Total War: ATTILA

Total War: Attila is a triumphant return for the kings of PC battlefield strategy, and hopefully will usher in a new era of incredible Total War titles.

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"Total War: Attila" is a strategy board game set in 395 AD, where players must survive and adapt in a world on the brink of collapse. Choose your path carefully, as you may either overthrow oppression and create your own kingdom or cling to power as the Roman Empire. Devastating destruction mechanics, including fire and raze, add intensity to battles and campaigns. The formidable power of Attila and his huns threatens the existence of your kingdom, requiring strategic decision-making for survival in this dark age.

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Play Modes

Reviews

79%

Audience ScoreBased on 16,764 reviews

gameplay715 positive mentions

optimization359 negative mentions

gameplay
2,111 mentions
34 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Total War: Attila* has received mixed reviews, with many praising its innovative mechanics such as the horde and raze systems, which add depth and variety to the campaign experience. However, some players find the complexity of the mechanics overwhelming and the AI behavior frustrating, leading to a sense of monotony in gameplay. Overall, while the game improves upon its predecessor, *Rome II*, with better graphics and refined mechanics, it still faces criticism for balance issues and a lack of engaging faction diversity.
- “The gameplay is unique and different; the migration mechanic adds a level of sandbox that isn't present in other games, and the storyline of the Huns, as well as individual factional storylines, add a level of diversity that other games can sometimes lack.”
- “The horde mechanic is a breath of fresh air, allowing you to play as a wandering, marauding tribe that can pillage and raze right under the noses of the greatest empires in classical antiquity.”
- “The new horde mechanics, as well as the ability to raze and abandon settlements, really changes the pace of the game.”
- “My complaint is that you do not have many options to choose factions and as a result it gets boring after some gameplay.”
- “The gameplay mechanics are underwhelming, offering little innovation or excitement compared to previous titles.”
- “While settlement razing and migration mechanics are introduced, they feel like minor tweaks rather than meaningful additions, leaving the strategy and battles feeling repetitive and uninspired.”
graphics
1,252 mentions
37 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Total War: Attila" have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while they are an improvement over "Rome II," they still suffer from optimization issues and performance drops, especially during large battles. Some players appreciate the darker, more atmospheric aesthetic that fits the game's themes, while others criticize the visuals for being dull or overly brown. Overall, the graphics are generally considered good, but they require a powerful PC to run smoothly, and many players suggest using mods to enhance the visual experience further.
- “The improved graphics make it feel even more visceral than before, with new effects like arrows setting buildings ablaze, adding a layer of visual drama.”
- “Boasting breathtaking graphics, a myriad of ancient gameplay options, and a treasure trove of mods and variations, it offers an unparalleled gaming experience that keeps me hooked for hours on end.”
- “The first thing that captivates players is its stunning visuals.”
- “Graphically, the game offers little improvement over earlier entries like Rome II.”
- “The washed, blurry, eye-straining graphics and the abominable UI are enough to make it unplayable for me.”
- “The graphics are incredibly poor and I basically had to check to see if I wasn't playing Total War 2.”
optimization
968 mentions
12 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
37 % negative mentions
The optimization of Total War: Attila has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including low frame rates and stuttering, even on high-end systems. Despite some improvements over time, the game is often described as poorly optimized compared to its predecessor, Rome II, leading to frustration among users who expect smoother gameplay. While mods can help alleviate some of these issues, the overall consensus is that significant optimization work is still needed to enhance the gaming experience.
- “Game has a lot of cool mods like Medieval Kingdoms 1212, but it's held back by the unoptimized performance that CA has forgotten. Mods are what's saving this game from dying off, plus cool campaign features.”
- “Despite some performance issues, the gameplay is very well done.”
- “The optimization is something left to be desired, but I believe that if CA came back and fixed that, this would be my favorite Total War game by far.”
- “Until CA fixes the massive performance problems that arose about a year ago, do not buy this game.”
- “This game is so poorly optimized, I have no clue what they did with it.”
- “The performance is absolutely abysmal, which is a shame because the game has some interesting mechanics and really fulfills that 'end of Rome' vibe.”
stability
301 mentions
8 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
92 % negative mentions
The stability of Total War: Attila has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various bugs that significantly hinder gameplay. Many users noted that despite having capable hardware, the game often performs poorly, exhibiting stuttering and graphical glitches. While some players found enjoyment in the game, the overall consensus is that it suffers from serious stability issues that detract from the experience.
- “This game runs great, plus it's really fun. 10/10.”
- “Game was complete, very stable, and almost bug free.”
