Shogun 2 Bulletproof Samurai

Date Sword InfantryShogun 2 fall of samurai
These masters of the sword are incredibly skilful in hand-to-hand combat.

This small group of skilled swordsmen know this and each has devoted himself to the perfection of his art. Pablo escobar wife today images. Their unbreakable morale and skill is legendary and inspirational. The controlled frenzy of katana sensei also adds to their ferocity, increasing their speed and power when fighting. However, their small numbers do mean they are more vulnerable to being outnumbered by an enemy unit.
Embracing the way of the warrior is the path to enlightenment. Miyamoto Musashi (1584 - 1645) was one of Japan’s most famous swordsmen. His exploits quickly became legendary and it is difficult to divide fact from fiction, especially as he recorded many of his own exploits in “The Book of Five Rings”. This text was devoted to the strategy and the realities of battle but also chronicled many of Miyamoto’s duels from his own perspective.
Perhaps his most famous adversaries were the men of the Yoshioka School. After defeating the school’s master, Yoshioka Seijuro, with a single blow, Musashi was challenged by Seijuro’s brother, Denshichiro. Musashi killed Denshichiro with his own sword. After these killings, the Yoshioka planned to ambush the upstart with over 100 men. Unfortunately for them, Musashi did not follow the plan, and he killed the last remaining member of the Yoshioka family and forced their men to retreat. Following this utter humiliation the famous sword school closed its doors forever.

Apr 28, 2020

This guide gives an overview of the way the armies will progress through the campaign for both the original Shogun 2 campaign and the Rise of the Samurai expansion.

The Total War: Shogun 2 Sengoku Jidai Unit Pack adds 10 new elite units for use across the different game modes of Shogun 2. Once you've purchased the content, you will unlock all 10 of these versatile units in single and multiplayer Campaign mode under the conditions stated below. Shogun 2 Question: What is the strongest melee unit in the game (highest armor and good damage) for defending a fort? Pig pen game download. Shogun II I am thinking of building units to put in critical area forts (that frequently get raided by sea-borne raiding parties or such) so I can march my standing armies away without having to double back. Both units for both duels fully upgraded, cool fights, first fight begins at 1:20, second/funny fight begins at 4:24.

Introduction


Unlike other Total War games, Shogun 2's factions have a lot in common (barring some exceptions) when it comes to military progression. This is because the game represents what was a civil war between Japanese clans. This applies to all of the campaigns however this guide will focus on the Sengoku Jidai (original) and Gempei War (Rise of the Samurai) campaigns.
There is army diversity however and it manifests in two ways:
  • Faction speciality and bonuses
  • Research decisions

Faction speciality consists of bonuses to common units to steer army composition in particular directions (e.g. bow troops) as well as a small number of faction specific units (e.g. Daikyu Samurai). However, most units are unlocked by research, buildings and resources and it takes a long time to unlock all which forces the player will have to make a choice as to where they want to focus their research and the units this gives them access to. Captured buildings are usable even without the research to build them so it is a plausible strategy to focus on your strengths and leverage these for diversity. Campaign length plays a part as there are some technology choices that will not pay off in the shorter campaigns.

Sengoku Jidai Campaign


The main campaign starts in 1545 and runs to 1575/1580 or 1600 depending on campaign length. It is set during the Sengoku Jidai, or Warring States, period which started in 1467 with a war which saw the collapse of the Ashikaga Shogunate, the feudal military government of Japan. This power vacuum led to the rise of powerful Daimyo (warlords) fighting for control over puppet governments. The narrative for the player is to command one of these Daimyos, build support, take control of the Imperial seat of Kyoto and claim the title of Shogun.
There are three primary societal classes that participated in the wars: the Ashigaru who were the paid regulars (not militia or peasant levy), the Samurai who were the military elite of the clans (analogous to European knights) and the elite Sohei warrior monks who supported various sides in this conflict. Socially, the period also saw involvement by European powers, especially the Portuguese and the rise of a fanatical religious sect Ikko Ikki that sought to redefine the social order.

