Difference between Metic and Perioikoi hoplites?

[TKHan]

I just started Sparta campaign recently and noticed that Metic and Perioikoi hoplites are very very (and I repeat, very) similar to each other.

The difference I see (hard campaign) are

1 Melee Attack
1 Melee Defense
5 Base Morale
17 Cost
4 Upkeep

The last thing is that one has square icon with spears on it while the other has diamond icon with spears.

Is there any significant reason I would choose Perioikoi over Metic except the cost and upkeep difference?

[Augustusng]

They upgrade into different units after the thureos reform (Metic Thureos Hoplites and Perioikoi Thureos Spearmen), but that's the biggest difference I think.

[Butan]

They are flavor units, corresponding to different spartans social class.
Spartan units can be : helot (slave), perioikoi (non-citizen dwelling into sparta territory), metic (non-citizen foreigners) and spartan (citizen soldiers).


To answer your questions: square/diamond shaped represent the heavy/very heavy unit class.
Also why choosing a metic other a perioikoi or the contrary is more about RP than strategy since they have very close stats.

[TKHan]

I see.
So I guess the icon themselves do not affect the actual gameplay.

Thank you guys for the reply.

[FlashHeart07]

The icon itself does not have an impact as far as I know. It is only there to help you determine whether the unit is heavy or a very heavy spear unit.