The Unit combination of one company may simply be superior to the other. The formation each company was in when conflict started will alter how effective each company is. Whether or not a hero leads one of the companies may change the course of the combat. And there are more factors for players to discover. Infantry units are the basic warrior units controlled by the players.
Cavalry are faster and more agile, but more expensive.
Archers of course provide ranged support to the infantry. Specialty units include the engineer and the settlers. These units are used to build and repair structures such as settlements, mines, and outposts. Support units are generally magic wielding units capable of casting spells during combat. The spells can heal friendly units, blast away at the enemy, summon monsters to fight for them, or even freeze enemies in their tracks.