Problems with EB phalanx formation

[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

[konny]

Phalanxes aren't the best units for street fights, because of the problem you have mentioned: it is difficult to protect their flanks with mobile units.

[CirdanDharix]

I find phalanxes utterly impenetrable from the front. I usually deploy them in a very long line, even if i have to weaken the phalanx by spreading it out I will still match the enemy line's length whenever possible. Then I support the phalanx with missile troops, and attack the enemy's flanks/rear with cavalry and mobile infantry. The only time I eve have my phalanx running into trouble is when they face enemy phalanxes, otherwise even elite units seem to end up decimated without having achieved anything. Phalanxes are uber.

Maybe you're using Iphikratean hoplites, though--these are alot less good because they have shorter spears, and what makes phalanxes so strong in the R:TW engine is that they hold the enemy at spear-length. Also, never attack Macedonian-style phalangitai with Iphikratean hoplites, or other short-spear phalanxes. All other units will fare better.

[Treverer]

Phalanxes aren't the best units for street fights, because of the problem you have mentioned: it is difficult to protect their flanks with mobile units.

I cannot share this experience, quite the opposite: if you spread the phalanxes in a way that their flanks "touch" the buildings, they'll do a real good job in cities, especially when supported by archers/slingers.

Most "avenues" are not that large, and IMHO perfect for such a tactics.

But phalanxes are very vulnerable once the are through the gate and on their way to the avenue. That's why I usually don't send them in first. I'd guess that's what konny meant.

Yours, T.

[Intranetusa]

I cannot share this experience, quite the opposite: if you spread the phalanxes in a way that their flanks "touch" the buildings, they'll do a real good job in cities, especially when supported by archers/slingers.

Most "avenues" are not that large, and IMHO perfect for such a tactics.

But phalanxes are very vulnerable once the are through the gate and on their way to the avenue. That's why I usually don't send them in first. I'd guess that's what konny meant.

Yours, T.

Actually I make my phalanx narrow (the length of the gate) and send them partially through the gate...so they still keep their sarissa formation while engaging the enemy at the gate.

[konny]

I cannot share this experience, quite the opposite: if you spread the phalanxes in a way that their flanks "touch" the buildings, they'll do a real good job in cities, especially when supported by archers/slingers.

I am usually the attacker with a non-phalanx faction against a phalanx faction (I don't play the Hellenic so much). From that experince I find it is always possible to get around, or better: into, the flanks of these units in streetfights while the defender has problems to get any flank protection foreward.