Russia (ETW Faction)
| Russia (ETW Faction) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name: | Russia |
| From Game: | Empire: Total War |
| Religion: | Orthodox |
| Culture: | European |
| Playable: | |
The Russian Empire is one of the 11 playable nations in Empire: Total War's Grand Campaign. It is also a major faction in the game.
Overview
Russia is a huge country with many possibilities but also big problems. Parts of the country are still in the Middle Ages and the army is not on one level with that of the other European powers. However, more and more reforms are being made and the army is improving at a steady rate. Eventually, Russia might be strong enough to expand further into Europe, even if that results in a war with the powerful Swedish kingdom lying in the west. The Russian Empire also borders the commonwealth of Poland-Lithuania which also blocks its further expansion into Europe. Therefore, a war with the Polish will be inevitable sooner or later. On top of that, the Ottoman protectorate on the Crimea makes a Russian port on the Black Sea impossible. If Russia ever wants to gain access to the important harbors there, war will have to be declared and many battles will have to be fought.
In conclusion, Russia borders many strong nations and war with them isn't unlikely. However, if the huge empire wants to be able to compete with the modern European armies, it has to reform quickly. Otherwise, the country will not be capable of much more than empty threats. Russia's isolated geographic position has advantages as well, however. While Russia has a hard time influencing European politics, the major powers of Europe will not be able to influence - let alone conquer - Russia, either. The vast steppes will prevent any major invasion and the cold winter will ensure that no foreign army comes close to Moscow. As a result, Russia might be in a difficult position in the beginning but if the Empire manages to overcome its weaknesses it could well end up becoming one of the most important powers in the world.
Starting Position
At the beginning of the game, the Orthodox Russian Empire owns a grand total of nine huge regions. However, most of them are not very populous. The Russian capital lies in Moscow. Russia's possessions are all located in the European theater and the empire doesn't own any colonies in the American or Indian theater.
Russia shares a very long border with the powerful kingdoms of Sweden and Poland. Furthermore, the country borders the Ottoman protectorate on the Crimea and the kingdom of Georgia in the Caucasus. Russia's relations with both Sweden and the Ottomans are notoriously bad so a war might break out sooner or later. Russia does not have any protectorates to begin with.
Victory Conditions
Short Campaign
Capture and hold 20 regions by the end of the year 1750, including: Crimea, Poland, Chechenya-Dagestan, Muscovy, Belarus & Volhynia, Lithuania, Estonia & Livonia, Ingria, Georgia, and Sweden.
Long Campaign
Capture and hold 30 regions by the end of the year 1799 including: Crimea, Poland, Chechenya-Dagestan, Muscovy, Belarus & Volhynia, Lithuania, Estonia & Livonia, Ingria, Georgia, Sweden, Persia, and Rumelia.
World Domination
Capture and hold 40 regions by the end of the year 1799, including: Ingria and Muscovy.
Units
While Russia is reforming at a fast rate, the empire's army still can't compete with that of other major powers. Since its troops aren't really disciplined nor well-trained, the country's strength lies in the sheer size of its army. Quantity over quality has become Russia's motto. As a result, the empire fields many weak but cheap units, ranging from line infantry to cossack infantry. Therefore, a Russian commander has to utilize his numerical advantage in order to compensate for the lack of quality. While Russia's units might not be able to withstand more experienced and reliable soldiers, their sheer numbers may well overwhelm more advanced armies. That way, Russia can overcome its technological disadvantages and might well be able to compete with Europe's modern forces.
Special Units
Russia fields several unique units. Amongst them there are the poleax-armed Gorodskiye Streltsy, the ranged cossack infantry skirmishers and the Hand Mortar Company.
