Mixed units?

[DaLagga]

Well, i've been playing this a little over two weeks now, and after experimenting with most of the units in the game, i've come to one conclusion. The best army setup is going pure something, be it nothing but archers, infantry, or cavalry. If i have a combination of units, the cavalry run out in front and die, the archers run behind them and can't shoot because they would hit the cavalry, then they die, and the infantry just kind of sit back watching it all until its their turn. I may be exagerating a bit, but this is generally how it works for me if i let my army do most of the fighting. It seems that the best strategy is to take your army of a single unit type and have them move in a big clump. So, has anyone else noticed this? or do i just suck? Although i'm sure there will be alot more actual strategy once AI bugs are worked out.

 

[Tyreal the Imperishable]

No, it's not just you. I've found mixed armies tend to be less effective than a pure cavalry/infantry/ranged army.

I think allowing us to give separate orders to units that fall into 3 different groups (infantry, ranged and cavalry) might help.

 

[Effidian]

Using the "hold" order can change this with a mixed cavalry and ranged group. When you start find a nice little hill and issue the "hold" command. The archers will sit and attempt to take out advancing units. Any that get too close the cavalry will attack. You can also issue "charge" orders to take out small groups and then reissue the "hold" command to regroup.

Works pretty well. But I do agree the AI and commands need to be improved so you can have formations and the like. Also, it would be nice to be able to select the percentage of units that you get that go into a battle. (60% cavalry, 40% mounted or whatever).

 

[JohnathanStrange]

Well, i've been playing this a little over two weeks now, and after experimenting with most of the units in the game, i've come to one conclusion. The best army setup is going pure something, be it nothing but archers, infantry, or cavalry. If i have a combination of units, the cavalry run out in front and die, the archers run behind them and can't shoot because they would hit the cavalry, then they die, and the infantry just kind of sit back watching it all until its their turn. I may be exagerating a bit, but this is generally how it works for me if i let my army do most of the fighting. It seems that the best strategy is to take your army of a single unit type and have them move in a big clump. So, has anyone else noticed this? or do i just suck? Although i'm sure there will be alot more actual strategy once AI bugs are worked out.

Similar experiences for me. I seem to do most of the fighting because if I don't my troops can easily scatter and I end up losing a high level knight to three or four pirates.

You can, as has been pointed out, use the existing commands to do some tactical maneuvers: holding position until the enemy's cavalry hits and is swarmed by your men, follow me to get everyone back together, etc. That's what I do.

Separate commands for melee infantry, ranged troops, and cavalry would be even better.

I always try to note: Combat is very very interesting and good. What I'm looking for is additional tweaks. <-----a counter to my negativity.