Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia

Anglo-Saxons, Gaelic clans and Viking settlers battle for Brittania and the glory of forging a great empire. A change from the usual Total War games but a potential gateway to newcomers.

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"Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia" is a strategy game set in 878 AD Britain. The Steel and Statecraft update enhances the political aspect of the game with a new Political Difficulty option and revised political events, while an Estates Overhaul aims to improve the management challenges of ruling a kingdom. Players can customize their experience to enjoy political intrigue or focus on other aspects of gameplay.

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Reviews

69%

Audience ScoreBased on 7,778 reviews

gameplay463 positive mentions

grinding103 negative mentions

The game offers a refreshing return to the historical Total War formula, with engaging mechanics and a unique setting during the Viking invasions of Britain.
The graphics and art style are visually appealing, with detailed unit designs and beautifully crafted battle maps.
The new recruitment and supply mechanics add depth to gameplay, requiring players to strategize and manage resources effectively.

The game suffers from a lack of unit and faction diversity, making battles feel repetitive and less engaging over time.
The AI can be frustratingly passive and often makes poor strategic decisions, leading to unchallenging gameplay.
The absence of garrisons in minor settlements can lead to frustrating situations where a single enemy unit can capture important territories without a fight.

gameplay
1,732 mentions
27 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Thrones of Britannia" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the introduction of new mechanics such as food supply management and unique faction traits, which add depth and challenge to the campaign. However, criticisms focus on the game's streamlined mechanics, lack of variety among factions, and the absence of traditional features like garrisons in minor settlements, leading to a sense of repetitiveness and frustration. Overall, while the game offers a fresh take on the Total War formula, it struggles with balance and depth, making it a polarizing experience for fans of the series.
- “Great setting, love the battles and sieges, brilliant new mechanics.”
- “Massively underrated total war with interesting mechanics and engaging gameplay.”
- “The tactical gameplay is very refined compared to its predecessors and I consider it to be the epitome of what a modern total war title can offer in terms of unit combat.”
- “The campaign overall is frustrating and outright tedious, with civil wars being a constant headache and an overall lack of depth, content and an additional long list of poorly thought out campaign mechanics.”
- “The loyalty mechanic and estate management aspect were the least enjoyable aspects of the game for me.”
- “The gameplay is made for people with IQ-15, no garrisons in the late game in the villages, no agents, no trade system, no diplomacy at all, AI is stupid as f***, and the worst thing is that there are no factions to play, they are all the same with the same units and animations.”
graphics
751 mentions
46 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Thrones of Britannia" have received generally positive feedback, with many players praising the stunning visuals, detailed campaign maps, and unique art style that reflects the historical period. However, some critiques highlight performance issues, a lack of distinct unit diversity, and a few graphical bugs, suggesting that while the game looks good, it may not fully meet the high expectations set by previous titles in the Total War series. Overall, the game is considered visually appealing, especially for those who appreciate its artistic direction.
- “The graphics are incredible and the immersion is just the best.”
- “Visually, Thrones of Britannia is a feast for the eyes, with stunning graphics that bring the rich and diverse landscapes of medieval Britain to life.”
- “With its engaging mechanics, thrilling battles, and breathtaking visuals, the game is a testament to the passion and dedication of its developers.”
- “The performance is crap, much like Attila; I have to lower graphics to get decent performance.”
- “The graphics are terrible for a game in 2018, even at ultra/4k settings.”
- “The graphics are even worse than older games, and it feels off.”
story
264 mentions
25 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The story aspect of "Thrones of Britannia" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its historical context and the focus on significant figures like Alfred the Great and Ragnar Lothbrok. While some enjoy the engaging narratives and faction-specific missions, others criticize the lack of depth and replayability, noting that missions can feel repetitive and sometimes fail to register properly. Overall, the game offers a unique take on historical storytelling, but many feel it could benefit from more substantial narrative elements and clearer mission objectives.
- “This game was so amazing, narrating the true story of Britannia when it was invaded by the Great Heathen Army and how they were defeated by Alfred the Great of Wessex. It also tells the story of how Ragnar Lothbrok was thrown into the snake pit and how his sons avenged him. This game, for me, is the best strategy game of all time. I finished the game with all factions; the strongest faction I played was Wessex with King Alfred. I rate this game 10/10. If you are a fan of Total War, this is a game you must have.”
- “The historical immersion is good, and I loved uniting the Saxons as Alfred the Great with some great battles and story mechanics.”
- “The graphics, music, artwork, and storytelling have been created by a talented team with a great love for the time period, resulting in a very strong Total War game that dared to try new things, add new mechanics, and not just be a fresh coat of paint on the existing tried-and-true formula.”
