The Spears of Shizugatake are a type of spear cavalry in Total War: Shogun 2. They are available with the Saints and Heroes Unit Pack DLC.
Description[]
These men are expert horsemen with a devastating charge, and resolute morale in the face of counter-attacks.
Few enemies can withstand the impact of a spear-tip in the hands of a skilled cavalryman. These skilled men are experts with the yari, and can almost pick which enemy eye will get the point during a charge. Despite their skill, they are best used to charge home and then disengage. In a prolonged fight, their skills with the spear are of less use, so should be used for shock attacks into the flank or rear of an enemy.
The yari was one of the traditional weapons of the samurai, predating the katana. Sojutsu, the mastery of the spear, allowed yari-armed cavalry to strike with perfect poise, power and precision. The momentum of a man and horse, concentrated into the razor-sharp tip or a yari, would impale and gut an enemy, regardless of his bravery. Even the blunt end of a spear could be used offensively, as archaeological evidence suggests that the spear pommel was used to inflict skull-crushing blows in combat. More often, though, it was the yari’s end, driven into chinks in an enemy’s armour, or into the face, that did the killing.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Fast and very good charge.
- Excellent against other cavalry.
- Excellent morale.
- Vulnerable to yari and naginata units in melee.
General Information[]
The Spears of Shizugatake are heroic variants of Yari Cavalry, with much better stats in most categories but an inferior number of men per regiment. Their melee stats are so high that they can fight effectively in prolonged melees, particularly against infantry with no anti-cavalry bonus. However, their key strength lies in their excellent charge bonus.
The Spears of Shizugatake are frailer than most other hero units, and don't do as well in prolonged fighting.
When trained by the Date Clan, The Spears of Shizugatake have +2 charge bonus.
| Total War: Shogun 2 Cavalry | |
|---|---|
| Spear Cavalry | Great Guard • Light Cavalry • Takeda Fire Cavalry • The Spears of Shizugatake • Yari Cavalry • Yari Dojo Cavalry |
| Polearm Cavalry | Naginata Warrior Monk Cavalry |
| Sword Cavalry | General • Katana Cavalry • Kiyomasa’s Katana Cavalry |
| Missile Cavalry | Bow Cavalry • Donderbuss Cavalry • Tokugawa Mounted Gunners • Yoritomo’s Yabusame Cavalry |