Ranged Attacks

Why Not Click and Hit?

When you click on an enemy building, the units you've selected zoom in and do whatever they can to get a weapon on that enemy. This is fine for many attacks you'll command during the game. However, when using ranged weapons - e.g. grenades or ED artillery weapons and most particularly the Crion, you may want an attack that uses the full range of the weapons to stay out of the way of the enemy for as long as possible. A number of units ordered to attack will weave around each other, try to avoid enemy units that are way ahead of them, and basically jiggle about in a way that is almost certain to bring them within range of the enemy guns.

The Method

• Firstly, do your best to have your artillery covered. This could be by using an enemy base entrance which has been rarely used during the game, or perhaps by having a row of normal units to deal with anything that comes out to meet yours. You will also need line of sight.
• Move to a little outside of firing range of your target. If you need an idea of whereabouts your unit will be able to start firing, look at its range statistic and drag on the ground from in front of your unit to your target. - count the squares in a line for the approx range.
• Ensure your unit is set to Hold Position so it doesn't try to attack on its own. You can do this with the 'H' key or by building the unit with Hold Position already selected.
• Move each unit forward square by square. If there's difficult terrain that may be causing a problem, move sideways one square at a time to avoid it.
• A unit will start firing when it comes into range. If you have multiple units, continue the step above to get the rest into firing range.

The effect

The idea is to use range to its maximum extent. Be aware that banners increase range, so a banner unit may help you even further. In addition, units gain range with experience. Also note that this method can be used even where there is a very small advantage between the range of your target and yours. As long as range is on your side, this method can help you keep out of their fire.