This DLC for Total War: Shogun 2 requires the base game and expands strategic options by adding the fully playable Hattori Clan, masters of ninjutsu, complete with unique, powerful ninja units for campaign and battle modes. It also integrates content previously exclusive to the Limited Edition, including a special Avatar armor set with an in-game morale bonus for online play. The pack enhances replayability by introducing a specialized faction into the existing strategy sandbox, allowing players to engage with historical scenarios like the Battle of Nagashino using this new force.
The central addition is the fully playable Hattori Clan. This faction is distinct due to its deep integration of Iga-ryū ninjutsu, emphasizing guerrilla tactics and access to the most powerful battlefield ninja units available within the game. Players can deploy these specialized units across all applicable modes.
This pack also incorporates content that was previously exclusive to the Limited Edition release of the base game, providing access to several key items:
The Hattori Clan is seamlessly integrated into the existing campaign structure of Total War: Shogun 2. When starting a new campaign, players can select the Hattori, immediately altering their strategic approach due to the clan's unique unit roster and inherent focus on stealth and specialized warfare.
Additionally, this DLC enhances the historical scenario content by providing access to three specific factions—Oda, Tokugawa, and Takeda—for replaying the pivotal historical scenario, the Battle of Nagashino (1575). This allows players to engage with this specific historical clash, either seeking to replicate the historical outcome or attempting to achieve victory with a different result.
The scope of this DLC is focused on adding a specialized, high-value faction experience rather than introducing entirely new mechanics or a massive campaign extension. It significantly increases replayability for existing players by offering a distinct, ninja-focused faction to master within the established strategic sandbox of Sengoku Japan. It functions as a targeted content injection rather than a large-scale expansion.
The core gameplay shift revolves around utilizing the Hattori's mastery of ninjutsu. This allows for tactical deployment of powerful ninja units that can execute specialized battlefield roles, fundamentally changing how players approach tactical engagements compared to standard samurai or ashigaru-focused clans.