Line Infantry

[A Nerd]

I've heard line infantry from faction to faction vary. Some are better than others. For instance, Prussian Line is the best while Russian Line tends to fare not so well but doesn't mind as much if it takes more casualties than others. Is this true or have I just been hearing false thoughts and/or interpretations?

[Seamus Fermanagh]

So far, the biggest factor in casualties among my liners is the difficulty setting. On hard, it is fairly common for Bargir infantry to out-shoot my company line and shoot even with my regulars.

The Fusil troop book covers the numeric differences pretty well, especially with the ROF charts in the back.

[A Nerd]

Interesting, so the stats for line infantry are basically the same from faction to faction? The only variance is from changing difficulty levels?

[Master Magic Mage]

Yes, it would probably over-power one faction if they had better line infantry just because it was so histroical. If the Prussian line was better than the others, in 30 turns we'll be seeing the first König von Europa!

[Peasant Phill]

I was under the assumption ( and a quick check a while ago did confirm it I think) that there are small differences in stats of line infantry of different countries. That being said, playing on anything other than medium will change these differences in your (dis)advantage.

When on medium, Prussia should reload the fastest, Austria has a bit more men I believe and Russia are better at melee. Just compare them on the Fusil and adjust your tactics accordingly. there is no best unit just appropriate tactics to deal with your unit's strengths and weaknesses.

[A Nerd]

I like such attentions to detail on what some might consider a generic unit.

[Ratwar]

Yeah, most of the factions are slightly tweaked. Prussian Line Infantry is generally the best, with the Russians bringing up the rear.

[A Nerd]

Yeah, I've noticed my Russian Line doesn't fare as well as the British Line (as I am playing as Russia now vs. Brition previously). Though my Russians stood up well to a Swedish Line army, but I was firing canister at them the whole time as well!

[Peasant Phill]

Have your Russians melee sooner and you should fare a whole lot better.

[A Nerd]

I'll have to do that. My rag-tag army that is currently marching thur Swedish territory in order to break them during this war they provoked with me. Any more big expensive battles like the one I fought before and it will be destroyed. Costing me time and money as the Ottomans and Maratha get more agressive to my south. I want to finish off Sweden quickly and as you said, using my line infantry in alittle more melee might turn the tide. Sweden has a lot of line milling about thier capital. I might go for Denmark and Norway first (both held by Sweden), but I still have to contend with those rather large field forces (two 1/4 stacks) and the army (1/3 stack) of line in the capital. Hope my Russians are ready for melee! Wish me luck!

edit: do you know how Swedish Line measures up to Russian?

[Seamus Fermanagh]

I'll have to do that. My rag-tag army that is currently marching thur Swedish territory in order to break them during this war they provoked with me. Any more big expensive battles like the one I fought before and it will be destroyed. Costing me time and money as the Ottomans and Maratha get more agressive to my south. I want to finish off Sweden quickly and as you said, using my line infantry in alittle more melee might turn the tide. Sweden has a lot of line milling about thier capital. I might go for Denmark and Norway first (both held by Sweden), but I still have to contend with those rather large field forces (two 1/4 stacks) and the army (1/3 stack) of line in the capital. Hope my Russians are ready for melee! Wish me luck!

edit: do you know how Swedish Line measures up to Russian?

Get this guide (ttp://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?114977-Le-FUSIL-(Unit-Stat-Guide)-for-Empire-Total-War&highlight=brandybarrel) and you'll have most of the material needed for comparisons.

Morale for both nation's line infantry is 7 -- a wash (a morale enhancing general will help a lot).

In general, bog standard swedish line is 20% more accurate and reloads 67% faster. That means that a front line of 40 shooters for you will, if everything is more or less ideal, hit 14 of them with each volley. Their front line of 40 will hit 16 of your blokes. Of itself, not too bad. However, the reload means you'll get off less than two shots a minute two their three and a third. In 5 minutes ideal firing, your unit of 120 will killed their entire unit...unfortunately, your entire unit was wiped out at around the 90 second mark. Basic translation, they will shoot you to pieces unless you can alter the odds with terrain, angles, local superiority, and/or cover.

With the blade, Russkis are 11 in attack and defense and gain a 16 charge bonus. The Swedes are 9 attack, 13 defense and a 12 charge bonus. They are, essentially, your equal unless you charge. If you charge, your initial kill advantage should give you a numbers edge that allows you to win.

[A Nerd]

Nice! Thanks for the informative advice! Back to the front!