Complete Faction Guide: Every Clan in Shokuho Mod Analyzed
Choosing the right faction in Shokuho can make or break your campaign. Each clan offers unique units, starting positions, and strategic advantages that dramatically affect your path to unifying Japan. This comprehensive guide analyzes every major faction, providing you with the insights needed to select the perfect clan for your playstyle and dominate the Sengoku period.
Understanding Faction Mechanics
Before diving into specific clans, it's crucial to understand how factions work in Shokuho. Unlike vanilla Bannerlord, each Japanese clan has historically accurate unit rosters, unique cultural bonuses, and specific diplomatic relationships that reflect the complex politics of 16th century Japan.
Key Faction Considerations
- Starting Territory: Location affects early game difficulty and expansion options
- Unique Units: Each clan fields specialized troops unavailable to others
- Cultural Bonuses: Passive benefits that shape your strategic approach
- Historical Allies/Enemies: Pre-existing relationships affect diplomacy
- Economic Base: Starting wealth and income potential vary significantly
Major Clan Analysis
Oda Clan
The Demon King's Innovation
The Oda clan, led by the ambitious Oda Nobunaga, represents military innovation and aggressive expansion. Starting in central Japan's Owari Province, they're perfectly positioned for rapid conquest in all directions.
✓ Strengths
- Superior firearms technology
- Excellent ashigaru training
- Central starting position
- Strong economy
✗ Weaknesses
- Surrounded by rivals
- Average cavalry
- Weak early samurai units
- High unit maintenance
Optimal Strategy
Focus on rapid expansion using superior ashigaru formations and firearms. Prioritize conquering Mino Province early for economic benefits. Develop your matchlock technology quickly and use combined arms tactics with spear ashigaru protecting your gunners. Form temporary alliances to avoid multi-front wars until you're strong enough to handle multiple enemies.
Takeda Clan
Masters of Cavalry Warfare
The Takeda clan, famous for their legendary cavalry, starts in the mountainous Kai Province. Under Takeda Shingen's leadership, they boast the finest mounted samurai in all of Japan.
✓ Strengths
- Unmatched cavalry units
- Mountain defensive bonus
- Strong starting generals
- Cavalry charge bonus
✗ Weaknesses
- Limited farmland
- Weak naval presence
- Expensive elite units
- Poor siege capabilities
Optimal Strategy
Leverage your superior cavalry in open field battles. Expand south into the rich Suruga Province early. Avoid prolonged sieges - instead, lure enemies into field battles where your cavalry dominates. Develop your economy by conquering fertile lowlands while maintaining your mountain strongholds as defensive positions. The Red Devils cavalry unit should be your campaign centerpiece.
Uesugi Clan
Dragons of Echigo
The Uesugi clan controls the wealthy Echigo Province in northern Japan. Led by the "God of War" Uesugi Kenshin, they field disciplined samurai and benefit from rich rice lands.
✓ Strengths
- Elite samurai infantry
- Wealthy starting province
- Defensive terrain advantages
- Honor and loyalty bonuses
✗ Weaknesses
- Northern isolation
- Limited expansion routes
- Conflict with Takeda
- Harsh winter penalties
Optimal Strategy
Utilize your economic advantage to field elite armies early. Your samurai are among Japan's finest - use them in decisive battles. Secure your northern borders first, then push south carefully. The rivalry with Takeda is inevitable, so prepare for epic battles at Kawanakajima. Focus on quality over quantity and maintain high honor for loyalty bonuses.
Date Clan
The One-Eyed Dragon
Starting in the far north, the Date clan under Date Masamune faces unique challenges and opportunities. Known for their aggressive tactics and distinctive black armor, they're perfect for experienced players.
✓ Strengths
- Versatile unit roster
- No immediate threats
- Unique black armor units
- Diplomatic flexibility
✗ Weaknesses
- Remote starting location
- Poor initial economy
- Long supply lines
- Limited trade options
Optimal Strategy
Your isolation is both blessing and curse. Consolidate the north methodically before pushing south. Develop your economy through conquest rather than trade. Your balanced forces excel at combined arms tactics. Time your southern expansion carefully - arrive too late and face unified opposition, too early and overextend. Master diplomatic marriages to secure your flanks.
Minor Clan Strategies
While major clans offer the most straightforward paths to victory, minor clans provide unique challenges and rewards for experienced players. Here's a quick overview of notable minor factions:
Shimazu Clan - Southern Warriors
- Location: Kyushu's southern tip
- Specialty: Elite katana samurai and aggressive infantry
- Strategy: Conquer Kyushu quickly, then use your island base to launch mainland invasions
- Difficulty: Medium - isolation helps early game but limits mid-game options
Mori Clan - Naval Supremacy
- Location: Western Honshu coast
- Specialty: Superior naval units and coastal raiding
- Strategy: Control the Inland Sea for economic dominance through trade and piracy
- Difficulty: Hard - requires mastery of naval mechanics
Hojo Clan - Defensive Masters
- Location: Kanto Plain around modern Tokyo
- Specialty: Castle construction and siege defense
- Strategy: Build impregnable fortresses while slowly expanding your domain
- Difficulty: Easy - strong defensive position and wealthy provinces
Faction Selection Guide
For New Players
Start with the Takeda or Hojo clans. Their straightforward strengths and relatively safe starting positions allow you to learn game mechanics without overwhelming pressure.
For Aggressive Players
Choose Oda or Shimazu. These factions reward bold expansion and constant warfare with strong offensive capabilities.
For Strategic Players
The Uesugi or Mori clans offer complex gameplay requiring careful planning and resource management.
For Veteran Players
Take on the challenge of Date or minor clans like the Chosokabe. These require mastery of all game systems to overcome their inherent disadvantages.
Universal Faction Tips
Essential Advice for All Clans
- Early Game: Focus on consolidating your starting region before major expansion
- Diplomacy: Use marriages and alliances to secure borders while expanding elsewhere
- Economy: Prioritize upgrading rice farms and markets in fertile provinces
- Military: Maintain a balanced force - even cavalry-focused clans need infantry
- Adaptation: Adjust strategies based on AI clan development in each campaign
Conclusion
Success in Shokuho depends not just on choosing the right faction, but understanding how to leverage its unique advantages while mitigating weaknesses. Whether you're charging with Takeda cavalry, defending mountain passes as Uesugi, or innovating with Oda firearms, each clan offers a distinct path to becoming Shogun.
Remember that the dynamic campaign means each playthrough differs - rival clans may grow stronger or weaker, alliances shift, and opportunities arise unexpectedly. Master your chosen clan's strengths, adapt to changing circumstances, and write your own chapter in Japan's turbulent history.
Ready to begin your conquest? Check out our beginner's guide for starting tips, or dive into advanced combat techniques to dominate the battlefield. For economic strategies to fund your armies, visit our economic management guide.