Sicily (quite paradoxically) has one of the best starting positions on the map, if not even the best. By turn 2 you have an alliance with the Papacy, a successful Crusade on Tunis by turn 5, Bologna bought from HRE soon after, can be Trustworthy (as reputation level) before turn 15 and Immaculate before turn 20, you’re on a roll. 10. Dismounted Gothic Knights. With their distinct looks, plate armor, and two-handed blades, Dismounted Gothic Knights make up the Holy Roman Empire’s elite troops. However, I’m only putting them on the list because of what they could’ve been. Due to the nature of Medieval 2’s engine, Dismounted Gothic Knights and other two-handed Medieval II has a mod called Broken Crescent, set in the Middle East and Western India. Rome I has a mod called Europa Barbarorum that massively expands the map out to the Middle East, including all of Saudi Arabia. Modded with Darthmod, Empire allows you to play as the Persians (though they're a minor faction and tend to get stomped). General’s Bodyguard – 2. Spear Militia – 6. Peasants – 1. Peasant Archers – 4. Norse Archers – 2. Denmark start off in a strategically enclosed area. They can expand safely into Scandinavia and also take the provinces south of Arhus and then you hit a problem. The Holy Roman Empire will pose a barrier to your further expansion. At The only faction I've played more than once (so I guess that means I consider it the most fun) is the Turks. Very difficult starting position, but great opportunity to expand into hella profitable lands early. PLUS an awesome cavalry roster (best in the game, imho)PLUS first crack at the Mongols and Timurids (I like to hit 'em as soon as Dwarves are the weakest in Third Age Total War, yes. Divide and Conquer that's a different story. Elves, didn't change. Still the best in my point of view. Small Starting Domain.Good Archers which can also be a substitute melee infantry and cavalry which is also ranged. Dwarves, I like it but melee infantry is its very much its army. Total War: Medieval 2: Total War: Rome 2 has grown into one of the best historical titles in the Total War series. These diverse factions made Total War: Crusades and Teutonic are both generally considered to be the best two campaigns. Americas is cool for a playthrough as Spain and maybe one as the other factions but it is very repetitive. Britannia is ok too, I found it to also be slightly repetitive as most countries have somewhat similar units. As for what to start with, depends on what you IWVisiQ.