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Infantry in the Empire is most important of all land units. Basically, we can divide it into two types - smaller and larger.
Smaller is when in a one regiment is 80 people (for example Austrian Pandours or American Rangers). In larger units we have 160 to 200 men - depends on the nation. The most popular representative of this type of troops is Line Infantry.
The general principles of leading a battle using firearm
infantry
Firearm Infantry units are most popular and most important. At the beginning try to set them parallel to the line of your troops. As a matter of fact all of the soldiers will be at the same distance from the enemy. With many contingents, you will notice that the line of soldiers is quite long. Please note, that placing one regiment next to another will increase morale level of your people (they are happy that they are near their allies, in addition both flanks are secured).
Group your regiments. Sometimes in the middle of the line is good to have 2 or even 3 regiments. On the wings you can keep them loosely or just group them in pairs. This will be very important when the fight will be close to the end.
Go very slowly and wisely in the direction of the enemy infantry. The range of your units is gently marked on the battlefield. When your people will be in the shooting range, stop them. Infantry will start the fire.
Different units have different shooting range.
Technology on the battlefield
Note that at the very beginning of the game, infantry is wasting its potential - just soldiers from the first line are shooting (and sometimes a few people from the second one). To increase the effectiveness of your regiments, quickly invent the technology called Fire by Rank, and form 3 lines from your troops. As a matter of fact all soldiers in regiment will be shooting at the enemy (the first line will fire and crouch to let the rest of the soldiers to fight).
Fire by Rank is a very important technology. Try to invent it as fast as you can.
Soldiers in one regiment formed in 3-line formation.
Situation on the wings
If you will find that the opponent is using cavalry in the battle, there is a big risk that he will use it to attack you from the flank. Please remember to put regiments with bayonets on the wings (they must be able to form a square formation – this technology you have to invent as fast as possible). Soldiers with bayonets in square formation are pretty good with the cavalry. At the beginning of the game you can use pikemen and deploy them on the wings.
On the left we can see square formation of line infantry, on the right square formation of pikemen.
Square formation can be very useful when you will get surrounded by the enemy musketeers.
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