Immerse yourself in history or fantasy in the best Total War games. Master the diplomacy and grasp victory in bloody battles in Creative Assembly’s acclaimed franchise.
Total War is one of the longest-running strategy games out there. It comes with brilliant real-time strategy elements alongside compelling diplomacy aspects. Its unique blend of battle and diplomacy made us millions of fans around the world.
While it’s not like other story games like Victoria 3, the best Total War games are certainly delightful to play for strategy lovers. Without wasting any more time, let’s have a look at the most beloved titles in the series.
5. Empire: Total War
As one of the most beloved Total War games, Empire takes players to Europe in the conflict in the 18th century. While the game suffered from bugs and glitches, fans still regard it as one of the best Total War games ever released. That’s because it featured amazing naval battles on top of large-scale rifle warfare.
Similar to other entries in the franchise, it supports a high level of replayability. Thanks to its versatile factions, you’ll find yourself playing it repeatedly. In short, Empire: Total War is definitely not one of those games you can only play once.
4. Total War: Shogun 2
The sequel to the first Total War game ever released, Total War: Shogun 2, became one of the most appreciated instalments in the series. Its improvements in faction AI, sheer volume of units, and refinement of many aspects made the game a lot better than its predecessors.
What really made it one of the best Total War games, though, is its incredibly balanced gameplay. It masterfully executed the core elements of its franchise while offering a polished experience that delivers at every stage of the game. It’s also the perfect strategy game for those who expect Rise of Ronin.
3. Total War: Three Kingdoms
One of the best Total War games ever released is a rather recent title that made its debut back in 2019.
With all of its base content and great DLCs, Total War: Three Kingdoms offers an immersive foray into a bloody period in Ancient China called Three the Kingdoms. What set it apart from other entries in the series lies in its outstanding model animations and stunning visuals. On top of that, it also featured character-focused gameplay, allowing players to take the role of the most notorious warlords of the period.
2. Medieval 2: Total War
As a timeless strategy game, Medieval 2 puts you in the warring Europe of medieval times. It wonderfully refines and expands upon its predecessors. It also successfully represents the historical era and portrays the biggest factions faithfully.
Despite its technical limitations, Medieval 2 features a solid campaign mode with 17 playable factions. You could play with non-playable factions like Turks, Holy Roman Empire, and many more after completing the campaign for the first time as well.
1. Total War: Warhammer 2
Although its fantasy setting isn’t very appealing for history fans, Total War: Warhammer 2 tops the list of best Total War games. This expansive and massive game is also the best entry in the Warhammer trilogy of the Total War franchise. It’s also one of the best Warhammer fantasy games, like Age of Sigmar.
There are several factors behind the crowning of Total War: Warhammer 2 as the best in Creative Assembly‘s franchise. First, it comes with lots of units, factions, special characters, and brilliant magic abilities. Second, its expansive maps in the campaign mode are enough to keep you entertained for hundreds of hours.
There is no doubt that Total War: Warhammer 2 is the ultimate Total War game. Its online components, flexible battle system, and sheer volume of factions showcase its true glory.
Final Thoughts
The best Total War games are perfect for strategy-focused gaming sessions. They encompass some of the most interesting eras of human history. You can also dive into its acclaimed trilogy, Total War: Warhammer, to scratch that fantasy itch.
From Napoleon to Karl Franz, Attila to Caesar; the Total War series are unmatched in their blend of RTS and grand strategy. Their tactical gameplay delivers strategic wonders.
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