Okay, my first question about gameplay

[bscox00]

I would like to know if there are any better archers that you can get throughout the game? Am I not building the correct buildings?

I've seen the trebazoid archers, the genoese sailors, longbowmen and generic archers and the longbowmen seem to be the only ones worth their weight. The crossbowmen (of all sorts) seem only to be good for mowing down charging footsoldiers and then only when they are in rows. (like a firing line)

I'd prefer an addition be made to the game where you can get some more powerful archers, but they are prohibitively expensive and can only move like one zone from where they were built - A good excuse would be that their arrows can only be made by a smith, etc.

I generally position archers so that they are protected, but that they can rain down on my enemies. But when 120 or so archers cannot take down a group of 4 or 5 knights from a distance, there is something wrong. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wacko.gif

[Postino]

TO THE DUNGEON WITH YOU FOR YOUR QUESTIONS

no really, you may not be able to say anything, but there is atleast one thread in there about fixing up the archery(modding)

[KukriKhan]

A short thread from theDungeon on the subject of archers:

http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin....;t=1124 (http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=5;t=1124)

good luck m8. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Naagi]

I think the only upgrade to archers, once you build all the guilds, is gunpowder. Though i havent gotten to this age yet i hear they're more accurate than bowmen. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/joker.gif

[Gregoshi]

Welcome to the Org Naagi.

[LadyAnn]

They are thinking about fixing up archers. But with the game as is in patch 1.1, the archers are not quite effective.

You have not done anything wrong. The archers are later replaced by crossbows (the parvise one) arbalasters (with parvise). And then more powerful are guns.

The longbow is a specifically-English unit type, so is the Trebizon (Byzantine), Nizari (Muslims), Hashishins (Muslims) and other Turkish units. If you like to play with arrows, the Turks has many to chose from. Plus, some Turk units can shoot and have decent hand-to-hand fight too.

I personally find that a bowyer is a must have unit at early game stage, without one, I wouldn't go conquer any territory. But in later stage, I rely more on the infantry and cavalry (although bringing 2/3 archers in a full 16 unit army is a good thing).

Annie

[seamusmoon]

Having only played the English so far, I can vouch for the battlefield effectiveness of the longbowmen (especially those trained in Wales...+1 valour). Having three or four of these units on the battlefield is definitely a plus; I've seen them decimate some of the heaviest cavalry units before they even get close to my formations, not to mention what they can do to the footmen. I think it says somewhere in the unit description that their arrows are specially designed to penetrate armor. The English have a wide array of specialized units at their disposal, Highland Clansmen from Scotland (+1 valour), Gallowglasses (sp?) from Ireland, Billmen from Mercia (+1 valour), and of course the dreaded Welsh Longbowmen. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Buliwyf]

I have played mostly Muslim factions and have found Desert Archers to be quit adequate. I do build Nizari when able. I believe the Egyptians are the only faction that can train them?
I use five DAs in each army with at least ten in reserve off map. Due to the high rate of fire you do get through them. Personal note must mod file to give them more ammo 28 is rather low.
I think the target you select for them is important. I have noticed in SP that most AI generated armies have high numbers of spearmen and low armour units such as Highland Clansmen or equivalent. Select carefully and you can reduce the opposition quickly and lower morale. It has worked for me many times.
Use your spearmen etc to attack the Knights.
By reducing the enemies light foot troops with your archers you can flank and encircle their Knights and heavy foot with your spearmen etc. Take out their archers with light cav.
It works for me.

[Sephiroth]

Archers are generally mediocre during the first two ages.Once you come to the 'Late' age they do become more prominent. You must remember that the archers at the beginning of the game are only really good for that period and or for 'Fire-brigade' armies that you want to plug a gap in your defences with. Longbowmen are the most lethal of the early archers and can still be quite potent during the rest of the game. If you are still wanting good, quality archers early on try mercenaries. Bulgar Brigands and Trebizond archers are qutie deadly in numbers. Use crossbow type units to take down cavalry as the cavalry are able to out-run normal arrows..not bolts

[Gregoshi]

Welcome to the Realm of the Org Sephiroth.