In Napolean Total War each faction has different units. While on the surface some units from different factions might look similar, they usually have 1 or 2 different stats. Take for instance, take a french and austrian militia unit.
































The Austrian militia has greater melee defense (better by 1 so not a big difference) while the french militia has greater realoading skill (better by 5 but not a drastic diffence)
While some might say "ERMAGAWD SO MUCH DIFFERENCE PLEASE NERF FRANCE OP" you wouldn't be wrong is you said that they were similar.

While the rule that most units from one contry has a similar counterpart from another contry holds true, there is one huge expection, Russia. Whether it be some error in the programming, a balance choice or a result of the Big Burly Russian steritype, Russian units in Napolean total war have a ridiculous charge bonus. For example, let's compare a russian militia to a french militia and Old Guard Unit
The French militia has a greater reloading skil than russian militia (15 compared to five)
The Russian Militia has a charge bonus of 19 compared to 9! (that is a lot)


























To put that in perspective, the French Elite infantry, the Old Guard. has a charge bonus of 18!









This high charge bonus trend appears in other units too:

One thing which is so stupid it's not even funny is that the russian grenedier has a greater charge bonus than F***ing cav. That's right, they have a greater charging ability than men on horses with swords

Short answer:
When using the russian units dont just charge in like a maniac. Use them like you would any other unit. However, be more eager to charge and take advantage of your charging bonus. A fun way to use them is like Jannisaries, but i dont recomend that

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NOTE: The charge bonus only affects them when charging, if your units get charged and you dont counter charge, you most likely will lose. Remember to counter charge!


How to use them like Jannisaries


If they are charging in send some cav in or make your units fall back. YOU WILL NOT WIN A INFANTRY MELEE FIGHT WITH THEM. Form multiple lines, each releasing a volley then falling back to form another line behind the 2nd line. But be warned, these guys can shoot too. However, if they decide to form into a line, their numbers would probably have been thinned out.
To learn how to counter a melee rush in greater detail watch this video

Long answer:
Militia: Use them as meatshields but charge them into the enemy line. If you are lucky they will get there before getting schmanged (rekt) and will disrupt the enemy line before breaking. By that time you will alreay have moved up your other units.


Line Infantry: Charge whenever you see fit (after a volley or two or if the enemy line is wavering)


Skirmishers: I dont recomend using these guys as melee troops. Their low numbers and their loose formation is ideal for melee combat, and their increased range and accuracy being used in melee. However, if they are getting charged, it might be benificial to charge back in certain cituations. You will probably catch your enemy by suprise and disrupt the enemy charging your and might even rout them. Be careful though, you are losing good sharpshooters.

Grenediers: CHARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGE!

Thank you for reading this guide. I hope you found it semi informative.


apologies for spelling mistakes