Total War Review
$42.99 · 30 servings · $1.43/serving · 320mg caffeine
Check PriceTotal War | At a Glance
- Best For
- Experienced lifters who want strong stimulant energy
- Caffeine
- 320mg per serving
- Beta Alanine
- Yes
- Creatine
- No
- Key Strength
- Reliable high-energy formula with good taste
- Not Ideal For
- Beginners or transparency-focused buyers
Is Total War a good pre workout?
Total War by Redcon1 is the best pre workout for experienced lifters. Its 320mg caffeine and aggressive energy blend deliver intense workouts. It scores 9.2 for energy but lower on transparency (8.0) and beginner friendliness (6.0). Best for seasoned gym-goers who want strong stimulant drive.
Score Breakdown
Our Full Total War Review
Total War by Redcon1 is a no-nonsense pre workout built for experienced lifters who know exactly what they want: strong stimulant energy and reliable performance, session after session. The military-themed branding matches the product's personality. It is aggressive, direct, and not trying to be anything else.
The 320mg caffeine dose, supplemented by 100mg di-caffeine malate and 50mg theobromine, creates a multi-source stimulant profile that hits fast and lasts reasonably well through a standard session. In our testing, the energy was noticeably strong and the focus was solid, particularly during the first 45 minutes. The combination of caffeine sources helps prevent the single-spike-and-crash pattern that single-source formulas sometimes produce.
Taste is a legitimate strength. Total War offers numerous flavors, and the ones we tested were consistently sweet and enjoyable. Mixability is good, with minimal sediment at the bottom of the shaker. At $1.43 per serving with 30 servings per tub, the value is competitive for the performance level you receive.
Where Total War falls short is in pump performance and transparency. The 6g citrulline malate is a functional but below-clinical dose, and there is no GlycerPump or additional nitric oxide support to compensate. Pump was the weakest category in our testing for this product. Some ingredients are also grouped in ways that limit full dose transparency, though Redcon1 has improved on this front in recent reformulations.
Total War is a strong pick for seasoned lifters who prioritize energy and don't mind trading some pump performance and label clarity for it. It delivers a reliable, hard-hitting workout experience at a fair price.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Strong, reliable energy
- ✓Good taste with many flavors
- ✓Solid value at $1.43/serving
- ✓30 full servings per container
- ✓Military-themed branding builds loyalty
Cons
- ✗Some proprietary blending
- ✗High caffeine not beginner-friendly
- ✗Pump is underwhelming
- ✗Contains artificial colors
Key Ingredients
Total War's stimulant stack is its defining feature. The 320mg caffeine anhydrous is supplemented by 100mg di-caffeine malate, which provides a slower-release secondary caffeine source, and 50mg theobromine, which extends stimulant duration. The 6g citrulline malate provides some pump support but falls short of the 8g clinical benchmark. Beta alanine at 3.2g hits the clinical dose. Juniper berry extract at 150mg is included for its potential diuretic and antioxidant properties, though research on this ingredient in a pre workout context is limited.
Who should use Total War?
Total War is designed for experienced gym-goers with a solid caffeine tolerance who want strong, reliable energy every session. It suits powerlifters, strength athletes, and anyone who prefers a direct, stimulant-forward pre workout without a lot of extra ingredients. If you have used pre workouts for a year or more and know your body handles 300mg-plus caffeine well, Total War is a dependable choice.
Who should avoid Total War?
Beginners should not use Total War. The 320mg caffeine base plus additional stimulant sources add up to an intensity level that is inappropriate for anyone who has not built a meaningful tolerance. Lifters who prioritize pump performance will be underwhelmed by the below-clinical citrulline dose. If label transparency is important to you, products like BullFit Bodacious, Gorilla Mode, and Transparent Labs BULK are better options.
How Total War Compares
Total War vs Woke AF
Total War and Woke AF are both high-stim pre workouts for experienced users. Total War is more balanced with better taste and value, while Woke AF hits harder on pure stimulant intensity. Total War is the safer choice for daily use.
Read Woke AF Review →Total War vs Gorilla Mode
Gorilla Mode beats Total War on pump and transparency but costs more per serving. Total War has comparable energy at a lower price point. If pump matters, go Gorilla Mode. If value matters, go Total War.
Read Gorilla Mode Review →Compare With Similar Products
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Final Verdict
Total War earns a 8.2/10 overall score in our testing. Total War is a veteran pre workout designed for experienced lifters who know what they want: strong energy, decent focus, and no frills. The 320mg caffeine delivers consistent intensity but the label transparency could be better.
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