In this article, I will show you 14 games like Total War. I have split the games into two categories, Strategy Games like Total War and Massive Battle Games like Total War. Some games will be more like certain Total War games than others, like for example, Total War: Warhammer will be more like a fantasy game than a modern combat strategy game. Almost all of these games will be grand strategies comparable to Total War.
Here are the first seven Total War alternatives.
Table of Contents
Strategy Games Like Total War
These games are more strategy-based than the other games in these games, similar to Total War list. Some of them might have epic battles that Total War features, but they will mainly focus on the strategy aspect.
Civilization
The Civilization series is an indirect competitor to Total War. Every game in the series plays similarly to a Total War game, where you control the city-building and military matters just as you would in a Total War game. The main difference between the two is that in Civilization, you don’t fight epic battles on the field. Instead, your units have a minor skirmish on the campaign map.
Regardless, the Civilization games will be a welcome addition to any fan of the Total War series.
Europa
Europa Universalis is the ultimate nation simulator. This is one of the more masterful empire builders out there, and for most hardcore fans of the genre, it is far more satisfying.
Much like Total War, Europa allows you to play through historical events and make your mark on the world. Diplomacy, warfare, and city infrastructure, it is all yours to control.
Although Total War may be similar to Europa, it pales in comparison to the complexity that Europa has, in a good way of course. You play on a topographical map with a great amount of detail and a UI that can be overwhelming to most players. The learning curve is steep, but the game is more addictive than crack.
In the words of a steam reviewer ” I still haven’t made it to the new world in colonization. I can’t fight simple wars. I don’t know what the ♥♥♥♥ trading even is. 100/10 still love it.“
Stellaris
Grand strategy in space? Yes, please.
If you’re looking for a game like Total War set in space, this is your game. Stellaris combines a bunch of different things from games like Europa and Total War and packages it into a space-age empire builder.
Stellaris is the space-based strategy game that almost half my friends’ list has. Similar to Europa, it has a large learning curve. When I first opened it up I thought I was actually flying a spaceship, but if you can make it past the confusion and learn how to play the game, you won’t be able to stop playing.
One of the main draws of Stellaris is the diversity of the characters and the uniqueness of the experience. In Total War you might be fighting other Europeans for supremacy, however, in Stellaris, you will be competing against entirely different organisms. A man-eating bug race? Good luck with that.
Crusader Kings 2
Crusader Kings 2 is another epic strategy game from Paradox, so by now, you should have a general idea of how it will look/play.
Note: This section goes for any Crusader Kings game, this is just the one I played.
Another historical medieval strategy game, Crusader Kings 2, is set during the time of the Crusades. Throughout the game, you will be playing from 1066-1453 and securing your character’s dynasty across generations.
Vassals with have their own agendas, Mongols will invade, and the Bishops’ allegiances will vary. Juggle these constant issues and maintain your dynasties legacy; fail and watch it all crumble.
For any fans of the Dark Ages/Crusades, Crusader Kings 2 is a must-have game. Especially fans of Total War-esque games.
Hearts of Iron
Often called the modern Total War, the Hearts of Iron series is precisely that, a strategy game with epic battles just with more modern combat.
In Hearts of Iron, you will be trading your pikes and archers for tanks and assault rifles. Taking place in WWII, Hearts of Iron has you control your choice of the many countries that participated in WWII. Research better technologies or negotiate your way to victory. Complete with seasonal effects and total control of the battlefields, you will find yourself fighting the battle on all fronts.
This game is one of the only true alternatives to Total War. Not only is it well put together, but it lets you do almost everything you can do in Total War. Fans of the grand strategy genre need to try this out.
Age of Wonders
Age of Wonders III is a more cartoony fantasy version of Total War. Far less visceral as well. It does have some benefits to it, however, many players used to Civilization games will love the artwork and some actual battle gameplay.
Much like Total War, you can control your troops on the battlefield. Although you won’t be controlling hordes of units, you will still be able to use strategy to overcome enemies rather than stats.
