Thrones Of Britannia: Your Ultimate Beginner's Guide

Hey everyone! So, you're diving into Total War: Thrones of Britannia? Awesome! This game is a blast, but it can also be a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you're new to the Total War series. Don't worry, though; this beginner's guide is here to help you get started and have a great time conquering (or defending!) the British Isles. We'll cover everything from choosing your faction to managing your provinces and armies. Let's get started, shall we?

Choosing Your Faction: Who to Play?

One of the coolest things about Thrones of Britannia is the variety of factions you can play. Each faction has its own unique strengths, weaknesses, and starting position, which really changes the gameplay experience. When you're just starting, it can be tough to know which faction to pick. Here are a few suggestions for beginner-friendly factions and some general tips to consider:

• West Seaxe (Saxon): The West Saxons, led by the legendary King Alfred the Great, are a solid choice for beginners. They're located in the south of England, have a strong economy, and are positioned well to defend against Viking incursions. Their starting units are pretty good, and they have a focus on solid infantry and defensive tactics. Playing as West Seaxe gives you a chance to learn the ropes of diplomacy, building up your economy, and, of course, battling. They're also in a relatively secure starting position, which gives you time to learn the game mechanics without getting instantly crushed.

• Mide (Gaelic): If you're looking for a slightly different experience, Mide is a Gaelic faction in Ireland. They have a focus on raiding, which allows you to harass your neighbors and bring in some quick income. Ireland is also relatively isolated, which means you have fewer enemies to worry about at the start. Mide's starting position lets you develop your kingdom without immediately facing a huge threat. Their faction traits and unique units are quite interesting, making them a great choice for a slightly different play style. Their economy relies more on raiding and trade, so it offers a great introduction to those mechanics.

• Gwined (Welsh): Situated in Wales, Gwined offers a compelling mix of defensive and offensive options. They have access to strong Welsh longbowmen, which can devastate enemies from range. Their starting position is more challenging, forcing you to think strategically about defending your territory and expanding your influence. The Welsh factions generally have a strong emphasis on culture and tradition, with unique building chains and units that represent their heritage. Playing as Gwined, you'll learn the importance of terrain, strategic positioning, and building alliances.

• Consider Faction Traits and Special Abilities: Before you pick a faction, read through their faction traits and special abilities. These can significantly impact your gameplay. For example, some factions have bonuses to diplomacy, trade, or combat. Others have unique units or building chains. Understanding these traits will help you choose a faction that matches your play style. Do you prefer to build a strong economy, conquer through warfare, or focus on diplomacy? The right faction choice can set you up for a much better start.

• Check the Campaign Overview: The campaign overview screen provides important information about each faction's starting position, key objectives, and potential allies and enemies. Take a moment to read this before you make your decision. It'll give you a sense of what to expect during your campaign and what challenges you might face.

So, there you have it, guys. Take your time, read through the faction descriptions, and choose the one that seems most interesting to you. Don't be afraid to try a few different factions; each one offers a unique experience. Once you understand the basics of the game, you can really start to experience the full strategy and depth that Thrones of Britannia has to offer. Remember to always look at the faction traits before you start. Let's get into the next section.

Understanding the Campaign Map and Interface

Okay, now that you've chosen your faction, let's break down the campaign map and the interface. This is where you'll spend most of your time, so it's essential to understand how everything works. The campaign map is a representation of the British Isles in 878 AD, divided into provinces, each with its own settlements and resources. The interface is packed with information, but don't worry, we'll go through the key elements.

• Provinces and Settlements: The map is divided into provinces. Each province contains one or more settlements. Settlements can be cities or villages, and they are the heart of your economy and military strength. Cities are more developed than villages, with more building slots and higher income potential. Villages offer fewer building options but can be used to specialize your province. Each settlement has building slots where you can construct structures. These buildings provide income, recruit units, and improve your province. Controlling provinces and developing your settlements is key to growing your power.

