WARDOGS Factions: LONESTAR, VALKYRA, and MANTICORE Guide
Learn about the three confirmed WARDOGS factions—LONESTAR, VALKYRA, and MANTICORE—their lore backgrounds, three-way match dynamics, and confirmed gameplay details.
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WARDOGS features three distinct factions contesting the region of Kolchia: LONESTAR, VALKYRA, and MANTICORE. This guide breaks down each faction’s identity, their role in three-way battles, and what developer Bulkhead has confirmed regarding mechanical differences.
The Three Factions in WARDOGS
WARDOGS features three mercenary factions confirmed by developer Bulkhead in February 2026: LONESTAR, VALKYRA, and MANTICORE. Each represents a distinct ideological and operational force clashing over Kolchia. [source] [source]
| Faction | Allegiance & Origin | Core Description |
|---|---|---|
| LONESTAR | Western para-military | The heavy-hitters of the Western para-military sphere, defined by corporate private-contractor roots and Texas-tough grit. |
| VALKYRA | Soviet People’s Republic | A restorationist force dedicated to returning the Soviet People’s Republic to greatness in an alternate timeline where the USSR never collapsed. |
| MANTICORE | Kingdom of Persia | Tehran’s shadow army, operating covertly on behalf of a Persian monarchy in a setting without the 1979 revolution. |
Three-Way Match Design
Instead of traditional two-sided engagements, WARDOGS splits up to 100 players across all three factions to contest a 2 × 2 km Control Zone on the 256 km² Kolchia map. The first team to reach 100 points secures the match victory. [source]
Note: The triangular format is an intentional design choice to prevent stagnant front lines. When one team overextends or gains the upper hand, pushing hard exposes their flank to the third faction, creating a shifting dynamic where leading teams become high-priority targets for both rivals. [source]
Gameplay Differences and Confirmation Status
While each faction possesses a distinct identity and thematic background, Bulkhead has not stated whether the factions differ mechanically. It remains unannounced whether choosing a faction alters available shop items, weapons, vehicles, passive traits, or economic modifiers. [source]
| Feature Claim | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Three factions exist (LONESTAR, VALKYRA, MANTICORE) | Confirmed |
| Faction identities and background descriptions | Confirmed |
| Up to 100 players divided across three teams | Confirmed |
| Faction-specific weapons, vehicles, or traits | Unconfirmed |
| Match-level faction assignment rules and persistence | Unconfirmed |
| Faction-locked cosmetics or progression tracks | Unconfirmed |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three factions in WARDOGS?
The three confirmed factions are LONESTAR (Western private para-military), VALKYRA (Soviet People's Republic restorationists), and MANTICORE (the Kingdom of Persia's shadow army).
Do factions have unique weapons or stats in WARDOGS?
It is currently unknown. Bulkhead has not announced faction-specific loadouts, unique vehicles, or differing mechanical traits, nor has it ruled them out.
Can you choose your faction in matches?
Bulkhead has not revealed how in-game faction assignment works or whether faction alignment persists across multiple matches.
Why does WARDOGS have three factions instead of two?
A three-way conflict prevents matches from devolving into static front lines. Pushing against one faction leaves flanks vulnerable to the other, encouraging constant maneuvering against whichever side is in the lead.