The Total War series has long been the gold standard for strategy gaming, combining deep turn-based empire management with epic real-time battles. Over the past two decades, Creative Assembly has released numerous titles, each exploring different eras, civilizations, and mechanics. From feudal Japan to ancient Rome, the franchise has evolved dramatically, captivating millions of players worldwide. In this article, we present the Total War games ranked from the earliest classics to the modern masterpieces.

1. Total War: Shogun 2 (2011)

Topping most lists of Total War games ranked, Shogun 2 is widely regarded as the series’ finest achievement. Set in 16th-century Japan during the Sengoku Jidai period, this game masterfully blends aesthetics, atmosphere, and gameplay depth. Every clan offers unique challenges, while diplomacy, espionage, and warfare intertwine seamlessly. The AI is intelligent and aggressive, and the battles—set amidst cherry blossoms and foggy mountains—are visually stunning. Even years later, Shogun 2 stands as the pinnacle of refined design and balance.

2. Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019)

The 2019 hit Three Kingdoms brought the series to China, delivering a fresh blend of narrative-driven strategy and deep character interactions. Based on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this entry introduced personality-driven diplomacy and relationships between generals. It beautifully captured the romanticized feel of Chinese history while maintaining the series’ grand scale. Many fans consider it one of the best modern entries in the Total War games ranked list, thanks to its storytelling depth and vibrant visuals.

3. Total War: Warhammer II (2017)

When Total War: Warhammer II was released, it changed everything. Combining Creative Assembly’s strategic expertise with the Warhammer fantasy universe was a match made in gaming heaven. Dragons, vampires, and lizardmen filled the battlefield, giving players endless diversity. The Mortal Empires campaign, which merged both Warhammer I and II, created a massive interconnected world. This ambitious crossover makes Warhammer II one of the highest-rated entries in any Total War games ranked guide.

4. Total War: Rome II (2013)

Despite its rocky launch, Total War: Rome II has become a fan favorite after numerous updates and expansions. The scale of its campaign is unmatched, covering the entire classical world from Gaul to Egypt. Players can command mighty legions, manage provinces, and engage in politics. The game’s visuals and unit diversity shine, especially with mods that expand gameplay. It’s a must-play for fans of ancient warfare and deserves a high position in any Total War games ranked lineup.

5. Total War: Medieval II (2006)

A classic among veterans, Medieval II remains one of the most beloved strategy games ever made. It offers a rich mix of crusades, diplomacy, and empire-building during Europe’s most turbulent era. Players can lead knights into battle, launch crusades, or conquer with the Mongols. Its massive modding community has kept it alive for nearly two decades. Few titles capture the spirit of conquest like Medieval II, ensuring it a permanent spot among the top Total War games ranked.

6. Total War: Warhammer III (2022)

The most recent major release, Warhammer III, expands on its predecessor with massive new factions, improved sieges, and the Immortal Empires campaign—a culmination of all three Warhammer games. The chaos realms introduce challenging mechanics that test even veteran players. While initially buggy, updates have refined it into one of the best fantasy strategy experiences available. For fans of epic storytelling and monstrous armies, Warhammer III easily earns its spot in the top Total War games ranked discussions.

7. Total War: Attila (2015)

Total War: Attila takes players into the dark days of the late Roman Empire, where survival becomes a brutal struggle. Climate change, migrating tribes, and collapsing empires make it one of the most intense campaigns in the series. The game’s grim tone, combined with complex mechanics, offers a unique challenge. Though not as flashy as Shogun 2 or Three Kingdoms, its strategic depth earns it a strong mid-tier position among Total War games ranked by difficulty and realism.

8. Total War: Empire (2009)

When Empire: Total War launched, it introduced naval battles and a global campaign map for the first time. Covering the 18th century, players could expand across Europe, the Americas, and India. Despite technical limitations, its ambition was unmatched at the time. Naval warfare was revolutionary, allowing players to command fleets in full 3D battles. While the AI wasn’t perfect, Empire remains a milestone entry and an essential mention in any Total War games ranked feature.

9. Total War: Napoleon (2010)

Serving as a refined sequel to Empire, Napoleon: Total War focuses on the campaigns of the legendary French general. The storytelling and historical immersion are superb, with cinematic battles and detailed European maps. Players can relive Napoleon’s rise and fall across multiple campaigns. Though smaller in scope, its polish and balance make it one of the most focused and enjoyable experiences in the series. For many history buffs, it deserves a solid mention in Total War games ranked for its precision and charm.

10. Total War: Rome (2004)

The original Rome: Total War is where many fans fell in love with the franchise. Revolutionary for its time, it introduced 3D battles and deep strategic gameplay. Its campaign structure, faction diversity, and memorable music set new standards for the genre. Even after all these years, Rome holds a nostalgic charm. The remastered version only enhanced its legacy, ensuring its lasting place in the Total War games ranked hall of fame.

Honorable Mentions

While the main list focuses on the most influential entries, a few others deserve mention:

• Total War Saga: Troy (2020) – A mythological spin inspired by Homer’s Iliad.

• Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia (2018) – A focused campaign set in post-Viking Britain.

• Total War: Pharaoh (2023) – A visually stunning but niche entry exploring the Late Bronze Age collapse.

Each brings something unique to the table, contributing to the franchise’s incredible diversity.

Final Thoughts

Ranking the Total War series is no easy task. Every title offers something special—whether it’s the serene beauty of Japan in Shogun 2, the mythical chaos of Warhammer III, or the imperial ambition of Rome II. The Total War games ranked list above reflects both legacy and innovation, showing how the franchise has grown from a historical strategy game to a multi-genre epic loved by millions.

For newcomers, Shogun 2 and Three Kingdoms are great starting points, while veterans might appreciate the scale of Warhammer III or the nostalgia of Rome. Regardless of where you begin, the Total War series promises an experience of grand battles, political intrigue, and timeless strategy unlike any other.