Total War: Rome 2 will be getting its first expansion pack next week. Caesar in Gaul is a short, focused campaign set in Gaul as well as the south coast of Britannia.
“We’ve released a number of DLC packs and free content updates for Rome II, but this is our most substantial so far”, said Mike Simpson, Creative Director for Total War. “We’ve always planned to focus more closely on some of the key conflicts of the ancient world, and Caesar’s war in Gaul is the ideal place to start.
In the campaign, Julius Caesar is intent on subduing the natives and establishing Roman dominance over the region. Players can guide Rome's forces in conquering 18 provinces across Gaul and Britannia. As the campaign progresses, additional tribes will rebel against their rule and form alliances against them.
The expansion also offers three other factions: the Gallic Arverni, the Germanic Suebi, and the Belgic Nervii. Each faction offers new units to command which will also be accessible in the main campaign. They'll have to confront their own distinct challenges as well. Successful barbarian leaders will be challenged in the late game as Rome begins to send heavier forces to Gaul.
The conflict runs from 58 BC to 51 BC. Each year of the campaign is split into 24 turns so you don't blow through the whole thing too quickly. The longer years mean that the changing seasons will have more enduring impact on your strategy as well.
The smaller scope of Caesar in Gaul's campaign allows for greater depth. There's more detail to Gaul in this DLC than there was in the base game. Creative Assembly promises we'll get well-acquainted with faction leaders like Caesar and Vercingetorix, chieftain of the Arverni. The region is also filled with a number of other famous generals and statesmen that will aid or hinder your quest.
The DLC also offers the standalone Battle of Alesia. Alesia was a decisive battle in the Gallic War, during which Roman forces captured Vercingetorix. Players will take on the role of Caesar and lay siege to Vercingetorix's stronghold. They must defeat the forces within the fort while also fighting off massive enemy reinforcements.
Creative Assembly plans to release Caesar in Gaul on December 12th. It'll be priced at $14.99, £9.99, or €14.99 depending on where you live.
