Definitive Total War Shogun 2 Complete Edition Clan Tier List for Every Campaign

Determining the right faction to lead to the unification of Japan can be a daunting task, making a reliable total war shogun 2 complete edition clan tier list an essential resource for both new daimyo and seasoned veterans. Selecting a faction defines your initial strategic challenges, economic potential, and battlefield compositions throughout your playthrough.

As you dive into the Sengoku Jidai era using the comprehensive strategy guide resources on the Official Total War Website, understanding faction traits is critical to survival. This comprehensive total war shogun 2 complete edition clan tier list breaks down the strongest, most versatile, and most uniquely challenging factions available in the game to help you conquer the realm.

S-Tier: The Powerhouses of Sengoku Jidai

At the very top of our total war shogun 2 complete edition clan tier list sit the undisputed powerhouses of the game. These factions possess exceptional starting positions, game-changing economic advantages, or military mechanics that alter how you approach warfare.

Oda Clan

The Oda are widely considered the gold standard for campaign ease and expansion speed. Their signature trait significantly reduces the recruitment cost and upkeep of Ashigaru units. Because Yari Ashigaru remain the most cost-effective backbone troops in the game when utilized in yari wall formation, the Oda can field massive, formidable armies early on without breaking their treasury.

Otomo Clan

Available through the Sengoku Jidai DLC pack included in the complete edition, the Otomo bring devastating gunpowder mechanics to the battlefield. By embracing Christianity early, they gain access to Portuguese Tercos, early matchlock units, and specialized Namban trade ships that dominate naval combat. According to community reports, their focus on firearms turns defensive sieges and field battles into absolute target practice.

A-Tier: Strong Contenders with Dedicated Niches

A-Tier factions might not have the sweeping economic dominance of the Oda or the explosive firepower of the Otomo, but they offer incredible tactical advantages and highly rewarding campaigns.

Shimazu Clan

Starting safely in the isolated southwest corner of the map on Kyushu, the Shimazu enjoy a phenomenal opening position. They feature superior Katana Samurai, cheaper recruitment costs for general-led units, and close proximity to rich foreign trade nodes. Player experience frequently highlights that once you secure your home island, you possess a secure economic base to sweep across Honshu.

Chosokabe Clan

Nestled on the island of Shikoku, the Chosokabe excel in archery and farming. Their clan trait provides extra income from farms, allowing you to build an economic surplus much faster than your rivals. Additionally, their bow-focused units are cheaper to maintain, making them masters of ranged attrition.

B-Tier: Balanced Factions and Specialized Playstyles

The B-Tier houses factions that require a bit more tactical finesse or depend heavily on specialized unit types to achieve victory. They are deeply rewarding for players looking to step away from standard infantry rushes.

Takeda Clan

For players who love sweeping flanking maneuvers, the Takeda clan is an absolute joy. They specialize in cavalry, offering reduced upkeep costs and higher experience ranks for all horse-mounted units. While cavalry requires careful micro-management on the battlefield, a well-timed Takeda charge can shatter enemy morale instantly.

Date Clan

Located far to the north, the Date start in a relatively quiet region, allowing you to build up your provinces before engaging in major conflicts. Their clan trait gives their charge-focused samurai a distinct advantage in melee combat. While they lack early trade node access, their northern isolation creates a stable launchpad for mid-game expansion.

[North: Date / Uesugi] ---> [Center: Oda / Takeda / Hojo] ---> [South: Shimazu / Otomo]

C-Tier: Advanced and Highly Challenging Campaigns

Factions in the C-Tier are recommended primarily for players seeking a stiff challenge. Their unique mechanics or harsh starting conditions test your mastery of diplomacy, economy, and tactical positioning.

Uesugi Clan

Widely recognized as one of the hardest campaigns in the game, the Uesugi start with low-wealth provinces and are surrounded by aggressive neighbors. Furthermore, they lack the diplomatic luxury of children to use as peace hostages early on. However, their bonuses to monk units and trade income make them formidable if you survive the brutal opening turns.

Hattori Clan

Operating out of the Iga and Koga provinces, the Hattori are the masters of stealth and unorthodox warfare. They feature unique night-fighter generals and vanguard deployment options for all units, allowing you to set up devastating ambushes. Yet, their central location draws immediate hostility from multiple powerful neighbors simultaneously.

Comparing Faction Attributes for Your Next Campaign

To help you decide which campaign to launch next, the breakdown below summarizes how different factions align with specific playstyles and campaign preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which clan is best for beginners in Total War Shogun 2 Complete Edition?

The Oda clan is universally recommended for beginners. Their heavily discounted Yari Ashigaru upkeep lets you field massive armies early, simplifying both defense and offense while you learn the ropes of empire management.

Are gunpowder units effective in Shogun 2?

Yes, units like the Otomo matchlocks and Portuguese Tercos are devastating when given clear lines of sight. While their range is shorter than traditional bows, their sheer stopping power and morale-shattering impact make them incredible assets in both field battles and sieges.

Why is the Uesugi campaign considered so difficult?

The Uesugi start in low-wealth northern territories with a long distance between initial settlements and major markets. They also lack children at the game's start to offer as diplomatic hostages, making early alliances difficult to secure.