War Hounds in Total War: Arena Total War Arena Guide & Walkthrough

Factions: Barbarians

War dogs (along with their handlers) are characterized by their fast offensive abilities - they engage the chosen location and automatically hunt for opponents in their range. You can call them off at once. Their main targets are weak units, but they can face tougher opponents in the course of the battle. Their main enemies are charges (including the cavalry charges) and archers/Velites.

War dogs and their masters receive a bonus to the forest and high grass areas. You can utilize them to flank smaller units and force them to surrender.

1. Dogs do not fare well in longer encounters, they are best utilized for quick assaults.
2. If all dogs die, their owners have to fight on their own.
3. War hounds receive bonuses to combat in forests and high grass - use them in those surroundings.
4. Barbarian dogs can avoid enemy phalanx.
5. Boudica is the dedicated leader for war dogs.

1. Items

Brandish Heads

Nearby units deal less damage (10 seconds). Useful when your cavalry got struck by the opponent.

Dirt Pouches

Lowers the armor value of the enemy units (10 seconds).

Spitzers

Increases the number of your health points and the damage dealt.

Dog Whistle

Released dogs start to dash, dealing extra damage. Lasts 10 seconds. Cooldown Period: 30s.

Incentives

Your dogs deal more melee damage for 15 seconds. Cooldown Period: 30s.