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.
Cause: Your local_en.pack is missing or overwritten, but the audio files remain. Steam’s language setting may have been changed.
Fix: Go to Steam Properties > Language > Switch to any other language, launch the game (it will be wrong), exit, then switch back to English. This forces a full rewrite of the text registry.
Technically, the English language assets in Shogun 2 are stored within the game’s data folder, primarily in .pack archive files (such as data_local_en.pack). These archives contain a hierarchy of sub-files, including:
.loc files: Localisation strings for all UI text, unit names, building descriptions, event messages, and advisor speeches..dat and .idx): Encoded audio files for unit voices, campaign map narration, and battle chatter, all triggered by contextual events.The modular design means that modders can easily extract, edit, and replace these files—a key reason for the game’s enduring modding community, which has produced everything from historical accuracy patches to complete overhauls like Morning Sun (adding Korea).
For most users, the issue is simply that Steam has the "Language" setting set to something other than English, or the files were deleted to save space previously.
Recommendation: Do not download language files from third-party "modding" websites, as Shogun 2 language packs are often version-specific. Using the Steam "Verify Integrity" tool is the only secure way to ensure the English files match the game's current build.
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.
Understanding Total War: Shogun 2 English Language Files Total War: Shogun 2
English language files are translation packs that allow players to experience the game's text, menus, and audio in English
. These files are primarily managed through official distribution platforms, such as Steam, but can also be manually manipulated for custom configurations, like combining English voices with text in another language. How to Officially Change Language to English
For most players, the most reliable way to obtain and install English language files is through the official Steam Library Open Steam Library : Right-click on Total War: SHOGUN 2 in your game list. Access Properties
For players looking to restore or change their game's interface to English, understanding the structure and location of Total War: Shogun 2 English language files is essential. The game uses a specific "pack" file system to manage its localization data, including text, dialogue, and UI elements. Location of English Language Files
By default, the language files for Total War: Shogun 2 are stored in the game's data directory. For most Steam users, this path is:C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\total war shogun 2\data.
The primary English files you will find in this folder include:
local_en.pack: This is the core release version containing English language tables, such as unit names, descriptions, and UI text. total war shogun 2 english language files
local_en_patch.pack: This file contains localized updates and fixes provided by Creative Assembly through patches, which often overwrite data in the base local_en.pack.
encyclopedia: The folder containing the game's localized reference manual is also updated based on your selected language. How to Change or Restore English Language
If your game is currently in another language (e.g., Russian or German), you can typically force the download of the English files through the Steam client without needing to find a third-party download link.
Steam Library: Right-click Total War: SHOGUN 2 and select Properties. Language Tab: Navigate to the Language tab in the sidebar. Select English: Choose English from the dropdown menu.
Automatic Download: Steam will automatically begin downloading the necessary local_en.pack and local_en_patch.pack files.
Verification: If the language does not update correctly, use the Verify Integrity of Game Files option under the "Local Files" or "Installed Files" tab to repair missing or corrupt language data. Advanced Language Tweaks
Modders often interact with these files to create custom localizations or mix languages (e.g., English audio with different text).
Pack File Manager (PFM): To view or edit the contents of local_en.pack, you must use a tool like the Pack File Manager to open the internal .loc tables.
Preferences Script: In some cases, language settings can be influenced by the preferences.script.txt file located in your AppData folder (%APPDATA%\The Creative Assembly\Shogun2\scripts\). While primarily for graphics, some users attempt to force language changes here.
UPC-SHO: For those using multiple mods, the "Universal Localisation Project" (UPC-SHO) is often required to ensure unit names from various mods appear correctly in English when the vanilla files don't recognize them.
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. Here’s a concise write-up on the English language
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
To change your language in Total War: Shogun 2 , the most reliable method is through the official Steam settings, which automatically downloads and installs the necessary English language files. How to Download English Language Files (Official)
The game stores its localization data in .pack files located in the game's data folder. Follow these steps to trigger the English download: Open Steam Library: Right-click on Total War: SHOGUN 2. Select Properties: Go to the Language tab. Choose English: From the dropdown menu, select English.
Wait for Download: Steam will automatically begin downloading the English language pack (typically local_en.pack and local_en_patch.pack).
Launch Game: Once the download is complete, restart the game to apply the changes. Manual File Identification
If you are verifying your installation, the English language files are located in the following directory:C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\total war shogun 2\data Main English Pack: local_en.pack
Patch File: local_en_patch.pack (contains updated text tables)
Encyclopedia: The encyclopedia folder contains the localized HTML files for in-game information. Common Issues & Fixes
Language Option Missing: If you only see one language option (e.g., Russian), it may be a regional lock. Some users have bypassed this by adding -lang 0 to the Steam Launch Options.
