release the shot when the aim is at its smallest, try to aim ahead of the target- aim where they are going to be, not where they are. compensate for distance by aiming up (cant be taught this, you learn it with practice) don't bother aiming at shields unless you are trying to keep their attention on you (IE: so your team can shoot them in the back, or sneak up on them)
horses are nice big targets, you can dehorse enemy cavalry fairly well.
your priorities are
-enemy archers/xbows
-enemy cavalry
-unshielded infantry
- that are a direct threat to you
- that are a direct threat to your team
- the rest
- if none of the above are available, you can take potshots at shielded folk or relocate.
relocating is important, enemy ranged troops can kill you easily if they know where you are, and you don't know where they are, you are also prone to being backstabbed. unless you have adequate protection you should relocate a lot.
In my playstyle there are two main strategies.
1. Sniper/assassin- (saranids have great mobility so are good at this. Veigers have great power in a single shot, making assassination shots more viable)
you should flank as much as possible, using stealth to get to good vantage points- constantly relocating after shooting, the aim is to take down powerfull targets that pose a big threat to your team. Patience is important, you may have a clear shot on that dehorsed cavalryman- but if you wait a moment you can kill a skilled crossbowman who will show himself from cover in a moment due to not seeing you.
Main points-
-take note of who the best players are on the other team- take them out and your team will benefit.
-use stealth. if the enemy doesn't know of your presence you will have a MASSIVE advantage, players stay still a lot more often when they aren't feeling threatened.
-make the first shot count- the first shot from your vantage point will likely blow your cover, make it count, a headshot is 99% of the time an instakill.
-PATIENCE- taking note of the above points, bide your time. if you will have a chance to headshot the enemy teams top player then take it, don't be taking potshots at his team beforehand as he will be hard to hit if he knows where you are.
2. Support archers (nord archers are good for this due to melee abilities, saranids also due to mobility)
you should move with the main infantry group, at very least within line of sight. when in combat you should hang back and give support where needed.
keep shielded players looking at you and distracted- shoot unshielded players in the back as they fight. your aim is not necessarily to make kills, but to keep the enemy dodging your shots and focused on you- if they don't they die, if they do they are at a disadvantage fighting your team.Main
one major advantage of this is your ability to get in close without the danger of being cut down, this short distance gives you a better aim and greater power to your shots.
Main points-
-stay with the group. your infantry mates will keep you well protected from ambush, you can allways move in parallel to them- say, along rooftops whilst they are on street level, but don't stray too far.
-Watch your aim- you don't want to hit your own team, spamming is bad in support archery- only shoot where needed.
- its fine to shoot shielded enemies, sure you don't hurt them- but it forces them to face you whilst they fight, if they turn their back shoot them- your teammates will attempt to circle round them in order to force them to turn their back on you.
-interupt enemy attacks and blocks. your shot will interupt your targets action- if a player is proving troublesome you can time your shot so it stops his block, letting your teammate hit him, likely finishing him off.
- don't be scared to engage in melee, if you are a good blocker you can usually just turtle away, block each incoming attack in hope that your allies will step in.
sometimes a fight is simply too chaotic for you to take shots without the danger of hitting your team, in such situations you can help turn the tide of the fight by going in melee, remember your weapon and stats are weaker- so play defensively, focus on blocking before attacking.
