Shogun 2 is a beloved classic of the Total War series, but with a few mods, this game can reach even greater heights. Released in 2011, some of the graphics could benefit from an overhaul, and for the history buffs, there are plenty of mods which expand on the incredible setting and time period. There’s also a few just for fun. Here are our top picks:
Vastator Unit Style 1.3
This mod doesn’t change the gameplay but reskins the units in the game. It adds huge variation between the units, so there are no copies or lookalikes, and adds in the beautiful samurai armour that we love to see. You can also use this for multiplayer, as well as combine it with other mods such as Darthmod.
Radious
It wouldn’t be a Total War mod list without the inclusion of a Radious mod.
This was their first mod, and have continued to make a Total War mod for each game, all the way up to Three Kingdoms and Warhammer III. For anyone that isn’t aware of Radious at this point, their mods provide an upgrade to the campaign, AI, diplomacy, battles etc. Essentially, it’s an upgrade to the entire game in every way, and some players will add Radious mods to every Total War game they play.
Strongholds of the Samurai
Some Total War games, especially some of the older titles, reuse certain textures and maps, which can become repetitive, and make it seem like each battle is just a rehash of the last. This mod adds in 36 distinct siege maps into the game, so you can enjoy each battle as a unique experience. And for the players who are into the history, they’re all historically accurate designs.
Hill of Massacre
If you’re up for a fun mod, then you’ll love the Hill of Massacre. This mod adds a map which is all about the high-ground advantage, where you can set up some huge battles.
As the description says: “Put your troops behind the walls and enjoy the massacre.”
Darthmod Shogun 2
The Darthmod series of mods offer players better AI and more realistic battles. It’s a series of mods that makes improvements to several other Total War titles, so some Total War veterans will know exactly what’s in store. This is very similar to the Radious Mod but has some slightly different changes that you might be interested in.
Narrow Death Mod
This mod adds another map which is purely for fun. The Narrow Death map funnels the enemy units through a valley, so you can aim your artillery at the opening and watch the fireworks. Or you can try and see how much your army can withstand.
Expanded Japan
The Expanded Japan mod essentially aims to make the map more accurate, and adds in provinces and factions that existed during the Sengoku era. The original Total War Shogun 2 map had 65 provinces and 47 factions, but this mod brings this all the way up to 176 provinces and 163 factions. There are 22 playable clans now, which is an increase from 8 playable clans in the base game of Shogun 2.
Jaki’s Unique Factions
This is another reskin mod which is ideal for upgrading the game experience and enhancing the look of battles. Jaki’s Unique mod adds in or remakes almost 60 new units, and also buffs some of the unique strengths of the factions to make the factions more distinct in their battle styles.
It also combines with the Expanded Japan mod, so once you’ve downloaded Jaki’s Unique Factions, add Expanded Japan for a hugely upgraded Shogun 2 experience.
