Pikemen op ?

[Crixus]

I'm playing some games and I just can't beat pikemen, the ones I struggle against most is the sacred band.

Pike beat all other units, archers do such little damage to them, swordsmen just die, and cavalry are useless. The only way I have done decent is if I flank them but the sacred bnd don't cost tht much so they can get themselves covered easily.

Please give me some tips :)

[CHE]

I suggest you watch Rome Total War battle videos by Prince of Macedon - he explains a lot about the game in his videos, including about how to beat pike units - and many times he has defeated enemies who were using Sacred Band units:

https://www.youtube.com/user/PrinceofMacedon

[HazardHawk]

Pikes are awesome! Even the cheap pikemen from the undeveloped towns at the first of the game are awesome.

I always go out of my way to recruit more than a few and add two units of the cheap pikemen to my armies. They are weak in attack, but super strong in defense.

Sacred Band used in the same ways go even further beyond in use as defense.

[Crixus]

Originally posted by CHE:

I suggest you watch Rome Total War battle videos by Prince of Macedon - he explains a lot about the game in his videos, including about how to beat pike units - and many times he has defeated enemies who were using Sacred Band units:

https://www.youtube.com/user/PrinceofMacedon

thanks I will check them out. because atm I'm useless against them.

[Sam]

Okay, what I like to do is:

Get loads of cheap infantry like Hastati, mercenaries, whatever as long as it will last a while. The best unit for this role is actually hired phalanxes.

Have the cheap infantry charge the pikes from the front.

Then, have your veteran infantry (principes, triarii etc) attack from the sides and rear- Completely surround the enemy and make sure that your troops use javelins before charging.

For multiple phalanxes, it's the same idea but with an extra step.

Firstly, split your force into two, and place these two forces on either corner of the map. The enemy will likely then either split it's battle line or just go for one side of your forces.

If the enemy splits it's forces, you can now easily outflank the slow moving phalanx with your faster heavy infantry (legionaries, principes, triarii etc). If the enemy just goes for one side, have your other forces (other side of the map) attack the enemy from behind.

That's basically all the RTW AI will do. Players are different. I'm not very experienced on RTW online, but your best bet to counter a combined arms phalanx/cavalry/archer formation is either slipping in fast units (like heavy infantry- faster than a phalanx, at least), killing their archers with light cavalry, or horse archers. Not much can stop a proper combined arms phalanx, but that's your best bet as far as I can see.

[Brotherscompany]

Get 2 units single out another. Only way to kill them with infantry.

Have 1 in front of the pike and another from behind, let the guys from behind charge they will change direction and the unit that is now behind can charge

[Jambie Lionheart]

If you have Roman troops to throw at them, then get a solid line of principes. Have them hold in a single line. Wait for the enemy to close in and let them launch pila at them. Assuming you are scipii, you have armour and weapon upgrades earlier than just about anyone else. If you have better weaponary and armour, then your principes will be able to butcher your enemy once they get off as least two volleys of pilá. IF you have the chance to flank them at any point, make sure to take it. Your best bet on that is to win control over the flanks and hope your infantries moral hold out.

Though I'm assuming you mean against the AI on campaign. Doesn't work quite as easily on realy players :D

[Cyrus The Great]

Tactics depends where do you play - facing AI in campaign is usually much easier than in multiplayer.

How to beat pikes? Use missiles (pila is thing you will love), attempt to shoot rear or flanks. Outflank with heavy cavalry (try wedge formation for focusing power in one place), engage with heavy inf or light in worst case, then do hammer and anvil.

If you have acces to Roman factions, use testudo as Biscuits TW do here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlGJsmpd_WM&list=PLEqdZgbYhWgyCJ9of09UR2xPuZgky4P3-&index=8

Simplest solution is use symiliar top-tier pike unit (easy to realize in multi tho), such as Spartan, Royal Pikes, Silver Shield pikes etc.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEqdZgbYhWgy63VHHS2xyStICNXKUc9QJ

Check out top 10 infatry, you may find it useful.

Take care,

Cyrus