Most effective Phalanxe Depth?

[DarthShizNit]

What is the most effective phalanxe depth? Against other phalanxes the starting 8 depth (or whatever it is) seems to be the best, as any wider or deeper gets raped. Any more "testing" orientated players have anything to say?

[Bonez]

Not very testing type person but the most effective Phalanax depth would have to be whatever the needed width is because your gonna want to have your unit at least as long as the other one and maybe a little wider so some units don't slip by on the wrap around.

[Bringer Of Storms]

I think the answer is very situational. If your Phalanx troops are superior to their troops, I tend to have them three deep. Any deeper, you get those troops holding their spears up, and not participating in the fight. Although, if their unit is equal or more superior I keep deeper ranks. A phalanx isn't a phalanx if its cut in half due to a thin line.

[Vir Triumphalis]

It's circumstantial. If heavily outnumbered, you might need to stretch your troops especially if outnumbered in cavalry.

[loseless]

Well, as a master of phalanx units, I would say between 6 and 8 units for most situations. The bigger the men per unit, the better it is for phalanxes.

At that depth, the only thing that can cut through them are Cataphracts. But there's not much to be done against them, really. They get through pretty much everything.

Against light armored units, a 5 or 6 men line is enough. Against roman legionaries, for example, I wouldn't recommend anything under 8, specially because their pilla cuts one line to start with...


Just remember to protect the flanks. Heavy cavalry works great with phalanxes. If you're using the seleucids, then use the argyraspids to cover the flanks. Arrows also help a lot. Just forget about javelins and peltasts. They're not that useful in a phalanx formation. Arrows work a lot better.

[Bringer Of Storms]

Well, as a master of phalanx units, I would say between 6 and 8 units for most situations. The bigger the men per unit, the better it is for phalanxes.

At that depth, the only thing that can cut through them are Cataphracts. But there's not much to be done against them, really. They get through pretty much everything.

For someone who's a master of Phalanx units, you should know that no cavalry unit is going through a Phalanx unless the cavalry flanks them.

[caesar_37th]

For someone who's a master of Phalanx units, you should know that no cavalry unit is going through a Phalanx unless the cavalry flanks them.

Actually an attack using Cata maces will defeat nearly every phalanx in the game with equal upgrades. That is, if the phalanx is not spartans or do not use the reform trick known to several clan players.

[Spike]

10, with huge unit size AND the long_pike phalangites (not hoplites)

hoplites in vanilla - their effectiveness is maxed at either 6 or 7

[Bringer Of Storms]

Actually an attack using Cata maces will defeat nearly every phalanx in the game with equal upgrades. That is, if the phalanx is not spartans or do not use the reform trick known to several clan players.

I have never once seen someones cataphracts survive a head on charge in to phalanx spears. I just don't see any cavalry, no matter what kind, surviving a charge into Royal Pikes, or Armored Hoplites ect.

[dacder]

Vs Cavalry as wide as possible.
Vs infantry 4 ranks deep (3 for hoplites)
Vs Phalanxes as deep as possible

[DarthShizNit]

Vs Cavalry as wide as possible.
Vs infantry 4 ranks deep (3 for hoplites)
Vs Phalanxes as deep as possible

actually anything deeper than 8 going up against another phalanxe and you usually get owned in my experience. 8 seems just the right place for taking on other phalanxes

[dacder]

actually anything deeper than 8 going up against another phalanxe and you usually get owned in my experience. 8 seems just the right place for taking on other phalanxes

On normal scale is what im talking btw...
and you are probably correct.