Great Generals useless in civ 5?

[lynxxyarly]

Am I missing something? I have looked around and did search functions about great generals and I haven't come up with anything. It seems to me, however, that great generals are good for defensive tiles...and a golden age. I thought they would at least give bonus damage to nearby tiles when placed with your troops - and if it is, Im not seeing any signs of it in my troops.

Anybody wanna enlighten me here? Are great generals mostly useless except for initiating a golden age?

EDIT: I guess I see now the +25% str bonus with a great general nearby. I was looking at the little 'upgrade' part, not on the actual odds window.

 

[Monkeyfinger]

They do give bonus damage. There's a "+25% for Great General" indicator nearby in the combat window, and if you mouse over an enemy, then move the great general forward, you'll see your projected damage go up.

 

[alanthreonus]

They give a combat bonus to nearby units.

EDIT: Ninja'd by Monkeyfinger.

 

[hecubus]

From the manual:

"A Great General gives a combat bonus of 25% to units in the General's tile and all friendly units within 2 tiles of the General."

 

[EmpireOfCats]

EDIT: I guess I see now the +25% str bonus with a great general nearby.

It's more if you're China, in fact. And the citadel is pretty cool: I've had two games now where I used them to block mountain passes for a space race win, once against Monty and Oda.

 

[lynxxyarly]

It's more if you're China, in fact. And the citadel is pretty cool: I've had two games now where I used them to block mountain passes for a space race win, once against Monty and Oda.

You mean you put a unit on it for the defensive bonus and they couldnt break the line? That's not a bad idea actually.

Also, thanks all for replying. I found out though. Weird how I searched around the web for a few days and didnt come up with anything.

 

[EmpireOfCats]

You mean you put a unit on it for the defensive bonus and they couldnt break the line? That's not a bad idea actually.

A two-handed swordsman in the citadel and two archers behind it. Later, use artillery instead of archers. I'm sure it would be even better with longbowmen because of the three-hex range, but haven't tried it yet.

I never built forts with Civ IV, but cits are a really cool feature.

 

[Jaguar]

The bonus for nearby units is there, and I can tell you from experience that its effects are massive. The great general available from the honor tree is great for rushing AIs on deity.

 

[James009]

The Generals are pretty nice to have for military campaigns in Civ V. Don't discount that +25%.

 

[MadRat]

Worst come to worst, you can have them build a citadel or stock 'em up for a late game Golden Age ATM spree.

Rat

 

[w00tm0ng3r]

It's more if you're China, in fact. And the citadel is pretty cool: I've had two games now where I used them to block mountain passes for a space race win, once against Monty and Oda.

For China it's 45% because of Art of War. They also get more of them, but how much more I don't know. Chinese Chu Ko Nus with their 45% bonus are beyond sick. It basically equalizes them with normal crossbowmen with THEIR general (14.5 vs 15), and you get 2 attacks and boosted melee strength.

 

[Hybrisma]

I wish I could just attach the great general to a unit and sort of forget about him. I'm sick of micromanaging the GG everywhere, especially when you more than 1-2.

It's not like I need that 25% to beat this atrocious battle AI anyway. I just throw them at golden ages or the odd citadel.

 

[Roknric]

Thanks for the info, guys. I've been wandering about the commanders, and had thought them pretty much useless. Is there any way to attach them to a unit for movement and attack?

Have a great day...

Rick

 

[Babri]

Is there any way to attach them to a unit for movement and attack?

Unfortunately the answer is no.

 

[Truthy]

I use find their combat bonus pretty useful. However, I'd prefer additional xp for new units.

 

[TheMeInTeam]

Thanks for the info, guys. I've been wandering about the commanders, and had thought them pretty much useless. Is there any way to attach them to a unit for movement and attack?

Have a great day...

Rick

It's better they aren't; they provide their bonus in an area-of-effect and are quite powerful when used well.

 

[Camikaze]

I believe the bonus is now 20%, rather than 25%?

 

[Lord Chambers]

I believe the bonus is now 20%, rather than 25%?

At the time of your post and still true as of the August patch, yes.

 

[ButSam]

Correct posts, but let me point out one more thing. The great general is not consumed in providing these bonuses. This means that, once you're done with combat bonuses from the great general, you can then use it for a golden age! (This was suggested in another post, by MadRat, wanted to make it a little more clear.)

 

[headcase]

I wish I could just attach the great general to a unit and sort of forget about him. I'm sick of micromanaging the GG everywhere, especially when you more than 1-2.

And, to a lesser extent, Settlers.