The year is 878 AD, the embattled English king Alfred the Great has mounted a heroic defence at the battle of Edington, and blunted the Viking invasion. Chastened – but not yet broken – the Norse warlords have settled across Britain. For the first time in nearly 80 years, the land is in a fragile state of peace.
Throughout this sceptred isle, the kings of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales sense a time of change approaching; a time of opportunity. There will be treaties. There will be war. There will be turns of fortune that become the stuff of legend, in a saga that charts the ascent of one of history’s greatest nations.
Kings will rise. One will rule.
Thrones of Britannia is a standalone Total War game which will challenge you to re-write a critical moment in history, one that will come to define the future of modern Britain. With ten playable factions, you must build and defend a kingdom to the glory of Anglo-Saxons, Gaelic clans, Welsh tribes or Viking settlers. Forge alliances, manage burgeoning settlements, raise armies and embark on campaigns of conquest across the most detailed Total War map to date.
The Grand Campaign offers multiple routes to a glorious Victory; aggressively expand your territory through force of arms, acquire renown through construction, advanced technology and influence, or complete a series of unique objectives based on your chosen faction’s history. Once completed, steady yourself for a significant late-game challenge and the final, Ultimate victory condition.
From the snowy highlands of Scotland to the orchards and meadows of Kent, push back the fog-of-war and unveil the extent of Anglo-Saxon Britain. Varied towns, cities and rural settings inspire a host of different battlefield environments. Experiment with the strategic opportunities afforded by newly capturable minor settlements. Throttle your enemies’ trade routes and coax them out of strong, defensible positions.
Each faction will face a series of unique events and branching dilemmas, often based on authentic historical events and issues of the time. Embark on Viking expeditions, manage the Anglo-Saxon peasant economy, each faction feels and plays differently. Carve out unique roles for your King and Nobles, customise their impact by making meaningful choices about their development and determine how their story will unfold.
Includes many updates to core Total War mechanics - such as provinces, politics, technologies, recruitment, dilemmas and much more - designed to make your experience more immersive and more meaningful.
Thrones of Britannia will include ten playable factions, from five cultures, with a summary below.
Faction Leader: King Alfred
As the dominant Anglo-Saxon kingdom of southern England, West Seaxe (Wessex) provided the primary resistance against the incursions of the Great Heathen Army. From Winchester, they expanded into Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Essex and even Mercia. Alfred’s defense laid the foundation to unite England in 927 AD.
Faction Leader: Ceowulf
From Tamworth, Mierce (Mercia) ruled much of the Midlands. In 877 AD, the eastern kingdom was seized by the Great Heathen Army and became East Engle of the Danelaw.
Faction Leader: King Flann Sinna
Mide lies at the heart of Ireland, both geographically and politically. Flann Sinna seeks to unite Ireland and resist Viking threats from Dyflin. Whether through peace or war, Mide must decide its path.
Faction Leader: Áed mac Cináeda
Originating as Pictish, Circenn became more Gaelic over time. Though Viking invasions waned by 878 AD, threats persisted. Recovering the legendary Stone of Destiny may be key to restoring Circenn’s strength.
Faction Leader: King Anaraut
The people of Gwined, once led by Rhodri Mawr, held back Viking and Saxon invaders. Now divided, the kingdom faces the challenge of reuniting its lands under new leadership.
Faction Leader: Run
Strat Clut, an old Celtic kingdom, relocated to the River Clyde after being driven from Alt Clut in 870. Under King Run, they aim to reclaim lost power and prestige.
Faction Leader: Guthfrid
After capturing York in 867 AD and performing the infamous Blood Eagle on King Aelle, the Vikings held Northumbria. Post-Edington, they returned to settle, but still burn with ambition.
Faction Leader: Guthrum
After Edington and his conversion, Guthrum was allowed to rule East Anglia, forming the Danelaw. Yet, Viking fire still burns in his warriors’ hearts.
Faction Leader: Bardr
Dyflin, a key port and slave market on Ireland’s east coast, was ruled by Bardr, son of Imar. As Viking customs mingled with Gaelic culture, Bardr must choose between peace or conquest.
Faction Leader: Eirik
Sudreyar, the Southern Isles, were settled by Norsemen fleeing Harald Fairhair. Though materially poor, the islands offer strategic bases for raids and sea dominance.