some tips for military beginners

[Doc_Hotpants]

Just thought I'd share some of my recent experiences that I wish I'd known earlier because it would have made battles so much easier. Everyone please feel free to add beginner tips as well.

1. If you have the opportunity, go for spearmen militia. Even outnumbered, they'll do a great job against attacking forces when set to "hold your ground". Once they have reduced the enemy numbers, you can push forward.
2. Only develop one archer unit, if at all. If you're struggling for money in early game (like me), then all that the Baron will leave for you to hire as mercenaries later are archers, so you won't need any of your own.
3. Did you know you can right click-and-drag in order to position your units? I didn't until I found out by chance. I didn't see that written anywhere (I didn't read the Wiki, where it's probably mentioned). This is immensely helpful. Before I knew this, trying to position my units was painful (and chaotic and of little success). Knowing this has literally been a game-changer for me
4. I've had good success with positioning one or more spearmen units in a straight line, two men deep, and the retinue(s) to the side, guarding the flank. Position your archers behind them, with some distance but not too great a distance.
5. Set archers to fire at will.
6. Try to be at the battleground early, so that your units have time to recover from the journey. Running into battle is a recipe for disaster
7. You will be limited to six military units (though apparently there are some complex workarounds). Plan accordingly. If you have already hired mercenaries, their units will count within the six so you can't add a seventh of your own. But if you already have six units of your own, you can still add mercenaries
8. If you want to claim a region, move your units to that region before you make the claim. That way you can wait for the Baron to arrive rather than rushing to meet him. Make sure you have enough food in your home region. Your militia will be missed at home and at work, and hunger might be a possible consequence.

I do realize that there are much more advanced strategies for experienced players, but if you're only getting used to playing with military, and are still trying to figure out basics, this has been a working well for me in the "restore the peace" scenario.

[Nenne.]

Nr.3 is something all total war players know.
Nr.4 Same.

[gusgblaw]

imo polearms can hold their own against raiders and bandits one to one with little losses and they're cheap to make and can be made early.
I switch to better gear later on and ship the polearms to the newer region, or sell them.

[Doc_Hotpants]

Originally posted by Nenne.:

Nr.3 is something all total war players know.
Nr.4 Same.

Well, I don't play Total War, and others might not either. But I'm glad the tips weren't wrong ;-)

[Doc_Hotpants]

Originally posted by gusgblaw:

imo polearms can hold their own against raiders and bandits one to one with little losses and they're cheap to make and can be made early.
I switch to better gear later on and ship the polearms to the newer region, or sell them.

Restoring the Peace in standard relaxed mode setting grants you 20 spears, though, so that might be the easier choice in the beginning. You're right, though, the polearms are powerful defense as well.

[gusgblaw]

Forgot about the delivery, I always turn it off. I don't want the king's dirty weapons, I prefer to provide my own XD

[SAM[svk]]

i read that is more effective in the beginning to have 2x10 spearmen because you can surround enemy units which gives them debuff in effeciency

[Doc_Hotpants]

Originally posted by SAMsvk:

i read that is more effective in the beginning to have 2x10 spearmen because you can surround enemy units which gives them debuff in effeciency

Splitting them up into two units before you can add more is definitely something I should have mentioned. Thanks for adding it!