After Gustav II's military reforms, the cavalry of the Northern Kingdom underwent a dramatic transformation compared to the mainstream cavalry on the continent.
At this time, the continental cavalry still followed the traditions of the classical era, dominated by aristocrats, while the cavalry of the Northern Kingdom was entirely composed of mercenaries. This allowed Gustav to put into practice his tactical vision for the cavalry of the new era: "Fire only when you see the whites of the enemy's eyes!"
Unit inspiration
- During the Thirty Years' War, a gunpowder revolution was brewing. Knights from the Rhine region shed their heavy armor, retaining only essential protective gear, and abandoned their lances in favor of matchlock muskets. They often employed a tactic known as the "Half-wheel tactics" and relied more on harassing with firearms rather than engaging in direct charges. However, Gustav II Adolphus took a different approach. He ordered the cuirassiers from the Rhine in his army to abandon the half-wheel tactics and cumbersome long muskets. Instead, they used short muskets at extremely close range and then fearlessly charged with their swords.
- “The cuirassiers of the Lion won't fire until they see the whites of their enemies' eyes"， a warlord once remarked. He had personally witnessed the cuirassiers firing at extremely close range, then drawing their cavalry swords and ruthlessly cutting down their enemies who mechanically followed the "half-wheel tactics." On the battlefield, those who sought death survived. A century after the fully armored knights had been defeated by gunpowder, this army seemed to have brought back the fearless charge to the battlefield.
Featured Gameplay
- The cuirassiers, first introduced by Gustav II Adolphus, carried a pair of improved muskets that were not affected by rainy weather. They excelled at close-range shooting against their enemies. This combat method maximized the power of gunpowder, offering high shooting accuracy and destructive force. It was particularly effective in controlling and inflicting damage on heavily armored enemies.
- After firing at close range, the cuirassiers could charge into enemy lines at extremely high speed, launching swift and fierce attacks until they tore apart the enemy's defenses.
Unit skill
- Roar of Powder
Firing special gunpowder bullets at their targets, the cuirassiers inflicted significant damage and had a knockdown effect on enemy troops. After both muskets were fired with special gunpowder bullets, they entered a cooldown period during which the cuirassiers could not use their muskets for regular attacks.
- Tearing Strike
The knightly posture returns to the world! Using their knightly swords, the cuirassiers execute several fierce thrusts at close range.
Note: The final effect is subject to the actual in-game performance after the season launch.