Shimazu - Blacksmith at starting province helps pump out beefy samurai. Oda - Peasant Spam. Date- Bulletproof Naginats front line, with No Dachi flanks for max pain. Hardest - Ikko ikki - everyone hates you because of religion and unlike the Otoma, you cant just shoot everyone, also start in the middle which makes it even harder. Shogun 2 Question: What is the strongest melee unit in the game (highest armor and good damage) for defending a fort? Shogun II I am thinking of building units to put in critical area forts (that frequently get raided by sea-borne raiding parties or such) so I can march my standing armies away without having to double back. 'bulletproof samurai'? Is this thread about a history accurate personal computer game? Can you upload a picture of the computer animated bulletproof samurai (I want to see the armor) from personal computer game Total War: Shogun 2?

Apr 28, 2020

This guide gives an overview of the way the armies will progress through the campaign for both the original Shogun 2 campaign and the Rise of the Samurai expansion.

Introduction

Unlike other Total War games, Shogun 2's factions have a lot in common (barring some exceptions) when it comes to military progression. This is because the game represents what was a civil war between Japanese clans. This applies to all of the campaigns however this guide will focus on the Sengoku Jidai (original) and Gempei War (Rise of the Samurai) campaigns.
There is army diversity however and it manifests in two ways:

Faction speciality and bonuses
Research decisions

Faction speciality consists of bonuses to common units to steer army composition in particular directions (e.g. bow troops) as well as a small number of faction specific units (e.g. Daikyu Samurai). However, most units are unlocked by research, buildings and resources and it takes a long time to unlock all which forces the player will have to make a choice as to where they want to focus their research and the units this gives them access to. Captured buildings are usable even without the research to build them so it is a plausible strategy to focus on your strengths and leverage these for diversity. Campaign length plays a part as there are some technology choices that will not pay off in the shorter campaigns.

Sengoku Jidai Campaign

The main campaign starts in 1545 and runs to 1575/1580 or 1600 depending on campaign length. It is set during the Sengoku Jidai, or Warring States, period which started in 1467 with a war which saw the collapse of the Ashikaga Shogunate, the feudal military government of Japan. This power vacuum led to the rise of powerful Daimyo (warlords) fighting for control over puppet governments. The narrative for the player is to command one of these Daimyos, build support, take control of the Imperial seat of Kyoto and claim the title of Shogun.
There are three primary societal classes that participated in the wars: the Ashigaru who were the paid regulars (not militia or peasant levy), the Samurai who were the military elite of the clans (analogous to European knights) and the elite Sohei warrior monks who supported various sides in this conflict. Socially, the period also saw involvement by European powers, especially the Portuguese and the rise of a fanatical religious sect Ikko Ikki that sought to redefine the social order.

Sengoku Jidai Army Progression

Unit progression for the main clans is a multi-branch tree so it is hard to describe a linear path but there are some common aspects to recruitment. All Ashigaru units (Spear, Bow and Matchlock) are recruitable from the first level of Fort, Matchlock however requires technology to unlock. Bulletproof

The first two tiers of weapon Dojos (Spear, Bow and Sword) enable Samurai and Warrior Monk (in conjunction with Temples) units, the third tier buffs recruitment while the final unlocks Heroes. Cavalry relies on both weapon and cavalry Dojos so recruitment is focussed on the second and third tiers. Gunpowder units recruit from the Siege line requiring the third tier to get Matchlock Samurai.
In terms of technology, within the two main areas - Bushido and Way of Chi - there are branches that guide unit unlocks. Within Bushido, there is a branch under Strategy of Defence which covers all Yari, Naginata, Matchlock and Siege unlocks, while the Strategy of Attack branch covers Sword, Bow and Cavalry unlocks. Warrior Monks are unlocked via the Zen branch of the Way of Chi area.
As can be seen by the table below, Bow, Yari and Sword infantry is the most accessible, while Monks, Cavalry and Siege units require more focus, and may be assisted by faction starting positions and bonuses.

Sengoku Jidai Naval Progressions

Naval unit progression is quite straightforward as strong navies are not essential for campaign victory for some factions. Progression starts with traditional style vessels, with bow armed troops and defensive style vessels. As the game progresses, gunpowder and faster ships brings tactical diversity. The arrival of Europeans offers western vessels, troops and artillery via the naval building chain.
The first two tier unlock small and medium traditional weapon ships Bow Kobaya and Medium Bune as well as the matchlock armed Siege Tower Bune when the arts are researched.
The third tier unlocks the traditional Heavy Bune as well as a fast medium ship the Sengoku Bune. It also recruits the Fire Bomb Kobaya when the arts are researched. The final tier unlocks a diverse set of ships in the very heavy Nihon Maru, the fast heavy O Ataka Bune, the gunpowder armed Cannon Bune and Matchlock Kobaya
At the third tier there is a second branch when the Nanban Trade Port is available. This enables the Imported Matchlock Ashigaru Infantry, while the fourth tier unlocks European Cannons, Portuguese Tercos (Otomo) and the well-armed Nanban Trade Ship.

Chosokabe Clan

This clan has superior (cheaper and better) bow units: Ashigaru, Samurai, Warrior Monk and Hero. They also have the unique Daikyu Samurai Bow unit. As a result, bows will be a key part of this faction’s play style, and they’ll benefit from focusing on the Strategy of Attack branch of Bushido Arts. Their starting province has a port and the Wood resource which reduces the recruitment cost of ships.

Date Clan

This clan’s No-Dachi Samurai are superior (cheaper and better) which encourages an aggressive playing style, while they also have the unique unit Bulletproof Samurai which is a tough spear unit that can withstand bullets better than others. This faction doesn’t require too much specialisation to benefit from their perks but will require a slight focus on Strategy of Attack. Their starting province has a port and the Smithing speciality which enhances either armour or weapons.

Hojo Clan

The Hojo focus on siege techniques, both offensive and defensive. They have (cheaper and better) superior siege units: Fire Bomb Throwers, Fire Projecting Mangonels, Cannons and Fire Rockets. They also have a unique unit, the Hand Mortars. This faction will benefit from focusing on Strategy of Defence. Hojo start with two provinces, one with a Gold mine and the other with a port and the Smithing speciality which enhances either armour or weapons.

Hattori Clan

This clan’s strength is stealth which manifests as Kisho training for most of their infantry, and superior Kisho Ninjas. This gives them guerilla deployment but increases their cost and upkeep. Their unique unit is the Bandits who are recruitable from the Ninja chain. They also receive increased chance of to ninja actions and their Generals all start with Night Attack abilities. To take advantage of the superior units, they will benefit from the School of Shinobi branch of the Chi Arts. This clan starts in a landlocked province with the Ninja speciality.

Mori Clan

The Mori clan have superior (cheaper and better) naval units. They have the unique infantry unit Wako Raiders that are recruitable from Ports. To gain the benefits of their focus, they should concentrate on the Way of the Sea Bushido Arts. This clan’s starting province has a developed level 2 port (Harbour) and the Hallowed Ground speciality which enhances monks or all units’ morale.

Oda Clan

This clan has superior Ashigaru units: Yari, Bow and Matchlock which will shape the nature of their armies throughout the campaign. They also have the unique Long Yari Ashigaru unit which allows for pike and shot techniques. A unique p

Shogun 2 Bulletproof Samurai