There are over 200 different types units in Rise of Nations, ranging from the Ancient Age Hoplite to the Information Age Attack Helicopter. All military units are created from military buildings, including the barracks, stable, siege factory, dock, airfield, missile silo and fortress. All unit types, such as Light Infantry, Heavy Infantry, and Ranged Cavalry, are upgraded as the player advances through the ages. These upgrades usually represent revolutionary changes in their particular field; for example, the Arquebusier of the Gunpowder Age becomes the Musketeer of the Enlightenment Age, representing the great advantage of flintlock muskets over the earlier matchlock muskets and shown by increased attack power and reload speed.
Each nation gets its own set of unique units; the Greeks get the Companion Cavalry and the Russians get the Cossack. Because of the wide variety of units in the game, the strategy factor becomes more diverse, allowing the player to make more choices and decisions regarding units. Units in Rise of Nations are very heavily balanced against each other, each having its own counter and a roughly equal cost, although perhaps in different resources discouraging any great diversity in armies. Units scale in cost as well, increasing in cost as their numbers increase. This encourages greater diversity as costs for specific units rise to prohibitive levels as more of those specific units are produced.
Barracks
Barracks units usually provide the backbone of most armies, requiring, as they do, food, the easily acquired and constantly produced resources, and because barracks are possible of being built in the first age.
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Infantry |
Slingers | Javelineers | Elite Javelineers | ||||||
| Gunpowder Infantry |
Arquebusiers | Musketeers | Riflemen | ||||||
| Modern Infantry |
Infantry | Assault Infantry | |||||||
| Heavy Infantry |
Hoplites | Phalanx | Pikemen | Elite Pikemen | Fusiliers | Anti-Tank Rifle | Bazooka | Anti-Tank Missile | |
| Ranged Infantry |
Bowmen | Archers | Crossbowmen | Crossbowmen | (Upgrades into Musketeers) | ||||
| Scouts | Scout | Scout | Explorer | Explorer | Explorer | Commando | Special Forces | Elite Special Forces | |
| Machine Guns |
Machine Gun | Heavy Machine Gun | Advanced Machine Gun | ||||||
| Flamethrowers | Flamethrower | Flamethrower | Flamethrower |
Stable or Auto Plant
Stable units are often found in early Commando|raiding armies and are often to be found flanking an enemy. Their speed is their most valuable attribute, and they provide flexibility to armies.
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Cavalry | Light Horse | Light Cavalry | Elite Light Cavalry | Hussar | Armoured Car | Armoured Scout Car | Armoured Cavalry | ||
| Heavy Cavalry | Cataphract | Knight | Heavy Knight | Cuirassier | Light Tank | Tank | Main Battle Tank | ||
| Ranged Cavalry | Horse Archer | Heavy Horse Archer | Dragoon | Carabineer | (Upgrades into Armoured Car) |
Siege Factory or Factory
Siege units are integral to any invading force, providing the heavy backup needed to secure key positions in enemy territory, allowing units to capture and hold cities, and destroy fortresses. The Siege Factory also provides Supply Wagons, needed to feed and clothe troops in enemy territory, minimizing the effects of attrition.
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artillery | Catapult | Trebuchet | Bombard | Cannon | Artillery | Howitzer | Rocket Artillery | ||
| Anti-Aircraft | Anti-Aircraft Gun | Anti-Aircraft Battery | Anti-Aircraft Missile | ||||||
| Supply Wagons | Supply Wagon | -same- | -same- | Supply Truck | -same- | -same- |
Dock, Anchorage or Shipyard
Ships can be built after the first Science tech is researched. They play a major part in water maps. The wars ships are weak and pathetic until the Medieval Age when Fireships make naval warfare interesting and Heavy Ships really become distinct from Light Ships.
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Ships | Bark | Dromon | Caravel | Corvette | Sloop | Destroyer | Cruiser | Missile Cruiser | |
| Heavy Ships | Trireme | Galley | Carrack | Frigate | Man o' War | Dreadnought | Battleship | Advanced Battleship | |
| Fireships | Fire Raft | Heavy Fire Raft | Fireship | Heavy Fireship | Submarine | -same- | Attack Submarine | ||
| Aircraft Carriers | Aircraft Carrier | -same- | |||||||
| Bombardment Ships | Bomb Vessel | Bomb Ketch | (Upgrades into Dreadnought) | ||||||
| Fishermen | Fishermen | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- |
Airfield
Can be built only past the Industrial Age, the airfield opens a new stage for fighting: the air.
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bombers | Bomber | Strategic Bomber | Stealth Bomber | ||||||
| Fighters | Biplane | Fighter | Jet Fighter | Advanced Fighter | |||||
| Helicopters | Helicopter | Attack Helicopter | -same- |
Fortress
Apart from allowing the greatest defensive strategies to be put in place, the Fortress allows the creation of Generals to boost the troops' performance and Spies to watch your enemy build themselves to their doom.
