It seems that you're using an outdated browser. Some things may not work as they should (or don't work at all).
We suggest you upgrade newer and better browser like: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Opera

×
Yes, I have played both games many, many times.
This is of course my observation. I have no hard data on statistics.

Biggest difference is that all weapon types cost exactly the same: around 1000 gold, and 1 Iron unit to produce

Peasants
Same as Lords 2: very weak, but very cheap salary: 1 gold per season

Macemen
Unlike in Lords 2, they move the same speed as the same units. Decent attack, weak defense.
Cannot defeat swordsmen, unlike in Lords 2.
So why hire them at all? VERY cheap salary of 2 gold per season- so great garrison troop

Pikemen: (aka Spearmen)
Unlike in Lords 2, they move the same speed as the same units. Decent defense, weak attack.
Cannot defeat swordsmen, unlike in Lords 2.
So why hire them at all? VERY cheap salary of 2 gold per season- so great garrison troop
Decent substitute for swordsmen if you have TONS of archers and just want some tough units for tanking but want to save on upkeep cost.

Swordsmen:
Unlike in Lords 2 (where they lose to every other unit but peasants), they are actually very competent.
They form the meat of my frontline for much of the game.
Another upside is that if you produce many swords, those can be used later for knights (knights require 1 unit of swords and 1 unit of armor). Salary: 10 gold per season

Axemen:
Ahhh, the lone unit that was removed for sequel. They supposedly are slightly better on the offense but poorer on defense than swordsmen. I haven't used them much, ever...anyone else did?
Better to accumulate swords since they can upgrade to knights (if you disband any unit in their home country - you get your weapons back as long as you have at least 50!)
Salary: 10 gold per season

Archers:
Core unit, essentially identical to their Lords 2 counterpart, huge range.
Neutral towns are defended ONLY by peasants, unlike in Lords 2, so all you need are archers early game.
Expensive salary, though! (16 gold per season!)

Crossbows:
Specialized unit,essentially identical to their Lords 2 counterpart: medium range, slower rate of fire, but great firepower, shreds armored units (Knights, swords, pikes)
Unlike in Lords 2, they are cheaper to upkeep than archers at 12 gold per season, so decent garrison unit if you don't plan on using them for attacking.

Knights:
Essentially identical to their Lords 2 counterpart: moves fast (the ONLY fast unit) best hand to hand combat stats.
Wanna upgrade your entire army of swordsmen to knights? Send them to their home county, disband them, rehire them as knights using their same swords as before + some armor!
Salary: 25 gold per season.
Post edited May 11, 2021 by UndeadHalfOrc