Unit Types

There are 10 hirable unit types in Autumn Dynasty Warlords, each with their own characteristics and special abilities that are unlocked with their respective buildings.



Not reflected in this chart:
 * Mercenaries gain a further attack bonus if in Closed Order.
 * Spearmen also deal bonus damage to Mounted Archers.
 * Sappers take less damage from arrows.
 * Swordsmen deal bonus damage to structures.
 * Horsemen deal bonus damage to ranged units but lesser damage to structures.

Archers
Description: Fire arrows at a distance, but weak in close combat.

Special Abilities: Deploy, Arrowstorm

Requires: Archer's Den

Catapults
Devastating against buildings, but unable to target troops.

Special Abilities: Bombard, Flare

Requires: Forge

Elephants
Slow moving, heavily armoured cavalry that can trample enemies around them.

Special Abilities: Rampage, Rest

Requires: Reserves

Horsemen
Fast moving troops that can quickly take out poorly armored enemies.

Special Abilities: Charge, Fire

Requires: Stables

Notes:
 * Horsemen deal bonus damage to all ranged units and Swordsmen, but lesser damage to buildings.

Hwacha
A powerful artillery unit that can rain destruction on any area, but must be manually triggered.

Special Abilities: Spread, Focused, Rockets

Requires: Powder Mill

Notes:
 * The Hwacha has no normal attack but is able to use the Spread ability from the start of the game.

Mercenaries
Versatile infantry that can switch between mobility or combat strength.

Special Abilities: Open Ranks, Close Order, Rush, Swing

Requires: Mercenary Guild

Notes:
 * Mercenaries are able to switch between Open Ranks and Close Order, two different modes which confers Attack or Move Speed bonuses and changes their second ability.
 * Mercenaries also deal bonus damage to Elephants and Spearmen.

Mounted Archers
Fast moving troops with a short ranged attack, but vulnerable when cornered.

Special Abilities: Crippling Shot, Split Arrows

Requires: Range

Sappers
Support troops adept in laying traps or destroying enemy structures.

Special Abilities: Trap, Sabotage

Requires: Workshop

Notes:
 * Sappers take lesser damage from all towers.

Spearmen
Defensive infantry, extremely effective against mounted enemies.

Special Abilities: Ambush, Shield

Requires: Sparring Yard

Notes:
 * Spearmen deal bonus damage to Horsemen, Elephants and Mounted Archers.

Swordsmen
Line infantry effective at melee combat.

Special Abilities: Smoke, Avalanche

Requires: Barracks

Notes:
 * Swordsmen deal bonus damage to Spearmen and all buildings.