19 Best Total War Game Titles: The Guide for Beginners
Choose The Best Total War Game For Yourself!
The Total War game franchise has been known for decades since the 2000s thanks to the epic scale of tactics and massive battle simulation in realistic historical settings. The dedicated fanbase is another reason why this franchise remains one of the best examples in the genre of massive strategies with real-time battles. As of 2024, the franchise includes multiple spin-offs like Shogun and Total Warrior with a simplified version of the TW experience. At the same time, Troy and Pharaon spin-offs offer more individual experience with this franchise. To figure out what is the best Total War game for new gamers, consider reading our subjective guide.
Why Choose the Best Total War Game? Aren’t They All Good?
For PC gamers the cult Total War series emerges as a monumental force, paralleling titans like Sid Meier’s Civilization and the Command and Conquer saga. This series combines history, strategy, and conquest over two decades, unleashing upon the world no less than 19 core titles alongside a myriad of spin-offs. The saga always ignites discussions within its community of devoted fans who can’t agree on which Total War game is the best.
Diving into any Total War title for the first time is similar to unlocking a treasure trove – it delivers a synergy of turn-based empire builder and the adrenaline-fueled, real-time combat that tests the players’ tactical skills and even IQ at some point.
Surely, among the stars in the Total War constellation, some will shine brighter than others will. However, every title is a product of its time (both real and historical ones), striving for innovation and excellence. Yet, in this series, renowned for consistently raising the bar, fans are assured that their investment, be it time or money, is likely to yield rich rewards, transporting them to eras where strategy, diplomacy, and the art of war reign supreme.
Ranking 19 Titles To Pick The Best Total War Game
The Total War series has quickly turned into a cornerstone in the field of strategy games since the release of the first installment called Shogun in 2000.
Almost every installment in the saga can be called the best Total War game with a unique historical setting – from the feudal battles of Japan to the classical conflicts of Ancient Rome. You can always expect a rich and immersive experience that educates as much as it entertains if you are into realistic historic settings.
Standout titles like Attila and Napoleon: Total War have been highlighted for taking historical gaming to new heights, offering players the opportunity to engage in significant military campaigns and battles that shaped the course of history. Spinoffs experimented to deliver innovative mechanics and settings to make the fans engaged between the releases of standalone games. Critically acclaimed for its awe-inspiring blend of turn-based strategy and real-time tactics, the franchise always praises the gamer’s tactical skills and historical insight.
Check the biased list of the best Total War game titles:
19) Total War Battles: Shogun (2012)
The popularity of the TW series sparked the creation of a mobile spin-off to deliver its gameplay into a more compact format. The mobile version of Shogun found its footing, delivering a gameplay experience that, while simplified, stuck to the series’ core mechanics to be engaging.
However, the game received the Metascore of 59, because the game’s core design, tied to the simplicity and direct interaction of touch controls, lost its charm when translated to mouse and keyboard. As a result, Total War Battles: Shogun offers an intriguing, though not seamless, departure from its more complex siblings. However, it can be considered a funny experiment at least.
18) Spartan: Total Warrior (2005)
Another ambitious leap to capture the epic scale of Total War battles within a real-time action framework was Spartan: Total Warrior. The game title was released on PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox being a temporary console exclusive. The gameplay loop in this console title with a Metascore of 73 relied on button mashing, making each combat monotonous. Despite not being the best Total War game , Spartan: Total Warrior offers an entertaining detour from the series’ strategic roots. It distills the essence of historical conflicts into an accessible, action-packed adventure for console gamers.
17) Total War Saga: Troy (2020)
The Sage games in the Total War franchise aim to deliver a more focused point on the separation of historical periods, in such a way as offering players a detailed exploration of certain epochs. With a Metascore of 75, Total War Saga: Troy allows exploring the legendary Trojan War. While not boasting the title of the best Total War game, the installment provides a unique blend of historical detail and engaging gameplay. Newcomers and “veterans” appreciated the title.
The introduction of a multi-resource economy and battle landscapes enriched the strategic depth, marking a departure from the series’ traditional gameplay mechanics. The Total War Saga subseries represents an exciting direction for Creative Assembly. By the way, if you like the combination of economy and war battles, then you should check the list of the best economic games that include titles such as Banished and Victoria 2.
16) Total War: Pharaoh (2023)
Total War: Pharaoh is the latest installment in the series developed by Creative Assembly. This time the best Total War game of 2023 transports the players to the mystic sands of Ancient Egypt. The game focuses on 3 factions, each led by charismatic leaders, offering a more concentrated narrative and strategic experience. This balance of gameplay with the franchise’s depth demonstrates the hallmark of the Total War series. It can be recommended as the best Total War game for beginners.
15) Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia (2018)
Thrones of Britannia occupies a special place in the hearts of many fans because of the unique historical setting – the British Isles during the late 9th century. This Total War best game delivers an intensely focused experience standing out in the TW series for its rich detail and immersive setting. The introduction of a new food supply system, intricate settlement management, and a complex political framework challenges players to think beyond the battlefield. Diplomacy plays a pivotal role in Thrones of Britannia, more so than in many other TW titles.
