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For the similar Empire: Total War unit, see Steamship.

Steam Paddle Frigate NTW Icon

The Steam Paddle Frigate is a type of steam frigate in Napoleon: Total War.

Description[]

Quick and manoeuvrable, this frigate can sail against the wind thanks to its two enormous paddle wheels.

Carrying powerful 32-pounder cannon, this frigate is a valuable asset to any admiral. At close range, her guns fire a powerful broadside, but this does not make her invulnerable. No frigate has a hull that can withstand a broadside from a ship-of-the-line, and in this case the paddle wheels are vulnerable too. While a paddle-wheel powered frigate is not entirely at the mercy of the wind, it is not possible to carry enough fuel to cruise over long distances; steam is a tactical advantage, not a strategic one.

Paddle wheels were a logical reversal of the idea of a waterwheel, simply reversing the idea of the water flowing past the wheel and providing energy. They were originally used in river-going craft, and it was not until 1819 that the first seafaring paddle-wheel ship, SS Savannah, made the first steam-powered crossing of the Atlantic, from Savannah, Georgia, to Liverpool in England. Savannah did run out of fuel off Ireland, but eventually made landfall and then, after refitting, pressed on to St. Petersburg in Russia, where the Tsar's government was so impressed that it made a cash offer for the ship. The valuation wasn’t good enough.

General Information[]

Steam paddle frigates are mid-late game ships, and the earliest steam ships available. Their cannons pack a much heavier punch than those of ships with a similar size, are highly accurate, and may be reloaded very quickly; their hull strength is decent. On top of these favorable characteristics, steam paddle frigates have high maneuverability and good speed.

Steam paddle frigates' biggest disadvantage lie in their poor range: they are tied with carronade frigates for having the worst range out of all ships, forcing them to take fire before they are able to bring their cannons to bear or to approach targets from unorthodox angles. Compared to carronade frigates, steam paddle frigates are equal or superior in every category, but are twice as expensive.

Some factions' ship statistics are different from others; differences are listed below (traits that to not differ are not listed). While British ships are generally cheaper than their standard counterparts, British Steam Paddle Frigates are not cheaper in either singleplayer or custom battles.

Faction Accuracy Reloading Hull Strength Speed Morale Cost

Upkeep

France 70 40 1450 21 10 1380 SP/1660 MP 340
Great Britain 60 50 1510 20 12 1260/1510 MP 310
General 60 40 1450 20 10 1260/1510 MP 310

Notes[]

Screen Shot 2017-04-30 at 3.26

When a faction builds a steam paddle frigate for the first time, all factions are given a notification, an example of which is pictured right:

Napoleon: Total War Ships
Light Ships BrigGalleySloop
Frigates 24-gun Frigate32-gun Frigate38-gun FrigateCarronade FrigateRazee
Ships of the Line 106-gun Ship-of-the-Line122-gun Ship-of-the-Line50-gun Ship-of-the-Line64-gun Ship-of-the-Line74-gun Ship-of-the-Line80-gun Ship-of-the-Line86-gun Ship-of-the-Line98-gun Second RateHMS ElephantSantissima Trinidad
Steam Ships 38-gun Steam Ship80-gun Steam ShipIroncladSteam Paddle Frigate
Trade Ships Dhow (Trade Ship)Indiaman (Trade Ship)Merchantmen (Trade Ship)
Support Ships Bomb KetchRocket Ship
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