Disable Spear Wall after initial charge?

[z WeApOn z]

I had 3 units of Yari Ashigaru that were ambushed by two sets of Katana Cavalry, so I set my units to spear wall when they charged. However after that the units were moving around in a very odd way, and did not look to be attacking the units properly. Then I disabled spear wall and they immediately seemed to perform better, crushing the unit thereafter.

So, is spear wall just for the initial cavalry charge and for when you are moving forward only, and something that should be disabled during all-out melee?

[Baleurion]

I'd like to know this too. I suppose anytime they get into open fights you should turn it off, but im only guessing. I suppose the only time you should have it on constantly is if they stand still and are reasonable well-formed even while fighting troops in the front (like by a gate).

[Eien]

Spear wall, well, it's meant to be more of a static defence like a phalanx, not really supposed to move them about when they are in that mode.

[dutch81]

Spear wall, well, it's meant to be more of a static defence like a phalanx, not really supposed to move them about when they are in that mode.

The phalanx was not a static defensive formation far from it in fact.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalanx_formation

[Cinnead]

Spear wall works in the same way as guard mode, I guess.
It means they will try to remain in formation (unit facing, unit spacing, rank & file, etc)

[Thoragoros]

When in melee, I keep it on. I find it gives them some staying power against 'harder' enemies.

[Codeman90]

it seems to raise their defense against cavalry alot. Although be careful for some reason the peasants count as "running" when they are in stationary spear wall formation. They WILL tire out if you just leave them with spear wall on at all times.

[teru bain vincint]

I had 3 units of Yari Ashigaru that were ambushed by two sets of Katana Cavalry, so I set my units to spear wall when they charged. However after that the units were moving around in a very odd way, and did not look to be attacking the units properly. Then I disabled spear wall and they immediately seemed to perform better, crushing the unit thereafter.

So, is spear wall just for the initial cavalry charge and for when you are moving forward only, and something that should be disabled during all-out melee?

I use the spear wall for an oncoming inf or calvary when I'm on defense. When your moving up however then yes disable spear wall because you need to be as mobile as possible and spear wall while attacking doesn't seem to work for me in my own experience

[Baleurion]

I guess it makes sense that they tire by doing that, just like archers tire by shooting their bow. They have to hold their heavy spears horizontal in a ready-pose after all
But when they are surrounded, surely it isnt good to keep the spear wall turned on?

[ElementUK]

Well if your Ashiguru's are surrounded, it should be the end for them. That's why Yari Sam's have Spear Square ability later on. Nothing to stop you making a four Ashy square though whilst in wall formation.

[IGdood]

Yari Ashigaru in spear wall do manage to stand up against samurai enemies, sometimes even delivering a 1:1 kill ratio if they're not flanked. I use it just like when I use the pikemen units and phalanx units in the other total war games. I deploy only when they're about to engage, not when they're moving around. This increases mobility and conserves energy.

[Sgt.Valenzuela]

I have Spear Wall on almost all the time however! turn it off when moving or advancing towards the enemy or else you'll be murdered by enemy archers.

Spear Wall will dominate any Cavalry.

[z WeApOn z]

I have Spear Wall on almost all the time however! turn it off when moving or advancing towards the enemy or else you'll be murdered by enemy archers.

Spear Wall will dominate any Cavalry.

I don't know about this. Since I was being slaughtered with it on after the initial charge. Then I turned it off and the battle immediately changed in my favor. I'm not sure if its good to keep them in that formation while fighting.

[Codeman90]

I think what spear wall seems to do is completely negate the cavalry's charge bonus. After the chrage I think you can just turn it off an have the Yari Ashigaru just murer the cavalry. Cavalry suck unless they charge you first obviously =p

[aeoleron9]

Actually I believe Yaris pretty much murder cavalry any time, I've even charged a Yari Ash into a charging cavalry and they still won. It's a bit weird because I remember in M2 if you're not standing still when the cav hits you're screwed.

[Xatham]

I seem to notice my units doing way better in melee with it on.

[z WeApOn z]

Something we'll have to test I guess. My units seemed to be way out of place, almost trying to hold position with it on after the initial charge. When I turned it off they went and attacked. individually.

[Katsuhisa]

One thing i've noted is that the cavalry here, cant really do when standing still while fighting, effective as hell when using the hammer-anvil method, but standing still - not a chance. Compared M2, where the cav could decently hold their own after a charge, the S2 just cant, at least not in the first 30 turns or so :/

[Tepok]

As long as the front row is still solid, keep the wall formation.

When uphill, this keeps the enemy at bay, kind of like lances in rome.

You generally take fewer casualties and inflict moderate ones. Against a stonger opponent, use this formation. Against cav, undo after the initial charge.

Also, moving in that formation TIRES a lot, and arrows are machineguns.