Research-backed game lineage

Total War

Total War is included in the Series Atlas after independent recognition and an authoritative game-by-game roster audit. Editions, simple ports, DLC, bundles, canceled projects, and cameo-only appearances are excluded.

4 curated games 2009–2023 release span 0 connected branches
Empire: Total War coverNapoleon: Total War coverTotal War: Three Kingdoms coverTotal War: Pharaoh cover

Release chronology

The complete path.

Ordered by researched series position, then original release date. Ports, DLC, and duplicate editions are intentionally excluded.

4 games in this lineage

01 Empire: Total War cover
Mainline2009

Empire: Total War

Empire: Total War introduces a host of revolutionary new features, including true 3D naval combat. For the first time in the Total War series, you will be able to intuitively command single ships or vast fleets upon seascapes rich with extraordinary water and weather effects that play a huge role in your eventual glorious success or ignominious defeat. After pummelling your enemy with cannon fire, close in to grapple their ship and prepare to board, taking control of your men as they fight hand-to-hand on the decks of these wooden behemoths. In addition, Empire: Total War will see further enhancements to the Total War series’ signature 3D battles and turn-based campaign map. Real-time battles will pose new challenges with the addition of cannon and musket, challenging players to master new formations and tactics as a result of the increasing role of gunpowder within warfare. And the Campaign Map for many, the heart of Total War introduces a variety of new and upgraded elements, including new systems for Trade, Diplomacy and Espionage with agents; a refined and streamlined UI; improved Advisors; and a vastly extended scope, taking in the riches of India, the turbulence of Europe and, for the first time, the untapped potential of the United States of America.

Mar 3, 200984/100
02 Napoleon: Total War cover
Mainline2010

Napoleon: Total War

Napoleon: Total War is the new chapter in the critically acclaimed Total War series and opens up a new narrative layer to the genre-defining franchise. From the early Italian campaign to the battle of Waterloo, Napoleon covers two decades of relentless battles, a backdrop of a world in flames against which the story of an extraordinary military career unfolds. Whether you play as the legendary general or against him, the outcome of war can never be guaranteed. The course of history relies on your ability to lead your troops through the most intense battles as never seen before in a Total War game.

Feb 23, 201081/100
03 Total War: Three Kingdoms cover
Mainline2019

Total War: Three Kingdoms

Total War: Three Kingdoms is the first in the series to recreate epic conflict across ancient China. Combining a gripping turn-based campaign of empire-building & conquest with stunning real-time battles, Three Kingdoms redefines the series in an age of heroes & legends.

May 23, 201981/100
04 Total War: Pharaoh cover
Mainline2023

Total War: Pharaoh

Total War: Pharaoh features a choice of eight faction leaders from three rich cultural hubs, with unique playstyles and diverse unit rosters. Whether you’re charming the courts as a peerless diplomat, charging into battle as an unwavering commander or causing chaos as a fearless warlord, become a leader that history will remember.

Oct 11, 202359/100

Sources and method

Built from the public record.

Membership is researched from external official and independent sources. Mainline games, direct spin-offs, remakes, remasters, and standalone expansions are included; DLC, simple ports, duplicate editions, compilation-only duplicates, rumors, cancellations, and cameo-only crossovers are excluded.

  1. database Total War collection — IGDB

    IGDB maintains a distinct collection record for Total War and supplies the authoritative roster used for membership verification.

  2. reference List of video game franchises

    The independent catalog recognizes Total War as a multi-game franchise and supports its inclusion in this major-series research sweep.