guard mode.

**gigi** · 02-09-2006, 15:20

can someone explain to me when you should put on guard mode and why?

thanks in advance.

**Franconicus** · 02-09-2006, 15:46

Funny! I had the same question and I just read froggy's guide.

Guard makes your unit stay in the same formation and place; at least as long as possible. If you order to advance, it leaves the place but keeps formation.
There may be problems if you use it careless. If a unit on guard is attacked in the rear, for example.

For more details and more accurate information read the guide!

**Romulas** · 02-09-2006, 15:58

The makeup of your army will be an important factor. I tend to use a more infantry/archer based army with limited calvary support so I always use guard mode.( offensive or defensive doesn't matter) I feel it is needed to maintain my battle lines. If one of my units not in guard mode causes a enemy to rout they will purse them causing breaks in your ranks. If this happens in the beginning of the battle when the outcome is still not certain it will create a hole in the line the enemy can exploit and get to my missile units. Once the outcome is for sure, I allow the units to purse and destroy the enemy.

**econ21** · 02-09-2006, 16:35

I have a vague memory that guard mode ups your defence at the expense of your attack (as well as getting the unit to hold formation). So it would be useful when receiving an attack, perhaps especially for spearmen against cavalry. More generally, you could use it to protect an "anvil" units on the front line knowing that the real killing will be done by your "hammer" units about to strike on the rear or flank.

I must say I share Froggy's perception that guard mode often does not seem to give me desired results so I usually don't bother with it for my Romans infantry. They are supposed to get out their and kill things, not turtle. But maybe I should use the formation more.

**amir** · 02-09-2006, 16:58

I mostly use guard mode when defending walls. I put phalanx units around each gate/breach the enemy is coming from with guard mode because if they dont have it on, they tend to follow the enemy, and getting them out to the open where im less advantageous.

**orangat** · 02-09-2006, 17:18

As others have said, guard is important for holding down positions instead of pursuing. Doubly importnt for phalanx units since they get in trouble quickly if they get flanked while pursuing.

Originally Posted by Simon Appleton

I have a vague memory that guard mode ups your defence at the expense of your attack (as well as getting the unit to hold formation). So it would be useful when receiving an attack, perhaps especially for spearmen against cavalry. More generally, you could use it to protect an "anvil" units on the front line knowing that the real killing will be done by your "hammer" units about to strike on the rear or flank.
........

Is it true about the defense increase? First I've heard of it and never came across this in guides.

**econ21** · 02-09-2006, 18:10

Originally Posted by orangat

Is it true about the defense increase? First I've heard of it and never came across this in guides.

That's what it says in the Prima Strategy Guide (p124). It says the stats change only "slightly", so I suspect it is like the +2 defence, -2 attack that was in MTW.

**Mouzafphaerre** · 02-09-2006, 20:13

.
One thing that I'm sure, your units won't chase routing/retreating enemy in guard mode, which is useful especially defending against sallies in which the magic autofiring machine-walls are involved.
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