How do you use pikemen?

[homefry]

Are they only good for setting a spearwall?

Their stats are weak compared to my spearmen. It seems like my spearmen are better at attacking the cavalry than the pikemen.

[Saibot]

In my opinion they're quite effective at defending cities. Since they can block the gate in a V formation, and thus completely surrounding incoming enemies and thrusting from all sides. They're also quite good if you use them as main infantry line in an army with their flanks protected by more mobile (heavy) infantry. I have yet to see an army with a main line of Aventuros being beaten.

[TWoxy]

Well, with the pike fix they're excellent offensive infantry.

[FailedCrusade]

I only use them in large groups as a meatshield.....if their flanks are protected they hold for a long time.

[homefry]

How well do they protect against infantry that attack?

[FailedCrusade]

They seem to do well if attacked head on and you don't order them to attack. I've had lines of cheap pikes hold their own against elite infantry that attacked them from the front. But if they are flanked, they don't last very long.

[Saibot]

Yep so make sure you've got their flanks protected at all times. Then you will have a solid line of infantry who are able to beat almost every kind of infantry and cavalry out there. (not counting pike militia vs. Dismounted Christian Guards kind of fights of course, even though the milita will inflict serious casualties )

[Taimee Rose]

Whats bad about them is that they're worthless during siege attacks.

[Hardor the Magyar]

Pikemen are just great at defending bridges, specially against cavalry factions, such as Poland and France. Just put them at the begin of the bridge on guard mode, with heavy infantry on reserve and archers behind pouring arrows on the enemy. Just take care so you won't kill yourself with the arrows, sit back and watch the carnage

[johnnyg]

Pike/swordstaff militia are the best thing to happen to cities since merchant calvary Free upkeep, excellent gate defenders and all at a minimal cost! You just can't go wrong with 2-3 units in each city, they work like a charm against calvary and can hold their own for a while with the heavies. You'll always want some backup spears though, just in case the line does break, then you're screwed.

[Oploc]

Pike/swordstaff militia are the best thing to happen to cities since merchant calvary Free upkeep, excellent gate defenders and all at a minimal cost! You just can't go wrong with 2-3 units in each city, they work like a charm against calvary and can hold their own for a while with the heavies. You'll always want some backup spears though, just in case the line does break, then you're screwed.

Have to agree with this one, best thing there is. with larger cities with more free upkeep, add some militia archers too, while the enemy is busy fighting in ur streets, shoot them in the back from up on the walls XD

[Cybugger]

I have a question which is related to the use of pikemen. I'm the byzantines, and my expansion is going well. So well, i've recently ordered 3 full stacks to try and take the spanish holdings in france. Now here's a problem. I checked their stack, and it's only composed of Tercio pikemen and musketeers. How would you beat this deadly combo?

[Saibot]

Well try keeping the Pikemen busy by sending your weakest, cheapest troops towards them and then frontally charging with them. Then get your better infantry at their flanks and just tear them apart from both flanks. I suppose you've got at least some cavalry, who you can use to charge their musketeers.