This 2009 DLC, *Elite Units of the West*, enhances the grand strategy title *Empire: Total War* by adding 14 unique, high-tier infantry and cavalry units for major Western factions, requiring the base game for access. It focuses purely on tactical depth, integrating these superior troops into existing single-player campaigns and battle modes without introducing new mechanics or storylines, offering tacticians more specialized army composition options.
The primary focus of this DLC is the introduction of 14 entirely new, unique military units specifically tailored for the major Western factions within the game's setting. These units are positioned as elite formations, representing the pinnacle of training and equipment available to their respective nations.
These additions consist of both new infantry and cavalry types. Each unit is equipped with superior weaponry and has undergone rigorous military conditioning, setting them apart from standard line units available in the base game.
The 14 Elite Units of the West become available for use within the existing game modes of the parent title. In the single-player campaign, these units unlock under specific historical or technological conditions relevant to the faction fielding them. Furthermore, they are fully integrated into both single-player battle scenarios and multiplayer engagements, provided the player selects the appropriate faction.
While this content does not add new maps, mechanics, or a separate campaign narrative, its impact is concentrated on tactical variety. By adding specialized, high-tier units, the content provides tacticians with additional options for composing armies and countering enemy forces on the battlefield. The scope is focused on unit roster enhancement rather than broad feature expansion.
The core loop remains the grand strategy and real-time tactical combat of the base game. This DLC specifically enriches the tactical layer by offering more specialized tools for commanders to deploy during battles, allowing for more nuanced army composition and deployment strategies against opponents.