Can't find specific info, get Strategy Guide?

[Gennataos]

There's a surprising amount of info that I haven't found in the manual or on the tech tree poster. Such as, when are certain things available? I've teched up to crossbows and longbows (as the English), but they're not available. I'm assuming this is because I have to wait until a certain date, but I've found nothing to confirm this.

I'm fine with getting the Strat guide to figure some stuff out, but I don't want any spoilers. (just started playing a week ago). Should I go this route, or just tough it out and try to find the info on the fansites?

Thanks

[chilling]

Look at the 'New? read this first' thread above.

Then go to the main hall and look at the Table of Contents thread.

You'll find 99% of your questions answered there. Probably more info than the guide, but then I'd not know as I don't have a guide.

[Elmo]

The Strategy Guide does not cover which units are available in which periods.

[Gregoshi]

Hi Gennataos and welcome to the world of Total War. Do look at the threads chilling so kindly pointed out. Also, if there is something not covered there, just ask, you'll get an answer or two or three.

[econ21]

Gennatos - the strategy guide is not bad for unit stats but not for the periods. Basically crossbows, arbalests, chivalric units and better ships could in the high period from 1205 on; the late period is arguably less significant, bringing handguns and gothic units for the lucky few factions.

If you get into this stuff, you might want to just dive in and look at the crusader_unit_prod11.txt file. It's in your main MTW directory and gives all the unit stat (which you can mod), including the periods. It's rather an ungainly txt file to skim, but Gnome has a provided a nice tool you can download from the org which allows you to peruse it easily.

[chilling]

I think Mr Appleton had got into this crusader_unit_prod11.txt file thing a bit too much.

I'll be looking at those Longbow stats though.

[Gennataos]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I've actually read all of the table of contents post, but not the New? Read this... post. I'll go check it out.

For some reason, I hadn't even thought of checking www.gamefaqs.com for help. After posting the original message, I went there and found a pretty good comprehensive unit guide. It even states the period units are available.

Thanks again for the help.