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generals | General | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | |
| Spies | Spy | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- |
City
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizens | Citizen | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- |
| Militia* | Militia | -same- | -same- | Minutemen | -same- | -same- | Partisan | -same- |
- Must be accompanied by 'Milita' research at the tower; Citizens then gain a 'To Arms' button on their Control palette
Market
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan | Caravan | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- |
| Merchant | Merchant | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- |
Patriot Units
- Despot
- Senator
- Monarch
- President
- CEO
- Comrade
Unique Units
Each nation can produce exclusive units which are more powerful than the line of units they replace.
- Aztec
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Infantry | Atl-Atls | Royal Atl-Atls | Xopilli Atl-Atls | ||||||
| Modern Infantry | Jaguar Infantry | Jaguar Assault Infantry | -same- |
- Bantu
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Infantry | Umpakati | Yangombi Umpakati | Impi Umpakati | ||||||
| Fighter Aircraft | Hawk Fighter | Eagle Fighter |
- British
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunpowder Infantry | Highlanders | Black Watch | |||||||
| Foot Archers | Longbowmen | King's Longbowmen | King's Yeomanry | ||||||
| Bomber Aircraft | Lancaster Bomber |
- Chinese
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Infantry | Fire Lances | ||||||||
| Gunpowder Infantry | Heavy Fire Lances | Manchu Musketeers | Manchu Riflemen | ||||||
| Modern Infantry | Manchu Infantry |
- Egyptians
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Cavalry | Light Camel | Camel Warrior | Elite Camel Warrior | ||||||
| Ranged Cavalry | Chariot | Heavy Chariot | Mameluke | Royal Mameluke |
- French
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cavalry | Chevalier | Heavy Chevalier | Horse Grenadier | Horse Guard Grenadier |
- Germans
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Infantry | Volksgrenadiers | ||||||||
| Heavy Infantry | Solduri | Barbarian | Vandal | Landsknecht | |||||
| Heavy Cavalry | Tiger Tank | Leopard Tank | -same- | ||||||
| Machine Gun | MG 42 |
- Greeks
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cavalry | Companion | Royal Companion | Stratiotai | Royal Stratiotai |
- Inca
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Infantry | Inti Clubmen | Royal Inti Macemen | |||||||
| Artillery | Mortar | Siege Mortar |
- Japanese
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Infantry | Ashigaru Spearmen | Bushi | Elite Bushi | Samurai | Gun Samurai |
- Koreans
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foot Archers | Hwarang | Elite Hwarang | Royal Hwarang | Elite Royal Hwarang | |||||
| Artillery | Flaming Arrow | Heavy Flaming Arrow |
- Maya
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Infantry | Balamob Slinger | Royal Balamob Slinger | Eagle Balamob Slinger | ||||||
| Heavy Infantry | Recoiless Gun | Dragon AT Missile |
- Mongols
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalry Archers | Nomad | Steppe Nomad | Horde | Golden Horde |
- Nubians
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foot Archers | Kushite Archer | Royal Kushite Archer | Apedemak Archer | ||||||
| Cavalry Archers | Camel Archer | Heavy Camel Archer | Camel Raider | Camel Corps |
- Romans
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Infantry | Legion | Caesar's Legion | Praetorian Guard |
- Russians
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Infantry | Red Guards Infantry | Shock Infantry | -same- | ||||||
| Light Cavalry | Rusiny Lancer | Cossack | Don Cossack | ||||||
| Heavy Cavalry | T-80 | -same- | |||||||
| Artillery | Katyusha Rocket |
- Spanish
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Infantry | Scutari | Royal Scutari | Tercios | Royal Tercios |
- Turks
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunpowder Infantry | Janissaries | Royal Janissaries | |||||||
| Artillery | Basilica Bombard | Basilica Cannon |
Thrones and Patriots Unique Units
- Americans
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunpowder Infantry | Continental Marines | Marine Riflemen | |||||||
| Modern Infantry | Marine Infantry | Assault Marines | -same- |
- Lakota
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranged Cavalry | Sunka Wakan | Eagle Feather Horse | Musket Horse | Repeating Rifle Horse |
- Iroquois
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scouts | Takohs | -same- | Akweks | -same- | Okwari | ||||
| Heavy Infantry | Spearmen | Mohawk Spearmen | Heavy Mohawk Spearmen | Elite Mohawk Spearmen |
- Persians
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Infantry | Immortal | Anusiya | Athanoi | Arquebus Immortal | |||||
| Elephants* | War Elephant | Mahout | Gun Mahout | Culverin Mahout |
- A unique unit type available to the Persians and Indians at the Stable.
- Indians
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elephants* | War Elephant | Mahout | Gun Mahout | Culverin Mahout | - |
- A unique unit type available to the Persians and Indians at the Stable.
- Dutch
| Unit Type |
Ancient Age |
Classical Age |
Medieval Age |
Gunpowder Age |
Enlightenment Age |
Industrial Age |
Modern Age |
Information Age |
Post- Information Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Ships | Brig | Fluyt | Clipper | ||||||
| Merchant | Armed Merchant | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- |
| Caravan | Armed Caravan | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- |
| Supply Wagon | Armed Supply Wagon | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same- | -same |