Total War: Pharaoh Campaign Is Going to Change Beyond Recognition in Major Dynasties Update
The Dynasties update for Total War: Pharaoh will transform the game's campaign, introducing a dynasty, a handful of minor innovations, and quite a few changes.
The developers of Total War: Pharaoh shared the latest information about the big update, Dynasties. The fourth and final article of the British studio focuses not only on the titular dynasties, but also presents changes in other systems related to the campaign, including deities and diplomacy.
Divine intervention
Some of the new features result from adding new cultures to the game, as many campaign systems will work differently depending on the chosen faction. For instance, Aegean cultures will worship the Greek pantheon with Zeus at the forefront.
The devs also introduced a novelty related to religion: Dwellings. These are primary religious buildings accessible to nations practicing the Mesopotamian faith, with the effect of this place of worship depending on the chosen deity. Dwellings will also allow to easily gain its maximum favor.
Heroic rulers
The devs also briefly discussed how the Legitimacy mechanic will work in case of choosing Aegean or Mesopotamian cultures. In the first ones, it will be based on heroes: the Wanax (leader / king), two generals (Heqetas, providing access to various units: Greek and Anatolian).
However, in the case of the latter, religion will play a key role. Legitimacy points will be awarded for reaching successive levels of favor with individual deities. Both groups will also receive new royal powers and two Ancient Legacies each.
Dynasty will soon hit Total War: Pharaoh. Source: Creative Assembly / Sega.
Dynasties and diplomacy
The titular dynasties are a completely new mechanic in TW: Pharaoh, which will help better present "the historical realities of factions, their leaders, and the larger dynasties." It will feature a family tree (with the option to inherit power or make decisions about marriages), an optional mortality system (allowing players to continue playing with immortal rulers if they choose), and a modifier for turns within a single year in the game.
Along with these innovations come changes in diplomacy, more specifically the addition of 4 new actions related to these mechanics - Forced Inheritance, Legitimacy Support, Diplomatic and Political Marriages, and the option of "adopting" new members of the dynasty.
In addition, the Creative Assembly studio will refresh or rebuild the existing mechanics of TW: Pharaoh, including character titles, Hatshepsut's merchants, victory goals, Sea Peoples, and many other game elements. There will be additional campaign customization options to further tailor the gameplay to your preferences.
These and the previously discussed changes will hit Pharaoh along with the debut of the update. It's not surprising that Dynasties evoke strong emotions - the premiere of TW: Pharaoh turned out to be a big disappointment, but it seems that the update will change the game beyond recognition.
The Dynasties update to Total War: Pharaoh will be released on July 25th.
