Andy Montoya
Cheesing siege battles in strategy games involves exploiting mechanics or tactics to gain an unfair advantage, often prioritizing efficiency over traditional methods. By leveraging specific unit compositions, map knowledge, and timing, players can bypass the intended challenges of defending or attacking fortified positions. Common strategies include using fast-moving units to capture victory points, exploiting AI pathing issues, or abusing terrain features to isolate and overwhelm enemy forces. While these methods may not align with the spirit of fair play, they highlight the creativity and depth of game mechanics, offering a unique perspective on mastering siege scenarios.
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What You'll Learn
- Exploit Terrain Advantages: Use cliffs, rivers, or narrow chokepoints to funnel enemies into kill zones
- Focus Fire on Key Units: Target enemy generals, siege weapons, or high-value units to disrupt their strategy
- Flanking Maneuvers: Send fast units to attack from the rear or sides, bypassing front defenses
- Decoy Tactics: Use disposable units to draw enemy attention while your main force strikes elsewhere
- Timing and Coordination: Synchronize attacks with artillery barrages or feigned retreats for maximum efficiency
Exploit Terrain Advantages: Use cliffs, rivers, or narrow chokepoints to funnel enemies into kill zones
Terrain can be your greatest ally in siege battles, transforming a defensive stand into a strategic slaughter. Cliffs, rivers, and narrow chokepoints act as natural force multipliers, funneling attackers into predictable paths where your defenses can maximize their lethality. Imagine a bottleneck where enemy troops are compressed into a tight space, unable to maneuver or deploy their full strength. This isn’t just about holding ground—it’s about creating a killing field where every arrow, cannonball, or melee strike finds its mark with devastating efficiency.
To execute this strategy, start by scouting the battlefield for exploitable features. Cliffs can serve as impassable barriers or vantage points for archers and artillery. Rivers force enemies into predictable crossing points, where they’re vulnerable to flanking fire or ambushes. Narrow chokepoints, like mountain passes or city gates, restrict movement and negate numerical advantages. Once identified, anchor your defenses around these features. Position ranged units on high ground overlooking the funnel, and place melee troops in positions to counter-charge once the enemy is weakened and disorganized.
However, exploiting terrain isn’t without risk. Over-commitment to a single defensive line can leave you vulnerable if the enemy finds a way around. Always maintain a reserve force to counter unexpected breakthroughs or flanking maneuvers. Additionally, be mindful of environmental hazards—rivers can flood, cliffs can collapse, and narrow paths can become bottlenecks for your own troops if not managed carefully. Balance aggression with adaptability, and ensure your forces can reposition quickly if the tide turns.
The historical example of the Battle of Thermopylae illustrates this tactic’s potential. Though vastly outnumbered, the Spartans exploited a narrow coastal pass to hold off the Persian army for days. Modern gamers can replicate this by using cliffs to force enemies into a single file, rivers to slow their advance, or chokepoints to neutralize superior numbers. The key is to think like a terrain engineer, shaping the battlefield to force the enemy into your predetermined kill zones.
In practice, here’s a step-by-step guide: First, identify the terrain feature that best suits your strategy. Second, deploy your most lethal units in positions that dominate the funnel—archers on cliffs, artillery near river crossings, or spearmen at chokepoints. Third, use decoys or bait to lure the enemy into the trap. Finally, time your attacks to coincide with their moment of maximum vulnerability, such as when they’re mid-crossing or bunched up in the bottleneck. With precision and foresight, terrain exploitation turns siege battles from tests of strength into exercises in tactical brilliance.
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Focus Fire on Key Units: Target enemy generals, siege weapons, or high-value units to disrupt their strategy
In siege battles, the enemy's strength often hinges on a few critical units: their general, siege weapons, or elite squads. Neutralize these, and you dismantle their strategy. For instance, eliminating the general can cause morale to plummet, leading to a rout. Similarly, destroying siege weapons cripples their ability to breach walls, buying you time to regroup or counterattack. This tactic isn’t just about dealing damage—it’s about creating chaos in the enemy ranks by removing their linchpins.
To execute this effectively, prioritize intelligence gathering. Scout the battlefield to identify high-value targets before the battle begins. Use ranged units like archers or ballistae to focus fire on these targets from a safe distance. If playing a real-time strategy game, assign a group of units specifically to this task, ensuring they don’t get distracted by lesser threats. In turn-based games, calculate the enemy’s movement patterns to predict when key units will be vulnerable. For example, in *Total War: Warhammer II*, targeting a Lord’s mount can immobilize them, making them easier to eliminate.
However, this strategy isn’t without risks. Focusing on key units can leave you exposed to flanking maneuvers or other threats. To mitigate this, maintain a balanced defense while your designated strike force engages the target. In games like *Age of Empires IV*, use walls and chokepoints to funnel the enemy into predictable paths, allowing your ranged units to concentrate fire without being overwhelmed. Always keep a reserve force ready to counter unexpected moves.
