Rome Total War Barbarian Invasion Units
Rome: Total War: Barbarian Invasion
The units in (BI) represent a significant shift from the classic legionaries of the base game, reflecting the late antiquity period. Armies are generally more mobile, featuring powerful heavy cavalry, religiously inspired troops, and unique "horde" units that emerge when a faction loses all its settlements. Roman Faction Units
- Tactical Implication: River crossings are no longer chokepoints for light factions. A Hunnic or Slavic player can send berserkers or warbands across the water to flank the defender while their main force holds the bridge. This negates the traditional Roman advantage of funneling enemies into kill zones.
- Leverage terrain: forests & rough ground negate cavalry advantage and boost ambushes — use for axemen and infantry pushes.
- Hit-and-run with horse archers then close with lancers for steppe factions.
- Avoid frontal assaults on well-formed Byzantine spears; instead flank or use missile softening.
- Prioritize upgrading nobles/household guards — they form the backbone late game.
- Use settlements with rough terrain or forts to negate enemy cavalry when you lack heavy cavalry.
Huns and steppe groups
3. Sassanids (Persian Revival)
- Desert Raiders: Fast light infantry, javelins.
- Mountain Tribesmen: Good defense on hills.
- Armenian Cataphracts: Lighter than Sassanid but more mobile.