Cataphracts (RTW Unit)

Cataphracts (RTW Unit)
Class	Heavy Cavalry
Unit Size	108
Weaponry	Spear, Mace
Morale	8
Melee Attack	7
Ranged Attack	N/A
Defence	23
Charge Bonus	9
Accuracy	N/A
Range	N/A
Ammunition	N/A
Region	Global
Recruitment Cost	940
Upkeep Cost	190
Turns to Build	2
Unit Limit	None
Building Requirements	Elite Cavalry Stables
Technology Requirements	None
Attributes	Can hide in forests

Cataphracts are extremely heavily-armoured shock cavalry who can turn a battle with one thunderous charge.

Overview

Cataphracts are extremely heavily-armoured cavalry who can turn a battle with one thunderous charge. They are the ultimate in shock cavalry, an armoured battering ram to crash into an enemy position and sweep aside all who stand against them. They are armed with heavy lances for the initial charge and maces for use in close combat. They wear armour that is almost unmatched for weight and protection, and their horses are similarly armoured. On the move they are a wall of metal bearing down on enemies, tipped with razor-sharp spear points. Their armour is their main strength, but it also means that these troops can be quite ponderous and slow moving. That said, sheer weight means that they can often break through (or ride over) an enemy line without too much trouble.

Details

Cataphracts are basically tanks on legs. They have masses of armour: both horse and rider are covered in it. They have a good attack, massive defence, a punishing charge, high morale and are highly trained. They are armed with spears which are brutal on the charge but they also have secondary AP maces which you can get them to use by alt+right clicking the target. This is the better bet against heavily armoured cavalry and infantry as they will slaughter then easily with AP weapons. Against most infantry they can simply charge, and then pull back and charge again if anyone remains. This will absolutely devastate everything except very good Spearmen and Pikes while taking almost no damage. If they manage to flank or charge the rear of the enemy their sheer mass and power will destroy any battle line in seconds.

Of course they almost completely resists missiles with all that armour, besides pila and other armour piercing missiles. This unit can do practically anything except charge elite Phalanxes from the front and fight units that pierces armour. Be extremely careful against anything with an armour piercing attack, like most Axemen, because these enemies deal almost double damage against them.

They are overall the strongest horse cavalry in Rome Total War that can be recruited, and unlike many others are available early enough that they will be used in most campaigns.