It’s been a while since I played the game, but I remembered a trick I learned before. If you’re like me, I find getting the rare Heroic Victories to be enjoyable. However, I couldn’t find a guaranteed way to get them. So, I got a bit obsessed and tried different things to figure out how to make it happen.
Well, for better or worse, I obsessed a bit and experimented to find a way to do just that so you don’t have to.
Introduction
This is mainly for always getting heroic victories in battles against the AI and was tested up to Legendary difficulty. The strategy is meant for the main campaign (not RotS and not tested in FotS) or 1v1 AI battles. It’s suggested for use in the mid-late game, but I also used it from the starting province on legendary difficulty and did well.
This strategy is primarily for consistently obtaining heroic victories in battles versus the AI and has been tested up to Legendary difficulty. It’s tailored for the main campaign (not RotS and not tested in FotS) or 1v1 AI battles. It’s recommended for use in the mid-late game, but I also used it from the starting province on legendary difficulty and managed just fine.
Why it Works
The game doesn’t give enough credit to the power of Kisho ninja. Even though they have excellent stats for infantry, the game values them similarly to other siege units. They cost a lot (800 recruitment/275 upkeep), more than spamming yari ashigaru (250/75), but not significantly more than recruiting katana samurai (750/150). Kisho ninja’s drawback lies in their small numbers and susceptibility to arrows, but we’ll try to minimize these weaknesses.
The Formula
It’s quite straightforward. Use one Kisho ninja against each enemy samurai unit and deploy two or three against each enemy ashigaru unit. This strikes a balance, making the game see the battle as challenging yet allowing you to easily defeat the AI. The aim is to eliminate as many enemy units as possible while minimizing your own losses, influencing the calculation for a “Heroic Victory.” You might adjust the formula based on modifiers from generals, unit upgrades, etc., but I found success with this formula during my tests.
At the battle’s outset, position your ninja in a thin line, a single column of units spread wide and as close as possible to the AI’s formation. Alternatively, deploy them behind the enemy lines if they have archers or multiple rows, especially to swiftly eliminate their generals. Group all units together, start the battle, and immediately activate stealth to avoid arrow fire, a significant vulnerability. Then, charge straight into the enemy, aiming for quick routs as prolonged combat will result in unit losses. Move your general to the frontline quickly for their bonuses on your ninja. Abilities that hasten enemy routing are beneficial. If you have the bomb upgrade, consider using it just before engaging or in a hit-and-run tactic for its damage, slowdown, and combat debuff effects. However, be wary of arrows, the ninja’s primary threat.
To maximize your ninja’s strength, opt for the Hattori or Tokugawa Kisho ninja, which are cheaper (750/250 instead of 800/275). In your recruiting province, build the encampment -> Jujutsu Dojo (+2 melee attack) or Proving Grounds (+5 charge bonus). Ideal is a recruitment province with the mountain hideout -> ninjutsu school -> ninja clan fortress for 5 starting XP on your Kisho ninja. Unfortunately, only three provinces offer this “ninja resource,” highlighted in blue below, and they are clustered in the middle of the map.
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