In Total War: Attila, playing as the Visigoths offers a unique blend of migratory survival and ambitious conquest. Unlike traditional empires, the Visigoths begin the game as a horde homeless, mobile, and seeking a place to call their own. Navigating the early game as a nomadic faction while planning long-term settlement strategies requires thoughtful tactics, smart diplomacy, and a strong grasp of battlefield mechanics. Whether you want to burn Rome to the ground or carve out your own kingdom in the ruins of the Western Empire, mastering the Visigoths can lead to one of the most rewarding campaigns in Total War: Attila.
Starting Position and Early Challenges
Initial Setup
The Visigoths begin the campaign in the Balkans, fleeing from the Huns. You start as a horde with no home province and must survive by raiding, sacking, and eventually settling. Your starting army is decent, but you’ll need to be cautious, especially around powerful enemies like the Eastern Roman Empire and roving Hun stacks.
Early Game Objectives
- Escape immediate danger from the Huns
- Target weak, poorly defended cities for raiding or occupation
- Build economic momentum through razing and sacking
- Scout for a suitable region to settle and build your kingdom
Your immediate goal should be to stabilize your economy through looting while avoiding full-scale wars with major powers. The Visigoths thrive on mobility early on, so staying one step ahead of enemies is crucial.
Horde Mechanics and Mobility
Managing Your Horde
As a horde, the Visigoths can build and grow their settlements while on the move. This gives you excellent flexibility, but it also comes with limitations. You must manage food, public order, and sanitation within your roaming population. Construct buildings that support your mobile economy and military production, such as fields, forges, and sacred groves.
Raiding and Razing
The Visigoths can generate significant income from raiding enemy lands and sacking settlements. Consider targeting poorly defended Roman towns. After sacking, you can raze them to deny resources to your enemies and slow down their recovery. Razing also discourages reoccupation, making it a useful tactic for weakening large empires.
Best Settlement Locations
Where to Settle?
While the horde life is sustainable for a time, eventually you’ll want to settle. Choosing the right place is a key strategic decision. Good regions offer defensible terrain, fertile land, and proximity to trade routes or weakened enemies.
Recommended Settlement Areas
- Italia Highly profitable but heavily defended; settle here only after weakening the Western Romans
- Hispania Balanced food, wealth, and defensibility; ideal for establishing a long-term kingdom
- Southern Gaul Often left vulnerable by both Roman Empires; suitable for an early stronghold
Hispania is often the best option for long-term success. Once you’ve secured a province, build economic structures and military recruitment buildings to support expansion.
Military Strategy
Unit Composition
The Visigothic army is a mix of mobile cavalry, strong infantry, and versatile skirmishers. While their units may not match Roman discipline, they excel in hit-and-run tactics and brutal charges.
Recommended Army Composition
- 2-4 Spear Infantry Hold the line and defend flanks
- 3-5 Axe Infantry Break through enemy lines with high melee damage
- 2-3 Archers or Javelinmen Harass and weaken enemy units from range
- 3-4 Cavalry Essential for flanking, chasing routers, and disrupting backlines
Use your cavalry aggressively to force enemy formations to break. Infantry should absorb charges and create opportunities for your mobile units to hit exposed targets. Visigoth units are cost-efficient and hit hard, but avoid prolonged direct confrontations with heavily armored Roman forces.
Tactics on the Battlefield
To succeed in combat:
- Use forests and terrain to your advantage
- Split enemy forces with flank attacks
- Position archers on elevated ground for better range and accuracy
- Encircle and rout rather than trying to win via attrition
The Visigoth fighting style is best when it’s fast, flexible, and aggressive. Use your advantages in speed and ambush to control engagements.
Diplomacy and Allies
Strategic Diplomacy
Early on, diplomacy can be difficult since many factions view you as a threat. However, there are still ways to build limited alliances or secure trade agreements. The key is to stay unpredictable and noncommittal until you’ve found a home territory.
Potential Allies
- Western Roman Empire Occasionally open to peace if you avoid sacking key cities
- Other Germanic Tribes Useful for trade or temporary military alliances
- Sassanid Empire Might support you as a buffer against the Eastern Romans
Be wary of binding treaties early on. Use diplomacy as a tool for survival rather than dependence. Once you have a base of power, you can engage in more meaningful alliances or become a regional power broker.
Religion and Public Order
Religious Transition
The Visigoths begin as Arian Christians. Religious conflict becomes a factor once you settle, especially in Catholic or Pagan provinces. Use priests and religious buildings to convert populations and maintain public order.
Tips for Religious Management
- Build shrines early to reduce unrest
- Assign religious governors to troubled provinces
- Spread your chosen faith actively to avoid civil discontent
Neglecting religion can lead to rebellion, which is especially dangerous in newly acquired settlements. Prioritize stability in the early stages of kingdom-building.
Technology and Development
Research Priorities
As a horde, your research will shape the effectiveness of your mobile infrastructure. Once settled, you’ll have access to more advanced technologies focused on city development and higher-tier units.
Early-Game Research Focus
- Military upgrades for unit morale and armor
- Camp structures that increase food and sanitation
- Loot and raiding efficiency to increase income
Post-Settlement Research
- Civil tech for better buildings and income generation
- Advanced military upgrades to unlock elite units
- Public order and corruption reduction tech
Tailor your technology path to match your campaign goal aggressive expansion or economic consolidation. Avoid scattered tech progression and focus on one clear path at a time.
Late Game Strategy
Expanding the Kingdom
Once you’ve established a solid base, it’s time to push outward. The fall of Rome opens up many territories. Choose targets wisely aim for economically rich regions or vulnerable enemies. Remember to leave garrisons behind to prevent revolts or invasions.
Endgame Goals
- Destroy the Western Roman Empire to secure dominance in the west
- Hold and fortify Hispania or Italia as your core provinces
- Become the dominant Germanic kingdom through conquest or diplomacy
By the late game, your armies should be elite and your economy stable. Transition from reactive survival to active empire-building, using your strong foundation to dominate enemies across the map.
The Visigoths in Total War: Attila offer a highly dynamic campaign full of risk and reward. From surviving as a roaming horde to establishing a dominant kingdom, every decision shapes your path to glory. With smart tactics, aggressive raiding, and a keen eye for strategic settlements, the Visigoths can thrive even in the game’s darkest times. Master their strengths, manage their weaknesses, and watch your faction rise from wandering outcasts to kings of a new world.
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