What Skirmishers, Tanks, Artillery, and More Actually Do in Wargames
Every wargame — whether historical, sci‑fi, or fantasy — relies on a mix of unit roles that shape how battles unfold. Understanding these roles is one of the fastest ways to improve your tactical decision‑making. Instead of treating units as interchangeable stat blocks, you start seeing them as tools with specific battlefield jobs.
This guide breaks down the most common unit roles, what they’re designed to do, and how to use them effectively.
🏹 Skirmishers
Skirmishers are fast, flexible units built for harassment and disruption rather than direct confrontation.
What they do
Harass enemy lines with ranged attacks
Screen your army by blocking charges or absorbing early fire
Grab objectives thanks to high mobility
Force bad decisions by threatening flanks
When to use them
Deploy skirmishers early to shape the battlefield. They excel at softening targets, delaying enemy advances, and creating openings for your heavier units.
🛡 Infantry (Line Troops)
Infantry are the backbone of most armies — reliable, adaptable, and essential for holding ground.
What they do
Hold objectives with staying power
Form defensive lines to protect vulnerable units
Trade efficiently in prolonged fights
Support specialists by providing bodies and board control
When to use them
Use infantry to anchor your formation and create zones the enemy must respect. They’re rarely flashy, but they win games through consistency.
🧱 Heavy Infantry
Heavily armored troops that excel at absorbing punishment and pushing through tough positions.
What they do
Tank damage that would wipe out lighter units
Break enemy lines with superior durability
Hold chokepoints against overwhelming odds
When to use them
Send heavy infantry into the thickest fighting. They’re perfect for grinding matches, objective holding, and spearheading assaults.
🛞 Cavalry
Cavalry units are all about speed, shock, and decisive strikes.
What they do
Flank enemy formations
Run down weakened units
Deliver high‑impact charges
Exploit gaps created by your frontline
When to use them
Cavalry shine when used surgically. Don’t throw them into the front line — wait for the right moment to hit exposed targets.
🛡 Tanks (or Heavy Vehicles)
Tanks are mobile fortresses designed to dominate open ground.
What they do
Absorb massive damage
Project threat across long distances
Break fortifications or entrenched positions
Anchor armored pushes
When to use them
Use tanks to control lanes, bully lighter units, and force your opponent to commit resources to deal with them. They’re best in open terrain where they can maneuver freely.
💥 Artillery
Artillery is the long‑range powerhouse of many wargames, capable of shaping the battlefield without ever seeing the enemy.
What they do
Bombard enemy positions from safety
Break up formations
Force movement by making areas dangerous
Softens targets before your main force engages
When to use them
Artillery is ideal for punishing static armies, clearing entrenched units, and applying pressure across the board. Protect them — they’re devastating but fragile.
🎯 Snipers & Precision Units
These specialists excel at removing key targets with surgical accuracy.
What they do
Eliminate leaders or support units
Disrupt enemy combos by removing buff sources
Force cautious play from your opponent
When to use them
Deploy snipers to dismantle enemy synergies. They’re perfect for picking off medics, commanders, or artillery spotters.
🧪 Support Units
Support units don’t always deal damage, but they make your army significantly stronger.
What they do
Buff friendly units (accuracy, defense, morale)
Debuff enemies
Repair or heal
Provide utility like smoke, teleportation, or rerolls
When to use them
Support units amplify your strategy. Keep them safe and pair them with units that benefit most from their abilities.
🐾 Monsters & Elite Units
These are your heavy hitters — expensive, powerful, and often game‑defining.
What they do
Deal massive damage
Soak hits that would destroy normal troops
Intimidate opponents into changing their plans
When to use them
Use elites to punch through critical points or counter enemy power units. They’re best deployed where they can make a decisive impact.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Understanding unit roles transforms your gameplay. Instead of reacting to what your opponent does, you start shaping the battle around your strengths. Every unit becomes a tool — and once you know what each tool is for, your strategy becomes sharper, cleaner, and far more effective.