Infantry deployment, especially row count.

[Stephan de St. Omer]

Hello all,

I am a totally retarded battlefield tactician, so don't wonder if my question is stupid!

I remeber from MTW that there was some kind of row count for infantry unit in which they were positioned best. For example and if I remember correctly spearmen where best deployed in five rows and pikemen in three for maximum defensive or offensive output. Does something like this exist for M2TW too? Or is it always the same if I position spearmen in three rows or two? And this question is related to a single unit, not more.

Any help or clarification appreciated!

Kritic Stephan

[Balbor]

By rows of 5 do you mean each unit is 5 men deep? so a unit of 200 would be 40x5 etc?

The deeper you make a unit the better they are at withstanding a cavalry charge, well it does feel that way.

[JorisofHolland]

Maybe it is there, but I don't think it really matters.
Except against cavalry, in that case you should have a deep row.

[Nazgûl Killer]

I think it matters a lot, and I know what you mean. I suggest you find your own layout.

What I do is keep my expensive units at 2 lines to minimize losses and maximize flanking effect, my spearmen at 2-4 lines, pikemen 3 lines (A must in my opinion) and archers... Well, I minimize the number of lines as much as possible so they can all get a clear shot.

[Stephan de St. Omer]

Thank you guys, I think I get it but gather that there is no "rule" to that as in good old MTW. Incidentally I tried to positions my pikemen three rows deep, so at least one good idea!

[JorisofHolland]

Also a good idea: never position hand gunners in more than 2 rows. The third won't fire.

[Kawee]

Also a good idea: never position hand gunners in more than 2 rows. The third won't fire.

In fact, try to position your missile units as thinly as possible. They fire best that way.

[JorisofHolland]

For hand gunners it is even more important.

[StyggeKrumpen]

Missile units are best deployed in thin lines so they have clear shots. When charging infantry and cavalry keep the broadest line possible. This way u get maximun affect out off the charge bonus. Hit ass many as u can. Pikes should be kept in rowes off 3. Spearmen i often use in rowes off 4 against cavalry to take the charge.

[Stephan de St. Omer]

Missile units are best deployed in thin lines so they have clear shots. When charging infantry and cavalry keep the broadest line possible. This way u get maximun affect out off the charge bonus. Hit ass many as u can. Pikes should be kept in rowes off 3. Spearmen i often use in rowes off 4 against cavalry to take the charge.

Thanks mate, for rounding this up. Will try exactly that!