Empire Total War Units: Dominate The Battlefield

Hey guys, let's dive into the awesome world of Empire Total War and explore the key to victory: understanding your units! This game is all about strategic command, and knowing your troops is half the battle. This guide will break down the units, their strengths, weaknesses, and how to use them to crush your enemies. We'll be looking at everything from the basic infantry to the elite units that can turn the tide of a battle. Whether you're a seasoned general or just starting out, this is your one-stop shop to mastering the Empire Total War units and claiming your empire!

Empire Total War is known for its grand scale. The battles are massive, involving hundreds or even thousands of soldiers, so picking the right units is really important. There are many factions, each with its own unique units, but the fundamental roles remain the same: infantry to hold the line, cavalry for flanking and charging, artillery to bombard the enemy, and special units to give you an edge. In this guide, we'll cover all these aspects and equip you with the knowledge to make smart decisions when building your armies.

The Backbone: Infantry Units in Empire Total War

Alright, let's start with the bread and butter of your armies: the infantry. These guys are the backbone, the ones who stand their ground while you strategize. In Empire Total War, you've got a variety of infantry, each with its own niche and purpose. Let's break down the most common types and how to use them effectively.

First up, we have the line infantry. These are your standard, all-around troops. They are good at holding the line and can take a beating, especially when deployed in a line formation. These units are usually armed with muskets and bayonets, making them formidable in both ranged combat and close-quarters fighting. If you're looking for a solid foundation for your army, line infantry is the way to go. Consider using them as your core defensive unit, ensuring your flanks are well-protected.

Then there's the light infantry. These guys are usually more agile than line infantry and are often used for scouting and harassing the enemy. They may not be as strong in a straight fight, but they excel at skirmishing, using hit-and-run tactics to wear down the enemy. Light infantry often have longer range, making them perfect for dealing with artillery or disrupting the enemy's formations before the main clash begins. Use them to pick off isolated units, harass enemy flanks, and generally cause chaos.

Next, we have the grenadiers. These are your explosive specialists! Grenadiers carry grenades that can cause significant damage to enemy units, especially tightly packed formations. They can be devastating in sieges, clearing out buildings and fortifications with ease. While they're effective in close-quarters combat, their short range and slow reload times make them vulnerable to ranged attacks. Use them strategically, aiming for clustered enemies and ensuring they have some protection from enemy fire.

Finally, we have the elite infantry. These are the best of the best, with superior training, equipment, and morale. They can withstand more punishment and often have special abilities or stats that give them an edge in combat. These units are your shock troops, perfect for breaking the enemy's lines or leading the charge. Using them at the right time can turn the tide of any battle. Remember, even with high-quality infantry, the right formation and support from other units are crucial to success. So, position them well, and make sure they have a clear path to engage the enemy.

Unleashing the Fury: Cavalry Units in Empire Total War

Now, let's gallop into the world of cavalry! These guys are all about speed, maneuverability, and shock attacks. Cavalry units can quickly change the course of any battle. They can be used for flanking maneuvers, chasing down routing enemies, and breaking the enemy's formations. Let's look at the different types and how to effectively utilize them.

We've got light cavalry. They are the scouts and skirmishers of the cavalry world. They are fast, and excel at flanking, harassing enemy units, and disrupting enemy formations. Their primary job is to disrupt the enemy’s plans, not directly engage in a prolonged melee. Use them to scout the battlefield, harass enemy artillery, and generally cause chaos behind enemy lines. Their speed allows them to escape if things get too hot, making them a great choice for hit-and-run tactics.

Then there is the heavy cavalry. They're the ultimate shock troops, the ones who can break the enemy's lines with a single charge. Heavy cavalry are heavily armored and have high attack and defense stats, allowing them to withstand enemy attacks while inflicting heavy casualties. Use them for decisive charges, targeting enemy flanks or rear, or smashing through enemy formations to create gaps in the enemy lines. Timing is everything, so make sure they hit the enemy at the right moment.

And let's not forget the dragoons. They're a versatile unit. They can fight both on horseback and on foot. They are more versatile than light and heavy cavalry, and are great for ambushes or supporting other units. They can dismount to fight as infantry and remount to charge or reposition. Use them to support your infantry, attack enemy flanks, or provide a mobile reserve force.

Cavalry is a powerful force in Empire Total War, but they're not invincible. Always protect your cavalry from enemy infantry and artillery, and use them strategically to maximize their impact on the battlefield. A well-timed charge can shatter the enemy's resolve and secure victory!

The Thunder of War: Artillery Units in Empire Total War

Now, let's bring in the big guns! Artillery units are your long-range specialists, capable of inflicting massive damage and breaking enemy formations before the main battle begins. In Empire Total War, artillery can be decisive, so let’s explore the different types and how to use them effectively.

