: Units like Francisca Heerbann (Franks) and Chosen Axemen (Saxons/Alemanni) are essential for countering the heavily armored late-game units.
: An elite upgrade to Comitatenses. These soldiers throw heavy lead-weighted darts ( plumbatae ) with greater range and lethality than standard javelins.
The game is set roughly between 363 AD and 476 AD, a period known as the Migration Period. The tactical landscape has shifted dramatically from the era of Caesar and the Marian Legions. The classic heavy infantry of the Roman Republic is largely gone, replaced by a doctrine of defense-in-depth and the increasing reliance on “barbarian” mercenaries.
These factions rely on brute physical strength, heavy infantry, and specialized ambush tactics.
The Sassanids stand out as a highly sophisticated faction with a roster built around heavy armor and specialized tactical options, acting as a massive counterweight to the Eastern Roman Empire. rome total war barbarian invasion units
Elite foot archers with exceptional range and missile damage. They provide the necessary firepower to crack heavily armored defensive formations.
The and Eastern Roman Empire (ERE) share a similar "late Roman" roster that trades the early game's Hastati for defensive, heavily armored infantry.
The sole playable Eastern faction. Their strength is entirely cavalry-based. While they have Sughdian Warriors (infantry that equal Roman Comitatenses), their real power lies in , Clibinarii Immortals , and War Elephants .
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the core unit archetypes, faction rosters, and battlefield tactics that define the expansion. The New Mechanics of War : Units like Francisca Heerbann (Franks) and Chosen
Barbarian Invasion introduced several unique unit types that change the rules of engagement.
The Goths are one of the most balanced "horde" factions. Their roster is diverse:
Barbarian Invasion introduces several key engine updates that completely change how units behave compared to the base game.
“The Visigoths have breached the outer wall,” said his optio, a boy of nineteen with a shaking voice. The game is set roughly between 363 AD
The lowest tier of Roman infantry. These border guards are cheap and possess poor morale. They are best used to hold walls or act as meat shields for better troops.
Light javelin cavalry. Excellent for skirmishing, harassing slow-moving Roman infantry, and hunting down routers. Death from Afar: Missile and Siege Units
The ultimate heavy cavalry unit. Both rider and horse are completely encased in heavy chainmail and scale armor. They act as unstoppable battering rams on the battlefield, capable of trampling almost any infantry unit in a head-on charge.