Although Nereids are somewhat fragile, their special attack is devastating against other naval myth units and can also sink ships with ease. Due to the fact that they are killed easily they shouldn't engage groups of ships on their own. While their special attack guarantees that they will usually sink at least one, it's generally not worth it as any one ship is cheaper than a Nereid (though a loaded Transport Ship can easily be worth the trade). They will need back up from ranged ships if expected to survive. They are weak against ram ships, The Argo, and Heroes, and are especially vulnerable to aerial myth units like the Phoenix and Vermilion Bird, though only ranged land Heroes can attack a Nereid unless the Nereid gets too close to the shore. Furthermore, the Medusa and Mummy can instantly kill a Nereid close to the shore before she gets the chance to strike.
Overall, Nereids are quite special for a naval myth unit, with an attack bonus against myth units comparable to those of hero units, while having a somewhat lackluster effect on ships compared to a Kraken's instant kill, as well as fairly low hit points and regular attack compared to most other naval myth units (only the Servant and Hippocampus have less, both being available earlier and not really designed for combat purposes). Effectively, they act as a counter-unit against other naval myth units and the two amphibious myth units: the War Salamander and Azure Dragon. However, their slow speed can make this somewhat tricky. Fortunately, units like the Kraken and Azure Dragon can't move while using their own special attacks. Against the Carcinos, its explosion on death is strong enough to take a Nereid down with it, making it only somewhat favorable as a trade, while being a costly mistake to attack with groups.
The Nereids were the fifty nymphs of the sea. Many of them had important roles in mythology. They, like most nymphs, are beautiful creatures. The Nereids were often accompanied by hosts of sea creatures in their roving. But when the gentle nymphs went into battle, they rode fierce sharks who carried their mistresses tirelessly.
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—In-game help section
Trivia[]
Before the Extended Edition, Nereids had the ability to enter Transport Ships, despite being naval units themselves.
Due to a glitch, Mythic Rejuvenation has no effect on Nereids.
The concept of the Nereids riding on Sharks was most likely based upon a description of Nereid statues located within the Temple of Poseidon in Atlantis in Critias. However, within the text, it is mentioned the statues included Dolphins, not Sharks.
Every element of the Nereid's model reuses assets of other units. The Nereid herself uses the same model and texture as the Caladria (minus the wings), her trident is the same as the Destroyer's, and the Shark is the same model as the decorative unit.
Mythic Rejuvenation (
