Total War: Pharaoh explores a tumultuous slice of Egyptian history marked by the crumbling of an empire, societal instability, and invasions. It’s within this context that we take on the mantle of one of its playable leaders, trying our best to take our chosen faction to victory.
Total War: Pharaoh’s faction list gives us a choice between eight potential picks at launch, each lead by a different historical figure. These leaders have different approaches to securing their place on the throne and, below, we’ll go into what we know so far about each of them.
Total War: Pharaoh Factions List
Total War: Pharaoh’s factions belong to one of three cultures. Broadly speaking, Egyptians field lightly armored armies, relying on hit-and-run tactics and chariot use to get the upper hand.
Hittites boast well-armored units and prefer a more direct approach based on sheer force. Lastly, the adaptable Canaanites use their status as underdogs to be flexible in battle.
Here are the faction leaders confirmed to be playable when Total War: Pharaoh launches, as detailed by the developer.
Ramesses (Egyptian)
Historically the last great monarch of Egypt’s New Kingdom, he leads with speed and intuition, believing that it is his destiny to lead Egypt through a crisis that might threaten its existence.
Ramesses starts in Sinai, on the border with Canaan. An exceptional warrior, his unit roster is elite and adaptable, relying on strong medium infantry, archers, and charging chariots. This, however, makes losses hurt him more than other factions.
He has access to two court actions per turn alongside unique buildings that improve happiness and influence while increasing the recruitment rank of units and reducing costs.
Seti (Egyptian)
Direct appointed successor to Pharaoh Merneptah, his impatience and ferocity sees him paying no mind to diplomatic solutions, preferring to solve disagreements on the battlefield.
Seti starts in Hardai, his unit roster revolving around high numbers of cheaper, weaker units that can be treated as expendable. Higher numbers should, however, not encourage recklessness, as he can still run low on men to recruit.
He begins campaigns on good terms with Tausrett. His unique buildings increase unit morale and recruitment slots while decreasing costs, while also increasing resource production at the cost of happiness and workforce growth.
Tausrett (Egyptian)
Brilliant political figure who spent her life battling prejudice. Strong and resilient in all matters, she is ready to aim for the throne, should Seti prove unfit. Capable in diplomacy, finances, and war, her faction can quickly become the dominant economic force in the region if left to its own devices.
Tausrett begins her campaign in the deserts of Yebu in Upper Egypt. Her unit roster paints hers as the best chariot faction that can also achieve the strongest army composition over time.
She’s initially friendlier towards Setti, with her unique structures improving resource production.
Amenmesse (Egyptian)
Headstrong member of the royal court, yet bitter for being passed in the line of succession. Willing to ally with foreigners, provided it gives him an edge over rivals.
Amenmesse is the Viceroy of Kush, starting in the south. His unit roster shines thanks to its exceptionally strong archers that can eliminate enemies before they can close the distance. This, however, comes at the cost of his units being expensive.
He begins already having a standing in the Egyptian courts. His unique structures improve workforce growth, resource production, and diplomatic relations with non-Egyptian factions while sacrificing influence.
Irsu (Canaanite)
Leads a destructive faction that does not value unity and harmony, preferring to raid, plunder, and pillage everything as he attempts to bring ruin to Egypt.
Irsu’s unit roster is made up of tough, heavy units wearing strong armor. In addition, he is also capable of quickly recruiting new soldiers.
Bay (Canaanite)
Described as a supreme survivor and master manipulator, Bay is willing to appears weak and friendly if it helps deceive his opponents. He’s well aware that, like conquest, relationships can be used to further his goals.
Bay’s unit roster boasts strong ambushers and has access to both the Vanguard Deployment and Stalk and Sneak abilities. His face-to-face units and chariots are inferior, but he makes up for this shortfall through his ability to take units from others.
Suppiluliuma (Hittite)
The last Great King of the Hittites, he faces attacks on multiple fronts while having to juggle limited resources. His honorable nature, noble connections, and reputation as a great warrior let him forge alliances with local kingdoms. His goal is to ensure its survival and keep Kurunta from ascending to the throne.
Suppiluliuma’s unit roster relies on numerous medium and heavy units, powerful chariots, and strong defensive capabilities. His ranged options are, however, weak.
Kurunta (Hittite)
Kurunta is a power-hungry successionist with psychopathic tendencies, which probably doesn’t make him the friendliest faction leader in Total War: Pharaoh. He also believes himself to be the avatar of a god and looks to exploit every possible advantage to bring Anatolia under his complete control.
Kurunta’s unit roster focuses on mercenaries and heavily armored units, favoring frontal assaults. He does not have access to ranged units.
That is what we know so far about Total War: Pharaoh’s factions list and the leaders playable at launch.
After you decide which one you’ll play as during your first campaign, check out our impressions of the game in our preview, alongside whether or not crossplay is also planned for release.
Keep updated on the latest PC Gaming news by following GameWatcher on Twitter, checking out our videos on YouTube, and giving us a like on Facebook. We may also include links to affiliate stores, which gives us a small commission if you purchase anything via them. Thank you.
