FotS - Fun strategies when you're surrounded by allies

[Kombat_W0MBAT]

Started a new Satsuma campaign on hard difficult and ran into a debacle around turn 90. I had 6 highly developed settlements, money rolling in, and a modern/well-upgraded army... but NOBODY to fight. My Choshu and Tosa allies had taken all the remaining territories around me.

Without a substantial navy, I decided I had 3 options.
The first option was to simply break the alliances... which I DIDN'T do because it's a terrible idea.

The next two options turned out to be extremely effective.
-I used an abundance of Ishin Shishi to incite revolts in the neighboring Choshu territories. 20 turns later, I have 4 additional provinces that used to be owned by my ally. And we're still on great terms! lol
-Next, I built a small fleet consisting of the HMS Warrior and a couple escorts then sent two armies north to Kazusa, right in the heart of the Shogunate alliance. A combination of Imperial Infantry, Royal Marines, and Armstrong guns has made quick work of the outdated samurai units. 5 provinces have already been carved out, one of which contains a blacksmith. #win

I simply love the sandbox strategy that this game offers. I hadn't touched S2 or FotS in over 3 years. This game is ageless, and easily the best of the Total War series IMO.

Have you employed any unique or fun strategies either on the campaign map or battle map?

[Spear Dog]

Naval bombardments of coastal castles sieges or battlefields are ridiculously OP but all kinds of wholesome, blood thirsty fun .

[Kombat_W0MBAT]

Indeed! They're broken/OP, but oh so fun. Some siege maps have little hills that overlook the castle... put a couple Gatling cannons or Armstrong guns up there and watch the havoc unfold.

Even on hard / very hard difficulty, the modern weapons just make this game "easy mode". Just for the challenge, I'll likely play a Shogunate clan next and try to win strictly with traditional units.

[Frunk]

Thread moved from Total War: Shogun 2 General Discussion.

[You_Guess_Who]

If you're playing Satsuma and already secured Kyushu, how about mounting a long-range amphibious operation to the other far side of Japan: Ezo. Conquer Ezo and its resources, then land in Aomori.

From there, conquer Japan from 2 sides: The Southwest with your ally, and Northeast with your expeditionary forces!