The psychological impact of this tactic cannot be overstated. Watching their general fall or their siege tower collapse can demoralize even the most disciplined army. In multiplayer scenarios, this can force opponents into rash decisions, giving you the upper hand. For example, in *Crusader Kings III*, assassinating an enemy commander during a siege can lead to a swift surrender. Pair this with defensive upgrades like stakes or moats to maximize your advantage.
In conclusion, focusing fire on key units is a high-reward strategy that requires precision and foresight. It’s not just about winning the battle—it’s about breaking the enemy’s will to fight. Practice identifying targets quickly, coordinate your forces efficiently, and always anticipate the enemy’s response. Done correctly, this tactic can turn even the most daunting siege into a decisive victory.
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Flanking Maneuvers: Send fast units to attack from the rear or sides, bypassing front defenses
Flanking maneuvers exploit the enemy's focus on frontal defenses, turning their strength into a liability. By deploying fast units—cavalry, light infantry, or mounted archers—to strike from the rear or sides, you disrupt their formation and force a multi-front engagement. This tactic is particularly effective in siege battles, where defenders often concentrate resources on the main gate or walls, leaving flanks vulnerable. For instance, in the Battle of Cannae, Hannibal’s cavalry encircled the Roman flanks, demonstrating how speed and positioning can neutralize superior numbers.
To execute a successful flanking maneuver, prioritize unit selection and timing. Fast units like horse archers or skirmishes are ideal, as they can quickly bypass enemy lines without engaging in prolonged combat. Ensure these units have high mobility and sufficient health to withstand counterattacks. Position them out of sight, using terrain features like forests or hills to conceal their approach. Launch the flank attack when the enemy is fully engaged with your main force, minimizing their ability to respond. For example, in *Total War: Attila*, using horse archers to harass and flank an AI-controlled army can break their morale before they breach your defenses.
While flanking is powerful, it’s not without risks. Overcommitting to flanks can leave your main force undermanned, and fast units are often fragile. To mitigate this, maintain a balanced army composition and keep a reserve force to counter enemy reinforcements. Additionally, be wary of terrain traps—narrow passages or chokepoints can negate mobility advantages. Always scout the battlefield beforehand to identify potential flanking routes and enemy weak points. In games like *Age of Empires IV*, combining flanking with feigned retreats can lure enemies into vulnerable positions, amplifying the tactic’s effectiveness.
The psychological impact of flanking maneuvers cannot be overstated. Defenders, expecting a frontal assault, often panic when attacked from multiple directions, leading to disorganization and retreat. This is especially true in siege scenarios, where defenders are already under pressure from battering rams or trebuchets. By combining flanking with traditional siege tactics, you create a synergistic effect that accelerates the enemy’s collapse. For instance, in *Crusader Kings III*, using light cavalry to flank a besieging army can force them to abandon their siege engines and retreat, turning the tide of battle.
In conclusion, flanking maneuvers are a high-reward strategy for cheesing siege battles, but they require precision and adaptability. Focus on unit selection, timing, and terrain awareness to maximize their impact while minimizing risks. When executed correctly, this tactic not only secures victory but also demoralizes the enemy, making it a cornerstone of unconventional warfare. Whether in historical simulations or modern strategy games, mastering the art of the flank can elevate your gameplay to new heights.
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Decoy Tactics: Use disposable units to draw enemy attention while your main force strikes elsewhere
In the chaotic theater of siege warfare, decoy tactics emerge as a cunning stratagem, leveraging disposable units to divert enemy focus while your primary force delivers the decisive blow. This method hinges on creating a spectacle—a feigned assault or a sacrificial advance—that captivates the defender’s attention, resources, and manpower. By committing expendable troops to a high-visibility but low-stakes engagement, you force the enemy to react predictably, thinning their defenses at critical points. The key lies in timing and placement: deploy your decoys at a location that appears strategically vital, such as a secondary gate or a vulnerable wall section, while your main force targets the true objective, often the least defended breach point.
Consider the historical example of the Roman siege of Alesia, where Vercingetorix used decoy units to probe Roman lines, drawing attention away from the Gaulish relief army’s approach. In modern strategy games like *Total War: Attila* or *Crusader Kings III*, players often employ peasant levies or low-tier troops as decoys, sacrificing them to exhaust enemy archers or lure out sallying forces. The effectiveness of this tactic rests on the enemy’s inability to discern the decoy from the main threat, a feat achieved through coordinated timing and plausible bait. For instance, equipping decoys with siege ladders or battering rams enhances their credibility, even if their actual combat value is negligible.
