Religious conflict, power struggles and personal greed are driving Central Europe ever deeper into chaos. Alliances are forged and broken, convictions are traded for gold and entire regions are sacrificed to serve the interests of a privileged few. It is up to you whether you fight for a cause amid this turmoil or pursue nothing but your own rise to power.

Pike & Shot

• From heavily armed mounted pistoleers and formidable formations of pikemen and greatswordsmen to devastating field artillery, the game features everything the Pike & Shot era has to offer.

• Command your troops yourself or leave individual formations or even your entire army to the AI and simply watch the events unfold on the battlefield – however you prefer.

• The behaviour of every individual soldier is simulated in real time. Although he will generally obey your orders, he will also try to preserve his own life. Stamina, morale and his current situation on the battlefield all play a decisive role in determining his behaviour.

War feeds war.

• Recruit soldiers, equip them and lead them into the field. Every victory provides the resources needed to maintain your army and finance your next campaign.

• Decide how you treat the civilian population. Plunder, protection or exploitation – every action will have lasting consequences.

• Your troops and the civilian population must be fed, but food first has to be produced. Pillaging, recruitment and failed harvests all affect its regional availability. A clever strategist will know how to use these circumstances to their advantage.