fighting in losse formation

[Duke_Dutch]

I allways have problem with enemy shock units, they destrooi always many units when they charge head on. around 30-40 men of a group of 150 died because of there powerfull charge, even spearman to enemy cavalerie.
I have tryed to set my entire army on losse. and with great effect.

1) they doint losse so many units from the enemy arrows.especially spearman with shields.
2) they doint losse so many units when enemy shock units or cavalerie charge.
3) you line are longer en prevent you from being flankt.
3) they are not very effective fighting in this way but it take the enemy more time so split your army in 2. and that time can be very usefull for my own cavalerie to find a good moment to charge the tired enemy. ( your army also gets tired and is funerable to a enemy flank attack.) and it is not very effective when you charge.

Note: I did not used this tactic against trolls.
Did some one every used this same strategie or am I the first?
or do you see any other weak points in it

[Lordinquisitor]

Well, you named quite a few weakpoints in 4 already.

Another weak point is that your formation is more open- If enemies want to they could "walk" through your lines. Especially against players this would be problematic since enemy cavalry could just charge through your ranks without becoming stuck.

Another problem is that your and your enemy units will "intermingle". If your enemy is using strong infantry more will be able to fight- And that will cause more deaths on your side in less time.

[Duke_Dutch]

Indeed, I only tested it against the AI and they are not so smart as a human brain.

[Venia]

Well, you named quite a few weakpoints in 4 already.

Another weak point is that your formation is more open- If enemies want to they could "walk" through your lines. Especially against players this would be problematic since enemy cavalry could just charge through your ranks without becoming stuck.

Another problem is that your and your enemy units will "intermingle". If your enemy is using strong infantry more will be able to fight- And that will cause more deaths on your side in less time.

What do you mean with intermingle

[cormagus77]

What do you mean with intermingle

they get mixed.

On narrow formations only the enemy frontline fights;
If they mix with your unit in loose formation more soldiers can fight simultaneously...

edit: P.S.: Oh and up until now I only used loose formation when confronted with many archers or when I was pursuing fleeing enemies! Now I'm going to remember the strategy to take out trolls! Thanks, Lain!

[Lordinquisitor]

they get mixed.

On narrow formations only the enemy frontline fights;
If they mix with your unit in loose formation more soldiers can fight simultaneously...

Yes, exactly what i meant.

And this is obviously bad when the enemy has stronger soldiers than you for more will be in contact with your weak troops and more of your troops will get killed.. Except when you have enough troops to drown your enemies in bodies.

[Duke_Dutch]

I used the stategie with Isenguard , I have Dunland spearman in the front rank in loose and Snage archers and skirmisher behind them. I got attack by the high elf with strong anchers en infantrie units. There achrer did not destrooi my line with fire and because they only fired in my spearman My achers remain full stengt. the enemy infanterie came in close combat formation and attack my spearman head on. my achers and skirmisher where able to pick them of easy without many friendly fire.

[Muffer Nl]

The best way to counter point four is to set your units to `loose` and right after the enemy lines hit your lines set them back to `tight`. This is especially useful against trolls.

[Duke_Dutch]

The best way to counter point four is to set your units to `loose` and right after the enemy lines hit your lines set them back to `tight`. This is especially useful against trolls.

That a great idea, never thought about it . I only think I will keep my units in loose when the enemy have many achers.

[Muffer Nl]

One of the most powerful things about trolls is their charge. They thorw your units away turning the battle into 1 vs 1 for a few seconds. 1 vs 1 trolls will always win so they can easily kill 4-5 soldiers. When set to loose formation this effect disappears and they can only kill 1 unit on the charge countered by 5-6 for tight. This means (12*4 or 12*5) 48-60 men lost less in a batlle against trolls (With RC/RR on 1.2. That was the last time I checked that technique)