Skirmishers Question

[Trilogy]

Hi all,

I'm curious about how skirmishers actually work for infantry.

I know there are skirmishers in the game, but there seems to be no skirmisher formation button in Napoleon as there was in Gettysburg. The command on the grog toolbar that looks like the old skirmisher button brings up the menu to split off a portion of the unit, but when I do so the new unit still doesn't adopt a wide and spread-out skirmisher formation when moved.

I must be missing something obvious. I have seen large formations of skirmishers ahead of units at scenario start, so I imagine that there is some way to get my skirmishers spread out. But how is it done?

Thanks!

[con20or]

They do it automatically - once you split the unit off if you have not switched their AI off they will run ahead of the unit and start skirmishing.

[Trilogy]

Ah, I see now. Thanks!

[Gunfreak]

They do it automatically - once you split the unit off if you have not switched their AI off they will run ahead of the unit and start skirmishing.

If i just order a brigade to attack/probe (or division or corps) the ai will also do this right? As napoleon i dont have to tell each battalion to skirmish?

[con20or]

Correct. Depending on the traits of the general.

[mitra76]

Skirmishers have a fire bonus (in defense and offense) respect the normal lines, of course ground condition and numbers have a impact in any case, so 50 skirmishers only against a 800 men battalion make not the difference and they're very unstable as fire platform at short distance. The best is to use them in combination with regiment in line when against other line and alone agianst ohter skirmishers or artillery or for kill officers.

[gunship24]

Another tip is to use the split battalion feature when space is a premium. I find it particularly useful in those town fighting scenarios.