- Command an Army mace units are melee-focused troops built for frontline pressure.
- Best role: anchor compact formations and lead attacks against enemy positions.
- Key strength: sustained close combat when supported by defensive and support troops.
- Upgrade priority: high for players who rely on main-force pushes.
- Watch out: mace troops struggle alone against ranged or flanking enemies.
Mace Troop Overview and Role
In Command an Army, the mace unit fits the Main Combat Troops role described in the game's core loop: recruit troops, capture points, order formations, and choose between Attack and Defend. A mace troop is a dependable frontline fighter. It wins fights by staying together with the rest of the army and applying steady melee pressure rather than by chasing individual kills.
| Attribute | Mace Troop Profile |
|---|---|
| Combat role | Main combat / frontline melee |
| Best use | Direct attacks, holding contested ground |
| Formation fit | Compact formation, frontline rows |
| Upgrade priority | High |
| Key weakness | Vulnerable when isolated or spread thin |
| Team synergy | Pairs with defensive and support troops |
A mace troop's value comes from consistency. Do not judge it by a single duel — evaluate it across multiple battles, attacks, and objective holds.
How the Mace Fits Your Army Build
Every working Command an Army force needs troops that do different jobs. The mace occupies the dependable core: troops that take part in most direct battles and improve the largest number of engagements when upgraded.
Mace as Core
- Forms the backbone of most attacks
- Reliable in repeated frontline fights
- Upgrade first for consistent gains
Mace with Defense
- Hold approaches near capture points
- Buy time for counterattacks
- Avoid stacking all units on one spot
Mace with Support
- Support troops fill tactical gaps
- Keep replacement troops behind the line
- Upgrade support after the core is strong
| Troop Role | How Mace Interacts | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Attack-focused troops | Mace holds the line while attackers push | High |
| Defense-focused troops | Mace shares frontline duties near objectives | Medium-High |
| Support troops | Amplify mace effectiveness in large fights | Medium |
| Specialized troops | Situation-specific; upgrade later | Situational |
| Replacement troops | Rebuild mace strength after costly battles | Resource dependent |
Sending every mace unit into the first fight is a common beginner error. Keep a reserve group behind the front so a weak position can be reinforced during the engagement.
Step-by-Step: Using Mace Troops in Battle
The battle loop in Command an Army rewards controlled movement: reach the objective with enough troops, clear resistance, secure the area, then advance. Follow this sequence when commanding mace-heavy forces.
Group Before the Push
Cluster your mace troops into a compact formation before entering the main fight. Scattered units arrive at different times and are easier for defenders to defeat one group at a time.
Choose the Right Objective
Pick a capture point your army can realistically reach and defend. Avoid sending mace units toward distant positions while nearby objectives are still contested.
Clear Nearby Resistance
Remove enemies threatening the capture area before committing everything to the point. Capturing while a strong enemy force remains nearby invites an immediate counterattack.
Secure and Defend
Keep mace troops around the objective while control is established, then place units on the approaches rather than stacking everything directly on the point.
Regroup and Expand
After gaining ground, reorganize before the next push. Use secured positions as staging areas and leave a defensive force behind to protect what you captured.
A counterattack with mace troops works best after an enemy push loses momentum. Once the attackers become scattered or reduced, move forward together and recover lost ground.
Mace Formation Placement
Formations are most effective when they match the battlefield objective. The mace troop shines in tight, coordinated shapes where its melee power is concentrated.
| Formation | Mace Placement | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Formation | Center mass, front rows | Direct attacks, concentrated fighting |
| Wide Formation | Evenly across the line | Holding ground, larger fronts |
| Advance Formation | Grouped, advancing as one | Moving into enemy territory |
| Objective Defense | On approaches to the point | Protecting capture points |
| Flanking Group | Small detached mace squad | Pressuring exposed sides |
| Reserve Group | Held behind the front | Reinforcing and counterattacks |
Do not spread mace troops so far that separate groups can be defeated one at a time. Reposition before an engagement starts — movement orders issued mid-fight rarely save a broken formation.
Progression Goals and Checklist
Use this checklist to keep your mace-centered army on track from early recruitment to long-term upgrades.
Mace Army Milestones:
- Recruit a balanced early force instead of one all-in push
- Group mace troops into a compact formation before attacking
- Capture and hold at least one objective with a defensive force left behind
- Rebuild losses after each major fight before pushing again
- Upgrade frequently used mace troops before niche options
- Test familiar formations again after any balance update
Favor upgrades that improve several battles rather than one narrow situation. Improvements to your main force affect the largest number of fights, which makes mace upgrades a strong early investment.
FAQ
Q: Is the mace a good troop for beginners in Command an Army?
Yes. Mace-style main combat troops are dependable frontline fighters that fit the compact formations beginners can manage easily. Focus on grouping them before attacks and keeping a reserve behind the line.
Q: Should I upgrade mace troops or attack-focused troops first?
Upgrade your most frequently used troops first. Main combat troops like the mace usually take priority because improvements to your core force affect the largest number of battles.
Q: What is the biggest mistake when using mace troops?
Overextending. A successful push can become a loss if the army advances too far without reorganizing. Regroup after gaining ground, and never chase retreating enemies away from the objective.
Q: How do mace troops defend capture points?
Position them where they can protect the approaches to the objective rather than stacking every unit on the point itself. Keep reinforcements available to answer pushes from other directions.