Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Yes, you can play some Total War games online. If you are asking, “Can You Play Total War Multiplayer?”, the answer depends on the specific game: the official Total War: ROME II manual documents both multiplayer campaigns and multiplayer battles, but those features should not be assumed to exist in every title.

Which Total War multiplayer modes are documented?

The official ROME II main-menu manual lists multiplayer campaigns and multiplayer battles. A separate official multiplayer campaign manual describes two campaign formats: co-operative and head-to-head. These are documented options for the relevant game context, not a guarantee that every Total War title offers the same modes.

Mode How it works Documented details
Co-operative campaign Two players share a campaign and face AI-controlled opponents. The manual describes shared diplomacy and campaign-map visibility. Players can also transfer control of troops during battles; gifted units join the recipient’s army.
Head-to-head campaign Two players play through a campaign against each other. AI controls the remaining factions.
Multiplayer battle Players face human opponents in standalone battles. In the documented ROME II battle-list system, these matches are social rather than leaderboard-ranked.
Quick Battle Players are matched with a random opponent. The Quick Battle manual describes skill-based matchmaking and ranked team sizes up to and including 4v4.

How do co-op and head-to-head campaigns differ?

Co-operative campaigns

Co-op is the option for players who want to work together through a campaign against AI factions. The manual describes a shared diplomatic picture and campaign-map field of view, so players have common campaign information. During battles, one player can share control of troops with the other; units given away become part of the receiving player’s army.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Head-to-head campaigns

In head-to-head play, the human players oppose each other over a full campaign. The other factions are controlled by AI, so the campaign is not limited to a duel between two armies.

#1 Best Overall
Empire: Total War - PC
  • New Real-time 3D Naval Warfare. Players control single ships or vast fleets with fully destructible sails as well as cannon and musket action, boarding raids and more. This is the complete naval combat experience.
  • All-new Game Engine. With a newly created Windows XP-compatible DirectX 9 graphics engine, players will experience real-time seascapes, dynamic weather and a new advanced landscape and flora system.
  • Episodic Campaign. Improves accessibility to the game by gradually introducing advanced features over time.
  • Massive Scope. Over 30 in-game factions encompass all of the World's major powers including the United States of America.and dodge pursuers using the stylus.
  • Brand New Multiplayer Modes. Players vie for a place at the top of the rankings and join leagues and ladders for even more gameplay challenges.

Are Total War multiplayer battles ranked?

That depends on the battle option. The ROME II multiplayer manual says battles created through its battle list are social and do not increase leaderboard ranking. Quick Battle is described separately as ranked, with skill-based matchmaking against a random opponent and teams up to 4v4 in that manual’s context. Those details should not be generalized to other Total War games or treated as a current matchmaking guarantee.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What should you check before choosing a game?

Multiplayer features and access are game-specific. Before buying or arranging a session, confirm the exact game and edition and check the mode you want—campaign or standalone battle, co-op or head-to-head, and social or ranked matchmaking. Also verify the player or team limit, platform and account requirements, and whether the game’s online services are currently available.

The cited manuals document features for their respective game contexts, but they do not establish present-day server availability, platform compatibility, account requirements, or cross-play. A manual describing a mode is not proof that its matchmaking service is active today; check current official support information or the game’s in-game multiplayer status for the title you plan to play.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 3
Rome: Total War Gold Edition - PC
Rome: Total War Gold Edition - PC
Up to 10,000 men on screen at once are yours to command
$7.52
Bestseller No. 4
Medieval II Gold Pack (Total War, Total War Kingdoms) - PC
Medieval II Gold Pack (Total War, Total War Kingdoms) - PC
Richly detailed battles that feature thousands of 3D units and intense combat.; Manage the economic, civil, religious and military arms of your empire.
$9.99
Rank #4
Medieval II Gold Pack (Total War, Total War Kingdoms) - PC
  • Richly detailed battles that feature thousands of 3D units and intense combat.
  • Manage the economic, civil, religious and military arms of your empire.
  • Over 100 different units, including knights, men-at-arms, English longbowmen, and more.
  • Spectacular sieges, as you pound castles into dust with cannons, catapults, and ballistae.
  • Multiplayer battles with up to seven other players over the Internet.
Rank #3
Rome: Total War Gold Edition - PC
  • Up to 10,000 men on screen at once are yours to command
  • A century-spanning campaign the charges players with managing the economic, civil, religious and military arms of their empire
  • Unprecedented scale and detail make Rome: Total War one of the definitive historical war game

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.