Woad Warrior's RTW Battle Guide

Hello, and welcome to my battle guide for Rome Total War. Here, I'll be posting several advanced formations and tactics, as well as how to fight depending on what faction you are playing as. Hope you find it useful:

Basic Formations and Tactics:

These are just some basic but hopefully useful formations and tips on how to lay out an army, and allow units to use thier strengths and cover their weaknesses. There are two basic formations in which to lay out an army, 'Linear Formation' and 'Block Formation. These should be used depending on your situation, and can be used in combination with more advanced formations and tactics.

The Linear Formation:

https://img334.imageshack.us/img334/...onii5qd.th.gif

Best Used When:
1. Fighting a similarly matched or inferior army
2. Fighting largely cavalry armies
3. You have a large number of missile troops
4. You have limited cavalry

This tactic should be used against cavalry armies, as spreading out your troops wide will stop the cavalry from being able to flank you and force them to charge into your line. However, be careful when using this tactic against infantry armies, as they may be able to smash your thin Center, the most important part of any army. Therefore, this tactic is best used when you outnumber or outclass an enemy, as it allows you to get every man involved in combat, and go on to surround the enemy fairly easily. This formation also suits archer armies, as it allows all the archers to get in range of the enemy and not be stuck at the back of their own army. Here's a few screenshots showing the Linear Formation put to use:

The Seleucid forces deploy and spread themselves out over a wide area:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/...tion3am.th.jpg

The Seleucid forces meet the more cramped together Egyptians:
https://img334.imageshack.us/img334/...nemy7hk.th.jpg

They soon have the Egyptians surrounded, and thanks to the Linear Formation, victory is theirs!
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/...tory7rt.th.jpg

The Block Formation:

https://img334.imageshack.us/img334/...onii5ed.th.gif

Best Used When:
1. Fighting a larger and superior army
2. Fighting largely infantry armies
3. You have a mainly melee unit army

This tactic is best used by defending armies, who are perhaps also outclassed by their opponents. It allows you to keep your forces tight, minimalising the enemies numbers advantage, as they will be unable to involve all their troops in combat at once. The Block Formation does, however, leave your flanks exposed, so its best used when fighting against infantry armies, so they can't use cavalry to smash your flanks or rear. If, however, you have some cavalry, a Block Formation can be effective against cavalry armies, as it will be hard for them to flank you if your flanks are guarded by your own cavalry, and the enemy will be forced to fight you head-on. This formation is best kept for melee armies, as ranged units will be forced well away from the enemy at the back of your army. Here's a few screenshots showing the Block Formation put to use:

The Seleucid forces deploy three ranks deep, with cavalry guarding the flanks:
https://img349.imageshack.us/img349/...tion1wx.th.jpg

The Egyptians meet the Seleucids, but struggle to break the line:
https://img349.imageshack.us/img349/...mbat4bn.th.jpg

The result - a row of dead Egyptians at the front of the block:
https://img349.imageshack.us/img349/...tory5wr.th.jpg

Advanced Defensive Formations and Tactics:

The Schiltron Formation:

https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/...onii5ab.th.gif

Best Used When:
1. Fighting a larger and superior army
2. Fighting a largely cavalry army
3. You have a mainly phalanx army, with some ranged support

This is a defensive tactic, ideal for when you find yourself outnumbered and even outclassed. As long as the formation is kept and your soldiers stand their ground, a Schiltron is pretty much unbreakable. It covers the front, the flanks, and even the rear, all equally well from enemy assault. Wherever the enemy goes, they will face a wall of spears, while archers fire safely from inside the Schiltron. This formation is for obvious reasons particularly devastating to enemy cavalry. Unfortunately, this formation does have a rather serious weakness. If the enemy has archers, they will be able to cause devastating casualties to your tightly packed-together troops. For example, William Wallace lost the Battle of Falkirk mostly due to the fact that the English Longbowmen had longer range than the Scottish Bowmen, and were able to destroy the Schiltrons from a safe distance. Also, Schiltrons are practically immobile, and as soon as they attempt to move the formation will begin to break apart. Skirmisers and Horse Archers could have a field day harassing them. This formation should therefore only be used by defensive armies, who are outnumbered and need to cover all their flanks, and have plenty of tough spearmen to do so. Here's a few screenshots showing the Schiltron formation put to use:



The Seleucids deploy into three separate Schiltrons:
https://img214.imageshack.us/img214/...tion6pb.th.jpg

The Egyptians are unable to break through the Spearmen, who have all directions covered:
https://img86.imageshack.us/img86/13...mbat7em.th.jpg

The result - the Egyptians are massacred and never stood a chance of breaking the Schiltrons:
https://img86.imageshack.us/img86/85...tory9hw.th.jpg

The Refused Flank:

https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/...onii9yu.th.gif

Best Used When:
1. You are desperate
2. You are outnumbered and outclassed
3. You are fighting a mainly infantry army
4. You have a decent cavalry force

