Problems with EB phalanx formation

[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.

[Treverer]

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.

Thanks for that idea, I'll be testing it ...

Ah, one is never too old to learn more!

[Intranetusa]

Thanks for that idea, I'll be testing it ...

Ah, one is never too old to learn more!

Also, I line up my skirmishers/every unit with javelins at the walls/gate (has to be wooden) and pummel the enemy on the other side until my units run out of ammo. But you probably already knew that...

:-)

[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.

[Sakkura]

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.

The AI doesn't seem to be as clever when it comes to flanking the phalanxes. I usually do fine with them in cities, although taking the gate is risky.

[Diamondj]

Could it be that most of my problems were because of the fact that I was using levy hoplites usually of the short spear variety?

[konny]

The AI doesn't seem to be as clever when it comes to flanking the phalanxes. I usually do fine with them in cities, although taking the gate is risky.

Yes, for the gate a heavy non-phalanx unit is better (if available), because for the attack it is better to give the Phalanx a movement destination behind the enemy formation than order them to attack the enemy. In gates they often end up as swordfighter used in this way. My favourites for this job are Samnite Miltes, Germanic or Greek bodyguards and naked fanatics. On the other hand, most of the Phalanxis aren't the worst units with the sword.