Medieval 2 is a favorite among Total War fans.

Hello total war gamers!I have a problem with Medieval II:When I play in campaign mode the map 'freezes' and I can only move the cursor and after 2-3 minutes computer reboots.I have the same problem when i play broken crescent 1.0.Please tell me what is the problem and what cand I do in that sense?I apologize for my english and please excuse me If I didn't posted in the right place, I.

For players who prefer medieval warfare with sword-yielding knights, peasants, and crossbows, Medieval 2 would be your go-to in the vast selection of TW games.

• Use a text editor to edit the 'descrstrat' file in the 'medieval ii total wardataworldmapscampaignimperialcampaign' directory. Locate the 'unlockable' heading and copy its contents over the current contents under the 'playable' setting. While playing the game, press to display the console window. Type one of the following.
• A Unique Campaign with New Gameplay Mechanics. The Last Roman Campaign Pack is an epic expansion for Total War: ATTILA, delivering a narrative, mission-based experience on a new, highly-detailed campaign map of the Mediterranean theatre. Total War Attila Campaign Map.

Whether you’ve completed multiple playthroughs or are looking to re-explore what it has to offer, here’s some of the coolest mods you can try out to make the game even more fun.

15. MapMod: Trees, Textures, Sea

A good visual upgrade is always a great way to enjoy older titles.

Not bad for a first time modder, Charge has received mostly positive feedback from the community for his texture pack.

Upgrading mostly the environment textures – trees, land, and especially water now look much better than in vanilla.

Now I’m completely aware that most of you don’t play M2TW for the graphics.

But you’d be surprised at how much of an impact this has. Fire up the game with this on and you’ll end up thinking to yourself “I don’t remember it looking this good”.

14. The Character Names Project

Total War has always been known for realism and historical accuracy.

A huge part of why the game has such an active community is the ability to create mods that further improve on the realism of these games.

The Character Names Project does exactly that, but by focusing on a less common aspect of the game.

Names of characters have been updated based on research to reflect historical accuracy.

Playing as Egypt for example, you might notice that characters now have names like “Tahir al-Rida” or “Dawud al-Sarraj”.

Based on tons of research to make sure names are accurate and relevant to the time period, just under 500 names have been added to each of the factions in the game.

A seemingly unnoticeable change. But this one adds a sense of realism and level of detail that few would think of.

13. HaHawk’s Native Voices Mod

To improve on the game’s realism even further, modder HaHawk took it upon himself to replace audio samples with new dialogue.

The mod currently contains voice samples in English, French, German, and Russian (among a few other languages, or so it’s claimed). Just the fact it goes beyond English is impressive!

Like the Character Names Project, this is another mod you didn’t know you needed.

Once you get this installed, there’s just no other way to play the game.

Dialogue won’t be overbearing as you probably won’t understand everything that’s being said. But the localized languages just make immersion much better.

12. Mr.Crow’s Warwagon

Another great way to make the game more interesting is by adding new units.

If you’ve completed multiple playthroughs of M2TW, you’re probably already familiar with the different units. So adding new ones can make a big difference.

Mr. Crow’s Warwagon adds a particularly fun unit to the game. Now what’s a war wagon?

It’s actually a medieval siege weapon: a wooden wagon that held riflemen.

You can now use these in-game as each wagon holds 3 soldiers. These soldiers are protected by the wagon and shoot through holes in the wood.

What’s even more fun is that the AI actually makes use of war wagons as well.

They even place war wagons in the front of formations, recreating the famous “wagon wall” or “wagon forts” of the time. Neat!

11. DarthMod

A staple for any Total War mod list, Medieval 2 being no exception.

Vader’s entry for M2TW includes tons of updates such as unit balances, map changes, and gameplay tweaks.

But as with all DarthMods, the improved AI is really what stands out here.

Just as DarthMods are known for, enemy AI will be much smarter making for a more challenging experience.

They have improved field battle, flanking, and aggressiveness, keeping you on your toes.

This will definitely make the game more interesting as you’ll probably be outsmarted by the AI here and there.

10. Santa Invasion

I always like to throw in something silly, and here we are!

This immediately caught my attention because it’s the only mod on twcenter.net that was classified as a “Humour Mod”. Just what I’m going for.

Almost all games with mod capabilities have sillier ones. And if you’re just looking to have some stupid fun, here’s Santa Invasion.

As you can guess, Santa Invasion allows you to play an additional faction. Led by Santa Claus himself, lead your reindeer cavalry, snowmen, and elves into battle!

Enemies are on the naughty list and aren’t getting any presents this year.

9. Hispania in the Middle Ages

Now the remaining entries on my list are the larger mods that add tons of content from scenarios and campaigns, units, balances, and much more… starting here.

With Hispania in the Middle Ages, we’re taken to the Iberian Peninsula where Christians and Muslims war over the land.

With 5 playable campaigns, updates to factions, map, textures, and gameplay, there is much to explore here.

Most interesting are the added scripts that make gameplay more dynamic. There are now possibilities of protection by payment, kingdom unions through marriage, and help from allied kingdoms.