This is a very risky tactic. It's a real gamble, and it'll probably only pay off against less experienced opponents. It involves you putting everything on the line - it all depends on the enemy falling into your trap. Basically, you deploy with a fairly weak center, one strong, solid flank, and one large, highly mobile flank, made up of light infantry or much better some cavalry. This tactic should only be used against stronger opponents. You must use your mobile flank to lure the enemy away from your main army. This should weaken the enemies center, allowing you to break it with your main army. When the enemies that were pursuing your mobile flank realise what is happening and go to help their companions in the main army, your mobile flank can turn on them and time their charge to attack from the rear. This tactic can be very effective, but its risky, so only use it if you have to, and you have a mobile enough army to pull it off. Here's a few screenshots showing the Refused Flank tactic put to use:

The Seleucids deploy with one strong spearman flank, and another large cavalry flank:
https://img441.imageshack.us/img441/...tion0pi.th.jpg

The Egyptians split up to go and chase the Seleucid cavalry - falling right into the trap!:
https://img441.imageshack.us/img441/...nemy6qy.th.jpg

Realising their mistake, the Egyptians try to return to the main battle - but are caught and routed as the Seleucid cavalry turn and charge them:
https://img223.imageshack.us/img223/...tory2ny.th.jpg

The Refused Center:

https://img207.imageshack.us/img207/...onii3jv.th.gif

Best Used When:
1. You are desperate
2. You are outnumbered and outclassed
3. You are fighting a mainly infantry army
4. You have plenty of Cavalry for a strong charge
5. You have some tough Spearmen to protect your large Flanks

This tactic is similar to the Refused Flank in that it is risky, and its success depends on the enemy falling into a trap. Therefore, it is only really likely to work against less experienced opponenents, and most of the time the rather unintelligent AI. The aim of this tactic is that, by overpowering your flanks, the enemy will be tempted to split up and go either way to fight them, leaving their own Center exposed. This allows you to break their Center, and then use troops from your Center to go on to fight the enemies on your flanks, attacking them from the rear. Heavy Cavalry or elephants or even chariots are all useful in this tactic, as their devastating charge is crucial in quickly breaking the enemy Center. This tactic is risky, so only use it if you have little other choice, and you have the troops to pull it off. Also, its best used against infantry armies, as they will be slower to react when they realise they have been tricked. Here's a few screenshots showing the Refused Center tactic put to use:

The Seleucids deploy with a weak Center but powerful Flanks:
https://img57.imageshack.us/img57/26...tion8oo.th.jpg

As planned, the Egyptians split out to fight on the two Flanks, leaving their own Center exposed:
https://img57.imageshack.us/img57/65...nemy9ui.th.jpg

The Egyptians Center is broken by the Seleucid Heavy Cavalry, who then go on to rout the Egyptians:
https://img57.imageshack.us/img57/70...tory7vw.th.jpg

Advanced Offensive Formations and Tactics:

The Central Attack:

https://img344.imageshack.us/img344/...onii7pt.th.gif

Best Used When:
1. The enemy have a slight numbers bonus
2. You are fighting an army with few Cavalry
3. You have a large infantry army
4. You have some mobile infantry to protect the Center

This tactic depends on you gaining the momuntum to break your opponents Center. To do this, you should deploy your Center a few rows deep, so you can pile the pressure onto the enemy when you charge. Also, it helps if you even have a small cavalry force, as their charge can be used to soften up the enemy Center, allowing your infantry to go on to break it. This tactic does, however, leave your flanks very vulnerable and exposed, so its best used against armies with few Cavalry. If you are using your Cavalry to charge at the enemy Center, try to protect your flanks using highly mobile infantry. This tactic depends on gaining the momentum to smash through the enemy, so its particularly suited to barbarian factions with strong-charging infantry. It is risky however, as it leaves your flanks exposed, so only use it if you feel you are outnumbered and need to concentrate all your troops on one area of the battlefield. Here's a few screenshots showing a Central Attack in action:

The Seleucids deploy with their tough Center being three-rows deep:
https://img211.imageshack.us/img211/...tion7wd.th.jpg

The Seleucids gain momentum as they charge at the Egyptian Center:
https://img473.imageshack.us/img473/...mbat6sk.th.jpg

The Egyptian Center is soon broken and their army routed:
https://img211.imageshack.us/img211/...tory9su.th.jpg

The Double Envelopment:

https://img344.imageshack.us/img344/...ionii9n.th.gif

Best Used When:
1. You outnumber the enemy
2. You are fighting a mainly infantry army
3. You have a decent infantry core
4. You have plenty of cavalry support

This tactic is solid and reliable. It depends mostly on how you act and not the enemy. It is however, only really effective if you outnumber the enemy and have enough troops to spread out and sweep round their flanks. It was used by Hannibal at the Battle of Cannae, and proved deadly in flanking the Romans. To succeed with this tactic, you need a strong Infantry core to keep the enemy at bay. While doing this, your Cavalry can sweep round the enemies flanks, causing devastation from the rear. Because this attack will require a 'Linear Style' formation, Archers would also be useful as they should all manage to get within range of the enemy while staying safe behind your Center. However, this tactic is best used against armies with mostly Infantry and few mobile units, otherwise they may be able to cover their flanks before they get enveloped. Here's a few screenshots showing a double envelopment in action:

The Seleucids deploy with in a 'Linear Formation' with strong Cavalry Flanks:
https://img211.imageshack.us/img211/...tion2ud.th.jpg

The Seleucid and Egyptian Centres meet:
https://img473.imageshack.us/img473/...mbat4wh.th.jpg

The Egyptians are soon surrounded, their phalanxes broken, and their army routed:
https://img211.imageshack.us/img211/...tory2qf.th.jpg