14) Total War: Rome 2 (2013)
Often being called the best Total War Game for beginners, Rome 2 stands as a testament to the power of developer commitment. The title offers a deep dive into the intricacies of Roman geopolitics, where players have to plunge into the treacherous waters of internal rebellion and external threats. Despite its improvements, Rome 2 still has its flaws. Certain factions lack depth or power, rendering them negligible, and vast swathes of the. Yet, the game’s DLC campaigns have been considered as the best from the narrative point of view.
13) Total War: Attila (2015)
With a Metascore of 80, Attila arrived on the scene in 2015, depicting the twilight of the Roman Empire in 395 AD during the rise of Attila the Hun. Attila stood out thanks to the most immersive overworld, alongside new factions that drastically expanded the gameplay. For players who want to learn more about the precipice of Rome’s downfall and want to test their strategic skills against the backdrop of history’s most unforgiving challenges, Attila stands as the outstanding example of the classic Total War experience.
12) Napoleon: Total War (2010)
The historic events in Napoleon: Total War are happening during the well-known background of the 18th and 19th centuries. It focuses on the storied career of Napoleon Bonaparte and offers gamers a chance to rewrite history. Gathering accolades for its historical fidelity and immersive gameplay, despite some AI controversy, it set a new standard for the TW series. Napoleon: Total War shines brightest in its focused campaigns, whether leading the charge in Egypt, navigating the politics of Northern Italy, or enduring the hardships of the Iberian Peninsula.
11) Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019)
With a Metascore of 85 points, Three Kingdoms is set in an interesting period of Chinese history spanning the Han to Jin dynasties. Gamers must survive through this chaotic era where numerous warlords battle ruthlessly for supremacy and the chance to sit on the Emperor’s throne. This title breathes new life into the classic Total War formula with fresh features that make the game feel more dynamic and engaging. The interactions with other factions are deeply strategic and rewarding. Perhaps the most intriguing addition is the “Romance Mode” which diversifies the gameplay and adds an extra layer of excitement to battles.
10) Total War: Shogun 2 – Fall Of The Samurai (2012)
Shogun 2 – Fall of the Samurai is a standout expansion to the critically acclaimed Shogun 2. It broadens the game’s horizons and introduces 6 clans embroiled in conflict with the influence of 3 foreign powers (Britain, France, and the United States). This is considered the best Total War game expansion because it offers gamers players a rich tapestry of historical and strategic depth previously unseen in the series. With an expanded campaign map and the introduction of modern warfare elements like rifling and cannon units, the Fall of the Samurai skillfully shows the traditional samurai warfare at the dawn of a new era in military technology.
9) Total War: Warhammer 3 (2022)
If you are wondering which Total War: Warhammer game is best, consider trying this third installment in the popular spin-off series with a Metascore of 85. The game raises the bar for the series, challenging both newcomers and veterans with real-time battles and turn-based strategy. Also, it is set in the landscape of the Realm of Chaos. For beginners, Warhammer 3 might seem challenging with its steep learning curve. However, the game introduces several improvements. The addition of a diverse array of new units enriches the tactical options available. In addition, the campaign’s expansive map invites TW gamers to explore the chaotic realms most intriguingly.
8) Total War: Warhammer (2016)
Another installment in the spin-off series that can be called the best Total War: Warhammer game with a high score of 86 points among Metascore critics and users. The fusion of Warhammer’s rich lore and Total War’s strategic depth creates an experience that seems almost perfect. One of the hallmarks of Total War: Warhammer’s success is its faction diversity, which significantly improves the gameplay.
Each faction offers a whole new playbook. The Dwarfs, with their stoic, heavily armored infantry and devastating siege engines, epitomize resilience and firepower. On the other hand, the Vampire Counts bring an entirely different flavor to the fray with their legions of the undead, terrifying monsters, and sorcerous might. This diversity forces players to try versatile strategies when being on the battlefield.
7) Shogun: Total War Warlord Edition (2000)
Set in 2000, the first series installment – Shogun: Total War – carved a path for what would become one of the most esteemed series in the genre. Drawing inspiration from board games like Risk and the intricate tactics of tabletop wargames, Shogun offered a compelling fusion of turn-based grand strategy with the intensity of real-time battles. The release of the Warlord Edition in 2001, which bundled the original game with The Mongol Invasion expansion, significantly enhanced the experience of the original Shogun.
6) Medieval 2: Total War (2006)
With a Metascore of 88, Medieval 2: Total War was a significant milestone as the franchise’s first comprehensive sequel. In addition to its strategic depth and historical authenticity, the game also became a beloved source of memes because the game introduced the Elephant Artillery and Elephant Rocketeers. Such an approach added a layer of hilarity and unpredictability to campaigns. The game’s engine proved to be remarkably adaptable, resulting in a vast modding community.
Despite showing its age, especially in features that were once groundbreaking, like blood effects and building destruction, Medieval 2 still hits right with its historical setting and timeless gameplay. The chance of leading a medieval army across Europe, witnessing the clash of lancers, the siege-breaking cannon fire, and the deadly volleys of longbowmen offers one of the greatest strategies of all time. As of 2024, this Total War best game is available on Android, macOS, Windows, and iOS.
