Creative Assembly and SEGA released Total War: SHOGUN 2 on 15 March 2011, opening the campaign in 1545 and handing every clan the same win condition: take Kyoto and hold it. Nine clans ship in the base game, each with one signature discount, from Shimazu katana samurai to Mori warships. Fall of the Samurai is a separate standalone expansion set during the 1860s Boshin War, so its Gatling guns and ironclads never show up in the Sengoku campaign covered here.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oda | A | Balanced | Katana Samurai | Yes |
| Shimazu | A | Balanced | Yari Ashigaru | Yes |
| Takeda | A | Balanced | Bow Ashigaru | Yes |
| Chosokabe | A | Balanced | Matchlock Ashigaru | Yes |
| Tokugawa | A | Balanced | No-Dachi Samurai | Yes |
New player? Start with Shimazu. See our beginner's guide for why.
Oda
Oda is a strong option in Total War: SHOGUN 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Katana Samurai |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Realm Divide |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Katana Samurai
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Kyoto to learn Oda-specific mechanics
- Focus on Realm Divide. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Katana Samurai as your first major upgrade
- See our full Oda build guide for the optimal gear progression
Shimazu
Shimazu is a strong option in Total War: SHOGUN 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Yari Ashigaru |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Chi and Bushido arts research |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Yari Ashigaru
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Kyoto to learn Shimazu-specific mechanics
- Focus on Chi and Bushido arts research. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Yari Ashigaru as your first major upgrade
- See our full Shimazu build guide for the optimal gear progression
Takeda
Takeda is a strong option in Total War: SHOGUN 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Bow Ashigaru |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Ashigaru and samurai unit tiers |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Bow Ashigaru
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Kyoto to learn Takeda-specific mechanics
- Focus on Ashigaru and samurai unit tiers. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Bow Ashigaru as your first major upgrade
- See our full Takeda build guide for the optimal gear progression
Chosokabe
Chosokabe is a strong option in Total War: SHOGUN 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Matchlock Ashigaru |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Ninja, Metsuke and Monk agents |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Matchlock Ashigaru
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Kyoto to learn Chosokabe-specific mechanics
- Focus on Ninja, Metsuke and Monk agents. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Matchlock Ashigaru as your first major upgrade
- See our full Chosokabe build guide for the optimal gear progression
Tokugawa
Tokugawa is a strong option in Total War: SHOGUN 2.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | No-Dachi Samurai |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Castle sieges and province capitals |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with No-Dachi Samurai
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Kyoto to learn Tokugawa-specific mechanics
- Focus on Castle sieges and province capitals. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize No-Dachi Samurai as your first major upgrade
- See our full Tokugawa build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Shimazu 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
Oda is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Katana Samurai for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Tokugawa 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
Chosokabe shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Total War: SHOGUN 2 Guides
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Total War: SHOGUN 2 Overview
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Best Builds
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Tier List
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Walkthrough
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Beginner's Guide
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Tips & Tricks
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Weapons Guide
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Combat Guide
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Boss Guide
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Maps & Locations
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Crafting Guide
Similar Games
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- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
