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Difference between revisions of "Medieval II: Total War"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(updated retail base game issue to cover other affected versions of Windows)
 
(85 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
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{{cleanup|reason=Verify instructions and fixes against the latest version, make fixes cross-platform in description}}
 
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
|cover        = Medieval II Total War Cover.jpg
+
|cover        = Medieval II Total War - cover.jpg
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Creative Assembly}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Creative Assembly}}
{{Infobox game/row/osxporter|Feral Interactive}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Creative Assembly International}}
{{Infobox game/row/linporter|Feral Interactive}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Feral Interactive|OS X}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Feral Interactive|Linux}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sega}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sega}}
Line 12: Line 12:
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 11, 2006}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 11, 2006}}
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|December 17, 2015}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 14, 2016}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|January 14, 2016}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Linux|January 14, 2016}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|medieval-ii-total-war|88}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|medieval-ii-total-war|90}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | None }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time, Turn-based}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Bird's-eye view, Free-roaming camera}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Menu-based, Multiple select, Point and select}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | RTS, TBS}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Medieval, Historical}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Total War}}
 
|steam appid  = 4700
 
|steam appid  = 4700
 
|steam appid side = 4780,306541
 
|steam appid side = 4780,306541
|gogcom page  =  
+
|gogcom id    =  
 +
|hltb        = 5792
 +
|lutris      = medieval-ii-total-war
 
|strategywiki = Medieval II: Total War
 
|strategywiki = Medieval II: Total War
 +
|mobygames    = 24995
 
|wikipedia    = Medieval II: Total War
 
|wikipedia    = Medieval II: Total War
|winehq      =  
+
|winehq      = 4136
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
{{Series|Total War}}
 
  
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
{{ii}}  [[GameSpy]] multiplayer replaced with Steamworks; all product keys activate on [[Steam]].<ref name="Steamworks">[http://forums.totalwar.com/showthread.php/132206-MEDIEVAL-II-Total-War-multiplayer-now-available-on-Steam! MEDIEVAL II: Total War multiplayer now available on Steam!]</ref>
+
|introduction      =  
{{--}} Retail base game does not work on Windows Vista and later (see [[#Retail base game does not work|Retail base game does not work]]).<ref name="Windows 10">[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/games_windows_10/secdrvsys-not-loading-in-windows-10-this-will/65a6fe83-08df-4760-b2ad-6b1ce61d40d4?page=3 SECDRV.SYS Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community]</ref>
+
 
 +
|release history  =  
 +
 
 +
|current state    =
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
{{mm}} [http://forums.totalwar.com/forumdisplay.php/14-Medieval-II-Total-War Official Forums]
+
{{mm}} [https://community.creative-assembly.com/total-war/total-war-legacy/forums/43-medieval-series Official forums]
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/4700/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
+
{{mm}} [https://www.twcenter.net/ Total War Center] - A large fan site for the series with an active modding community
{{mm}} [http://www.twcenter.net/ Total War Center] Unofficial Discussion and Modding community  
+
{{mm}} [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?143178-Crashes-and-how-to-fix-them Collection of bug fixes] for many of the game's issues
{{mm}} [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?143178-Crashes-and-how-to-fix-them Collection of bug fixes] for many of the game's issues
+
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/4700/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc | [[DRM]]: SafeDisc disc check. CD key for multiplayer. | Steam | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail |  | disc, key | {{DRM|SafeDisc}} for the base game, {{DRM|SecuROM}} for Kingdoms. | Steam | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Amazon | B00AEV8PLG | Steam |  |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| Developer | https://store.feralinteractive.com/en/mac-linux-games/medieval2collection/ | Steam | Collection bundle including all the DLC. | | OS X, Linux }}
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | DD-M2TW | Steam | Includes the Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms expansion. | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 1427-1 | Steam | Definitive Edition. |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 1427-1 | Steam | {{store link|Gamesplanet|1427-3|Collection}} |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| Humble | total-war-medieval-ii-definitive-edition | Steam | Definitive Edition. | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
{{Availability/row| GMG | medieval-ii-total-war | Steam | Includes the Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms expansion. | | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| MacApp | id1035560137 | MacApp | Includes expansion. |  | OS X }}
{{Availability/row| MacApp | id1035560137 | MacApp | Includes expansions. |  | OS X }}
+
{{Availability/row| Steam | 4700 | Steam | Definitive Edition. |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
{{Availability/row| Steam | 4700 | Steam | |  | Windows, OS X, Linux }}
+
}}
 +
{{ii}} All Linux versions require {{DRM|Steam}}.
 +
{{++}} All product keys activate on [[Steam]].<ref name="Steamworks">[http://forums.totalwar.com/showthread.php/132206-MEDIEVAL-II-Total-War-multiplayer-now-available-on-Steam! MEDIEVAL II: Total War multiplayer now available on Steam!]</ref>
 +
{{ii}} Free demo versions are available from Archive.org: [https://archive.org/details/DemosMedieval2TotalWar base game], [https://archive.org/details/DemosMedieval2TotalWar_201705 Gold Edition].
 +
 
