Ironworks Gaming Forum - Party Formation

well, i have only played the demo. but i think it's a wise move to keep your mages surrounded by the stronger team members.

i put my swordsman, monk and bard/gadgeteer in the front (the swordsman at the very apex, leading them, flanked by monk and bard), the mage in the center, then the priest and archer in the back. the priest had his staff which has a long reach and he's pretty good with it, too.

i wonder tho, might you consider putting your lancer in the back? don't they have a very long reach?

and yes, you will be attacked from the back, and from the sides. the AI on the monsters seems deliciously well-done. i have had several seekers occupy me, while others circle around to get to my sides and back! so that's the best reason you will need to keep your weaker teammates safe.

also, don't forget that you can move in combat. if it comes down to it, sometimes retreating or moving your entire party around to face a side attack is necessary for survival.

try to give everyone in your party both melee and long range (bows or spells). that way you never have to pass on a turn. and the monsters will take advantage of you if you fluff up a turn.

learn to read your radar, sometimes that alone will alert you so you can pre-position your group to avoid those nasty side attacks.

so, have you tried your formation yet in battle? that first enounter will give you more ideas about how well yours is working. turn on the text so that you can read who is doing what. that will tell you who is effective and who isn't.

good luck!!

V***V