Eltharion Army Comp: Early To Late Game Guide

Hey there, fellow Total War: Warhammer II enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the strategies for mastering the battlefield as the legendary Eltharion of Yvresse. If you're eager to crush your foes and establish a High Elf empire, you've come to the right place. We'll break down the ideal army compositions for both the early and late game, as well as how to build effective armies for your generic lords. Let's get started and forge the ultimate fighting force!

Early Game Army Composition for Eltharion

In the early game, securing your provinces and establishing a strong economic base is crucial. As Eltharion, your initial army will likely consist of a mix of spearmen, archers, and a few Silver Helms. Let's break down why this works and how to optimize it.

Core Units

• Lothern Sea Guard: These versatile units are the backbone of your early game army. Armed with both spears and bows, they provide a solid frontline and ranged support. You'll want at least 6-8 units in your main army. Their ability to switch between melee and ranged combat makes them incredibly adaptable to various battlefield situations. Use them to hold the line against enemy infantry while peppering them with arrows. The Sea Guard's dual functionality means you can react to threats more effectively, whether it's a charge of cavalry or a horde of infantry. Positioning is key with these units; make sure they have a clear line of sight for their bows while remaining protected from flanking maneuvers. Their cost-effectiveness in the early game cannot be overstated; they allow you to field a larger, more versatile army than you might otherwise be able to afford. Investing in upgrades for their armor and weapon strength early on will pay dividends in prolonged engagements.
• Spearmen: A solid line of spearmen is essential for holding the line against enemy infantry and cavalry charges. 4-6 units of spearmen will provide the necessary backbone for your defensive formations. Spearmen are your primary defense against cavalry, so positioning them on the flanks or in front of your archers is crucial. Their braced stance ability significantly increases their defensive capabilities against charges, making them a tough nut to crack. When facing enemy infantry, spearmen can effectively tie them down, allowing your more offensive units to maneuver and strike where it hurts. Don't underestimate the importance of keeping your spearmen well-supported; flanking maneuvers and missile fire can quickly break their ranks if they are left exposed. Upgrading their shields and armor will greatly enhance their survivability, making them a reliable anchor for your battle lines.
• Archers: Ranged firepower is crucial for softening up the enemy before they reach your lines. 4-6 units of archers will provide the necessary ranged support. High Elf archers are known for their accuracy and range, making them excellent at picking off enemy units from a distance. Positioning them behind your spearmen or on elevated terrain will maximize their effectiveness. Focus fire on key enemy units, such as armored infantry or cavalry, to disrupt their formations and reduce their combat effectiveness before they engage. Remember, archers are vulnerable in melee combat, so protect them with your frontline units. Investing in technologies and skills that improve their accuracy and reload speed will significantly boost their damage output. A well-placed volley of arrows can shatter enemy morale and turn the tide of battle.
• Silver Helms: These early-game cavalry units provide much-needed mobility and shock capability. 2-4 units of Silver Helms can be used to flank the enemy, break their lines, or chase down fleeing units. Silver Helms are your primary shock cavalry in the early game, capable of delivering devastating charges into enemy flanks and rear. Use them to disrupt enemy formations, target enemy archers, or chase down routing units. Timing is crucial when using Silver Helms; a well-timed charge can shatter enemy morale and create openings for your infantry to exploit. Be careful not to overextend them, as they are vulnerable to spearmen and other anti-cavalry units. Upgrading their armor and charge bonus will make them even more effective in melee combat. Utilizing their speed and maneuverability to harass the enemy and create diversions will keep your opponent on their toes.

Hero Composition

• Mage (Life): A Life Mage is invaluable for keeping your troops alive with healing spells. Their healing magic can significantly extend the lifespan of your units, allowing you to sustain prolonged engagements. Additionally, Life Mages can provide buffs to your units, increasing their armor and combat effectiveness. Positioning your Life Mage behind your frontline will keep them safe while they support your troops with healing and buffs. Mastering the timing and placement of healing spells is key to maximizing their effectiveness; a well-timed heal can bring a unit back from the brink of collapse and keep your battle line intact. Investing in skills that improve their spellcasting abilities and reduce their cooldown times will make them an even more potent asset on the battlefield.
• Noble: A Noble provides valuable leadership bonuses to nearby units, improving their combat effectiveness and morale. Their presence can significantly boost the fighting spirit of your troops, making them more resistant to morale shocks and routing. Additionally, Nobles can engage in duels with enemy heroes, disrupting their plans and weakening their army. Positioning your Noble in the thick of the fighting will maximize their leadership bonus, but be careful to protect them from enemy attacks. Using the Noble's abilities to target enemy heroes and disrupt their formations can create significant advantages in battle. Investing in skills that improve their combat abilities and leadership aura will make them a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Early Game Tactics

