First Rate Ship of the Line (ETW Unit)

These ships were one of the largest rates of the 18th and 19th centuries, and were often used as flagships. They are usually armed with 102 guns in Empire:Total War.

First Rate Ship of the Line (ETW Unit)
Class	1st Rate
Unit Size
Weaponry
Morale
Melee Attack
Ranged Attack
Defence
Charge Bonus
Accuracy
Range
Ammunition
Region	Worldwide
Recruitment Cost	3310
Upkeep Cost	820
Turns to Build
Unit Limit
Building Requirements
Technology Requirements
Attributes

Overview

While these warships are among the most powerful vessels afloat, they are poor sailors, being both slow and unresponsive. This is not a serious shortcoming because, armed with around 100 cannons firing 32-, 24- and 18-pounder balls on their three decks, they can fire a terrible and destructive broadside. They carry a crew of over 800 sailors, gunners and marines and have more artillery than most land armies. Their cost, however, is a drawback and few navies can afford to build or maintain more than a handful of them.

Historically, first rates were never common, and hardly ever sent to overseas stations. They existed purely to fight in set-piece battles, and were not used for mundane duties such as protecting merchantmen, policing the seas and hunting down privateers.

Factions

• Great Britain
• France
• Spain
• Prussia
• Russia