Is there really a use for missle units?

**konny** · 03-03-2008, 17:45

Originally Posted by pezhetairoi

Then I started ramming, and they galvanised into action for more bullet fodder.

I see, then I did misunderstood it. Certainly the AI comes back when you start ramming, but not when the ram is moved to the gate or placed near the wall without ramming.

**Tarkus** · 03-03-2008, 19:08

I've found missile units to be a great addition to my Roman legions. I've used Balearic slingers, Numidian archers and Cretan archers to devastating effect against the Carthaginians (Numidians) in nothern Africa and in Iberia, and am beginning to outfit my forces in northern Italy with Iosatae in preparation for the Gaesatae horde. Do not underestimate their value!

**Tyrfingr** · 03-03-2008, 20:05

As Saba, I rarely used any other soldiers than generals and archer-spearmen to conquer the Arabian Peninsula. However, face to face with the phalanxes of the Ptolemaioi, I was toast...

**Poulp'** · 03-03-2008, 23:10

I'm surprised no one mentioned the #1 use for missile units yet; clearing an enemy town square. Archers are handy in this situation, thanks to their ability to shoot overhead, or rather over the buildings.

**pezhetairoi** · 03-04-2008, 00:26

Possibly because a) many use slingers, and b) no one takes the time to actually move up units within range of the townsquare to clear it or drive them into attacking out of the square.

I did do that as Baktria, though, with my 10 units of thanvare and spearmen. Clears the townsquare, but you get them all charging at you. My assaults take up to an hour and a half just so I get it right and rest my troops between engagements fighting their way up to the town square.

**Tellos Athenaios** · 03-04-2008, 01:13

Well I use a combination of Archers & Slingers. Why choose if you can have the best of both for cheap?

**Biges** · 03-04-2008, 03:43

I agree with some people there. I like to use missile units against enemy archer units, especially missile using cavalry would be without them a really nasty problem. It is also a good way to at least slightly reduce strenght of enemy units.

**pezhetairoi** · 03-04-2008, 08:38

Originally Posted by Tellos Athenaios

Well I use a combination of Archers & Slingers. Why choose if you can have the best of both for cheap?

...because I'm either Roman or Celtic, or West Greek. :D Two have no archers, and one might as well have no archers at all for all their effectiveness.

**Digby Tatham Warter** · 03-04-2008, 19:24

Originally Posted by Tellos Athenaios

Well I use a combination of Archers & Slingers. Why choose if you can have the best of both for cheap?

I do the same for versatality. I can always find precise uses for both. Plus I believe the real armies would of often had a real mix of missile units.

Someone said they use missile troops to draw the enemy onto their cheap to replace troops, well I do the opposite and draw them onto my crack troops. And if the enemy turn tail early they get a few broad sides from every missile unit within range up their 'jacksie'(backside).

I like combined arms armies, for realism, effectiveness and the overall cosmetic effect(flamming arrows, battle field troop line up).