The key to early game success with Eltharion is utilizing your Lothern Sea Guard effectively. Position them in a line, with spearmen on the flanks to protect against cavalry. Place your archers behind the main line, providing ranged support. Use your Silver Helms to flank the enemy or target vulnerable units. The Life Mage should stay behind the lines, healing and buffing your troops. Focus fire on key enemy units and use your cavalry to exploit any openings. Coordination between your infantry, archers, and cavalry is crucial; a well-timed charge can shatter enemy morale and create opportunities for your infantry to push forward. Be mindful of terrain, using forests and hills to your advantage. Ambushing enemy armies or setting up defensive positions in advantageous terrain can significantly increase your chances of victory. Remember, patience and discipline are key in the early game; avoiding unnecessary risks and capitalizing on enemy mistakes will pave the way for future success.

Late Game Army Composition for Eltharion

As you progress into the late game, you'll have access to more powerful units and technologies. Your army composition should evolve to take advantage of these new tools. In the late game, you want to transition into a more elite force capable of taking on the strongest enemies. This means incorporating high-tier units like Swordmasters of Hoeth, Phoenix Guard, and Star Dragons. Let's dive into the specifics.

Core Units

• Swordmasters of Hoeth: These elite infantry units are among the best in the game. Their high weapon strength and armor-piercing capabilities make them devastating against heavily armored foes. 6-8 units of Swordmasters will form the core of your late-game army. Swordmasters are the elite infantry backbone of your late-game army, capable of tearing through even the most heavily armored enemies. Their high weapon strength and armor-piercing attacks make them a formidable force in melee combat. Positioning them in the center of your battle line, supported by other elite units, will maximize their effectiveness. Swordmasters excel at breaking enemy formations and creating openings for your cavalry to exploit. Their disciplined fighting style and unwavering morale make them incredibly resilient in prolonged engagements. Investing in technologies and skills that further enhance their combat abilities will transform them into an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
• Phoenix Guard: These heavily armored infantry units are incredibly durable and provide excellent protection against both melee and ranged attacks. 4-6 units of Phoenix Guard will serve as your unbreakable frontline. Phoenix Guard are the indomitable guardians of your battle line, providing a near-impregnable defense against enemy attacks. Their heavy armor and magical resistance make them incredibly durable, capable of weathering even the fiercest assaults. Positioning them on the flanks or in front of your vulnerable units will protect them from enemy fire and flanking maneuvers. Phoenix Guard excel at holding the line and tying up enemy units, allowing your more offensive units to maneuver and strike where it hurts. Their unwavering loyalty and unbreakable resolve make them a bulwark against enemy morale shocks. Investing in technologies and skills that further enhance their defensive capabilities will make them an impenetrable wall on the battlefield.
• Star Dragons: These monstrous units are the pinnacle of High Elf military might. Their devastating breath attacks and melee prowess make them a terror on the battlefield. 2-4 Star Dragons can turn the tide of any battle. Star Dragons are the apex predators of the battlefield, capable of unleashing devastating attacks on enemy formations. Their fiery breath attacks can decimate enemy infantry, while their powerful melee attacks make them a formidable force in close combat. Use them to shatter enemy lines, target key units, or provide air support for your ground troops. Their mere presence on the battlefield can strike fear into the hearts of your enemies. However, Star Dragons are vulnerable to anti-large units, so protect them with your other units. Investing in skills and technologies that enhance their combat abilities and survivability will make them an unstoppable force of nature.
• Sisters of Avelorn: These elite archers are incredibly accurate and deal magical damage, making them effective against a wide range of enemies. 4-6 units of Sisters of Avelorn will provide the necessary ranged support. Sisters of Avelorn are the elite archers of the High Elves, renowned for their accuracy, range, and magical attacks. Their magical arrows can pierce through armor and inflict devastating damage on enemy units. Positioning them behind your frontline or on elevated terrain will maximize their effectiveness. Focus fire on key enemy units, such as heavily armored infantry or monstrous creatures, to disrupt their formations and reduce their combat effectiveness. Their ability to deal magical damage makes them particularly effective against ethereal and demonic foes. However, Sisters of Avelorn are vulnerable in melee combat, so protect them with your frontline units. Investing in technologies and skills that improve their accuracy and reload speed will significantly boost their damage output.

