Infamous charging bug

[PotentSchraphlon]

I'm sure everyone knows what this is, but I want to finally get to the bottom of it. What is it that causes charging units to stop their charge before they reach a target and/or just run into them without performing an actual charge? I've found that if a unit charges a target which runs away, it changes to "pursuing", and sometimes a charging unit doesn't seem to have enough space to begin a charge, but this also happens when conditions appear to be perfect and it's these times that I'm concerned about.

[Leaf-Fan-Forever]

If any terrain features disrupt the formation then the charge will fail. At least thats what I read on a previous thread.

[Ezilkannan]

Well as far as charges are concerned, you need to know about them to execute it perfectly. Firstly the cavalry with which you are charging (preferably knights) must have a decent gap between the target and them before charging, otherwise they wont get the needed and momentum and will just go and engage them.
Secondly, the unit must be in a decent formation for the charge to be effective.
Thirdly, the target unit must be stationary like infantry holding a line or charging towards you. If the target unit begins to move away from the knights, they wont be able to complete the charge and will pursue instead of charging. This is what I have experienced. It is true, you can't charge a target running away from you, you can only run them down or pursue them.
Note: It is possible to charge moving units if they start moving a little too late, i.e. if the move command is given when the cavalry has almost reached them.

[Double A]

Stop your guys "charging distance" ie several yards away from the enemy, wait for them to reform, and then attack. Unless they're getting attacked by archers. It's typically better not to have an infantry charge than get attacked by archers for another volley, in my experience (I'm not sure if it's true or not).

Cavalry are the same principle, just make sure to withdraw any non-War Clerics from combat.

[VersionLangley]

I've found that if a unit charges a target which runs away, it changes to "pursuing"

Thirdly, the target unit must be stationary like infantry holding a line or charging towards you. If the target unit begins to move away from the knights, they wont be able to complete the charge and will pursue instead of charging.
Note: It is possible to charge moving units if they start moving a little too late, i.e. if the move command is given when the cavalry has almost reached them.

patch 1.1 will have this problem
patch 1.3, the knight will charge until their lance reach the unit, or if the unit move at a sharp angle to the charge; then the knight will switch to pursuing mode...so unit like Stradiot with quick speed will do good amount of damage to heavy inf even if they're running away

Cavalry are the same principle, just make sure to withdraw any non-War Clerics from combat.

i don't get it

[Double A]

i don't get it

Norse War Clerics (and Kataphracti) are better in melee than repeatedly charging infantry. They have AP maces, high armor, and their charge bonus is meh. Treat them more like mobile infantry than boomerang missiles.

[VersionLangley]

Norse War Clerics (and Kataphracti) are better in melee than repeatedly charging infantry. They have AP maces, high armor, and their charge bonus is meh. Treat them more like mobile infantry than boomerang missiles.

err...that's some really bad strange advise m8 ....have you actually see them charging at inf from the front? (beside at pike n halberd spearwall)
you can say that for RTW at some situation. but definitely not for M2.

if you talking about mods, plz refer to the mods

[PotentSchraphlon]

I do try to form up my units and make sure they're a good distance away, but sometimes they just don't charge. Cavalry sometimes won't get their lances out if they've been in combat before, or just run straight into the enemy without attempting to charge. Often I see units start to charge and then just stop, sometimes the lead units will turn and head back to the rest of the unit and break up the whole charge.

[Lennert]

That last thing you mention might be due to the unit being on guard mode, charging to close past another enemy unit or the charging unit taking so many casualties it affects their formation dramatically. Edit: it might also happen on rough terrain or even the unit being extremely fatigued btw..

If your cavalry doesn't use their lances perform a foney charge, withdraw, give them the "stop" order and charge again. Sometimes just clicking the stop button will make their lances appear straight away. This generally only happens in confined spaces though, within a settlement or on rough terrain. On the open field, with enough distance to perform a proper charge, this will never happen.