Sengoku Jidai Army Progression


Unit progression for the main clans is a multi-branch tree so it is hard to describe a linear path but there are some common aspects to recruitment. All Ashigaru units (Spear, Bow and Matchlock) are recruitable from the first level of Fort, Matchlock however requires technology to unlock.
The first two tiers of weapon Dojos (Spear, Bow and Sword) enable Samurai and Warrior Monk (in conjunction with Temples) units, the third tier buffs recruitment while the final unlocks Heroes. Cavalry relies on both weapon and cavalry Dojos so recruitment is focussed on the second and third tiers. Gunpowder units recruit from the Siege line requiring the third tier to get Matchlock Samurai.
In terms of technology, within the two main areas - Bushido and Way of Chi - there are branches that guide unit unlocks. Within Bushido, there is a branch under Strategy of Defence which covers all Yari, Naginata, Matchlock and Siege unlocks, while the Strategy of Attack branch covers Sword, Bow and Cavalry unlocks. Warrior Monks are unlocked via the Zen branch of the Way of Chi area.
As can be seen by the table below, Bow, Yari and Sword infantry is the most accessible, while Monks, Cavalry and Siege units require more focus, and may be assisted by faction starting positions and bonuses.

Sengoku Jidai Naval Progressions


Naval unit progression is quite straightforward as strong navies are not essential for campaign victory for some factions. Progression starts with traditional style vessels, with bow armed troops and defensive style vessels. As the game progresses, gunpowder and faster ships brings tactical diversity. The arrival of Europeans offers western vessels, troops and artillery via the naval building chain.
The first two tier unlock small and medium traditional weapon ships Bow Kobaya and Medium Bune as well as the matchlock armed Siege Tower Bune when the arts are researched.
The third tier unlocks the traditional Heavy Bune as well as a fast medium ship the Sengoku Bune. It also recruits the Fire Bomb Kobaya when the arts are researched. The final tier unlocks a diverse set of ships in the very heavy Nihon Maru, the fast heavy O Ataka Bune, the gunpowder armed Cannon Bune and Matchlock Kobaya
At the third tier there is a second branch when the Nanban Trade Port is available. This enables the Imported Matchlock Ashigaru Infantry, while the fourth tier unlocks European Cannons, Portuguese Tercos (Otomo) and the well-armed Nanban Trade Ship.

Chosokabe Clan


This clan has superior (cheaper and better) bow units: Ashigaru, Samurai, Warrior Monk and Hero. They also have the unique Daikyu Samurai Bow unit. As a result, bows will be a key part of this faction’s play style, and they’ll benefit from focusing on the Strategy of Attack branch of Bushido Arts. Their starting province has a port and the Wood resource which reduces the recruitment cost of ships.

Date Clan


This clan’s No-Dachi Samurai are superior (cheaper and better) which encourages an aggressive playing style, while they also have the unique unit Bulletproof Samurai which is a tough spear unit that can withstand bullets better than others. This faction doesn’t require too much specialisation to benefit from their perks but will require a slight focus on Strategy of Attack. Their starting province has a port and the Smithing speciality which enhances either armour or weapons.

Hojo Clan


The Hojo focus on siege techniques, both offensive and defensive. They have (cheaper and better) superior siege units: Fire Bomb Throwers, Fire Projecting Mangonels, Cannons and Fire Rockets. They also have a unique unit, the Hand Mortars. This faction will benefit from focusing on Strategy of Defence. Hojo start with two provinces, one with a Gold mine and the other with a port and the Smithing speciality which enhances either armour or weapons.

