When we think of military campaigns, there’s arguably none more famous than the Siege of Troy. After countless Total War games spanning medieval, Roman, Napoleonic, and Sengoku eras, it’s time to go back – way back. Back to the age of myth, bronze, and heroes. Welcome to ancient Troy.
Total War Saga: Troy dives into one of the most legendary conflicts in history, and while it’s part of the more bite-sized Saga series, don’t let that fool you – there’s still a huge amount of strategic meat on the bone. Veterans of the franchise will find plenty to enjoy, and newcomers will be drawn into its mythological storytelling, faction variety, and immersive campaign gameplay.
With distinct playable leaders, mythical beasts, divine influence, and a map teeming with opportunity (and betrayal), Troy is a Hellenic commander’s dream. And if you’re wondering who to lead into battle, here’s the full rundown of factions waiting to be commanded.
Playable Factions at Launch
At release, Total War Saga: Troy gave players access to eight unique factions. Each one is based on iconic figures from Greek myth and legend, and they each come with their own playstyle, strengths, and campaign goals:
- Dardania – Led by Aeneas, favours divine will and replenishment.
- Ithaca – Led by Odysseus, focused on cunning, ambushes, and mobility.
- Lycia – Sarpedon’s faction, strong on trade and naval power.
- Mycenae – Led by Agamemnon, with strong influence and vassal mechanics.
- Phthia – Achilles’ faction, driven by rage and glory-seeking.
- Sparta – Led by Menelaus, focused on holding territory and retaliation.
- Hector’s Trojans – Defensive and honour-bound.
- Paris’ Trojans – A faction favouring diplomacy and romantic ambition (yes, really).
Each of these leaders brings a different lens to the story of Troy and offers unique campaign mechanics that change how you approach war, diplomacy, and divine favour.
Amazon DLC Factions
Shortly after launch, the Amazons DLC added two more factions:
- Hippolyta’s Amazons – Emphasise diplomacy, territory expansion, and female unit recruitment.
- Penthesilea’s Amazons – A nomadic horde-style faction built around fast-moving raids and mercenaries.
These legendary warrior queens bring fresh, high-mobility tactics to the battlefield and provide a great contrast to the more grounded Greek factions.
Non-Playable Factions
Even if you’re limited to the ten playable factions (with DLC), the campaign map is far from quiet. You’ll interact with a variety of other non-playable groups that represent regions and powers from across the Bronze Age Aegean world. These include:
- Phrygians
- Thracians
- Thessalians
- Ionian city-states
- Rhodes
- …and more.
Some factions, like the Amazons, may appear as NPCs if you don’t own the relevant DLC. They all have their own agendas, allies, and resources—so expect diplomacy to be just as dangerous as open warfare.
Total War Saga: Troy launched on August 13th, 2020, and later arrived on Steam on September 2nd, 2021, bringing even more players into the fold. Whether you’re a Homeric scholar, a Virgil fan, or just someone who loves watching phalanxes clash in glorious real-time battles, Troy has something for you.
So, who will you lead? Will you stand with the proud sons of Troy, or bring glory to the Achaeans with your thousand ships? Either way, the fate of the ancient world is in your hands.