 +
===Version differences===
 +
{{ii}} The '''Gold''' (retail) and '''Definitive''' (Steam, as of 20 November 2018) Editions include the base game and the Kingdoms expansion pack.
 +
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Kingdoms | Comes bundled with the Gold and Definitive Editions. | Windows }}
 
}}
 
}}
{{++}} All product keys activate on [[Steam]].<ref name="Steamworks"/>
 
{{ii}} All Linux versions require [[Steam]].
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}\medieval2.preference.cfg}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\medieval2.preference.cfg}}
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
{{Game data/row|Linux|{{P|xdgdatahome}}/feral-interactive/Medieval II Total War/}}
+
{{Game data/config|Linux|{{P|xdgdatahome}}/feral-interactive/Medieval II Total War/}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{XDG|true}}
 
{{XDG|true}}
Line 57: Line 88:
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}\saves}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\saves}}
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
{{Game data/row|Linux|{{P|xdgdatahome}}/feral-interactive/Medieval II Total War/}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Linux|{{P|xdgdatahome}}/feral-interactive/Medieval II Total War/VFS/Local/saves}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|origin               =  
+
|discord                  =
|origin notes         =  
+
|discord notes            =
|steam cloud           = false
+
|epic games launcher      =
|steam cloud notes    =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =
|uplay                =  
+
|gog galaxy                =
|uplay notes           =  
+
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                   =  
 +
|origin notes             =  
 +
|steam cloud               = false
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =  
 +
|xbox cloud                =  
 +
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Medieval II Total War Video Settings.jpg|Video settings.}}
 
{{Image|Medieval II Total War Video Settings.jpg|Video settings.}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/medieval-ii-total-war
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/medieval-ii-total-war
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = incomplete
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = incomplete
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
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|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
 
|ultrawidescreen            = unknown
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
|4k ultra hd                = unknown
+
|4k ultra hd                = true
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|4k ultra hd notes          =  
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov                        = false
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|120 fps                    = true
 
|120 fps                    = true
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap                = true
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
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|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support notes  =  
 
|controller support notes  =  
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|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
|touchscreen               = unknown
+
|xinput controllers        = unknown
|touchscreen notes        =  
+
|xinput controllers notes  =
|button prompts           = unknown
+
|xbox prompts              = unknown
|button prompts notes     =  
+
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = unknown
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4               = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers         = unknown
 +
|other controllers notes  =  
 +
|other button prompts     = unknown
 +
|other button prompts notes=  
 
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
|light bar support        = unknown
+
|simultaneous input        = unknown
|light bar support notes   =  
+
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Medieval II Total War - Audio Settings.png|Audio settings.}}
 
{{Image|Medieval II Total War - Audio Settings.png|Audio settings.}}
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    = Master, speech, effects and music.
 
|separate volume notes    = Master, speech, effects and music.
 
