Change number of ranks for an unit ?

[Jxrc]

Maybe a silly question but well ...

Everyone knows that spear units should be have 3-4 ranks, sword units should have two, etc ...

Fair enough but my question is: How do you change that if you are not happy with the initial number of ranks ?

I know that can be changed by adopting a new battle formation at the beginning of the battle but is there another way ?

It is especially annoying for reinforcement since they are almost always deployed as big squares (10 per ranks, 10 ranks)...

Anyone with a trick to share. Looked through the beginners guide but could not find a hint.

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[HopAlongBunny]

I'm not sure if this is what you are asking...but here goes.

You can change the depth of any unit you deploy by: select the unit; at the location you want it to be click and drag from left to right; as you drag there should be a graphic showing how deep the unit will be...getting thinner as you drag further right.

Hope thats clear...and I hope thats what you were asking http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[The_Emperor]

From what I can see the only way to redeploy the number of Ranks in a unit is to drag out a new formation with your mouse...

I haven't seen any easier way of doing it. (Sometimes I wish there was)

Always remember to drag from left to right to deploy, otherwise your men will line up in the Braveheart "Full Moon" position, to wave their butts at the enemy http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Spear Units need to be as deep as possible 3-4 ranks at least (To gain advantage of Rank Bonus and better ability to absorb a Charge)

Archers 1-2 ranks deep (otherwise the other ranks further back will suffer from an accuracy penalty, for not seeing past the guy's head in front) Keep them protected

Swords need some depth I'd say around 3-4 ranks (good for general combat and to absorb a charge, deploy deeper if fighting Cavalry)

Cavalry, deploy wide at 3 or 4 ranks deep (this is for maximum charge impact along the line, just remember Cavalry are built for the Impact Charge, not for prolonged Combat)

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[torsoboy]

You could edit the PREFERRED_RANKS column in CRUSADERS_UNIT_PROD11.txt with GnomeEditor, does that do the trick?