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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.
76%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
optimization, stability
79% User Score Based on 33,528 reviews
Critic Score 73%Based on 25 reviews

Platforms

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About

"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.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Total War: ATTILA screenshot
Total War: ATTILA screenshot
Total War: ATTILA screenshot
Total War: ATTILA screenshot
Total War: ATTILA screenshot
Total War: ATTILA screenshot
Total War: ATTILA screenshot
Total War: ATTILA screenshot
Total War: ATTILA screenshot
Total War: ATTILA screenshot

79%
Audience ScoreBased on 33,553 reviews
gameplay1.4k positive mentions
optimization718 negative mentions
  • The game features a captivating atmosphere with a dark and immersive tone, effectively capturing the chaos of late antiquity.
  • Gameplay mechanics such as the horde system and settlement razing add depth and strategic layers, making for a unique experience.
  • The character development is well-executed, with complex characters and a significant family tree that enhances the narrative.
  • Total War: Attila suffers from severe performance issues, including low frame rates, stuttering, and frequent crashes, even on high-end systems.
  • The monetization strategy is criticized as greedy, with many DLCs perceived as cash grabs that lock essential content behind paywalls.
  • The gameplay can feel tedious and grindy, requiring significant time investment for minimal rewards, leading to a repetitive experience.
  • gameplay
    4,228 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of *Total War: Attila* has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its depth and complexity, particularly the introduction of the horde mechanic and settlement razing, which add new strategic layers to the game. However, some players find the mechanics overwhelming and the gameplay repetitive, especially due to the limited variety of factions and the punishing nature of the game's systems, such as climate change and food management. Overall, while the game offers a unique and challenging experience, it is often seen as a refinement of *Rome II* rather than a groundbreaking new entry in the series.

    • “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, being able to play as a wandering, marauding tribe that can pillage and raze right under the noses of the greatest empires in classical antiquity.”
    • “The addition of horde mechanics, nasty disease systems, the razing of cities, and various other intricate and reactive systems make the grand campaign experience notably deeper and more chaotic.”
    • “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
    2,507 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 game's dark and gritty aesthetic, which enhances the atmosphere, while others criticize the visuals for being dull and lacking vibrancy. Overall, the graphics are considered decent but not groundbreaking, with a score averaging around 6 to 8 out of 10, depending on the player's hardware and expectations.

    • “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.”
    • “The washed, blurry, eye-straining graphics and the abominable UI are enough to make it unplayable for me.”
    • “How did the graphics get way way worse?”
    • “The performance is awful though, the game stutters when you get close to the units in the battles, even though my PC can perfectly handle every other Total War game I've played on at least medium graphics with large armies, including modern games like Warhammer and Three Kingdoms.”
  • optimization
    1,938 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of Total War: Attila has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including low frame rates, stuttering, and long loading times, even on high-end systems. Despite some improvements over time, the game is often described as poorly optimized compared to its predecessors, leading to frustration among users who expect smoother gameplay. While mods can help alleviate some performance problems, the overall consensus is that the game remains a challenging experience due to its optimization shortcomings.

    • “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.”
    • “While there are still some performance issues, the gameplay is very well done.”
    • “Now that they (mostly) fixed performance issues, playing this on a high-end PC and ultra-wide screen is amazing - especially the battles.”
    • “The technology tree is bullshit, it's horrible even compared to Rome 2, the game is optimized like trash, constantly freezes and has performance issues, be mindful that my PC runs at 80 plus fps in Warhammer 3 on ultra settings.”
    • “Until CA fixes the massive performance problems that arose about a year ago, do not buy this game.”
    • “This game is easily the Total War game with the worst performance (even worse than the newer ones).”
  • stability
    604 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of Total War: Attila has been widely criticized, with players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various bugs that significantly hinder gameplay. Many users noted that despite some improvements over previous titles like Rome II, the game remains poorly optimized and riddled with glitches, making it frustrating to play. While some players found enjoyment in the game, the overall consensus is that its stability issues detract from the experience, leading to a mixed reception.

    • “Game was complete and very very very stable and almost bug free.”
    • “Overall this game is just great, I freakin love it, no glitches, no crashes, no siege issues (well haven't encountered any yet), none of that crap from Rome 2, and the graphics are just demanding but ultra cool.”
    • “Well polished and bug free (at least for me).”
    • “The technology tree is horrible, the game is optimized poorly, constantly freezes and has performance issues, be mindful that my PC runs at 80+ fps in Warhammer 3 on ultra settings.”
    • “Game keeps crashing; it's a great game but has very poor glitches.”
    • “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.”
  • music
    439 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 a dark, brooding score that enhances 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 overall impact and quality.

