The Best Total War Games: A Journey Through Epic Strategy

The Legacy of the Total War Franchise Shines Through its Iconic Strategy Games A Comparison

Ranking Every Total War Game

Total War is a legendary franchise that has captured the hearts of strategy game enthusiasts for the past two decades. With its grand scale simulations and emphasis on tactical warfare, Total War games have consistently amazed players with their brilliant gameplay and unforgettable moments. But with so many releases and spinoffs in the series, which game truly stands out as the best Total War experience? Let’s dive in and find out!

Total War Battles: Shogun – A Mobile Spinoff with a Simplified Gameplay Loop 📱👾

Total War Battles Shogun

Total War Battles: Shogun was the ambitious attempt to bring the Total War experience to mobile devices. While it successfully condensed the gameplay for mobile, the PC port fell short due to its touchscreen-oriented design. Despite this, it still offers a simpler and stripped-down version of the Total War formula, making it an enjoyable choice for fans looking for a more casual experience.

Spartan: Total Warrior – A Mindless Hack and Slash Delight ⚔️🎮

Spartan Total Warrior

Spartan: Total Warrior changed things up by taking the grand scale battles of Total War and transforming them into a real-time action format. While the gameplay lacked depth and evolved little, it delivered mindless fun with its button-mashing combat. The power fantasy of decimating multiple enemies with a single attack is undeniably satisfying, making Spartan: Total Warrior a spinoff worth trying for Total War enthusiasts.

Total War Saga: Troy – A Focused and Engaging Retelling of the Trojan War 🐴🛡️

A Total War Saga: Troy

Total War Saga: Troy takes a departure from the epic sagas of most Total War games and focuses on a specific period in history. Set during the Trojan War, this game offers a more personalized and engaging experience. The gameplay is fresh and engaging, even for seasoned Total War players, providing a fascinating retelling of historical events. Embark on a journey through the Trojan War and experience Total War from a new perspective.

Total War: Pharaoh – A Polished and Accessible Journey to Ancient Egypt 🏛️⚱️

Total War Pharaoh Hattusa

Total War: Pharaoh immerses players in the rich world of Ancient Egypt, offering a more stripped-down experience in terms of units and options. Despite this, the game delivers a polished and accessible gameplay experience. The campaGameTopic revolves around three factions with a select few leaders, taking advantage of the unique potential of the era. Explore the wonders of Ancient Egypt and experience the captivating allure of Total War: Pharaoh.

Total War: Rome 2 – A Disappointing Sequel that Struggled to Match its Predecessor 🏛️🛡️

Hoplites From Syracuse

Total War: Rome 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Rome: Total War, unfortunately fell short of expectations. Released nearly ten years after its predecessor, it suffered from technical problems and disappointing gameplay elements. The legacy of Rome: Total War was massive, leaving fans ultimately disappointed with a sequel that failed to live up to the hype.

Total War: Attila – A Crucial Release that Redeemed the Series 🏰⚔️

Battle gameplay from Total War: Attila

Total War: Attila was a make-or-break moment for the franchise, following the disappointment of Total War: Rome 2. This release marked a return to form, pleasing players with its excellent overworld and exciting playstyle varieties. While it had its share of criticism, particularly regarding its interface and technical performance, Total War: Attila successfully revitalized and redeemed the series.

Napoleon: Total War – An Immersive Journey through the Napoleonic Era ⚔️🎩

Napoleonic French Line Infantry Advancing

Napoleon: Total War offers players a unique opportunity to explore the military career of Napoleon Bonaparte during the 18th and 19th centuries. This meticulously crafted game emphasizes historical accuracy and immersion. While criticized for its lackluster AI, Napoleon: Total War holds the Best PC Game award at the Milthon European Game Awards, along with the Ivor Novello Award for Best Original Video Game Score.

Total War: Three Kingdoms – A Good, Yet Hoped-for More, Addition to the Series 🏯⚔️

Total War Three Kingdoms Promo Screencap Cropped

Total War: Three Kingdoms is the most recent mainline installment in the Total War series. Although it’s widely considered good, fans and critics expected more, especially following the over-the-top Total War: Warhammer games. The Mandate of Heaven DLC successfully rounds out the game’s core features and adds legendary characters similar to those in Total War: Warhammer. Overall, Total War: Three Kingdoms is definitely worth exploring.

Total War: Shogun 2 – Fall Of The Samurai – A Standalone Expansion with Expanded Scope 💥⚔️

Total War Shogun 2 Fall Of The Samurai Promo Screencap Cropped

Total War: Shogun 2 – Fall of the Samurai is a standalone expansion for Shogun 2. It expands the game’s scope by adding new warring clans and foreGameTopic imperial powers, as well as enhancing the campaGameTopic map. Despite lackluster ocean battles, the addition of naval bombardment adds depth to the gameplay. Fall of the Samurai stands as one of the most impressive titles in the Total War series.

