We have a new way of issuing orders – ZONE ORDERS. This is an OPTIONAL way of commanding your troops in addition to the previously described TIMELINE orders.
The default zone order is a Regimental Plan.
REGIMENTAL PLAN
You draw an area, which is then split into multiple ZONES based on the number of regiments you have. In the example below, each Infantry Regiment is assigned a zone, whilst the divisional HQ & support elements are assigned to a safe reserve area. This creates clear zones of responsibility for each Regiment and will allow you allocate and adjust units between zones as needed.
TACTICS
When executed, units within each zone will perform their assigned Tactic. Seize Ground has units aggressively push forward to capture enemy territory (regardless of being outnumbered or overextending). Balanced Hold will have units advance IF their flanks are secure and they’re not outnumbered.
You can change the tactic within a zone by clicking on the Tactic button.
ADJUSTING ZONE SHAPES
You can easily adjust the shape of each zone by holding down RIGHT-CLICK while hovering over a zone’s edge. This can even be done mid-execution to prevent over-extension, or to capture extra necessary ground.
BATTLE INFO PANELS
Whilst hovering over a zone, a battle info panel is displayed. The TOP blue/red bar shows the predicted outcome if you ATTACK with forces allocated to that zone (in this case we’re likely to win because there are few enemy troops stationed there). The LOWER blue/red bar shows the predicted outcome if you had to DEFEND that area based on your unit allocations and local enemy troop strength.
The panel also displays which divisions are involved along with total soldier counts and special information such as elevation change and difficult terrain.
Looking at a different zone, we see the predicted outcome to ATTACK that zone with one infantry regiment is likely to fail! (Too many enemies and they’re fortified).
To fix this, we need to allocate MORE troops to the zone. This can be done by LEFT-CLICK and DRAGGING individual battalions into the EDUCATED zone UI panel.
The predicted outcome has improved, but we may also need to adjust the SIZE of the zone, so the battalions have less ground to cover.
MULTIPLE PLANS
The currently executing plan is indicated by a rotating gear icon, but you can create as many theoretical plans as you like!
SUMMARY
ZONE ORDERS are easy to understand but allow for high levels of customization. Easily adjust zone sizes (even mid-execution), tell at a glance who’s assigned where and doing what, and change unit assignments by simple click & dragging. Armed with these orders, your BATTLEPLAN will become a thing of beauty.
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