AI retreating from the battlefield

[Ciaran]

So on VH, which is the only viable option for something akin to a level playing field (cue morale and exhaustion), the AI will merrily let its troops get slaughtered, which in turn makes the campaign game a lot easier...

[FactionHeir]

In a way, yes. Although it tends to withdraw quite often if its army is heavily decimated, usually in a sally battle.
In field battles, a withdraw is quite rare and usually only occurs when the AI is passive and has let you shoot it for a while.

[TevashSzat]

So on VH, which is the only viable option for something akin to a level playing field (cue morale and exhaustion), the AI will merrily let its troops get slaughtered, which in turn makes the campaign game a lot easier...

On the contrary. The AI rarely withdraws at a smart time which means that its army is usually in the middle of the map taking like 5 min to withdraw. They don't have an infantry line anymore and all of their units backs are turned to you meaning that they become pure fodder for any cavalry. For cav heavy players, withdraw=free exp

[Sentinel]

I have also seen this happen in M2TW.
This can be very frustrating when you have two or three small stacks on your side, entering the battlefield from different positions, and take the first few minute to collect them together. Then,when you are ready to attack you find the enemy disappearing of the far edge of the map.

What is worse is that the battle results screen show that they have suffered no losses.
If the human player did this and exited before any combat took place you would automatically loose a big chunk of your force.

[DVX BELLORVM]

If the human player did this and exited before any combat took place you would automatically loose a big chunk of your force.

If you quit the battle (Esc - Exit battle), yes, you can expect unexpected results , and possibly unrealistic loses. But if you orderly withdraw from the battlefield (assuming that AI doesn't catch you with cavalry or whatever), you won't lose a single soldier.

Not that I have a habit to retreat...

While I'm also frustrated when the AI flees from the battlefield, instead of falling into my trap and getting destroyed, I'm glad that to see AI making a tactically wise move. Because, a soldier who runs away will be able to fight tomorrow.

[Ethelred Unread]

I've seen the AI withdraw on me on VH/VH and because they were defending a hill my light cav couldn't reach their infantry in time so they got the bulk of the force away, only losing the 5 arty units that bravely decided to stand their ground.

[WhiskeyGhost]

The AI withdraws on me sometimes too, once the battle odds get ridiculous. Take note however, if your superior force is attacking an army that already retreated, that they can't withdraw the nice and orderly way, and must see the battle to the end (if some make it out alive via rout, they usually retreat to the nearest friendly territory).