Maneuvers | Battle Total War: Attila Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Grouping forces

Formations can be combined based on two criterions. First, based on their numbers. If you have three archers formations, three infantry and three cavalry ones it is most wise to divide them into three groups. Thanks to that, you lead not formations, but specific units, which makes it easier to control them on the battlefield.

Second, based on objectives. You divide eight infantry teams into two groups four teams each. First protects the western road to the settlement, second protects the eastern one. Six cavalry formations are divided into two groups, where the first, bigger one will attack enemy from the front while the second will flank him. This method allows you to combine units of different types, like axe men and archers, but it requires you to make a plan earlier, so that you could group units based on it.

Formations

There are twelve predefined formations in which your forces might be positioned and you should use them if you don't want to do it by yourself. Every formation have a specific shape and application, depending on the way the units are positioned. A formation in which archers are in front have different functions than one in which they are on second or third line. It all depends both on the chosen formation and units that are part of it. Formation with cavalry positioned at front won't change shape if there are no cavalry among your troops.

When grouping units and setting them a predefined formation you must pay attention to the shape of a group. Archers and infantry shouldn't be placed in one long line, as due to that archers will lose cover of infantry. Placing infantry in two rows might not give you any results if you have ten teams. In doing so, the whole first line will fight, but the second row will have trouble with adapting to enemy. Large infantry formations never fight all at once as some soldiers are unable to get to the enemy. In case of more than two formations the amount of soldiers waiting for their turn increase even more.

Don't be afraid to change formation during battle. If current formation doesn't work, pick a different one. If cavalry falls, pick a formation for infantry. Keep attention to formation advised by computer and select the one you consider most useful.

Moving

Just like in many other strategy games, in Attila it isn't wise to pick a far away march destinations. It will be especially troublesome at the beginning of battle, as you don't know if enemy is hiding in nearby forest. Terrain obstacles will do their work as well, as formations aren't programmed for effectively avoiding them. So, it is better to travel in small phases, moving each formation separately and keeping attention for formation not to break. It is especially important on swamp and mountain territories, that affects movement speed. If you find yourself near a forest, you should send scouts first. In case of rivers and hills you should first find a road that leads to enemy and use it.

Dividing forces

Both at the beginning and in the middle of battle dividing army depends on many factors, but most on their numbers. If enemy have more formations than you, dividing the army will only make it weaker, as both parts will be weaker than the whole and they can be defeated more easily. But if strength of both sides is balanced, then dividing your forces might give you some profits. Dividing army allows you to attack enemy from two sides, pass through river in two places, enter the city from gates and so on.

Division must be done wisely. Attacking enemy from front and the back has no sense if both armies will consist of infantry and cavalry. Similarly futile will be sending archers to shoot at enemy flank if they won't have infantry backup. You shouldn't diffuse your army too much. Dividing it into two might be good, into three makes it harder to lead them, and more is asking your enemy for a quick kill.

Dividing your forces during battle is especially troublesome as enemy sees what you're trying to do and can react to it. So if you divide your forces, you should do it one time instead of playing with sending a single formations. If you want to send cavalry on enemy flank, send all of them at once. If you want to move your archers on a higher territory, send at least half of them. Sending a single formation has no sense as his influence on the outcome will be usually very small.

Forces division might be used to set a trap as well. Make two equal groups. Wait until enemy is near and start retreating in two different directions. Wait until enemy moves after one of groups and then attack him from both sides. If maneuver was successful enemy will be forced to fight from two sides, which will greatly reduce his morale and make it easier to win.