Larger ones, such as the ships, have 64 rotational frames to help them appear to move smoothly. Buildings are cleanly drawn and many are instantly recognisable as national landmarks like England's Houses of Parliament. Even the walls follow national styles - the strongest Russian wall looks identical to the one surrounding the Kremlin. To help manage such large numbers of troops, and deepen the strategic options open to players, Cossacks has a heavy emphasis on formations and large-scale organisation of soldiers. It also differs from other, similar games in that the landscapes, while displayed from a fixed perspective, vary in height - so troops with projectile weapons can stand on hillsides to fire over the heads of their compatriots.
Troops also march faster downhill.
Formations need an officer and a drummer to be created, and can only be made with certain quantities of troops. They receive benefits when holding their ground in formation, thanks to the stronger defence an organised group creates. Cossacks also has a heavy emphasis on naval warfare. Basic ships can fish for food, but more expensive and complicated ones can carry troops and cannons to cause serious damage to enemy coastlines. Galleons can fire inland, posing a huge threat to coastal settlements - so on maps with vulnerable coastlines your harbour will need protecting well.