Hero Composition

• Archmage (Life or High Magic): A powerful mage is essential in the late game. Life Magic provides unparalleled healing, while High Magic offers a mix of offensive and defensive spells. An Archmage is the cornerstone of your magical support, providing powerful spells that can turn the tide of battle. Life Magic Archmages excel at healing and buffing your troops, keeping them alive and fighting longer. High Magic Archmages offer a mix of offensive and defensive spells, capable of devastating enemy formations or protecting your own troops from harm. Positioning your Archmage behind your frontline will keep them safe while they support your troops with magic. Mastering the timing and placement of spells is crucial to maximizing their effectiveness. Investing in skills that improve their spellcasting abilities and reduce their cooldown times will make them an indispensable asset on the battlefield.
• Noble: A Noble continues to provide valuable leadership bonuses and can engage in duels with enemy heroes. Nobles are the backbone of your leadership structure, providing valuable bonuses to nearby units and disrupting enemy plans. Their presence on the battlefield can significantly boost the morale and combat effectiveness of your troops. Nobles can also engage in duels with enemy heroes, weakening their army and creating opportunities for your own troops to exploit. Positioning your Noble in the thick of the fighting will maximize their leadership bonus, but be careful to protect them from enemy attacks. Investing in skills that improve their combat abilities and leadership aura will make them a formidable presence on the battlefield.
• Handmaiden: Handmaidens are excellent support heroes, providing buffs to your army and hindering the enemy. A Handmaiden is a versatile support hero, capable of buffing your troops and hindering the enemy. Their abilities can significantly boost the combat effectiveness of your army, while their debuffs can weaken enemy units and disrupt their formations. Positioning your Handmaiden behind your frontline will keep them safe while they support your troops with their abilities. Mastering the timing and placement of their skills is crucial to maximizing their effectiveness. Investing in skills that improve their support abilities and survivability will make them an invaluable asset to your army.

Late Game Tactics

In the late game, your army should be a finely tuned machine, capable of crushing any opposition. Use your Swordmasters and Phoenix Guard to form an unbreakable frontline, supported by your Sisters of Avelorn. Your Star Dragons can swoop in and devastate enemy formations, while your mages provide crucial support with spells. Coordination is key; use your cavalry to flank the enemy or target vulnerable units, while your infantry holds the line. Focus fire on key enemy units and use your magic to disrupt their formations. The late game is all about overwhelming firepower and tactical superiority; a well-coordinated army can achieve victory against even the most daunting odds. Be adaptable and adjust your tactics based on the enemy you are facing. Utilizing terrain to your advantage and anticipating enemy movements will allow you to outmaneuver and defeat your opponents.

Generic Lord Army Composition

For your generic lords, you'll want a balanced army that can hold its own in most situations. This usually means a mix of infantry, archers, and cavalry, with a focus on cost-effectiveness. Generic lords lead your secondary armies, securing newly conquered territories, reinforcing your main armies, and defending against unexpected threats. The key to a successful generic lord army is balance and versatility; it should be able to handle a wide range of enemy compositions and battlefield situations. Let's break down how to build an effective army for your generic lords.