First up, we have the cannons. These are the workhorses of your artillery. They are good at both destroying enemy units and demolishing enemy fortifications. They have a good range and can inflict a lot of damage, making them a versatile choice for any army. Position them well to maximize their impact, aiming for enemy formations or key targets like enemy artillery. Cannons are essential for weakening the enemy before the main assault.

Next, we have the howitzers. They're designed for lobbing explosive shells over walls and obstacles. They can inflict heavy damage to enemy units, and they are excellent at siege battles. Their ability to arch their shots over fortifications makes them incredibly valuable in sieges. Use them to destroy enemy defenses and soften up enemy units before your infantry attacks.

Finally, we have the mortars. They are designed for siege warfare. They are capable of firing shells over walls and obstacles. They excel at destroying enemy fortifications and inflicting damage to enemy units. Their short range and slow reload times make them vulnerable to enemy fire, so they require careful positioning and protection.

Artillery is a game-changer in Empire Total War. Use them to weaken enemy formations, destroy enemy defenses, and provide fire support for your infantry. Careful positioning, and target selection can turn the tide of any battle. Remember to protect your artillery from enemy cavalry and infantry, as they are vulnerable in close combat.

Special Forces: Unique Units in Empire Total War

Alright, let's talk about the cool, unique units that make each faction in Empire Total War special. These are the units that give each faction its unique flavor and tactical advantages. Let's delve into some of the most iconic and how to best utilize them.

Every faction has unique units, so let's start with the Line Infantry. You can modify them to have different combat skills. For example, some have special grenades or abilities. They can provide an edge in close combat. Also, the stats can be improved to have better armor. To use this effectively, ensure they are deployed to areas where you need to hold the line, which can allow you to use superior stats.

Cavalry, each faction has different types of cavalry. Some units have better armor and stats. The others have better speed. You can use this cavalry to outflank the enemies or break the enemy's lines with a single charge. But be careful, cavalry is very vulnerable when fighting infantry. It can be easily decimated, so don't be afraid to pull them back if they're in a bad position.

Then there are the Artillery. Some factions have superior artillery, which can inflict massive damage on the enemy. Use the artillery to soften the enemies before the main assault. Position your artillery well, so it can inflict maximum damage. Remember, protect your artillery from enemy cavalry and infantry, because they are vulnerable in close combat.

Finally, special units like the elite units. These are usually the best units of a faction. Elite units will have superior stats, and special abilities. Deploy them in key locations, and they can swing the battle in your favor. They can turn the tide of a battle. These units can quickly turn the tide of a battle. The key is to know what your faction has and use them effectively. By mastering these unique units, you can give your armies an edge on the battlefield.

Winning Strategies and Army Composition in Empire Total War

So, you know your units, but how do you use them to win? Let's dive into some winning strategies and army compositions that will give you the edge in Empire Total War.

First off, army composition is critical. A balanced army is essential, so make sure you have a mix of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and special units. Your army should include a strong infantry core, cavalry to flank and harass the enemy, artillery to soften them up, and any unique units your faction offers.

Next up, formation is key. Line infantry should form a solid line to absorb the enemy's attacks, while cavalry should be positioned on the flanks ready to charge. Artillery should be placed behind the lines to maximize their range and effectiveness. Ensure your formations are well-aligned, allowing units to support each other and minimize the risk of being flanked.

Terrain matters. Use the terrain to your advantage. Use forests or hills for ambushes, and use choke points to funnel the enemy into your kill zones. Use rivers and other obstacles to protect your flanks. Make sure to use the terrain to your advantage, as a well-placed ambush can rout an entire enemy army.

Combined arms tactics are essential. Coordinate your infantry, cavalry, and artillery to maximize their effectiveness. Use artillery to weaken the enemy, charge the cavalry to break the enemy lines, and then use your infantry to exploit the gaps. The key is to coordinate the strengths of each unit type, as a successful attack will cause the enemy to fall back.

Remember, adaptability is key. The battlefield is dynamic, so always be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the enemy's actions. If the enemy is heavily armored, focus on using artillery to weaken them. If the enemy cavalry is charging, use your infantry to form a square. Be ready to change your tactics as needed, as the tides of battle can change at any moment!

Conclusion: Mastering the Battlefield with Your Units

And there you have it, folks! This guide has covered the main units in Empire Total War and how to use them effectively. By understanding your units, their strengths, weaknesses, and how to combine them, you can build powerful armies and dominate the battlefield. Remember, practice, experimentation, and adaptability are key to success. Now go forth, raise your armies, and conquer the world! And always remember to have fun! The world of Empire Total War awaits! Good luck, and may the best general win!