The game's announced races in the campaign include the Lizardmen, High Elves, Dark Elves and Skaven. Those who own races from the first game will have the same races unlocked for multiplayer in the second game. The game also has a custom battles mode where players can create customised real-time battles, as well as online multiplayer battles. When armies meet, they battle in real-time. Players engage in diplomacy with, and fight against, AI-controlled factions. In the campaign, players move armies around the map and manage settlements in a turn-based manner. Total War: Warhammer II features turn-based strategy and real-time tactics gameplay similar to other games in the Total War series.