• Resources: Provinces have various resource deposits, such as farms, mines, and forests. These resources provide income and bonuses to your settlements. Pay attention to the resources available in each province when deciding where to build. For example, building a farm in a province with rich farmland will provide more income than building it in a province with poor soil. Keep an eye on the resources as you expand and manage your territory.

• Armies and Agents: Your armies are represented by units on the campaign map. You move them around to conquer provinces, defend your territory, and engage in battles. The number of units in an army can vary, and each unit has its own stats and abilities. Agents are characters like spies, priests, and champions who can perform actions on the campaign map, such as sabotaging enemy settlements or spreading your religion. Agents are important for destabilizing your enemies and gaining an edge.

• Interface Elements: The interface is your control panel. Here are some of the most important elements you'll need to know:

  • The Campaign Map: Displays the British Isles, provinces, settlements, armies, and agents. You can zoom in and out to view the map in detail and see what's happening in different areas.
  • The Faction Panel: This panel provides information about your faction, including your income, public order, and diplomatic relations. This is where you'll see your faction's overall status.
  • Province Panel: When you click on a province, you'll see the province panel. This shows the settlements, resources, buildings, and public order in that province. Manage your buildings, taxes, and garrison units in the province panel.
  • Unit Cards: Unit cards provide information about individual units, including their stats, abilities, and experience. Understanding unit cards helps you know their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Messages and Notifications: The interface will alert you of important events, such as battles, diplomatic offers, and economic developments. Keep an eye on these messages to stay informed.

• Movement and Control: Moving your armies is simple: just click on an army and then click on where you want it to go. Each turn, your armies can move a certain distance, depending on their movement points. You can also build roads and ports to improve your armies' movement range. Right-clicking on a settlement gives you options to manage buildings, recruit units, and view province information. Playing with the interface and map gives you a better grasp of the control.

Getting comfortable with the campaign map and interface takes time, but don't worry – you'll get the hang of it quickly. Take some time to explore the different elements and learn where everything is. The more familiar you are with the map and interface, the more effectively you can manage your faction and lead your armies to victory. Now, let's learn about building and economy.

Building and Managing Your Economy: Money Makes the World Go Round

Alright, let's talk about the backbone of your empire: the economy. In Thrones of Britannia, a strong economy is crucial for funding your armies, constructing buildings, and maintaining public order. Here's a guide to getting your finances in order.

• Income Sources: There are several ways to generate income in Thrones of Britannia:

  • Taxation: The primary source of income is taxation. You can adjust tax rates in each province. Higher taxes increase income but can decrease public order. Finding the right balance is key. If you set your taxes too high, you'll face rebellions. Too low, and you won't be able to fund your war effort.
  • Trade: Trading with other factions provides a significant income boost. Build trade ports in your settlements and establish trade agreements with other factions. Focus on the factions that are stable and offer good trading possibilities. Protect your trade routes, since they are easy targets for raiding armies.
  • Industry: Constructing industrial buildings, such as mines and workshops, generates income and provides resources. Make sure to build the right industries in the provinces that support them to maximize their effectiveness. Improving your industries is a sure way to improve your income.
  • Farming: Farming provides income and food. Make sure to manage food properly, so your population doesn't starve. Constructing farms in fertile provinces increases income and helps you manage your food supply.
  • Raiding and Plundering: Some factions, like the Vikings, can raid and plunder settlements for quick income. While this can provide a short-term boost, it can also anger other factions and lead to war. Raiding can be effective but be careful.

• Building Your Economy: When it comes to building, choose buildings that support your faction's strengths and objectives. Each building can boost the income and happiness of your settlement. Focus on building an infrastructure that can provide resources for your armies and happiness. Here are some building types and what they do:

  • Income Buildings: These buildings generate income through taxes, trade, and industry. Build a steady stream of income buildings to strengthen your economy.
  • Military Buildings: Recruit new units. Military buildings help build your army, train your troops, and give them experience. Keep military buildings in strategic positions.
  • Infrastructure Buildings: Infrastructure improves the quality of life and makes your settlements attractive. Infrastructure includes roads, ports, and cultural buildings. Good infrastructure also improves your army's movement range and trade capabilities.

