Although magic and spells come into play, games are usually decided by the player who has a combination of an overwhelming number of superior units and better micromanaging of his Hero character.

Warlords Battlecry III is unique in its replay ability due to the diplomacy system and the number of races in the game.

Warlords Battlecry III has more factions and hero types than the earlier games in the series, with 16 different races and 28 varying character classes.

Heroes have groups of loyal soldiers called retinues, which will follow and fight for them in battle, and the level cap for units was increased to 20 in this game, up from 7.

They soon discover the high elven guardians either dead or dying, with a huge portal hanging in the air as if something powerful has recently entered the world of Erathia.

The player and the crew venture forth to Keshan and after joining several battles between the Ssrathi and Selentines, they manage to receive an audience from the Seers of Kalpaxotl.

After the high elven guardians of the isle refused to grant aid, the seer opened a rift, releasing a powerful demon on the other side.

Upon arriving in the Wastes, the player approaches a fortress, the residing place of the demon from the rift, now revealed to be Gorgon, the fifth Horseman and the Lord of Destruction.

Following the plan, the player visits the Realms of Death, Famine, and Pestilence to aid Lords Bane, Melkor, and Anthrag against the servants of Gorgon.