Total War Games Ranked: A Detailed Analysis for Strategy Fans

Total War games are a critically acclaimed series of turn-based strategy games that have been captivating players for over two decades. With their blend of epic historical settings, intense battles, and deep strategic gameplay, these games have amassed a dedicated fanbase.

To help you navigate the extensive Total War library, we present an in-depth ranking of the games based on gameplay, historical accuracy, graphics, and overall experience.

Ranking Criteria

Gameplay: We assess the depth and variety of strategic options, the balance of units, the AI's behavior, and the replayability factor.

Historical Accuracy: We evaluate the games' adherence to historical events, battles, and civilizations.

Graphics: We consider the visual quality of the game's world map, unit models, and battle animations.

Overall Experience: This includes factors such as the game's atmosphere, soundtrack, and user interface.

Top 10 Total War Games Ranked

Detailed Game Reviews

1. Total War: Warhammer II (2017)

• Gameplay: An incredibly diverse and engaging experience with a vast selection of units, factions, and battle environments. The AI is challenging without being overpowered.
• Historical Accuracy: Not historically accurate as it takes place in the Warhammer Fantasy setting.
• Graphics: Stunning visuals with detailed battle animations and a richly designed world map.
• Overall Experience: One of the most polished and immersive strategy games ever made.

2. Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019)

• Gameplay: A unique and innovative take on the Total War formula, with a focus on character-driven diplomacy and faction management.
• Historical Accuracy: Based on China's Three Kingdoms period, with a high level of historical detail.
• Graphics: Visually impressive with a beautiful and authentic recreation of ancient China.
• Overall Experience: A must-play for fans of Chinese history and Total War alike.

3. Total War: Shogun 2 (2011)

• Gameplay: A refined and polished experience with a focus on tactical combat and unit positioning.
• Historical Accuracy: Set in feudal Japan, with a high degree of historical accuracy and authenticity.
• Graphics: Impressive graphics for its time, with detailed unit models and a vibrant world map.
• Overall Experience: A classic Total War game that has withstood the test of time.

4. Total War: Attila (2015)

• Gameplay: A challenging and unforgiving campaign, with a focus on survival and conquering a collapsing Roman Empire.
• Historical Accuracy: Based on the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, with a detailed recreation of the 5th century.
• Graphics: Stunning visuals that capture the chaos and brutality of the period.
• Overall Experience: A gritty and immersive historical experience that pushes the boundaries of the Total War series.

5. Total War: Rome II (2013)

• Gameplay: An ambitious undertaking with a massive campaign map and a wide range of factions.
• Historical Accuracy: Set in the Roman Empire, with a relatively high level of historical accuracy.
• Graphics: Impressive visuals that showcase the grandeur of ancient Rome and its legions.
• Overall Experience: A great entry point into the Total War series, offering a vast and immersive experience.

6. Total War: Warhammer (2016)

• Gameplay: A unique and over-the-top experience with a focus on magical units and larger-than-life heroes.
• Historical Accuracy: Not historically accurate as it takes place in the Warhammer Fantasy setting.
• Graphics: Visually stunning with detailed unit models and epic battle animations.
• Overall Experience: A wildly entertaining game that captures the essence of the Warhammer universe.

7. Total War: Medieval II (2006)

• Gameplay: A classic Total War experience with a wide range of factions and campaign settings.
• Historical Accuracy: Set in the Middle Ages, with a good level of historical detail.
• Graphics: Dated graphics compared to modern games, but still impressive for its time.
• Overall Experience: A beloved classic that has cemented the Total War series' place in gaming history.

8. Total War: Thrones of Britannia (2018)

• Gameplay: A smaller-scale and more focused Total War experience, set in 9th-century Britain.
• Historical Accuracy: Based on a specific period of British history, with a high level of historical detail.
• Graphics: Impressively detailed graphics that bring the world of Anglo-Saxons to life.
• Overall Experience: A solid entry that provides a unique and immersive historical experience.

9. Total War: Saga: Thrones of Britannia (2018)

• Gameplay: Similar to Total War: Thrones of Britannia, but with additional features and a focus on character-driven diplomacy.
• Historical Accuracy: Based on a specific period of British history, with a high level of historical detail.
• Graphics: Impressively detailed graphics that bring the world of Anglo-Saxons to life.
• Overall Experience: A standalone expansion that enhances the Thrones of Britannia experience.

10. Total War: Empire (2009)

• Gameplay: An ambitious attempt to recreate the Napoleonic Wars, with a focus on naval warfare and gunpowder combat.
• Historical Accuracy: Relatively accurate, although some liberties were taken for gameplay reasons.
• Graphics: Modest graphics by today's standards, but still impressive for its time.
• Overall Experience: A solid historical strategy game that introduced new features and challenges.

Conclusion

The Total War series has continuously evolved and impressed over the years, offering a diverse range of strategic experiences. Our ranking aims to help you choose the games that best suit your preferences, whether you seek historical accuracy, epic battles, or immersive storytelling. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new player, the Total War franchise offers something for every strategy enthusiast.