Age of Wonders is a fun dive into fantasy grand strategy games and is a great alternative to Total War games, especially Total War: Warhammer.
Anno 1800
Anno 1800 is on the opposite end of the spectrum of empire builders. Rather than being focused on absolute supremacy over a continent or the entire world, Anno 1800 is more focused on the city building.
Taking place in the Industrial Age, Anno allows you to build your nation up from humble beginnings into a bustling metropolis. You can set up logistic routes, fight naval battles, settle more continents, and even more.
For those who prefer chill strategy games with less fighting and more thinking, Anno 1800 is a perfect alternative.
Massive Battle Games Like Total War
For those of you who prefer the battles that take place in Total War, this is the section for you. Here are the best massive battle games like Total War.
Mount and Blade
Mount and Blade is THE massive battle alternative to Total War. You control a character that can lead hundreds of units into battle with other lords of Calradia. The best part? You get to fight in these battles. As in swinging a sword or shooting a crossbow. Live-action.
Mount and Blade still have some strategic elements to it. You still have to manage relations with castles, towns, lords, ladies, etc. However, you control more of the ebb and flow yourself, as YOU are the main character, not some historic person.
Also, you can still control your units in battle, much like in Total War, but once you fall in battle, the battle ends. Not only does this add some complexity, but it brings some realism, so you don’t kill your general every fight. Ya, I know you.
One of the best games on this list. You absolutely need to play it if you haven’t. All of them are good, but the new one, Bannerlord, is the most recent.
Scourge of War
Imagine a more realistic version of Total Wars’s in-game battles that take far longer and require more tactical and formational skill, that is, Scourge of War.
Scourge of War is a strategic battle simulator for famous historical battles that allows you to take control of someone on this battlefield, and you are to adhere to the rules set forth. For example, you might be a captain and not the general of the army. That means you will be taking orders from the AI (incredibly well done) and giving out orders.
You also don’t get a top-down camera view that allows you to traverse the whole battle. Instead, you will be forced into a horseback view and use couriers to relay information in the game. Troop movements, orders, etc., are all done through couriers.
If you are looking for a more realistic Total War game with incredible massive battles, Scourge is the answer.
Wargame
Wargame allows you to play as a commander of modern military forces. It is another RTS like Total War that allows you to control your units in epic battles.
Also, Wargame has an arcade mode like Total War that can be customized for certain matchups. This game has far more advanced technology than any Total War game, featuring tanks, airplanes, and artillery.
Modern RTS players will prefer this over any of the Total War games, and is a terrific alternative to Total War.
Warhammer
This is the only game on this game-like Total War list that has been a Total War game. Stripped of all the city management, Warhammer is a game about killing your enemies, with no diplomacy required.
Warhammer is an entertaining fantasy RTS that focuses on controlling units in battle. You can play as many different factions, including Orcs or badass space marines. Each race has its own campaign, so you have plenty of time on your hands.
A simple RTS alternative to Total War’s grand strategy.
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
If the one thing you enjoyed about Total War was the arcade mode and experimenting with different battles, then TABS is the game for you.
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator is a goofy cartoon game that has impressed multitudes of players. It has some interesting physics that will have you either going woah or laughing yourself out of your chair.
TABS allows you to unlock and use several different kinds of units before setting them against each other and watching them humorously beat the crap out of each other.
A very cheap yet very funny alternative to Total War, TABs is a game you shouldn’t miss out on.
Ultimate Epic Battle Simulator
Alright, I’m gonna say read what I said about TABs, and it fits this game as well. The main difference comes from preference and graphics.
Besiege
Besiege is a medieval siege-building game where you send your newly constructed weapons of war into battle against fortresses or hamlets. Think Angry Birds, but with medieval weapons and good physics.
Creativity and strategy are critical components of this game. If you enjoyed busting down the walls of enemy castles in Total War, you would definitely enjoy Besiege.
At a very low price of $10, Besiege is a fun distraction from Total War games. I personally have the game myself and find it to be quite enjoyable.
End
So those are all of the games in this list of games like Total War. Hopefully, you find a game you can enjoy.
Cheers!
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