Lizardmen Vs Skaven: Auto Resolve Chaos Explained!

Introduction

Hey guys! Let's dive into the crazy world of Total War and talk about something that's left many players, including myself, absolutely speechless: the auto-resolve feature when playing as Lizardmen against Skaven. We all know auto-resolve can be a bit wonky sometimes, but the results in this particular matchup can range from hilarious to downright infuriating. In this article, we're going to explore why this happens, share some epic (and not-so-epic) stories, and maybe even figure out how to navigate this madness. Whether you're a seasoned Total War veteran or a newbie just getting your feet wet, this is one topic that's sure to resonate. We’ve all been there, staring at the screen in disbelief as our mighty Saurus warriors get decimated by what the game predicts as an easy Skaven victory. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

The auto-resolve feature in Total War games is essentially a quick calculation the game makes to predict the outcome of a battle without you having to fight it manually. It takes into account a myriad of factors, such as unit stats, unit numbers, leadership, terrain, and various other modifiers. The game then spits out a result, showing you the likely casualties and who the victor will be. Sounds straightforward, right? Well, not quite. This system, while convenient, isn’t always accurate, especially when it comes to certain faction matchups. This is where our scaly friends and their ratty adversaries come into play. The clash between Lizardmen and Skaven is a prime example of how auto-resolve can sometimes throw logic out the window. One moment, you're looking at a seemingly easy victory according to the balance of power bar, and the next, you're witnessing your elite Temple Guard getting steamrolled by a horde of Clanrats in the auto-resolve preview. It's moments like these that make you question the very fabric of the game's predictive algorithms. What’s even more baffling is how inconsistent it can be. Sometimes, the auto-resolve seems to favor the Skaven even when you have a clearly superior force. Other times, it works as you’d expect, with the Lizardmen crushing the ratmen as they should. This unpredictability is part of what makes the whole situation so intriguing and, at times, incredibly frustrating. So why does this happen? What makes the Lizardmen vs. Skaven auto-resolve such a notorious topic in the Total War community? Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and quirks that contribute to this phenomenon. Trust me, there's more to it than just bad luck. There are specific attributes of both factions and the way the game calculates outcomes that lead to these unexpected results. And understanding these factors can help you better navigate these tricky situations and ensure your reptilian warriors come out on top.

Why Auto Resolve Favors Skaven

Alright, let's break down why the auto-resolve often seems to have a soft spot for those sneaky Skaven when they face off against the Lizardmen. There are several factors at play here, and understanding them can help you strategize better and avoid those frustrating auto-resolve defeats. First and foremost, we need to consider the sheer numbers that Skaven can bring to the battlefield. Skaven armies often consist of massive hordes of relatively weak units like Clanrats and Slaves. While individually these units are no match for a Saurus Warrior or Temple Guard, their overwhelming numbers can sometimes trick the auto-resolve into thinking they have the upper hand. The game’s calculations can get skewed by the raw quantity of bodies, especially if the Lizardmen army composition isn't optimized to deal with hordes.

Another critical aspect is the leadership mechanic and how it interacts with Skaven armies. Skaven units have notoriously low leadership, meaning they tend to break and run from a fight quite easily. However, the auto-resolve doesn't always accurately simulate the impact of these leadership issues. In manual battles, a well-timed flank or a devastating charge can send Skaven units scattering, but the auto-resolve might not fully account for this. Instead, it focuses on the initial engagement and the total damage output, which can be misleading when dealing with a faction that relies on overwhelming numbers rather than sustained combat prowess. Furthermore, weapon strength and armor-piercing capabilities play a significant role. Lizardmen units are heavily armored and designed to withstand a lot of punishment. However, Skaven have access to units and abilities that can negate this advantage. Weapons Teams, for instance, can deal significant armor-piercing damage, and spells like Warp Lightning can shred even the toughest Lizardmen formations. The auto-resolve might overvalue these armor-piercing capabilities, leading to an unfavorable outcome for the Lizardmen. In addition to direct combat stats, ambush tactics are a Skaven specialty. They excel at setting up ambushes and attacking from unexpected angles. The auto-resolve, however, often fails to properly account for the devastating impact of a well-executed Skaven ambush. A surprise attack can cripple a Lizardmen army, causing significant casualties before the main engagement even begins. This is something that players can exploit in manual battles, but the auto-resolve rarely reflects this tactical advantage.

Epic Tales of Auto Resolve Fails

Now for the fun part: let's dive into some epic tales of auto-resolve fails when playing as Lizardmen against Skaven. I've scoured forums, Reddit threads, and personal experiences to bring you some of the most jaw-dropping stories out there. These anecdotes perfectly illustrate just how unpredictable and sometimes downright baffling the auto-resolve can be. One classic story involves a player who had a full stack of Temple Guard, Saurus Warriors, and a powerful Slann Mage-Priest. He was up against a Skaven army consisting mostly of Clanrats and a few Stormvermin. The balance of power bar showed a clear victory for the Lizardmen, but the auto-resolve predicted a pyrrhic victory with heavy losses. Intrigued and slightly skeptical, the player decided to fight the battle manually. The result? A crushing victory for the Lizardmen with minimal casualties. The Temple Guard, as expected, cleaved through the Clanrat hordes, and the Slann's magic decimated the Stormvermin. This tale perfectly highlights how the auto-resolve can sometimes completely misjudge the capabilities of heavily armored elite units against masses of weaker foes.

