A Total War Saga: Troy is getting a new expansion called Mythos in September, which brings a mythological refresh to the stubbornly “historical” strategy title. Where the original game aimed to find grounded explanations for iconic creatures like the Minotaur, Mythos redesigns them with mythological spectacle in mind.
With changes to units, the campaign map and logistics, the Mythos expansion will be released on 2 September. After a year of exclusivity on the Epic Games Store, the date will also see the game release on Steam.
Mythological redesign
A Total War Saga: Troy – Mythos
Image Credit: SEGA
As well as redesigning units such as the Centaur, Giants and the Minotaur, the Mythos expansion will let players recruit new mythical warriors such as the Arimaspoi and Shades. They will have improved real-time battle abilities including offensive magic and regenerating health.
Three new Mythic Expeditions will let players locate, fight and capture three new legendary units. They include the multi-headed hound of Hades, Cerberus; the lion-eagle hybrid, the Griffin; and the Hydra, the poisonous serpent slain by Hercules.
New gameplay dynamics
A Total War Saga: Troy – Mythos
Image Credit: SEGA
Antagonists in the campaign will also try to snap these Mythic Monsters up, which can perform as agents on the campaign map as well as joining armies as a powerful unit.
The campaign map, meanwhile, will see an injection of mythological inspiration, and the management system will see some amendments relating to enticing the gods and enacting their divine will.
A new historical mode
A Total War Saga: Troy – Mythos
Image Credit: SEGA
In addition to Mythos, a new Historical mode will be introduced to all players of Troy. Bearing similarities with Three Kingdoms’ Records mode, it aims to prioritise a “realistic, history-first perspective”. Changes include adjusting generals like Achilles from “one-man armies wielding the powers of gods” into individuals within a bodyguard.
The updated A Total War Saga: Troy and its Mythos expansion will release on 2 September on Steam and the Epic Games Store. A “Mythic Edition” will include the base game and the Mythos expansion, while a “Heroic Edition” will include the base game, Mythos expansion, as well as previous DLC.
Making the most of its setting
A mythological revision may well see Troy reach its potential in the Total War series. The decision to forego fantastical characters yet incorporate concepts such as divine will always felt a bit odd, while it left the roster of units feeling slightly flat.
Otherwise Troy is a dependable and colourful game, with interesting mechanics inspired by Homer. With Mythos, the reimagined cyclopes and centaurs will let its designers make the most of the theme and setting.