Core Units

• Lothern Sea Guard: As in the early game, Lothern Sea Guard are a cost-effective choice for your generic lords. Their versatility makes them excellent all-rounders. Lothern Sea Guard remain a staple unit in your generic lord armies, providing a solid combination of melee and ranged capabilities. Their cost-effectiveness allows you to field a larger army, which is crucial for defending multiple fronts or reinforcing your main armies. Positioning them in a flexible formation, capable of adapting to different threats, will maximize their effectiveness. Use them to hold the line, provide ranged support, and exploit enemy weaknesses. Their ability to switch between melee and ranged combat makes them incredibly adaptable to various battlefield situations.
• Spearmen: A solid line of spearmen is always a good investment, especially for defending against cavalry. Spearmen provide the necessary defensive backbone for your generic lord armies, particularly against cavalry-heavy factions. Their braced stance ability makes them incredibly resistant to charges, allowing them to hold the line against even the most devastating cavalry assaults. Positioning them on the flanks or in front of your archers will protect them from enemy fire. Use them to tie up enemy units, allowing your more offensive units to maneuver and strike where it hurts. Their reliability and cost-effectiveness make them an essential component of any well-rounded army.
• Archers: Ranged support is crucial, and High Elf archers are among the best in the game. Archers provide the essential ranged firepower for your generic lord armies, softening up the enemy before they reach your lines. Their accuracy and range make them excellent at picking off enemy units from a distance. Positioning them behind your frontline or on elevated terrain will maximize their effectiveness. Focus fire on key enemy units, such as armored infantry or cavalry, to disrupt their formations and reduce their combat effectiveness. Their ability to deal significant damage from a safe distance makes them a valuable asset on the battlefield.
• Silver Helms/Ellyrian Reavers: Depending on your economy, you can include either Silver Helms for shock cavalry or Ellyrian Reavers for a more mobile, harassing force. Silver Helms and Ellyrian Reavers provide the necessary cavalry support for your generic lord armies, offering mobility and shock capabilities. Silver Helms are your primary shock cavalry, capable of delivering devastating charges into enemy flanks and rear. Ellyrian Reavers are a more mobile, harassing force, ideal for scouting, disrupting enemy formations, and chasing down routing units. The choice between them depends on your strategic needs and economic situation; Silver Helms are more effective in direct engagements, while Ellyrian Reavers excel at hit-and-run tactics.

Hero Composition

• Mage (Life): A Life Mage is just as valuable in a generic lord's army as in your main army. Life Mages provide the crucial healing support for your generic lord armies, keeping your troops alive and fighting longer. Their healing spells can significantly extend the lifespan of your units, allowing you to sustain prolonged engagements. Positioning your Life Mage behind your frontline will keep them safe while they support your troops with magic. Mastering the timing and placement of healing spells is key to maximizing their effectiveness. Their ability to turn the tide of battle by keeping your troops in the fight makes them an indispensable asset.
• Noble: A Noble provides leadership bonuses and can help keep morale high in smaller engagements. Nobles provide the necessary leadership support for your generic lord armies, boosting the morale and combat effectiveness of your troops. Their presence on the battlefield can significantly improve the fighting spirit of your units, making them more resistant to morale shocks and routing. Positioning your Noble in the thick of the fighting will maximize their leadership bonus, but be careful to protect them from enemy attacks. Their ability to inspire your troops and lead them to victory makes them an invaluable asset.

Generic Lord Tactics

The key to success with generic lord armies is flexibility and adaptability. Use your Lothern Sea Guard to form a solid line, with spearmen on the flanks to protect against cavalry. Place your archers behind the main line, providing ranged support. Your cavalry can be used to flank the enemy or chase down fleeing units. The Life Mage should stay behind the lines, healing and buffing your troops. Adapt your tactics based on the enemy you are facing; a balanced army can handle a wide range of threats, but you'll need to adjust your formations and strategies accordingly. Use terrain to your advantage, setting up ambushes or defensive positions in advantageous locations. Remember, generic lord armies are often outnumbered, so careful planning and execution are crucial for victory. Prioritize unit preservation and use your abilities wisely to maximize your impact on the battlefield.

Final Thoughts

Mastering army composition as Eltharion is crucial for achieving victory in Total War: Warhammer II. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your units and adapting your strategies to the situation, you can forge an unstoppable fighting force. Remember, the early game is about establishing a solid foundation, while the late game is about unleashing your elite units. And don't forget to equip your generic lords with balanced armies that can defend your territories and support your main forces. So go forth, commanders, and lead Eltharion to glory!