Loose vs Close; Which to Use When

[metatron]

Which units do you believe perform better (in 1.1) in a loose formation than a close formation?

Some people say spears form a better pinning unit in close, while others say they can attack more often in a loose.

Or that 2H's (Fixed, with Zxiang's patch) do similar in loose considering the big weapons they are swinging.

So whats everyone's opinion on Loose vs Close?

Generally, close is preferred unless you're under missile fire.

Don't know about the two-handers, but I do believe that any unit in loose suffers a morale penalty and I know for a fact that they won't fight as organized or effectively.

[katank]

Note that cav charges absolutely wreck tight units while loose units can interrupt their charging and not take so many casualties. Very counter intuitive but works.

[OMGLAZERS]

Note that cav charges absolutely wreck tight units while loose units can interrupt their charging and not take so many casualties. Very counter intuitive but works.

And this is why I started the thread :P

So, have you got a research thread that discusses this?

I would THINK tight spearmen would be able to resist a cav charge if they were deeper.