Medieval: Total War - Viking Invasion vs Shogun: Total War - Mongol Invasion
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Lead your Viking clan across the seas and dominate the medieval world in this expansive expansion to Medieval: Total War. Experience deep turn‑based campaign planning combined with massive real‑time battles that capture the brutality and glory of the Viking Age. The expansion adds new factions, units, and a richly detailed campaign map, letting you raid, trade, and forge alliances while mastering both strategic diplomacy and tactical battlefield command.
Shogun: Total War – Mongol Invasion expands the classic Shogun: Total War experience with a dramatic new campaign that pits Japanese warlords against the fearsome Mongol Empire. Command armies in real‑time battles, manage provinces turn‑by‑turn, and rewrite history on a richly detailed map of feudal Japan and the Asian mainland. The expansion adds new units, technologies, and a fully voiced storyline, while retaining the deep strategic depth and tactical combat that defined the original. Play solo or challenge friends in multiplayer skirmishes for ultimate strategic supremacy.
- Deep strategic depth combining turn‑based and real‑time elements
- Authentic historical factions and units
- Large, visually impressive battles
- Robust multiplayer support
- Deep strategic depth
- Authentic historical units
- Robust multiplayer support
- Extensive modding capabilities
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- Limited modern UI compared to newer titles
- Occasional AI pathfinding issues
- Aged graphics compared to modern titles
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- Limited AI sophistication in early missions
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Medieval: Total War - Viking Invasion
View all →
Epic medieval strategy expansion with deep campaign and battle mechanics

Conquer the world in a seamless blend of turn-based empire building and real-time battles
Alternatives to Shogun: Total War - Mongol Invasion
View all →
Conquer Europe as a fierce Viking warlord in epic medieval strategy
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataShogun: Total War - Mongol Invasion is the safer default for a slightly higher-rated historical experience, while Medieval: Total War - Viking Invasion offers larger-scale battles with naval combat. The main trade-off is higher critic acclaim and modding support versus massive troop counts and a fully simulated naval system.
Key differences
- •Setting and Factions: Product A focuses on 16th-century samurai and Mongol hordes in Japan and the Asian mainland, whereas Product B centers on Viking warlords conquering medieval Europe with authentic Viking factions and cultural bonuses.
- •Scale and Naval Combat: Product B features up to 10,000 troops in battles and a fully simulated naval system for coastal assaults, features not highlighted in Product A.
- •Critic Score: Product A holds a higher critic score of 85/100 compared to Product B's 81/100.
- •Modding and Technology: Product A includes a robust modding toolkit and a unique technology tree reflecting era innovations, while Product B highlights technology upgrades and customizable unit rosters.
- •Publishers and Release Dates: Product A was published by Electronic Arts in August 2001, whereas Product B was published by Activision in May 2003.
Gameplay & fun factor
Product A features a unique technology tree and robust espionage/diplomacy, earning a higher 85/100 critic score.
Platform availability
Not specified for either product regarding specific operating systems or platforms.
Price & value
Product A costs $49.99 MSRP, but Product B's exact pricing is not specified.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both products support single-player and multiplayer modes with up to 8 players.
Content & replayability
Product A includes a robust modding toolkit for community-created scenarios and units, enhancing long-term replayability.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both games share a steep learning curve for newcomers as a noted con.
Graphics & performance
Product B allows commanding up to 10,000 troops with a fully simulated naval system, while Product A features aged graphics.
Choose Medieval: Total War - Viking Invasion if…
Players seeking massive 10,000-troop battles, Viking factions, and simulated naval warfare.
Choose Shogun: Total War - Mongol Invasion if…
Strategy fans wanting a higher-rated historical campaign with modding tools and samurai warfare.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Product A has an MSRP of $49.99, while Product B's pricing is not specified.
Can I play with friends online?
Yes, both games support single-player and multiplayer modes with up to 8 players.
Who developed these titles?
Both games were developed by The Creative Assembly.