The Echeloned Assault:

https://img344.imageshack.us/img344/...onii9oa.th.gif

Best Used When:
1. You are fighting a mainly infantry army
2. You have tough Spearmen to protect one Flank
3. You have plenty of Cavalry for the other Flank

This is a variation on the Double Envelopment. It was often used by the Romans to get round the rear of Greek Phalanxes, allowing them to easily crush their Center from there on. On one flank, all this tactic requires is that your soldiers (preferable tough Spearmen) stand their ground and keep the enemy at bay. Meanwhile, your Center engages the enemy, and all they need to do is stand their ground as-well. The action will mostly be taking place on your most powerful flank - your Cavalry flank. This flank must gain enough momentum to break the opponenets opposite flank, and from then on go on to attack the enemies Center from the rear. As long as you stand your ground elsewhere, once you've done this, victory is yours for the taking! Just beware of fighting against armies with Cavalry or mobile units, as they may use them to cover their flanks and block your attempt to flank them while it still has the momentum. Here's a few screenshots showing an Echeloned Assault in action:

The Seleucids keep their Spearmen on one Flank and their Cavalry on the other:
https://img473.imageshack.us/img473/...tion2ws.th.jpg

The Seleucid and Egyptian Centres meet:
https://img211.imageshack.us/img211/...mbat9kv.th.jpg

The Seleucid Cavalry Flank overpowers the opposing Egyptian Flank, and routs the rest of the army from the rear:
https://img211.imageshack.us/img211/...tory9wn.th.jpg

Faction Battle Guides:

Romans:

Best Unit: Urban Cohort
Backbone Unit: Principes, Legionary Cohort
Best Formations: Linear Formation, Refused Center, Central Attack

The Romans lack of cavalry means they will often struggle to perform the tactics requiring more mobility. The Romans strength lies in their solid melee infantry, able to form a very solid Center for any Roman army. Also, thanks to their widespread use of the ‘pila’, the Romans are particularly well suited the more wide and open formations, allowing all their infantry to take advantage of their ranged attack.

Armenians:

Best Unit: Cataphracts
Backbone Unit: Heavy Spearmen
Best Formations: Linear Formation, Refused Flank, Double Envelopment, Echeloned Assault

Apart from their Heavy Spearmen, the Armenians have no solid infantry throughout the early game. They do however have excellent cavalry, particularly horse archers. This unit line-up means the Armenians are best suited to using wider, more open formations. Their strong cavalry makes Armenians primarily offensive, and can perform some of the best Double Envelopments and Echeloned Assaults. Generally, the Armenians need to use their mobility on the battlefield to harass enemies, and outmanoeuvre and trap them.

British:

Best Unit: Head Hurlers
Backbone Unit: Swordsmen
Best Formations: Refused Flank, Central Attack

Britannia has one of the weaker and less diverse armies. They are pretty much limited to chariots and ill-disciplined melee infantry, and their lack of cavalry often proves very apparent in battles with other factions. Chariots do not have the staying-power of most cavalry, so they rely almost entirely on their mobility. Britannia does, however, have some strong melee infantry, allowing them to launch a powerful Central Attack, and their chariots can use their mobility to lure and trap enemies, performing a good example of a Refused Flank. Britannia may be a fairly weak faction, but if you use the right tactics they can prove very effective.

Carthaginians:

Best Unit: Sacred Band Infantry/Cavalry, Armoured Elephants
Backbone Unit: Poeni Infantry
Best Formations: Block Formation, Schiltrons, Refused Flank, Refused Center, Double Envelopment, Echeloned Assault

The Carthaginians have a good range of units, although many of them are expensive, and in a campaign they won’t become available until later on. Carthaginian armies will consist mostly of phalanx infantry and light cavalry, perhaps even with some elephants. Thanks to this varied line-up, the Carthaginians can perform a wide range of formations and tactics. Their reliable and affordable Poeni Infantry are ideal defensive units, while a decent range of medium cavalry will provide the Carthaginians best options in offence until elephants become available.

Dacians:

Best Unit: Chosen Swordsmen
Backbone Unit: Falxmen
Best Formations: Linear Formation, Central Attack, Double Envelopment, Echeloned Assault

The Dacians have strong and affordable melee infantry, which will provide the backbone of the majority of their armies. Their top-quality archers make the Linear Formation ideal, as it allows them all to get within range of the enemy. Thanks to their powerful charge, Falxmen can perform some of the best Central Attacks you’ll see. They can smash through even powerful enemies. Also, the Dacians light cavalry provide them with some mobility, and allow them to perform flanking manoeuvres effectively, such as the Double Envelopment and the Echeloned Assault.

Egyptians:

Best Unit: Pharaoh’s Guards
Backbone Unit: Desert Axemen, Nile Spearmen
Best Formations: Linear Formation, Schiltrons, Refused Flank, Refused Center, Double Envelopment, Echeloned Assault

As you’ll probably have noticed above, I’ve been giving the Egyptians a good few beatings. However, I chose them for my displays for a reason – they have a good range of units, and can perform a variety of strategies to good effect. The Egyptians have solid and affordable infantry in their Nile Spearmen, which are tough defensive units, ideal for Schiltrons and holding flanks. On the other hand, Desert Axemen are a strong and affordable offensive option. The Egyptians also have plenty of mobility on the battlefield, with their decent light cavalry and swift chariots allowing them to form devastating flanking manoeuvres.

