Party formations

[Archaven]

I always like the idea that party characters shouldn't be tied to their formation. So that they move/walk more naturally during exploration. Is there a reason party formations play a significant role in combat?

 

If i have a tank in front of said a caster or archer, does it help reduce incoming damage from range and interruption? If melee enemies start approaching the flanks of my caster or archer, would the fighter helps reduce the accuracy and damage of the said enemy?

 

In other words, is there really a need for party formations in PoE2? 

 

It would be great that i'm seeing only 1 green circle (main character) that i'm controlling and the rest of the companion just follow without any circle beneath them. Circles on all companions should only be shown upon entering combat. I like this so that it looks more beautiful when exploring the world.

 

Also.. if party formation plays a role in combat, can they only form the formation only when the battle start? Meaning there would be a formation phase that will happen for both players and enemies.

[MaxQuest]

If i have a tank in front of said a caster or archer, does it help reduce incoming damage from range and interruption?

It does. Square root of distance from enemy to each of your party members plays a huge deal in their target preference.

Placing 2 tanks at the start of combat in the frontline (due to formation) will help a lot your 3 squishes in the 3rd row from being attacked right of the bat. And even more if you would unstealth them immediately after main threats have engaged your frontline.

Proper formation (or more exactly: proper order of portraits) made Od Nua bandit fights much easier during my very first playthrough.

 

Enemies might sometimes ignore those who engaged them. But they don't really like to ignore those whom they engaged themselves. With the exception when their special abilities (with custom targeting) came out from cooldown; or you broke engagement via cc yourself (and they have to seek for new target after coming from stun/paralyze/etc)

 

Also.. if party formation plays a role in combat, can they only form the formation only when the battle start? Meaning there would be a formation phase that will happen for both players and enemies.

Hmm, how do you imagine that? Select formation before each formation HOMM style? Edited February 12, 2017 by MaxQuest

[Leeuwenhart]

Conga Line!

[Leeuwenhart]

Each time i see my party run past on the screen with their helmets mail hoods shields and colours i think heyyyy its the guys from Monthy Pyton! Hahaha