Executing decoy tactics requires careful planning and discipline. First, identify the enemy’s most likely reaction to a perceived threat—will they prioritize neutralizing the decoy or reinforcing their main defenses? Second, ensure your decoy force is just convincing enough to provoke a response without being strong enough to survive prolonged engagement. A ratio of 1:3 (decoy units to main force) is often sufficient to draw attention without depleting your resources. Third, synchronize the decoy’s advance with your main assault; a delay of even 30 seconds can render the tactic ineffective. Finally, maintain a fallback plan for the decoy units, such as a retreat route or a secondary objective, to maximize their utility before they are neutralized.
Critics argue that decoy tactics are risky, relying on the enemy’s predictable behavior and your ability to control the battlefield narrative. However, when executed correctly, the rewards far outweigh the costs. The enemy’s fixation on the decoy creates a window of opportunity—often no more than 2–3 minutes—during which your main force can exploit weakened defenses. For instance, in *Age of Empires IV*, players use villagers as decoys to lure enemy trebuchets away from their castle, allowing knights to breach the walls unopposed. This approach underscores the principle of *economy of force*: expend minimal resources to achieve maximum disruption.
In practice, decoy tactics are most effective in scenarios with asymmetric power dynamics, where your main force outmatches the enemy’s reserves. Avoid using this strategy against opponents with superior reconnaissance or those who prioritize defense over reaction. Additionally, decoys should never be entirely worthless; equip them with basic armor or tools to prolong their engagement and enhance their credibility. For example, in *Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord*, equipping decoy peasants with spears and shields allows them to hold the enemy’s attention for 1–2 minutes longer than unarmed units. By mastering this delicate balance between sacrifice and deception, you transform disposable units into catalysts for victory, turning the enemy’s instincts against them.
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Timing and Coordination: Synchronize attacks with artillery barrages or feigned retreats for maximum efficiency
In the chaos of siege warfare, timing is the linchpin that turns a scattered assault into a decisive victory. Synchronizing infantry attacks with artillery barrages maximizes the impact of both forces. For instance, a well-timed artillery strike just as enemy defenders reposition to repel an infantry charge can decimate their ranks, leaving gaps in their defenses. This isn’t about brute force; it’s about precision. Aim for high-traffic areas like gates or wall breaches, where defenders are concentrated. A 30-second delay between the barrage and the infantry push allows dust and panic to settle, ensuring your troops advance into disarray rather than a reorganized defense.
Feigned retreats, when executed with discipline, serve as a psychological weapon that amplifies the effect of coordination. Pulling back your forces mid-assault creates the illusion of disorganization, luring defenders into a false sense of security or even drawing them into a chase. At this moment, unleash a pre-positioned artillery strike on their exposed positions or have your reserves counter-charge. Historical examples, like the Battle of Alesia, demonstrate how such tactics fracture enemy morale and cohesion. The key is restraint: ensure your retreating units maintain formation and signal the retreat clearly to avoid friendly fire or genuine panic.
Artillery barrages aren’t just about destruction; they’re about control. Varying the intensity and frequency of fire can manipulate enemy movements. Start with sporadic, heavy strikes to pin defenders in place, then shift to a rapid, continuous barrage to force them into cover. This creates a window for your infantry to advance under reduced resistance. For maximum efficiency, coordinate with scouts or aerial drones (in modern contexts) to adjust fire based on real-time enemy positioning. A 15-second pause in artillery fire, followed by a concentrated blast on a newly identified target, can turn the tide of the battle.
The interplay between feigned retreats and artillery requires meticulous rehearsal. Train your units to recognize the signal for a feigned retreat—a specific horn blast, flag signal, or radio call—and ensure they know the exact duration of the retreat (typically 1-2 minutes). Meanwhile, artillery crews must be briefed on the timing and target shifts. In practice drills, simulate enemy responses: Will they pursue aggressively or cautiously? Adjust your timing based on these predictions. For example, if the enemy tends to regroup quickly, shorten the retreat duration and accelerate the counter-attack phase.
Mastering this synchronization demands adaptability. Weather, terrain, and enemy tactics can disrupt even the most precise plans. If fog reduces visibility, rely on acoustic signals instead of visual cues. If the enemy deploys counter-battery fire, prioritize neutralizing their artillery before initiating your barrage. Always have a fallback plan: if the feigned retreat fails to draw out defenders, shift to a flanking maneuver supported by suppressive fire. The goal isn’t perfection but flexibility—turning disruptions into opportunities to outmaneuver the opponent.
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Frequently asked questions
"Cheese" refers to exploiting game mechanics, strategies, or glitches to win siege battles with minimal effort or risk, often bypassing intended gameplay challenges.
Common strategies include using overpowered units (e.g., artillery or cavalry), exploiting map terrain (e.g., chokepoints), or abusing AI behavior (e.g., luring enemies into traps).
Not all games allow cheese strategies, as some have balanced mechanics or patches that prevent exploitation. It depends on the game’s design and updates.
Cheesing is generally considered a valid tactic within single-player games, but in multiplayer, it may be frowned upon as unsportsmanlike, depending on the community’s norms.
