Two questions

[Svenska]

Hi, I think that this can't post in most forums is a pain, but what can you do.

1) I have a basic laptop, that I guess is having a bit of trouble because even though I can play it, my infantry are messed up. While there bodies stay in place, they have crazy long arms, and they stretch there necks like some crazy mutant or something. Spearman are ok, so are cav. unless they have swords. Shaders are on, and I set the buildings and what-not lower so that it would help....it didn't.

2) I love House Julii, but I'm not sure of just how to position my army. Right now, I've been trying to create a situation where I set some weak units in the middle of the formation, to use as bait. The enemy will take it, crash into the center to break the weak line, all while I swing the flanks around to hit there sides, like a bear trap.

Doesn't really work yet, as the enemy kinda just goes after whatever they want.

So, any help on either.
And thanks.

[ByzantineKnight]

2) I love House Julii, but I'm not sure of just how to position my army. Right now, I've been trying to create a situation where I set some weak units in the middle of the formation, to use as bait. The enemy will take it, crash into the center to break the weak line, all while I swing the flanks around to hit there sides, like a bear trap.

Doesn't really work yet, as the enemy kinda just goes after whatever they want.

So, any help on either.
And thanks.

You should put at least 1 heavier unit in the middle so it does not crumble inward before your flanks can hit their side; or you could charge some cavalry in there to hold them back.

[Svenska]

cool. I'll see what happens.

Thanks.

[Wardruid]

1) I have a basic laptop, that I guess is having a bit of trouble because even though I can play it, my infantry are messed up. While there bodies stay in place, they have crazy long arms, and they stretch there necks like some crazy mutant or something. Spearman are ok, so are cav. unless they have swords. Shaders are on, and I set the buildings and what-not lower so that it would help....it didn't.

You're still a junior member dude, you'll gain access to posting on the other forums when you make it to "member" which is more or less 15 to 20 twenty posts if I remember right.

[Arciel]

You're still a junior member dude, you'll gain access to posting on the other forums when you make it to "member" which is more or less 15 to 20 twenty posts if I remember right.

You sure? I thought that to be promoted from junior to member, you needed to be a helpful poster, not by the amount of posts. Anyway, I'm still a junior so it might not be quite right...

[Zild]

Aye, you had to be a helpful poster back when I got promoted (guess I must've slipped through!)

Svenska, that's not a bad tactic, I've heard of it before somewhere (historical account or fiction I can't remember, but it worked!) I've not tried it myself - routing troops gives a morale penalty so I am usually loath to use it - but I'm not entirely sure it would have the desired effect in the Total War series of games. (Think I'll give it a try now, just to find out!)

[Ludens]

You sure? I thought that to be promoted from junior to member, you needed to be a helpful poster, not by the amount of posts. Anyway, I'm still a junior so it might not be quite right...

You are quite right. The main criterium for promotion is participation. You don't need to write a complete guid to become a member. Just posting regularly in a friendly and helpful manner is enough. Blatant spamming will, at best, delay promotion.

[Svenska]

I just don't think it works anymore. I went and tried it SOOOO many times, but I just can't get the enemy to take the bait. They just swamp my entire line, which just destroys the idea. Sometimes They don't even charge at all, and we just sit there looking stupid.

Right now I just use a hammer/anvil kinda thing. I don't know, I still need a ton of practice.

Thanks for the help, and I know that I'm a junior member, I was just expressing my thoughts.

[doc_bean]

2) I love House Julii, but I'm not sure of just how to position my army. Right now, I've been trying to create a situation where I set some weak units in the middle of the formation, to use as bait. The enemy will take it, crash into the center to break the weak line, all while I swing the flanks around to hit there sides, like a bear trap.

Doesn't really work yet, as the enemy kinda just goes after whatever they want.

I use a tactic similar to yours and it usually works. Some stuff to try with army setup:

-put archers in a rather thin row in front of your troops to kill the advancing enemy
-put peltasts and other shorter range units behind the archers, after the archers retreat they should be able to get a volley off and then retreat to safety
-stretch out your heavy infantry, don't put a unit behind the main line 'just in case', put them all next to eachother
-stretch out the individual units a bit, i find the standard box a little too deep for most situations, the ideal depth (for me) is usually about four rows iirc
-get as many pilla vollages off as you can, for massive damage !
-don't use peasants or town militia unless you absolutely have to, rely on your legions, they're a great all round unit
-put cavalry on the flanks for flanking, this is what really wins you battles, 2 cavalry units are usually enough (certainly in the early game) since they are highly mobile

Some useful hints:

- the AI tends to go after generals, put them bhind your lines or at least be careful when using them
- the AI tends to put its own generals in harms way a little too much, target them for moral penalty
- with cavalry: charge and when the unit you attacked starts to put up a decent fight, try to withdraw and then charge again
- always try to have more cavalry then the enemy, always try to have more units then the enemy, that way you have the flanking advantage

[Death Match]

I know what to do in your kind of situation. First, as someone already mentioned, move your general up and down, as it draws the bait on the AI. Then, (I am guessing Infantry in middle and cavalry at sides) get your archers to FIRE-AT-WILL. As their general realises this, he will send more troops. He is ANGRY!! Take this chance and bring your archers forward to pour the hell on the main army. (Make sure your archers step out of protection). As the enemy general reaches his limit, he will charge towards your UNPROTECTED archers. Draw them back at the last moment and strike him with your general + many more cavalry. He will die before he has chance to rout. You will suffer 15~20 deaths in your archers, but HEY their general is DEAD!!! From now, you can do what you want but you know that.... ODDS ARE NOW IN YOUR FAVOR!!!!

