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Third Age: Total War - Still Worth Playing in 2024?

# Third Age: Total War - Still Worth Playing in 2024

Medieval II: Total War: Kingdoms is a classic, but even classics can use a shot in the arm. Enter "Third Age: Total War" (TATW), a total conversion mod that plunges the game into the rich world of Middle-earth. This isn't just a reskin; it's a complete overhaul. But does this monumental mod, a Lord of the Rings Total War Mod PC, still hold up in 2024? For PC gaming enthusiasts seeking to revitalize a cherished game, the answer is a resounding yes, with some caveats. This Third Age Total War 2024 Review will dissect its gameplay, technical aspects, community impact, and ultimately, whether it's worth your time. Let's dive in.

What is Third Age: Total War?

"Third Age: Total War" fundamentally transforms Medieval II: Total War into a recreation of Tolkien's Middle-earth. Forget Europe; you're now battling for control of a massive campaign map stretching from the Grey Havens to Mordor. Over twenty factions, each meticulously crafted according to the lore, are yours to command. Gondor, Rohan, Mordor, Isengard, Rivendell, the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm – they're all here.

The mod goes far beyond just adding new factions. It modifies Medieval II's core gameplay mechanics. The unit roster is completely revamped, featuring hundreds of new units. Forget knights and archers (well, mostly); now you're commanding Mumakil, Eagles, Ents, and legions of Orcs. Unit stats have been carefully adjusted to reflect their power and abilities in the lore. The economic system, diplomacy, and unit recruitment have all been tweaked to fit the setting. For example, Gondor's unit recruitment is tied heavily to its cities, reflecting its reliance on fortified centers, while Mordor can churn out endless waves of Orcs, but at a significant economic cost. This TATW Mod Medieval 2 Kingdoms modification extends to almost every facet of the game.

Gameplay Impact: Epic Battles and Faction Diversity

The gameplay impact of "Third Age: Total War" is enormous. Each faction offers a unique and challenging experience.

  • Gondor: Can you hold the line against the relentless forces of Mordor? Defending Minas Tirith is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in the game, requiring careful management of your limited resources and strategic deployment of your elite troops.
  • Rohan: Master the art of the cavalry charge as you ride to the aid of Gondor, or carve out your own kingdom in the Riddermark. Their strength lies in their horsemen, but they are vulnerable in prolonged engagements.
  • Mordor: Overwhelm your enemies with sheer numbers. Manage your vast armies and crush all resistance. But beware, Mordor's economy is fragile, and rebellions are common.
  • Lindon: Uniting the scattered Elven realms is a delicate balancing act. Form alliances, secure your borders, and prepare for the inevitable clash with Dol Guldur and Angmar.

Specific units can drastically change the course of a battle. The Eagles of Manwë, for example, can swoop in to snatch key enemy commanders or rout entire formations. But they are few in number and must be used wisely.

Eagles of Manwë diving into battle, showcasing their power to disrupt enemy formations and turn the tide of battle.

The scale of battles is also shifted. The clash between Rohan cavalry and Isengard Uruk-Hai feels suitably epic, with hundreds of units clashing in a whirlwind of steel and fury. Battles can take a long time to play out, but the sense of scale and drama is unmatched.

The Technical Side: Installation and Performance Guide

Installing "Third Age: Total War" can be a bit tricky on modern systems, but don't let that deter you. This Third Age Total War Mod Install Guide will help.

  1. Install Medieval II: Total War: Kingdoms. This is the base game required to run the mod.
  2. Download the "Third Age: Total War" files. You can find these on ModDB or Nexus Mods. Always check the file integrity and read user comments for warnings.
  3. Install the parts in the correct order. Usually, this involves installing the base mod, followed by any patches.
  4. Apply the 4GB patch. This is crucial for improving stability and preventing crashes, especially on modern systems. You can find the 4GB patch here

The Battle of the Pelennor Fields recreated in Third Age: Total War, featuring a massive clash between Gondorian and Rohan forces against the hordes of Mordor, with Minas Tirith in the background.

To use the 4GB patch, simply run the patch executable and point it to your Medieval II: Total War executable.

Third Age Total War Performance Guide

Overall, the mod runs well on modern hardware, but you may experience some performance dips during large battles. Here are some tips to improve performance:

  • Lower graphics settings. Reduce texture quality, shadow detail, and antialiasing.
  • Disable grass. Grass can have a significant impact on performance.
  • Run the game in windowed mode. This can sometimes improve stability.
  • Close unnecessary background programs. Free up system resources.

