Varangian Guards — “Axes of the North” Heavy Shock Infantry
High‑impact frontline unit that toggles between shield defence and axe‑powered burst to obliterate enemy lines.
1 | Quick Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Era / Tier | ★★★★★ Golden (Season XII Helheim) |
| Unit Size | 16 guards |
| Leadership | 290 L |
| Primary Arms | Sword & Shield (defence) → Two‑Handed Axe (burst) |
| Role | Form impenetrable shield wall, build Rage, then toggle to axe mode for devastating cleaves. |
2 | Rage & Orders
Units accumulate Rage by blocking or scoring kills. Spend Rage to toggle axe mode and unleash skills.
| Order (CD) | Rage Cost | Effect | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unbreakable (7 s) | — | Shield‑wall: –30 % damage taken, –40 % move/attack speed; post‑block +30 % damage for 1.4 s. | Use on approach to soak arrows or pike charges. |
| Raging Onslaught | Toggle (50 R to enter, 20 R per skill) | Swap to axes: +400 flat damage & armour pen; unlocks two Rage skills. | Activate at ≥ 80 R, reserve Rage for follow‑up sweeps. |
| Great Sweep (0 R) | 20 R | 180° axe cleave with high knockback; bonus vs infantry. | Core AoE attack—chain multiple while Rage allows. |
| Shatter Shield (0 R) | 20 R | Overhead axe smash that breaks shield blocks and staggers defenders. | Use first to break Fortes or Paladins, then sweep. |
Engagement Loop: Unbreakable → block to build Rage → toggle Onslaught → Shatter Shield → Great Sweep spam
3 | Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Exceptional shield‑breaker: best block‑break skill in the game.
- Flexible dual‑mode: tank or burst based on Rage.
- High burst DPS when fully charged.
Weaknesses
- Slow baseline: ineffective until sufficient Rage.
- Small squad; losses significantly reduce damage.
- Vulnerable to cavalry dives during axe‑mode (no shield block).
4 | Veterancy Paths
| Path | Bonuses | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Shield Brothers (Top) | +10 % melee DR, Unbreakable CD –1 s, +block DR | You primarily soak heavy ranged or pike damage. |
| Axes of the North (Bottom) | +15 % infantry damage, +armour pen, +attack speed in Onslaught | You focus on burst‑cleaves after pinning enemy. |
Most players favor the Bottom path for maximum burst potential.
5 | Doctrine Setup
6 | Micro & Combos
- Shield Approach: Activate Unbreakable, advance to block incoming fire.
- Toggle Axe: At ≥ 80 R use Raging Onslaught, then immediately Shatter Shield.
- Clear: Spam Great Sweep 3–4 times while Rage permits.
- Reform: When Rage < 20, switch back, use Unbreakable, rebuild Rage.
Ensure a friendly shield/pike line covers your flank during axe mode.
7 | Deployment Advice
| Mode | Timing & Positioning |
|---|---|
| Siege Attack | Post‑breach: form shield wall under arrow fire, then burst defenders with axes. |
| Siege Defence | Anchor at inner gate, let foes cluster, then axe‑mode wipe. |
| Field Battle | Stand behind shield infantry; once pinned, toggle in to cleave. |
8 | Counters & Synergies
Best Allies
- Shield units (Paladins, Men‑at‑Arms) to pin enemy front.
- CC heroes (Poleaxe, Maul) to lock targets for Sweeps.
Hard Counters
- Cavalry charges that exploit lack of brace in axe mode.
- Ranged AoE (Flamethrowers, Shenji) bypass shields.
Key Takeaway
Master the shield‑tank → rage‑burst cycle to deliver crushing axe combos. Varangian Guards epitomize the dual‑role shock infantry—unbreakable defense, unstoppable offense.