to waver. Pop your defensive spells (i.e., Supreme Shield of the Old Ones) and prepare for the enemy’s charge.

Again, your Skink skirmishers can quickly drop each target’s health down. Likewise, Oxyotl’s shots, including the Golden Blowpipe of P’Toohee, would turn Taurox into corned beef. Once you get him to rout, the remaining Beastmen will run away.

With Oxyotl’s victory in Total War: Warhammer II‘s Heart of the Dark final battle, you’ll obtain +10,000 gold and the “Darkness Vanquished” perk. It has the following effects:

• +15 charge bonus (all armies).
• +2 Untainted (all regions).

Total War: Warhammer II – The Silence & The Fury is available via Steam. For more information, check out our guides and features hub.