Proper Fighting as Rome

**chinkecheese** · January 02, 2014, 11:43 AM

I typically attack initially with my hastati, let them throw a few rounds of spears. After they engage, I'll use my velites to strike from the sides/rear, and have cavalry doing the same.
What roles does my triarii have? Are they good mainly for horses? Is it better to strike with my velites first to weaken the enemy?

I'm just curious, I haven't done too much research on any of the units, on most TW games - I just press start and go. I often wonder if I'm doing it right.

Feel free to add input, thanks.

**High Fist** · January 02, 2014, 12:05 PM

My triarii sit there in the back like the useless pricks they are. I rarely use them, only if I actually need them.

Your strategy is basically what I'd do. Engage with a line of cohorts, surround and engulf.

**Primative1** · January 02, 2014, 12:33 PM

I've always used the surround and engulf tactic previously, but found with RS2 that it takes forever for the opposition to break.

I've now switched to fielding more cavalry with my Legions.

If they are missile cav i'll have them fire into the rear of the engaged opposition, if not I'll charge them in.

It's a lot quicker.

I usually use my foot archers to decimate opposition cav and missile troops before engaging with my hvy foot, so they are rarely used for rear attacks.

Triari cover my flanks or reinforce my front line if they are charged by hvy cav.

But basically, try different tactics and see what works for you.

**pokeytrev** · January 02, 2014, 03:21 PM

Historically, the Velites would skirimish with and harass the enemy before anyone else engaged. After the velites expend their missiles, hastati would engage the enemy with or without help from cavalry or other skirmishers. When the hastati start to break or get tired, they would retreat through the gaps in the principes (which was made possible through the maniple formation). The principes, being fresh and ready for battle, would charge the enemy whilst the haststi would reform elsewhere and possibly rejoin the battle after rest. If things were to get really out of hand and a retreat was necessary, the principes would retreat and the triarii would, more or less, hold a solid line until the rest of the army retreated.

Honestly, though, these tactics aren't necessarily optimal in RSII or any other modification of Rome TW. I personally like to play the game in this way, but it's simply because I enjoy it. Do what works for you. If you want to build an army of nothing but cavalry, go for it. IT's up to you. I think having a mixture of units, keeping reserves, and covering your flanks is all you really need to take into consideration.