Skirmisher trouble...

[Emperor Tom]

Ya, so I was playing as Macedonia and I haven't gotten archers under my employ yet. So I have to substitute them with skirmishers. Only problem is I am horrible with them. They are one of two units I can't use (the other being Horse Archers). With the short distances the javelins can travel by the time they can fire down upon the enemies they are forced to run away. Any suggestions on how to better use them?:hmmm:

[Carl von Döbeln]

I just have them some meters infront of my phalanx

[Xavier Dragnesi]

Have the infantry type stationed on the flanks protected by cavalry. Then when the enemy attacks, throw the javelins at them from the sides so the enemy takes more casualties.

[Legio]

Do not use the skirmish mode btton. And keep some infantry or cavalry close by in support.
Or, you can put them on your flanks and encircle the enemy with them while pinned down by phalanx, or put them behind your lines. You should expect a few friendly fire kills though.

[Prince_of_Macedon]

Ya, so I was playing as Macedonia and I haven't gotten archers under my employ yet. So I have to substitute them with skirmishers. Only problem is I am horrible with them. They are one of two units I can't use (the other being Horse Archers). With the short distances the javelins can travel by the time they can fire down upon the enemies they are forced to run away. Any suggestions on how to better use them?:hmmm:

Moving to Battle Planning.

[Lord Thesaurian]

using skirmishers and horse archers is my specialty. I am a terrible teacher thoughso bear with me. The key to using skimishers and horse archers is speed and coordination - and in the skirmishers' case, it is also important to keep them close to the protection of your infantry line. Horse archers are delightful because, while still relatively fresh, they are almost impossible to pin down by all but the fastest, most disciplined light cav, and therfore can anihilate whole armies before they can even touch u (hence the greatness of the nomadic Hun and Mongol armies). But, if u dont use them right, (ie using them as melee, letting them wander into bad situations, etc.) they while be almost useless, and youll get very pissed off. the same general principle applies to skirmishers. they can harrass and infuriate the enemy as the he advances, and this often is key to the his destruction. However, if used incorrectly (ie using them as melee, letting them stray from the safety of the infantry line, etc.) they will be, as i said, useless. Also, horse archers and skirmishers make excellent rout-chasers when they run out of ammo. hope this helps