Welcome to our guide on unit and weapon attributes in Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition. This article will provide a simplified explanation of the export_descr_unit.txt guide, specifically focusing on unit attributes. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to improve your strategy, understanding these attributes will help you make more informed decisions on the battlefield. Let’s dive in and uncover the key information you need to know.
Introductions
This guide is a simplified version of the export_descr_unit.txt explained guide.
It is designed for people who do not want to have to read through an entire chapter of technical information to get to the information they want.
Units attributes/traits
These attributes and traits apply to units.
can_run_amok
Instead of routing, this unit may go berserk and ignore orders, running around the battlefield in a panic.
can_formed_charge
No one actually knows what this does.
can_withdraw
This unit is allowed to withdraw from battle.
cannot_skirmish
This unit is not allowed to skirmish.
cantabrian_circle
This unit can utilize the Cantabrian Circle formation, and receives a +3 buff to its missile attack when doing so.
command
This unit inspires nearby units in a 75-meter radius, apply a +4 buff to morale.
It does not buff itself, and this attribute does not stack.
It does not buff itself, and this attribute does not stack.
druid
This unit begins chanting, applying effects in a 75 meter-radius; a +6 buff to morale is applied to friendly units, and a -5 debuff to morale is applied to enemy units.
It does not buff itself, and this attribute does not stack
It does not buff itself, and this attribute does not stack
fire_by_rank
This unit rotates the line forward after the first line fires a volley, with the first moving to the back to reload and the second line moving forward to become the first.
free_upkeep_unit
This unit can be supported for free in a settlement, as long as a free upkeep slot is available, and the unit can either be recruited or retrained at that settlement.
frighten_foot
This unit frightens all infantry units in a 100-meter radius, applying a -4 debuff to morale.
This stacks upwards to -6 morale with 2 units, and -8 morale at 3 units or more.
This stacks upwards to -6 morale with 2 units, and -8 morale at 3 units or more.
frighten_mounted
This unit frightens all cavalry units in a 100-meter radius, applying a -4 debuff to morale.
This stacks upwards to -6 morale with 2 units, and -8 morale at 3 units or more.
This stacks upwards to -6 morale with 2 units, and -8 morale at 3 units or more.
general_unit
This unit is used as a general’s bodyguard.
If assigned to be recruitable in the campaign, a general will be assigned to this unit.
The first unit closest to the top of the EDU with this attribute will be assigned to a valid faction’s family member.
If assigned to be recruitable in the campaign, a general will be assigned to this unit.
The first unit closest to the top of the EDU with this attribute will be assigned to a valid faction’s family member.
general_unit_upgrade
Unit is assigned as the upgraded version for family members; however, it does not work due to relying upon the Marian Reforms event, which is disabled in Medieval 2.
gunpowder_unit
This unit uses a gunpowder weapon, and receives extra experience from buildings with the gun_bonus modifier.
hardy
This unit has improved stamina, thus depleting it slower, and recovering faster.
hide_anywhere
This unit can hide anywhere on the battlefield; if no hide attribute is assigned, this unit cannot hide.
hide_forest
This unit can hide in forests; if no hide attribute is assigned, this unit cannot hide.
hide_forest_improved
This unit has improved hiding in forests; this also affects their ability to hide in forests on the campaign map. If no hide attribute is assigned, this unit cannot hide.
hide_long_grass
This unit can hide in the long grass; if no hide attribute is assigned, this unit cannot hide.
is_peasant
This unit’s ability to maintain public order is cut in half
knight
This unit receives extra experience from buildings with the heavy_cavalry_bonus modifier
legionary_name
This unit is assigned an extra name based off the region they are recruited from, alongside a roman numeral dependent on how many legionary_name units have already been recruited there.
mercenary_unit
This unit no longer utilizes a faction-specific skin for its model, and instead utilizes a generic mercenary skin if available. It can also now be referenced in the descr_mercenaries.txt file.
no_custom
This unit is not available in custom battle.
power_charge
Decreases the rate at which a unit’s charge stat decays, thus allowing for a more powerful charge attack.
sea_faring
This unit is allowed to board ships.
stakes
This unit can lay stakes before battle.
Interestingly enough, it is inputted twice, perhaps the second stakes refers to a stake model?
Interestingly enough, it is inputted twice, perhaps the second stakes refers to a stake model?
start_not_skirmishing
This unit begins battle with skirmish mode turned off.
very_hardy
This unit has even more improved stamina, thus depleting it much slower, and recovering much faster.
Weapon attributes/traits
These attributes/traits affect weapons.
ap
Pierces armor, halving enemy armor rounded up.
area
Attacks from this weapon affects an entire area
bp
Pierces through enemy units, missiles pass through units and affects multiple targets.
no
no Used alone, tells game engine that weapon has no attributes
launching
Attacks from this weapon can launch units
light_spear
Buffs unit defense against cavalry by +8, but debuffs unit defense against infantry by -4.
If charged by cavalry while unit is bracing, this unit reflects half the cavalry unit’s charge modifier.
If charged by cavalry while unit is bracing, this unit reflects half the cavalry unit’s charge modifier.
long_pike
This unit’s weapon is lengthened. Can only be used for phalanx-capable units.
prec
Unit throws missiles before charging into melee. Fire-at-will is turned off at battle start.
spear
Buffs unit attack against cavalry by +8, but debuffs unit attack against infantry by -4.
If charged by cavalry while unit is bracing, this unit reflects the cavalry unit’s full charge modifier.
If charged by cavalry while unit is bracing, this unit reflects the cavalry unit’s full charge modifier.
spear_bonus_x
Unit receives an attack bonus against cavalry units, only even numbers are allowed, upwards to a max of 12.
Requires the spear or light_spear attribute to work, and stacks alongside these attributes.
Requires the spear or light_spear attribute to work, and stacks alongside these attributes.
thrown
Unit’s missile weapon receives a massive buff against elephant units dependent on elephant unit’s hitpoints. The minimum delay to volleys are reduced by 20%.
Credits
Guides and Forum threads used for information:
The Complete EDU Guide[www.twcenter.net]by Aradan
A guide to the export_descr_units.txt file[medieval2.heavengames.com]by Mythic Commodore
And that wraps up our share on Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition: Unit/Weapon Attributes Explained. If you have any additional insights or tips to contribute, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below. For a more in-depth read, you can refer to the original article here by EoNightcore, who deserves all the credit. Happy gaming!