• Public Order: Keeping your provinces happy is crucial for stability. Unhappy provinces can lead to rebellions, so watch public order closely. Here's how to manage public order:

  • Lower Taxes: Reduce tax rates to increase public order.
  • Garrisons: Place garrison units in your settlements to deter rebellions. Having a defensive garrison is a great way to discourage rebellion.
  • Happiness Buildings: Build buildings that increase public order. Public order buildings reduce unrest. Examples are religious buildings and entertainment buildings.
  • Culture: If you control provinces with different cultures, you might face public order penalties. Ensure that your army is strong enough to maintain order.

• Managing Your Finances: Keep a close eye on your finances. Make sure your income exceeds your expenses. Here are some tips:

  • Prioritize Investments: Invest in buildings that generate income or improve public order. Keep up with your finances; this can prevent your downfall.
  • Control Your Expenses: Manage your army size and the cost of your buildings. Too many units or expensive buildings can hurt your economy.
  • Be Prepared for War: War is expensive. Build up a reserve of funds before starting a war. Plan your finances.

Mastering the economy is essential for success in Thrones of Britannia. Build your economy wisely, manage your provinces efficiently, and you'll have the resources to build a powerful empire. Next up, we'll talk about war.

Warfare and Armies: Leading Your Troops to Victory

Alright, let's get into the fun part: warfare! In Thrones of Britannia, leading your armies to victory requires a good understanding of unit types, battlefield tactics, and army management. Here's your guide to becoming a skilled commander.

• Army Composition: The composition of your army will determine your success in battle. The best composition of the army is dependent on what factions you fight. Consider the following when building your army:

  • Infantry: The backbone of your army. They hold the line and absorb damage. Different infantry units have different roles, like heavy infantry and skirmishers.
  • Cavalry: Used for flanking, harassing, and breaking enemy formations. Use them on the flanks to cause a lot of damage.
  • Missile Units: Archers and other ranged units provide supporting fire and deal damage from a distance. Consider their range and the protection they have.
  • Siege Weapons: Siege weapons can be used to tear down fortifications. Siege weapons are very important in sieges, but it's important to protect them.
  • Army Size: The size of your army is dependent on your economy and resources. A larger army is generally better, but it's important to balance quantity and quality. The best quality army with bad tactics can be crushed by a slightly inferior army with good tactics.

• Unit Types: Each faction has its own unique units, each with strengths and weaknesses. It's important to understand the different unit types and their roles. Here are some of the main unit types:

  • Spearman: Excellent at holding the line and countering cavalry charges. They're good at holding their position. Use them in front.
  • Swordsmen: Designed for close combat and inflicting damage. Use them to break enemy lines.
  • Archers: Ranged units that can deal significant damage from a distance. Use them for ranged support.
  • Cavalry: Mobile units used for flanking, pursuing, and routing enemy units. Use them for harassing your enemy's flanks.
  • Siege Units: Used to breach enemy fortifications. Siege units, such as ballistae and catapults, are important for any siege.

• Battlefield Tactics: Successful commanders use effective battlefield tactics to maximize their army's strengths and exploit their enemies' weaknesses. Here are some basic tactics:

  • Formations: Use formations to protect your units and maximize their effectiveness. The best formations are dependent on the situation.
  • Flanking: Use cavalry or fast-moving units to attack the enemy's flanks. Flanking breaks enemy lines and causes them to rout.
  • Combined Arms: Combine different unit types to create a balanced army. A combination of infantry, cavalry, and archers is often effective.
  • Terrain: Use terrain to your advantage. Forests and hills can provide cover and defensive advantages. Taking into account the terrain is critical for victory.

• Sieges: Sieges are a unique aspect of Thrones of Britannia. You have to make the siege long and try to weaken the enemy.

