Total War: ATTILA PC Hardware Guide
Official requirements explained
The official minimum CPU is an Intel Core 2 Duo running at 3 GHz. That is a very old dual-core processor, roughly in the oldest entry-level bracket today. The listed minimum graphics cards are a 512 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT, an AMD Radeon HD 2900 XT, or Intel HD 4000, which is integrated graphics. All of these are very old entry-level parts. The minimum memory is 3 GB and the minimum storage is 35 GB.
The official recommended CPU is a 2nd generation Intel Core i5, which sits in the entry-to-midrange range today. In our reference set it is roughly comparable to a Core i5-4460. The recommended graphics card is a 2 GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti or AMD Radeon HD 5870. These are older-generation entry parts, and today they sit around the level of a GeForce GT 1030. The recommended memory is 4 GB and storage is again 35 GB. The publisher does not require an SSD.
The gap between minimum and recommended is real on both CPU and GPU, but both tiers are dated. In practice the recommended configuration is a bare threshold by today's standards. If you want to play at higher settings and feel smooth, you will want newer hardware than either listed tier.
The publisher does not list a separate tier for handheld or integrated systems beyond the Intel HD 4000 entry above.
Recommended builds for three budgets
The entry build suits players on a tight budget who mainly target 1080p. We suggest pairing one of the AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT, Intel Arc A380, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB, GTX 1650 Super, GTX 1660, or RTX 3050 6GB with a CPU such as the Ryzen 3 3100, Core i3-10100F, Ryzen 3 3300X, Ryzen 5 4500, Ryzen 5 3500X, or Core i5-10400F. Both the graphics and processor choices sit well above the official recommended tier, so you can run higher settings. Plan on 16 GB of memory.
The mainstream build is for players who want more headroom. Compared with entry, the GPU list adds the GTX 1660 Super and RTX 3050 8GB, and the CPU list adds the Core i5-10400 and Ryzen 5 3600. These parts again sit well above the official recommended tier, so higher settings and resolutions are realistic. 16 GB of memory is still the target.
The high-end build suits players who want maximum visual quality or a machine that will last. GPU options include the Intel Arc B570, RX 6650 XT, Arc A770 16GB, RTX 2070 Super, RTX 2080, RTX 4060, RX 7600, and RTX 2080 Super. CPU options include the Core i9-10900K, Ryzen 9 3900X, Ryzen 5 8600G, Core i7-11700K, Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 5 5600X, Core i9-11900K, and Ryzen 7 8700G. All of these sit well above the official recommended tier. 32 GB of memory gives comfortable room for late-game campaigns.
Graphics settings with the biggest impact
In a large-map strategy game with real-time battles like this, the most demanding settings are usually the number of units on the battlefield and the simulation density, since they decide how much work the CPU and GPU share. Shadow quality and volumetric effects such as smoke and light scattering come next, and they mostly load the GPU. View distance also adds drawing work to the scene.
If you have to choose, keep texture quality and anti-aliasing. Textures mainly affect video memory (VRAM) use, and the gain in clarity is noticeable for a small performance cost. If your graphics card runs short of VRAM, drop textures one step before lowering everything else.
If your GPU supports upscaling such as DLSS, FSR, or XeSS, you can render at a lower internal resolution and scale up to your display. This usually improves smoothness with little loss in image quality, though results depend on the card and settings, so compare the image yourself.
Laptops and handheld PCs
Laptop graphics cards often share a name with desktop parts, such as an RTX 3060, but laptop versions are limited by power and cooling and usually perform noticeably below their desktop counterparts. Before buying, check the laptop's power limit and cooling design, and keep vents clear to avoid long periods of throttling.
Handheld PCs such as the Steam Deck or ROG Ally are portable platforms. In general you can play at lower settings and improve smoothness by lowering the resolution or using upscaling. We have no verification data for these devices, so we cannot give a specific rating. Check what other owners report and lower your visual or frame-rate targets as needed.
Storage and memory
The official minimum memory is 3 GB and the recommended is 4 GB. On today's systems 4 GB barely covers the operating system and background programs, so we suggest at least 16 GB, with 32 GB for high-end builds. Use dual-channel memory by installing two sticks in the correct slots. Dual-channel doubles memory bandwidth and gives a real boost to CPU performance.
The official storage requirement is 35 GB, and no SSD is required. An SSD does noticeably shorten load and save times, which helps large maps and campaign saves in particular, so consider one if your budget allows. Also leave extra free space for future updates and mods, and make sure the drive holding the game has room to spare.