Best Roman Assult Unit?

**Velvet Elvis** · 02-03-2007, 03:36

Just looking for your points of view on roman battle strategy. I've been flanking with triarii and I'm not convinced that is the best option? When possible, I'll flank a second time with some principals held in reserve. At times, they seem pretty strong. Suggestions? I'm talking pre-Marian mainly.

**-Praetor-** · 02-03-2007, 03:53

Samnite heavy infantry (the samnite swordsmen with kopis and yellow round shields) seem the best option for assault units. They pack considerable punch, and are highly versatile units.

They are both mercenary and recruitable units, available in central Italy with the appropiate MIC.

Cheers!

**Imperator** · 02-03-2007, 04:29

which MIC? I can't find them!

**Zaknafien** · 02-03-2007, 05:13

fight in a Roman triplex acies. your triarii should hardly ever even fight, unless the circumstances warrant it. form your three lines with rorarii and accensi in reserve and skirmishers doing their thing. hastati throw javelins, engage. withdraw. principes throw javelins, engage. use the rorarii if you need them to plug a gap. same with triarii.

**MarcusAureliusAntoninus** · 02-03-2007, 06:21

When playing as the Romans I never use infantry to flank. I stand my ground and have a group or two of cavalry go around back, wait until they are nearly breaking and smash them apart. (very costly some times though)

**Velvet Elvis** · 02-03-2007, 07:06

Originally Posted by Zaknafien

fight in a Roman triplex acies. your triarii should hardly ever even fight, unless the circumstances warrant it. form your three lines with rorarii and accensi in reserve and skirmishers doing their thing. hastati throw javelins, engage. withdraw. principes throw javelins, engage. use the rorarii if you need them to plug a gap. same with triarii.

to withdraw do you use the retreat button?

**Watchman** · 02-03-2007, 08:05

They'll try to leave the map with that one...

**Omanes Alexandrapolites** · 02-03-2007, 08:44

Originally Posted by Velvet Elvis

to withdraw do you use the retreat button?

No, you just order them to retreat from the combat as you would order the unit to move. If you do that then the units will be running for their lives from the field. You most certainly don't want that - you may need them later if the battle is failing.

**Thaatu** · 02-03-2007, 10:30

Originally Posted by Velvet Elvis

to withdraw do you use the retreat button?

Put the unit in guard mode and order it to run away from the battle, preferably behind a second line of units. There will be some casualties, but they are more likely to be healed after the battle.

**Boyar Son** · 02-03-2007, 16:19

I knew there would be true Roman tactic enthusiasts!

Have your army in guard mode (except cavalry). Use cavalry to flank while the army engages,Hastati 1st, Princape 2nd, triari 3rd, but you hardly need triari because all they do is boast about there prowess...

Thats general Roman tactics

**McHrozni** · 02-03-2007, 16:28

Most of Roman infantry can be used as assault units. I personally like Equites Extrodinarii, heaviest Roman Pre-Marian cavalry. Thessalian Hippies are your next best bet, since they're rather hard to obtain in most places. Beyond that, you can also use Hellenic Peltastoi, their role was exactly that, but was meant to be used in support of Phalnax formations. They work well with any reliable heavy infantry, however.

The only times I use other units is when on an extended campaign and unable to reinforce the armies with proper Roman forces. Admittedly this has turned from "rarely" into "all the time", due to Roman conscription limitations.

Oh, and by the way, (useful) frontal cavalry assaults are about 400 years away when the game starts, and some 800 years away from true effectiveness. The cavalry goes into enemy flanks and rear, if at all possible.

McHrozni