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Understanding Religion in Shogun 2

Scipii explains the core gameplay mechanics behind Religion in Total War: Shogun 2, so that you may better understand how to use religion to your advantage while also overcoming its disadvantages.

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Clan Hojo Walkthrough

Hussarknight explains his strategy for surviving as Clan Hojo early on in Shogun 2's grand campaign, and where to potentially strike next after surviving the 'early game'.

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Ikko Ikki Walkthrough

The Ikko Ikki can be quite challenging to lead to victory. This walkthrough will help you to make the most from their huge potential, with step-by-step directions for the first few turns and more general ones for the rest of the campaign.

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Shimazu Walkthrough

In the far south of Japan, the Shimazu have an excellent starting position: quick access to the trade points, an easily defensible island as home region and some nice clan bonuses they’re a popular choice among Shogun 2 players. This walkthrough will help you to make the most from their huge potential, with step-by-step directions for the first few turns and more general ones for the rest of the campaign.

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Clan History: Hojo

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Ninja!

Secret missions are necessary in times of war, and these agents are perfect for many of those tasks.

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Toyotomi Hideyoshi: Bounty of the Sun

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was the second of the three leaders who progressively united Japan at the end of Sendoku Jidai period. Hideyoshi rose from obscurity as the son of a peasant to become one of the chief retainers of Oda Nobunaga and a powerful daimyo. Through clever military and diplomatic maneuvers, he achieved Nobunaga’s vision of a united Japan and effectively ended the Sendoku Jidai period; and he introduced social reforms that survived many centuries after his death.

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Uesugi Kenshin: The Dragon of Echigo

Uesugi Kenshin was known as one of the most powerful Daimyo during the Sengoku period of Japan. He is famed for his prowess on the battlefield, military expertise, strategy and his worship of the Buddhist god of war.

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Seppuku

The Romans used suicide as a means of avoiding further disgrace, but the feudal Japanese took this a step further. Their ritual of suicide not only avoided further disgrace, it could actually be used to recover lost honor.

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The Onin War

Looking back, the Onin War was inevitable. Looking forward, it brought stability to a troubled realm once the torches of war were extinguished.

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A Tactical Revolution: The Arquebus

The introduction of the arquebus to Feudal Japan by Portuguese (1542 A.D) and Dutch (1561 A.D) traders heralded the start of a tactical revolution which would change the face of warfare during Sengoku Jidai. However, it was not until Oda Nobunaga, daimyo of the Oda clan, that the arquebus' importance in Sengoku Jidai warfare would become fully apparent.

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Forging of Japanese Blades

While the basic processes of forging a blade are universal, the Japanese swordsmiths employ a few variations in the forging process which result in a higher quality blade than the standard produced in the West during the Middle Ages.

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The Caste System of Feudal Japan (Edo Period)

During the Edo Period the Tokugawa Shogunate enforced a strict caste system upon Feudal Japanese society. Ruling Japan from 1603 A.D to 1867 A.D, the Tokugawa Shogunate ended when the fifteenth Tokugawa shogun resigned and returned power back to the Emperor. During the Tokugawa Shogunate ultimate power, and status within society, lay with the Shogun. Civil rights and influence diminished the further down one was in the caste system. With the lowest caste lucky if they had any influence or civil rights at all.

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The Daisho – The Mark of a Samurai

It is a popular misconception that only samurai were allowed to wear swords. The truth was a bit different - only samurai were allowed to wear the Daisho. So, what is a daisho?

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Bushido: The Way of the Warrior

Bushido. boosh-ee-doe. The way (do) of the warrior (bushi). The written code of the samurai, as most people believe. They are wrong. Bushido was a way of life that permeated all levels of Japanese society.

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Clan History: Mori

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The Nanban and Christianity

Religion can be used in various ways to get bonuses to certain troops or access to others earlier than you would normally be able to. It is also possible to use Religion as a weapon, stirring up unrest and revolt in the territory of your enemies. A powerful tool if used properly...

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Clan History: Takeda

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The Date Clan on Very Hard

Lenardius VII explains how to survive the early campaign and get of to a good start as the Date on very hard by forging a powerbase in the far north of Japan.

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Clan History: Date

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Clan History: Chosokabe

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