Let them march to you

[Zel408]

I've been reading a lot of posts from new players that are having trouble fending off barbarian hordes at the beginning of the game. Do as the title says. Let them come to you. Place your armies uphill, put them in a defensive position, turn on fire at will when they are close enough, and flank them when they are wavering. This tactic is the most effective in reducing the amount of casualties you sustain which is very useful for facing several stacks of barbarians with only a few legions.

[tanglebones]

I'll go with that Zel. In the early stages of the game i followed the same tactics, it's all about preserving what you have as best you can. If i could help it i would never attack, always in a defensive postion where possible on the campaign map - and on the battlefield, defensive again, let them come to you (unless an opportunity to "get one over" presents itself), place units as far away as possible, preferably atop a hill. Shieldwall is a must for barbarians, set Guard mode on, and fire at will when the enemy is within range. When the enemy is engaged with you, your lines may may begin to buckle under the sheer weight and numbers of the enemy, don't panic, wait a minute or so, then flank with cavalry, hit them from the sides, withdraw and hit them again, keep doing so and they will break. Also a good tactic at this stage is to deselect your Inf units from Guard mode (both lines) and charge the enemy! As ever, timing is everything!