Grand strategy games, much like life itself, can be difficult. The Total War franchise encapsulates this difficulty by putting players in the shoes of great generals and statesmen and tasking them with leading their chosen country to greatness. Fans of the series will undoubtedly know that this is easier said than done for certain factions.
No matter the time period being covered, every game in the series has its collection of factions that are a challenge to master. Whether it’s due to a poor starting location, sub-par unit rosters, or being surrounded by a multitude of enemies looking for blood, these Total War factions have the toughest time trying to survive past the first handful of turns.
10 Roman Expedition (Independent) – The Last Roman
Reclaiming the lost territories of the Roman Empire is a challenging endeavor for Belisarius, even with the aid of Emperor Justinian. The expeditionary force is small, albeit built around a cadre of disciplined legionaries. Staying in the good graces of the Eastern Roman emperor guarantees a steady supply of much-needed reinforcements.
However, for players looking for an even greater challenge, there is the option to sever ties completely with the emperor. Doing so turns those welcome reinforcements into tough adversaries looking to cut Belisarius back down to size. Contending with the Eastern Roman Empire, along with the ever-present barbarian kingdoms, makes this a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
9 The Ottomans – Empire: Total War
The Ottoman Empire in the 18th century was in the midst of a steady decline, especially when compared to the emerging states of Russia, Austria, and Great Britain. So much so, that the major European powers gave the failing empire the derisive nickname “The Sick Man of Europe.”
Empire: Total War does an admirable job of reflecting that situation. The Ottomans are diplomatically isolated, possess a poor economy, and a unit roster that fails to measure up to its rivals. Added to that are provinces looking to revolt and a technology tree that is far behind the other European powers. Thus, restoring the former glory of the Ottoman Empire is a challenging undertaking.
8 Russia – Medieval II: Total War
The process of uniting the Russian people in Medieval II: Total War is a laborious endeavor. Starting with the solitary province of Novgorod, it takes a while for the Russian juggernaut to get rolling. Its isolation serves as a double-edged sword. Although Russia isn’t immediately threatened by external enemies, the vast distances needed to be covered is a tactical nightmare for an army.
Economically, Russia is also very poor in the beginning. Vast wastes separate the disparate settlements and lack an abundance of resources. The late-game poses another problem in the form of the Mongols. Smart players need to take the necessary preparations in order to blunt the Mongolian doomstacks that appear at their appointed time. If they don’t, it’s easily game over for Russia.
7 The Odrysian Kingdom – Total War: Rome II
Rome II: Total War has its fair share of difficult starting factions. One such example is the Odrysian Kingdom, an isolated faction that starts with only one province. The province itself, Odessos, is not a very good one at all. Lacking development, it requires substantial time and resources to build it into something that is actually beneficial to the economy and military.
Powerful neighbors in the form of the Hellenic city-states makes the Odrysian Kingdom’s short-term survival a challenge. Their weak infantry units are no match for the fearsome hoplites utilized by Macedon. The kingdom is not very popular, making trade deals and treaties difficult to secure with other factions. Surviving the first handful of turns is thus a hazardous endeavor.
6 The Uesugi Clan – Total War: Shogun II
The Uesugi of Total War: Shogun II is yet another victim of poor geography and weak starting units. Not only does it take time to build up a sizeable army, but it also takes even more time to transport that army to where it needs to go. By that point, the Uesugi’s enemies have already bolstered their defenses.
Quick expansion and the swift elimination of initial enemies are key in Total War: Shogun II. The Uesugi clan is stymied in both those respects by its geography. Maintaining the clan’s sole vassal can be another problem as the daimyo’s subjects tend to break away at the first opportunity.
5 France – Napoleon: Total War
On the surface, the French Empire in Napoleon: Total War seems like an unstoppable force. A superb military backed by talented generals, not to mention Napoleon Bonaparte himself, it’s a faction that is quite durable. Nevertheless, France needs that durability if it is to survive the Grand Campaign.
France must eventually contend with no less than four other European superpowers. One of which, Great Britain, is the unquestioned master of the seas. Defending hard-fought territory is a massive headache as attacks can come from multiple directions at once. The Prussians, British, Russians, and Austrians all desire Napoleon’s head. Maintaining that head is no easy feat.
4 Syracuse – Total War: Rome II
Being sandwiched between two hungry ancient superpowers is not an enviable position to hold. Nonetheless, that is exactly the type of situation that Syracuse experiences in Total War: Rome II. With Carthage to the south and expansionist Rome to the north, Syracuse is left to maintain what it can.
Building up a viable military early is paramount to Syracuse’s survival. The Greek colony is hampered in that respect by its single province, which puts limitations on the economy and the size of its army. Expansion can be tricky since it usually entails leaving the city of Syracuse itself undefended. An opportunistic Rome or Carthage usually derails even the best-laid plans.
3 The Aztecs – Medieval II: Kingdoms
Players who think controlling a European power is difficult should try leading a faction that doesn’t even utilize iron. The Aztecs find themselves in a pretty dire situation at the start of the Americas Campaign in Medieval II: Total War: Kingdoms, a DLC pack featuring a diverse selection of medieval eras.
Their empire is overstretched and threatened by powerful neighbors in the form of the Tlaxcalans. Defeating them early can be difficult, but is highly recommended. The arriving Spanish conquistadors pose the greatest worry. Unarmored warriors going toe-to-toe with enemies using gunpowder and steel makes every encounter gravely dangerous.
2 Zheng Jiang – Total War: Three Kingdoms
Playing as the Bandit Queen in Total War: Three Kingdoms is considered one of the tougher factions the game has to offer. Kicking things off in the mountains with few initial resources, the starting few turns consists of a delicate cat-and-mouse game between Zheng Jiang and the more powerful warlords.
Striking wherever the enemy is weak and avoiding them where they are strong is the key to building momentum. Not getting trapped in the mountains or along rivers are the chief tactical concerns. Maintaining a high infamy for Zheng Jiang in order to capitalize on the better perks can be troublesome while also trying to be cautious at the same time.
1 Western Roman Empire – Total War: Attila
Many longtime fans of the Total War franchise would agree that playing as the Western Roman Empire is a punishing experience. On legendary difficulty, it is perhaps the most brutal faction to lead to victory in the Grand Campaign.
The Western Roman Empire’s problems are many. Dozens of hostile barbarian factions are breaking down their door. Massive internal unrest is present in Spain, Britain, and Italy while the Roman military is numerically weak. The economy is in the tank due to rampant corruption and rebellious cities. Getting a handle on all of it requires planning, perseverance, and most importantly, patience.
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