[Death Match]

If my above tactic does not work, (it always works with me) make sure you have a STRONG middle infantry. Then, you can be assured that they will hold firm and engage in a length fight while you cavalry charge behind the enemy flanks and kill the enemy. It kills more and it is more effective. As it is quick, (cavalry are very quick at flanking attack) You have more army to focus on the enemy general who at times are overpowered and the toughest of units.

[CaesarAugustus]

You are quite right. The main criterium for promotion is participation. You don't need to write a complete guid to become a member. Just posting regularly in a friendly and helpful manner is enough. Blatant spamming will, at best, delay promotion.

Wow, I'm going to be a junior menmber for a looooong time then.


In regard to strategies, when fighting against an enemy i usually form my general unit and all my cavalry (4 units) into a huge "horde". I use this horde for hit and run attacks on the enemy as they advance on my lines (my lines are usually heavy infantry on either side with light in the middle......archers and any onagers/ ballistas behind the Heavy Infantry).


The "horde" is also used to pick off enemy cavalry battallions which try to outflank my lines. The "horde" can even take on spear and phalanx units if need be, although you take heavy losses. Not recommended unless you are desperate.


Of course there are much more efficient ways of deploying your cavalry, but the "Horde" cav strategy has never failed me. You should use yor horde to attack your enemy general too, because they can out run him if he routs and starts to escape. (Of course always try to surround him first)

[Ludens]

Wow, I'm going to be a junior menmber for a looooong time then.

It's not that bad. Usually people get promoted in two to three weeks.

[CaesarAugustus]

1) I have a basic laptop, that I guess is having a bit of trouble because even though I can play it, my infantry are messed up. While there bodies stay in place, they have crazy long arms, and they stretch there necks like some crazy mutant or something.

I'm sorry that i can't offer any advice on how to fix this problem, beyond playing the game on a pc or better laptop, but i would really like to see a screenshot of mutant infantry with stretched necks and arms.

It's not that bad. Usually people get promoted in two or three weeks.

Well, that's good to know. Who handles the promotions?

[professorspatula]

For the Julii I use a checker board formation, units spread out to just 3/4 ranks deep, with 2 rows of infantry (creates longer lines, but needs less units). Best infantry on the second row. Cavalry behind infantry on flanks, archers ahead of infantry. General behind infantry where he can safely bark out orders from a cowardly/safe distance until he's ready to finish the enemy. You should be able to field a few Hastati early on and these are solid units. Stick 'em on fire at will. If you have any rubbish units like town watch, stick them in the front row. The checker board formation ensures the second row gets stuck in early, so if the militia turn and run, the second row can intercept pursuers if need be. You can always stick militia on guard mode. They'll just try and stand their ground for as long as possible, giving you a chance to move other units and cavalry around to flank the enemy. If your entire front row consists of rubbish fodder units, you run the risk of causing a chain rout, so in that case, strengthen the line with some more experienced Principes or Hastati. Also don't commit your cavalry too early. Depending on how much you have, it's best to wait until you can be sure you can hit the enemy flanks/rear with them. Of course, if there's enemy cavalry roaming, you should intercept if you can be sure you can beat them.

I recommend always going on the attack in RTW, unlike in MTW/STW where you ideally want to be the defender. The AI is much more docile and tends to sit back enabling you to dictate how your two opposing lines will meet. You can also use artillery when attacking because the AI will usually not react until you start firing lots of fiery boulders at its troops.

Here's some examples of Julii formations:


Checkerboard formation. All round useful tactic, best early on before heavy legionaries.


One infantry line. Adapt to situation as it requires it basically.


Once you have lots of heavy infantry units that you know are superior to the enemy's infantry, you're just as well to use one strong line to hammer home your advantage.

[Ludens]

Well, that's good to know. Who handles the promotions?

Ser Clegane, although every staff member can recommend a junior member for promotion to him.

[Raz]

Does a mod count as a staff member? Or only admins?

Anyway, my setup goes a bit like this:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showp...10&postcount=5

Of course that tactic was very useful in MTW but I don't see why you can't use it on Rome, it's seems to work on RTW for me just as well as it did before.

[Ludens]

Does a mod count as a staff member? Or only admins?

Both moderators and assistant-moderators count as staff members.