Infantry Units

Infantry units are all trained to fight on foot. Musket-wielding light infantry forces are trained to move at speed, using the terrain and available cover, rather than fighting in set formations. They provide a constant, low-level barrage against enemy ranks and are tasked with picking off individual officers.

Heavy infantry such as grenadiers are chosen for their size and strength. Armed with both muskets and grenades, these men are best placed on the front line of battle so their projectiles can dispel charging enemy ranks.

Even in this age of gunpowder, a shrewd general may recruit a unit of swordsmen, for although a sword may appear outdated, it has one great advantage over a musket... it never needs reloading.

Cavalry Units

Cavalry units are mounted troops, riding horses, elephants or camels depending on the terrain and the faction to which they belong. While Western factions almost always use horse cavalry, Eastern factions often use camels in desert environments.

The speed and agility of light cavalry makes them ideal for chasing down retreating enemies.

In contrast, heavy cavalry are used for frontal assaults, charging over short distances against close formation infantry to break their ranks and cause panic. Heavy cavalry tire quickly, so a wise general will hold them in reserve until the right opportunity presents itself.

Artillery

An artillery unit consists of large-calibre ranged weapons such as cannons, mortars, rockets or howitzers, each operated by several soldiers. Though most effective in long-range attacks, certain guns such as howitzers can be used at close range to fire canister rounds (tin casings filled with lead balls) directly into enemy ranks.

Mortars are ideal for siege warfare. They fire shells high into the air to avoid defenses and fortifications and so fall onto enemy positions directly from above.

Rocket guns use gunpowder to fire rockets high above the battlefield. These are either tipped with large spear points or explosive heads and are best fired in volleys, which send a terrifying wave of rockets down onto enemy ranks.

First-Rate Ships of the Line

First-rate ships of the line have massive firepower. They have a crew of over 800 sailors, gunners and marines and around 100 cannon firing 24- and 32-pounder balls arrayed across three decks.

Due to their formidable size and weight, first-rates are slow and unresponsive to helm, making them unsuited to fast maneuvering. However, their strong hulls make them difficult to sink, so they make ideal flagships, providing the safest possible platform from which an admiral can command the fleet.

Frigates

Smaller and more maneuverable than a first rate, frigates are used for pursuit, convoy protection and raiding enemy trade routes. Their excellent sailing characteristics and good handling, especially in inshore waters, make them a useful addition to any blockading fleet.

Though they cannot take on larger battleships alone, they can present a formidable problem to an enemy first-rate if they attack it in formation.

With the speed to chase down many smaller vessels and the firepower to win the subsequent engagement, their flexibility makes them lethal against sloops, brigs, and merchant vessels.

Sloops, Brigs and Galleys

Though they lack the attack power of frigates, these smaller vessels are unmatched in speed and agility, making them useful for pursuing retreating enemies.

While sloops are faster than brigs, they carry a smaller crew and fewer guns, so a wise admiral uses both in battle.

Galleys, though vulnerable in bad weather and rough waters, are more powerful than both sloops and brigs, and their oars make them independent of wind direction.

Military

There are several types of military building.

Barracks enable the recruitment of soldiers and are necessary for the construction of military encampments. These allow troops to be housed away from civilians, removing them from the temptations of drink and undesirable society. This allows their training to be more intensive.

Navies are built in shipyards, while foundries are used to create artillery and small arms.

Government

The kind of building that houses a nation’s administration depends on its system of government. A monarchy will have a palace and republic a capitol. Both are costly, but worthwhile, since a large, visible government presence will make the people less likely to revolt.

Trade and Industrial

Farms provide food, which helps a population grow and increases regional wealth. Warehouses allow control of the supply of crops and so can influence market prices. Factories process natural resources and agricultural crops to create goods of greater value.

Education and Science

While places of scientific learning increase a nation’s prestige, wealth and technological sophistication, an educated population is more likely to demand political and economic reform. On the other hand, a religious education makes your citizens more compliant, though less likely to further either the nation’s horizons or its borders.

Culture and Entertainment

Recreational buildings increase public happiness and make your population less likely to revolt. However, while theatres, opera houses and museums raise the happiness of the upper classes and your prestige among other nations, you will need to provide alternative entertainment, such as public gardens and bawdy houses, to keep the lower classes content.

Infrastructure

Roads make it easier and more profitable for merchants to move goods between farms, factories and ports. They also allow your armies to travel faster and cover greater distances between turns.

As your settlements grow in size, wealth and strategic value, fortifications become increasingly necessary.

Industrial

Research into agricultural technology improves your nation’s farming techniques.

Researching the lucrative textile industry enhances your nation’s income from trade exports, while metal technology is vital for developing all kinds of factory machinery.

Military

Researching military techniques will enable your troops to learn new tactics and formations that will give them an edge in battle. Weapons research will allow you to develop advanced cannon, rockets and other artillery, while enhanced naval technology will improve your ships’ weaponry, hull strength and navigation systems.

Philosophy

Investing in philosophical research will advance both political and economic understanding. While this boosts both trade and national prestige and so improve your diplomatic relationships, be aware that understanding and enlightenment will make people more likely to question your authority.

Elite Units of America

The Elite Units of America adds 15 new elite units to the American, British and French factions of Empire: Total War. In the last half of the 18th century, the political upheaval from thirteen of British Colonies in North America ultimately led to the 1776 Declaration of Independence and changed history for ever. The 15 units from the Elite Units of America Downloadable Content have all played a major part in the American Revolution. Though their background owes a lot to European military traditions , their identity is tied to the destiny of the United States, and gave these men courage and audacity like no other soldier on the battlefields.

Elite Units of the East

The Elite Units of the East adds 12 new elite units to the Maratha and Ottoman factions of Empire: Total War. Empire: Total War expands further East than any previous Total War game and this DLC includes the very best units from the Eastern lands. Most of these soldiers' expertise developed on the battlefield - some are fearsome brigands , others of them are drawn from a strong academic background, learned warriors. They will provide a vast array of tactical options: intimidating and cowing your enemies.

Elite Units of the West

The Elite Units of the West introduces 14 completely unique brand new units from all the major Western factions. Featuring all new infantry and cavalry units, equipped with the best weapons and having undergone the most rigorous of training, the Elite Units of the West DLC is the perfect addition to your Empire's army and will bring even more options on the battlefield to all tacticians seeking to defeat their enemies.

Special Forces Units

Introduces 9 of the most influential military forces of the 18th Century. True to the period, these exclusive elite units become available on the campaign map via a certain faction or once a specific geographical region is under control. Includes HMS Victory, the USS Constitution and the Ghoorkas.

The Warpath Campaign

A new detailed North American Campaign Map expands the Empire: Total War experience, with 5 brand new Native American factions, new units and technologies. Experience battles in the new Warpath Campaign and lead one of the 5 new factions in an epic war to defend your lands and drive out the invaders. Or take these units and their unique strengths into multiplayer battles.