The art of ancient warfare

[cain3456]

I have been comparing my efforts to other players and have discovered that much of my lack of success is due to not pulling off an early rush, but I don't see how it can be done without catapults. Cities built on hills have too much defensive value, throw in archers, walls, river crossings, etc., and I just find cities invincible before siege units. So how do you all do it?

 

[none]

If you wait for the AI to build walls then it's no longer a rush.

A successful rush arises from existing opportunities (some positions can't be rushed if they are well defended) if the AI city is not too well protected warriors can do the trick, axes are better (just make sure the AI can't get horses).

I'm not an expert but for a successful rush you have to move quickly and get numerous units that can serve as fodder (if the odds aren't too low then quantity will make up for it).

 

[6K Man]

The trick to a successful rush:
1. Do it early. If the target AI isn't close by, forget it and just expand.
2. If you rush, go all in. Capital, city to hook up horses/copper perhaps, and maybe one other city. Barracks optional. Chop, whip, and chop and whip some more.

I have been comparing my efforts to other players and have discovered that much of my lack of success is due to not pulling off an early rush, but I don't see how it can be done without catapults. Cities built on hills have too much defensive value, throw in archers, walls, river crossings, etc., and I just find cities invincible before siege units. So how do you all do it?

Don't cross rivers. Attack from diagonals where possible, when launching a surprise attack.

If you have a decent stack (8-12 attackers, depending on the situation), 3 Archers in an AI capital won't hold.

 

[TheMulattoMaker]

Step 1. Read Sisiutil's Guide to the Early Rush.
Step 2. ????
Step 3. Profit.

Okay, all silly memes aside, read his guide. It'll tell you everything you need to know.

 

[Me_]

You must dramatically outnumber the enemy. 2 axes per archer on flat ground, 3 axes per archer on a hill or if the archers have multiple upgrades.

How to do that? Put your axes between 2 cities. Make him respond to the first, then switch your attack to the second. Now he has to defend 2 spots.

Also: Whip and chop your axes. You should have a stack of 6-8 before attacking (on most maps). If you attack with 3 guys and plan to make more during the war, you'll fail. He will make more archers. You need to take the city right away.

Remember: Do not attack unless you are prepared to lose 2 axes per archer. If that will end your attack, just pillage and wait for more units or an upgrade.

 

[uat2d]

This Monday on a OCC I whipped out the Romans in less than 10 turn. Met them while both our capitals still hadn't border expanded, his warrior exploring nearby, mine in his fat cross, next turn DoW, his warrior tries to retreat, next turn the city got razed.



I never had it so easy, considering that the Romans quickly get those damn Praets.