  • Siege Assault: Launch an immediate attack on the walls or gates. This can be quick but risky.
  • Siege: Siege the settlement. Starve the garrison, and use siege weapons to damage the walls.

• Army Management: Efficient army management is essential for success. Here are some tips:

  • Recruiting: Recruit units in provinces with military buildings. Balance the number of units you recruit and your budget. Recruit what you can afford.
  • Experience: Veteran units are more effective in battle. Keep your units alive, and they will gain experience.
  • Replenishment: Replenish your units after battles. Recruit new units from the army recruitment menu.

• Hero Units: Some factions have special hero units with powerful abilities and unique stats. Use them to lead your troops, and give them powerful boosts.

Warfare in Thrones of Britannia is deep and engaging. By understanding unit types, battlefield tactics, and army management, you'll be able to lead your troops to victory. Remember to experiment with different army compositions and tactics. Practice makes perfect. Remember to use all the tools that are at your disposal.

Diplomacy and Diplomacy Tips: Making Friends (and Enemies)

Diplomacy is a critical aspect of Thrones of Britannia. It involves building relationships with other factions, forming alliances, and declaring war. Here's a breakdown of diplomacy to help you navigate the political landscape.

• Diplomatic Actions: There are several actions you can take in diplomacy:

  • Negotiation: Negotiate with other factions. Make offers of trade agreements, military alliances, and non-aggression pacts.
  • Declaration of War: Declare war on other factions. Choose your moment carefully, and be prepared for the consequences.
  • Improve Relations: Improve relations with other factions through gifts, trade agreements, and military alliances. This makes factions like you more.
  • Threaten: Threaten other factions to make them do what you want, but this might damage your reputation.

• Diplomatic Relationships: Build relationships to form strong alliances or declare war to expand. There are different types of relationships:

  • Trade Agreements: Trade agreements allow you to exchange resources and gain income. Increase your income with trades.
  • Non-Aggression Pacts: A non-aggression pact prevents you from declaring war on a faction. This is used to maintain peace.
  • Military Alliances: Military alliances commit you to defend your allies. This can make your army bigger.

• Factors Affecting Diplomacy: Several factors impact diplomatic relations:

  • Faction Traits: Factions have different traits that influence their diplomatic behavior.
  • Shared Borders: Factions that share borders may have a higher chance of conflict.
  • Military Strength: Strong factions often have more influence in diplomacy.
  • Attitude: Actions that you do impact your diplomatic relations. Be careful with what actions you take.

• Diplomatic Tips: Use these tips to be successful in diplomacy:

  • Assess Relationships: Before making any diplomatic offer, assess your current relationship with the faction.
  • Offer Incentives: Offer trade agreements, gifts, and military assistance to improve relations.
  • Be Patient: Diplomacy takes time. Build your relationships slowly, and don't expect overnight results.
  • Consider Consequences: Before declaring war, consider the consequences. Consider the effect that war has on you and others.

• War: Diplomacy will affect the war and how other factions see you. It can result in a lot of allies or a lot of enemies. Prepare for this before starting a war.

Diplomacy is a powerful tool in Thrones of Britannia. It is a critical component to the game. Use it to expand your realm peacefully or to prepare for war. Build your alliances and diplomatic relations, and try not to make enemies.

Technology and Research: Advancing Your Civilization

Technology and research are essential for the long-term success of your faction in Thrones of Britannia. Investing in the right technologies can provide significant advantages, from improving your military units to boosting your economy and public order.

• The Technology Tree: The technology tree is where you spend your research points. It is divided into different branches, such as military, economy, and civic. Make sure to choose what path you are going for, and make sure to build towards your goal.

• Research Points: You need research points to research. These are generated automatically each turn, based on your faction's buildings and technology. You can also gain research points through events and certain agents.

