This Total War: SHOGUN 2 tier list ranks every major option by overall effectiveness. Rankings factor in damage output, survivability, versatility, gear requirements, and how well each option scales.
Tier definitions: S = best in class, always a strong pick. A = strong and competitive, minor weaknesses. B = solid but clearly outperformed in most situations. C = viable only for players who enjoy the playstyle.
Builds Rankings
| Tier | Build | Rating | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Oda | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Shimazu | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Takeda | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Chosokabe | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Tokugawa | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
Detailed Builds Analysis
Oda (A-Tier)
Oda is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Katana Samurai. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Shimazu (A-Tier)
Shimazu is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Yari Ashigaru. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Takeda (A-Tier)
Takeda is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Bow Ashigaru. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Chosokabe (A-Tier)
Chosokabe is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Matchlock Ashigaru. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Tokugawa (A-Tier)
Tokugawa is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: No-Dachi Samurai. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Best With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Katana Samurai | Flanking archers, killing routing units and breaking enemy generals | The standard samurai melee unit, strong against other infantry and terrible against spears braced in a yari wall. |
| Yari Ashigaru | Anchoring the centre of the line and stopping cavalry charges cold | The cheapest infantry in the game and the answer to cavalry, because the yari wall order turns a rank of peasants into a hedge no horse will charge. |
| Bow Ashigaru | Volley fire from high ground and softening a line before contact | Cheap massed archers with poor accuracy and worse morale than bow samurai, made up for by numbers and the fire arrow order. |
| Matchlock Ashigaru | Punching holes in heavy samurai formations at short to medium range | Slow-reloading gunpowder infantry that hits far harder per shot than a bow but needs an unobstructed line of fire and dry weather. |
| No-Dachi Samurai | Shock charges into already engaged infantry and breaking a wavering line | Two-handed sword samurai with brutal attack and almost no armour, which means they win the first thirty seconds of a melee and lose anything longer. |
Check our weapons guide for in-depth stats and comparisons.
Equipment Analysis
Katana Samurai: The standard samurai melee unit, strong against other infantry and terrible against spears braced in a yari wall. Shimazu get theirs cheaper and better, and every clan needs a katana dojo before recruiting them.
Yari Ashigaru: The cheapest infantry in the game and the answer to cavalry, because the yari wall order turns a rank of peasants into a hedge no horse will charge. Morale is poor, so they need a general nearby and friends on both sides.
Bow Ashigaru: Cheap massed archers with poor accuracy and worse morale than bow samurai, made up for by numbers and the fire arrow order. Chosokabe recruit them at a discount and with better stats than anyone else.
Matchlock Ashigaru: Slow-reloading gunpowder infantry that hits far harder per shot than a bow but needs an unobstructed line of fire and dry weather. Rain wrecks their reliability, so never build a plan that depends only on them.
No-Dachi Samurai: Two-handed sword samurai with brutal attack and almost no armour, which means they win the first thirty seconds of a melee and lose anything longer. Date field them cheaper and better, alongside a clan-wide plus 2 charge bonus.
Meta Analysis
The current meta in Total War: SHOGUN 2 centers on Realm Divide and Chi and Bushido arts research. Builds that leverage both systems outperform those that focus on only one. Our combat guide explains these interactions in depth.
What's strong right now:
- Oda with Katana Samurai is the benchmark. Everything else is measured against it.
- Ashigaru and samurai unit tiers builds are gaining ground as players find new combinations.
- Takeda remains essential for learning hard content. See the boss guide.
What's underrated:
- Shimazu is consistently overlooked despite being the most flexible option.
- Bow Ashigaru offers excellent performance for its investment level.
What's overhyped:
- Pure Tokugawa builds. High ceiling but the consistency isn't there for most players.
Quick Picks by Situation
| Situation | Best Build | Best Gear | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall best | Oda | Katana Samurai | Highest consistent performance |
| New player | Shimazu | Yari Ashigaru | Most forgiving, teaches mechanics |
| Hard content | Takeda | Bow Ashigaru | Survivability when you need it |
| Group play | Chosokabe | Matchlock Ashigaru | Utility and team support |
| Experienced player | Tokugawa | No-Dachi Samurai | Unique challenge and high ceiling |
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 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
- Total War: SHOGUN 2 Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Total War: SHOGUN 2, check out these related guides:
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- RimWorld Tier List: strategy game with similar mechanics
