Using artillery well

**duncan.gill** · 02-14-2008, 05:14

I have attempted to use artillery on a number of occasions but found that it is not particularly effective (particularly in an anti-infantry role) and when considering its high cost relative to other missle units. Does anyone use it regularly and have any tips regarding its use (i.e. against what troop types etc)?

**Mouzafphaerre** · 02-14-2008, 05:32

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I've used it effectively in my Lusotannan campaign as anti-heavy infantry (particularly phalanx) and against gates/towers.

It pays off especially when you have a height advantage. Deploy the long range ones way behind your main line and turn off fire at will. Also make sure none of your units stand in their way.

One of my nigh impossible victories was won thanks to artillery and well timed rear cavalry charges. You can find it way back in the heroic thread.
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**LorDBulA** · 02-14-2008, 08:18

Does anyone use it regularly and have any tips regarding its use (i.e. against what troop types etc)?

I have one. Dont use them in open battle.
You should use them in SIEGE.

**Apgad** · 02-14-2008, 09:54

They can be useful in any defensive position, but are best when you're on a hill, or defending a bridge. Because of their slow speed (is that an oxymoron?) you don't want to have to move them much, if at all.

I tend to go with the cheap ones, because you get so many pieces per unit. 2 units either side of a bridge, angled in, creates a wicked cross-fire, especially if you have a few phalanxes holding your own side. 4 units of 8 pieces with 20 missiles each = umm, 640 long bits of sharp wood.

IIRC higher experience makes them more accurate, so if you do decide to use them make sure you retrain them regularly. New units might only get a dozen or so kills, but in a recent Qarthadast campaign I built up 4 units with 3 silver or 1 gold chevrons this way, defending those 3 rivers in the middle of north Africa. By that stage they would regularly knock off 100-120 men each.

I agree with turning off auto-fire. If you leave this on, they will probably choose to target some really distant and sparsely placed levy spearmen with your own gold-cheronned Sacred Band in between, rather than the Ptolemaic Royal Guard opposing.