Square formation?

[molenmer]

Hi!

A question regarding the square formations... I'm playing as Rome and I use this formation often, but during the battle the units decide to stop using this formation which frustrates me. Is there a reasonable explanation for this or is it a bug?

[KAM 2150]

It is actually realistic, once soldiers are unable to hold the line, formations is broken.

[molenmer]

a ok that makes sense, thanks!

[Krixux]

the square formation , if understand the mechanics right (?) is a temporary solution allowing one to rush reinforcements at that place.
If not that unit will ne overwhelmed and exterminated.
...had this many times but it saved my arzz ... in desperate battles I use units with the highest moral and gold chevrons to hold to the last man.
they get attacked by enemy elite always and allows me to mop the "levies" and then outflank.
Is a guarantied victory but at the cost of the elite...

[NYG 5]

the square formation , if understand the mechanics right (?) is a temporary solution allowing one to rush reinforcements at that place.
If not that unit will ne overwhelmed and exterminated.
...had this many times but it saved my arzz ... in desperate battles I use units with the highest moral and gold chevrons to hold to the last man.
they get attacked by enemy elite always and allows me to mop the "levies" and then outflank.
Is a guarantied victory but at the cost of the elite...

Right, I us square not only to protect a unit that is surrounded, but also to allow more men to disengage and get freed up without suffering massive disengagement casualties, like they do if you just gave them a simple move order.

So, if I see a unit tiring or wavering, I'll put it in square, rush a unit into the empty gap and try to get them to mingle into that frontline as best as possible, and then pull the original unit back.