Empires of Sand is a culture pack for Total War: ATTILA that introduces three new playable desert factions: Aksum, Himjar, and Tanuchid. The expansion expands the gameplay with new campaign mechanics, unique units, extensive religious systems, and a fresh take on running an empire in the harsh conditions of Africa and the Middle East. The new factions are part of the Desert Kingdoms cultural group and benefit from shared bonuses such as increased hygiene in the regions, bonuses to melee combat in the desert, and resistance to attrition in desert conditions. However, each faction offers a completely different playstyle and its own unique campaign features. The package significantly expands the importance of religion. Three new denominations were introduced: Eastern Christian churches, Judaism, and Semitic paganism. The choice of religion affects the buildings, technologies, diplomacy, conditions of victory and the stability of the province. Aksum and Himjar have dual religious chains of buildings and technologies, which gives a lot of flexibility, but also comes with a higher risk of religious conflicts. The Tanuchids are an aggressive faction of the horde focused on looting and dynamic expansion. Military victories increase the size of the horde, and armies in a looting stance regularly gain free units. A unique chain of events leads them from rebellion against Rome to founding their own empire. Aksum is Africa's trading power, basing its strength on wealth and control of trade routes. The faction receives bonuses to trade, food, and mercenaries, and its campaign is enriched with special events and units inspired by contacts with India. Himyar is a desert kingdom of the Arabian Peninsula, specializing in hardy infantry and defensive warfare. The unique mechanics of the Maribu Dam make strategic decisions related to its maintenance, offering powerful bonuses or dangerous consequences of negligence. The Empires of Sand Culture Pack is an extensive DLC that adds strategic depth, new factions, hundreds of units, and advanced religious mechanics, perfect for players looking for fresh challenges in Total War: ATTILA.