Gauls:

Best Unit: Forester Warband
Backbone Unit: Swordsmen
Best Formations: Block Formation, Refused Flank, Central Attack, Double Envelopment, Echeloned Assault

The Gauls have a good range of units, although they are generally balanced towards the more offensive types. Their tough melee infantry can launch a powerful Central Attack. The Gauls do not really have any heavy cavalry, but their light cavalry can be effective in launching flanking manoeuvres such as the Double Envelopment and the Echeloned Assault. The Gauls have a powerful offensive line-up of units, but even in defence their protection will lie in their mobility, with their cavalry and light infantry able to lure enemies and trap them. Also, the Gauls are superb ambushers, and their Forester Warbands are the only units in the game able to hide anywhere (apart from Arcani).

Germans:

Best Unit: Berserkers
Backbone Unit: Spear Warband, Axemen
Best Formations: Block Formation, Schiltrons, Refused Flank, Refused Center, Central Attack

The Germans have a good range of units, and, just like the Gauls, they are generally more balanced towards offensive troops. However, they German Spear Warband is strong and cheap, and provides an excellent defensive unit, able to hold flanks and create Schiltrons in defence. The German light cavalry can also perform flanking manoeuvres such as the Double Envelopment and the Echeloned Assault. Also, the Germans have the best barbarian cavalry in game – Gothic Cavalry. These heavy cavalry have an excellent charge and are strong offensive units. The Germans are also able to quickly rout enemy armies, with their Screeching Women, Night Raiders, Warhounds, and Berserkers all instilling fear into enemies.

Greeks:

Best Unit: Spartan Hoplites
Backbone Unit: Hoplites
Best Formations: Linear Formation, Block Formation, Schiltrons

The Greeks are primarily a very defensive faction. Their armies will consist mostly of Hoplites, excellent defensive units, but not very idea for attacking. Also, the Greeks have few cavalry, so generally they will struggle on the offence. When attacking as the Greeks, your best bet is to take a hammer and anvil approach – use your Spearmen to hold the enemy at bay while your javelinmen and cavalry can harass them and charge from the rear and be able to retreat safely when they begin to get bogged down. In defence, the Greeks are practically unsurpassed, particularly in early campaign games. Their Hoplites can form a sturdy block formation, and almost impenetrable Schiltrons. Also, since the Greek often have many Peltasts, a Linear Formation can be effective as it allows them all to get within range of the enemy.

Macedonians:

Best Unit: Royal Pikemen
Backbone Unit: Phalanx Pikemen
Best Formations: Linear Formation, Block Formation, Schiltrons

The Macedonians are generally very similar to the Greeks. They have mostly defensive units, and so therefore are best suited to performing Block Formations and Schiltrons with their phalanx troops. The Hammer and Anvil approach is also suited to the Macedonians – it was after all used very famously by Alexander the Great of Macedon. The Macedonians are a little better in offence than their Greek Counterparts, thanks to their superior, if still somewhat weak and not all that available, cavalry. The Macedonian Light Lancers and later on Macedonian Cavalry give the Macedonians some offensive options if they find themselves in need of them, although the Macedonians are still generally a defensive faction.

Numidians:

Best Unit: Numidian Legionaries
Backbone Unit: Desert Infantry
Best Formations: Linear Formation, Refused Flank, Double Envelopment, Echeloned Assault

Oh dear ….. Its not easy playing as the Numidians. Practically no decent infantry until they make an attempt at copying the Roman Legionaries. Some medium cavalry. Apart from that, nothing. The Numidians by far have the worst unit line-up in RTW. They won’t hold their own against anyone in a head-on fight. When playing as Numidia, you must rely on your mobility to protect you, because its all you’ve got. In defence, the best tactic as Numidia is to flee. But seriously, if you want to fight, you can try using your cavalry to lure away the enemy from the main battle, and split them up. Also, your cavalry can use their mobility to perform flanking manoeuvres such as the Double Envelopment and the Echeloned Assault. If you really want to play as Numidia then good luck, you’re going to need it!

Parthians:

Best Unit: Cataphracts, War Elephants
Backbone Unit: Eastern Infantry, Horse Archers
Best Formations: Linear Formation, Refused Flank, Double Envelopment, Echeloned Assault

The Parthians infantry line-up is almost entirely ranged, and this lack of solid infantry will make it hard to play in defence. They do however have excellent cavalry, particularly horse archers. When defending as the Parthians, counter-attacking enemies is your best bet. This unit line-up means the Parthians are best suited to using wider, more open formations. Their strong cavalry makes Parthians primarily offensive, and can perform some of the best Double Envelopments and Echeloned Assaults. Generally, the Parthians need to use their mobility on the battlefield to harass enemies, and outmanoeuvre and trap them.

Pontus:

Best Unit: Cappadocian Cavalry
Backbone Unit: Phalanx Pikemen
Best Formations: Linear Formation, Schiltrons, Refused Flank, Refused Center, Double Envelopment, Echeloned Assault

Pontus has a good, varied line-up of units. They can be hard to beat in defence thanks to their strong Phalanx Pikemen, ideal for forming Schiltrons. Also, their more mobile units such as their unique types of skirmisher cavalry (Pontic Light/Heavy Cavalry) and cataphract cavalry (Cappadocian Cavalry) makes Pontus a powerful offensive faction, able to perform flanking manoeuvres such as the Double Envelopment and the Echeloned Assault very effectively. Generally, Pontus is a very good faction to play as from a tactical point of view, as their varied troops types allows them to perform a wide range of formations and tactics, both in offence and defence.

Scythians:

Best Unit: Scythian Nobles
Backbone Unit: Axemen
Best Formations: Linear Formation, Refused Flank, Central Attack, Double Envelopment, Echeloned Assault

The Scythians are one of the more tactically challenging factions to play. They have some strong units, but to use them effectively will require a lot of micro-management, particularly since the Scythians use horse archers so commonly. The Scythians are best as an offensive faction, able to use their cavalry to outmanoeuvre enemies and perform flanking operations such as the Double Envelopment and the Echeloned Assault. Even in defense, mobility is the Scythians best bet, as they can use their cavalry to lure away enemies and split their army apart. The Scythians do have some solid infantry in their Axemen, which can hold the line fairly well in defence, and launch a powerful Central Attack once they shout their warcries at the enemy.

Seleucids:

Best Unit: Cataphracts, Armoured Elephants
Backbone Unit: Phalanx Pikemen
Best Formations: Pretty much anything!

The Seleucids have without doubt the most strong and varied unit line-up in RTW. That’s why I used them in all my demonstrations above – their diverse units allow them to perform practically any strategy effectively. However, in the early campaign game, the Seleucids will be slightly more limited, with armies consisting mostly of phalanx units and light cavalry. Therefore, they’ll be best suited to similar strategies to the Greeks – Block Formations, Schiltrons etc. However, once the Seleucids get further up their tech-tree and get their more advanced units, they’ll be able to perform pretty much whatever strategy they want!

Spanish:

Best Unit: Bull Warriors
Backbone Unit: Iberian Infantry
Best Formation: Linear Formation, Refused Flank, Central Attack, Double Envelopment, Echeloned Assault

OK I’ve been brought back down to earth. But still, the Spanish are an interesting faction to play as, with a combination of fanatical barbarian warriors and more civilised troops. The Spanish have top quality javelinmen (they’re Bull Warriors have a javelin attack of 17!), so its best to use a Linear Formation so all troops can get within range of the enemy and use this to their advantage. Also, the Spanish have strong melee infantry, and can perform a powerful Central Attack. The Spanish also have some mobility in their medium cavalry, able to perform flanking manoeuvres such as the Double Envelopment and the Echeloned Assault.

Thracians:

Best Unit: Bastarnae
Backbone Unit: Phalanx Pikemen, Falxmen
Best Formation: Schiltrons, Refused Center, Central Attack

Like the Spanish, the Thracians have a good mixture of civilised and barbaric troops. Their Phalanx Pikemen act as tough yet affordable defensive units. On the other hand, Falxmen and Bastarnae are excellent in attack, and combined they can launch a devastating Central Attack. The Thracians only weakness is that they have limited cavalry, so will often have to rely on their light infantry and skirmishers to protect their flanks. As long as they do this, the Thracians can prove extremely challenging opponents in battle.

I like it. Thank you!:2thumbsup:

Very nice. I like it how the Egyptians always lost. :2thumbsup:

Can we give this man a sticky either here or in Guides for his hard work?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeneralHankerchief

Very nice. I like it how the Egyptians always lost. :2thumbsup:

Can we give this man a sticky either here or in Guides for his hard work?

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Hmm...I'd deffinetly second that. Mods? Please? These are great guides (though I have a few to add!:2thumbsup: )

Great work Woad Warrior!

Gotta second those earlier sentiments, mods - guides like these need to be readily accessible to all.

Good job Woad Warrior! This is helpful, especially to beginners (i'm not a beginner at the game, 2 or 3 year player already).

-ZainDustin

Nice one Woad!

Very informative and useful to all org members!

Very nice guide mate, very informative and is sure to help a lot of people. Good job Woad Warrior.

Nice & precise, I -as a passionate Nomad strategist- will give the Germans a try b/c of your description.....

WOW. I used to use regular battle formations RTW gives. Now i will use this!

A very well done bit of work. My hat's off to you Mr. Woad Warrior! :2thumbsup: I have used variations of many of these types of formations, but never had them explained so well. I admit to never having tried the Schiltron blocks before. I'll add it to my repitoire in future. The Imperial Roman Army's standard formation was similar to what you call the block formation. The main diference was a fourth line of Auxilary Infantry and Cavalry behind the main three Legionary Cohort battle lines. It is a very flexible formation, and by grouping each line of Cohorts and splitting the available Auxilary and Cavalry, the whole formation can be rapidly altered to an linear, refused flank, square or refused center to meet any threat.
It looked somewhat like this:DLC= First Cohort(or double cohort) LC= Legionary Cohort, Cv= Cavalry, AI= Auxilary Infantry, ar = Archers.
LC LC LC DLC
ar LC LC LC ar
LC LC LC ar
Cv CV ar AI AI AI AI
Give it a try when playing the Romans. I won't say that it is always the best formation, but it will do in a pinch. :idea2:

Incredible. Just incredible.

Really nice work Woad Warrior, ill be giving the Schiltron formation a whirl tonight. Thanks

A very nice guide. However for the Numidians, their backbone unit is surely their light cavalry. It's true their infantry is poor, but that's why they're a cavalry dependant faction, and very few armies will stand up against a massive horde of their deadly skirmisher cavalry. Infantry units are only there for siege battles and garrison duties.

I would also add that Scutarii can form the backbone of the Spanish armies. No need to rely on Iberian Infantry once these become available.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by professorspatula

A very nice guide. However for the Numidians, their backbone unit is surely their light cavalry. It's true their infantry is poor, but that's why they're a cavalry dependant faction, and very few armies will stand up against a massive horde of their deadly skirmisher cavalry. Infantry units are only there for siege battles and garrison duties.

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I`ll test the hypothesises(sp??) once I`ve started my Numidian campaign.
I think I`ll try make my settlement upgraded ASAP such that I get hold of legionaeres and long shield cavalry. I think that`s best line up for Numidia, plus some archers and skirmisher cavalry; maybe camels.

great guide...

but it looks a bit like another guide stickied above. though it seems that one is out of bussines...maybe the mods could merge it?

Hmmm, then one member might steal another's credit?

Merged threads can have only one name...

in the thread you could honour all contributers

The tactics guide by the Stranger is more for beginners, and to tell people how to use different unit types. My guide kind of carries on from the Strangers, and goes into formations etc, and tells you how to use them for each faction.

I tryed out the schiltron formation, and I have a good addition. It helps, since your defending, to deploy away from the enemy. Then the enemy has to walk further. But I like to deploy near trees if there are any. That way, you can hide your cavalry in the woods and charge the enemy when they least expect it.

Unless you have plans of a counter-attack, you should always deploy to the back of the deployment square (unless of course there is terrain you can use to your advantage).

Make the enemy walk further, tire them out, and you've already created an advantage. I've used it to good effect against huge Senate armies, because they're mostly infantry and the long walk tires them out before they can even think about engaging with your troops.

i agree with that. =nice guide btw

The Stranger! :2thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Woad Warrior

The tactics guide by the Stranger is more for beginners, and to tell people how to use different unit types. My guide kind of carries on from the Strangers, and goes into formations etc, and tells you how to use them for each faction.

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Not sure why I quoted your post. Just have a little nit pick, box, or err, Schiltron formation as you call it is not inbreakable. Let say your playing with Romans, hammer one particular spot with pilliar (the corner is weakest as spears leave a gap at box corners), and then push nearly all (keeping cav and a couple of units back to ensure you dont get flanked) your units onto the weakened part, eventually it'll collopse and now the boxer dude will have to take units from the formation to reinforce, probably done from the back so the rear is exposed. Then with good cav support you can hammer 'n' anvil him. :)

Of course you only need worry about that when playing multiplayer, the AI will just charge onto your spears nice and evenly and be crushed :)

Anyhow, once again, good guide and great for single player battles :2thumbsup:

As for skirmisher heavy armies, like the numidians, etc. I played a guy on multiplayer once who used a Brittish army in such a way. He set up a long open line of Charioteers as a screen behind which was another line of Skirmisher infantry in extended line. I was using a pretty much standard pre-Marian reforms Roman legion with the usual mix of Velites, Hastati, Principes, Euites, etc.

As soon as the battle began the Chariots went into Cantiberian circles, while the Skirmishers went into open formation. As I tried to approach this bunch of whirling Dervishers they would just fire a few missles and then retreat out of pilum range. This was repeated over and over until my infantry were exhausted trying to chase them. What few cavalry I had was quickly routed whenever I attemted to close and melee with a Chariot unit (everyone knows how cavalry performs against them). After running my horsemen off, the chariots would work around on the flanks and behind my infantry. Then the Skirmishers got in on the act. It wasn't long until I watched my infantry being whittled away to rout status, one by one.

I'll never forget that! Utterly stupifying! Exasperating! I couldn't play about 15 minutes after that. I was simply dumbfounded, and just sort of fiddled with the keyboard for awhile while I stared at the Multiplayer interface.

It is a good formation for a missle armed foe.

So was this formation just one line of missile chariots backed up by one line of skirmishers, and the enemy couldn't get near them?

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Originally Posted by rotorgun

As for skirmisher heavy armies, like the numidians, etc. I played a guy on multiplayer once who used a Brittish army in such a way. He set up a long open line of Charioteers as a screen behind which was another line of Skirmisher infantry in extended line. I was using a pretty much standard pre-Marian reforms Roman legion with the usual mix of Velites, Hastati, Principes, Euites, etc.

As soon as the battle began the Chariots went into Cantiberian circles, while the Skirmishers went into open formation. As I tried to approach this bunch of whirling Dervishers they would just fire a few missles and then retreat out of pilum range. This was repeated over and over until my infantry were exhausted trying to chase them. What few cavalry I had was quickly routed whenever I attemted to close and melee with a Chariot unit (everyone knows how cavalry performs against them). After running my horsemen off, the chariots would work around on the flanks and behind my infantry. Then the Skirmishers got in on the act. It wasn't long until I watched my infantry being whittled away to rout status, one by one.

I'll never forget that! Utterly stupifying! Exasperating! I couldn't play about 15 minutes after that. I was simply dumbfounded, and just sort of fiddled with the keyboard for awhile while I stared at the Multiplayer interface.

It is a good formation for a missle armed foe.

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That sounds frustrating!

Wow!

Very, very nice!

Great detail and really comprehensive :2thumbsup:

May I add my voice in requesting that this guide is stickied? Or better yet, moved to the R:TW guide forum?

The only nitpick I have is that IMHO you have given to little attention to horse archers. These units can really ruin a powerful formation because of their speed that allows them to turn up where you don't want them. The only decent counter against it are other archers, but again their speed allows them to evade these threats. The A.I. is especially vulnerable to such tactics as it can't keep its formations intact.

So, Numidia's best unit is certainly not the Numidian legionary, which is basically an overpriced, underpowered principes, but their light cavalry. Similarly, the unit that is most important in my Briton battleplans is the light chariot.

I'm putting a link to this thread in my Guide. just to notify

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Originally Posted by Ludens

So, Numidia's best unit is certainly not the Numidian legionary, which is basically an overpriced, underpowered principes, but their light cavalry. Similarly, the unit that is most important in my Briton battleplans is the light chariot.

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I must disagree; the most important unit in a Numidian army, is the desert infantry. It has equal attack, but lower defense stats than hastati and principes, and is avaible early on. The Numidian cavalry can`t really stand melee; but are very useful to have when you want to hit your enemy in the rear. In order to allow the Numidian cavalry to do just that, I use the desert infantry to pin the enemy. It`s quite effective. ~:)

What makes Numidian cavalry more of a backbone unit than the Desert Infantry (which is backbone for their foot units I suppose) is that in the campaign, it's a bit easier and cheaper to build up an army of them than it is to get the spearmen. Try a Numidian campaign and if you want to survive and build up your empire, it will be masses of cavalry and not spearmen you need to hastily recruit. I think in the first 20 years or so of my campaign, I probably was only able to train 1 spearmen for every 5-6 cavalry units. As for their lack of melee prowess, just lure the enemy infantry out and simultaneously charge a cavalry unit in the front and rear of the weakened enemy unit. Bye-bye enemy soldiers.

Later on in the campaign, Spearmen and Imitation legionaries become more commonplace and valuable. It's also worth mentioning that despite the fact the Desert Spearmen have the same basic attack value as Principes and Hastati, their lower lethality rate and spear penalty against infantry makes them inferior to sword infantry anyway.

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Originally Posted by professorspatula

What makes Numidian cavalry more of a backbone unit than the Desert Infantry (which is backbone for their foot units I suppose) is that in the campaign, it's a bit easier and cheaper to build up an army of them than it is to get the spearmen. Try a Numidian campaign and if you want to survive and build up your empire, it will be masses of cavalry and not spearmen you need to hastily recruit. I think in the first 20 years or so of my campaign, I probably was only able to train 1 spearmen for every 5-6 cavalry units. As for their lack of melee prowess, just lure the enemy infantry out and simultaneously charge a cavalry unit in the front and rear of the weakened enemy unit. Bye-bye enemy soldiers.

Later on in the campaign, Spearmen and Imitation legionaries become more commonplace and valuable. It's also worth mentioning that despite the fact the Desert Spearmen have the same basic attack value as Principes and Hastati, their lower lethality rate and spear penalty against infantry makes them inferior to sword infantry anyway.

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Well, I played several battles in my Numidian campaign today, and Numidian cavalry isn`t really that useful, since they die very easily.
Desert infantry are also cheaper to recruit than numidian cavalry, although the upkeep is a bit higher.

Besides, if you was to face a roman legion, you would be bad off without infantry support, but also bad off if you don`t have cavalry support. I believe they are both eqaully the backbone units of Numidia; you need them both.

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Originally Posted by Viking

Besides, if you was to face a roman legion, you would be bad off without infantry support, but also bad off if you don`t have cavalry support. I believe they are both eqaully the backbone units of Numidia; you need them both.

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We agree on that. But I don't use my light cavalry for melee. That is the privilidge of the family members and (lateron) long shield cavalry. Light cavalries main use is to irritate the enemy, and Numidians are very good at that due their speed and deadly javelins. The A.I. usually tries to pursue them in an effort to stop them from hitting his unshielded side, but few units are fast enough to keep up with them. In this way they can tear apart and exhaust the enemy army. They don't do much damage (though their javelins are very good at softening up legionaries or Carthaginian pikes) but their actions will ruin the A.I.'s formation and make his army approach yours piecemeal and often tired as well.

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Originally Posted by Ludens

We agree on that. But I don't use my light cavalry for melee. That is the privilidge of the family members and (lateron) long shield cavalry. Light cavalries main use is to irritate the enemy, and Numidians are very good at that due their speed and deadly javelins. The A.I. usually tries to pursue them in an effort to stop them from hitting his unshielded side, but few units are fast enough to keep up with them. In this way they can tear apart and exhaust the enemy army. They don't do much damage (though their javelins are very good at softening up legionaries or Carthaginian pikes) but their actions will ruin the A.I.'s formation and make his army approach yours piecemeal and often tired as well.

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But you`ll have problems without infantry. Against elefants, chariots, spearmen and so on.

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Originally Posted by Viking

But you`ll have problems without infantry. Against elefants, chariots, spearmen and so on.

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Sorry, I did not make myself clear. When I said that melee was the privilidge of my family members and long shields I meant that I used them as my hammer in hammer-and-anvil tactics. The anvil is made up of Desert spearmen, supported by some skirmishers.

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Originally Posted by Ludens

Sorry, I did not make myself clear. When I said that melee was the privilidge of my family members and long shields I meant that I used them as my hammer in hammer-and-anvil tactics. The anvil is made up of Desert spearmen, supported by some skirmishers.

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Ok. Then the argument is whether desert infantry should be called a backbone unit or not. :juggle2:

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Originally Posted by Viking

Ok. Then the argument is whether desert infantry should be called a backbone unit or not. :juggle2:

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Desert infantry is the backbone, but light cavalry are the hands ~;) .

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Originally Posted by Ludens

Desert infantry is the backbone, but light cavalry are the hands ~;) .

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I can`t agree with that either....

Your generals or numidian skirmisher that would be, in my opinion. ~:)

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Originally Posted by Viking

I can`t agree with that either....

Your generals or numidian skirmisher that would be, in my opinion. ~:)

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I can't help but think that you are using Numidian cavalry wrong, but as I don't MP I guess I cannot prove my point. Perhaps we should just agree to disagree.

Personally, I think Desert Infantry are the backbone unit. They are solid and reliable spearmen. You may have just as many Numidian Cavalry in an army, but they act less as the solid Center and more as skirmishers.

Against the RTW AI, it's possible to defeat an entire army with 2 general's units and one unit of light cav to mop up routers. Believe me, I've done it.

I'd take Numidian Cav over the spearmen anyday...

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Originally Posted by Ludens

Perhaps we should just agree to disagree.

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Maybe that`s best..

I`ll test out the Numidian cavalry some more, undoubtfully. Right now in my campaign, is it rather difficult to test them out, but once my empire is stabilized, I`ll give them more time.

Very nice guide!

I noticed a little mistake of yours though, at least one unit of archers in the Schiltrom was still on skirmish mode, so it was running out of the protected centre. Also, if you leave gaps like you did cavalry could always punch a hole through it. If your phalanx is not deep they can just run through as well, it's happened a few times in EB, with Hetairoi units running through my Taxeis Hoplitai line without a single casualty :(

Yeah that was an incredibly stupid mistake of me leaving Skirmish mode on, managed to save the other 2 archer units just in time. Perhaps I should add this to the guide, its an easy mistake to make.

dude, you use my Faovrtie Faction Seleciud,you my hero :-) :-)!!!!!!!! lol

I'm busy with exams just now but I'm planning to do guides on Historical Battles, and maybe some campaign ones.

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Originally Posted by Woad Warrior

I'm busy with exams just now but I'm planning to do guides on Historical Battles, and maybe some campaign ones.

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~:thumb:

That should be very interesting. Good luck in exams.

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Originally Posted by Craterus

Against the RTW AI, it's possible to defeat an entire army with 2 general's units and one unit of light cav to mop up routers. Believe me, I've done it.

I'd take Numidian Cav over the spearmen anyday...

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Yep, I've seen that too: once 'I' completely destroyed an entire Seleucid army containing a bunch of backbone/ elite phalanxes some elephants, some archers and a few units of Cataphracts! My urban cohorts didn't even get a chance to play their part in that game - I was only using 2 units of Praetorians.

It went like this: I arranged my army in a single line, with my cavalry on the wings. I advanced with my cavalry in the front (still on the wings) and my infantry one unit deep behind.

The AI started to go after both Praetorian units - so I sent them past the AI line. I took out the Cataphracts, and by that time the entire enemy army was completely messed up.

The elephants wandered trough friendly unit's, the enemy archers shot the elephants, the phalanxes didn't know where to go and to cup it all the elephants went limp.

Meanwhile I took out several phalanxes from the sides, and the enemy elephants and archers were busy finishing off whatever was left from the enemy army. Then the entire army routed (except from the elephants, who had run ahmok) - and I hunted them down with my remaining Praetorians.

But a nice crossed swords - sign simply refused to appear just outside Tarsus on the campaign map, although my Praetorians truly had deserved it that day!

In other words: I, for one, believe Craterus. What can be done with 2 units of Praetorians, should be possible with a few good generals and a unit of light cavalry too.

I tried out the schiltroms - but the enemy charged into the small exposed bit of flank of a phalanx, which made them rout - they then easily routed the other phalanxes from the inside.

It's hardly sporting to use such strategy against the poor AI.

:2thumbsup:

Excellent Guide Woad Warrior! Would you mind making an updated one for Medieval II Total War with tips on how to effectively use gunpowder units and artillery?

I wonder why this thread is in the EH and not in the Colliseum.

Was never moved.

Eusebius86, you are hitting a dead cow.

moved.

You've forgotten one strategy:
Moral Assault with barbarian factions, the screeching women/wardogs combo really hurt the enemy

if timed right, it can cause an "academic" chain rout

Hold on you said the Armenian best unit is their heavy spearmen. But what about the armenian legionaries?

"You're hitting a dead cow." Please explain...

Hi Eusebius86,

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Originally Posted by Eusebius86

"You're hitting a dead cow." Please explain...

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By "hitting a dead cow" pevergreen probably means that this guide is no longer being updated - it's author hasn't visited the .Org since the 3rd of September 2006 - over one year ago.