- “The game interrupts you with having to decide on decrees, marriages, and missions - but rarely explains their impact, so it feels like they pointlessly have no bearing on progression.”
- “The story is about to come to an end... ...”
- “The missions are unstable, fluctuate in the possibility of completion, and sometimes do not select the correct mission statement.”
optimization
197 mentions
38 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant improvements over the poorly optimized *Total War: Attila*. While some users report smooth performance and good graphics on mid-range systems, others experience stuttering and frame rate drops, particularly during large battles or on high settings. Despite these issues, many agree that the game is one of the better-optimized entries in the series, with a generally stable performance and improved visuals compared to its predecessors.
- “The game seems to be very well optimized, offering very good graphics and visuals while running quite smoothly.”
- “I was so happy that finally the optimization issues were fixed.”
- “This was one of the most polished and optimized Total War games ever, second only to Shogun 2.”
- “The performance is crap, much like Attila; I have to lower graphics to get decent performance.”
- “What I hate about this game is that it's an unoptimized piece of junk and still got sent to be sold.”
- “The performance is horrible; it crashes every other turn, which makes every round a gamble.”
music
186 mentions
62 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the historical setting and enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Many reviewers noted the soundtrack's ability to evoke emotions during battles and its fitting integration with the game's art style. While some critiques mention a lack of variety or recycled tracks from previous titles, the majority agree that the music is a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's appeal.
- “The atmosphere and art direction are outstanding to depict the time period; the music and the stained-glass UI art really make it feel at home.”
- “The music is fantastic; the atmosphere is superb.”
- “The music is beautifully haunting.”
- “Unfortunately, there isn't much music, and the quality of the menu is not extended to the gameplay.”
- “It's been the same song with different dance, and honestly, it's pathetic.”
- “Even the music is copy-pasted from previous games, just because 'it fits'.”
replayability
120 mentions
23 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The replayability of "Thrones of Britannia" is a mixed bag among reviewers. While some praise the variety of factions and the potential for modding to enhance the experience, many criticize the game for its limited number of playable factions and repetitive gameplay, leading to a generally lower replay value compared to other titles in the Total War series. Overall, the game offers some replayability, particularly with mods, but many players feel it lacks the depth and diversity needed for long-term engagement.
- “With the right mods installed, Thrones of Britannia becomes a truly immersive and endlessly replayable experience that offers something for every type of player.”
- “Replay value is high with the amount of factions you can play with.”
- “The inclusion of factions from different cultures and backgrounds adds replayability and strategic depth.”
- “It's a pretty solid Total War game, albeit very much a 'saga' title - meaning it has a very specific focus, and so not much longevity or replayability.”
- “Compared to other Total War titles, I feel it has a serious lack of replayability, lack of depth in story and campaigns, not to mention the random various crashes.”
- “The replayability is lacking since armies and nations/tribes at this time largely fought with the same unit structure and equipment.”
grinding
107 mentions
3 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
96 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players describing it as tedious, slow, and frustrating. Many reviewers noted that the campaign mechanics and resource management feel burdensome, leading to a gameplay loop that is both boring and time-consuming. While some appreciated certain new mechanics, the overall sentiment is that the game lacks the engaging depth and excitement found in previous Total War titles, making it a chore to progress.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You can't build a large enough army to meaningfully contend with your neighbors because you need a massive food surplus in order to support a large army; every unit requires 10 food just to exist, meaning you need a food surplus of more than 200 to support just one full-stack army.”
- “Brittania introduces new gameplay mechanics, but unlike the new mechanics in Empire, they are not tedious and distracting.”
- “It makes an already tedious game even more tedious and for no reason.”
- “The campaign overall is frustrating and outright tedious, with civil wars being a constant headache and an overall lack of depth, content and an additional long list of poorly thought out campaign mechanics.”
- “It all makes for a tedious and thankless gameplay loop that manages to be both boring and frustrating at the same time.”
stability
86 mentions
20 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
80 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs, crashes, and glitches that detract from the overall experience. While some users have noted that the game runs well on their systems with minimal issues, the consensus is that it feels unfinished and plagued by persistent problems, particularly with AI behavior and battle mechanics. Overall, the game's stability is a major concern, leading to frustration among players who feel it was released too early without adequate fixes.
- “I have played several Total War games over the years, and this is the first one where I find the UI of the campaign to be easy to understand and not buggy.”
- “Runs great on Linux, good performance and everything.”
- “Really enjoying it... runs great, no major bugs that I came across.”
