Total War: Barbarian Invasion - The Ultimate Guide to Conquering the Roman Empire

Introduction:

Step into the tumultuous era of the late Roman Empire with Total War: Barbarian Invasion, a thrilling expansion to the acclaimed Total War series. Lead barbarian hordes or Roman legions in an epic struggle for supremacy, commanding vast armies across the battlefields of a crumbling world. This comprehensive guide will empower you to harness the power of barbarian factions, conquer the Roman Empire, and redefine the course of history.

Strategies for Success

1. Embrace the Barbarian Hordes:

• Utilize the unique strengths of barbarian factions, such as their ferocious melee infantry and devastating cavalry charges.
• Exploit the mobility of barbarian armies to outmaneuver and outnumber your enemies on the battlefield.
• Adapt to different landscapes and climates, capitalizing on the advantages they offer to your barbarian hordes.

2. Secure Strategic Resources:

• Control key resource provinces to fuel your economy and sustain your war machine.
• Establish trade agreements with other factions to access vital resources and boost your wealth.
• Engage in military campaigns to seize control of resource-rich territories and weaken your rivals.

3. Develop a Cohesive Army:

• Craft a balanced army consisting of a mix of infantry, cavalry, and archers to cover all battlefield situations.
• Train and upgrade your units to enhance their effectiveness and morale.
• Utilize your faction's unique unit types to gain an edge in battle.

4. Exploit Terrain Advantages:

• Study the terrain before engaging in combat and choose battlefields that favor your army's composition.
• Use forests, hills, and rivers to your advantage to ambush your enemies or protect your flanks.
• Fortify strategic positions to impede your opponents' advance and secure your territory.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating the Roman Legions:

• Do not underestimate the strength and discipline of the Roman legions. They possess superior armor and weaponry, and their tactics can be formidable.
• Avoid engaging in frontal assaults against well-defended Roman positions. Flank them, outmaneuver them, and exploit their weaknesses.

2. Ignoring Diplomacy:

• Diplomacy plays a significant role in Barbarian Invasion. Forge alliances with other factions to expand your influence and gain military support.
• Use diplomacy to weaken your rivals, bribe their generals, and avert unnecessary conflicts.
• Maintain a positive reputation with other factions to enhance your trade opportunities and diplomatic leverage.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Choose a Barbarian Faction:

• Select a barbarian faction that aligns with your preferred playstyle and offers unique bonuses.
• Consider the faction's starting location, unit roster, and special abilities.
• Research the history and lore of your chosen faction to enhance your immersion.

2. Establish Your Empire:

• Secure your starting province and expand your territory through conquest and diplomacy.
• Develop your economy, train new units, and establish alliances to bolster your strength.
• Seek out opportunities to expand your borders and increase your resources.

3. Confront the Roman Empire:

• As your empire grows, prepare to confront the Roman legions.
• Use your combined barbarian hordes to overwhelm the Roman defenses and capture their cities.
• Exploit the Romans' weaknesses and adapt your tactics to counter their strategies.

4. Claim Rome:

• Lead your barbarian armies to the very heart of the Roman Empire - Rome itself.
• Besiege the Eternal City and prepare for a final showdown against the Roman legions.
• Claim victory and witness the fall of the Roman Empire under the onslaught of your barbarian hordes.

FAQs

1. Which barbarian faction is the strongest?

The strength of each barbarian faction depends on your playstyle and the specific campaign you embark on. The Huns excel in cavalry charges, the Sassanids possess powerful heavy infantry, and the Vandals are masters of naval warfare.

2. How can I defeat the Roman legions?

To defeat the Roman legions, utilize your barbarian hordes' mobility and ferocity. Flank them, ambush them, and exploit their weaknesses. Use terrain advantages to your benefit and focus on capturing strategic positions.

3. What is the key to economic success?

Secure key resource provinces, establish trade agreements, and upgrade your cities to boost your economy. Control trade routes to increase your wealth and fund your war machine. Raid enemy settlements to plunder resources and demoralize your opponents.

4. How can I improve my army's effectiveness?

Train and upgrade your units to enhance their stats and morale. Use generals with strong combat skills and inspiring abilities. Utilize unit formations and tactics to maximize their effectiveness on the battlefield.

Tables

Table 1: Barbarian Factions

Table 2: Roman Legions

Table 3: Resources

Table 4: Unit Types

Conclusion:

Total War: Barbarian Invasion presents a thrilling challenge that will test your strategic prowess and tactical acumen. By embracing the unique strengths of barbarian factions, securing strategic resources, developing a cohesive army, and exploiting terrain advantages, you can conquer the Roman Empire and rewrite the course of history. Remember to avoid common mistakes, adopt effective strategies, and approach the campaign with a calculated and decisive mindset. Lead your barbarian hordes to victory and witness the glory of a new barbarian empire rising from the ashes of the Roman Empire.