Axom Unit Types: A Complete Guide to All Units

Overview of Unit Types in Axom

In Axom, your fortress is only as strong as the units you deploy. The game features a diverse roster of unit types, each designed to counter specific threats from the physical-driven swarm. Understanding these unit types is crucial for building an effective defense and progressing through the procedurally generated alien world. This guide breaks down every unit category, their roles, and how to use them in combination.

Units are unlocked as you expand your base and purify corrupted terrain. You can upgrade them through the /en/guides/upgrades-guide/ system, which enhances their stats and unlocks special abilities. Each unit type fills a unique niche, and mastering their synergies is key to surviving the later waves.

Basic Defenders: The Foundation of Your Army

Basic defenders are the first units you'll unlock, and they remain relevant throughout the game. These include the Scout Drone and Wall Turret. The Scout Drone provides early warning and light damage, while the Wall Turret offers stationary firepower. They are cheap to deploy and upgrade, making them ideal for establishing a perimeter.

Use basic defenders to cover chokepoints and protect your core structures. They are effective against early swarm waves but will require support from more specialized units as the threat escalates. For beginners, focusing on a mix of these units is a solid strategy, as detailed in the /en/guides/beginner-tips/ guide.

Ranged Specialists: Precision and Area Denial

Ranged specialists excel at dealing damage from a distance. The Sniper Platform and Mortar Launcher are prime examples. Sniper Platforms target high-value enemies with precision, while Mortar Launchers provide area-of-effect damage against clustered swarms. These units require careful positioning to maximize their effectiveness.

Place Sniper Platforms on elevated terrain or behind walls to protect them. Mortar Launchers work best when aimed at narrow pathways where enemies bunch up. Upgrading their range and damage through the /en/guides/progression-system/ is essential for handling elite enemies and boss waves.

Melee Units: Frontline Brawlers

Melee units, such as the Blade Walker and Shield Bearer, are your frontline defenders. Blade Walkers deal high damage up close, while Shield Bearers absorb incoming attacks and protect nearby units. They are vulnerable to ranged enemies and area-of-effect attacks, so they must be supported by ranged specialists.

Deploy melee units at the front of your defensive line, directly in the path of the swarm. They excel at holding the line while your ranged units deal damage. Upgrading their health and armor is a priority, especially when facing the physical-driven enemies that break through walls. For more on defensive strategies, see the /en/guides/mechanics-guide/.

Support Units: Buffs and Utility

Support units provide buffs, healing, or utility to your army. The Repair Drone heals damaged structures, while the Energy Booster increases the attack speed of nearby units. These units do not deal direct damage but are invaluable for sustaining your defenses during prolonged battles.

Position support units behind your frontline, where they are safe from enemy attacks. Their abilities can turn the tide of a difficult wave, especially when combined with upgraded units. The /en/guides/resource-management/ guide offers tips on balancing your economy to afford these valuable assets.

Elite Units: High-Risk, High-Reward

Elite units are powerful but expensive to deploy and upgrade. Examples include the Plasma Cannon and Void Walker. The Plasma Cannon deals massive damage to single targets, while the Void Walker can teleport and disrupt enemy formations. These units are best reserved for critical moments, such as boss waves or when facing elite enemies.

Use elite units sparingly, as their high cost can strain your resources. They are most effective when combined with basic and support units to create a balanced army. For a deeper dive into elite unit strategies, check the /en/entities/elite-enemies/ page.

Synergies and Team Composition

The key to success in Axom is building a team composition that covers all weaknesses. A balanced army includes a mix of basic defenders, ranged specialists, melee units, and support units. Elite units should be added to counter specific threats. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.

For example, pair Shield Bearers with Sniper Platforms to protect them while they eliminate high-value targets. Use Repair Drones to keep your frontline healthy, and deploy Mortar Launchers to clear clustered swarms. The /en/guides/builds-guide/ offers more advanced composition strategies.