What Will Be the Next Total War Game? Exploring the Future of Creative Assembly’s Strategy Epic
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The immediate next Total War game is Total War: Pharaoh, slated for release in October 2023. This historical title will immerse players in the Bronze Age Collapse, focusing on the New Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt and allowing players to control Egyptians, Hittites, or Canaanites. However, looking beyond Pharaoh, the future of the Total War franchise is a blend of continued support for existing titles, and the potential for both more historical and fantastical entries. While the specifics of future standalone titles remain unannounced, we can deduce likely directions based on previous releases, developer statements, and the ever-shifting landscape of the gaming industry. Let’s break down what to expect.
Total War: Pharaoh – A Step Back in Time
Setting the Scene
Total War: Pharaoh transports players to the 12th century BC, a time of upheaval and transition. This setting presents a fresh canvas for the series, moving away from the more well-trodden paths of European history and delving into the rich tapestry of ancient Near East civilizations. The game promises a deep dive into the politics, warfare, and culture of the period, offering a unique Total War experience.
What to Expect
While details are still emerging, Pharaoh is expected to retain the core Total War gameplay formula. Expect grand strategy elements involving kingdom management, economic development, and political maneuvering, alongside real-time tactical battles. The game promises highly customizable gameplay and vividly rendered graphics, although some initial impressions suggest combat may feel less impactful than in previous titles. Several new themed mechanics tailored to the Egyptian setting are also anticipated.
The Future of Total War: Warhammer
The End of a Trilogy
Total War: Warhammer III is the final game in the Total War: Warhammer trilogy. While this marks the culmination of the main series, Creative Assembly is not abandoning the fantasy realm just yet.
Continued Support
The studio has confirmed ongoing support for Warhammer III, with significant content updates and expansions planned. In the near future, Spring 2024 will bring patch 6.0 along with additional unrevealed DLC. This will further expand the game’s existing races, introduce new Legendary Lords and a Legendary Hero, and implement additional gameplay improvements. The roadmap for the game also includes three paid expansions: Shadows Of Change (Summer 2023), Thrones Of Decay (Winter 2023), and a third expansion currently known only as To Be Revealed (Spring 2024).
Total War: Warhammer 40k?
While the idea of a Total War: Warhammer 40k is a highly anticipated one, there’s no indication that it is immediately on the horizon. With Total War: Pharaoh launching in October 2023, an announcement for Warhammer 40k would be unlikely before 2024 at the earliest.
Beyond Pharaoh and Warhammer
The Historical Focus
With Pharaoh re-establishing the historical pillar, we can expect more historical titles to come, eventually. Creative Assembly has consistently shifted focus between historical and fantasy settings throughout the franchise’s history. This pattern suggests that after Pharaoh’s release, the team might begin exploring different time periods and civilizations, potentially moving back to the West, to other parts of the ancient world or to other time periods entirely.
A New Engine?
The Total War franchise is known for its in-house game engine and tools. While there hasn’t been any indication of an engine overhaul, the continued growth in graphical fidelity and processing demands may drive the need for a more advanced game engine in future titles. This development could take a few years, however, which would mean that a potential next-gen Total War game is unlikely to be released in the immediate future.
Exploring New Genres
While the core formula of Total War has remained consistent, the franchise is not afraid to experiment. The possibility of exploring different genres or sub-genres is always present. Whether that’s another spin-off or a completely original title, there’s plenty of room for Creative Assembly to stretch their creative muscles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Total War a AAA game franchise?
Yes, Total War is a multi-award-winning AAA games franchise developed by Creative Assembly. The high production values, complex gameplay, and large-scale battles solidify its position as a major player in the strategy game market.
What is the next historical Total War game after Pharaoh?
After Total War: Pharaoh, the next historical title remains unannounced. The studio has not yet revealed any details.
What is the future of Total War: Warhammer after Warhammer III?
While Total War: Warhammer III is the final game in the trilogy, Creative Assembly will continue to support the game with patches, DLC, and expansions, including new factions and units.
When will Total War: Warhammer 40k be announced?
A Total War: Warhammer 40k title has not been confirmed, and given the release of Pharaoh in October 2023, an announcement would be very unlikely before 2024 at the earliest.
Is Total War: Three Kingdoms a successful title?
Yes, Total War: Three Kingdoms is considered a success. It became the fastest-selling game in the history of the franchise, selling one million copies within a week of its release.
Is Total War: Three Kingdoms the best Total War game?
Many fans and critics consider Total War: Three Kingdoms to be one of the best in the series, due to its excellent interface, difficulty balance, and story. However, it is a subjective question, as each game has its own strengths.
Are the Total War: Warhammer games connected?
Yes, all three games in the Total War: Warhammer trilogy take place within the same timeframe, though each have unique campaigns and challenges in different parts of the game world.
How long does it take to complete a Total War: Warhammer game?
The average completion time for the main objectives of Total War: Warhammer is around 34 hours. To achieve 100% completion, expect to spend around 162 hours.
What is the time period of Total War: Pharaoh?
Total War: Pharaoh is set during the 12th century BC, focusing on the Bronze Age Collapse and the civilisations of Ancient Egypt, the Hittites, and the Canaanites.
What is the meaning of “Total War” in history?
In history, “total war” refers to a military conflict in which all resources, including human lives, are dedicated to achieving complete victory, as opposed to a more limited conflict with specific objectives.
Which Total War game is best for beginners?
Rome 2 Total War is considered an excellent starting point for new players. It has a good tutorial system and a engaging campaign mode, making it accessible for newcomers.
What is the next Total War game coming to iOS and Android?
Creative Assembly has announced that Total War: Medieval II will be the next game to come to both iOS and Android platforms.
What time frames are covered by historical Total War titles?
Historical Total War titles span various time periods, including Ancient Rome (Rome: Total War), the medieval era (Medieval II), the 18th century (Empire: Total War), and now the Bronze Age (Total War: Pharaoh).
Is there a game better than Total War?
Some players may argue that Iron Harvest is a comparable alternative to the Total War franchise, offering its own unique blend of real-time strategy and grand campaign elements.
Will there ever be a sequel to Total War: Troy?
There has not been an official announcement of a sequel to Total War: Troy, and there is currently no indication that one is in development.
In conclusion, while Total War: Pharaoh is the next immediate title to look forward to, the future of the Total War franchise is filled with possibilities. Continued support for the Warhammer series, the potential for more historical titles, and the potential for innovation ensure that fans of the franchise will have plenty to look forward to in the coming years.