Formations (Patreon)

The Sanctuary team has recently introduced a new formations mechanic, adding a layer of strategic depth to your gameplay. By selecting a group of units and left-clicking and dragging across the map, you can customize the facing, depth, and width of your unit formations. This feature is not only strategically and tactically valuable, but it also offers several other significant benefits.

First, arranging your units to face an attacking force or effectively block a chokepoint on the map ensures that you can maximize your defensive and offensive capabilities. Stronger units are positioned at the front to absorb damage while ranged or support units are placed at the back, allowing them to operate without direct threat.

Second, the ability to preview the final formation before releasing the mouse button helps you make precise adjustments. This ensures your units move into the desired position accurately, reducing the risk of misalignment during critical moments in battle.

This mechanic enhances your ability to execute complex maneuvers and tactics. For example, you can create flanking formations to surround and overwhelm the enemy or establish defensive lines to protect vital assets. It also allows for more efficient use of terrain, such as forming a tight column to navigate narrow passages or spreading out to avoid area-of-effect attacks.

Moreover, the formations mechanic aids in maintaining unit cohesion and discipline. By keeping your units organized, you can avoid chaos and ensure that your forces respond promptly to commands. This is particularly useful in large-scale engagements where managing numerous units can become challenging.

Formations encourages strategic planning and foresight. You can anticipate enemy movements and prepare your formations accordingly, giving you a tactical edge. It also enables better coordination with allied units, allowing for synchronized attacks and defenses.

The formations mechanic is a versatile and powerful tool that enhances your ability to strategize, maneuver, and control your units with precision. Whether you’re defending against an onslaught, launching a coordinated attack, or navigating complex terrain, this feature provides you with the flexibility and control needed to adapt to any battlefield scenario.