Creative Assembly and Sega have unveiled a new dev diary trailer, which showcases several new mechanics coming to Total War Pharaoh.

First up is a new mechanic where almost everything can be set on fire, including grass, forests, buildings, cities, and siege equipment.

Another new feature is the returning Formations mechanic which is now called the Stances mechanic in Total War Pharaoh. Stances in the upcoming game include holding the line, reckless advance, spear wall, and more. Some units will have Stances unique to them.

In addition, the game will feature a new armour degradation system, with certain weapons able to damage certain kinds of armour easier. Last but not least, players can now customize the bodyguard of their general by changing their equipment including armour and weapons and even adding chariots.

In Total War Pharaoh, the newest entry in the award-winning grand strategy series, immerse yourself in ancient Egypt at the zenith of its power and experience the dramatic events that threaten its destruction.

The setting is this:

With the end looming for the great Pharaoh Merneptah, the people of Egypt cry out for a new leader. Many desire the power of the throne, but the path to becoming Pharaoh is a perilous one. Unearth a breathtakingly vibrant recreation of the Bronze Age Collapse as you battle societal disarray, face natural disasters and fight to protect your people against waves of invaders.

Prove your legitimacy to become Pharaoh, or Great King of the Hittites, and expand your growing empire on a campaign map that spans the rich cultural hubs of Egypt, Canaan and Anatolia. With a choice of eight Faction Leaders, step into their unique playstyles and take charge of diverse unit rosters. Whether you’re charming the courts as a peerless diplomat, charging into battle as an unwavering commander or causing chaos as a fearless warlord, become a leader that history will remember.

The base game contains eight playable faction leaders from three diverse cultures:

• Egyptian: Ramesses, Seti, Tausret, Amenmesse
• Canaanite: Bay and Irsu
• Hittite: Kurunta and Suppiluliuma

With a brand-new Campaign Customisation feature, no two campaigns will ever feel the same. Determine how you play with an extended range of campaign customisation options, such as random starting positions for all factions, detailed resource settings, the ability to toy with natural disasters and much more.

Total War Pharaoh will launch on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store sometime in October 2023.

In the meantime, check out our review of A Total War Saga Troy MYTHOS here. In addition, check out my review of Total War Warhammer 3 and Immortal Empires here.

Check out the new dev diary trailer below: