Total War: Arena represents a new direction for the Total War franchise, and is in development by a dedicated team at Creative Assembly, focused on a purely multiplayer experience.

Each player controls three units of warriors, led by an iconic commander from history, each with their own battle style.  Players level up commanders and units to open up more specialist skills, weaponry, armor and abilities.  Decisive strategies, combat tactics and teamwork decide who is victorious.

Wargaming Alliance and Creative Assembly today announce that the Total War: Arena Open Beta will launch February 22. To mark the occasion, the fearsome faction of Carthage descends on the battlefield. This fourth playable faction introduces legendary commanders Hannibal Barca and Hasdrubal Barca, along with brand-new units and gameplay mechanics, including the formidable War Elephants.

Hannibal Barca was not just one of Carthage’s greatest commanders—he was one of the most daunting tacticians of history. He can crack the whip and command previously slow units like elephants and heavy infantry moving, perfect for ambushes. Hasdrubal Barca, another legendary Carthage commander, can buff and debuff units. Used to aid fast, light units or hinder pesky enemies standing in your way, these skills are invaluable.

The faction of Carthage boasts strong, mobile infantry, as well as excellent skirmish cavalry. And who could forget the War Elephant in the room? They are a unit unlike anything else in Total War: ARENA, near-invulnerable and capable of trampling prone units. A real thorn in Rome’s side, Carthage excels at ambush tactics, and their speed allows them to adapt to an ever-changing battlefield, which makes them an unpredictable foe.

Total War: Arena servers will be closed from 10:00 AM UTC February 19 until the launch of Open Beta.

Key Features:

• Team-based strategy with epic-scale real-time battles.
• Built for multiplayer RTS fans: fast 10v10 battles where decisive strategies, combat tactics and teamwork will decide who is victorious.
• Each player controls three units of warriors led by an iconic commander from history, each with their own battle style. Choose from Alexander the Great, Leonidas, Germanicus, Caesar and more.
• Deep progression layer – level up Commanders and units to open up even more specialist skills, weaponry, armor and abilities.
• Total War’s award-winning tactical battle gameplay, refined purely for multiplayer.
• Play for free – with option for in-game purchases to customize units and speed progression.