Heroes III combat turns, Wait, Defend, shooters and retaliation
Control creature stacks and preserve troops through the turn order.
Edition covered
The 1999 Restoration of Erathia game with eight towns. Pictures show the 2015 HD Edition, which covers Restoration of Erathia. Armageddon's Blade, Shadow of Death, Conflux and community expansions are outside the tables unless explicitly named.
Speed determines the normal action order
A faster creature generally acts earlier in a combat round. The Wait command postpones its action into the waiting phase, which can let an enemy approach before your melee stack commits.
| Action | Effect | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Move or attack | Uses the stack's action | Reach a target or improve position |
| Wait | Defers the stack's turn | Let enemies move closer first |
| Defend | Improves defense while giving up the action | Survive when attacking is wasteful |
| Ranged attack | Shoots an eligible target | Preserve distance from enemy melee |
Protect shooters from contact
A creature standing adjacent to an enemy generally cannot make its normal ranged attack. Screen valuable shooters and use fast units to disrupt enemy ranged stacks when the exchange is favorable.
| Problem | Reason | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Shooter is blocked | An enemy is adjacent | Remove or disable the adjacent unit |
| Attack causes losses | Target can retaliate | Plan the order of melee attacks |
| Weak shot damage | Range or wall penalty may apply | Inspect the attack cursor |
| Morale trouble | Army composition or effects | Check morale before engaging |
| Fast enemy reaches the rear | Speed and open lanes | Screen fragile stacks |
Account for retaliation
A normal melee attack can provoke a counterattack. Some creatures have special rules, and most stacks normally retaliate only once in a round, so the order of your attacks changes casualties.
Inspect distance and obstacles
Ranged attacks can suffer penalties at long distance or through fortifications. The cursor and creature information help explain why the expected damage differs between two targets.
Ranged attacks can suffer penalties at long distance or through fortifications. The cursor and creature information help explain why the expected damage differs between two targets.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Heroes of Might and Magic III publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Ubisoft HD Edition manual | store.steampowered.com |
| Original 1999 manual via Ubisoft | store.steampowered.com |