Napoleon: Total War artillery ammunition and naval positioning
Choose ammunition and firing angles for the target in front of you.
Edition covered
The 2010 Napoleon: Total War campaigns and battles. Pictures come from the Definitive Edition listing. Peninsular Campaign content is identified separately; Empire: Total War research and recruitment rules should not be assumed here.
Site guns before the infantry blocks them
Artillery needs visibility and room to fire. A useful ridge or open lane is better than hiding guns behind an unbroken infantry wall that obstructs their shots.
| Weapon or ammunition | Role | Constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Round shot | Long-range solid projectile | Line of sight and terrain |
| Canister | Close-range anti-personnel fire | Short reach |
| Howitzer shell | Explosive bombardment | Only suitable artillery units |
| Horse artillery | Mobile gun support | Needs protection during repositioning |
| Foot artillery | Sustained battery fire | Slower strategic and tactical relocation |
Switch ammunition for the approach
Round shot handles distant targets, while canister punishes nearby troops. Explosive shells belong to suitable artillery pieces; inspect the selected unit's available ammunition rather than assuming universal access.
| Choice | Main purpose | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Broadside positioning | Use the ships side-mounted guns | Keep turning room |
| Round shot | Damage hulls | Useful against fighting ships |
| Chain shot | Damage rigging | Reduces enemy mobility |
| Grape shot | Reduce crew | Useful before a capture attempt |
| Boarding | Capture a weakened vessel | Exposes the ships to nearby enemies |
Keep cavalry away from gun crews
A few cavalrymen reaching the battery can silence an expensive unit. Place infantry support nearby and maintain a reserve able to intercept flankers before the crew is engaged.
Manage ships as firing platforms
Naval battles still rely on broadsides, wind and maneuvering. A damaged ship that survives may need port repairs before it can safely protect trade or transport another army.
Naval battles still rely on broadsides, wind and maneuvering. A damaged ship that survives may need port repairs before it can safely protect trade or transport another army.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game and edition listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Publisher manual | shared.fastly.steamstatic.com |