Ghouls are the basic warriors of the UndeadScourge. These lumbering, rotting corpses were once Zombies that have made the final transition into true 'undeath'. Ghouls have great stamina and revel in combat with living beings. Ghouls are ravenous cannibals who can regenerate their wounds by eating the flesh of fallen warriors.
In addition to being combat units, Ghouls also harvest Lumber. They harvest 20 Lumber as opposed to Human Peasants and Orc Peons that start with 10.
Ghouls are the basic shock troops, who also serve as lumber harvesters for the Undead. They can carry up to 20 wood at a time, whereas peasants and peons can gather 10 (though peasants can be on par and later surpass with researches) and wisps 5. Ideally, the player should have three to five Ghouls devoted to gathering wood. If the map contains a Goblin Laboratory, replace them with two Goblin Shredders, as they'll gather 400 wood for the same food cost.
Ghouls work exceptionally well with Dreadlords; the Dreadlord casts Sleep on an enemy Hero, who is then surrounded by the ghouls and quickly torn apart if they cannot teleport out. His Vampiric Aura also allows them to leech some health off from their attacks, since they are melee fighters.
If the player intends to use ghouls for combat, then it is important to research Cannibalize and Ghoul Frenzy. Both of these technologies will make your ghouls significantly stronger, although the latter requires a Black Citadel which means the tech tree must be rushed, as Ghouls will quickly fall out of usefulness otherwise.
Don't continue to focus on Ghouls when it is clear that they are not cutting it. Instead, build up to Abominations, Necromancers, or Frost Wyrms.
Spells and Abilities
Cannibalize
Consumes a nearby corpse to heal 10 hit points per second. It takes 33 seconds to fully consume a corpse.
Research Cost
Researched At
Upgrade Time
75
Crypt
30 sec.
Duration
Allowed Targets
Effect
33 sec.
Dead
Heals 10 HP/sec.
The ghoul requires a corpse in order to start cannibalizing, whether it be on the field or provided by a Meat Wagon. Since the corpse is being devoured by the ghoul, it cannot be used for reanimation or the summoning of skeletons. If the ghoul dies or is forcibly moved while cannibalizing the corpse, then it automatically disappears. Ghouls will also not follow group orders while cannibalizing a corpse; they will only do so after they finish.
Upgrades
Ghoul Frenzy
Increases the attack rate of Ghouls by 0.25, and increases their movement speed by 80.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
100 150
Crypt
Graveyard, Black Citadel
45 sec.
If ghouls are intended to be use in combat, then this research is mandatory for them.
Unholy Strength
Increases the attack damage of Ghouls, Meat Wagons, Abominations, Skeleton Warriors, and Skeletal Mages.
Research Cost
Researched At
Upgrade Time
125 50
Graveyard
60 sec.
Improved Unholy Strength
Further increases the attack damage of Ghouls, Meat Wagons, Abominations, Skeleton Warriors, and Skeletal Mages.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
200 150
Graveyard
Halls of the Dead
75 sec.
Advanced Unholy Strength
Further increases the attack damage of Ghouls, Meat Wagons, Abominations, Skeleton Warriors, and Skeletal Mages.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
275 250
Graveyard
Black Citadel
90 sec.
Unholy Armor
Increases the armor of Ghouls, Abominations, Skeleton Warriors, and Skeletal Mages.
Research Cost
Researched At
Upgrade Time
125 50
Graveyard
60 sec.
Improved Unholy Armor
Further increases the armor of Ghouls, Abominations, Skeleton Warriors, and Skeletal Mages.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
200 150
Graveyard
Halls of the Dead
75 sec.
Advanced Unholy Armor
Further increases the armor of Ghouls, Abominations, Skeleton Warriors, and Skeletal Mages.
Research Cost
Researched At
Requirements
Upgrade Time
275 250
Graveyard
Black Citadel
90 sec.
Backpack
Gives the ability to carry up to two items. Items carried by the unit will be dropped upon death.
Units can not use or gain benefits of items that they carry.