|surround sound          = true
 
|surround sound          = true
|surround sound notes    = 5.1<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070708183006/http://www.soundblaster.com/eax/gaming/gameindex.asp?gameID=67329 EAX Featured Game: Medieval II: Total War - SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)]</ref> and 7.1<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070715042739/http://www.soundblaster.com/Applications/article.asp?articleID=67562&categoryID=13 Epic audio design in Medieval II: Total War™ - Interview at SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)]</ref>
+
|surround sound notes    = 5.1<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708183006/http://www.soundblaster.com/eax/gaming/gameindex.asp?gameID=67329|title=EAX Featured Game: Medieval II: Total War - SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)|date=May 2023}}</ref> and 7.1<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715042739/http://www.soundblaster.com/Applications/article.asp?articleID=67562&categoryID=13|title=Epic audio design in Medieval II: Total War™ - Interview at SoundBlaster.com (retrieved)|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
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|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support              = true
|eax support notes        = EAX 2, 3 and 4<ref>[http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/pc/2006/11/24/Medieval_2_Total_War/5 Medieval 2 Total War Review - Bit Gamer]</ref>
+
|eax support notes        = EAX 2, 3 and 4<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/pc/2006/11/24/Medieval_2_Total_War/5|title=Medieval 2 Total War Review - Bit Gamer|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = English
 
  |language  = English
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Czech
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Hungarian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = unknown
 +
|notes = Japanese release.
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Polish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = true
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 
  |interface = true
 
  |interface = true
 
  |audio    = true
 
  |audio    = true
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==Network==
 
==Network==
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
|local play          = true
+
|local play          = limited
 
|local play players  =  
 
|local play players  =  
|local play modes    = Hot seat
+
|local play modes    = Hot seat, Versus
|local play notes    = Added in Kingdoms expansion; use [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1581 Retrofit Mod] for original campaigns.
+
|local play notes    = Native in Kingdoms expansion; use [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1581 Retrofit Mod] for original campaigns.
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play            = true
|lan play players    =  
+
|lan play players    = 8
|lan play modes      =  
+
|lan play modes      = Versus
 
|lan play notes      =  
 
|lan play notes      =  
|online play          = true
+
|online play          = limited
|online play players  =  
+
|online play players  = 8
|online play modes    =  
+
|online play modes    = Versus
|online play notes    = [[GameSpy]] is offline; activate key on [[Steam]] to use new servers.<ref name="Steamworks"/>
+
|online play notes    = The official [[GameSpy]] service is offline; the Steam version was updated to use Steamworks.<ref name="Steamworks"/> Mac App Store players can only play with other Mac App Store users.<ref>[https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/accounts/faqs/#faq_11 Calico - FAQs | Feral Interactive]</ref>
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous        =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
Line 203: Line 331:
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
 
===Retail base game does not work===
 
===Retail base game does not work===
{{--}} The retail version of the base game does not work on Windows Vista and later due to SafeDisc support being discontinued.<ref name="Windows 10"/>
+
{{--}} The retail version of the base game does not work on Windows Vista and later due to [[SafeDisc]] {{term|DRM}} support being discontinued.<ref name="Windows 10">[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/games_windows_10/secdrvsys-not-loading-in-windows-10-this-will/65a6fe83-08df-4760-b2ad-6b1ce61d40d4?page=3 SECDRV.SYS Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community]</ref>
  
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Activate the serial key on Steam|ref=<ref name="Steamworks"/>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Start the SafeDisc service (Windows 8.1 and earlier)|ref=<ref>[https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3086255 MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015]</ref>}}
+
}}
Start the SafeDisc service (see [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3086255 MS15-097] for instructions).
+
{{Fixbox|description=Use Kingdoms expansion|ref=<ref name="Windows 10"/>|fix=
 +
The retail Kingdoms expansion is still compatible due to using [[SecuROM]] DRM instead. Use the [[#Bare Geomod|Bare Geomod]] to play Medieval II's Grand Campaign within Kingdoms.
 +
}}
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Restart the SafeDisc service (Windows 8.1 and earlier)|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3086255|title=MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 +
{{ii}} See [[Digital rights management (DRM)#SafeDisc|SafeDisc]] article.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Reinforcements delayed===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Remove reinforcement limit|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?418636-How-to-fix-quot-Reinforcements-Delayed-problem-quot|title=Total War Center - How to fix " Reinforcements Delayed problem "|date=May 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
 +
# Open {{file|medieval.prefences.cfg}}.
 +
# Change <code>unlimited_men_on_battlefield = 0</code> to <code>unlimited_men_on_battlefield = 1</code>
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
{{ii}} This method does not work on Windows 10.<ref name="Windows 10"/>
+
{{ii}} Only applies to reinforcements delayed claimed due to needing to upgrade the system. This does not affect reinforcements being delayed through random chance (as part of intended game logic), nor does it apply to reinforcements blocked because of insufficient graphics card memory.  
 
}}
 
}}
{{Fixbox|1=
+
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Activate on Steam|ref=<ref name="Steamworks"/>}}
+
===Diplomacy bug===
Activate the CD key on [[Steam]] and use the Steam version.
+
Because of a missing semicolon in the game files, the AI hates the human player more if peacefully occupying something than if sacking it. See [https://t-a-w.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-everyone-hates-you-in-medieval-2.html here] or use the [[#Bare Geomod|Bare Geomod]] for a fix. This will make diplomacy more viable and decrease the frequency of wars.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://t-a-w.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-everyone-hates-you-in-medieval-2.html|title=t-a-w.blogspot.com|date=May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/4700/discussions/0/2763442118820647674/|title=Steam Community|date=May 2023}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Other information==
 +
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      = 9.0c
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        =
 +
|opengl notes          =
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          =
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|metal support          = true
 +
|metal support notes    = <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/news/914/|title=Fully armoured — Medieval II: Total War for macOS updated to 64-bit - Feral News|date=2018-10-25}}</ref>
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              =
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions  = 1.0
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = unknown
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = true
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        =
 +
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 
}}
 
}}
{{Fixbox|1=
+
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Use Kingdoms expansion|ref=<ref name="Windows 10"/>}}
+
===Mods===
The retail Kingdoms expansion is compatible with Windows 10. Use [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?352216-Creating-a-World-Bare-Geomod Bare Geomod] to play Medieval II's Grand Campaign with Kingdoms.
+
====[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?352216-Creating-a-World-Bare-Geomod Bare Geomod]====
 +
{{ii}} Includes a variety of bug fixes and unlocks all factions.
 +
 
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/stainless-steel Stainless Steel]====
 +
{{ii}} A combination of bug fixes, many small mods, better AI and AI armies, more provinces, graphical improvements and many other campaign and battle map changes.
 +
 
 +
====[https://www.moddb.com/mods/third-age-total-war Third Age - Total War]====
 +
{{ii}} A total conversion mod that brings the game to the world of Middle-earth during the Third Age. Includes both a standard campaign mode and a Fellowship of the Ring campaign that follows the events of the books.
 +
 
 +
===Middleware===
 +
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            = Miles Sound System
 +
|audio notes      = 6.6g<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Nessy|date=2020-07-10|comment=Version number found in Mss32.dll in the game installation folder.}}</ref>
 +
|interface        =
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        = Bink Video
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      = GameSpy, Steamworks
 +
|multiplayer notes=
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 225: Line 423:
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 
|OSfamily = Windows
  
|minOS    = 2000, XP
+
|minOS    = 2000 SP4
|minCPU  = Celeron 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 (1500 MHz)
+
|minCPU  = Intel Celeron 1.8 GHz
|minCPU2  = AMD Athlon 64
+
|minCPU2  =  
 
|minRAM  = 512 MB
 
|minRAM  = 512 MB
 
|minHD    = 11 GB
 
|minHD    = 11 GB
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 4 Ti 4400
+
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4400
|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon 9600 SE
+
|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon 9800
 
|minVRAM  = 128 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 128 MB
 
|minDX    = 9
 
|minDX    = 9
 
|minSM    = 1.0
 
|minSM    = 1.0
|minaudio = 100% DirectX® 9.0c compatible 16-bit sound card
+
|minaudio = 100% DirectX 9.0c compatible 16-bit sound card
  
|recCPU  = Pentium 4 2.4 GHz (2400 MHz)
+
|recOS    = XP SP3
|recCPU2  = AMD Athlon 64
+
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz
 +
|recCPU2  =  
 
|recRAM  = 1 GB
 
|recRAM  = 1 GB
 
|recGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 7300
 
|recGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 7300
 
|recGPU2  = ATI Radeon X1600
 
|recGPU2  = ATI Radeon X1600
|recVRAM  = 128 MB
+
|recVRAM  =  
|recDX    = 9
+
|recDX    =  
 
