Creative Assembly released Attila on 17 February 2015 and set the Grand Campaign in 395 AD, the year Theodosius died and the Roman Empire split permanently in two. Ten factions are playable in the base Grand Campaign, and the Western Roman Empire opens with more provinces than it can garrison, more armies than it can pay and a treasury already sliding. A cooling climate drives fertility down across the north while the Huns arrive from the east. This is the Total War where burning your own city is frequently the right decision.
Boss fights are where Total War: ATTILA tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Build | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roma | Easy | Eastern Roman Empire | Limitanei |
| Constantinopolis | Moderate | Eastern Roman Empire | Limitanei |
| Ravenna | Hard | Western Roman Empire | Legio Comitatenses |
| Carthago | Very Hard | Western Roman Empire | Legio Comitatenses |
| Ctesiphon | Extreme | Western Roman Empire | Legio Comitatenses |
Roma Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Turns 1 to 40 as the Western Roman Empire, a mid campaign target for anyone else Recommended build: Eastern Roman Empire with Limitanei
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Capturing a settlement gives three answers. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Razing, sacking and occupying settlements to create safe windows.
- Limitanei is enough to handle everything here.
Constantinopolis Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Turns 1 onward as the Eastern Roman Empire, a late campaign objective for the Huns Recommended build: Eastern Roman Empire with Limitanei
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of The migration and horde mechanic. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- The migration and horde mechanic is critical for these fights.
- Farm Limitanei upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Eastern Roman Empire if your current setup isn't working.
Ravenna Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Turns 1 to 60 as the Western Roman Empire Recommended build: Western Roman Empire with Legio Comitatenses
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both Razing, sacking and occupying settlements and Climate cooling and fertility mastery.
- Legio Comitatenses makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
Carthago Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Turns 10 to 70, contested by the Vandals in most campaigns Recommended build: Western Roman Empire with Legio Comitatenses
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Legio Comitatenses at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Ctesiphon Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Turns 1 onward as the Sassanid Empire, a very late objective for Rome Recommended build: Western Roman Empire with Legio Comitatenses
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your equipment: A max-upgraded Legio Comitatenses trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Razing, sacking and occupying settlements: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More Total War: ATTILA Guides
- Total War: ATTILA Total War: ATTILA Overview
- Total War: ATTILA Best Builds
- Total War: ATTILA Tier List
- Total War: ATTILA Walkthrough
- Total War: ATTILA Beginner's Guide
- Total War: ATTILA Tips & Tricks
- Total War: ATTILA Weapons Guide
- Total War: ATTILA Combat Guide
- Total War: ATTILA Maps & Locations
- Total War: ATTILA Crafting Guide
- Total War: ATTILA Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Total War: ATTILA, check out these related guides:
- Sid Meier's Civilization V Boss Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Boss Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Boss Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