Text/Audio Mismatch: To use English voices with text in another language, you must manually swap text files within the .pack files using the Pack File Manager.
Hidden Files: If you need to access configuration scripts (like preferences.script.txt), ensure "Show Hidden Files" is enabled in Windows to view the %APPDATA% folder.
The primary English language files for Total War: Shogun 2 are named local_en.pack and local_en_patch.pack . These files contain the in-game text strings, localizations, and English audio assets . File Locations and Content
The core localization files are found in the following directory:
Path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\total war shogun 2\data .
Main File: local_en.pack contains individual .loc tables in the text/db folder .
Patch File: local_en_patch.pack contains updated tables that overwrite the original base file .
Encyclopedia: Interactive help files are located in data/encyclopedia . How to Get the Complete English Set
If you are missing these files or need to switch your game to English, the most reliable method is through the Steam Library :
Open your Steam Library and right-click Total War: SHOGUN 2. Select Properties > Language tab . Select English from the dropdown menu .
Steam will automatically begin downloading the approximately 600 MB of English language data . Troubleshooting Missing Text
If the files are present but text is missing (a common bug), you can often fix it by: Resource - Shogun 2 "Language" and "Encyclopedia" files
Total War: SHOGUN 2 , the English language files are primary assets that handle nearly all in-game text and specific audio elements. Unlike many other supported languages that use a single localization file, the English version uses a unique structure composed of multiple individual tables. These files are essential for everything from displaying unit names to providing the English voice-overs for advisors and diplomacy. Key Language Files and Locations Problem: "The voice is English, but the UI
The primary language files are located in your game's installation directory, typically under \Steam\steamapps\common\total war shogun 2\data.
local_en.pack: This is the core release version of the English language tables. It contains numerous individual .loc files in the text\db folder, which store the "basic strings" for game text.
local_en_patch.pack: This file contains updated tables that overwrite the original local_en.pack to apply language fixes or updates from the developers.
encyclopedia folder: Contains HTML-based files that provide all in-game information for the encyclopedia. Managing and Swapping English Files
Players often interact with these files to troubleshoot missing text or to create custom "hybrid" language settings, such as using English audio with text in another language.
Official Language Change: To download or verify the English files officially, right-click the game in your Steam Library, select Properties, and navigate to the Language tab to choose English.
Manual Swapping: To use English voices with non-English text, players use tools like the Pack File Manager to extract text from a different language's .pack file and inject it into the local_en.pack.
Audio Differences: In the Sengoku campaign, battlefield soldiers naturally speak Japanese, while the advisor and daimyo speak English. In the Fall of the Samurai DLC, soldiers may use English to reflect their Westernized training. Editing and Modding
For those looking to edit in-game text or unit names, the English files are the most flexible.
RPFM (Rusted Pack File Manager): Often recommended as a superior tool for editing .loc files compared to the older Pack File Manager.
Custom Localizations: You can include a custom_localisation.loc file in the data directory to add your own strings to the internal database without overwriting original files. Resource - Shogun 2 "Language" and "Encyclopedia" files
For Total War: Shogun 2, the most helpful resource for managing English language files is a detailed guide on combining English audio with text in other languages, or vice-versa, which you can find on the Steam Community. Essential English Language Files
In Shogun 2, language data is stored in .pack files located in your game's installation directory, typically at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\total war shogun 2\data.
local_en.pack: This is the primary English language file. It contains the core text strings for the game.
local_en_patch.pack: This file contains updated tables that overwrite certain strings in the base local_en.pack file.
Text Structure: Unlike other languages that use a single localisation.loc file, the English version uses individual tables for different text categories within the text\db folder of the pack. How to Obtain or Fix English Files
If your game is in another language and you want to switch it to English, follow these steps through the Steam client:
Right-click Total War: Shogun 2 in your Steam Library and select Properties. Navigate to the Language tab.
Select English from the dropdown menu. Steam will then automatically download the necessary local_en.pack files.
Verification: If the files are missing or the game is still not in English, use the Verify Integrity of Game Files option under the Installed Files (or Local Files) tab in Properties. Advanced Customization (English Audio with Local Text)
Experienced players often want English voice acting while keeping their native language for text. This requires the Pack File Manager tool to manually swap text files between local_en.pack and your specific language pack (e.g., local_ge.pack for German).
Another technical workaround mentioned in community forums involves using the launch command -lang 0 in Steam's Launch Options to force the game into English mode. Resource - Shogun 2 "Language" and "Encyclopedia" files
A smart modder always keeps a pristine copy. Here’s a recommended backup routine:
D:\Shogun2_Vanilla_Backup\data folder? No, that’s 25+ GB. Only copy:
local_en.packdata/sounds/Voice_English.packdata/sounds/Voice_English_1.pack (if exists)Shogun2_English_Backup_DATE.zip.