Hwach'a (Civ5)

Hwach'a
Siege unit of the Medieval Era
Introduced in Civilization and Scenario Pack: Korea
Unique to
Civilization	Korean
Civilization	Korean
Replaces	Trebuchet
Replaces	Trebuchet
Cost
Production	120
Production	120
Stats
Combat strength	11
Combat strength	11
Moves	2
Moves	2
Range	2
Range	2
Ranged strength	26
Ranged strength	26
Required
Technology	Physics
Upgrades to
Cannon
Cannon
Notes
May not melee attack No defensive terrain bonuses Must set up to range attack

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Game Info

Unique ranged unit of the Korean civilization. Replaces the Trebuchet.

• Common abilities:
  • May Not Melee Attack
  • No Defensive Terrain Bonuses
  • Must Set Up to Ranged Attack
• Special abilities
  • No Limited Visibility
  • No Bonus vs Cities
• Special traits:
  • Extra Ranged Strength (26 vs. 14)
  • Lesser Combat Strength (11 vs. 12)

Strategy

The Hwach'a is a lot stronger than the Trebuchet it replaces, but unlike other siege units, it doesn't get a combat bonus when attacking cities. So this is in fact not a siege weapon, but effectively a powerful ranged one with normal sight ability, best used against melee troops. It is a great weapon for defending cities.

It is important to note that the Hwach'a is the most powerful ranged unit of the Medieval Era, but does not spawn with the Bonus vs Cities (200) promotion despite being a siege unit. Prior to the release of a patch on 21 September 2012, this could be bypassed by upgrading a Catapult, leaving the Bonus vs Cities (200) promotion and gaining the Hwach'a's immense strength. However, upgrading a Catapult to a Hwach'a now transfers the Catapult's reduced sight radius without transferring its city attack bonus. This makes it preferable to build Hwach'a as soon as they become available rather than building and upgrading Catapults, unless you have other units to spot for your Hwach'a or you plan to use them only within your own borders.

Civilopedia entry

The Hwach'a, legendary Korean anti-infantry weapon, was a unique innovation in the development of early gunpowder-based weaponry. Created during the 15th century under the supervision of King Sejong the Great, the Hwach'a consisted of a large two-wheeled cart carrying a type of "honeycomb" housing, not unlike a modern missile battery, capable of storing hundreds of gunpowder-propelled arrows. The light weight of these early rockets, known as "Singijeon," provided the Hwach'a with a notable advantage, allowing excellent maneuverability compared to a traditional cannon. The Hwach'a would prove to be a formidable weapon for the defense of the Korean Peninsula during the Japanese invasions of the 16th century.

Gallery

Hwach'a in game

See also

• Hwach'a in other games