- “The developer has not fixed these glitches since release.”
- “Buggy, crash-filled experience.”
- “It's buggy, bland, horrible campaign mechanics and just not worth the price, buy it on sale and refund it or watch some YouTube videos on it if you really want to see it in action.”
atmosphere
64 mentions
73 % positive mentions
22 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its authenticity and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the early medieval period through outstanding art direction, evocative music, and detailed sound design. Players appreciate the gritty and cold ambiance during battles, alongside a well-crafted campaign map that enhances the overall experience. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to create a captivating environment that draws players into its historical setting, making it a standout feature of the title.
- “The atmosphere and art direction are outstanding to depict the time period; the music and the stained-glass UI art really make it feel at home.”
- “The music and atmosphere are so good, and the game is pretty well optimized.”
- “The art is all around beautiful, and the battle atmosphere produced by the sounds and sights is superb.”
- “Tob could have been a great game to carry on the Total War series, but the devs didn’t care much for in-depth atmosphere and interaction.”
- “It's a great game, but the stuff they did very well like the art style and atmosphere are spoiled by the smaller, more annoying things.”
- “Come on, thinking that a mob of God-fearing peasants would instantly flip over without a fight the second my smelly cousin walks in kind of ruins the atmosphere of the game.”
monetization
33 mentions
3 % positive mentions
3 % neutral mentions
94 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been overwhelmingly criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers expressing disappointment in the lack of effort and innovation from the developers. Players feel that the high price does not reflect the quality or depth of the game, often comparing it unfavorably to previous titles in the series and accusing the developers of prioritizing profit over player experience. Overall, the sentiment is that the game feels like a re-skinned version of older titles, lacking substantial content and creativity.
- “Some playability issues during multiplayer and very few microtransactions, but they can easily be ignored.”
- “Overall just shocked at what feels like a quick cash grab from CA or the devs... it seems like the high price would at least suggest a more developed game, but other people have written it better... this feels like some alpha or Kickstarter early release.”
- “It's a cash grab game and feels like no effort has been put into the game.”
- “This pile of steaming shit can go back into development for all I care, this cash grab is unbelievable.”
humor
24 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often derived from its quirky art style, amusing unit names, and the absurdities of gameplay, such as AI mishaps and unexpected character behaviors. Players find humor in the game's setting, with funny place names and the comedic potential of multiplayer interactions, particularly in scenarios involving family betrayals. While some aspects of the humor are unintentional, they contribute to a lighthearted experience that can be enjoyable, especially for newcomers to the Total War series.
- “If you've never played any Total War game, this one is very funny and definitely the easiest to start with.”
- “Which in some cases even gives you bonuses, etc. The army names are hilarious, things like 'the Swine Array' or 'Odin's Huge Sack' (I made that last one up-- but you can change any army name!).”
- “A single stack enemy general unit (of 12 men) can conquer half your kingdom if left unchecked, which is hilarious.”
character development
12 mentions
25 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the loyalty system and faction-specific missions, while others criticize it for lacking depth and immersion compared to titles like Crusader Kings or Shogun 2. Many feel that the character development mechanics are basic and uninspired, with limited opportunities for meaningful interactions or growth, particularly in the family aspect. Overall, while there are some positive elements, the consensus leans towards disappointment in the depth and complexity of character development.
- “Good graphics and character development and interaction with events - the loyalty system makes the game feel a little more realistic.”
- “You can pay more attention to character development, building infrastructure, and arranging beneficial marriages.”
- “+ Character development and faction-specific missions.”
- “I just wish there was more in-depth character development like in Crusader Kings, but there is still a little of that in this.”
- “Character development, loyalty, and estate mechanics are terrible, just terrible.”
- “This game offers no depth, no character development, no immersion.”
emotional
11 mentions
91 % positive mentions
-18 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight a mixed emotional experience with the game, where some players find it lacking in depth and connection, leading to feelings of disappointment and frustration. While certain elements, like the dynamics of leadership and historical context, can evoke emotional investment, many users feel the overall execution fails to create a meaningful connection, resulting in a sense of boredom and disillusionment.
- “Watching your leaders have children, your allies rise and fall, and your enemies interact really makes for an emotional investment that's hard to find in other games.”
- “I wasted 40 euros on this and I cried about it every day.”
- “I have no emotional connection to my troops.”
- “The game fails to evoke any real emotions; it feels flat and uninspired.”
- “I expected a deep emotional journey, but instead, I was met with a lackluster narrative that left me indifferent.”
- “There was no connection to the characters or their struggles, making it hard to care about the outcome.”