Rise of Nations unit counters, siege and supply wagons
Build the army around complementary classes across the ages.
Edition covered
The original Rise of Nations systems, with expansion features labelled where relevant. Pictures show Extended Edition, which includes Thrones and Patriots and modern presentation changes. Nation totals and Conquer the World campaigns differ from the base 2003 release.
Read classes across changing names
Units change names as technology advances, but the counter relationships remain central. Heavy infantry threatens mounted units, while ranged and mobile units help handle infantry and exposed support.
| Class | Good target or task | Support requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy infantry | Cavalry and armored threats | Protection from ranged harassment |
| Ranged infantry | Pressure on infantry formations | A screen against fast attackers |
| Heavy cavalry | Breaking vulnerable formations | Avoid specialist anti-cavalry units |
| Light cavalry | Mobile harassment and support attacks | Room to maneuver |
| Siege | Cities and fortifications | Escort and supply |
Keep siege with the army
Siege units are the efficient tool against cities and fortifications. They are vulnerable when isolated, so move with a fighting screen and position before the rest of the army takes unnecessary defensive fire.
| Unit or structure | Purpose | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Wagon | Protects nearby invasion troops from attrition | Keeps a siege alive |
| General | Formation and command abilities | Improves coordinated fighting |
| Scout | Exploration and detection duties | Finds threats before the main army moves |
| Spy | Special actions and disruption | Offers alternatives to direct combat |
| Fort | Defensive control and military support | Anchors a contested border |
Use supply in enemy territory
Enemy national territory can inflict attrition after the relevant technologies. Supply Wagons protect nearby units from this damage and support an extended siege, making them a practical invasion requirement.
Do not upgrade only the front line
After advancing an age, update support and production as well as your favorite unit. Old siege and obsolete counters can leave a modern-looking army unable to capture the next city.
After advancing an age, update support and production as well as your favorite unit. Old siege and obsolete counters can leave a modern-looking army unable to capture the next city.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Publisher game and edition listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Publisher manual | shared.fastly.steamstatic.com |