Another memorable account comes from a player who was sieging a Skaven city with a strong Lizardmen force. The garrison consisted mainly of Clanrats and some Skavenslaves, with a minimal number of elite units. The auto-resolve predicted a close defeat for the Lizardmen, which seemed absurd given the attacker's advantage and superior unit quality. The player, determined to prove the auto-resolve wrong, fought the siege battle manually. He deployed his Saurus Warriors in a tight formation and methodically advanced through the city streets, grinding down the Skaven hordes with minimal losses. The siege ended in a resounding victory for the Lizardmen, further cementing the notion that the auto-resolve often underestimates the defensive capabilities of heavily armored infantry in urban environments. These stories aren't just isolated incidents; they're a common theme among players who regularly play as Lizardmen and face off against Skaven. The auto-resolve's tendency to favor Skaven in seemingly unfavorable matchups has become a running joke (and a source of frustration) within the Total War community. But what can we do about it? How can we better navigate these tricky situations and ensure our Lizardmen armies aren't getting unjustly wiped out by hordes of ratmen in the auto-resolve calculations? Let's explore some strategies and tips in the next section.

Strategies to Outsmart Auto Resolve

Okay, so we've established that the auto-resolve can be a bit wonky when Lizardmen face Skaven. But fear not, fellow commanders! There are strategies we can employ to outsmart the system and ensure our scaly warriors come out on top. The first and perhaps most crucial strategy is to always fight battles manually when facing Skaven, especially if the auto-resolve is predicting a close result or a defeat. This gives you full control over your army and allows you to leverage the strengths of your units while mitigating the weaknesses. Manual battles are where Lizardmen truly shine, as their heavily armored infantry and powerful monstrous units can decimate Skaven hordes with proper tactics.

However, if you absolutely must use auto-resolve (perhaps due to time constraints or overwhelming odds), there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success. First, optimize your army composition to deal with Skaven hordes. This means including units that excel at fighting in melee and can withstand large numbers of attacks. Saurus Warriors with shields are a great choice, as they can form a sturdy shield wall that absorbs a lot of damage. Temple Guard are even better, as their high armor and melee stats make them incredibly effective against Skaven infantry. Kroxigors and other monstrous units are also valuable assets, as they can break through enemy lines and cause chaos in the Skaven ranks. Another key strategy is to minimize casualties before the battle even begins. Skaven armies often rely on ambushes and flanking maneuvers, so positioning your army carefully is crucial. Deploy your units in a defensive formation, with flanks protected by terrain or supporting units. Using scout units to reveal potential ambush locations can also help you avoid nasty surprises. Additionally, focusing on key technologies and skills that boost your army's combat effectiveness can significantly improve your auto-resolve odds. Research technologies that increase armor, melee attack, and leadership. Level up your lords and heroes and invest in skills that enhance their combat abilities and provide buffs to your army. A well-equipped and highly skilled army is much more likely to achieve a favorable auto-resolve result.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! The saga of Lizardmen auto-resolve against Skaven is a wild ride filled with unexpected twists, frustrating defeats, and occasional moments of triumph. We've explored the reasons behind this phenomenon, shared some epic tales of auto-resolve fails, and discussed strategies to outsmart the system. The key takeaway here is that the auto-resolve, while convenient, isn't always the most reliable predictor of battle outcomes, especially in this particular matchup. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both factions, as well as the quirks of the auto-resolve system, is crucial for success. Whether you're a seasoned Total War player or a newcomer to the game, mastering the art of manual battles is the best way to ensure your Lizardmen armies crush the Skaven hordes. Don't let the auto-resolve dictate your fate! Take control of your armies, deploy your units strategically, and watch as your scaly warriors march to victory. And remember, even when the auto-resolve predicts doom and gloom, a well-fought manual battle can turn the tide. So go forth, conquer, and may your battles be glorious!

In the end, the auto-resolve conundrum adds an extra layer of challenge and intrigue to the Total War experience. It forces players to think critically about their army compositions, tactics, and decision-making. It also provides plenty of opportunities for hilarious stories and memorable moments. So, embrace the chaos, learn from your mistakes, and never underestimate the power of a well-executed manual battle. The Lizardmen may face an uphill battle against Skaven in the auto-resolve, but with the right strategies and a healthy dose of tactical acumen, they can emerge victorious on the battlefield. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some Skaven to stomp. For the Great Plan!