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Master Total War: Rome II unit types! Learn about infantry, cavalry, siege units, and special abilities like Wedge, Testudo, and Phalanx formations.

Hey there! So, you're diving into Total War: Rome II and want to get a handle on all the different units? Awesome! This guide is going to break down how the game categorizes them, from basic types to those fancy special abilities that can really turn the tide of a battle. Think of it as understanding your tools before you start building your empire.

Unit Categories:

1. Infantry: These are your bread and butter. They fight on foot, can operate siege equipment, and generally hold the line well. You'll find swordsmen, spearmen, skirmishers, and archers in this category. They're the backbone of any solid army.
2. Cavalry: Fast and mobile, cavalry units excel at flanking, chasing down routing enemies, and harassing archers. However, they're usually weaker in a head-on fight and can get chewed up if they stick around too long against infantry. They come as heavy, light, or skirmishers. Use their speed to your advantage!
3. Siege: These units are built for breaking down walls during sieges, but they can also be used against regular troops, though they're less accurate against smaller targets. Some are designed for sniping enemy generals from afar.

Special Abilities:

Beyond their basic type, many units have unique abilities that can dramatically change their effectiveness. Here are some you'll encounter:

• Wedge Formation: Mostly for light and heavy cavalry. It makes them a bit more effective when charging in, but don't expect a massive difference.
• Cantabrian Circle: Used by Horse Archers and skirmishing cavalry. Your units will circle around the enemy, firing as they go. It makes it harder for enemies to hit your guys with missiles and keeps a steady stream of attacks going, but it tires your troops out fast.
• Testudo Formation: For post-Marian reform Roman infantry with square shields. They form a defensive shell, making them almost immune to missiles. The downside? They move super slow and are really vulnerable to cavalry and other infantry. Honestly, most players find it a bit meh because Roman troops are already pretty tough against arrows.
• Flaming Ammunition: For archers (not horse archers). Makes your arrows catch fire. It's less accurate but hits enemy morale harder. Good for causing a bit of panic.
• Kill Raging Elephant: Only for elephant units when they go