France (M2TW Faction)

France in Medieval II: Total War

Overview

Much like the Holy Roman Empire, France starts with weak units when compared to what other factions get at this time. However by the late period they have arguably the best unit roster. In the early period, France is average in terms of troops available but has a very good opportunity to expand in all directions thanks to the large amount of nearby rebel settlements.

Infantry

French melee infantry are mainly defensive, with only dismounted knights being able to fill any real assault role. But defensively French infantry can be a serious hindrance to any attacking army, they have access to vougers and pike's in both cities and castles that can be lethal in the narrow confines of a city. The French are also in a position to recruit mercenary Swiss and Flemish pikemen should the need arise.

Missile

French missile troops are not up to the quality that their English or Milanese neighbors can bring to bear, with a few exceptions such as the longbow armed Scots Guards and the crossbow armed Aventuros, both of which can double as heavy infantry and are possibly the most skilled of the hybrid missile/melee infantry. Fortunately for France's foe's, these elite units require a large amount of development to gain access to and have small recruitment pools. the Scots guard themselves have another weakness, due to their use of a longbow they will be too tired to fight effectively in melee if they use all their ammo so they require some micromanagement on higher difficulty levels.

In terms of artillery, France have an excellent selection, being able to recruit Serpentines as well as Basalisks.

Cavalry

France in Medieval II: Total War has the best heavy cavalry of the catholic factions. Including the ability to recruit Lancers who are the "ultimate knights". In addition to this, France have the ability to recruit mounted longbowmen in the unit "French archers" available from an academy.

Likely expansion

Early in the game France has the ability to expand to nearly any direction and being able to ruin the game for another faction simply through denying them extra rebel settlements, if you can put up with the pope an early destruction of the Holy Roman Empire and Milan would be the most beneficial and would knock out the most strong early threats to you. If you want to cut England off quickly, take Rennes and Bruges. However if you wish to stay in the popes good graces it might be best to simply eradicate Portugal and Spain while creating a alliance with the Holy Roman Empire which will almost entirely cover the potential eastern threats you can get. After that you can march on the Moors and southward even reaching Timbuktu which is very merchent-effective. As Frances knights and even ranged power are very strong at the late game you should literally be able to destroy any other factions left, Barring a strong england, spain or the timurids and the mongols

In conclusion

France has a very versatile army that can deal with any threat if used properly. their pike militia city garrison troops almost count as cheating. France needs these things due to their position, neighboring two of the historical major powers of the medieval period (the Holy Roman Empire and England) and a possible further 3 powers (Milan, Portugal and Spain), France, however, is one of the more rewarding factions due to these challenges.

Diplomacy

Quickly make an alliance with Scotland, as England will be split, and Scotland needs England destroyed just like France does.

Medieval 2: Total War | Factions:
Aztecs | Byzantine Empire | Denmark | Egypt | England | France | Holy Roman Empire | Hungary | Milan | Mongols | Moors | Papal States | Poland | Portugal | Russia | Scotland | Sicily | Spain | Timurids | Turks | Venice | Rebels