Line Infantry (ETW Unit)

Line Infantry (ETW Unit)
Class	Line Infantry
Unit Size
Weaponry
Morale
Melee Attack
Ranged Attack
Defence
Charge Bonus
Accuracy
Range
Ammunition
Region	Europe
Recruitment Cost	970 (Great Britain)
Upkeep Cost	240 (Great Britain)
Turns to Build
Unit Limit
Building Requirements
Technology Requirements
Attributes

Game Description

“Marching regiments” or “line battalions” make up the majority of units in European-style armies. They are so called because they form the line of battle, not because they always deploy in lines. Indeed, over time the capabilities of line infantry should improve as new tactics, drill and weaponry are developed.

These soldiers carry muzzle-loading, smooth-bore muskets firing lead balls as wide as a man’s thumb. These are inaccurate weapons, effective only over 200 paces or so and when fired in massed volleys. The ability to fire and reload with machine-like regularity with shot and bullet flying and comrades falling all around is what wins battles.

Historically, in many armies colonels received a fee to raise regiments, which remained their personal property and commands. They jealously guarded their rights to appoint friends, relatives and hangers-on as regimental officers. This contractor system, however, allowed unscrupulous officers to make handsome profits by pocketing the pay of non-existent soldiers. The better colonels did take a pride in their regiments, spending their own fortunes on good uniforms and weapons. The capabilities of a “standard” line infantry unit therefore varied between nations and over time. It wasn’t until the 1760s that anything approaching uniformity of drill, equipment and regulations became the norm.

Line infantry regiments remained unchanged throughout the period, and their organizational pattern still forms the basis of modern military units.

Overview

Line infantry form the heart of any army in Empire: Total War. In a head-on fight, a line infantry will be able to beat almost any non-line infantry regiment (with the exception of a well-angled and timed salvo of canister shot fired from an artillery piece). Line infantry hold the advantages of superior numbers (and therefore superior firepower when Fire by Rank is researched), morale and defensive capabilities.

Line infantry have several technology upgrades available to them. Plug Bayonets increase their melee capabilities, but require the infantry to equip them manually and force them to remain in melee mode until after the battle; Ring Bayonets are permanently and automatically attached, and still allow the infantry to fire, but reduce their firing rate; Socket Bayonets neither sacrifice shooting abilities nor speed while providing the line infantry with good melee capabilities. Bayonet technologies aside, line infantry benefit enormously from the Fire By Rank, which enables all ranks of the infantry to fire one by one as opposed to just the first rank. Finally, Square Formation allows line infantry to form a square, reducing their firepower but giving them a powerul defensive bonus against cavalry.

Austrians have the advantage of having line infantry regiments with 25% more manpower. For example, on ultra settings a full non-Austrian regiment has 160 men; Austrian regiments have 200, instead.

Strategy and Tactics

Line infantry are at their best when their flanks are guarded with yet more line infantry. Large numbers of regiments lined up and facing parallel to the enemy is usually the focal point of the battle, with both sides shooting at each other until one side breaks and runs. In cases like this, the center of the line is especially important: if it breaks, then morale is reduced for the units surrounding it. Therefore, the center should be comprised of the better line infantry regiments. On the other hand, the enemy center should be considered the primary target for artillery, grenades, etc.

The flanks are important, too. They are susceptible to cavalry charges. To prevent this, attach cavalry, stakes, or square formation to the sides of the line of battle.

Before Fire by Rank is researched, only the first rank of line infantry fire their muskets. Stretching out their lines as thin as can be sensibly done so will maximize their firing volume before this technology is researched. This tactic also has the advantage of enveloping enemy positions in overlapping fields of fire. However, thinner lines are more susceptible to breaking from cavalry charges.

Factions

• Austria
• France
• Great Britain
• Poland-Lithuania
• Prussia
• Russia
• Spain
• Sweden
• United Provinces
• United States