Hey there, strategy game enthusiasts! Ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of units in Total War: Warhammer 2? Especially when you're diving into the Old World with the Empire? Don't sweat it! Building a solid army as the Empire requires a good understanding of what each unit brings to the table. In this guide, we'll break down the Empire units in Total War: Warhammer 2, from the humble Spearmen to the mighty Steam Tank. We'll talk about their roles, strengths, weaknesses, and how to best use them on the battlefield. So, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced recruit, this guide is your key to commanding the forces of the Empire and crushing your foes.

The Backbone: Infantry Units of the Empire

Alright, let's start with the bread and butter of any Empire army: the infantry. These are your frontline troops, the ones who'll be taking the brunt of the enemy's attacks while your artillery and ranged units rain death from afar. Understanding your infantry is absolutely crucial for success. These are your Spearmen, Swordsmen, Greatswords, and Halberdiers. Let's delve in, shall we?

Spearmen: The Foundation

Spearmen are the most basic infantry unit you'll have access to. They're cheap, readily available, and serve a vital purpose: holding the line. Their primary role is to act as a shield, absorbing the enemy charge and protecting your more vulnerable units. They excel at holding their ground against cavalry and monsters due to their anti-large bonus. However, don't expect them to win a head-on fight against high-tier infantry. Their low attack and defense mean they'll get shredded if left unsupported. Use them to screen your ranged units and to buy time for your heavier hitters to arrive.

Swordsmen: The Versatile Melee Fighters

Swordsmen are the all-rounders of the Empire infantry. They offer a good balance of attack and defense, making them capable of engaging a variety of enemy units. They're not specialized in anything, but they're dependable in most situations. They can hold their own in melee combat and can be used to flank the enemy and exploit gaps in their lines. They're not as good at dealing with large targets like Spearmen, but their versatility makes them a valuable asset in any Empire army. Use them as a flexible unit that can adapt to different situations.

Greatswords: The Elite Shock Troops

Now we're talking! Greatswords are the elite shock troops of the Empire, the ones you call in when you need to break enemy lines. These guys pack a serious punch, with high attack and armor piercing damage. They can quickly decimate enemy infantry and are especially effective against lightly armored units. However, they're expensive and have low defense, meaning they can take a beating if caught out of position. Use Greatswords as a hammer to smash through the enemy's anvil. Make sure they are supported by Spearmen or Swordsmen to prevent them from being overwhelmed.

Halberdiers: Anti-Large Specialists

Halberdiers are your answer to large, monstrous units and cavalry. Like Spearmen, they have a bonus against large targets, but they also have higher attack and defense. This makes them more effective in extended melee combat. They're great at holding a line against charging cavalry and can quickly take down monstrous creatures. However, they struggle against heavily armored infantry. Use them to protect your flanks from cavalry charges and to counter large monsters.

Ranged Units: The Empire's Deadly Volleys

Now that we've covered the infantry, let's move on to the ranged units. These are the Empire's firepower, the units that will soften up the enemy before the melee even begins. Understanding how to use these units effectively can significantly improve your chances of victory. We will check the basic units like the handgunners and the more advanced ones.

Handgunners: The Backbone of Ranged Firepower

Handgunners are the Empire's most reliable ranged unit. They're accurate, have a decent range, and deal a good amount of armor-piercing damage. They're effective against a wide range of targets, including infantry and lightly armored units. They're not the best against heavily armored troops, but they can still deal significant damage. Handgunners form the core of your ranged firepower. Position them in a safe location, protected by your infantry, and let them unleash volleys of lead.

Crossbowmen: A More Defensive Option

Crossbowmen are another ranged option, offering a more defensive approach. They have a slightly shorter range than Handgunners, but they have higher armor piercing damage, making them more effective against heavily armored targets. They also have a higher rate of fire. Use Crossbowmen to target heavily armored units and to provide a defensive screen. They are particularly useful when fighting against heavily armored factions.

Outriders: Mobile Firepower

Outriders are a mobile ranged unit, mounted on horses. They can fire while moving, making them great for hit-and-run tactics and harassing the enemy. They're not as effective as Handgunners or Crossbowmen in a straight-up fight, but their mobility gives them a distinct advantage. Outriders are perfect for flanking maneuvers, harassing enemy artillery, and chasing down routing units.

Mortar Teams: Siege Specialists

Mortar Teams are siege weapons that lob explosive shells over walls and into enemy formations. They're incredibly effective at breaking sieges and at devastating clumped-up enemy units. They have a long range and can fire over friendly units. However, they're vulnerable to enemy attacks and require protection. Use Mortar Teams to soften up the enemy before your assault or to break sieges. Position them behind your infantry lines and protect them from enemy cavalry and skirmishers.

The Hammer and Anvil: Cavalry and Monster Units of the Empire

Now, let's talk about the heavy hitters of the Empire army: cavalry and monsters. These units are expensive, but they can make a huge difference in combat. Knowing when and how to deploy them will make the difference between victory and defeat. We'll look at the famous demigryph and the other important units.

Empire Knights: The Classic Charge

Empire Knights are the basic cavalry unit of the Empire. They are fast, hard-hitting, and perfect for charging into the flanks of the enemy. They deal a significant amount of damage on the charge and can quickly rout enemy units. They're also effective at chasing down fleeing enemies. However, they're vulnerable to spear units and monstrous creatures. Use Empire Knights to charge into the flanks of the enemy, break up formations, and chase down routing units.

Demigryph Knights: The Elite Cavalry

Demigryph Knights are the elite cavalry unit of the Empire, riding fearsome Demigryphs. They're heavily armored, deal a massive amount of damage on the charge, and are incredibly resilient. They can crush enemy infantry and even hold their own against some monstrous units. However, they're expensive and require a lot of upkeep. Use Demigryph Knights as your shock troops, to break the enemy lines. Just make sure they're supported by other units, as they can still be overwhelmed if caught out of position.

Steam Tanks: The Armored Behemoths

Steam Tanks are the ultimate armored units of the Empire. They're heavily armored, deal a ton of damage in melee, and can withstand a tremendous amount of punishment. They're slow, but they're incredibly resilient and can soak up enemy fire. They're also armed with a cannon that can deal significant damage to enemy units. Use Steam Tanks to act as your frontline units, to draw enemy fire and to absorb damage while your other units deal with the enemy. Just keep them repaired in order to keep them in battle.

Conclusion: Mastering the Empire Army

And there you have it, folks! A comprehensive overview of the units available to you when playing as the Empire in Total War: Warhammer 2. Remember that the best army composition depends on the specific situation, the enemy you're facing, and your personal play style. Experiment with different unit combinations, learn their strengths and weaknesses, and adapt your strategies accordingly. Good luck, and may Sigmar guide your armies to victory! Now go forth and conquer the Old World!

Remember to keep an eye on your unit compositions, making sure to adapt them according to the enemy you face and the battle's circumstances. Using a mixed army will usually lead you to victory! Good luck with your campaigns, and may the Empire always prevail! Remember this guide as a basis and continue your learning. The units presented here are a great core.