Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition Boss Guide: Strategies for Every Boss

Q: What does Emperor Edition actually change?

It was a free September 2014 update that rebuilt the political system, revised building chains and public order, improved campaign and battle AI, and added the Imperator Augustus campaign. Every copy sold since is Emperor Edition.

Q: Which faction should a new player pick?

Rome. It starts with Italia almost secured, has clear objectives, gets Legionary Cohorts after the Marian reforms, and forgives the battlefield mistakes that would end a Macedonian or Parthian campaign.

Q: Is the Imperator Augustus campaign included?

Yes, it ships with Emperor Edition. It covers the Second Triumvirate period with Octavian, Marc Antony and Lepidus fighting over a Rome that has already fractured, alongside Parthia, Egypt, Armenia and several tribal factions.

Q: How large is the Grand Campaign map?

57 provinces built from more than 170 regions, running from Britannia and Hispania in the west to Bactria in the east, with Africa reaching down toward Kush.

Q: Do I need the DLC?

No. The Grand Campaign and Imperator Augustus carry hundreds of hours on their own. Culture packs add playable factions such as the Greek States and the Nomadic Tribes, while Wrath of Sparta and Hannibal at the Gates are separate campaigns rather than upgrades.

Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition boss guide with strategies, recommended builds, and tips for every boss fight from start to endgame.

EarlyGuides Editorial Team

Researched and editorially reviewed. Updated August 12, 2026.

Emperor Edition is the free September 2014 overhaul that rebuilt ROME II's politics, building chains and campaign AI after a rough 2013 launch. It ships the Grand Campaign across 57 provinces stretching from Britannia and Hispania to Bactria, plus the Imperator Augustus campaign covering the Second Triumvirate's civil war. Turn-based empire management feeds into real-time battles of thousands of men, and these are the rules everyone still plays under.

Boss fights are where Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition 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
Italia	Easy	Carthage	Pike phalanx
Magna Graecia	Moderate	Carthage	Pike phalanx
Africa	Hard	Rome	Legionary Cohorts
Aegyptus	Very Hard	Rome	Legionary Cohorts
Britannia	Extreme	Rome	Legionary Cohorts

Italia Bosses

Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Turns 1 to 30 Recommended build: Carthage with Pike phalanx

Strategy

The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. The Grand Campaign splits into 57 provinces, each built from two to four regions with a single provincial capital. This is your primary tool here.

Key tips:

Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
Use Province and region system to create safe windows.
Pike phalanx is enough to handle everything here.

Magna Graecia Bosses

Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Turns 5 to 40 Recommended build: Carthage with Pike phalanx

Strategy

Early game bosses test your understanding of Public order and food. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.

Key tips:

Public order and food is critical for these fights.
Farm Pike phalanx upgrades if you're struggling.
Consider switching to Carthage if your current setup isn't working.

Africa Bosses

Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Turns 30 to 80 Recommended build: Rome with Legionary Cohorts

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 Province and region system and Army traditions and generals mastery.
Legionary Cohorts makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
See our combat guide for advanced techniques.

Aegyptus Bosses

Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Turns 60 onward Recommended build: Rome with Legionary Cohorts

Strategy

Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.

Key tips:

Make sure your build is fully optimized.
Legionary Cohorts at max upgrade is recommended.
Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.

Britannia Bosses

Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Turns 90 onward Recommended build: Rome with Legionary Cohorts

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 Legionary Cohorts trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
Use Province and region system: 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.

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