The Most Underrated Units in Strategy Games and How to Use Them

21 October 2025

When we think of strategy games—be it real-time or turn-based—we often focus on the heavy-hitters: nukes, knights, tanks, dragons, or whatever unit screams "power." But here's the thing: while those flashy units get all the glory, they often come with drawbacks—slow production, high cost, tons of upkeep, or needing a tech tree that reads like a PhD thesis.

Let’s be real. Winning in strategy games isn’t always about who has the biggest sword or the fanciest mech. It’s often about how smart you are with the tools you’ve got. That’s where underrated units come into play.

In this article, we’re going to shine a light on the most underrated units in strategy games and most importantly—how to use them like a genius. So next time you're building your army or planning your next move, you’ll know how these overlooked gems can give you the edge.

Why “Underrated” Units Deserve the Spotlight

Before diving into the list, let’s answer an obvious question: why do underrated units even exist?

Well, there are a few reasons:

- Perception bias: Players skip them because everyone else does.
- Late payoff: Some units shine only in specific matchups or late-game scenarios.
- Niche use: Their role isn't universal, so people forget about them.
- They’re not sexy: Yup, aesthetics matter. Some units just don’t "look cool."

But here’s the kicker—these overlooked units can often flip the game in your favor if you use them right.

1. Engineers (Command & Conquer Series)

Let’s start with one of the most criminally underrated units in RTS history—the humble engineer.

Why They're Overlooked:

They’re weak, unarmed, and slow. Most new players shrug and ask, “what’s this guy gonna do, fix my toaster?”

Why They're Brilliant:

One word: capture. Engineers can walk straight into an enemy building and instantly convert it. That’s like playing chess and putting your opponent’s queen on your side.

How to Use Them:

- Sneak them in with APCs (Armored Personnel Carriers) or other transports.
- Use them to capture tech buildings, hospitals, or oil derricks early game.
- Drop a smoke screen or distraction, then send in the engineer while the enemy's looking the other way.

If used right, engineers go from “meh” to “wow, I just took your entire base.”

2. Slingers (Age of Empires Series)

Ahh, the slinger—the caveman with a rock in his hand. In AoE terms, slingers are cheap, easy to spam, and nobody takes them seriously.

Why They're Overlooked:

They’re not as exciting as archers or cavalry and don’t do well in head-on melee combat. Most players rush past them for Iron Age units.

Why They're Brilliant:

Slingers get a bonus vs. archers, are dirt-cheap, and can easily counter early ranged rushes.

How to Use Them:

- Stack them behind infantry lines to cover your melee troops.
- Spam them early to take map control without breaking the bank.
- Use them for hit-and-run tactics—cheap enough to lose, and annoying enough to distract.

Honestly, for a guy chucking rocks, he hits harder than you’d expect.

3. Pikemen (Various Games – Civilization, Age of Empires, Total War)

What's with everyone's hate for pikemen? Sure, they’re not cavalry, but they bring something to the table that few others can: anti-cavalry dominance.

Why They're Overlooked:

They’re not flashy. Pikemen are often slow and kind of... boring. They also don’t perform well without support.

Why They're Brilliant:

They absolutely wreck cavalry, especially in formation. If your enemy is going horse-heavy, pikemen are your best counter.

How to Use Them:

- Use them in formation to control choke points.
- Mix them with ranged units to protect your backline.
- They’re cost-effective—great for defensive builds.

Think of them as the porcupines of war. They’re not thrilling, but you’ll regret stepping on them.

4. Scouts (Almost Every Strategy Game Ever)

The scout—possibly the most misunderstood unit in any strategy game. You know that one unit they give you at the beginning… and you immediately forget about it?

Why They're Overlooked:

They don’t fight well. They usually have low HP and no real upgrades. So what's the point?

Why They're Brilliant:

Information is power. Scouts give you map awareness, reveal enemy positions, and track movements. That’s gold.

How to Use Them:

- Constantly move them around the map. Get vision on resources and enemy expansions.
- Use them to bait towers or enemy units into chasing.
- In some games (like Total War), provide line of sight for artillery.

Sure, they don’t hit hard. But they help you make calls that win games.

