Total War: Rome 2 remains one of the most immersive and strategic games ever made, and when combined with the popular Divide et Impera (DEI) mod, the depth of gameplay reaches a whole new level. Among the many features added or overhauled by DEI, the ‘Subjugate’ mechanic stands out as a powerful diplomatic and military option. This mechanic offers players a dynamic way to manage conquered territories, reshape power structures, and maintain a balance between expansion and stability. Understanding how the Rome 2 DEI subjugate system works, when to use it, and what consequences it brings is essential for any aspiring emperor.
What Is the Subjugate Mechanic in Rome 2 DEI?
Meaning of Subjugation
In the DEI mod for Rome 2, to subjugate a faction means to defeat them and force them to become your client state or satrapy, rather than fully annexing their territory. This is a middle-ground option between outright conquest and peace treaties. When you subjugate a faction, they retain their autonomy to an extent but are politically and militarily bound to your empire. They pay tribute, support you in war, and serve as buffers or allies depending on their strength.
Differences from Vanilla Rome 2
While the base game includes basic client state mechanics, DEI significantly enhances the realism and complexity of subjugation. Subjugated states behave more independently, have unique diplomatic stances, and require more strategic oversight. DEI also includes custom scripts and AI behaviors that make the subjugation process more historically authentic and balanced.
How to Subjugate a Faction in Rome 2 DEI
Military Victory and Diplomatic Choices
The primary way to subjugate a faction is through military conquest. After capturing a faction’s final settlement or defeating them in a war, you will often be presented with multiple post-battle options. One of these will be to ‘Subjugate’ the faction. This will:
- Turn them into your client state or satrapy, depending on your culture.
- Force them to pay regular tribute to your empire.
- Limit their diplomatic freedom they cannot declare war without your approval.
- Sometimes allow them to keep their capital or remaining forces.
Diplomatic Subjugation
It is also possible to diplomatically subjugate weaker factions through negotiations. This usually happens when your military strength and imperium far exceed theirs. Offering gifts, trade agreements, and military alliances over time can soften them up for voluntary submission.
Why Use Subjugate Instead of Conquest?
Advantages of Subjugation
There are multiple strategic reasons to choose subjugation over direct conquest in Rome 2 DEI:
- Reduced Public Order Penalty: Since you’re not annexing the region directly, you avoid immediate unrest from occupation.
- Less Corruption: You don’t gain new provinces, which helps manage your empire-wide corruption levels.
- Tribute Income: Subjugated factions pay regular tribute, contributing passive income.
- Military Buffer: Client states act as barriers against other factions and may defend your borders.
- Army Limit Management: You don’t need to garrison the area as heavily because the client handles its own defense.
When Not to Subjugate
Despite its many benefits, subjugation isn’t always the best choice. There are situations where outright conquest may serve you better:
- If the subjugated faction controls a valuable region with rich resources or wonders.
- When you need to unify provinces to maximize province-wide bonuses.
- If the client faction has a history of betrayal or instability.
- When your culture group makes it difficult to integrate foreign allies effectively.
Managing Subjugated Factions Effectively
Diplomatic Oversight
Even though client states cannot act independently in major ways, they can still interact with other factions diplomatically within limits. Monitor their relations and take proactive steps to manage their attitude. Sending dignitaries, establishing military access, and issuing protective alliances with their neighbors can stabilize their behavior.
Military Coordination
Subjugated factions will often follow you into war. This can be extremely useful for large-scale conflicts where you want allied armies distracting enemies or helping hold territory. However, they may not always act in a coordinated fashion, so don’t rely solely on them for frontline defense.
Tribute and Economic Impact
Over time, the tribute from client states can become a valuable stream of income. While not as large as tax revenue from direct provinces, it adds up and comes without the maintenance burden of direct governance. Additionally, you can use trade agreements to further boost economic ties with your subjugated allies.
Cultural and Regional Effects of Subjugation
Regional Loyalty and Cultural Compatibility
Cultural affinity between your faction and your client states affects loyalty and cooperation. For example, Hellenistic factions subjugating other Greek states often experience higher stability than when controlling barbarian or eastern regions. Incompatible cultures may lead to rebellious tendencies or diplomatic friction.
Influence on Regional Politics
Your choice to subjugate one faction may influence how other factions view you. Rivals may fear your growing sphere of influence, while smaller factions might be more willing to submit preemptively. DEI includes complex diplomatic scripts that reflect these shifting balances of power.
Role-Playing and Historical Flavor
Subjugation as a Role-Play Mechanic
Players who enjoy role-playing in Rome 2 DEI will find subjugation offers a historically authentic route to power. Rome itself used client kingdoms extensively in the real world, maintaining influence over regions without direct rule. Whether you play as Rome, the Seleucids, Carthage, or another major power, subjugation can reflect real-world imperial policies.
Historical Examples
- Rome and the Kingdom of Judea: Historically, Rome allowed local rulers in Judea while exerting overarching control mirrored perfectly by DEI subjugation.
- Seleucids and Vassal States: The Seleucid Empire frequently relied on satraps to manage distant territories.
- Sparta and the Peloponnesian League: A network of allies rather than full control, ideal for players building coalitions instead of conquering everything.
Tips for Using the Subjugate Option in DEI
- Use subjugation on remote or culturally dissimilar regions to maintain distance while exerting control.
- Pair subjugation with military alliances and trade deals to solidify loyalty.
- Be cautious of client states near enemy borders they may be targeted early in wars.
- Don’t over-rely on subjugation; mix it with conquests to manage imperial expansion effectively.
The subjugate feature in Rome 2 Divide et Impera is a powerful, nuanced tool that allows players to expand their influence without overextending their resources. By understanding how to use it strategically, you can manage your empire’s growth more effectively while maintaining military strength, economic stability, and political balance. Subjugation brings historical authenticity and a new layer of depth to the campaign, making DEI one of the richest and most rewarding mods for any Total War fan. Whether used as a buffer, ally, or tribute source, subjugated factions can become vital pillars of your imperial strategy.