Unleash the Power of Weather in Total War: Pharaoh

Total War: Pharaoh is set to revolutionize the series by introducing a range of exciting features that promise to impact the flow of combat. One of the most noteworthy additions is the concept of dynamic weather, which will constantly change the landscape and force players to adapt their strategies on the fly. This mechanic is sure to add a whole new level of challenge to battles, pushing even seasoned Total War players to come up with fresh tactics. In fact, Game Rant spoke with Total War: Pharaoh's battle designer Hristo Enev, who confirmed just how much this new feature will shake up the core Total War experience.

The hands-on preview of Total War: Pharaoh's dynamic weather system showcased two unique forms of weather. One battle featured a dense sandstorm, while another demonstrated the destructive power of a thunderstorm. The weather conditions added a new layer of complexity to battles, requiring players to adjust their strategies and carefully maneuver their units. The unpredictable nature of the storms could sometimes work against the player, making battles even more challenging.

The reception of the dynamic weather's random nature by players is yet to be determined, but Creative Assembly's goal with this new mechanic is simple - to keep Total War: Pharaoh fun while introducing fresh features. When asked about the possibility of weather affecting battles, Enev explained that players can still wait for more favorable weather conditions if they are the attacking force, but the unpredictability of the sandstorm or other dynamic weather elements can both ruin or create strategies. In fact, some units are better suited for fighting in sandstorms or sand, making it advantageous to wait for or initiate battles during such weather conditions.

Players of Total War: Pharaoh can strategically use the dynamic weather to their advantage in combat. By planning their unit composition around any possible weather changes, players can gain a significant advantage over their enemies. For example, if a player knows ahead of time that the weather will change in favor of their artillery, they may choose to advance and use their firepower before the enemy has a chance to do the same. On the other hand, if the enemy has a lot of archers, the player may choose to wait for more favorable weather that will penalize the enemy's archers, increasing their odds of winning the battle.

The dynamic weather system in Total War: Pharaoh adds a new layer of challenge for even the most experienced players. With unpredictable storms looming, players must adapt their strategies accordingly or risk being caught off-guard. This feature has the potential to make the game one of the most innovative in the Total War franchise, without detracting from the fun factor. Total War: Pharaoh is set for release on PC in October 2023.