- “Overall, this game is just great. I love it—no glitches, no crashes, and the graphics are demanding but ultra cool.”
- “The game is buggy, poorly optimized, poorly balanced, the AI cheats in campaign and there is a severe lack of unit variety.”
- “This game is just full of bugs and glitches (which haven't been fixed yet), it's no fun, you get bored of it pretty quickly, not much variety and content and it has the same problems as Rome 2 when it was released.”
- “The optimisation is one of the worst I have ever seen, and, in 9 out of 10 times, the game crashes when starting a battle and/or bugs or glitches appear which make the game unplayable.”
music
219 mentions
47 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric qualities and thematic relevance, particularly the incorporation of throat singing and dark, brooding scores that enhance the game's setting. While some players find the soundtrack to be a standout feature, others criticize it for being repetitive or lacking the epic quality of previous titles in the series. Overall, the music contributes significantly to the game's immersive experience, though opinions vary on its execution and memorability.
- “The music is excellent, probably my favorite soundtrack from the Total War games, complete with throat singing to instill you with the mounting threat of the Hunnic hordes.”
- “The soundtrack is beautiful, captivating, and really draws you into the game's atmosphere.”
- “The music fits the dark ages of Europe almost perfectly, fitting with the theme that no matter which faction you play as, the flood of death and destruction that is the Huns will slowly and in full force make its way to your borders.”
- “Music is non-existent; battle speeches are non-existent.”
- “The music, however, was nothing special and practically just a background filler.”
- “Music is bland and does not add to the experience.”
story
213 mentions
24 % positive mentions
70 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The story in "Total War: Attila" is characterized by its unique historical setting, focusing on the decline of empires and the apocalyptic atmosphere brought on by the Huns' invasion. Players appreciate the emergent storytelling that arises from individual campaigns, where each faction's narrative is shaped by gameplay mechanics like migration and survival missions, although some critiques highlight a lack of depth in scripted events and mission variety. Overall, while the game offers compelling themes and engaging faction-specific storylines, it also faces criticism for its execution and reliance on survival-oriented objectives.
- “In summary, 'Total War: Attila' is a top-notch historical title that combines gripping storytelling, strategic depth, and thrilling battles.”
- “Not a story told but one that's made, with each campaign carving out its own saga.”
- “The gameplay is unique and different; the migration mechanic adds a level of sandbox that isn't present in other games, and the storyline of the Huns, as well as individual factional storylines, add a level of diversity that other games can sometimes lack.”
- “The format is boring, the storylines are historic fiction at best, and the AI is completely overpowered, even two of the same units fighting each other and the AI completely annihilates your unit.”
- “The story mode does not even feel like a story mode.”
- “Meh, nothing new added in the series, no story or anything.”
atmosphere
200 mentions
52 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and dark portrayal of a chaotic, apocalyptic world, effectively capturing the desperation and decay of the late antiquity period. Players appreciate the gritty visuals, atmospheric music, and the sense of impending doom that enhances the gameplay experience, making it feel unique compared to other titles in the Total War series. Despite some criticisms regarding visuals and performance, the overall consensus is that the game excels in creating a compelling and engaging atmosphere that draws players into its historical setting.
- “The setting and atmosphere of this game is absolutely fantastic.”
- “The atmosphere and the campaign mechanics are very fun.”
- “The feeling of impending doom, the threat of a hunnic invasion, all of this creates a purely phenomenal atmosphere that completely immerses you as a player.”
- “Unfortunately, the game's challenge, dark atmosphere, border gore, and time period will alienate most players.”
- “The entire atmosphere of this setting screams of bleak despair.”
- “The map and the handling is clumsy, the tutorial is not ending at all and atmosphere never showed up.”
replayability
156 mentions
37 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The replayability of Total War: Attila is a mixed bag, with many players praising the extensive modding community that significantly enhances the game's longevity and variety. While some reviews highlight the limited base game factions and repetitive mechanics as drawbacks, others emphasize the unique gameplay experiences offered by different factions and the engaging campaign dynamics, leading to a generally high replay value, especially with mods. Overall, the game is considered highly replayable, particularly for strategy enthusiasts who enjoy historical settings and diverse gameplay options.
- “It's challenging, immersive, and endlessly replayable, with enough content to keep you entertained for hundreds of hours.”
- “The replayability is seemingly infinite, but I'm only about 700 hours in.”
- “With its stunning graphics, diverse gameplay options, and endless replayability, it's a must-have for any strategy enthusiast.”
- “Replayability is severely limited, as the factions and campaigns lack variety, and the gameplay grows monotonous quickly.”
- “The minimal differentiation between factions and the repetitive mechanics result in a 5/10 for replayability.”
- “Total War is lacking in content and replayability.”
