Empire: Total War line infantry, artillery and cavalry tactics
Keep muskets firing and prevent a single cavalry charge from breaking the army.
Edition covered
The 2009 Empire: Total War Grand Campaign and Road to Independence. Pictures come from the Definitive Edition store listing, which bundles additional units and campaigns. Napoleon: Total War is a separate game.
Give infantry room to fire
Line infantry needs clear frontage to use its muskets. Stacking units behind each other can block shots; use a broad supported line and keep reserves for threatened flanks.
| Unit type | Main role | Weakness to manage |
|---|---|---|
| Line infantry | Sustained musket volleys | Flanks and cavalry without protection |
| Light infantry | Skirmishing and ranged harassment | Close combat with stronger formations |
| Grenadiers | Assault support and grenades | Limited numbers and exposure during approach |
| Cavalry | Flanking and pursuit | Prepared infantry and prolonged frontal fighting |
| Artillery | Long-range pressure | Exposed crews and poor lines of fire |
Choose artillery ammunition by distance
Round shot, canister and explosive ammunition have different uses where the piece supports them. Check the gun and ammunition buttons rather than assuming every artillery unit offers every round.
| Tool | Useful against | Constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Round shot | Distant formations and solid targets | Trajectory and accuracy |
| Canister | Close approaching troops | Short effective reach |
| Square formation | Cavalry charges | Requires the technology and an eligible unit |
| Bayonet charge | Disordered infantry or an urgent melee | Sacrifices the units firing role |
| Reserve infantry | A threatened flank or broken line | Must not be committed too early |
Use square at the right moment
Square formation is a researched anti-cavalry tool for eligible infantry. It reduces flexibility and creates a concentrated target, so leave square when the cavalry threat has passed.
Preserve the general
The general supports morale and can rally a wavering fight, but a reckless charge risks an army-wide shock. Keep the bodyguard behind the active line until the target is safe.
The general supports morale and can rally a wavering fight, but a reckless charge risks an army-wide shock. Keep the bodyguard behind the active line until the target is safe.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game and edition listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Publisher manual | shared.fastly.steamstatic.com |
| Publisher-hosted trade reference | wiki.totalwar.com |