|recSM    = 2.0
 
|recSM    = 2.0
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = OS X
 +
|minOS    =
 +
|minCPU  = 1.8 GHz
 +
|minRAM  = 4 GB
 +
|minHD    = 32 GB
 +
|minGPU  =
 +
|minGPU2  =
 +
|minGPU3  =
 +
|minVRAM  = 256 MB
 +
 +
|recOS    = 10.11.1
 +
|recCPU  = 2.4 GHz
 +
|recRAM  =
 +
|recHD    =
 +
|recGPU  =
 +
|recVRAM  = 512 MB
 +
|notes    = {{ii}} Intel HD Graphics 4000/5000 require 8GB of RAM.
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Linux
 +
|minOS    = Ubuntu 14.04, SteamOS 2.0
 +
|minCPU  = 2.0 GHz
 +
|minCPU2  =
 +
|minRAM  = 4 GB
 +
|minHD    = 18 GB
 +
|minGPU  =
 +
|minGPU2  =
 +
|minVRAM  = 512 MB
 +
 +
|recOS    = Ubuntu 15.10
 +
|recCPU  = 3.0 GHz
 +
|recCPU2  =
 +
|recRAM  = 8 GB
 +
|recHD    = 35 GB
 +
|recGPU  =
 +
|recGPU2  =
 +
|recVRAM  = 1 GB
 +
|notes    = {{ii}} Intel HD Graphics 4000/5000 require 8GB of RAM.
 +
{{ii}} AMD graphics cards are not officially supported on SteamOS.
 +
{{ii}} Nvidia GeForce 600 series and newer require driver version 352.55, AMD Radeon R7/R9 300 series and Intel Iris Pro Graphics require Mesa 11.2 driver.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 14:11, 4 February 2024

Medieval II: Total War
Medieval II: Total War cover
Developers
Creative Assembly
Creative Assembly International
macOS (OS X) Feral Interactive
Linux Feral Interactive
Publishers
Sega
OS X, Linux Feral Interactive
Release dates
Windows November 11, 2006
macOS (OS X) January 14, 2016
Linux January 14, 2016
Reception
Metacritic 88
IGDB 90
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time, Turn-based
Perspectives Bird's-eye view, Free-roaming camera
Controls Menu-based, Multiple select, Point and select
Genres RTS, TBS
Themes Medieval, Historical
Series Total War
Medieval II: Total War on HowLongToBeat
Medieval II: Total War on IGDB
Medieval II: Total War guide on StrategyWiki
Medieval II: Total War on MobyGames
Medieval II: Total War on Wikipedia
Shogun: Total War 2000
Medieval: Total War 2002
Rome: Total War 2004
Medieval II: Total War 2006
Empire: Total War 2009
Napoleon: Total War 2010
Total War: Shogun 2 2011
Total War: Shogun 2 - Fall of the Samurai 2012
Total War Battles: Shogun 2012
Total War: Rome II 2013
Total War: Attila 2015
Total War Battles: Kingdom 2015
Total War: Warhammer (series)
Total War: Arena Cancelled
Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia 2018
Total War: Three Kingdoms 2019
A Total War Saga: Troy 2020
Total War: Rome Remastered 2021
Total War: Pharaoh 2023

Warnings

GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).

Medieval II: Total War is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and free-roaming camera RTS and TBS game in the Total War series.

General information

Official forums
Total War Center - A large fan site for the series with an active modding community
Collection of bug fixes for many of the game's issues
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
SafeDisc DRM[Note 1] for the base game, SecuROM DRM for Kingdoms.
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Developer website
Icon overlay.png
Collection bundle including all the DLC.
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
Definitive Edition.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Definitive Edition.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
Mac App Store
Icon overlay.png
Includes expansion.
macOS (OS X)
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Definitive Edition.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
All Linux versions require Steam DRM.
All product keys activate on Steam.[3]
Free demo versions are available from Archive.org: base game, Gold Edition.

