NAVAL Tactics in Empire:Total War

If you are using chain shot, it will be more effective if the enemy ship sails are deployed.

I think it is quite rare to actually manage to hit the masts, but the chain shot will still rip holes in their sails if they are unfurled. I once caused a brig to be "demasted" even though all the masts were still there. It was completely dead in the water :2thumbsup:

The best way to get the enemy ships to unfurl their sails is to get them to pursue you with the wind.

I believe it is quite possible to defeat vastly superior naval forces using this tactic, while taking few or no losses, and capturing prizes in perfect condition(getting more gold). Simply:

1. Maneuver into the leeward position (meaning facing the pointy arrow) and get them to chase you.
2. Turn your ship 90 degrees to take pot shots at them with chain shot, alternating between broadsides. The fastest (weakest) enemies will approach first but will fall behind as they take sail damage. If you are lucky you may only face a single ship at a time, since fleets tend to move in a line ahead formation.
3. Since you are leeward, you have the advantage in maneuver as you can turn and fire as you please while the opposing ships cannot if they hope to catch you. And since you are using chain shot, their position steadily grows worse and worse.
4. Eventually, all enemy ships will be dead in the water and the battlefield is yours! Those who have not surrendered or routed can be easily persuaded to do so by doubling back and letting them have a whiff of grapeshot :laugh4:

Presumably this tactic will have little effect on galleys with their rowing and their powerful foreguns, and most military ships have at least a few chaser guns which puts an upper limit on the infinite hordes you can fight.

A caveat though, I've only tried this tactic in small fleet engagements. I imagine if your fleet is large it will be a micro nightmare. In addition, you need some patience as this is a kind of death by a thousand mosquito bites kind of strategy, especially if you are weaker, though I don't see why a superior force shouldn't use it to limit losses and maximise prizes won. I also think a human won't easily fall for this tactic. He would just toss the chainshot back at you!

I came up with this strategy when playing this obscure sim called Tides of War. Anyone heard of it? Me and my puny boat had to fight hordes of enemies who could sink me with a single broadside.:sweatdrop:

Hope this helps anyone caught in desperate situations :2thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by foop

Well, after reading some more of the advice in this thread I'm now at the stage where I can beat an equal enemy in two attempts - the first one halving the number of cannon on their ships, the second one (with fresh ships) actually sinking or capturing them. I seem to have some sort of mental block about naval combat.

I don't suppose anyone's FRAPsed a good naval battle and put it online anywhere, have they?

My history teacher is probably spinning in his grave. He spent hours handing out photocopied sheets of naval formations and explaining Nelson's victories in Egypt and elsewhere. Obviously none of it sunk in.

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The limitations in the naval battles for me are that some maneuvers are lacking and ships have a bit of trouble changing from one formation to another.

But for some one who has never played a naval sailing game it would be much more difficult.

In time you will learn. Keep the wind with you and your speed above the enemy’s. If you are fighting two engagements then use a few shots with chain to slow him down and then pound his ships while trying to keep clear of his guns.

The game seems to handle gunnery better than the player so fire at will is usually best in this game.

Have fun!

:laugh4: