does shield wall reduce arrow casualties?

[panasonic]

ive been playing using the shield wall formation and it works well against barbs and cavalry charges, but im not sure if it makes any difference when under arrow/javelin fire. anyone know?

[MasterAdnin]

ive been playing using the shield wall formation and it works well against barbs and cavalry charges, but im not sure if it makes any difference when under arrow/javelin fire. anyone know?

I believe it give a small bonus to defence, so yes, I believe it does.

Peace,
Adnan

[TerraHero]

I think it works sort of like Testudo aswell, the shields are lcoked close, so frontal arrows got a smaller chances of hitting. Also the Formation is pretty tight also narrowing the area where an arrow can have effect.

Also note its good anti-cavalry use, cavalry cannot pierce dense fomartions effectivly, so when cavalry charge is imminent, switch to shieldwall with several rows thick and the cavalry will run itself into a wall of shields, men and sharp steel.

Wich is the primaire reason of shields walls effect i believe, its density of men making a charge wasted as it fails to disrupt the line. Combines with Fire at Will with javalin armed troops this formation is a killing ground against cavalry and infantry alike with 2 volleys of powerfull javalins. I use it alot myself when defending and need for holding the ground, however, the troops cannot attack as effective as with a normal formation so appart from the javalins its a lesser effective attack formation but briliant when all you need is to deadlock the enemy into a position.

[Sacred]

Yes, but it will give them an easier chance to hit you from behind, I believe.

[Endeav]

Arrows hitting troops that could make a shield wall from the front probably wouldn't hurt too badly anyways

[panasonic]

ya i thought so too, but i also remember hearing that troops evade arrows better when in loose formation, so the shield wall may make it easier to get hit by arrows from above, behind, side etc

[mercja]

ya i thought so too, but i also remember hearing that troops evade arrows better when in loose formation, so the shield wall may make it easier to get hit by arrows from above, behind, side etc

Any arrow fire from the back whether in sheld wall or not willl do heavy damage to a unit, but sheild wall does helps reduce casualties from the front.

[thranduil]

no it dssnt work try it out ! testudo works better

[TerraHero]

Meh, it offers some benefit over normal formation, generally speaking roman troops are well defended against missle attacks and the tight shield wall makes it ahrder to charge with infantry or cavalry.