Naval formations

**Lubeck** · March 30, 2009, 10:08 PM

Why is it when you assign a bunch of ships to a formation they all travel at their max speed?

I have two 4th rates and two 6th rates as my main Prussian fleet. Going against some Danish ships. While they outnumber me it should be an easy victory because of my weight of broadside. But because the sixth rates seem to think they need full sail they keep moving up and blocking my 4ths fire.

Why is it on any naval formation they DO NOT KEEP FORMATION?! If your fleet is ordered into line formation shouldn't the ships in that formation try and keep to their place?

**Robert86** · March 30, 2009, 10:52 PM

I've never had this problem. I have three 4th rates leading a couple Brigs and a few Sloops, with the sloops being notably faster than the 4th rates, and they never start to get ahead, the keep right in line with the rest of the fleet.

**aeoleron9** · March 30, 2009, 11:04 PM

If you want them to keep in formation, never order the ships individually. Always give orders to the entire group, and they'll stay in formation.

Another tip with formation moving is: be patient. Don't spam orders, let the ships glide to one point and then give the next order. I learned this the hard way, I was clicking everywhere and the formation always gets confused and goes haywire, sometimes costing me battles. Now I slow down and let the ships take their course, and I haven't had any formation trouble since.

**Thanatos** · March 30, 2009, 11:14 PM

Thread moved to Gameplay and Strategy Discussion. PM me if you have any questions.

**guerra** · March 30, 2009, 11:28 PM

Make them a group. Select the formation you desire, then place them somewhere in the prep screen. Do not select individual units, just the group. Don't right click on opponents, don't move them out of formation and they won't break off. They all go the same speed.

**Rooie** · April 03, 2009, 09:12 AM

If want to use the whole group than give orders to the whole group at once. Don't give order to individual ships. Its simple!

**Lubeck** · April 03, 2009, 09:20 AM

Um....I didn't alter any of their individual orders. All orders given were for the formation.

**Palandiell** · April 03, 2009, 09:22 AM

i seem having trouble selecting specific formations. all i can do is group my navy in army groups and then making them line in a straight line. is there no other formation other than a straight line?

**Hot_spur** · April 03, 2009, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Palandiell

i seem having trouble selecting specific formations. all i can do is group my navy in army groups and then making them line in a straight line. is there no other formation other than a straight line?

There's a formation button in the HUD (upper left) that you click, then a toolbar pops up that gives you the various formations. Select the Line Astern option that looks like this:

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l
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**Hot_spur** · April 03, 2009, 09:57 AM

I've had this problem as well. In one scenario during deployment I grouped them, selected line astern, then as soon as the battle starts my frigate runs up along side a fifth rate blocking its port guns.

I only issue orders to the fleet, not to individuals.

Very frustrating.

**Keline** · April 03, 2009, 11:02 AM

If you have different speeds in a Line Astern, you'll have that happen.
It also happens with any other formation. The problem is even obvious when you have a tiny speed difference such as third and second rates.

**Lubeck** · April 03, 2009, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Keline

If you have different speeds in a Line Astern, you'll have that happen.
It also happens with any other formation. The problem is even obvious when you have a tiny speed difference such as third and second rates.

Yes that is my problem. And I don't think it should be like that. If you have a faster ship in a line of battle then you shouldn't put up as much canvas. There should be some automatic coordination to keep a line of battle in formation.

**MrOsterman** · April 03, 2009, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by Lubeck

Yes that is my problem. And I don't think it should be like that. If you have a faster ship in a line of battle then you shouldn't put up as much canvas. There should be some automatic coordination to keep a line of battle in formation.

As a general rule they do. There are exceptions. So far I've mixed 2nd rates and brigs in a line of battle and all went well. The next battle, same squadron and my brig kept running into the back of the 2nd ahead of it. It does happen more if you do a lot of fine tuning of orders as you go.

What I find that does help is that if you have a few odd lighter ships is to actually use them as part of your plan. Set them in their own line astern next to your main line and send them out ahead as a picket. This will allow your main line of ships to maneuver into optimum position as your lessor ships soak up the first few hits from the enemy fleet. If this gambit gives your 2nd's and 3rds a chance to seize the weather gauge and have a better position then it proves worth it and you force the enemy to either go after your lighter line, which is fleeing, and be exposed to your main line, or to deal with your main line and ignore the fleeing picket.

You do have to be careful and watch individual ship firing. I've had 2nd rates friendly fire lesser ships trying to squeeze a broadside off agasint a ship past them.

Mr. O