Effective Use of Siege Engines and Artillery in Strategy Games

20 May 2025

When it comes to strategy games, there’s something undeniably satisfying about watching a massive trebuchet hurl chunks of rock at enemy fortifications or seeing a line of cannons reduce a battlefield to rubble. Siege engines and artillery units are the backbone of many strategy games, providing the firepower to crack even the toughest defenses. But let’s be real. Many of us just plonk these bad boys down and hope for the best. Sound familiar? Well, it’s time to up your game. In this guide, we’ll break down how to make the best use of siege engines and artillery in strategy games. Whether you’re facing stone walls or hordes of enemy units, this is your one-stop shop for taking your siege game to the next level.

What Are Siege Engines and Artillery?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to define what we’re working with. Siege engines—think catapults, trebuchets, and battering rams—are specialized units designed to break through enemy defenses like walls, gates, and towers. They’ve been around forever in both history and gaming lore, and their job is simple: destroy anything that stands in your way.

Artillery, on the other hand, is a broader category that includes long-range units like cannons and ballistae. While siege engines focus on breaking defenses, artillery can also target enemy troops, buildings, and sometimes even resources. They’re the sniper rifles of large-scale warfare.

Both are crucial tools in the arsenal of any serious strategy gamer. But the trick lies in knowing when and how to use them effectively. Let’s dive in.

Choosing the Right Siege Engine for the Job

Imagine trying to fix a leaky faucet with a sledgehammer. Overkill, right? The same logic applies in strategy games. Not all siege engines are created equal, and choosing the right one for the situation can make or break your assault.

Trebuchets and Catapults: The Long-Range Kings

Trebuchets and catapults are the bread and butter of siege warfare. These heavy hitters excel at breaking down walls and buildings from a safe distance. If your enemy has layered defenses or archer towers, trebuchets allow you to fire away without exposing your units to danger.

When to Use Them:
- Targeting static defenses like walls and towers.
- Safe positioning is an option (i.e., you’re not under immediate attack).
- You need to whittle down enemy defenses before moving in with your main force.

Pro Tip: Always protect these guys. They’re slow, squishy, and attract enemy fire like moths to a flame. Keep them behind your main army and surround them with defensive units.

Battering Rams: Getting Up Close and Personal

Battering rams are the wrecking balls of siege warfare. They’ve got one job: smash gates and walls. Unlike trebuchets, rams require you to get up close, which can make them vulnerable to enemy fire. However, they’re cost-effective and excel at opening up a breach for your forces.

When to Use Them:
- Breaking gates and walls quickly.
- You have a clear path with minimal enemy resistance.
- You’re working with a tight budget (no time or resources for fancy artillery).

Pro Tip: Timing is everything. Deploy rams after you’ve neutralized enemy archers or towers to avoid unnecessary losses.

Cannons and Bombards: Precision and Power

Cannons bring a mix of destructive power and precision to the battlefield. Unlike trebuchets, which lob projectiles in arcs, cannons hit hard and fast. They can target walls, troops, and even enemy siege engines, making them highly versatile.

When to Use Them:
- You need a balance of offense and defense.
- The enemy is relying on mobile units (cannons can often shred them).
- You want to punch through walls with pinpoint accuracy.

Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the psychological impact of cannons. Sometimes, just the sound of their thunderous shots is enough to shake your opponent’s confidence.

Ballistae: Sniping with Style

Ballistae are like the snipers of siege warfare. They’re great for picking off specific targets, such as enemy units or lightly fortified buildings. While they lack the raw power of trebuchets or cannons, they make up for it with accuracy and versatility.

When to Use Them:
- Targeting key enemy units (like cavalry or weaker ranged units).
- Defending your own walls and towers.
- When you need a budget-friendly alternative to more powerful artillery.

Pro Tip: Ballistae are great for defensive play. Place them on your walls to mow down enemy troops during a siege.

Positioning: The Key to Dominating Sieges

Ever heard the phrase “location, location, location”? It applies to siege engines too. Even the most powerful trebuchet is useless if it’s parked in the wrong spot.

Keep Them Safe

Siege engines are like the nerds of the battlefield—super smart but physically weak. Place them behind your army where they can deal damage without taking it. Use infantry or cavalry as shields to keep enemy units at bay.

High Ground Advantage

If the game you’re playing factors in elevation, always aim to position your artillery on high ground. Not only does this extend their range, but it also makes it harder for enemies to reach them.

Spacing Is Everything

Don’t cluster your siege engines together. Grouping them up makes it easier for enemy artillery or area-of-effect attacks to wipe them out. Space them out just enough to avoid catastrophic losses.

Know When to Strike

Siege engines aren’t just about brute force; timing plays a critical role too. A poorly timed attack can leave your artillery exposed, wasting valuable resources.

Start with the Defenses

Always prioritize taking out walls, gates, and towers first. A wide-open gate is an open invitation for your troops to flood through.

Watch Enemy Movements

Are enemy units gathering around your artillery? Pull back before it’s too late. Most strategy games allow you to pack up siege engines and reposition them. Use that to your advantage.

Combine Forces

Never rely solely on siege engines. Pair them with infantry, archers, or even cavalry to create a balanced assault. The idea is to keep your enemy too busy to focus on your siege engines.

Micromanagement: A Difference Maker

Let’s face it—siege engines are slow and clunky, which makes them easy to overlook once the battle heats up. But if you’re not micromanaging them, you’re leaving damage on the table.

Fire at Will Isn’t Always the Best Option

Many games allow you to toggle between manual targeting and “fire at will” for siege engines. While auto-targeting can be convenient, it’s often less efficient. Take control and prioritize high-value targets like enemy defenses or clusters of troops.

Use Hotkeys for Quick Commands

Speed matters in battle. Assign hotkeys to your siege engines so you can easily switch between them and issue commands. Trust me, it’ll save you from a lot of frustration.

Adapting to Different Game Styles

Not all strategy games treat siege engines the same way. In “Total War,” siege engines are crucial for city assaults. Meanwhile, in games like “Age of Empires,” they’re a mix of offense and defense. Take the time to learn how your preferred game handles siege warfare and adjust accordingly.

Single-Player vs. Multiplayer

In single-player games, siege engines are often more forgiving. You can take your time setting up the perfect siege. In multiplayer, however, things get chaotic. Speed and adaptability become more important.

The Psychological Game

Let’s not forget the psychological aspect of siege warfare. A well-timed barrage of artillery fire can demoralize opponents, forcing them into mistakes. Sometimes, just showing off your siege power can make an enemy rethink their offensive strategy.

Final Thoughts

Mastering siege engines and artillery in strategy games isn’t just about smashing walls—it’s about strategy, timing, and knowing your tools. Whether you’re firing trebuchets from a distance or rolling battering rams through gates, the key is to approach each situation with a game plan. So, the next time you’re setting up a siege, remember: it’s more chess than checkers.