Problems with EB phalanx formation

[Diamondj]

I have found the phalanx formation in Europa Barbarorum to not be particularly useful. Even when they are attacked head on one of two things will happen, either the enemy will spill out to the sides of the formation and quickly cut down the hoplites on the flanks (even if I have infantry protecting both the right and the left), or the phalanx will become disorganized after a short period of time and lose their effectiveness. What is the best way to utilize them? Should I take them out of formation? Press alt and have them use short swords when they get in too close? Or something else?

[Dyabedes of Aphrodisias]

I have no idea what the problem is. If the enemy is able to get to the flanks, you're doing it wrong. If the unit loses cohesion, again, you're doing it wrong. If you have a solid line of phalangitai with flank support, there shouldn't be a problem. The front of a phalanx isn't supposed to be impenatrable, but damned near it. I don't know why yours are losing cohesion, unless they're an inferior unit against a beast unit.

[Sakkura]

I have no idea what the problem is. If the enemy is able to get to the flanks, you're doing it wrong. If the unit loses cohesion, again, you're doing it wrong. If you have a solid line of phalangitai with flank support, there shouldn't be a problem. The front of a phalanx isn't supposed to be impenatrable, but damned near it. I don't know why yours are losing cohesion, unless they're an inferior unit against a beast unit.

Pff, my 122 inexperienced phalangitai deuteroi just chewed through 50 somatophylakes strategou (infantry version) with 3 chevrons, taking only light casualties. Anything without long spears is in trouble unless it has easy access to the flanks.

[Diamondj]

The usual situation is that during a seige I send a phalanx to try to block off a corridor, and then an enemy unit of gallic swordsmen for example attacks them. At first the phalanx holds them off perfectly but then in prolonged melee they start losing a lot of men from the sides even though it is only one unit attacking them. In the end it always just seems they aren't worth the gold it costs to recruit them.

[Sakkura]

Stretch the unit out so it fills the whole street. Works for me, mostly.

[Treverer]

Tip: play some custom battles. There you can experiment and learn from faults. T'is better to loose and learn there than in the campaign.

[Leão magno]

remember to have the guard mode on