Total War: Medieval II launches the Hotseats and Halberds update featuring highly anticipated mechanics
All the PC content, but enhanced
- Hotseat Mode is an asynchronous multiplayer mode where you play on the same device
- It comes in standard, full co-op, and battle royale variants
- Halberds finally brings change to underperforming late-era units
Feral Interactive has just launched a major update for Total War: Medieval II on iOS and Android, bringing two highly requested features to the fray. Titled Hotseats & Halberds, this patch introduces the Hotseat multiplayer mode alongside sweeping late-game balance changes.
Total War: Medieval II’s Hotseat Mode lets multiple players compete or cooperate in the same campaign by taking turns on one device. While the feature existed in the Kingdoms expansion on desktop, it now arrives on mobile with expanded functionality.
You can use Hotseat Mode in both the Grand Campaign and the Kingdoms expansion, with options for standard, full co-op, or a new battle royale variant. The latter awards points across various categories, such as military strength and population, and includes an auto-elimination feature to keep things tense.
To make these multiplayer sessions smoother, the update has additionally introduced optional gameplay tweaks for faster campaigns. Diplomats now move further, buildings are cheaper and quicker to construct, and major historical events like the Mongol invasion trigger earlier.
On the battlefield, the Halberds portion of the update delivers a comprehensive balance overhaul focused on underperforming late-era units. Pike formations have been revamped with a new Cohesion mechanic, allowing them to hold formation and repel enemies more effectively until morale collapses.
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Units like Zweihanders and Daneaxe warriors now have Cohesion Disruption, making them ideal for breaking enemy lines. Halberdiers also receive buffs that help them stand out as strong alternatives to spearmen, with better stats and enhanced bracing against cavalry charges. Lastly, Gunpowder units benefit too, as musketeers and arquebusiers now fire faster thanks to AI and formation tweaks.
Enjoy all this new content by downloading Total War: Medieval II now for free by clicking on your preferred link below. Visit the official website for a full rundown of the update.