Version differences

The Gold (retail) and Definitive (Steam, as of 20 November 2018) Editions include the base game and the Kingdoms expansion pack.

Monetization

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Kingdoms Comes bundled with the Gold and Definitive Editions.
Windows

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\medieval2.preference.cfg[Note 2]
macOS (OS X)
Linux $XDG_DATA_HOME/feral-interactive/Medieval II Total War/
This game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\saves[Note 2]
macOS (OS X)
Linux $XDG_DATA_HOME/feral-interactive/Medieval II Total War/VFS/Local/saves

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Steam Cloud

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
UI suffers severe stretching.
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
4K Ultra HD
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
In the medieval2.preference.cfg file, change the line: windowed=true
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Edit medieval2.preference.cfg and add the line borderless_window=true
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Input

Audio

Audio settings.
Audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Master, speech, effects and music.
Surround sound
5.1[4] and 7.1[5]
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
EAX 2, 3 and 4[6]
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Czech
French
German
Hungarian
Italian
Japanese
Japanese release.
Polish
Russian
Spanish

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
Hot seat, Versus
Native in Kingdoms expansion; use Retrofit Mod for original campaigns.
LAN play
8 Versus
Online play
8 Versus
The official GameSpy service is offline; the Steam version was updated to use Steamworks.[3] Mac App Store players can only play with other Mac App Store users.[7]

Issues fixed

Retail base game does not work

The retail version of the base game does not work on Windows Vista and later due to SafeDisc DRM support being discontinued.[8]
Activate the serial key on Steam[3]
Use Kingdoms expansion[8]

The retail Kingdoms expansion is still compatible due to using SecuROM DRM instead. Use the Bare Geomod to play Medieval II's Grand Campaign within Kingdoms.

Restart the SafeDisc service (Windows 8.1 and earlier)[9]
See SafeDisc article.

Reinforcements delayed

Remove reinforcement limit[10]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open medieval.prefences.cfg.
  3. Change unlimited_men_on_battlefield = 0 to unlimited_men_on_battlefield = 1

Notes

Only applies to reinforcements delayed claimed due to needing to upgrade the system. This does not affect reinforcements being delayed through random chance (as part of intended game logic), nor does it apply to reinforcements blocked because of insufficient graphics card memory.

Diplomacy bug

Because of a missing semicolon in the game files, the AI hates the human player more if peacefully occupying something than if sacking it. See here or use the Bare Geomod for a fix. This will make diplomacy more viable and decrease the frequency of wars.[11][12]

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9.0c
Metal support
[13]
Shader Model support 1.0
Executable 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Linux

Mods

Bare Geomod

Includes a variety of bug fixes and unlocks all factions.

Stainless Steel

A combination of bug fixes, many small mods, better AI and AI armies, more provinces, graphical improvements and many other campaign and battle map changes.

Third Age - Total War

A total conversion mod that brings the game to the world of Middle-earth during the Third Age. Includes both a standard campaign mode and a Fellowship of the Ring campaign that follows the events of the books.

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio Miles Sound System 6.6g[14]
Cutscenes Bink Video
Multiplayer GameSpy, Steamworks

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 2000 SP4
Processor (CPU) Intel Celeron 1.8 GHz
System memory (RAM) 512 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 11 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4400
ATI Radeon 9800
128 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9 compatible
Shader model 1.0 support
Sound (audio device) 100% DirectX 9.0c compatible 16-bit sound card
macOS (OS X)
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS)
Processor (CPU) 1.8 GHz
System memory (RAM) 4 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 32 GB
Video card (GPU) 256 MB of VRAM
Intel HD Graphics 4000/5000 require 8GB of RAM.
Linux
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) Ubuntu 14.04, SteamOS 2.0
Processor (CPU) 2.0 GHz
System memory (RAM) 4 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 18 GB
Video card (GPU) 512 MB of VRAM
Intel HD Graphics 4000/5000 require 8GB of RAM.
AMD graphics cards are not officially supported on SteamOS.
Nvidia GeForce 600 series and newer require driver version 352.55, AMD Radeon R7/R9 300 series and Intel Iris Pro Graphics require Mesa 11.2 driver.


Notes

  1. SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[2]
  2. 2.0 2.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References