Tanks of the Industrial Age, Modern Age and Information Age.
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This article is about the unit type. For the Modern Age unit, see Tank. |
Tanks are a type of units in Rise of Nations and part of the Cavalry branch. They become available in the Industrial Age, upgrading and replacing Heavy Cavalry. Tanks are built at the Auto Plant, an automatic upgrade of the Stable. Upgrading and producing Tanks requires both Oil and Metal.
Packed with heavy armor and guns, tanks are generally very effective when fighting other vehicles, including support units and Artillery Weapons, as well as civilian units. They are also somewhat useful when going against certain types of infantry (Machine Guns, Flamethrowers) or buildings. In formations, tanks take up the front line, along with Ranged Cavalry vehicles. They move fairly slowly, however, and may slow down the progress of an army.
Tanks can be countered with Heavy Infantry and Helicopters.
Upgrade table
| Age | Unit |
|---|---|
 Ancient Age
|
- |
 Classical Age
|
Cataphract |
 Medieval Age
|
Knight |
 Gunpowder Age
|
Heavy Knight |
 Enlightenment Age
|
Cuirassier |
 Industrial Age
|
Light Tank |
 Modern Age
|
Tank |
 Information Age
|
Main Battle Tank |
Strategies and Tactics
Tanks are extremely effective against Modern Infantry, and can easily break apart a massed rush. Tanks are most effective in either a thin line or a column, the former being able to outflank the enemy and the latter being able to punch a hole in their defenses. However, both formations give Heavy Infantry ample opportunity to ambush and destroy the Tanks. Thus, light infantry and Ranged Cavalry should accompany them into combat. As well, Tanks are helpless against aircraft, thus they also need Fighter cover or Anti-Aircraft support.
Tanks are useful for localized tactics, as well. For instance, if an enemy Machine Gun nest is holding up an advance, a Tank rush is capable of destroying it and allowing the army to continue its advance.