Tips for using a mix of swords and hoptiles?

[AS1606]

So I'm getting drawn towards a faction that has both strong swords and Hoptiles in the hope it leads to having a core of both strong and versatile infantry. For example the combination of scared band and elite phonecian infantry with Carthage.

However im a bit stuck on the tactics and composition of such an army with a few ideas that I can't decide between:

1 a main line of hoptiles with more mobile swords protecting the ends of the line.

but then I thought it would be better to have spears at the end of the line as this is where I'm more likely to be attacked by cav units so...

2 a main line of swords with a hoptile on each end to protect the flanks

or something else like...

3 a line of swords with a line of hoptiles behind

4 same as above with hoptiles in front

i usually use
1 whatever the most suitable general unit is
2 archers/slingers
4 cav
2 peltast for flanking
2 light spears (theous/throax) in reserve to stop flanks and assist the cav fights (I could get rid of these units if I decided to have hoptiles in a similar role

this leaves 9-11 units to split between swords and hoptiles or any other specialist units like elephants or artillery

what do people think would be the best ratio of swords to hoptiles and the best way to use them?

[Garbad]

If you are going to do one line that is fine early game but pikes are better and other units are more cost effective. Hoplites don't really require sword support either, so either use swords as flankers or get more hoplites imo (most early game swords are low armor fodder in a line fight). As for tactics, I like to try and create formations that expose flanks and wedges and the like to allow my second line troops (shock infantry, swords) to flank as they plug holes.

[♔Greek Strategos♔]

So I'm getting drawn towards a faction that has both strong swords and Hoptiles in the hope it leads to having a core of both strong and versatile infantry. For example the combination of scared band and elite phonecian infantry with Carthage.

Just make sure to bolster their morale if they're so scared.

[Ultra123]

Hoptiles (hehe) are really solid line holders, they could take the place of pikes in my macedonian setup which goes like this:

1 General used very offensively with the other cav unit
5 Pikes holding front line
4 sword units 2 on each flank just behind and out from the pikes (in your case hoptiles)
4 Archers - they exist to kill enemy archers then shoot targets of opportunity
3 Javs - hold fire most of the battle, then when all units are engaged they flank and throw into the enemys rear, even hoptiles cant stand this from the front so its devastating from the rear
2 units of mercs/AOR usually thracian nutcases with their falx' from the north, usually flank or plug gaps.
1 cav unit usually shock cav, runs around with general wiping archers or ranged units out working with my own archers, then hammer/anvil after javs run out of ammo

Usually enemy would rout half their army when the javs throw, if not or whatever is left the GB and cav finish off, key is to wait until all AI units have engaged you and have lost all cav and ranged support. Javs are terrifying wiping entire units with each volley sometimes, trivializing enemy elite units that are engaged on the front with your pikes/hoptiles (dam i love hop-tiles ). whatever is left or if the enemy stayed strong your cav should finish the job. The amount of ranged support here also helps with horse archer armys, the mercs/aor + javs + cavs with solid front line hoptiles/pikes can literally destroy anything.

[corsair831]

Drag and drop the sword unit directly over any hoplite unit's exposed flanks; they'll embed the sword unit into the hoplite unit and the hoplite unit won't get flanked, plus the sword unit will be supported by the hoplite unit perma-stunning enemies in front of the unit.

[♔Greek Strategos♔]

Hoptiles (hehe) are really solid line holders, they could take the place of pikes in my macedonian setup which goes like this:

1 General used very offensively with the other cav unit
5 Pikes holding front line
4 sword units 2 on each flank just behind and out from the pikes (in your case hoptiles)
4 Archers - they exist to kill enemy archers then shoot targets of opportunity
3 Javs - hold fire most of the battle, then when all units are engaged they flank and throw into the enemys rear, even hoptiles cant stand this from the front so its devastating from the rear
2 units of mercs/AOR usually thracian nutcases with their falx' from the north, usually flank or plug gaps.
1 cav unit usually shock cav, runs around with general wiping archers or ranged units out working with my own archers, then hammer/anvil after javs run out of ammo

Usually enemy would rout half their army when the javs throw, if not or whatever is left the GB and cav finish off, key is to wait until all AI units have engaged you and have lost all cav and ranged support. Javs are terrifying wiping entire units with each volley sometimes, trivializing enemy elite units that are engaged on the front with your pikes/hoptiles (dam i love hop-tiles ). whatever is left or if the enemy stayed strong your cav should finish the job. The amount of ranged support here also helps with horse archer armys, the mercs/aor + javs + cavs with solid front line hoptiles/pikes can literally destroy anything.

Drag and drop the sword unit directly over any hoplite unit's exposed flanks; they'll embed the sword unit into the hoplite unit and the hoplite unit won't get flanked, plus the sword unit will be supported by the hoplite unit perma-stunning enemies in front of the unit.

Good points both of you.

Plus I'm Moving this to:

• DeI Strategy Guides and Gameplay Discussions

[Nordling]

I sometimes try two lines of hoplites on each flank with center of swords. When they get tired I cycle them out and send in epephants on disrupted enemy line in the middle. Some of your ele may die but it pays off. They really wreck those unprepared dudes. And if you push through the center with any of such shock units, and you push on flanks with hoplites othismos, it should get the job done. From own experience, ele/shock troops/etc are more effective on flanks, however this works as well.

[RaggaBaby]

Drag and drop the sword unit directly over any hoplite unit's exposed flanks; they'll embed the sword unit into the hoplite unit and the hoplite unit won't get flanked, plus the sword unit will be supported by the hoplite unit perma-stunning enemies in front of the unit.

So you mean to say that you basically merge a sword unit into a hoplite unit? Making a blob?