How do we choose which enemy to attack (in stack)?

[Cor'e =)]

During Combat (C4:BTS) How do we choose which enemy to attack? I can choose my Unit to attack with, but how do i choose which of their enemies in the stack to attack? Which 'hotkeys' of whatever.

By default, the game chooses foes for me from the stack, if i choose to attack with a unit whose bonus is, for example, against archers it gives me an elephant to attack, if i choose a unit with a bonus against mounted units it gives me an archer to attack... what's with that?

Tia!~

 

[VoiceOfUnreason]

It's the central mechanic of combat, and not something you can overcome at the keyboard. "Rock-Paper-Scissors", no matter which attacker you use, the best defender against that attacker is always selected (with one or two very specific exceptions).

The solution: smash the opposing stack with disposable siege units, after that, you don't care which piece chooses to defend.

 

[Metzi]

I agree with VioceofUnreason. It is a baised system. It cannot be changed.
And love siege. Seriously, it is the Messiah of unit types.

 

[Cor'e =)]

So it's hard coded, like i would send the worst attacker to kill a defender, stupid, but i guess now that i have been told i only need to get exactly what you'all mean by "disposable siege units"? Are you saying catapults or just 100's of cheap units?

(It has been a strategy of mine to have as bloodless battles as possible, but i guess i should just do stack attacks if it can't be controlled.)

 

[lymond]

Disposable siege means bringing a bunch of cats (or trebs, cannon, artie) that you expect to lose in the fight. Siege is the most effective way to wear down an opposing stack - whether in or out of a city. City Raider promos are good for seige attacking cities and barrage is good for outside a city or from within one of your own in a counterattack.

Yes, when attacking the AI your units will face their toughest counterpart in the opposing stack. If the AI has spears in the stack and you hit them with Horse Archers or chariots, they will face the spears and likely die. There's nothing you can do about it, but keep in mind that it works both ways. The only exception I can think of is the Khmer UU, the Balista Elephant, which as part of it's uniqueness targets mounted units for which it receives a huge bonus already.

As for disposable siege, besides actual siege units, the Chinese UU is a crossbow that causes collateral damage - so in a sense they could be deemed disposable siege. If played right though, and timely, they can be very effective.

Overall, the key to winning battles is to build up a large stack of effective units for the period along with at least half siege units. Mix in some support units to defend the stack like spear and shock axe.

 

[Cor'e =)]

Thanks guys!
=)

 

[Dig-Doug]

You can of course use city raider promotions with your siege and help them to make the bes of the battles. I find it useful and those that survive will go up quickly to city raider III which deals much more damage to the next city. For loose units in the field use horse types with a siege or two that have Barrage and accuracy.

This helps considerably with the battles.

Good luck!

DD

Edit: Did not see Lymonds recommendation before posting. oops!