Impi (Civ5)

== Game Info ==
Unique melee unit of the Zulu civilization. Replaces the Pikeman.
* Common abilities:
** 
* Special abilities:
** 
** 
== Strategy ==
The Impi is the legendary warrior of the Zulus, and one of the most powerful units of its time. When attacking other units, Impis first throw spears in the manner of a ranged attack (dealing some damage without receiving any), then follow up with a regular melee attack.
This acts as two attacks for experience purposes (allowing Impis to gain experience at up to double the speed of normal Pikemen), but one for costs. Note that when defending, the Impis don't perform the extra attack, meaning that their defensive strength is "normal" compared to other units. The end result is a significant increase in their offensive strength, as well as quick promotions.
The best use of the Impi is in swarming attacks. Large numbers of Impis are often too powerful for opponents to adequately counter. Thanks to the Zulus' unique ability regarding -50% maintenance costs for melee units, the Zulus are well designed to take advantage of an Impi swarm. Large numbers of Impis become more important the closer you get to the unit's obsolescence, as Musketmen and Riflemen cannot gain access to the Ikanda promotions that contribute to the strength of the Impis.
When defending, Impis become increasingly susceptible to damage, especially from gunpowder units. However, when attacking, they remain competitive thanks to their 25% bonus against gunpowder units. Their relatively low costs will also aid in the quick construction of a sizable military by the early Renaissance Era.
Impis upgrade to Riflemen rather than Lancers. As such, they become obsolete with Rifling rather than Metallurgy, and remain on the battlefield until the early Industrial Era; furthermore, the anti-cavalry and anti-gunpowder combat bonuses, along with the spear throw, are not retained after upgrading to the Riflemen, so the Zulus will have to either refrain from upgrading some Impis, or research Metallurgy and train Lancers instead. However, the newly upgraded Riflemen still maintain the Ikanda promotions, making them faster and stronger than other Riflemen, whether trained later by the Zulus or those trained by other civilizations.
== Civilopedia entry ==
== Gallery ==
Impi in-game (Civ5).jpg|Impi in game
Impi.jpeg|Real-life Zulu Impi reenactors
== Related achievements ==
== See also ==
* Impi in other games
Category:Units (Brave New World)
Category:Zulu
ru:Импи (Civ5)