Let me know more about pikemans

[SlyConqueror]

I have met only once pikeman in my games till know(they were in my enemy army). I didn't have problems killing them with a FMAA. I want to know for what purposes are good pikemans(except vs cav) or it is better to use other units instead them like swiss pikeman or something else.

[Lanky]

I've always found that a good unit of pikes with reasonable valour are very good at holding almost any position you ask them to. Providing you keep them in a position where they can't be outflanked or anything. River crossings spring to mind...

[SlyConqueror]

Ok so pikemans are good for defense. I suppouse they are better then spearmens an seargents maybe, but are they better than halderberies and are the y good for attacking(I know that atacjk is not their best function).

[Sarnaen]

Pikemen can attack well, if they're kept in formation. They get an irresistable charge bonus, IIRC, so should wreak havoc.
Use the Swiss armoured variety, and line up on a cavalry unit that's already engaged. Charge them from point blank and enjoy.

[Sociopsychoactive]

Pikemen are a little bit of a mystery to me as rarely let the game go on long enough to see them, but they have advantages. THey are akin to spearmen in that they get good bonusses against cavalry, but unlike spearmen the onus goes mostly to attack, and they have a higer attack rating aswell, but a lower defence rating. They are better than spearmen at killing cavalry, and slightly, only slightly, worst at pinning.

Using pikes rather than spears will result in more casualties to both sides so I tend to use them as I would axemen, hit the back or flank of cav or armoured units with them when the unit is pinned.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Pikemen annihilate everything four-legged, but suck against anything else

Ok so pikemans are good for defense. I suppouse they are better then spearmens an seargents maybe, but are they better than halderberies and are the y good for attacking(I know that atacjk is not their best function).

name-melee-defense-morale; cavalry attack bonus-cavalry defense bonus
feudal sergeants 0 -1 2; 1 4
chiv sergeants -1 3 0; 1 4
pikemen 1 -1 2; 2 6
halbs 1 6 5; 0; 3 1

As you can tell from these stats, and considering that pikemen are available only in late, pikemen only come into their own against cavalry.

[Maeda Toshiie]

Pikemen annihilate everything four-legged, but suck against anything else





name-melee-defense-morale; cavalry attack bonus-cavalry defense bonus
feudal sergeants 0 -1 2; 1 4
chiv sergeants -1 3 0; 1 4
pikemen 1 -1 2; 2 6
halbs 1 6 5; 0; 3 1

As you can tell from these stats, and considering that pikemen are available only in late, pikemen only come into their own against cavalry.

You guys are forgetting about the rank bonuses. Spears get rank bonuses for up to 2 extra ranks (+1 attack, +2 defense). Pikes get rank bonus up extra 4 ranks (+2 attack, +4 defense). Halbs do not have any rank bonuses.

Another point: Pikes are 2 handed weps, hence no shields. Same for halbs Spears have large shields (chiv 0.5 modifier).

FBE's guide says it all. Spears and Pikes are meant to pin and recieve charges. It takes other units to kill.

SAPs are another thing entirely. Medieval version of Spartan Hoplites.

*edit*
Forgot another point regarding pikes vs spears as mentioned in FBE's guide: Spears have a larger frontage as compared to pikes in order for both to maximise their rank bonuses. This may cause issues with wrap-around effect.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Sorry, MT is right. I was a bit too lazy to type in all off their stats, making pikemen appear weaker than they really are.


While we're at it, let's also add that neither sergeants nor pikemen have armour piercing, and Halbs do. Indeed, anybody serious about their MTW should get a good unit guide.

[Lonewarrior]

I have always found pikeman good for defending the entrance of a castle because of their pikes, and except being good against cav, pikemen are easily defeated by order foot soldiers.