Hirdmenn

Overall strategy
As an elite unit, Hirdmenn exemplify the Norse propensity for infantry combat. These men aren't simple hicks or brigands but instead form a corps of veteran frontliners for any Viking chief or king capable to recruit them. Despite their slow movement and attack speed, Hirdmenn are highly regarded and are good counter-infantry units, capable of destroying enemy formations if properly managed thanks to their slow but powerful anti-armour attacks, thanks to their body armour and powerful greataxes.

Their only problem, however, might be meeting unique units which have better defensive stats. Towers will also stop them in their tracks. Equally devastating too, is heavy cavalry — the added height of Lancers and Knights makes it an easy task to gaffe the life out of them since all Hirdmenn are armed with are just clumsy axes. Nevertheless, the ability to spawn these fearsome warriors with each Barracks constructed by the Norse player means that they are still a very powerful asset, handily providing the Norse with a good defensive unit to support a mid-game rush or defensive boom in the late game.