One of the great things about "Third Age: Total War" is its customizability. You can edit unit stats and recruitment pools via simple text editing within the mod files. Navigate to the mod's data folder, find the relevant text files (usually in the export_descr_unit.txt and campaign_db.xml files), and make your changes. Remember to back up your files before making any changes.

Community Reception: A Tale of Two Mods

"Third Age: Total War" is often compared to "Call of Warhammer: Total War," another popular Medieval II fantasy mod. While "Call of Warhammer" enjoys significant popularity with a faster development cycle and more frequent patching, "Third Age" remains a beloved classic known for its faithfulness to Tolkien's lore.

"Call of Warhammer" takes a more liberal approach to unit design and faction balance, often prioritizing gameplay over strict adherence to the Warhammer lore. "Third Age," on the other hand, is meticulously researched and strives to capture the spirit of Tolkien's world.

The community size and active modding support also differ. "Call of Warhammer" boasts a larger and more active community, with new content and updates released regularly. "Third Age" has a smaller, but dedicated base producing community sub-mods that alter aspects of the game, such as graphical enhancements and gameplay balance changes. The Third Age Total War Modding Community is very niche, but very creative.

A clash between Elven forces and Orcs, showcasing the distinct unit designs and detailed environments in Third Age: Total War.

Third Age Total War vs Call of Warhammer gameplay differences?

"Third Age" prioritizes lore accuracy, while "Call of Warhammer" sometimes sacrifices this for engaging gameplay. "Call of Warhammer" often features more over-the-top units and abilities, while "Third Age" attempts to keep things grounded (as much as possible in a fantasy setting).

Verdict: Is It Worth Playing in 2024?

So, is Third Age Total War still playable? Absolutely. Despite its age and occasional technical quirks, "Third Age: Total War" remains a truly special mod. Its dedication to the source material, combined with the engaging gameplay of Medieval II: Total War, makes it a must-play for Tolkien fans.

  • Tolkien fans: If you love The Lord of the Rings, you'll appreciate the attention to detail and the immersive experience.
  • Total War veterans: If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding campaign, "Third Age" will test your skills.
  • Those seeking a challenging campaign: Gondor's campaign alone offers a deep and rewarding experience.

However, be prepared to troubleshoot installation issues and tweak settings for optimal performance.

Rohan cavalry charging into battle against Isengard Uruk-Hai, showcasing the mod's ability to recreate iconic battles from The Lord of the Rings.

Third Age Total War Best Factions

Some of the Third Age Total War Best Factions for beginners include Gondor (for a challenging but rewarding defense-focused campaign), Rohan (for cavalry-focused gameplay), and the High Elves (for a more balanced experience). More experienced players may enjoy the challenge of playing as Mordor or Isengard.

Is Third Age Total War compatible Windows 11?

Yes, it is generally compatible, but you may need to run it in compatibility mode (Windows XP or Windows 7). Applying the 4GB patch is crucial for stability.

Conclusion

"Third Age: Total War" is more than just a mod; it's a labor of love that has stood the test of time. Its immersive world, challenging gameplay, and dedicated community make it a must-play for any Total War fan who loves The Lord of the Rings. So, if you're looking for a truly epic grand strategy experience, download it today!

A Mumakil rampaging through enemy lines, showcasing the mod's impressive unit models and large-scale battles.

Ready to defend Middle-earth? Download Third Age Total War Download 2024 from ModDB and embark on your epic adventure today! Don't forget to use the 4GB patch to ensure smooth gameplay.

Dwarven warriors clashing with Orcs in a mountain pass, highlighting the unique unit rosters and strategic challenges of Third Age: Total War.

Appendix: List of all Factions in Third Age Total War:

  • Gondor
  • Rohan
  • Mordor
  • Isengard
  • Rivendell
  • Silvan Elves
  • High Elves
  • Dwarves
  • Woodland Realm
  • Eriador
  • Arnor
  • Orcs of the Misty Mountains
  • Orcs of Gundabad
  • Dale
  • Rhun
  • Harad
  • Khand
  • Dunland

Ents marching to war, showcasing the unique units and tactical possibilities in Third Age: Total War.

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