Why are Allies & City States so USELESS during war?

[FireDogy]

Suzerain of 2 city states & got America to join me in a joint war against Japan.
For the next 30 or so turns, all 3 allies didn't attack a single enemy, even if they stood right in front of them. All they did was move all of their melee & ranged military units 1 square left and right.

Do I really need to mod the game in order for the mechanics to work? If so, anyone got a mod recommendation to fix this disastrous AI programming?

[D34DLY]

City states are helpful if they are near the action. Otherwise don't expect much. You can levy the troops from a city state you are suzerain of, and then control the troops directly.

Hungary gets bonuses for doing this (levying troops from city states), and is why Hungary is the biggest threat in the early game. I've gotten into the habit of excluding Hungary from being a potential rival civ after having Hungary kick my ass too many times in the early game. They are OK in late game, or when they aren't your next door neighbor.

[grognardgary]

Originally posted by FireDogy:

Suzerain of 2 city states & got America to join me in a joint war against Japan.
For the next 30 or so turns, all 3 allies didn't attack a single enemy, even if they stood right in front of them. All they did was move all of their melee & ranged military units 1 square left and right.

Do I really need to mod the game in order for the mechanics to work? If so, anyone got a mod recommendation to fix this disastrous AI programming?

Count me surprised that your ally actually had troops to move...