Rome Total War Barbarian Invasion Units ~upd~ Jun 2026
The Sassanids stand out as a highly sophisticated faction with a roster built around heavy armor and specialized tactical options, acting as a massive counterweight to the Eastern Roman Empire.
A revolutionary mobile artillery unit. Essentially a ballista mounted on a horse-drawn cart, this unit allows Roman generals to reposition artillery rapidly across the battlefield, sniping high-value enemy targets on the move. The Germanic and Migratory Tribes: Shock and Awe
Terrifying shock infantry that can go into a uncontrollable bloodfrenzy. They ignore morale penalties, hit with immense force, and cause fear in nearby enemy units, though their lack of armor leaves them vulnerable to missiles. The Nomadic Hordes: Masters of the Steppe
| Faction | Unique Units | Playstyle | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Francisca Heerbann (Axe-throwing infantry), Paladins (Elite heavy cavalry, unlocked by converting to Christianity) | Aggressive melee infantry supported by powerful, unique shock units. | | Saxons | Saxon Keel (Light raiding infantry), Chosen Axemen (AP infantry), Saxon Hearth Troops (Elite heavy infantry capable of Shield Wall) | Top-tier infantry-focused faction, with strong elite units that can go toe-to-toe with Roman legions. | | Celts | Druids (Morale-boosting religious unit), Hounds of Culann (Uncontrollable, AP berserker unit), Gallowglass (Heavy two-handed sword infantry), Scotti Chariots | Old-fashioned, aggressive infantry swarm. Their berserkers and morale-boosting druids can create unstoppable charges. | | Alemanni | Chosen Axemen (AP), Golden Band (Elite two-handed infantry), Lombard Berserkers, Burgundii Lancers (Elite heavy cavalry) | A very well-rounded "growth" faction with good infantry, effective cavalry, and a mix of unique units. | | Lombards | Berserkers | Aggressive, all-around faction focused on heavy infantry and powerful berserker units to break enemy lines. | | Saxons | See above | See above |
On the cold grey coast of Britannia, a different kind of unit existed. They owed no loyalty to Rome, to any emperor, or to any god but gold. They were the Herulian Raiders—axemen and sword-brothers from the Jutland shores, who rowed their hide-hulled longships into the dying empire’s soft underbelly. rome total war barbarian invasion units
A: The Sassanid Empire and Saxons are excellent choices. The Sassanids have a strong starting position and powerful, straightforward units like cataphracts and war elephants. The Saxons are an infantry-focused faction that plays similarly to traditional barbarians, allowing you to learn the new mechanics with a familiar playstyle.
The backbone of the late Roman army. Armed with a large shield, heavy armor, and the plumbata (thrown darts), they are highly reliable heavy infantry capable of forming an effective Shield Wall.
The pinnacle of Sassanid military might. These elite cataphracts are armed with bows for long-range skirmishing and lances for a devastating charge.
Units are not just "units" anymore; they have religious affiliations. The Sassanids stand out as a highly sophisticated
If you want to dive deeper into faction mechanics, let me know: Which are you planning to play? Share public link
Barbarian Invasion introduced several unique unit types that change the rules of engagement.
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In 2021, Total War: Rome Remastered was released, featuring the Barbarian Invasion expansion with significant improvements. Key enhancements include: The Germanic and Migratory Tribes: Shock and Awe
| Faction | Unique Units | Playstyle | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Clibinarii Immortals (Super-heavy general's bodyguard), Sughdian Warriors (Heavy infantry comparable to Comitatenses), War Elephants, Cataphracts, Dromedarii | Masters of shock cavalry and war elephants, they are a powerhouse in the East with a balanced roster capable of crushing most opposition. | | Berbers | Camel Raiders, Moorish Raiders (Light cavalry), Desert Archers, Berber Axemen, Hillmen, Mountain Men | A light, fast-moving faction focused on desert warfare. Their cavalry is excellent, but they lack heavy units and siege equipment, relying on speed and mobility. |
The Ultimate Guide to Rome: Total War – Barbarian Invasion Units
: Frequently cited as one of the most "broken" units in the game. These heavy cavalry are nearly immune to missiles and can charge frontally into spears with minimal casualties.
Fast, aggressive infantry meant to tie down enemies while elite Hunnic cavalry flanks them.
Camel-riding units used to counter barbarian and Persian cavalry, as horses are naturally frightened by camels. The Barbarian Hordes: German, Celt, and Steppe Factions