Total War Saga: Troy - Menelaus Game Guide

Due to the global recruitment mechanism, which allows him to access his best squads from anywhere in the world, he has to pay only a slightly longer recruitment time and slightly more resources. On top of that, he can recruit units from his allies - a terrific advantage if you're, say, friends with Achilles, who have a lot of strong units.

 

As usual in Total War, be careful not to form alliances indiscriminately: if a defending ally is attacked, you will have to start a war against the aggressor, and the same will have to be done if your ally is the first to attack. You must join him. If you refuse, violating the terms of the alliance, everyone will come to the conclusion that you cannot be trusted. This will make future contracts more difficult, and will be especially bad in this game, given how important barter is in a new economy with a wide variety of resources. The Call to Arms skill is the most powerful reason for making alliances, as they will provide you with many bonuses. But do not forget that you give certain obligations.

 

The Spartan colony mechanic allows you to populate any destroyed settlements without having to send an army there. It sounds incredible, but do not forget that this takes resources, and no one forbids you to use traditional mechanics (which will just allow you to save them). This means that you can destroy cities for resources and then repopulate them the very next turn, without having to wait for power to regenerate, so that Menelaus can advance through enemy territories. Also remember that military allies give you their line of sight. Thanks to this, you can see Achilles burning cities, and at the same time quickly intercept them, taking control without even being there. Menelaus is ridiculously strong and easy and fun to play with. Recommended for beginners.

 

Starting position of Menelaus

Menelaus starts at Lacedaemon, on the southeast coast of Greece. Destroying the Spartan rebels on the first turn is surprisingly easy, and the next you can colonize Etis. Tiryns is a real obstacle: replenish your army to 12-15 units as soon as possible, and then move it through the island. If you hurry, you can unite Lacedaemon by turn 5-6. And if you do that, you can use Crit. On the first turn, you can remotely populate Lappa and Kissamos, but in both cases there is not enough wood.

 

Mechanics of Menelaus

Spartan colonies

You can remotely colonize any destroyed settlement that you find (just see) on the map. Without having to send an army there! But if the army still advances to the settlement and colonizes it as usual, you will avoid additional expenses.

Call to arms

This is the only faction that can use global recruitment. In this case, you can even hire allied units. Both mechanics combined give you a pretty clear incentive to build multiple alliances, as you'll be able to see what your allies see, giving you plenty of targets to capture from a distance. You can also recruit allied units through global recruitment. Sparta is a simple yet powerful faction.

 

Menelaus' Unique Units and Fighting Style

Menelaus cannot recruit archer heroes, but benefits from devastating heavy infantry combined with slingers that can attack from a distance. He has three unique units:

• Ax Protectors - Heavy infantry with two-handed axes, charge and excellent armor penetration.
• Axe Heroes - Heavy infantry with ax and shield, armor and superior penetration.
• Light Spear Runners - Light spear and shield infantry with the ability to switch weapons. Of the advantages - excellent penetration of armor and great mobility.