Sweden (ETW Faction)
| Sweden (ETW Faction) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name: | Sweden |
| From Game: | Empire: Total War |
| Religion: | Protestant |
| Culture: | European |
| Playable: | |
Sweden is one of the 11 playable nations in Empire: Total War's Grand Campaign. It is also a major faction in the game.
Overview
The Protestant Swedish Empire lies in northern Europe and embraces the Baltic Sea. As a result of the Thirty Years' War, the country has become rich and strong. Its fleets control the Baltic Sea and its armies are famous in northern Europe. However, the huge Russian Empire is close and is reforming at an alarming rate. Furthermore, the Polish want to take revenge for past losses against Sweden. Therefore, the country has many possibilities but also potentially dangerous neighbours which will have to be faced many times before the full Swedish supremacy over the north can be established. While the Swedish haven't founded any colonies overseas yet, their powerful navy would certainly allow them to. However, the right balance between colonizing and defending Sweden's possessions in Europe has to be found.
In order to pay for all of the expensive wars to come, the kingdom might want to establish trade routes. While the country is prospering currently, it lacks the huge populations of nations such as France or Spain. Therefore, utilizing trade and diplomacy is fundamental for the lions of the north. However, some wars will have to be fought sooner or later so Sweden has to prepare its military as well.
Starting Position
At the beginning of the game, Sweden controls four regions and their respective capitals Stockholm, Abo, Riga and Saint Petersburg. Stockholm is Sweden's most important city and capital. The Protestant kingdom borders Norway in the west, Courland in the south and Russia in the southeast and east. It lies on the Baltic Sea which poses a natural southern border for the country. Sweden is located in the European theater and does not control any colonies in either of the two other theaters.
While the kingdom has become relatively rich due to trade and military success in the Thiry Years War, its population is rather small - compared to major nations such as France at least. Since Sweden is Protestant, Britain, Hanover and Prussia are historically friendly towards it. Therefore, alliances with aforementioned nations are very well possible.
Victory Conditions
Units
Sweden fields a typical European army, similar to that of the surrounding states. The country's army consists of units such as line infantry, light infantry, hussars, militia and several standard artillery units. Later on, Sweden gets access to other units such as guards and household cavalry. If a lower-class revolution succeeds in turning the absolute monarchy into a republic, Sweden will be able to train weak conscript units as well. The Swedish army might not be the most modern in Europe but is generally well-trained. One example for that would be the kingdom's line infantry which has good defense, melee attack and accuracy.
Sweden's navy is nothing special and consists of the standard lineup which most other factions share. The Swedish fleet includes trade ships, weaker ones such as brigs and sloops but also strong first and second rate frigates.
Special Units
Sweden has access to the Hakkapeliitta, a light cavalry unit of Finnish orign. Aside from that, the faction doesn't have any unique units.
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