Total War Games Ranked: The Ultimate Guide for Strategy Fans
The Total War franchise has been a cornerstone of strategy gaming for over two decades. Developed by Creative Assembly, these games combine real-time tactical battles with turn-based grand strategy, offering players the chance to command armies, manage economies, and shape the course of history. With so many entries in the series, fans often search for total war games ranked lists to figure out which titles are worth playing first or revisiting.
In this article, we’ll explore the series’ highlights, evaluate the strengths of different games, and present insights into why certain entries stand out more than others. Whether you’re new to the franchise or a long-time fan, this guide to total war games ranked will help you better understand the series’ evolution.
Why Rank Total War Games?
With more than a dozen mainline entries and several spin-offs, the Total War series offers a wide variety of settings—from feudal Japan to medieval Europe, from ancient Rome to fantasy worlds. But not every game has aged equally well. Some are praised for innovation and depth, while others receive criticism for technical issues or unbalanced gameplay.
That’s why creating a list of total war games ranked is helpful. It allows fans to see how each entry compares and which ones deliver the most enjoyable or historically immersive experiences.
Early Classics: The Foundation of the Franchise
When discussing total war games ranked, it’s impossible to ignore the early titles that laid the groundwork.
-
Shogun: Total War (2000) – The first game in the series, it introduced players to large-scale battles and political intrigue in feudal Japan. While dated by today’s standards, it deserves respect for starting the franchise.
-
Medieval: Total War (2002) – Expanded on Shogun with larger maps, more factions, and religious elements like crusades.
-
Rome: Total War (2004) – A groundbreaking title that revolutionized strategy gaming with 3D battles and deep mechanics. Many fans still consider it one of the best when discussing total war games ranked.
Mid-Series Evolution: Refinement and Expansion
The mid-era of the series saw experimentation and refinement, cementing Total War as a leader in strategy.
-
Medieval II: Total War (2006) – Often considered the pinnacle of historical Total War games, it featured stunning visuals for its time, immersive campaigns, and extensive modding support. Any list of total war games ranked usually places it near the top.
-
Empire: Total War (2009) – Introduced naval battles and a global map spanning Europe, America, and India. While ambitious, it was criticized for bugs at launch.
-
Napoleon: Total War (2010) – Improved upon Empire with better AI and a focused campaign, making it a favorite among fans of European history.
The Modern Era: Bigger, Bolder, and More Diverse
With the arrival of more powerful hardware, Total War expanded into both history and fantasy.
-
Total War: Shogun 2 (2011) – A return to Japan, praised for its polished mechanics and balanced gameplay. Many players consider it one of the most refined entries in total war games ranked lists.
-
Total War: Rome II (2013) – Highly anticipated but controversial at launch due to bugs. However, post-launch updates and expansions have improved its reputation.
-
Total War: Attila (2015) – Known for its dark tone and challenging mechanics, it depicts the fall of Rome and the chaos of the migration era.
Total War Meets Fantasy: A New Direction
In 2016, the franchise took a bold step with a partnership with Games Workshop’s Warhammer universe.
-
Total War: Warhammer (2016) – Introduced fantasy races, magic, and monsters into the series. While different from historical settings, it brought in a massive new fanbase.
-
Total War: Warhammer II (2017) – Expanded on the formula with new factions, better campaign mechanics, and a combined mega-campaign. Many fans rank it very high in discussions of total war games ranked.
-
Total War: Warhammer III (2022) – The culmination of the trilogy, offering a massive scope, numerous races, and combined campaign support. It remains divisive due to launch issues but continues to receive updates.
Spin-Offs and Experimental Titles
Creative Assembly has also released smaller spin-offs that don’t always make the top of total war games ranked lists but are worth mentioning:
-
Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia (2018) – Focused on post-Viking England, but criticized for limited depth.
-
Total War Saga: Troy (2020) – Explored the Trojan War with mythological undertones, offering free access at launch on Epic Games Store.
-
Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019) – A highly praised title set in ancient China, celebrated for diplomacy, character-driven campaigns, and gorgeous visuals.
Total War Games Ranked: A General Overview
Every fan’s ranking is subjective, but based on community feedback, reviews, and long-term popularity, here’s a rough order of total war games ranked from best to less favorable:
-
Medieval II: Total War
-
Total War: Shogun 2
-
Total War: Warhammer II
-
Rome: Total War
-
Total War: Three Kingdoms
-
Napoleon: Total War
-
Total War: Warhammer III (with updates)
-
Total War: Attila
-
Total War: Rome II (post-patches)
-
Empire: Total War
-
Total War Saga: Troy
-
Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia
-
Shogun: Total War (for historical significance)
This list is not definitive but reflects the consensus across many total war games ranked discussions within the community.
Why Fans Love Total War
Even with ups and downs, the franchise remains strong because it offers a unique blend of large-scale battles, political decision-making, and historical immersion. Whether leading samurai clans in Japan, Roman legions across Europe, or fantastical armies of dragons and orcs, the series continues to captivate.
The longevity of the franchise means that every gamer has their personal version of total war games ranked, influenced by nostalgia, gameplay style, and favorite historical periods.
Conclusion
The Total War series has grown from a niche historical strategy game into a global powerhouse of both historical and fantasy gaming. From the groundbreaking days of Rome: Total War to the polished brilliance of Shogun 2 and the ambitious fantasy battles of the Warhammer trilogy, each game adds something unique.
When looking at total war games ranked, it’s clear that the franchise has produced masterpieces alongside a few missteps. Yet, even the weaker entries pushed boundaries and experimented with new mechanics, ensuring that the series continues to evolve.
For strategy enthusiasts, there has never been a better time to explore Total War. Whether you prefer historical campaigns or fantastical wars, the franchise offers something unforgettable for everyone.