Tactics and Use of Terrain | Battles Total War: Warhammer II Guide

This chapter discusses basics of tactics and maneuvers that you can use during battle. Also, you will learn how to use terrain formation to your advantage.

• Formation during battle
• Use of terrain

Formation during battle

Army fighting in appropriate formation will be able to respond to enemy actions faster.

Although units for each race are different, and using them in battle is a little different, the basics remain the same.

Ranged units and artillery put in the first line. Thanks to this, the enemy will earlier get within their range and the risk that enemy ranged units will start firing at your infantry is lower. It is better to lose several archers than to lose the staple of your infantry before the battle even starts. Try to pick specific targets for ranged units - an en masse attack can quickly decimate the entire enemy unit. IF the enemy has monsters, focus your fire on them in the first place - most usually, they are vulnerable to fire and, with a bit of luck, you will be able to eliminate them before they reach your lines.

If you have any hybrid units, it is a good idea to deploy them in front of the line of archers. This especially goes for Lothern Naval Guard in the army of High Elves. These units can decimate enemy with bows and arrows and then change into melee seamlessly. In the case of hybrid units of Dark Elves, these are more effective on flanks.

Keep your basic infantry behind the line of archers. When the enemy approaches you lines, their job will be to move forward and stop the wave of attack. If the front of your army is protected by hybrid units, you can use your basic infantry to reinforce them, or secure flanks.

It is a good idea to have on your flanks at least one unit with Large opponent bonus. The enemy will often try to flank you with cavalry and large monsters and units of this type can hold them back.

Keep at the back of your army elite monster and the more specialized unit. This way, you can quickly dispatch them where they are needed.

Use cavalry and chariots to flank the enemy. Make sure that they do not engage spearmen and halberdmen, and remember to keep them in constant movement. Cavalry is the most effective during charges and later on, their value drops. In the case of charioteers, stopping and letting them be surrounded by the enemy may end up in their quick death.

Note, you can move units in specified formations, in groups, or by holding down "Alt" and with LMB, by dragging the selected units into specific spot.

Use of terrain

While fighting on plains, it is difficult to get advantage over the enemy.

On battle maps, several types of terrain can be named. They can be advantageous either to you, or your enemy. Before the battle starts, it is a good idea to scrutinize terrain formation and figure out how you can use it to your advantage.

1. Hills - the most basic advantage an army can have during battle is the advantage of height. While firing at the enemy, archers have longer range, and melee units receive a bonus to fighting. After all, it is easier to charge down the slope instead of up. Of course, the enemy can also use hills and in such situations, it is better to approach him from the side of a milder slope.
2. Forests - they decrease movement speed of large monsters and cavalry. Additionally, they allow hiding units. It is a good idea to fight in forest, if your army consists of infantry. Then, the enemy cavalry will be less effective and you will have more time to react to their actions.
3. Terrain obstacles - if they are opposite your ranged units, they will obstruct their view, which will make firing impossible. However, you can use them in a way that allows houses and rocks to protect your flanks from the back and from the sides. The enemy will have it more difficult to attack you from there.
4. Cliffs - if you deploy your ranged units on a cliff, you will provide them with considerable protection. The enemy will not be able to get them from the front side and will have to take the long way around under fire.. On the flanks, you can then deploy infantry.
5. Marshlands - the majority of units crossing them will receive a considerable penalty to movement speed and fighting speed. Therefore, it is best to deploy your units on around the edges of marshes, so that the enemy has to cross them to reach you.