Hattori Clan


This clan’s strength is stealth which manifests as Kisho training for most of their infantry, and superior Kisho Ninjas. This gives them guerilla deployment but increases their cost and upkeep. Their unique unit is the Bandits who are recruitable from the Ninja chain. They also receive increased chance of to ninja actions and their Generals all start with Night Attack abilities. To take advantage of the superior units, they will benefit from the School of Shinobi branch of the Chi Arts. This clan starts in a landlocked province with the Ninja speciality.
Bulletproof

Mori Clan


The Mori clan have superior (cheaper and better) naval units. They have the unique infantry unit Wako Raiders that are recruitable from Ports. To gain the benefits of their focus, they should concentrate on the Way of the Sea Bushido Arts. This clan’s starting province has a developed level 2 port (Harbour) and the Hallowed Ground speciality which enhances monks or all units’ morale.

Oda Clan


This clan has superior Ashigaru units: Yari, Bow and Matchlock which will shape the nature of their armies throughout the campaign. They also have the unique Long Yari Ashigaru unit which allows for pike and shot techniques. A unique play style, this faction will benefit from Strategy of Defence for the spear unit bonuses. Otherwise they might seek to focus on their economy to facilitate a quantity over quality strategy. Their initial province has a port and no speciality but is very fertile.

Shimazu Clan


Katana’s are the Shimazu’s speciality which gives them superior (cheaper and better) Katana Samurai and Hero units. They combine this with the unique Heavy Gunners matchlock unit recruited from the siege chain. All their generals have increased loyalty. In terms of Chi Arts, they will require Strategy of Attack to gain their superior Katana Samurai but will need to go relatively deep into the Strategy of Defence branch to unlock their Heavy Gunners. Their initial province has a port and the Smithing speciality which enhances either armour or weapons.

Takeda Clan


Historically, the Takeda clan are famous for their cavalry and have superior (cheaper and better) cavalry units: Bow, Light, Yari and Katana Cavalry. They also can recruit the unique yari armed Fire Cavalry. In terms of Chi Arts, most of their unique units do not require more than Bushido itself as resources are more important. They start in a landlocked province with the Warhorse resource.

Tokugawa Clan


This faction is known for diplomatic strength which means superior Metsuke and Kisho Ninja and a bonus to relations with other factions. They also have the unique Mounted Gunners cavalry unit from the Siege chain. They’ll require a nuanced approach to Chi Arts as the Way of Chi buffs their strengths while they’ll need to go deep into Strategy of Defence to unlock the Mounted Gunners. They start with a port and the Warhorse resource.

Uesugi Clan


The Uesegi recruits superior (cheaper and better) warrior monks: Naginata and Bow Warrior Monks, as well as the unique Marathon Monks unit. They also benefit from superior Monks on the campaign map and increased trade income. In terms of Chi Arts, they will benefit from a focus on the Zen branch of the Way of Chi but will need a few early Bushido Arts to unlock their Monks. Their initial province has a port and the Naval Tradition speciality which improves trade and ship experience.

Otomo Clan


This clan starts off as a Christian faction which gives them faster access to European units and buildings. They recruit superior (better and cheaper) matchlock units: Ashigaru and Samurai, as well as receive Imported Matchlock Ashigaru faster. Their unique units are the Portuguese Tercos and Donderbuss Cavalry. To gain the benefits of their strengths, they will benefit from a focus on the Strategy of Defence and Way of the Sea branches of the Bushido Arts. Their initial province has a level 2 port (Nanban Trade Port) and the Naval Tradition speciality which improves trade and naval units.

The Ikko Ikki


Shogun 2 Bulletproof Samurai

This is a unique faction in that it represents a religious sect rather than a feudal clan. Their unit roster is shaped by the fact that there are no samurai units. Their monks are able to create rebellions that give the faction direct ownership of the province. Being a religious sect, they have a Jodo Shinshu Monastery chain, rather than a Buddhist one.
Their Ashigaru units are larger than normal and they have a katana ashigaru unit, the Loan Sword Ashigaru. Samurai are replaced by inferior Yari, Bow and Katana Ronin units. Their monks are superior (better but not cheaper) and available earlier, and they have the unique Matchlock Warrior Monks and Marathon Monks. Cavalry is a weakness with the faction only recruiting Light Cavalry and the unique Naginata Warrior Monk Cavalry.

