Cavalry formations playing Kingdoms

[Parzival2211]

Playing Baltic Campaign, cav units I deploy 2 ranks deep always change to square-like formations, once I move them. I never get a nice charge with a wide front of knights only 2 ranks deep.

I didn't have that problem with M2TW vanilla. Is there anything I can do to keep them in 2 ranks during the charge?

[Aeratus]

Cavalry deployed in a thin line will only reform their formation into more of a rectangular shape if ordered to move across a long distance. So in your situation, make sure the charge target is not too far away, but still far enough to wind up the charge.

Also, sometimes 3 ranks is better than 2 ranks. While only the front rank does the actual charge damage, the back ranks still push the front rank forward due to the collision system in the game. Another disadvantage of making the line too thin is that your cavalry unit will engage a large number of enemy soldiers at once, which has an impact on morale.

[Parzival2211]

I didn't know that the number of enemies engaged has an impact on morale. I thought if the front line is short and more enemies wrap around my unit that would affect morale negatively, hence making a thin wide line preferable.

[Parzival2211]

I didn't know that the number of enemies engaged has an impact on morale. I thought if the front line is short and more enemies wrap around my unit that would affect morale negatively, hence making a thin wide line preferable.

[Rero]

Actually 3-4 ranks are the preferable amount, it sounds as if you're charging into the front of the enemy and that is not to be recommended. Charge with a 3-4 rank of heavy cavalry in the sides or back of the enemy after you've locked them with your infantry. If that is not possible use at least 2 units of cavalry and charge from diffewrent directions.

Weight is key.