| “ | All High Elves, both highborn and low, must defend Ulthuan to the last. | „ |
Spearmen (High Elves) are a 
High Elves melee infantry unit introduced in Total War: Warhammer II.
Recruitment[ | ]
Unlocked with: Hamlet, Lothern (Elven Hamlet), Gaean Vale (Elven Hamlet), Tor Yvresse (Elven Hamlet), Occupied Naggarond (Elven Hamlet) or Tiny Elven Colony
Description[ | ]
Long ago, in a time of desperate need, the Phoenix King Morvael introduced a levy system so that all Elves could be called upon to fight for the defence of their homeland. These levies were organised into companies based within their cities, towns and villages. Morvael accurately predicted the need for a well-organised but flexible army to defend Ulthuan in the troubled times ahead. This system has stood the test of time and remains the cornerstone of most Elven armies to this day. Every Elf, though he may be a craftsman, tradesman or artist in peacetime, must become a resolute fighter in times of war.
Attributes[ | ]
- Spear Infantry
- ▲ Shielded: Shields have a chance of blocking arrows, bolts, rifle shots and similar small arms fire - but only in a forward facing arc.
- ▲ Anti-Large: Anti-Large: Anti-large units have an advantage against targets that are at least as large as a horse. This advantage can be a damage bonus against large targets or an attack that focuses on a very small area. However, some units are simply better against large targets because their attacks are slow and easy to dodge by skilled melee combatants.
- ▲ Charge Defence Against Large Foes: When standing and bracing against a charge of large enemies (such as cavalry or monsters) this unit will negate the enemy's charge bonus.
Unit Abilities[ | ]
Passive Abilities[ | ]
Strategy[ | ]
Spearmen have great leadership, melee defense, and shields, but they have poor HP and are expensive for low-tier infantry. As spear infantry, they have a bonus/charge defense vs large. Their offensive stats are poor. Given their abysmal charge bonus, Spearmen should never charge into battle so much as brace against incoming charges. These characteristics mean Spearmen fill the role of defensive, line-holding infantry on the battlefield. They typically do not win fights by themselves, but rather hold enemy forces in place for other, higher damage units on the High Elves roster to get the kills. Ideal units to pair with Spearmen in the early game (when Spearmen are still the primary High Elves frontline), and in some cases even into the mid-game, is Archers, or perhaps the relatively squishy but high-damage Rangers.
Spearmen have Martial Prowess, an ability unique to the High Elves. This ability gives them a large melee defense buff whilst their HP is above 50%. Martial Prowess makes them an even better defensive powerhouse, but when it deactivates they are easily killed. For this reason, in an ideal situation Spearmen should be supported with buffs and magic that either heal them or help them maintain their HP for longer. If a unit of Spearmen is approaching 50% HP, they should, if at all possible, either be pulled out of combat or supported by additional forces. Otherwise, be ready for that portion of the frontline to collapse soon!
Gallery[ | ]
Concept art
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