Summary
While the main focus of Slavic Magic’sManor Lordscenters around the construction and maintenance of a village and its populace, combat is an inevitability for players in either the “Restoring The Peace” or “On The Edge” game modes. Rather than the passive “Rise To Prosperity” mode, these more challenging modes introduce an element of external pressure in the form of raiders and rival factions. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and have at least a rough idea of what to expect from combat.
While the tactics may not be as advanced as some of the more battle-focused simulation and strategy games, there is still plenty for players to think about, and it starts well before the battle itself begins. Being invaded can come with very little warning, so players need to prepare their units in time, equip them properly, and then utilize both stances, positioning, and varied unit types to successfully defeat invaders, as well as launch campaigns ofexpansion into new territories.
1Prepare Equipment In Advance
Avoid Being Overrun By Quick Raids With Blacksmiths And Trade Imports
It is important to prepare well in advance for the inevitable raids that will attempt to burn the player’s settlement to the ground. Recruiting soldiers is a relatively straightforward process. Players can select the unit type they wish to form from the Army menu at the bottom of the screen. Once the unit has been selected, male villagers from the population will fill the roles once they have acquired the requisite equipment. Equipment requirements will vary depending on the unit, but most will need a shield and weapon of some kind that can be produced by aBlacksmithatBurgage Plot Level 2.
Keep in mind that even with enough troops to fill the units, they will not be able to be Rallied unless they have first been armed with the correct equipment for their unit type. Since it can take a long time to produce 36 Swords, 36 Shields, 36 Bows, etc., it is wise to have this weapons production chain in motion well before the raiders appear. The vast majority ofweapons can be constructedwith Planks and Iron Slabs, while shields will need to be constructed at a Joiner’s Shop. Alternatively, players with enough of a budget can import weapons via the Trading Post.
2Create An Army With Diverse Unit Types
Balance Is Key To Assembling An Effective Fighting Force
When forming a defensive militia, or even a scouting party, it can help to have several varied unit types intermingled to provide more tactical flexibility on the battlefield. A typical early-game example may be a simple unit of Spear Militia combined with Archer Militia. This way, enemy units will not be able to focus all their attacks on a sole unit and players can use flanking or distracting tactics to disrupt enemy formations.
Each unit has its strengths and weaknesses, which are especially important to balance in larger battles with bigger armies. If Archers are the main bulk of an army, it is wise to protect them with Spear or Polearm Militia, since Archers will be especially vulnerable in hand-to-hand combat.
3Use Formations & Tactical Stances
Grant Important Boosts To Units In A Variety Of Areas To Increase Their Effectiveness
In addition to varied unit types, players will also be able to select different formations and unit tactics. These different optionscan be changed during battleand will offer different advantages and disadvantages when applied. For example, theStand Your Groundcommand will double a unit’s defensive stats while halving its attacking capabilities.
This can be extremely useful when outnumbered or maneuvering other units into position. Alternatively, players can also gain a charge bonus by selecting thePush Forwardcommand. By ignoring these commands, players will miss out on some excellent additional power for their units.
4Monitor Unit Energy & Resilience
During battle, each unit will have a small percentage number indicating their overall combatEffectiveness.This is based upon two key factors:EnergyandMorale, both of which are indicated by a bar beneath each unit when hovered over. Energy is depleted the more distance a unit must cover, as well as byengaging in combat, while Morale will decrease the more attacks and casualties a unit sustains.
When Energy is lowered, units will become significantly less effective, while low Morale will cause them to fall and eventually break into a retreat. Using the right stances can have a great impact on maintaining a unit’s Morale for longer periods, while Energy can be recovered by keeping them stationary on the sidelines for a while.
5Keep Archers On The Move
Archers Are A Key Unit But Can Be Hopeless When Left Exposed
Archers are an extremely effective yet delicate unit, offering the fantastic advantage ofpersistent ranged attacksagainst enemies, but coming at the cost of being very weak at melee distance. One workaround is to manually always keep archers in motion and never allow enemy units to catch up with them. This will simultaneously save the Archers and drain theEnergyandEffectivenessof the enemy units.
While the game does offer players theGive Groundtactic, it will not be nearly as effective as manually repositioning the troops when they are under threat. Particularly during the first few years, Archers can be one of the most vital in a defensive militia, so it is important to ensure that they are preserved and not wiped out.