grinding
85 mentions
1 % positive mentions
7 % neutral mentions
92 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be quite tedious and time-consuming, often describing it as a significant drawback. Many reviews highlight that the campaign and faction management can feel slow-paced and repetitive, leading to a frustrating experience, especially when compared to other titles in the Total War series. While some appreciate the tactical depth and improvements over previous games, the consensus is that the grind can detract from the overall enjoyment.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “I'll be blunt, this game is tedious.”
- “The campaign is brutal and the battles are some of the most tedious in any Total War game.”
- “This is the problem with this game, while 'hard' it is not fun hard like Shogun 2 legendary or Warhammer legendary, it's just feels like a tedious grind, and while that can be fun for 1 or maybe even 2 campaigns, it quickly kills replay value.”
humor
73 mentions
95 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying the absurdity of gameplay mechanics, such as cavalry outrunning F1 cars and the unpredictable AI making comically poor decisions. Many reviews mention funny moments arising from the game's historical context, quirky dialogues, and the community's lighthearted interactions, despite acknowledging the game's technical flaws and optimization issues. Overall, the humor adds a layer of enjoyment, making the experience entertaining even amidst its shortcomings.
- “It's hilarious to not engage in a single melee and annihilate an army 4k strong with 1200 horse archers.”
- “The AI is as unpredictable as a fire-breathing dragon with ADHD, keeping you on your toes and laughing in disbelief.”
- “That's the most hilarious part: you're supposed to be a period-accurate feudal despot but can't wage war past a few turns before the 'electorate' starts to voice their displeasure of the realm being at war yet again!”
- “This is so horrifically optimized it is not funny.”
- “The spawning of Hunnic hordes is unimaginably unfunny and imbalanced.”
- “This is a joke but not funny.”
monetization
41 mentions
5 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
93 % negative mentions
The monetization practices surrounding the game have drawn significant criticism from users, who describe the DLC offerings as blatant cash grabs that detract from the overall experience. Many feel that the quality and creativity of expansions have declined, with a focus on maximizing profits through microtransactions rather than enhancing gameplay. Despite these frustrations, some players still find enjoyment in the base game, suggesting that it can be appreciated if one overlooks the aggressive monetization strategies.
- “I do like the game; I've played it and it is my favorite 'modern' TW game, probably because it is the closest thing we've got to a Medieval III, especially with the Charlemagne DLC. However, the game is way too tedious because of all the loading screens, which limits player choice in a frustrating and meaningless way. I've never been able to experience it fully because, even after 7 years, a huge amount of the content is locked behind microtransactions.”
- “Not only that, but it is really lazy; microtransactions (which is what it basically amounts to) have no place in AAA gaming.”
- “Seriously, this game series has been going down the toilet for at least 5 years with increasingly scummy and greedy monetization.”
- “The DLCs are a bunch of cash grabs for the most part, contrasting with the excellent expansions of past Total War games that added tons of content, usually in a standalone package.”
- “These DLCs, lack of effort into creative story or an interest in changing to a new venue or engine makes it all feel lazy and more and more like Total War is going down a cash grab track instead of releasing quality products the way it did with the original Rome Total War and Shogun 2.”
emotional
12 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight a mix of emotional responses to the game, ranging from frustration and disappointment with gameplay mechanics to a deep appreciation for the historical immersion and setting. Players express feelings of heartbreak over past experiences with the series, while others find joy and a sense of empowerment in their roles as rulers within the game, indicating a strong emotional connection to the immersive world of Total War: Attila.
- “After the heartbreaking collapse of our last epic Attila campaign, I have uninstalled every Total War game and vowed to never again waste another minute or dollar on this series.”
- “It made me feel like I was in that time.”
- “10/10 would cry again.”
character development
3 mentions
100 % positive mentions
-100 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Character development is highly praised for its depth, with characters portrayed as complex individuals with unique motives and personalities, avoiding one-dimensional stereotypes. The integration of family dynamics, political elements, and a structured development system enhances the overall narrative, making character relationships and growth feel significant and impactful.
- “There is great character development, and the characters feel like real people with their own motives and personalities instead of falling into a specific one-dimensional stereotype.”
- “The politics, family, and character development system receives a great comeback and actually matters.”
- “The game features a proper family tree, character development, military tradition, technology, and management systems.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
- “There is little to no progression in character arcs, leaving them feeling static and uninteresting.”
- “The game fails to provide meaningful choices that impact character development, resulting in a predictable storyline.”