Distinctive two-handed mace infantry capable of crushing the heavy armor of Roman legionaries with blunt force.
Many Germanic and Celtic infantry units can lock shields. This drastically boosts their defensive statistics against frontal melee attacks and missile fire, though it limits mobility.
Pure glass cannons. They lack armor but carry two-handed falxes that bypass enemy armor shields, making them ideal for flanking maneuvers. The Dominance of Horsepower: Cavalry Classes
Playstyle: Combined arms, heavy cavalry dominance, and scorched earth. rome total war barbarian invasion units
An upgraded version of the Comitatenses. They are heavily armored but wield weighted darts ( plumbatae ) that they hurl right before charging into melee. These are excellent for breaking enemy formations.
The "barbarian" factions (such as the Franks, Alemanni, Saxons, and Vandals) lack the defensive discipline of the Romans but make up for it with devastating offensive power, terrifying morale shocks, and large numbers of axe-wielding warriors.
The barbarian factions—such as the Franks, Saxons, Alemanni, and Goths—rely on raw physical power, devastating charge bonuses, and psychological warfare to break disciplined Roman formations. Distinctive two-handed mace infantry capable of crushing the
The Huns do not play like any other faction. They are a horde with no permanent settlements initially. Their units are built for speed, fear, and hit-and-run warfare.
That night, a Roman legate arrived. He was clean-shaven, clad in polished mail, and reek of arrogance. “You will hold the crossing against the Greuthungi raiders,” he said, not a question.
: While not heavy hitters, they are used as mobile support units to chase down routing enemies and keep friendly morale high. Horde Units Pure glass cannons
The Eastern Roman Empire (ERE) is in a much stronger position. With a more compact territory, a stronger economy centered on Constantinople, and a powerful field army, the ERE provides a more forgiving but still challenging start.
This guide explores the diverse, often specialized units of Barbarian Invasion , breaking them down by culture and strategic utility. I. The Roman Legions: Decay and Discipline (WRE/ERE)