To obtain or change the English language files for Total War: SHOGUN 2
, you primarily use the Steam client's built-in localization tools. These files are typically contained within a "pack" file format in the game's data directory. How to Download English Language Files
The official method to acquire these files is through Steam Properties. Steam will automatically download the necessary localized assets when you switch your settings:
Open your Steam Library and right-click on Total War: SHOGUN 2.
Select Properties, then navigate to the Language tab (or General tab for newer Steam versions). Select English from the dropdown menu.
Steam will begin a download for the English localization pack, which includes text and audio. File Locations and Content
Once downloaded, the English files are located in the following directory on Windows:C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\total war shogun 2\data
Primary File: local_en.pack — This contains the core localized text and database strings.
Patch File: local_en_patch.pack — Contains updated tables that overwrite base strings from the primary file.
Encyclopedia: Switching to English also replaces the entire encyclopedia folder with English-translated .html files. Managing Files for Modding or Backups
Customization: Advanced users use the Pack File Manager (PFM) or RPFM to extract and edit .loc tables within the local_en.pack file.
Backups: If you plan to mix languages (e.g., English audio with another text language), copy local_en.pack to a separate folder before switching Steam language settings again to prevent it from being overwritten.
Storage Management: Language packs for Total War games can be large; you can safely delete local_xx.pack files for languages you do not use to save space, but avoid deleting local_en.pack if you intend to play in English. Resource - Shogun 2 "Language" and "Encyclopedia" files total war shogun 2 english language files
Total War: SHOGUN 2 , the English language files do more than just translate text—they represent a unique technical architecture and a specific stylistic choice by Creative Assembly that defines the game's atmosphere. The "English-First" Technical Paradox
Unlike other language versions of the game (such as German, French, or Russian), the English version has a unique file structure.
Granular Strings: The English localization file, local_en.pack, stores text in dozens of individual tables rather than one massive list.
Modding Essential: Because many overhaul mods were built on this English framework, playing the game in other languages often results in missing text or blank UI elements unless the English files are used as a base.
UPC-SHO Project: This technical gap led to the Unit Pack Compatibility Project (UPC-SHO), a massive community effort to unify mod strings so players in all languages could see custom unit names. Bilingual Battlefield Design
The game uses a "split" language approach where English and Japanese coexist to create a specific cinematic feel.
Sengoku Campaign: Soldiers and agents on the battlefield speak Japanese for immersion, while the Advisor and Daimyos speak English so players can understand critical strategic feedback without reading subtitles.
Fall of the Samurai (FotS): In this expansion, units switch to heavily accented English. This was a deliberate choice to reflect the Westernization of Japan, simulating soldiers trained by British, American, or French military advisors.
The "Shameful Display": The English announcer famously uses "hammy" or exaggerated accents for dramatic effect, giving birth to the legendary "Shameful Display!" meme within the community.
The primary English language files for Total War: Shogun 2
are stored as .pack files within the game's installation directory. These files contain all the text strings, UI labels, and voice-over data needed for the English localization. Core Language File Locations
You can find the standard English language files in the following directory: To obtain or change the English language files
Path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\total war shogun 2\data Key Files:
local_en.pack: Contains the majority of English text strings and localized database tables.
local_en_patch.pack: Includes updated or patched text strings that override the base local_en.pack.
language.txt: A simple text file that identifies the currently active two-letter language code (e.g., en for English). Managing & Restoring Files
If your English files are missing or you want to switch to English from another language, follow these steps through the Steam Client: Change Language in Steam: Right-click Total War: SHOGUN 2 in your Steam Library. Select Properties > Language.
Choose English from the dropdown menu. Steam will automatically begin downloading the necessary English files. Verify File Integrity:
If the game shows missing text or "localization missing" errors, go to Properties > Installed Files (or Local Files) and click Verify integrity of game files. This replaces any corrupted or missing .pack files. Manual Modification (Modding):
For advanced users wanting to mix languages (e.g., English voices with different text), you can use the Pack File Manager (PFM) to open local_en.pack and extract or swap specific .loc (localization) files. Troubleshooting "Missing Text" Errors Resource - Shogun 2 "Language" and "Encyclopedia" files
Here’s a concise write-up on the English language files for Total War: Shogun 2, aimed at modders, localizers, or anyone looking to edit or restore in-game text.
There is a specific kind of panic that sets in when you boot up a Total War game and realize something is wrong. Maybe you bought a key from a region-locked seller, or perhaps a mod installation went haywire. The splash screen loads, the haunting Taiko drums begin to beat, and then… you see it.
The menu isn’t in English. It’s in Russian, Chinese, or perhaps Czech.
Suddenly, your plans for world domination are halted by a language barrier thicker than the walls of Osaka Castle. For many PC gamers, this is a rite of passage. But unlike the actual Sengoku period, you don’t need a team of diplomats to solve this crisis. You just need to navigate the file structure of your PC. Lost in Translation: How to Restore English Language
Here is your battle plan for restoring the English language files in Total War: Shogun 2.
If you purchased a key from a different region (e.g., a Russian CD key) and Steam refuses to download English due to licensing restrictions, you may need to manually inject the files.
Warning: This involves copying files from a legitimate English installation or backup.
local_en.pack and vo_en.pack from a friend’s English Steam installation or a trusted backup....\Total War Shogun 2\data folder.C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\The Creative Assembly\Shogun2\scriptspreferences.script.txt with Notepad.language_restore; or similar.language "en"; (Note: This may be overridden by Steam cloud saves, so this method is not always permanent).When downloading or verifying English files, you are looking for specific file extensions within the game directory.
Default Directory:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Total War Shogun 2\data
Key English Language Files: These files must be present for the game to run in English. The names usually follow this convention:
Localisation Files (Text):
local_en.pack (Contains all menu text, tooltips, and subtitles).local_en.strings.bin (Sometimes found in the text folder inside data).Audio Files (Voice):
vo_en.pack (Advisor voice, battle speeches).movies_en.pack (Subtitles/cutscenes localization - typically embedded in other packs, but audio is separate).Note: If files named local_ru.pack or local_de.pack exist but local_en.pack does not, the game will default to that available language.
.locAfter extracting .pack files (using Pack File Manager or RPFM), the English text is found in .loc files, typically at:
db\/localisation_en.loc
Inside, it’s a simple two‑column table:
units_onscreen_name_yari_samurai)If you’ve installed a translation mod and want the original English back:
data folder..pack (e.g., mymod_en.pack).