Shieldman
1 star cost - Two independent sources
What it is
The one-star defensive anchor: it takes arrows on its shield and buys your ranged units the time they need. One of the four starter picks, and the base of the Imperial Wall line.
How to use it
Stand it in front of your ranged units rather than in the open, and rotate it away when Hammer or Mace break-shield units appear. Keep every duplicate for ascension.
What creators say
One of the four starter picks: cheap, tanky enough against most things, and the best frontline a new player can bring, with Imperial Wall as the long-term upgrade.
Source: Chrisu - Command An Army GUIDE In 8 MINUTES (2026-09-21)
Shields are extremely effective against archers, and archers are only worth bringing when the other side has no shields.
Source: Tuki - Why Your Spartans Keep Losing (Counters Guide) (2026-09-21)