When it comes to military strategy games, the Total War franchise has had its own niche for a while. While most of the games cover a specific period of history, A Total War Saga: Troy seeks to cover a specific moment in history. More myth than full history, the siege of Troy is the focus of this game, almost as fleeting as its time for free in the Epic Games store.
Centered around the siege of the city-state Troy as described in the Illiad, Total War Saga: Troy has players command one of several factions. There are, surprisingly, more than two sides, and each faction has its own agenda for the Trojan conflict. There are many mechanics unique to Troy to cover, even for people who have played other Total War titles. Here's a quick beginner's guide to help new players get started.
The Total War Experience
The first thing to expect from Total War Saga: Troy is, unsurprisingly, a Total War game. The basics of Total War are still present here, including choosing a faction and leading them to battle. Different cities must be captured, and improvements and buildings can then be built there to improve the territory that city covers. Armies march or sail across the map under leaders, called "heroes" this time around. Different troops are more effective in different roles, and players will have to master the troops each faction brings to the table. It's Total War, no doubt about it.
Sieging Troy
Another important part of the game was shown off in Total War Troy's recent gameplay trailer: the actual siege of Troy. Sieges in Total War games involve building siege engines and either destroying gates or scaling walls to storm defended positions. They typically involve special units sabotaging those positions beforehand as well, but not with the city of Troy. Too tough for regular sabotage and constantly replenishing reserve troops, it must be besieged manually in a long, brutal series of battles. Or players could call on Poseidon's Wrath to assault its walls.
The Favor of the Gods
The gods and goddesses are vital to the action of the Illiad, and they are vital to Total War Saga: Troy as well. The cults of the various gods can be shown favor and enhanced through various actions. This improves a player's standing with the deity in question, provided its tenets are followed. This allows special actions and passive bonuses to be unlocked, and at the highest levels, mythical creatures can be recruited. Much like anyone who grabbed Total War Saga: Troy for free from Epic, these mechanics are best utilized as quickly as possible for an early lead.
Heroes and Leveling Up
Heroes of Total War Saga: Troy level up, just like previous lords/commanders from other Total War games. As they do, they choose power ups to invest points in. The difference here is that once a certain option is chosen, its counterpart cannot be chosen. Heroes who participate in battle build up rage as they fight, which can be used to unleash special abilities. The strongest of these is called an Aresteia, and each hero has a different one.
Resources and Diplomacy
Each faction will have to choose a side in the conflict between the Danaans (Greeks) and Trojans, or abstain from doing so when the Danaan hosts gather. On top of that, depending on actions taken, a certain faction will become the player's antagonist, which means no peaceful diplomacy with them. Which side the Amazons from the upcoming DLC will land is not yet known, but they will likely side with the Danaans. Finally, players will have to manage resources carefully, as there are many more than in traditional Total War games.
A Total War Saga: Troy is available now for PC.
Source: PC Invasion