Napoleon: Total War line infantry, squares and cavalry coordination
Use infantry to fix the enemy and mobile units to exploit an opening.
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.
Keep line infantry supported
Infantry wins through sustained volleys and morale rather than by standing in the deepest possible block. Place units with clear frontage and leave room for artillery and reserves.
| Unit type | Main job | Support needed |
|---|---|---|
| Line infantry | Main musket line | Secure flanks and artillery support |
| Light infantry | Screening and harassment | Retreat room |
| Grenadiers or elite infantry | Strong local assault | A target worth their cost |
| Light cavalry | Scouting and pursuit | Space around enemy spears and squares |
| Heavy cavalry | Decisive shock attack | A disrupted or exposed target |
Respond to the type of cavalry
A charge against a prepared square is different from an attack on a wavering line. Use cavalry to threaten flanks, force awkward formations and pursue routed troops after the main clash.
| Action | Good situation | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Square | Immediate cavalry threat | Concentrated target for guns and artillery |
| Line | Sustained musket exchange | Exposed flanks |
| Column or compact movement | Moving between positions | Vulnerability under fire |
| Reserve commitment | A genuine breach in the line | No fresh force left if used too soon |
| Pursuit | Enemy unit already routing | Overextension into fresh enemy troops |
Use skirmishers without isolating them
Light troops are useful for screening and harassment, but a fast enemy can overrun them if the main line is far away. Leave a retreat lane and watch their skirmish behavior.
Protect command and morale
The general can support morale and abilities while remaining behind the battle line. Avoid spending the bodyguard on an early charge when the army may need it to steady a later crisis.
The general can support morale and abilities while remaining behind the battle line. Avoid spending the bodyguard on an early charge when the army may need it to steady a later crisis.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game and edition listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Publisher manual | shared.fastly.steamstatic.com |