A deep dive into tactical warfare in ancient times
Total War: Attila transports players into the turbulent world of Late Antiquity during the Migration Period. The Longbeards Culture Pack expands this experience by introducing three new playable factions—Alamans, Burgundians, and Langobards—each with unique traits, units, and cultural mechanics. With Rome weakened and its provinces vulnerable to plunder, these Germanic tribes offer fresh paths to conquest and survival amid the decline of empire.
New playable factions
The Alamans, Burgundians, and Langobards enter the campaign with distinct faction traits that encourage different strategies. The Burgundians thrive in harsh conditions with bonuses to replenishment and food supply in regions of poor fertility. The Langobards gain morale advantages in battles against armies of other religions and can double recruitment opportunities after defeating enemies. The Alamans bring their own set of advantages, further diversifying gameplay options.
Unique units, buildings, and ancillaries
The Longbeards Culture Pack enhances tactical variety by adding a roster of new units for each faction, from specialized infantry to cavalry, and unique building chains that strengthen economic and military foundations. The pack also introduces new ancillaries, such as the Pforzen Buckle and Sacrificial Dagger, which add flavor and utility to character development.
Beyond the core experience
Players experience The Lay of Ybor, a narrative event chain exclusive to these factions. Choices made during this series of events influence the traits of Ybor, a new general who joins the player’s roster. While intended as a highlight of the DLC, some players have noted that the event chain is relatively short and its impact on gameplay is limited compared to expectations.
By combining new factions, traits, and narrative events, the Longbeards Culture Pack enriches the broader Total War: Attila experience. However, some community feedback indicates that the new factions feel like existing Germanic factions in the base game, and the gameplay differences are not as pronounced as in other DLCs.
Tribal ambition, imperial echoes
The Longbeards Culture Pack expands Attila’s frontiers with three new Germanic factions, offering unique traits, units, and a brief narrative chain. While these additions provide fresh conquest avenues, they often mirror base game factions in playstyle. The DLC ultimately delivers more tactical variety but falls short of significantly differentiating its new tribes or providing a lasting narrative impact on the grand campaign.
