Loose formation

[D00d]

What's the downside to being in loose formation? Is there a stat penalty, like lower morale or sth?

[SoulBlade]

missiles are less likely to hit your troops and in melee combat they are less-effective. thats what i remember from the advisor said back in RTW.

[The Dutch Devil]

missiles are less likely to hit your troops and in melee combat they are less-effective. thats what i remember from the advisor said back in RTW.

Yeah that's about it.

[D00d]

I'd like to know what exactly makes them less effective in battle. There are situations where it actually makes them MORE effective. Units take less damage from cavalry charges when spread out. Weak unit like archers can actually last longer in battle when engaged with dedicated melee units simply because less troopers are in contact and it takes longer for the enemy to cut them down.

I'm curious if anyone knows the actual numbers involved, if there are any (e.g. loose formation = morale -3 or sth).

[Nazgûl Killer]

I'd like to know what exactly makes them less effective in battle. There are situations where it actually makes them MORE effective. Units take less damage from cavalry charges when spread out. Weak unit like archers can actually last longer in battle when engaged with dedicated melee units simply because less troopers are in contact and it takes longer for the enemy to cut them down.

I'm curious if anyone knows the actual numbers involved, if there are any (e.g. loose formation = morale -3 or sth).

I doubt there's a morale impact, but I know that a unit in loose formation cannot charge properly, cannot withstand a cavalry charge properly - Meaning that they will not be able to FIGHT cavalry off, whilst they may be able to survive the initial charge, breaking lines will cause them to lose the battle eventually.

Loose formation is fantastic for archers as they simply cannot handle any melee or ranged assault, yet it's terrible for any other unit. I advise you to use it sparingly and only with your ranged troops.

[D00d]

I've managed to dig out this guide for good old STW. Nothing on loose formation here.

http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/gui...un/p10_01.html

I also kind of remember seeing a similar table for M(1)TW. Never found anything similar for M2.

[The Dutch Devil]

Well when fighting in melee combat spread means that the enemy can infiltrate your ranks and flank individual soldiers. But if the ranks are closed the enemy faces a wall of metal. I don't know any numbers but I know that for a prolonged melee engagement tight formation causes less casualties.

[Reconquistador]

I have a question. Would you use Loose formation against Elephants? I mean, let's say you know elephants are about to charge your heavy inf. Even in tight formation, you're going to lose a lot of men. Would it be better to spread them out in anticipation of charging super-heavy cavalry?

[D00d]

I still haven't found a good way to deal with elephants, but loose formation does reduce casaulties. When facing elephants, I just put my whole army in loose formation. This also makes units spread out more which in turn gives you more time while elephants run over your men.

I am quite annoyed with the way elephants avoid friendly troops. They do run them down, but allies just get up again, while enemies die (and break).