Definitely one to consider for a unique M2TW playthrough.

8. Rusichi Total War

This time we’re taken to a war-torn medieval Russia.

With 3 playable factions based on historic Russian kingdoms, each the Kyiv, Novgorod, and Ryazan have unique features, and even updated texture skins.

The mod also introduces a settlement system wherein most of a cities’ income is provided by nearby villages.

This makes it more likely that nearby villagers will fight invaders rather than hide in fear.

An exciting story of the 3 kingdoms fighting for a united Russia while faced with external opposition and internal conflict at the same time.

7. Rise of Three Kingdoms

Moving over to Asian, our next stop is China.

Following the fall of the Han Dynasty was a 100-year civil war known as the Three Kingdoms period.

Fought between 3 Chinese states Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu, the Three Kingdoms period was one of the bloodiest war eras in Chinese history.

This mod takes you right to the action with custom textures, accurately depicting the armor and weapons of the time and place.

There’s tons of content to explore here from balance changes, additional units, and gameplay mechanics.

6. Call of Warhammer

If you’re looking to take a break from the realism of M2TW, this is the mod for you.

Taking a more fantasy-based approach, Call of Warhammer completely changes the game.

You can now battle with mages, elves, orcs, and even vampires in a world similar to that of Total War: Warhammer.

Each faction comes with unique combat units including matching skins.

Upgraded AI, unit cards, and exciting new quests make for a unique experience of Medieval 2. If fantasy is more your speed, this is the one you’re looking for.

5. The Third Age: Total War

Continuing on with fantasy-themed mods we have Third Age which takes us to Middle-earth.

That’s right, this transforms your M2TW experience into a playable Lord of the Rings game.

You can play as 14 different factions from the world of LOTR, including Dwarves, Gondor, Mordor, and High Elves, among others.

Some units were also taken from the film and novel series and added to the game. Ents, trolls, and wargs are now usable in battles.

With improved AI and updated movies, sounds, and artwork, this is the most immersive Lord of the Rings experience you’ll be able to get within M2TW.

4. Europa Barbarorum II

If you’re ready to jump back towards historically accurate mods, Europa Barbarorum II is one of the best out there.

Another overhaul mod based on the initial mod created for Rome: Total War, EBII gives us a glimpse into the expansion of the Roman Empire.

The mod comes with 28 playable factions including, Pontos, Getai, Saka Rauka, and more.

Gameplay mechanics have also been updated focusing more on making the experience much more realistic.

The overall pace of the game is slower, as the map is twice the size of the original. But more than exploring the map there are hundreds of new units, systems, and gameplay mechanics to discover.

If you’re into historical accuracy this is the one for you.

You’ll learn a lot about the history as well as there are very detailed descriptions provided for locations and units.

3. Broken Crescent

This time we’re taken to the Middle East. Play as one of 18 new factions (which is huge), engage in battle with over 300 new units, all in a brand-new campaign map spanning from Anatolia to India.

New units include the Rostov Retainers, Alani Swordsmen, and Volga Pikemen.

Playthrough prominent battles of Middle Eastern history, including The Battle of Didgori, Second Battle of Tarain, and the Battle of the Meander River to name just a few.

Medieval 2 Total War Campaign Map Editor

2. 1648 – Thirty Years of War

1648: Thirty Years of War.

A rather specific name for a mod, yeah?

It tells the story of a war fought in Central Europe between 1618 and 1648.

Known as one of the most destructive wars in human history, the mod recreates the events of the Holy Roman Empire, where some of the most advanced weaponry was made much more complicated by political and religious motives.

There are 22 playable factions, an updated map including 198 provinces, and a great campaign story to be discovered in this mod. Highly recommend giving this one a shot.

1. Stainless Steel

Easily the most popular mod for M2TW, Stainless Steel is like a New Game+ for Total War fans.

It takes most of what the game did great, improved on it even further, and even took some of the best ideas from other mods.

All of this combined into Stainless Steel, which for most is the ultimate M2TW experience.

Tons of new content including new factions, units, and an expanded map are typical of these mods by now.

Stainless Steel takes it a step further with loads of new systems, balances, and gameplay updates too. The modders also made changes to sounds, interface elements, buildings, and textures, making this easily the biggest mod for the game.

If you’re looking to retain most of what you know from M2TW, but make it better, Stainless Steel should be right up your alley.

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Campaign Strategy

This section is for strategies to employ on the campaign map in order to grow your empire, protect yourself from attack, make strategically important gains and eventually conquer the world.

General Strategy

Articles in this section are about campaign strategy in general, the principles of warfare and diplomacy.

This is a rough guide to my Campaign doctrine (re-written from the RTW version of this article), detailing how I come up with a long-term strategy for any given scenario. The guide is intended to explain the basis to my version of successful strategic thought on the Campaign Map and both experienced players and newcomers to Total War games who have problems understanding how to think strategically can use this method of thinking to come up with unique strategies for unique situations and adapt the strategy they are planning to new situations that crop up. This guide should be applicable to any faction in any version of M2TW with or without Kingdoms (when it comes out), as it is a general guide to strategy rather than a detailed look at the specific strengths and weaknesses of a particular faction.

Medieval 2 Total War Campaign Map Lag

Warfare is unpleasant. Even though it is the core of M2:TW, yet we need not let the constant warfare turn us into mindless tyrants who slay even the stray cat who bars our way. We can remain as gentlemen who talks softly but carries a big stick. Through bows and arrows might the world turn but good words of diplomacy also do their part. Listen to the general George the Honest, a scholar of Chivalry

Well most of the players are crazy about having vassals in MTW2, so I have decided to write an article on vassalage. It also seems that no one else have written an article on that. I here by announce that I have chosen the topic of vassalage and have begun working on it.

If you're looking for an extra challenge with M2TW, this guide takes you through the equivalent of moving house at the start of the game- the migration campaign.

Whether you are following the voyage of the First Fleet, or have plans to colonise the New World, else known as the Americas, and reap the rewards of vast amounts of gold and other luxurious trade items, the voyage is wrought with danger.

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Faction Overviews

Articles in this section are detailed overviews of the factions in the game, exploring the initial position on the map, the buildings and units available and the strategic options available.

England has an enviable starting position in that it can very easily have 7 secure & safe provinces very early in the game with a 'beachhead' province in Caen. Common sense alone dictates that eradicating the Scots is the key to the opening moves.

Islamic presence in Iberia has lasted over 3 centuries at the start of the Medieval II Total War time frame. But infighting and the resurging Catholic presence is starting to threaten the existence of all Muslims living in Europe. This guide features some step by step tactics on neutralising the early catholic threat and a comprehensive analysis of the various Moorish units and battle situations.

Russia is a faction separated in many ways from the rest of the world in Medieval II: Total War. In order to establish yourself as a great power in Europe, you are going to have to expand and consolidate rapidly and bring your unique and superior cavalry roster to bear on your foes. In this guide you will be taken through the details of making the most of your first few turns, and the general aims of your strategy as a Russian general.

Greetings Commander and welcome to the Land of the Scots. We have been expecting you for years but now that you have finally come we, The Scottish People, are ready to march the highroad to Victory! But before we commence our conquests, I must give you a briefing on our Lands, army and current situation, so that you are better prepared for the journey ahead.

You may think to yourself, how would I go about conquering the known world with a maximum of bloodshed and a minimum of diplomacy? Your answer: hordes of pillaging vikings!

Bonjour et bienvenue de commandant. We have waited many years for your arrival to the once great nation of France and now that you are here, we may finally unite!

Ciao e benvenuto generale! We are extremely glad for your presence General as we have been waiting for you for many years. However with you at the helm, we may now rise to glory!

Once More Unto the Breach, dear Friends, Once More!

Your presence has been foreseen for years but we are now very happy to see you in person. Your able generalship shall lead our rich nation to victory!

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Step-by-step Guides

Articles in this section are build orders and move orders for the opening turns of the campaign in order to achieve a specific starting position.

This is the first in what I intend to be a series of opening moves guides for several factions in Medieval II: Total War. This first guide deals with the potential powerhouse of Milan, and details how you can best take advantage of nearby settlements to defend your realm without over-expanding yourself.

This is the second installment of my opening moves guides. This time I plot out the opening moves of what can certainly be a tricky Portugal campaign as you are threatened by the Moors, and seperated by fellow Catholics Spain. Learn how to capitalise on the prime real estate that is the Iberian Peninsula!

This Opening Moves guide deals with France, surrounded by potential enemies from the outset - you'll have to move fast to secure your borders and prepare for the potential for a war on all fronts. This guide deals with the quickest, most efficient method to secure your settlements and your Kingdom as a whole, leaving you in the best possible position for future expansion in any direction you want.

This Opening Moves guide deals with Scotland, who have a 'safe' start on the British Isles once they subdue the English and the few rebel provinces.

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Agents and their Uses

Articles in this section are about how to get the best out of your agents to make life as easy as possible for your armies.

Religion- a pleasing distraction from the intense battles of M2TW, with enough depth and intricacy to have you wanting to explore it. To control it. While it won't actually make you control 45-odd territories and a certain city, it will certainly help- priests keep religious unrest in line, Cathedrals grant a growth bonus, crusades enable your armies to rampage through the old world at top speed, while the Pope stops any Catholics from attacking. A distraction it may be, but it's one that can be very useful in the right hands.

In my last article, I covered the workings of religion. Now we must leave the Cathedral and walk down the road to a building of lesser repute but of equal importance and usefulness- the Brothel, where our slippery friend the spy can be found. Let us brave the... odd sounds and moaning and dive into the world of subterfuge, and meet our friend the Spy.

Last time around, I introduced the spy. Now leaving the shady building he lives in, we must go slightly more up-market - a nice inn perhaps. For here is another useful man to be used in our quest for domination - the assassin. Buy him a drink, and he shall be happy to discuss business over a pint. Watch your back, though - there are all sorts of shady types here...

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