How to Play Ramesses, Best Faction to Start Total War Pharaoh

Total War: Pharaoh is a recent release in the well-known Total War franchise. As the title suggests, it immerses players in the world of Ancient Egypt during a time marked by intense power struggles among various notable individuals. Each of these historical figures showcases their unique governing approach and ambitions. If you are a new player, one of the best factions you can pick for the start is the one lead by Ramesses. In this guide we will tell you bout it.

• Total war Pharaoh – Why to pick Ramesses
• Ramesses in Total War Pharaoh – How to develop the country
• Ramesses Walkthrough in Total War Pharaoh

Total war Pharaoh – Why to pick Ramesses

There are a few good arguments for picking Ramesses as your first faction.

1. Geographical position – Ramesses is placed in the middle of the map. You can expand in both directions, at the same time your borders are quite easy to defend, if you play it right.
2. Resources – while Ramesses does not have all resources at the beginning, it is quite easy to get them rather quickly, which will boost your economy.
3. Army – Ramesses has a well-rounded army. While it does not excel at anything particular, it is also not weak at anything. It makes this character a great starting faction.
4. Perks – Ramesses can pick a perk which lets him eradicate influence of attrition on deserts (as you may guess it is quite useful in Egypt). What is more, he can use Court actions twice a turn, which may be quite helpful later.

Ramesses in Total War Pharaoh – How to develop the country

Economy

Through the first years of your gameplay don’t invest into army infrastructure but develop economy. It is especially true in the case of food. You will need quite a big army and it needs a lot of food to function properly.

At the later stages, once you will have an army close to 20 units, you will need probably to trade with other countries in order to get food. Luckily, you have access to wood and bronze, and later to gold and stone, so you have something to give them in return.

In the case of technologies, you will have to concentrate on those which will make your resources production better. It is true especially in the case of food.

Army

Don’t invest in war infrastructure at the beginning but hire troops from the very start of the game. To defeat the first opponent easily you will need around 10-12 squads under Ramesses order. At the same time don’t be quick to make it larger, as warriors cost food, and this is scarce.

Balance your army with shock units such as Medjay Chargers, Medjay Swordsmen and Archers. Sherden Raiders can be also useful if you place them on the flank.

Diplomacy

At the beginning, you should conquer lands on the east and south. Keep a friendly relation with strong West neighbors, as you don’t want them to disturb your plans.

Ramesses Walkthrough in Total War Pharaoh

In the below section, we will tell you how to start and progress through a few first turns playing as Ramesses in Total War Pharaoh.

1. Your first opponent will be Sukkot. It is the scripted fight in the game. Defeat them quickly, as they hold settlements needed to complete your province. It should be enough to have 12 units in your army. Don’t hire more at this time, as you need food to maintain them.

Timna and Deshert Reithu, Total War Pharaoh

1. After your first victory, hire more soldiers, 15 units should be enough. Time to conquer Timna on the south. The county is not so strong and has very precious bronze resource. However, it is not your main target. You have to be quick.
2. Timna, while useful, is a convenient way to get to Deshret Reithu. It is an abandoned settlement, and your neighbors will want to take it for themselves also – you need to be there first. It is a key land for you, as it offers stone. A crucial resource, which is important for constructing high-tier buildings, and you probably are low on it right now.
3. The last settlement to complete the province is Hetch. We leave it for last, as this nation can be a difficult opponent because of its defensive position. The city is in the middle of the desert. It means that you will be endangered by attrition. What is more, the country will have an army (probably not the biggest one, but still) and a fort which will assist in defense.
4. Prepare a full stack of units (20). It will cost you a lot of food, so you will need to trade with other nations to get it. What is more, it is a good idea to equip Ramesses with Sand Walker perk. Your chance is to defeat an army and a fort in a field battle. Once both of these obstacles will be removed, attack the main city. Its defense should be weak enough now for you to conquer it.
5. Of course, it is not the end of your struggle. Your next target is Beersheba because it has the last resource you are lacking – gold. Start with Hathor, as it is a capital of the province and a settlement with a mine. Attack it from the west (close from your border). If you are lucky, it will be unprotected, you will conquer it in one turn time, and you will be free to go further into the enemy’s territory. If not, defeat an army in the vicinity, and then attack the city. After that, go to the last settlement and finish the nation. Beersheba may attack Azzati and Sukkot, but it should not be a great problem in the long term.
6. Now you are free to do whatever you like. You have all resources and a good army. You can march towards Egypt or Hittites and Canaanites. The choice is yours.

Total War: Pharaoh

October 11, 2023

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• Overview

• handbooks
• Total War (franchise)
• Egypt