The "Column" formation

[Macedon]

The column formation is a good choice when army march BIG distances,but in the game there is no such thing.What use of it then?
Does anyone use the column formation?And why?

[Prodigy]

Some people use it to cross bridges. It actually eases the hasle of putting each unit separatly.

[Oaty]

I've used column formations before in battle.(and this is not chokepoint specific such as bridges) I go from 1 to 3 wide but always have 2 good units on each side of the column to protect the flanks and of cours I usually put the general to 1 side or the other in the middle of my army. My personal name for it is spearheading the enemy.

The main strategic reason I use this is to punch a hole through the enemy line. I've always used this on attack and never defense. Where I like to use this most is when I'm against multiple archers basiaclly when they are 40 percent or more. I use the best armoured units but least valuable for the front line. I march the units in the front in lose formation and halt them before they get to close to the enemy as there duty has been done plus they have a rduced morale I then charge units through the loosely formed up infantry in front. I select the whole group to charge behind enemy lines that were'nt the cannon fodder. Each unit that gets engaged has an immediate back up behind him so as each unit that gets flanked has immediate support to have that unit flank the unit flanking my army. Finally there is a hole in the enemy lines. What I then do is concentrate on 1 side of the army while keeping units behind to act as guard against the other portion of there army. For me it works great and only take heavy casualties in the beginning from missle fire. As a note don't use this tactic or be very careful when there are catapults or you have low valour units as 1 retreating unit will spearhead your spearhead lol and you don't need to be rocket scientist to figure out what catapults will do to column.

Next time I have a battle like this I'll make sure to save the replay and e-mail it to anyone that would like to see it in action.

[lonewolf371]

Is this on topic? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[Oaty]

I belive so as a column formation is a single line of units marching at the enemy sometimes I modify my column to be 2 or 3 units wide at times. I do have to correct myself though when I go 3 wide its usually the first 2 lines and the rest are stacked behind that middle unit

[Catiline]

this belongs in the Main Hall i think ,seeing as it seems to be about MTW