Total War: Rome II will sink players into the dangerous political machinations of Rome’s senate, while asking them to struggle with family dilemmas and question the loyalty of ‘friends’ and allies. Leading the greatest army ever seen into battle will be just one challenge you will face at the head of the world’s first superpower.

Will you help forge an empire? Restore the Republic? Or grasp the reins of power for yourself, and assume the hated title of tyrant? Who will you conquer? Who will you betray? Who will you sacrifice?

How far will you go for Rome?

The harsh environments of Africa and Arabia's deserts forged hardy warriors and cunning leaders who used the shifting sands to their advantage.

The Desert Kingdoms Culture Pack introduces four new playable factions to Total War: Rome II. The Kingdoms of Kush, Saba and Nabatea fall under the African/Arabian subculture, while the Masaesyli are of Numidian origin. These factions are native to the deserts of Africa and Arabia. Surviving these harsh environmental conditions has forged them into hardy warriors who use the shifting desert sands to their advantage in battle.

While culturally similar, each faction boasts unique new unit rosters which offer different military strengths. Each faction also has new building chains and technology trees, playing to their strengths and further differentiating their playstyles. Alongside their individual Faction Traits, the Desert Kingdoms all share the following Cultural Traits:

 Desert Warriors: Bonus to morale in desert battles and bonus income from agriculture

Deep-rooted Traditions: Penalty to research rate

As well as the Desert Kingdoms Culture Pack, a free update to the base Total War: Rome II game will provide players with new playable female leaders and generals such as Cleopatra and Teuta. As well as these leaders, important female characters have been added to all campaigns and factions.

Female Leaders – Free LC

• Following in Zenobia’s footsteps, Cleopatra and Teuta are now fully playable as faction leaders and generals, along with custom visuals and voice-over.
• Important female characters have been added to all campaigns and across all factions. In some cultures, like Rome and Greek – women can only serve a social/political role while in other women can be generals and fight alongside men.
  • For cultures where women can’t hold public offices there is a special “Cursus Honorum” path that follows the increase in “behind-the-stage” political influence of women.
• There are special events (dilemmas) that portray the trials and tribulations associated with women coming to power in ancient times. Usually, there are traditions and prejudice standing in the way. Such events allow the player to recruit a female leader or gain some other bonuses from parties that would oppose such a decision.
• Faction leaders of opposite gender can now marry as a diplomatic action, significantly strengthening the relations between the two factions.
• The basic marriage action now has political implications.

Total War: Rome II – Desert Kingdoms will be available on March 8, 2018, pre-order now to get 10% off.