Total War: Warhammer 3 – The Epic Conclusion to the Total War: Warhammer Trilogy 🧙🎲

Total War Warhammer 3 Gameplay Screen

Total War: Warhammer 3 concludes the Total War: Warhammer trilogy, combining the best elements of the Total War series with the captivating Warhammer universe. Building upon the success of the previous two games, Warhammer 3 makes significant improvements, offering a seamless playing experience and introducing new units to deepen gameplay. Venture into the Realm of Chaos and explore the grandeur of Total War: Warhammer 3.

Total War: Warhammer – A Perfect Fusion of Tactical Warfare and the Warhammer Universe ⚔️🧙

Total War Warhammer Promo Screencap Cropped

Total War: Warhammer is the perfect fusion of the tactical warfare of the Total War series and the fantastical world of Warhammer. With its diverse factions and unique tactical challenges, Total War: Warhammer offers an unparalleled gameplay experience. Command heavily armored Dwarf Realms or lead the undead ravenous hordes of the Vampire Counts. Experience the spectacle and thrill of Total War in the Warhammer universe.

Shogun: Total War Warlord Edition – The Game that Started it All in 2000 🍃⚔️

Shogun Total War Promo Screencap Cropped

Shogun: Total War, released in 2000, laid the foundation for the renowned Total War series. Featuring turned-based empire simulation and real-time battles, Shogun innovatively combined elements from Risk and tabletop wargames. The Warlord Edition release included The Mongol Invasion expansion, introducing new factions and units. This classic title set the stage for the epic Total War franchise that followed.

Medieval 2: Total War – A Sequel That Stands the Test of Time ⚔️🛡️

Total War Medieval 2 Promo Screencap Cropped

Medieval 2: Total War, the first full sequel in the series, expanded on the foundation laid by its predecessor, Shogun: Total War. The game’s engrossing gameplay, challenging AI, and vast array of factions and religions made it a classic that continues to be cherished by fans. Medieval 2 is also well-known for its modding community, inspiring future Total War games and demonstrating the engine’s adaptability.

Total War: Warhammer 2 – The Most Expansive Total War Experience Ever Released 🧙⚔️

Total War Warhammer 2 Promo Screencap Cropped

Total War: Warhammer 2 takes the Total War experience to new heights. This expansive game offers a massive and diverse world, combining content from Total War: Warhammer and numerous DLCs. With new features, factions, and scenarios, Warhammer 2 builds upon its predecessor and creates an incredibly deep and engaging gameplay experience. Immerse yourself in the ever-expanding world of Total War: Warhammer 2.

Medieval: Total War – A Timeless Classic that Captivated Players in 2002 🗡️🛡️

Medieval Total War gameplay

Even after almost 20 years, Medieval: Total War remains a timeless classic that captivated players upon its release in 2002. Despite its dated graphics, the game’s engrossing gameplay, engaging AI, and variety of factions and religions make it one of the most memorable Total War experiences. Explore the strategies and tactics of medieval warfare and witness the game that defined an era.

Total War: Shogun 2 – A Polished and Tightened Total War Experience 🍃⚔️

Total War Shogun 2 Promo Screencap Cropped

Total War: Shogun 2 challenged the trend of expanding the Total War formula, opting for a tighter and more polished experience. The introduction of the Realm Divine, an epic victory condition, tested players with the idea of “total war.” The game’s refined mechanics, excellent AI, and engaging gameplay make it an outstanding entry in the series. Immerse yourself in feudal Japan and lead your clan to victory.

Empire: Total War – A Departure from the Norm that Introduced Revolutionary Features 🌏⚔️

Empire Total War Promo Screencap Cropped

Empire: Total War marked a departure from the traditional Total War formula by introducing a setting in the 18th century. With a wide range of artillery, cavalry units, and rifling squads, it provided a unique gameplay experience. While criticized for its troubled launch, Empire: Total War shines once its bugs were patched out. Experience the Age of Enlightenment and engage in strategic warfare on a global scale.

Rome: Total War – The Definitive Total War Experience that Stands the Test of Time 🏛️⚔️

Rome Total War

Rome: Total War is considered the definitive Total War title and continues to be hailed as one of the greatest strategy games of all time. Its perfect balance of speed, politics, and tactics immerses players in the shoes of historical leaders like no other game in the series. From the grandeur of Rome to the intrigues of the Senate, experience the epic journey that made Rome: Total War an enduring masterpiece.

Conclusion: Exploring the Best Total War Games 💥🎮

The Total War series offers a vast array of games, each with its own unique appeal. From the simplification of gameplay in spinoffs like Total War Battles: Shogun to the captivating retelling of historical events in Total War Saga: Troy, there is something for every strategy enthusiast.

So, whether you want to command legions in Ancient Rome, lead iconic historical figures, or engage in epic battles in a fantasy universe, the Total War franchise has it all. Delve into the rich world of Total War and experience the perfect blend of strategy and war.

Now it’s your turn! Which Total War game do you think is the best? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s continue the discussion! And remember, in the world of Total War, victory awaits those who devise the best strategies and conquer their enemies. 🎮💥

Cover Image Source: Total War – Official Website