Swedes

The Swedish Empire became one of the greatest in Europe through innovation in military tactics and logistics. Its artillery and cavalry charges dominated the battlefields, particularly during the Thirty Years War. Despite a relatively small population, the Swedes fielded some of the largest armies in Europe, partly through the recruitment of mercenaries.

In Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, Gustavus Adolphus is the cunning and aggressive tactician that he was in life. He strives for superior military technology and likes to attack early. Gustavus prefers to engage the enemy in close combat and dominate the battlefield with artillery barrages.

Civilization Bonuses

• Torps gather nearby resources.
• Mercenary shipments are cheaper and arrive more quickly.
• Advanced improvements available at the Arsenal.

Royal guard units:

• Dalkarl (Pikeman)
• Drabant (Hakkapelit)

Unique Units

Carolean The Carolean is a unique Swedish infantry unit that replaces the Musketeer and is available starting in the Commerce Age. It can be trained at the Barracks. Caroleans fire faster and are swifter in melee mode than most ranged infantry units, and their strengths can be heavily customized through the use of Home City cards. They are particularly effective against cavalry units at range and infantry units in a melee, but, like other infantry units, are vulnerable to Skirmishers and artillery.

Leather Cannon The Leather Cannon is a unique Swedish artillery unit that replaces the Skirmisher and is available starting in the Commerce Age. It can be trained at the Artillery Foundry. Leather Cannons are cheaper, more easily repositioned, and faster-firing than most artillery units, but have less hit points, armor, and range in comparison. They are particularly effective against infantry units, but vulnerable to artillery fire and melee attacks, especially from cavalry.

Hakkapelit The Hakkapelit is a unique Swedish cavalry unit that can be trained at the Stable and is available starting in the Fortress Age. However, the March of the Hakkapelits card from the Home City allows Hakkapelits to be trained in the Commerce Age. Hakkapelits deal more melee damage than Hussars and have the ability to utilize an additional ranged attack, but they are less durable in comparison. They are particularly effective against light infantry units and artillery, but vulnerable to anti-cavalry units such as Pikemen and Dragoons.

Unique Buildings

Torp The Torp is a unique Swedish building that replaces the House and is available starting in the Settlement Age. It can be constructed by Settlers. Torps are necessary to support the expanding population of a growing town. There is a limit on the number of Torps that you can build in a single game. Torps can also automatically gather from nearby resources and, through the usage of certain technologies and Home City cards, spawn certain units and resources.

Stockholm, the Swedish Home City in Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition