For over two decades, the Total War franchise has stood as one of the most respected and enduring strategy game series in gaming history. With more than 14 core releases across wildly different historical and fantasy settings, deciding where to begin — or what to play next — can be overwhelming. That's exactly why we've put together this definitive total war games ranked guide, covering every major entry from the very best to the most disappointing.

Whether you're a seasoned general or a first-time recruit, this list will help you march confidently into your next campaign.

A Legacy Built Over Two Decades

The Total War franchise launched in 2000 with Shogun: Total War and has never looked back. Developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA, the series blends turn-based strategic map management with real-time tactical battles — a combination that remains deeply satisfying even today.

Each new release pushes the formula in a fresh direction, whether through a new historical era, a fantasy setting, or mechanical innovations. With games spanning ancient Rome, feudal Japan, Napoleonic Europe, and even the Warhammer universe, the total war games ranked conversation is always lively and passionately debated among the community.

Total War Games Ranked: The Top Tier

1. Rome: Total War (2004)

Widely considered the greatest entry in the entire franchise, Rome: Total War set a benchmark that the series still chases today. Its rich political system, diverse unit roster, and sprawling campaign across the ancient Mediterranean world made it an instant classic. It earned the title of 100 Best New Strategy Game (Electronic) and remains a must-play for any strategy fan. In any total war games ranked discussion, Rome sits firmly at the top.

2. Empire: Total War (2009)

Despite a notoriously buggy launch, Empire: Total War matured into one of the franchise's finest achievements. Its introduction of naval warfare, a vast global map, and diverse artillery and cavalry units gave players unprecedented strategic depth. It won the BAFTA Award for Best Strategy Game — a testament to its eventual excellence.

3. Shogun II: Total War (2011)

Perhaps the most polished and focused game in the series, Shogun II delivers a beautifully tight campaign set in feudal Japan. Its faction balancing, AI behaviour, and multiplayer experience earned it the BAFTA Games Award for Strategy and a permanent place near the top of every total war games ranked list.

Total War Games Ranked: The Mid Tier

4. Medieval: Total War (2002)

Building heavily on Shogun's foundation, Medieval expanded the formula with improved AI systems and a richer European setting. It won Best Single-Player Strategy Game on PC and introduced many players to the franchise for the first time.

5. Medieval II: Total War (2006)

The first full sequel in franchise history, Medieval II is beloved particularly by the modding community. Its cheat codes, expansive campaign, and moddability earned it Best Strategy and Simulation Game honours and a devoted following that persists to this day.

6. Warhammer II: Total War (2017)

Stepping into fantasy territory, Warhammer II is arguably the most diverse game in the entire series. With multiple unique races, mechanics, and the beloved Mortal Empires combined campaign, it continues to be one of the most-played Total War titles and claimed the BAFTA Games Award for British Game.

7. Three Kingdoms: Total War (2019)

Set in ancient China with a dramatic cast of legendary heroes, Three Kingdoms brought fresh diplomacy and character-driven mechanics to the table. It won Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year and remains compelling despite sitting in the middle of most total war games ranked discussions.

Total War Games Ranked: The Lower Tier

8. Napoleon: Total War (2010)

A focused spin-off from Empire, Napoleon refined the formula but narrowed the scope significantly. While historically interesting, it lacks the ambition of its peers and sits in the lower half of total war games ranked assessments.

9. Attila: Total War (2015)

Set during the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Attila had enormous potential but delivered a punishing, often frustrating experience that alienated casual players. Despite this, hardcore fans appreciate its uncompromising difficulty.

10. Rome II: Total War (2013)

One of the most controversial launches in the series, Rome II arrived broken. Years of patches improved it significantly, but the first impression damage was done, placing it near the bottom of total war games ranked lists despite its eventual quality.

11. Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia (2018)

The debut of the Saga sub-series failed to excite. Set in 878 AD Britain, it lacked the depth and replayability that makes Total War special.

12. Total War Saga: Troy (2020)

Troy's Bronze Age setting is genuinely fascinating, but interface problems and shallow mechanics drag it to the bottom. Still, its unique mythological flavour gives it charm that newer players may enjoy.

Final Verdict

Every entry in this total war games ranked guide brings something unique to the table. From the timeless brilliance of Rome and Shogun II to the ambitious but flawed Troy and Rome II, the franchise as a whole represents the pinnacle of PC strategy gaming. Start at the top, work your way down, and you'll have hundreds of hours of rewarding strategic