An army in Ashes of the Singularity II is easier to protect when its durable, short-range units meet the enemy before its snipers and artillery do. The developers’ March post-demo update describes armies organizing themselves around that division and gaining adjustable facing. Before a fight, check both which units make up your army and which direction its front is pointing.
Build a front that can protect the back ranks
The March developer update on Steam describes close-range attackers and durable units forming the front line. Less-armored snipers and artillery take places behind them, where their range gives them room to contribute.
When choosing what to bring, think about the roles each unit fills. If you add more long-range firepower to an army, also consider whether the troops in front can cover it. The formation can organize available units, but it cannot supply a missing front line.
Face the threat before you commit
Adjust your army’s facing so the front points toward the most likely avenue of attack. At a crossing, for example, face the approach the enemy is using before sending the formation forward. Recheck the direction if the enemy moves to another approach or if your army emerges from a turn.
The March update confirms that facing can be adjusted. It does not give an input gesture, so use the controls shown by your build rather than assuming a mouse shortcut from another game or an earlier demo.
Check your flanks and rear
A formation has a direction, so protecting the front does not cover every route. Look for a side approach that could expose the rear ranks. If you cannot face both threats at once, consider falling back to a position with fewer approaches or assigning a separate force to cover the other side.
After changing direction, look at where the durable and vulnerable units actually are before issuing the next order. This is especially useful in a narrow area where moving farther forward might expose part of the army.
FAQ
Which units go in front?
The March update puts close-range damage dealers and durable units in the front line. Less-armored, longer-range units such as snipers and artillery form the back ranks.
Can I change which way the army faces?
Yes. The post-demo developer update describes adjustable army facing, but the announcement does not specify the input gesture.
Should I face the destination or the enemy?
Before contact, face the direction from which you expect the threat. If the approach changes, reassess the army’s orientation so the vulnerable ranks stay behind the front.