5) Total War: Warhammer 2 (2017)
Total War: Warhammer 2 didn’t just follow in the footsteps of its predecessor. The sequel expanded the universe with even greater depth, diversity, and ambition. The Warhammer 2 remains a titan in terms of scope and variety, delivering the content from the original game along with 17 DLCs. This sequel does not only retain the core strengths but also enhances them with new factions, scenarios, technologies, and leaders. The gameplay of this game title is both familiar and fresh. The game also dared to replace the classic factions with Lizardmen, Skaven, Dark Elves, and Tomb Kings. While the shift to a fantasy setting wasn’t a hit among the fans of historical battles, Warhammer 2 became a masterpiece of strategy gaming.
4) Medieval: Total War (2002)
With a Metascore of 88, Medieval Total War might not have turned heads with its graphics, even by the standards of its time. However, it is more than compensated with a deep expansion of the gameplay compared to the first title. The gameplay was as unpredictable as it was engaging challenging players to adapt to the sudden twists that campaigns could take. This unpredictability, coupled with a campaign world, more factions, and the inclusion of different religions made the game extremely replayable.
3) Total War: Shogun 2 (2011)
Total War: Shogun 2 focuses on a streamlined approach. Being simpler than Shogun 1, Shogun 2 delivers a polished, immersive experience that resonates deeply with gamers. The introduction of the Realm Divide is a truly game-changing feature. This mechanic triggers all AI factions to turn against the player upon reaching a certain level of success.
Factions in Shogun 2 are thoughtfully designed to be both balanced and unique, providing varied yet equitable play styles. Such gameplay demanded strategic foresight and meticulous planning. Shogun 2, especially with its critically acclaimed Fall of the Samurai DLC, is not just the best Total War game but also belongs to the S-tier of the greatest strategy games of all time.
2) Empire: Total War (2009)
Empire: Total War offers a bold journey upon its release back in 2009. The game allows players to witness the interesting historical events of the 18th century, a period with technological advancements and global conflicts. Its launch was shadowed by technical issues, including frequent crashes along with installation errors.
Despite this rocky beginning, Empire: Total War delivers a captivating exploration of the dawn of modern warfare. The game distinguished itself with a focus on the tactical use of artillery, cavalry, and riflemen, going from the melee-centric combat of earlier titles. Empire: Total War not only secured its place in the Total War anthology but also affirmed its significance as a changing moment in the series. It might be the best Total War game on your list but it changed the core approach to the series development.
1) Rome: Total War (2004)
With a Metascore of 92, Rome: Total War quickly became more than just a game. The title captivated gamers by immersing them in the depths of ancient history. The game struck a harmonious balance between speed, politics, and tactics. For many, Rome stands as the quintessential Total War title, keeping a vast fan base even as the series has expanded and evolved since 2004. Rome: Total War was a pioneer that transformed the grand strategy and battle dynamics.
The game introduced a level of strategic mobility unseen in earlier titles. The transition to fully 3D battles brought an unprecedented level of detail to combat, replacing the sprite-based armies of the past with meticulously modeled soldiers and war machines. Try playing this greatest gem in the series and maybe you will call it the best Total War game in your rating.
The Best Total War Game: Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you need to play 3 previous Total War: Warhammer games before Immortal Empires?
A few years ago you had to own all 3 TW: Warhammer titles before accessing Immortal Empires. However, as of 2024, TW: Immortal Empires is available as a standalone installment for the owners of the original Warhammer III. However, if you want to play the best Warhammer Total War game with specific campaigns, download and play each campaign separately.
- What is the most replayable Total War best game?
And once again fans who spend hundreds of hours of gameplay argue about the replayability of their favorite Total War titles. For instance, check the heated Steam discussion on this matter – it is subjective but most users claim that Medieval II remains the most replayable title in the franchise, especially if it is tweaked with mods.
- What is the best Total War game on Reddit?
Reddit is the place where you can find the opinion on almost everything available online. Surely, there are special threads dedicated to certain game franchises where people discuss their favorite installments and give recommendations for beginners. You can check this best Total War game Reddit thread to find some unbiased and truthful opinions on that matter. For example, most gamers agree with classic TW installments. Shogun, Attila, and Medieval II with mods are worth your attention.
Conclusion
Picking the best Total War Game is like trying to select your favorite star in the sky: subjective, but always a heated topic among hardcore fans. Each title offers a slice of strategy paradise, blending intense tactical battles with the slow-burn satisfaction of empire-building. The debate over the Total War best game isn’t just about which one stands tallest; it’s a reflection of what each player values most in their journey.
Through 20+ years of captivating gameplay and historical exploration, Total War has consistently delivered experiences that deliver on so many levels. Whether you’re drawn to the breathtaking dance of diplomacy, the rush of commanding legions in a battle, or the challenge of managing a burgeoning empire, there’s a TW game that feels made especially for you.
As we debate the best Total War game ranked, let’s remember the real victory is the series’ enduring ability to captivate and intrigue making from all of us armchair generals.
