Arny Formations

[rspete]

When deploying before a battle, there is a small icon in the bottom left corner of the screen. If you click on it you will be given options to rearrange your troops into various historical battle formations. Some of these however seem very impractical and I cannot perceive their purpose. When fighting a battle I usually deploy my troops in a long line and see what happens from there, I simply do not see any other practical way to fight a battle, however this is likely untrue. If anybody can help me out with a link to a good website on formations or post their own ideas

[Marco]

I usually have my archers out front with spears behind. Have some cavs on the flanks to protect the archers. Then have some back up shock units behind spears to protect the flanks and to attack flanks. Also if I use an infantry type general, I have him cover the spears line to plug any major gaps or to assist any flailing units.

Just experiment when you play and you ll soon find a decent formation that suits your style.

[Stormer]

go to the org ORG (http://www.totalwar.org) on the right hand side is some useful links they should hel pyou out http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[pdoan8]

Most of the formation won't work if you don't have the coresponding types of troops use for that specific formation. For example, if you choose "Cavalry Skirmish" but you don't have any horse archers (general for mounted missiles).

Those formations are historical and were actually used. Unfortunately, I don't know much to explain them. I have to do a little research on army composition for some of the formations.

[HopAlongBunny]

Draksen gave an interesting link for a look at Byzantine tactics.

http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html

[el_slapper]

I use infantry charge in most cases - even in defence. This is a balanced setting that allows adaptation, with strong defence in the middle & Cavalry behind ready to charge wherever needed.

However, when I have much cavalry & I want to destroy my opponent completely, I use the Scorpion setting. Useless in mountainous terrain, but devastator in flatlands. Just hope your main group won't be flanked - this is a risky strategy.

[Swoosh So]

3 line attack in single player campaign games http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif