So - how many ranks are you using?

**Belid Hagen** · 03-09-2009, 15:39

once I have rank fire researched i use 3½ ranks. 3 ranks will fire, the remaining men are there to fill the casualty gaps, keeping the potential melee strenght up, preventing a half strenght unit from being one thin line, open to cavalry charges.

**AussieGiant** · 03-09-2009, 16:02

Originally Posted by Belid Hagen

once I have rank fire researched i use 3½ ranks. 3 ranks will fire, the remaining men are there to fill the casualty gaps, keeping the potential melee strenght up, preventing a half strenght unit from being one thin line, open to cavalry charges.

Once you have the technology this is the best all round formation for Line Regiments.

**Hooahguy** · 03-09-2009, 16:57

i use 3 ranks. you get almost a continuous rate of fire and a quite decent length of the line.

**Callahan9119** · 03-09-2009, 17:43

three

**Graphic** · 03-09-2009, 18:28

Usually 4, especially with rank fire. This way as people in the front die, there will be reinforcements for a while to keep it 3 ranks deep for those volleys.

**Dayve** · 03-09-2009, 18:37

Not knowing a single thing about tactics from this time period i started the game using only 2 ranks, but after facing indian and native American melee units i began using 3. If you use two and get charged, you're screwed, even if it's elite units being charged by militia you are still at a massive disadvantage. You may not lose the fight, but your unit will take much more damage than if they were 3 ranks deep.