Total War: PHARAOH is a premium grand strategy title set during the New Kingdom era, a high point in Egyptian history, and the Bronze Age Collapse. Here, you can choose a faction leader, lead your army, and enjoy the majestic architecture of ancient Egypt. The weather system makes enemy engagements more thrilling. 

Rain, shine, or sandstorm, anything can happen on the battlefield — whether it’s securing victory or losing a winning battle. Fires are also a threat as they can devastate settlements and your army. With its intellectually-stimulating gameplay and gorgeous graphics, Total War: PHARAOH is worth a try.

Play as a pharaoh and lead your troops

Whether you’re fascinated with Egyptian civilization or want to explore the grand strategy genre, Total War: PHARAOH is the right game for you. It takes place during the Bronze Age Collapse, a period rife with natural disasters, invasions, and political strife, to name a few. It also led to the severance of trade relations and the fall of powerful civilizations, including the New Kingdom of Egypt. 

As a pharaoh, you’re responsible for preventing the collapse of the Egyptian empire. In battle, you have to brave various natural calamities, such as sandstorms and rain, that can befall your army. As such, you have to strategize and turn the odds against your favor even amidst unfavorable weather,  influencing your likelihood of victory or loss. While the weather system adds to the immersion, this can put off newer players.

There are eight faction leaders to choose from: Amenmesse, Bay, Irsu, Kurunta, Ramesses, Seti, Suppiluliuma, and Tausret — each one catering to a particular playstyle. The title also offers robust campaign customization options to make battles even harder, or keep things fresh and unpredictable — ideal for veterans of the Total War series. In addition, it offers multiplayer so you can play in head-to-head mode or engage in a two-player co-op.

Unpredictable and ever-changing campaigns

The exhilaration of Total War: PHARAOH’s gameplay is often found in its unpredictability and the strategic decisions it demands. A typical hour can unfold a series of intense battles and crucial choices, dynamically altering the game’s landscape before you even have a chance for a tea break. One key feature is the Campaign Editor, which enables players to manipulate essential aspects such as starting positions and resource levels.

For instance, the freedom to modify food upkeep costs allows players to assemble and mobilize numerous armies across the map without undue logistical concerns. While modders have long provided similar tweaks, it’s refreshing to witness official in-game options empowering players with more control over their gaming experience. On the other hand, the act of pledging your faction to specific deities and erecting monuments can serve as a potent strategy for accruing victory points, but it’s crucial to assess the prevailing sociopolitical climate in your civilization continuously.

An invaluable tool for this purpose is the “Pillars of Civilisation” bar, strategically positioned at the top of the campaign screen. A fertile Nile, a populace basking in happiness, and intact Cult Centers are indicators of a robust Egypt. However, one must always be wary of potential threats like Irsu, the scourge of the Canaanites.

Tactics are key to victory

Total War: PHARAOH requires brainwork, with players formulating strategies amidst the ever-changing weather to lead their troops to victory. However, dealing with the weather system can be off-putting for beginners. If you’re a veteran, though, you can experiment with its campaign customization features to make skirmishes harder than ever before. Overall, this title is a must-buy for anyone who loves Egyptian history.