Offensive or Defensive in MP?

[Wyvern]

That is the question. What's the consensus on this in MP? I've always felt offensive was best for the +1 shock leader value which can be a major boost in the early game. Obviously though fortresses cost way more. So is defensive worth it for any countries do you think? Perhaps mountainous countries like Austria? or naval nations like England and Portugal would benefit more from defensive?

 

[unmerged(15967)]

Naval nations are actually better off with offensive since the shock bonus affects naval battles. I see little reason for England to go defensive. Spain is the nation that can profit form defensive the most I think, and it's certainly a valid option for all winter-affected nations.

 

[Norrefeldt]

I used to think defensive was good for Denmark and Venice, especially Venice since their islands have low support limits. Same goes for the Norwegian provinces. But I wasn't aware that it affected the naval battles, so it might not be a good idea then

 

[BiB]

Defensive pisses on offensive IMNSHO

 

[Wyvern]

Originally posted by BiB
Defensive pisses on offensive IMNSHO

Care to elusidate why BiB? .

 

[ForzaA]

imagine a leader with 3 Siege value standard, +1 from defensive +3 from arty


no asaulter can compete with that in speed and effeciency of captureing provinces

 

[Stingray]

I usually just go defensive 'til the step before you get the siege bonus. So I won't get too weak on the battle field, and I still get affordable fortresses.

 

[TheArchduke]

Defensive here. Fortresses why.

 

[Wyvern]

If I was France I think I'd still go offensive. +1 shock bonus in all those plains provinces is worth a lot. Defensive looks better if you don't rely on cavalry as much.

 

[BiB]

Fortress costs at offensive are huge and I think it has been shown by now that forts really do matter

 

[unmerged(10915)]

Defensive is by far the most beneficial choice. Forts wont cost millions to build and if youre not in a plain country, you dont need that +1 shock very much (of course, its still nice and all).

 

[Peter Ebbesen]

Offensive = 9, if France. Otherwise, the following rules can be used to divine offensive setting:

1. Offensive = 0, when >= 30 provinces and in the latin or orthodox tech group
2. Offensive = 2, when < 30 provinces and in the latin or orthodox tech group and good LAND leaders arrive on a regular basis
3. Offensive = 9, otherwise

 

[unmerged(11402)]

One Siege is more valuable than One Shock as long as you're able to match the Manpower.

 

[Stingray]

In late game, the +1 fire bonus from going 9 quality makes up for part of the -1 shock if you go defensive, but since it affects naval leaders too, I never go to get the -1shock +1siege.

 

[L G]

I prefer defense personally, just seems nicer with the forts and all Offense if im playing an offensive player like france or russia though

 

[Prince Eugene]

Originally posted by Stingray
In late game, the +1 fire bonus makes up for part of the -1 shock if you go defensive, but since it affects naval leaders too, I never go to get the -1shock +1siege.

There is no plus one fire bonus from defensive, unless you are talking about quality which is an entirely different matter.

I have used offensive in most cases successfully (even as Austria ), though defensive will do you better with most continental countries, especially the Ottoman Empire as they really need the fortresses to keep out Austria.

 

[Peter Ebbesen]

Originally posted by Prince Eugene

I have used offensive in most cases successfully (even as Austria ), though defensive will do you better with most continental countries, especially the Ottoman Empire as they really need the fortresses to keep out Austria.

80+ province OE with OFF<2 can quickly turn into a land of fortresses, as the number granted by the low OFF random events is subtantial

 

[Slargos]

Originally posted by Peter Ebbesen
80+ province OE with OFF<2 can quickly turn into a land of fortresses, as the number granted by the low OFF random events is subtantial

Heh. I just checked the number of events and fortresses gained.. and substantial is quite the understatement!

Let's just say here's one player who is no longer in doubt!

 

[Wyvern]

Ok you've convinced me, unless I'm playing France I think I'll go defensive from now on .

 

[Peter Ebbesen]

Originally posted by Wyvern
Ok you've convinced me, unless I'm playing France I think I'll go defensive from now on .

Just remember, if everybody else is going ultra defensive (OFF<2), there is a significant combat advantage in being the one to go ultra offensive (OFF>=9), as the effective shock difference will be +2.