Unlocking Boris Ursus of Kislev in the Total War: Warhammer series is one of the most satisfying goals for players who enjoy powerful lords and unique faction mechanics. As an independent legendary lord, Boris offers a different experience compared to the main Kislev leaders like Tzarina Katarin or Kostaltyn. However, Boris is not available at the beginning of a campaign. To get access to him, you must meet certain conditions within the Kislev campaign. In this guide, we will walk through every step required to unlock Boris Kislev, explain his benefits, and help you understand the best way to incorporate him into your strategies.
Who Is Boris Ursus?
The Bear-Father of Kislev
Boris Ursus, also known as the Red Tsar, is a powerful Kislevite leader and the former ruler of Kislev. Though believed to be lost in the Realm of Chaos, he can be found and unlocked during a Kislev campaign. Once unlocked, he becomes a playable legendary lord in future campaigns, bringing with him the strength of the bear god Ursun and a powerful military presence.
Why Unlock Boris?
Boris Kislev comes with distinct traits and advantages that make him worth the effort:
- Strong combat stats and powerful bear mount
- Unique faction bonuses when used as a starting lord
- Additional recruitment options and buffs to Kislev units
- Access to new diplomatic and economic benefits
Requirements to Unlock Boris Kislev
Start as Any Kislev Faction
To begin the process of unlocking Boris, you must start a campaign with one of the three Kislev factions:
- Tzarina Katarin (The Ice Court)
- Kostaltyn (The Great Orthodoxy)
- Boris Ursus (after unlocking)
Initially, Boris is not available as a campaign starting option. You must unlock him first by playing as either Katarin or Kostaltyn.
Reach the Realm of Chaos
Progress through the campaign until you unlock the Realms of Chaos. This happens after a set number of turns or when you complete specific objectives related to corruption and rifts opening across the map.
Enter the Realm of Chaos
Once rifts open, you can send one of your lords into the Realm of Chaos. This is essential, as Boris will only become available through exploration inside these realms.
How to Find Boris in the Realm of Chaos
The Frozen Wastes
Boris is trapped in a unique region of the Realm of Chaos called the Frozen Wastes. This area becomes available once you enter the Chaos realms, typically accessible through specific portals. You won’t immediately know his exact location, so keep an eye out for special quest notifications or map icons that indicate a new storyline is beginning.
Complete the Boris Quest Chain
Once you locate the right area, a quest chain will trigger. You’ll need to complete a few tasks to progress, including:
- Defeat specific Chaos armies guarding the path
- Survive difficult battles in extreme terrain
- Possibly deal with attrition from the environment
Be sure to send a well-equipped and experienced army into the realm, as the challenges are not meant for underprepared forces.
Free Boris from Chaos
Once you complete the final battle of the quest chain, Boris will be freed from his icy prison. At this point, you will receive a notification offering a choice: either have him join your current campaign as a new lord, or unlock him permanently as a selectable starting faction for future games.
Deciding How to Use Boris
Option 1: Recruit in Current Campaign
If you choose to recruit Boris into your current campaign, he will appear as a legendary lord in your roster. This is especially useful if you need a strong fighter to help you push back Chaos forces or rival factions. His leadership and bonuses will immediately boost your military capabilities.
Option 2: Unlock as New Playable Lord
If you decide to unlock Boris as a playable campaign lord, you will gain access to his unique starting location and storyline. He starts far to the north, surrounded by Chaos enemies and brutal weather conditions. This option is perfect for players who enjoy challenging starts and want to explore a different path for Kislev dominance.
Boris Kislev’s Starting Location and Mechanics
The Ursun Revivalists
Boris leads the Ursun Revivalists faction, which has a distinct starting position in the far north of the map. The region is hostile and difficult, but comes with unique opportunities for expansion and influence over Chaos-corrupted lands.
Faction Bonuses
When playing as Boris, you’ll benefit from the following faction traits:
- Increased melee attack for Kislevite units
- Leadership bonuses when fighting against Chaos factions
- Reduced corruption from Chaos in owned provinces
- Improved relations with other Kislev factions
Legendary Lord Traits
Boris himself is an excellent combat leader. He comes with strong stats, a war bear mount, and abilities that support frontline engagements. His bear-themed aura abilities help maintain morale and buff nearby troops in battle.
Tips for Unlocking and Using Boris Effectively
Prepare Early for Chaos Rifts
Start building strong armies early in your Kislev campaign. By the time the rifts open, you should have a powerful stack ready to send into the Realm of Chaos to complete Boris’s questline.
Bring the Right Army
Make sure your Chaos-traveling army includes:
- At least one experienced lord with level 10+
- Strong melee infantry like Ice Guard or Kossars
- Ranged support and cavalry for mobility
- Magic users for damage and healing
Manage Corruption
The Realm of Chaos is filled with corruption. Use priests or buildings that reduce corruption to stabilize any regions you claim and to keep your army from suffering attrition.
Use Boris to Conquer the North
Once unlocked, Boris’s starting location puts him in close contact with several Chaos factions. Use his bonuses to push into enemy territory and clean up corrupted provinces. This also opens up new fronts to attack from if you want to encircle rivals like Norsca or the Chaos Dwarfs.
Unlocking Boris Kislev in Total War: Warhammer is a rewarding process that adds depth to the Kislev campaign. Whether you choose to bring him into your current game or play an entire campaign as him, Boris offers unique tactical options and a challenging but exciting experience. By carefully navigating the Realm of Chaos and completing his questline, you gain access to one of the most iconic characters in Kislev lore. With his powerful traits, strong leadership, and the backing of the bear god Ursun, Boris is a game-changing lord who adds great value to any playthrough.