Rome Total War 2: Rome Units: A Comprehensive Guide to the Legions of the Eternal City

Introduction

Rome Total War 2, the acclaimed strategy game from Creative Assembly, offers players the chance to command the mighty legions of the Roman Empire. With over 100 different units to choose from, the Rome roster is one of the most diverse and customizable in the game.

Types of Units

The Roman army was a highly sophisticated and organized fighting force, and its units reflected this. The core of the army was the heavy infantry, known as legionaries. These soldiers were equipped with short swords (gladius) and large rectangular shields (scutum), and they fought in a tightly packed formation called a testudo.

In addition to legionaries, the Romans also fielded a variety of other infantry units, including:

• Hastati: Young and inexperienced soldiers who formed the front line of the battle.
• Principes: More experienced soldiers who fought behind the hastati.
• Triarii: Elite veterans who served as the last line of defense.
• Velites: Skirmishers who harassed the enemy with javelins and arrows.

The Romans also had a strong cavalry force, which was used to outflank the enemy and attack their flanks. The most famous Roman cavalry unit was the equites, who were heavily armored and armed with lances.

In addition to infantry and cavalry, the Romans also fielded a variety of artillery units, including:

• Ballistae: Large siege weapons that fired heavy bolts.
• Onagers: Smaller siege weapons that fired stones.
• Scorpions: Light artillery pieces that fired darts.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Roman army was a formidable fighting force, but it also had its weaknesses. The legionaries were slow and inflexible, and they were vulnerable to cavalry charges and missile fire. The Roman cavalry was also relatively weak, and it was often outmatched by the heavier cavalry of other factions.

How to Use Rome Units Effectively

The key to using Rome units effectively is to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Legionaries are best used in a defensive role, where they can form a shield wall and repel enemy attacks. Cavalry is best used to outflank the enemy and attack their flanks. Artillery is best used to soften up enemy units before they can reach your lines.

Tips and Tricks

• Use your legionaries to form a solid shield wall. This will protect them from enemy attacks and allow them to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy.
• Use your cavalry to outflank the enemy. This will allow them to attack the enemy's flanks and cause confusion and panic.
• Use your artillery to soften up enemy units before they can reach your lines. This will make them easier to kill with your legionaries and cavalry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't send your legionaries into open battle against cavalry. They will be quickly overwhelmed and destroyed.
• Don't use your cavalry to charge into the enemy's lines head-on. They will be quickly killed by enemy spears and arrows.
• Don't ignore your artillery. Artillery can be a devastating force, and it can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Conclusion

The Roman army was one of the most powerful and successful fighting forces in history. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Rome units, you can use them to achieve victory on the battlefield.

Rome Total War 2: Rome Units: A Comprehensive Guide to the Legions of the Eternal City

Table 1: Roman Infantry Units

Table 2: Roman Cavalry Units

Table 3: Roman Artillery Units

Table 4: Roman Auxiliary Units