    • “The soundtrack is beautiful, captivating.”
    • “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 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.”
    • “The music during the battles is bland and boring.”
  • story
    426 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Total War: Attila" is characterized by its thematic focus on survival during the decline of empires, particularly through the lens of the Huns' invasion. Players appreciate the unique narrative structure that allows for emergent storytelling, where each campaign can create its own saga, although some find the missions overly aggressive and the overall storytelling lacking depth. While the game offers a compelling historical backdrop and engaging faction-specific storylines, opinions vary on its execution, with some praising its immersive atmosphere and others criticizing its reliance on scripted events and mission formats.

    • “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.”
    • “Each campaign ended up creating some sort of epic story, and you'd get into it from the very beginning.”
    • “The format is boring, the story lines 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
    401 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and apocalyptic tone, effectively capturing the desperation and chaos of the late antiquity period. Players appreciate the dark, gritty visuals and sound design that enhance the feeling of impending doom, making each campaign feel unique and challenging. Despite some criticisms regarding optimization and gameplay mechanics, the overall atmosphere is considered one of the strongest aspects of the game, setting it apart from other titles in the Total War series.

    • “The setting and atmosphere of this game is absolutely fantastic.”
    • “The atmosphere is dark and foreboding, and the game actually has a sort of story of its own.”
    • “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
    312 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The replayability of Total War: Attila is a mixed bag, with some players praising its high potential due to a strong modding community and diverse faction mechanics, while others criticize the base game's limited variety and repetitive gameplay. Many reviews highlight that mods significantly enhance replay value, offering fresh experiences and new content, but some players feel that the core game lacks sufficient depth for long-term engagement. Overall, while the game can provide hundreds of hours of enjoyment, especially with mods, its inherent replayability may not satisfy everyone.

    • “It's challenging, immersive, and endlessly replayable, with enough content to keep you entertained for hundreds of hours.”
    • “With its stunning graphics, diverse gameplay options, and endless replayability, it's a must-have for any strategy enthusiast.”
    • “The replayability is seemingly infinite, but I'm only about 700 hours in.”
    • “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
    170 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and time-consuming. While some appreciate the challenge it presents, others criticize the slow-paced mechanics and repetitive tasks that detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the consensus suggests that the game can feel excessively grindy, often requiring significant time investment for minimal rewards.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “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.”
    • “I've tried really hard to get into Attila, but I just can't; the gameplay is just tedious, frustrating, and dull in comparison to other Total War games.”
  • humor
    146 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying the absurdity of gameplay mechanics, such as cavalry outrunning everything and the unpredictable AI making comically poor decisions. Many reviews mention funny moments in soldier dialogues, unexpected game scenarios, and humorous bugs, contributing to an overall lighthearted experience despite the game's flaws. However, some players also express frustration with the game's optimization and design, which can detract from the humor.

    • “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 a joke but not funny.”
    • “It's not funny, that's the direction this series heads.”
    • “- spawning of hunnic hordes is unimaginably unfunny and imbalanced.”
  • monetization
    82 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism from users, who describe it as increasingly greedy and exploitative, with many DLCs perceived as cash grabs that offer little value. Players express frustration over the reliance on microtransactions and the feeling that essential content is locked behind paywalls, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, some still find the core game enjoyable, suggesting that it can be fun if players overlook the monetization practices.

    • “I do like the game, I've played it and it is my favorite 'modern' Total War 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 limit player choice in a frustrating and meaningless way. I've never been able to experience it fully because, even still 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.”
    • “I wanted to like this... this game had so much potential, it brought up good concepts, but what a horrid execution, what a desperate plain cash grabbing.”
  • emotional
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players expressing deep frustration and disappointment, particularly regarding gameplay mechanics that lead to instant deaths, while others find the historical immersion and setting of Total War: Attila to be profoundly engaging and rewarding. Many players feel a strong connection to the game's themes, with some even describing their experiences as heartwarming or evocative of a bygone era, highlighting the game's ability to evoke a sense of power and nostalgia. Overall, the emotional spectrum ranges from anger and disillusionment to joy and fulfillment.

    • “Though there have been some changes in the layout and HUD of the Total War series (for me, the comparison is always made with a base in TW: Medieval II, since it was my first TW experience), I really enjoy the feel of TW: Attila and the whole setting and historic immersion into the known world of 400 AD is truly wholesome.”
    • “It made me feel like I was in that time.”
    • “10/10 would cry again”
  • character development
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The character development in the game is highly praised, with characters portrayed as complex individuals with unique motives and personalities, avoiding one-dimensional stereotypes. The integration of a family tree and a robust character development system enhances the narrative, making political and familial dynamics significant to the gameplay.

    • “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.”
    • “+ proper family tree, character development, military tradition, technology, and management systems.”

73%Critics’ scoreBased on 32 critic reviews

Buy Total War: ATTILA

75h Median play time
395h Average play time
41h Main story
197h Completionist
15-500h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 188 analyzed playthroughs

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