5. Workers/Villagers in Combat (Age of Empires, StarCraft)

Bear with me—this one sounds crazy.

Why They're Overlooked:

They’re non-combatants. Most people panic if their workers are attacked… and understandably so.

Why They're Brilliant:

In early rushes, they can defend themselves surprisingly well if grouped. Also, pulling them into fights can buy time or even turn small skirmishes.

How to Use Them:

- If someone rushes your base early, pull a few villagers—combine with towers and town centers.
- Use workers to swarm early-game attackers (Dark Age militia, Zerglings, etc.).
- Wall off sections of your base using workers while distracting the enemy.

Sometimes, your woodcutters double as surprise ninjas. Don’t underestimate desperation brawls.

6. Recon Units (Advance Wars, XCOM Scouts, etc.)

Recon units often get benched because they don’t seem to “do enough.” Guess what? They do everything but look cool.

Why They're Overlooked:

Low armor, average damage, and usually early-game unlocked. They’re outclassed quickly… unless you know how to use 'em.

Why They're Brilliant:

- Cheap fuel costs
- Extended movement range
- Perfect for fog-of-war games

How to Use Them:

- Deploy them to "see before you shoot" with artillery or snipers.
- In games like Advance Wars, recon first, then strike.
- Use recon units to bait enemy units into traps or ambushes.

Think of them like scouts with binoculars and a badge—they patch the holes in your strategy.

7. Artillery (in the Wrong Era)

Let’s take a hot take: artillery is often misunderstood, especially in games like Total War or Company of Heroes.

Why They're Overlooked:

Slow to move, slow to fire, lacking close-range defense—artillery seems more like a burden.

Why They're Brilliant:

When used with proper positioning and tempo, they’re devastating. It’s not flashy, but if you protect them, they dish out the pain.

How to Use Them:

- Use scouts to provide line of sight.
- Pair them with meat-shield units like infantry or tanks.
- Target production areas, clustered units, or narrow corridors.

Artillery is like a sniper in a tower: easy to ignore until your army is in shambles.

8. Submarines (Naval Strategy Games)

Naval warfare gets ignored in a lot of games, but subs? Wow, talk about stealth MVPs.

Why They're Overlooked:

Require tech, slow to move, and vulnerable if detected.

Why They're Brilliant:

They’re invisible to most units unless detected, and they can sink expensive battleships for a fraction of the cost.

How to Use Them:

- Park them along naval trade routes or choke points.
- Use them to scout enemy ship movements.
- Go guerrilla warfare on the water—pop up, strike, vanish.

Like sharks, you don’t see them until it’s too late.

9. Medics/Healers (StarCraft, Warcraft, Fire Emblem)

Why heal units when you can just build more, right? Well, tell that to your resource count and production queue.

Why They're Overlooked:

They don’t deal damage. Many players prioritize raw DPS over sustainability.

Why They're Brilliant:

In extended fights, medics win wars. A healed army lasts longer, drains fewer resources, and pushes harder.

How to Use Them:

- Keep them at the back with ranged units or tanks.
- Use hit-and-heal tactics in skirmishes.
- Pair them with high-HP units for ungodly sustain.

Think of them as your pit crew. Without them, your army runs out of gas real quick.

10. Builders (Warcraft 3, Stronghold Series)

Wait... what? Builders? Yeah, you read that right.

Why They're Overlooked:

Not designed for combat. Their job is to make stuff, not break stuff.

Why They're Brilliant:

They’re essential for sneaky plays. You can build forward bases, surprise towers, or traps.

How to Use Them:

- Build towers near enemy expansions while they’re distracted.
- Create fake bases or suicide walls to lure enemies.
- Build defenses during combat to turn the tide.

It’s not just what they build—it’s where and when they build it.

Final Thoughts: The Power of the Unseen

In strategy games, flashy units win battles, but smart plays win wars. Underrated units aren’t about brute strength—they’re about opportunity, timing, and adaptability.

Next time you play, take another look at those units you usually skip. Think of them like the benchwarmers who, when called up, suddenly drop 30 points and win you the championship.

So don’t sleep on them. Use them, and you might just outsmart your opponent when they least expect it.