Shogun 2 Fall Of Samurai

As this faction leverages warrior monks, the Zen branch in the Way of Chi will be important. They start with two provinces, one with a port and the Craftwork speciality which buffs bow units and the other with just the Smithing speciality which enhances either armour or weapons.

Gempei War Campaign and Progressions


The Rise of the Samurai campaign is set around the Gempei War in 1175, which was largely seen as the beginning of the Samurai as a noble class and the creation of the shogunate. Similar to the Sengoku Jidai conflict this was a war between three strong clans for hegemony of the Imperial seat or power. It contrasts two approaches to warfare: the traditional Koryu Arts and the rising Samurai Bushi Arts.
Unit progression in this campaign is not as deep as the first campaign given that there is no technological or cultural disruption (gunpowder and Europeans). Armies will initially contain large numbers of peasant levies (lesser quality than Ashigaru) bolstered by small numbers of Attendants, Monks or Samurai. It can be categorised as a Traditional branch down the Koryu side of the Budo Arts and a Samurai branch down the Bushi side of the Budo Arts. Either branch alone can provide well rounded armies if desired.
Both Levy units, Bow and Naginata, are available from all regions from the Tadokoro chain while the third tier Barracks unlocks Fire Bomb Throwers. The first two tiers of Koryu Schools (with Monasteries) unlock Naginata Attendants, Naginata Monks, Bow Warrior Monks while the last two unlock Mounted Naginata and Monk Heroes. The first two tiers of Bushi Schools unlock Sword and Bow Attendants and Foot Samurai, while the last two unlock Mounted Samurai and Mounted Samurai Heroes.
Naval progression is very simple, the first tier builds Light and Heavy Attendants ships. The second tier adds Medium Attendants ships and all Samurai ships which have superior crews. The final tier unlocks Firebomb Medium ships.

The Minamoto Clan


These two factions have an advantage in Samurai units and arts. These factions both start with the Bushi Art already mastered which unlocks the Bushi School and Foot Samurai.
Kamakura Minamoto
With a bonus of 10% reload rate and 20% upkeep reduction to Samurai units this faction will benefit from focusing on the Bushi branch. They also receive an extra 20% to overall Budo Arts mastery rates.
Kiso Minimoto
Receiving a reduction to Samurai recruitment time (1 turn) and 20% greater campaign movement this faction will benefit from focusing on Bushi Arts. They have a penalty to Bunka Arts mastery which pushes them towards an aggressive play style.

The Taira Clan

Shoguns

Shogun 2 Bulletproof Samurai Assassin


These factions start with the Koryu Art mastered which gives them an advantage in traditional units and arts.
Yashima Taira
This faction has a 20% increase to naval movement range and a 20% reduction to ship cost which leans them towards domination at sea. Combined with a 15% trade income bonus they are in a good position to dominate trading nodes.
Fukuhara Taira

Shogun 2 Free


With a 20% upkeep reduction and +1 armour for naginata units, this faction will have strong traditional armies.

The Fujiwara Clan

Shogun 2 Bulletproof Samurai Gear


These factions have more nuanced characteristics, with benefits in the administrative Arts.
Kubota Fujiwara
This faction focuses on warrior monks, recruiting warrior monks with an additional level of experience, in exchange for a 10% increase in recruitment cost for levies and attendants. They start with Poetry and Literature mastered which gives them a step ahead in monk related Arts. They will still require Koryu Arts to recruit their units. They also benefit from 30% increase to the mastery of Bunka Arts which should allow them to get to higher tier monasteries and build a good income.Bulletproof
Hiraizumi Fujiwara
Starting with Rice Loans already mastered, this faction focuses on campaign strengths, with a 5% tax rate bonus and increased Junsatsushi success chance and reduced action cost. They'll be able to convert provinces faster than other factions.
Recommended for You:
  • All Total War Shogun 2 Guides!

You May Also Like: