How best to deal with the Mongol horde?

**Brian_** · 12-04-2009, 01:51

Hey Gents,

I'm playing the Japanese side in the Mongol invasion and I'm having a tough time of it.

It seems the Mongols are both brave and savvy and I'm not sure how best to use my assets (few as they are) to my advantage.

As a general rule, it seems wise when being attacked by cavalry, one should endevour to stay in the forests, hoping to negate their mounted advantage. But the Mongols seem to know this, and they are reluctant to enter the woods until they've reduced my numbers through missle fire. I'm further hampered by a lack of really solid units of my own while his appear to be fearless by comparison.

Is there some way of countering their advantages? Shold I try and produce a disproportionate amount of cavalry troops of my own?

**Sasaki Kojiro** · 12-04-2009, 02:11

Ashigaru crossbowmen are vital. Spear units as well, and no dachi to beat their infantry. Archers can be valuable too. Yes, stick to the forest, and make the most out of the early bridge defense you have in chikugo (crossbowmen crucial).

As I recall, it's possible to contain the mongols to kyushu for the most part.

**Brian_** · 12-04-2009, 05:00

Originally Posted by Sasaki Kojiro

Ashigaru crossbowmen are vital.

Why do you say that? They seem quick to panic and to be honest, I haven't been putting too much faith in them.

Originally Posted by Sasaki Kojiro

As I recall, it's possible to contain the mongols to kyushu for the most part.

That's my strategy for now too.

**Sasaki Kojiro** · 12-04-2009, 06:37

Originally Posted by Brian_

Why do you say that? They seem quick to panic and to be honest, I haven't been putting too much faith in them.

They do good damage, are expendable, easy to train, and their ammo lasts for a really long time. Just have to support them so the don't rout.

That's my strategy for now too.

You might be in for a surprise...

**gollum** · 12-04-2009, 10:04

Yes yes, to Sasaki you listen.

Beware of the Horde and the aces it may still have. You need mostly Yari Samurai, Sam.Archers and most of all the ahistorical crossbow ashigarus - very little nodachis and very little Yari cavalry.

**ReluctantSamurai** · 12-04-2009, 15:07

While certainly not the only way to deal with them, perhaps there is something here that might help:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=112391

...and here:

https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=99795

Your cavalry will never be as good as the Mongols and I recommend you don't try head-to-head with them unless you have overwhelming numbers. If you want an idea of just how bad it is, look at the unit stats for both Mongol Light & Mongol Heavy Cavalry as compared to your YC (I've forgotten the exact folder you find it).

Much of this whole campaign is ahistorical concerning unit selection including even Yari Samurai and Yari Cav which, I believe, were not present as well as the aforementioned Ashi X-bowmen.

But nonetheless, this campaign can be a fun distraction when you get tired of the usual campaigning. Doing it from the Mongol side is tough.......................

**Brian_** · 12-04-2009, 20:50

Originally Posted by gollum

Beware of the Horde and the aces it may still have. You need mostly Yari Samurai, Sam.Archers and most of all the ahistorical crossbow ashigarus - very little nodachis and very little Yari cavalry.

So do you think it's a mistake to try and build up higher quality units?

My impression is that the Mongols possess many of their own and the reason my armies are getting wiped out (despite my having higher ranking generals) is due to the qualitative advantage of their troops.