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.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Roman Empire | A | Balanced | Legio Comitatenses | Yes |
| Eastern Roman Empire | A | Balanced | Limitanei | Yes |
| Sassanid Empire | A | Balanced | Plumbatarii | Yes |
| Huns | A | Balanced | Scholae Palatinae | Yes |
| Visigoths | A | Balanced | Carriage Ballistae | Yes |
New player? Start with Eastern Roman Empire. See our beginner's guide for why.
Western Roman Empire
Western Roman Empire is a strong option in Total War: ATTILA.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Legio Comitatenses |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Razing, sacking and occupying settlements |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Legio Comitatenses
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Roma to learn Western Roman Empire-specific mechanics
- Focus on Razing, sacking and occupying settlements. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Legio Comitatenses as your first major upgrade
- See our full Western Roman Empire build guide for the optimal gear progression
Eastern Roman Empire
Eastern Roman Empire is a strong option in Total War: ATTILA.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Limitanei |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | The migration and horde mechanic |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Limitanei
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Roma to learn Eastern Roman Empire-specific mechanics
- Focus on The migration and horde mechanic. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Limitanei as your first major upgrade
- See our full Eastern Roman Empire build guide for the optimal gear progression
Sassanid Empire
Sassanid Empire is a strong option in Total War: ATTILA.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Plumbatarii |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Climate cooling and fertility |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Plumbatarii
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Roma to learn Sassanid Empire-specific mechanics
- Focus on Climate cooling and fertility. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Plumbatarii as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sassanid Empire build guide for the optimal gear progression
Huns
Huns is a strong option in Total War: ATTILA.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Scholae Palatinae |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Sanitation, squalor and plague |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Scholae Palatinae
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Roma to learn Huns-specific mechanics
- Focus on Sanitation, squalor and plague. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Scholae Palatinae as your first major upgrade
- See our full Huns build guide for the optimal gear progression
Visigoths
Visigoths is a strong option in Total War: ATTILA.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Carriage Ballistae |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | The family tree, gravitas and civil war |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Carriage Ballistae
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Roma to learn Visigoths-specific mechanics
- Focus on The family tree, gravitas and civil war. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Carriage Ballistae as your first major upgrade
- See our full Visigoths build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Eastern Roman Empire is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Western Roman Empire is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Legio Comitatenses for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Visigoths offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Huns shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
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 Boss Guide
- Total War: ATTILA Maps & Locations
- Total War: ATTILA Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Total War: ATTILA, check out these related guides:
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- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
