The demo includes three of the final game's over one hundred factions: Polybian Roman, Carthaginian (Late), and Pyrrhic.

The three selected factions employ distinct fighting styles with orthogonal strengths and weaknesses, while also being historical opponents. They represent a small, but potent, taste of the tactical variety available in the final game:

The Polybian Roman core of Hastati and Principes are deadly on impact, and not much affected by terrain compared to other heavy foot, but the list lacks the quality and quantity of cavalry support enjoyed by its opponents, and is altogether without medium foot (unless it takes some Italian allies).

The Pyrrhic pikemen are difficult to beat in the open, and are well supported by auxiliary spears, medium foot, lights, and cavalry, but don't have the sheer quantity of heavy foot that the Romans enjoy. Their Tarantine and Samnite allies can add unique light cavalry and impact foot warriors respectively.

The Carthaginian list is diverse and flexible, with a wide array of units including Libyan spearmen, medium foot Scutarii, Gallic Warband, Numidian and Iberian light cavalry, Punic and Celtiberian heavy cavalry, Balearic slingers and more. What they lack in any one category they make up for in versatility. Their Numidian and Iberian allies can substantially increase the Carthaginian proportion of light cavalry or medium impact foot.