Hector is the dutiful son of Priam and champion of Troy. Famed for his fighting prowess, noble nature and dedication to his family, Hector heroically led the Trojan forces in defence of their land, in the war his brother provoked by stealing Helen away and bringing her back to Troy – though he did not approve of this war and criticised his brother’s indiscretions, he nonetheless carried out his duty with skill and bravery. (Apart from a few displays of cowardice and temper in the Iliad that the 2004 movie forgets and which make him a more complicated character, but whatever.)
The Trojan war saw Hector take down several Greek rivals, including Patroclus, whose death sparked Achilles to rejoin the Achaean forces and eventually bring about an end to Hector’s life. Though Hector dies a hero’s death, the cool thing about A Total War Saga: Troy is you get to rewrite the story. You can ensure the good guy wins for once, have Hector triumph over Achilles, defend his city from the greed of Agamemnon, and even ascend to its throne and counter-attack to punish the Greeks for their wrath before returning home to his beloved family.
As the champion of Troy and its foremost defender, Hector’s campaign is all about diplomacy and defence. You’ll build a network of allies to strengthen the kingdom and your forces. Such allies will give you several buffs that aren’t such a big deal while your influence is small, but by the time The Assuwan League collectively controls 60 regions, you get a blanket -20% off army upkeep, +20% campaign movement, and +30 to morale. Pretty crazy. On a more personal level, you’ll be competing with your wimpy brother Paris for the affections of your father, King Priam, with the assimilation of Paris’s faction and the city of Troy your ultimate reward, leaving you more than equipped to eliminate your family’s rivals. Just make sure your brother doesn’t steal your thunder.
First order of business is to defeat the broken Makarian army and take Gargara to secure your starting province of Ide – a completely trivial goal that you can easily achieve on your first turn. The Makarians are tougher than some initial opponents in that they have two further settlements on Lesbos to the south, but don’t be deterred – Lesbos gives access to stone, bronze, and a myth unit (harpies) and thus is highly desirable, especially in the early game. Methynma, which holds its third and final region, are friendly – but they have no allies so you may as well take them out to unify the island.
Hector Unique units and battle playstyle
Hector has tough, heavy, expensive, well-armed units that can hold the line, not run, and grind the enemy down in crushing frontal attacks. Hector can’t recruit archer heroes, however. Hector’s Chosen are medium sword and shield infantry, immune to flanking with excellent attack; Champions of Troy and Guards of Troy are heavy spear and shield infantry with good defence and shielded/switch weapons, plus champs get a special missile weapon.
