Most feared Civ Special Unit

[zeeter]

To me its the Hoplites. I play the Romans, and therefore often am up against the Egyptians and the Greeks. I like going against the Egyptians. They don't defend themselves well to begin with, then start sending a few Chariots at me. No problem. By the time they finish producing the Chariots I've already taken most of their territory and they want to sue for peace.
I tried this strategy against the Greeks. Sent an army of fifteen Legions at their nearest city. It was defended by a hoplite. I lost four Legions right there. In the next city I lost five. Ever try to wage war with only six Legions? Their counter attack made me sue for peace. Stupid hoplites. I hate them. Jerks.

 

[Tassadar]

The problem with hoplites is that firaxis increase defensive value for building and citizen from 4 to 8 to 16( 1.17, 1.21). This increase had the side effect that your catapult will miss most the time over a city.
So i suggest to lower this defensise bonus back to 8 ( reasonable, like in 1.16) and then bring some catapult with your swordman or legionair and bomb their city prior to direct attack. If you have about 5 catapult, you have good chance to hit there hoplites and weaken them.

 

[AndyS]

I have to agree that the Hoplite is the worst. I don't fear it as much as stay away from it. I never start a war with Greece early on since not much can stand up to the Hoplite. I usually wait for Knights if I want to take them out early. Even that is tough and sometimes I wait for Cavalry.

AndyS

 

[Machi]

Immortals!

But I usually play Persia so I'm on the giving end not the receiving!

But they are so cheap to produce! Someone mentioned Samurais...Ha! They are more than twice as expensive to produce as Immortals.

The best defense is an overwhelming offense. No one will mess with you if you take the war to them.

btw Moonsinger, that is one hell of a story! I'm gonna keep it in the back of my mind and use it one day. Thanks!

 

[Lt. 'Killer' M.]

@ moonsinger: good one! I only run away to kill them in a suitable place, I never tried to counterattack like that! WOW!!!!!

@ rmsharpe: go Immortal! Build a stack of cheap Warriors while you wait for Ironworking. Then, reduce science to zero and collect the money (don't buy tech!!!) until you connect the iron. Now upgrade, and be then Greek-bane! Take several cities, then sell them peace for all their tech. This can get you a domination/conquest victory on deity with around 10 000 points. Forget Hoplites!