Unit progression for the main clans is a multi-branch tree so it is hard to describe a linear path but there are some common aspects to recruitment. Socially, the period also saw involvement by European powers, especially the Portuguese and the rise of a fanatical religious sect Ikko Ikki that sought to redefine the social order. There are three primary societal classes that participated in the wars: the Ashigaru who were the paid regulars (not militia or peasant levy), the Samurai who were the military elite of the clans (analogous to European knights) and the elite Sohei warrior monks who supported various sides in this conflict. The narrative for the player is to command one of these Daimyos, build support, take control of the Imperial seat of Kyoto and claim the title of Shogun. This power vacuum led to the rise of powerful Daimyo (warlords) fighting for control over puppet governments. It is set during the Sengoku Jidai, or Warring States, period which started in 1467 with a war which saw the collapse of the Ashikaga Shogunate, the feudal military government of Japan. The main campaign starts in 1545 and runs to 1575/1580 or 1600 depending on campaign length. Campaign length plays a part as there are some technology choices that will not pay off in the shorter campaigns. Captured buildings are usable even without the research to build them so it is a plausible strategy to focus on your strengths and leverage these for diversity. However, most units are unlocked by research, buildings and resources and it takes a long time to unlock all which forces the player will have to make a choice as to where they want to focus their research and the units this gives them access to. bow troops) as well as a small number of faction specific units (e.g. There is army diversity however and it manifests in two ways:įaction speciality consists of bonuses to common units to steer army composition in particular directions (e.g. This applies to all of the campaigns however this guide will focus on the Sengoku Jidai (original) and Gempei War (Rise of the Samurai) campaigns.

This is because the game represents what was a civil war between Japanese clans. Unlike other Total War games, Shogun 2’s factions have a lot in common (barring some exceptions) when it comes to military progression.

Shogun 2 total war art