Crossbows and Muskets

[numio]

I'm normally used to using archers in most of my campaigns and I normally deploy them behind my main line of troops such as spearmen and swordsmen. The enemy attack and they fire over the heads of my melee fighters and then when the fighting starts they carry on firing at units in the rear or retreating enemies.

However I'm starting to switch to factions with more strength in crossbows or gunpower weapons which need a line of sight to work effectively. Unfortunately the enemy close the gap quickly and my crossbows or mustkets with slow rates of fire get off 1 or 2 shots before having to fall back to safety where they can't do much any more.

Does anyone have any tips on how to use these troops effectively?

Cheers

[sumaznguy]

Well crossbowmen can shoot at an angle(at least from what I can see). Dunno about guns since I never get that far.


So just have your crossbowman behind your infantry. Or have your infantry run in front when the enemy almost gets near.

[Evolution]

Muskets are good a melee and ranged. Crossbows are good at ranged but bad at melee.

Your Gunpowder units should be aiming at Heavy Armored infantry and cavalry.

Crossbows are good vs all but are only useful for firing at close range and big pile ups. (like on bridges)

Thats what i use gunpowder and crossbows for. but you only need these 2 types of units against factions that depend on Cavalry archers.

[LuciusCato]

With Arquebus and Musket Units, if defending have them on higher ground (if possible) or after the initial enemy rush, when the lines are engages move them round the flanks to fire on the enemy from the sides. Alternativly when defending you can mix them in with your Pike or Halberd formations but its not very effective. Crossbowmen can fire in an arch, but they are much less effective, crossbowmen are best used much like Arquebusiers or Musketeers.

[Khassaki]

I usually put them in front or on the left flank. In front they fall back through your stantionary infantry as the enemy close. On the flank they are shooting into the unshielded side of the enemy, but do tend to get charged a lot, so a shiltrom in the middle of them helps. Musketeers must be in long thin lines to shoot and can bunch up for melee. Note that gunpower artillery cannot fire over your own troops even if they are higher on a slope, so maybe muskets can't either.