A Total War Saga: TROY - Rhesus & Memnon is a strategy and simulation title set during the Trojan War. Players command armies in turn-based campaigns on the strategic map and resolve conflicts through real-time tactical battles. The pack introduces two new playable factions led by Epic Heroes Rhesus of Thrace and Memnon of Aethiopia, expanding the roster with fresh units and mechanics focused on distinct cultural forces.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on managing resources, expanding territory, and building armies before engaging in battles where positioning and unit composition determine outcomes. Rhesus brings Thracian highlanders and forest ambushers who excel in terrain-based tactics, supported by devastating chariots that deliver rapid strikes. Memnon fields Egyptian warriors alongside forces drawn from Aethiopia, Canaan, and Susa, emphasizing combined arms approaches with heavy infantry and mobile elements.
Both heroes feature thematic mechanics that shape army management and campaign decisions. Memnon can assign camp followers to trigger effects such as inducing fatigue in enemy units or disabling defensive towers during engagements. Rhesus focuses on safeguarding ancient traditions to strengthen kingdom influence and unit performance. Players recruit from entirely new rosters that include specialized infantry, ranged options, and support elements tailored to each faction's strengths.
Reinforcements arrive through systems that allow summoning larger host armies or drawing additional troops from distant regions. These additions integrate with the existing resource economy and building options, creating varied paths for territorial control and alliance management on the campaign map.
Game Modes
Campaign mode serves as the primary experience, where players guide their chosen Epic Hero through the broader conflict, balancing diplomacy, expansion, and military objectives across multiple turns. Faction-specific mechanics influence recruitment pacing and strategic priorities, leading to distinct playthroughs for Rhesus and Memnon.
Custom battles provide a direct way to test army compositions and tactics without campaign context. Players select from the expanded unit lists, set force limits, and fight on chosen maps to experiment with the new rosters in isolation. No additional modes beyond these core options appear in the pack.
Factions and Mechanics
Thrace under Rhesus emphasizes highland warriors and ambush specialists who leverage terrain advantages and chariot mobility. Aethiopia under Memnon incorporates Egyptian-style units and broader regional reinforcements, with mechanics centered on camp followers that alter battlefield conditions. Both factions include culture-specific buildings that support unique recruitment and governance features.
Unit variety spans infantry formations, mobile chariots, and support elements, totaling 49 new additions across the two rosters. These integrate into the simulation layer through adjusted recruitment costs and availability tied to faction progress.
Is It Worth Playing?
The pack delivers a focused expansion that adds two complete factions with dedicated mechanics and units. It appeals to players seeking variety in campaign pacing and recruitment systems within the established Total War framework. Reception for the base game shows mixed recent player feedback, with some noting the DLC's smaller scope as a strength for targeted additions rather than broad overhauls. The content remains available as a standalone purchase on PC, and ongoing support through related updates keeps the overall experience active for those interested in the Trojan War setting and its strategic layers.
