Mastering Steam Total War Shogun 2: Unleashing the Power of Pikemen, Metsuke, and Fertile Provinces

Total War Shogun 2 is a game that requires strategic planning and execution to emerge victorious. One of the key elements in achieving success lies in mastering your infantry units, particularly the pikemen. In this article, we will explore the strengths and weaknesses of pikemen, as well as provide valuable tips on how to utilize Metsuke and fertile provinces to boost your economy.

Pikemen are known for their remarkable ability to hold positions, making them an excellent choice for defensive battles. They excel at withstanding enemy attacks, but it's essential to remember that they can be vulnerable to cavalry and monsters. To counter this, it's crucial to attack the enemy's rear lines (their 'asshole' in Total War parlance) using your heavier units.

On the other hand, pikemen are effective against cavalry and monsters, as their long spears can inflict significant damage. However, they tend to struggle against sword-wielding enemies, who can quickly dispatch them with a single blow.

Metsuke, on the other hand, are income-boosting agents that can be placed in specific provinces to increase your revenue. They are particularly effective when stationed in Very Fertile provinces, which generate an additional 500+ koku even at lower levels. This is why it's essential to identify these provinces and place Metsuke accordingly.

In terms of gameplay strategy, I tend to play with low taxes and large food surpluses (15+) to encourage my provinces' values to grow faster over time. This ultimately leads to increased income and a stronger economy. To achieve this, I avoid upgrading markets and instead focus on preserving the food supply by not upgrading them.

When it comes to Metsuke placement, I usually station them in Very Fertile provinces such as Owari, Oda's province, Kii, and others found in central Honshū. In Northern Honshū (Date/Uesugi area), I place a few Metsuke to protect my agents from Ninja Strongholds. Kyūshū has three Very Fertile provinces, which I typically assign three Metsuke to oversee.

Pairing down Ninjas and repressing provinces is an essential part of my strategy, as it allows me to focus on building out my economy while also generating additional income through Metsuke. By doing so, I can create a strong foundation for my gameplay experience in Total War Shogun 2.

In conclusion, mastering Steam Total War Shogun 2 requires a deep understanding of infantry units like pikemen and the strategic placement of Metsuke to boost your economy. By following these tips and adapting your strategy accordingly, you'll be well on your way to achieving success in this engaging game.

Steam total war shogun 2