The only exception for this is if large numbers of troops are to be concentrated firing in a small area, and have adequate time to reload.Empire: Total War is a turn-based strategy and real-time tactics computer game developed by The Creative Assembly and published by Sega. In practice, it is almost always better to spread out lines of matchlock infantry and switch off Fire by Rank instead of using Fire by Rank. However, it also drastically reduces reloading speed. It operates in much the same way as its predecessor, allowing three ranks of troops to fire instead of the default. However, Fire by Rank is still utilized against elephants.ĭespite being able to research this technology, the Maratha Confederacy fields no units that can utilize Fire by Rank.įire by Rank is reintroduced in Total War: Shogun 2. Instead, the first rank of infantry fire, followed by sporadic firing. This means that a large army can now deploy both a long line to meet an enemy's long line, and to deploy a heavy firepower but compact line to combat smaller enemies.įire by Rank does not work against most cavalry including horse and camel riders. Only Line Infantry, Guards and their equivalents, and Grenadiers may utilize Fire by Rank after Platoon Firing is researched, Fire by Rank is exclusive to only line infantry and their equivalents.īecause fire by rank allows almost the entire unit to fire without having to form a long line, more compact formations can be deployed without sacrificing firepower, allowing greater firepower in an area. Prior to Fire by Rank being researched, only the first rank fires, followed by disorganized fire. It effectively triples the amount of firepower a commander can put in one area with line infantry.
General Information Empire: Total War įire by Rank is the first firing drill available for research. Of course, this firing pattern also meant that only one man in three was ever loaded and ready to fire at any given time! Deeper formations were tried, but there was always a risk to men in the forward ranks from careless shots from the rearmost ranks - men were shot in the back by inexperienced comrades. Historically, it was usual for units to draw up formations three ranks deep,this being considered the "best" compromise between weight of fire and ease of control.
EMPIRE TOTAL WAR DARTHMOD FIRE BY RANK CHANGE SERIES
Carried out correctly, the result is a series of volleys that give enemies no respite from a hail of musket balls! The drill involved in loading a smoothbore musket must also be mastered by every man in the unit. This requires a good level of discipline and obedience, as each rank must listen only to orders from the relevant officers and sergeants. By the time other ranks in the unit have fired on their turn, all men should have reloaded and ready to give fire once more. This firing pattern for infantry units produces a barrage of musketry by having each rank, or line of men, fire in turn.īy careful timing, it is possible for a constant fire to be maintained for,as soon as one rank has fired, it begins reloading.