AI Types - What are the differences

[MikeAP]

Mainly the differences between Local Defense and Static Defense?

Static Defense is a plain setting, whereas Local Defense has a # Hex Value that can be assigned - but what are the differences in this type of behavior?

Also - How does Search and Destroy work? I had units assigned to search and destroy (8 hex) and they immediately attacked my starting forces across the map - well outside of 8 hexes.

[Erik2]

Units on Static Defense will stay put in their location, unless retreated by adverse battle results of course.
I use this for garrison units which you want to stay put no matter what happens on the battlefield.

Units on Local Defense with ie 5 hex radius will move and deploy somewhere inside this radius.
This is a kind of catch-all defense order for units not ordered to defend a specific location.

No idea why units would move way out of their assigned area. Sometimes units may move towards a juicy target, but this sounds odd.

[MikeAP]

Thanks.

Have garrison units across a front with tanks and light armor behind them that I want to use as local counter-attacks. Sounds like Local Defense (5) is the way to go.

Also - artillery and AA - what do you recommend as a setting? Static or local defense?

[Erik2]

Let's say you want to defend a objective.
Put a infantry unit in static on the objective.
Other supporting units (AA, AT, art, infantry etc) could get a Defend Hex order distance = 1-3. You can also mark the map with the best defensive positions and the AI will hopefully follow orders

In the screenshot the hvy inf (Team 1) is static and the other (Team 2) have a defend hex order. The two 'difficult' terrains are marked as Defensive Positions. I'm not sure if the AI will try to use only these positions. If yes, you need to create a thrid position for the art unit.

Hope this helps.

defense.jpg (278.12 KiB) Viewed 2500 times

[MikeAP]

Got it...but here's another question regarding Artillery and AA....

Will artillery be limited to firing as far as the Local Defense defines?

If I assign an artillery piece to Local Defense (5), will it only fire 5 hexes?

I have been using all artillery on Local Defense (8) and things seem ok, but I was unsure how it was properly used.

[Erik2]

I don't think art firing range is limited (just deployment/movement), but one of the devs need to answer this one.
Or you can create a test scenario and use the cheat #orbitalcommand to check how the AI behaves.

[bebro]

Got it...but here's another question regarding Artillery and AA....

Will artillery be limited to firing as far as the Local Defense defines?

If I assign an artillery piece to Local Defense (5), will it only fire 5 hexes?

I have been using all artillery on Local Defense (8) and things seem ok, but I was unsure how it was properly used.

Firing range will not be affected by local defense AI settings, it's determined by the unit's stats only (provided it can see a target)

Arty on local defense may try to move a bit which can be wanted or not depending on what you intend/prefer

[MikeAP]

Firing range will not be affected by local defense AI settings, it's determined by the unit's stats only (provided it can see a target)

Arty on local defense may try to move a bit which can be wanted or not depending on what you intend/prefer

Very helpful. Thank you.

[bru888]

Very helpful. Thank you.

Yes indeed. Thanks, Erik and bebro.