Difference between hold position/hold formation

[Stevie D]

Greetings, and what-ho http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-toff.gif

Right, the difference between hold position and hold formation.

I've played a fair old bit of both MTW and pre-Mongol-pack STW. I'll be getting MTW:WE any day now, so my skills could use some time on the ol' whetstone.

To date, I've used hold formation to make the most of spear units, 'specially on the defensive when they're receiving cavalry.

I use hold position on archers when I want them to pepper a given unit, but not go on to chase it when their target runs out of range.

...and that's pretty much all I use those commands for. Any tips on how to use them more effectively?

*bows* http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/shogunshame.gif

*gong sounds*

[Sasaki Kojiro]

In shogun I think it is best to put your yari sam on engage at will vs enemy cavalry, and hold formation against units like warrior monks.

[PaolinoPaperino]

Usually hold position is dangerous when you have a missile duel at the limit of the Fire at Will area. Better to set the missile unit in hold formation.
If the unit is set on Hold position, and at the same in Fire at will, your unit could be standing while the opponent missile units are targetting it.

Hold formation is useful as Mime mentioned, but even when you want to disengage units from melee fight.
I saw players setting mounted naginata on hold formation too, when this unit has to face 2 enemy mouted troops at the same time.

Take a look at the following topic, in the Sword Dojo:
"Correct use of Yari Troops" (http://www.totalwar.org/cgi-bin/forum/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=1;t=13758).

You will find some nice additional info about it

[Sasaki Kojiro]

hmm Hold formation makes units disengage easier? I'll have to try that http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

(edit) hmm it does seem to work better, never knew that.

[HicRic]

I expct it's because they have to form up into a rigid formation and it pulls back people out of the fight, meaning less people are attacking so it's easier to pull them out. That'd be my guess, anyway. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[AggonyShim2]

when on defense your naginata infantry can do some heavy damage while holding the middle with hold position and hold formation (i think that is what i used to put them on) they will tire a whole lot slower and will give you plenty of time to flank with WM. but if you are going to use nags make sure you keep men protecting their flanks. they can hold the middle without give http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-wall.gif as long as you protect their flanks.

i always put my yari sams on engadge at will unless i need them to fight in a marathon then it is good for hold formation. as far as cavalry go i never use them in hold formation other then to withdraw them manually from a fight and to make sure they don't break away and attack near opponents while you try to steer them around enemy troups.

i always keep my muskets on hold position and hold formation. if you aren't careful you can make the mistake of having your fellows follow an enemy unit if the enemy unit falls back. (i have done this many times) but this takes care of that (the hold position that is) if you want to do maximum damage to numbers and morale, put your muskets in hold formation and take off fire at will and wait till a unit of cavs or whatever get within about what would be 30 yards of your muskets and let them have it (this works really good in the rain if you do it right) make SURE you keep yari sams close at hand tho and pull your muskets back asap (guns cause the most morale damage to a unit there is in the game, if you kill their will to fight before they even get there then they have no chance... even against ashigaru :D) http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/shogunshame.gif
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