• Technology Branches: Here are a few technology branches:

  • Military Technologies: Military technologies can improve the quality of your units, unlock new units, and provide bonuses to your armies. Prioritize military technologies, especially if you plan to go to war.
  • Economic Technologies: Economic technologies improve your income. These technologies increase your taxes and improve trade.
  • Civic Technologies: Civic technologies improve public order, happiness, and infrastructure. Investing in civic technologies can lead to stable provinces and a more efficient realm.

• Choosing Technologies: How you choose technologies is based on your play style. Select technologies that complement your faction's strengths and your campaign objectives. Early in the game, focus on technologies that improve your income. As you develop, you can begin researching military technologies. Keep your goal in mind.

• Research Tips: Use these tips to make sure your research is successful:

  • Plan Ahead: Plan your research goals in advance. Select the technologies you want to research and work your way there.
  • Adapt: Adjust your research based on your situation. If your economy is struggling, focus on economic technologies.
  • Prioritize: Prioritize research, based on your play style. Decide your priorities and stay with them.

With that said, technology and research are critical for long-term success. Choose the right technologies to build a strong economy, improve your military, and strengthen your realm. Plan your research to build your empire.

Victory Conditions and Endgame: Achieving Your Goals

Thrones of Britannia offers different victory conditions, depending on your chosen faction and the campaign you're playing. Understanding these conditions will help you set your goals and achieve ultimate victory. Here's what you need to know.

• Campaign Objectives: Your faction will have specific campaign objectives. These objectives include:

  • Short Campaign: Achieve a specific set of objectives within a certain timeframe.
  • Long Campaign: Achieve more ambitious objectives, typically involving controlling a large portion of the British Isles.
  • Ultimate Victory: Achieve complete dominance of the British Isles. The ultimate victory conditions require a total conquest and control of almost the entire map.

• Victory Conditions: Each objective will have a set of victory conditions. Examples are:

  • Conquering Provinces: Conquering and controlling a specific number of provinces. Conquering specific provinces is a common objective.
  • Establishing Alliances: Forming alliances with a certain number of factions. Diplomacy can become critical as the game progresses.
  • Eliminating Rivals: Eliminating a rival faction. Eliminate a rival faction to achieve victory.

• Endgame Challenges: The late game will bring new challenges. The endgame will test your diplomatic skills and military prowess. Expect these to occur:

  • Increased Conflict: As factions grow, conflicts will intensify. Prepare for wars.
  • Economic Strain: Maintaining a large empire can put a strain on your economy. Be mindful of expenses.
  • Rebellions: Managing public order in conquered provinces can be difficult. Suppress rebellions.

• Tips for Achieving Victory: Follow these tips to win:

  • Set Realistic Goals: Understand your victory conditions and set realistic goals for your campaign.
  • Manage Your Resources: Manage your resources, and build a strong economy and a strong army.
  • Adapt: Adapt to the changing political and military landscape. Take advantage of opportunities.

By understanding the victory conditions and endgame challenges, you'll be well-prepared to lead your faction to victory in Thrones of Britannia. With dedication and proper management, you can build your empire, conquer your rivals, and achieve your goals.

Conclusion: Now Go Forth and Conquer!

Alright, guys, you made it through! This beginner's guide should have given you a solid foundation to start your campaign in Total War: Thrones of Britannia. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and experiment. Don't be afraid to try out different factions, experiment with different strategies, and make mistakes. The learning curve can be steep at times, but the satisfaction of building a mighty empire is well worth it.

Here's a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• Choose your faction wisely: Consider their unique traits, starting position, and play style.
• Understand the campaign map and interface: Learn how to manage your provinces, armies, and agents.
• Build a strong economy: Manage taxes, trade, and industry to fund your empire.
• Master warfare: Learn about unit types, battlefield tactics, and army management.
• Use diplomacy to your advantage: Build alliances, make friends, and declare war strategically.
• Invest in technology and research: Advance your civilization and gain advantages.
• Set your goals and achieve victory: Understand the victory conditions and endgame challenges.

Now go forth, conquer, and have a blast! Good luck, and have fun playing the game. See you on the battlefield!