Defense

Learn how to successfully defend your cities from enemy attacks in Total War: Rome II. Discover unit formations and tactics to repel invaders, even when outnumbered.

So, your diplomatic efforts failed and the enemy is at your gates. Don't panic! Defending a city in Total War: Rome II can be surprisingly manageable, even if you're caught without reinforcements. It really boils down to a few key factors: the strength of your garrison and the size of the attacking force.

Often, you'll have a diplomat on hand to try and bribe the larger enemy armies, but what happens when the odds are closer? You can absolutely fight back! If your city isn't just filled with basic peasant levies, you've got a solid chance of winning.

The key is smart unit placement. Position a phalanx unit, or any heavy infantry, right at the city gates. This creates a formidable wall that the enemy will struggle to break through. Back them up with missile units positioned behind the infantry, raining down arrows or javelins on the attackers. This combination can often turn the tide.

However, you need to be prepared for the enemy to counter your missile advantage. If they bring their own missile units, you'll need to engage in a missile-versus-missile duel. Position your own missile troops to counter theirs and hope your volley is more effective.