Despite having a similar thread here, I open this topic for discussing and analyzing the Russian faction and it's possibilities in MP. Tips, Tactics, Strategies from MP players are always welcome.
The Russian Military in NTW MP.
While playing Russia in multiplayer, you should think differently. What I mean is that etw's/early ntw's tactics of harassing enemy with 125 range snipers and sharpshooters and then pound them with powerful line infantry volleys just won't do. The thing is that Russia doesn't have any 125 range snipers (like France) and her infantry suffers from poor shooting skills. (Russian Lifeguard (45) is worse in shooting than British Line infantry (50))
Usually people, having played once as Russia using the standard tactics find Russia rather weak in MP because the basic tactics don't work with them. The russian line get pwned in firefight against any line infantry (though it takes more time to shoot the russian line out due to their higher morale)
So, to play Russia efficiently, one has to bear in mind several points.
• Russian army has bad shooting skills across the board. In prolonged firefight It will eventually loose to anyone with higher shooting abilities.
• Russian infantry has better morale across the board (except for the Elite French Old Guard) Militia has 5 morale (others have 4), Line infantry has 7 (others 6 except Britain is 7 but a lot more expensive), grenadiers 9 (others 8), Pavlovsk grenadiers 10, lifeguard 12
• Russian infantry has the best melee skills.
• Russian infantry has the best charge in the game (Pavlovsk grenadiers with 22 charge are like 19th century tanks)
• Russia has a very diverse choice of cavalry. When it comes to value/cost it has some great options (Cossacks for instance)
• Russian artilley pwns everything hard. The unicorns are weapons of mass destruction if used properly. Combination of targeting and inspire makes them snipers from the artillery.
Russian Multiplayer Roster - unit details, their role and usage.
To be continued