Oprichnik

The Oprichnik are heavy Cavalry units unique to the Russians in Age of Empires III. They are available at the Stable once Fortress Age is reached.

Overview
Although the Oprichnik is effective against both Light Infantry and Artillery Units, they lack the melee attack and large hit points possessed by other heavy cavalry, making them rather ineffective in melee combat. However, Oprichniks sacrifices this for their ability to deal bonus damage against Villagers and an additional bonus against Artillery. In addition, they also have a high siege attack against buildings that most other heavy cavalry do not have. This provides Oprichniks strong offensive capabilities in early games lacked by other heavy cavalry. Since Oprichniks have high siege damage and a bonus against settlers, they are useful for keeping up pressure by raiding enemy villagers and buildings early in the game. Even if unleashed in small groups, the overall result could be devastating to the victim if unleashed at the perfect strategic location. Their high siege attack enables them to destroy entire towns even in a moderately sized group if there is little to no resistance from the enemy. Note they are sort of like the bullies on the playground: They kill things smaller than them and should flee from military units. When raiding an enemy town use them to take out the outposts and forts (if any) while other units attack non-aggressive buildings. This way the outposts/forts will be destroyed before they can do major damage. Make sure not to engage Oprichniks in battle with other military units unless necessary, or if there is no worry about losing.

A strategic way of using Oprichniks in a battle is by taking advantage of their speed to flank an opposing army from one or both sides. Because of their bonus against artillery, they can be used them to take out enemy cannon or light infantry that may pose a threat to friendly infantry. When raiding an enemy town, use them to take out defensive buildings like outposts or offensive buildings like barracks, stables, and artillery foundaries. It is also helpful to let a small group run loose within the town to kill settlers. To maximize the effectiveness of the Oprichnik, upgrade them to Guard or to Imperial if possible. Use cards like "Cavalry Combat" and "Boyars" that increase the hitpoints and attack of the unit as well as the "Cavalry Cuirass" upgrade from the Arsenal. When fully upgraded with the upgrades listed above, the Oprichnik will have 575 hit points, 40 hand attack, and 150 siege attack.

A popular way of using these units are to use the "opr box". This strategy is usually used in 40 minute treaty games. The player gets 49 Oprichinks and 1 cavalry archer and put them in defensive formation turning them into a small organized super unit. Once the treaty ends, the small super unit rushes through enemy walls and take down important buildings like factories In just a matter of few seconds by using hit and run techniques. Since the super unit can quickly destroy buildings and run off to others, it will be nearly impossible for the enemy actually catch up and fight the Oprichinks. Counter them using ranged cavalry and heavy infantry aided by cavalry or ranged infantry, and anti cannons.

Upgrades
Oprichniks benefit from Technologies found in the Arsenal though, better improvements for them are available at the Stable once the player advances through the Ages.

Guard Oprichnik
The Guard Oprichnik is the next rank and is the first major upgrade of the Oprichnik. The Technology needed to produce them is available in the Industrial Age at the Stable. and is required prior to research. This Technology improves the hit points and the attack of the Oprichnik greatly; however, the multipliers as well as their speed remains the same.

Imperial Oprichnik
The Imperial Oprichnik is the next and final upgrade of the Oprichnik. The technology needed to produce them is available during the Imperial Age at the Barracks. and is required prior to research. This technology improves the hit points and the attack of the Oprichnik greatly; however, as with the earlier rank, the multipliers and speed do not change.

Shipments
This is a list of shipments that benefit Oprichniks in any way.

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Russians

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History
The Oprichniks were a group of secret police officers during the period in which Ivan the Terrible ruled. They are primarily used to suppress rebellions and are used to hunt down villagers and peasants whenever they opposed the regime.