How to beat Archelaus during the siege of Chalkedon in Expeditions: Rome

When Archelaus comes back during the siege of Chalkedon in Expeditions: Rome, it couldn't have happened at a worse time. You have no time to dwell on the fact that we told you not to give him back to the enemy. Now, we are going to help you solve the problem.

Note: If Bestia or Deianeira isn't available, use any ally who wields spears or polearms in their place.

Preparation And First Turn

The first thing to do is place Bestia to the right and Deianeira to the left. Syneros should be in the back center to cure burns (if you brought him). Everyone else should be in the front center. Injured allies should be placed behind the sandbags to the right because they will sit out most of the fight.

As soon as the first round begins, send Bestia and Deianeira toward the archers next to the towers. The injured allies should go to that corner between the rocks and their sandbags where they will be shielded from the archers.

Bestia should be able to move directly next to the archer to attack them if they fire arrows. It will be up to Deianeira to break the barrier on the left, staying as close to the tower as she can. Breaking the barrier shouldn't take more than two to three shots.

Related: All skills and classes in Expeditions: Rome

The allies should remain hidden behind the center cover to avoid archer arrows. Have one of your allies go to the right barrier, directly in front of the tree. It's fine if it uses an Action Point.

Once everyone is placed, you can set up the catapults. This is when you take advantage of enemy placement. It is crucial to direct the first catapult to the right barrier and the archer since you want to fight through this area instead of the middle where enemy archers can pick you off.

You should aim for the other catapults to cut off the enemy and force Archelaus to choose whether to fight right or left. The center should be a mess of catapult fire, but you should avoid destroying the middle barrier.

The rest of the battle

Have Bestia attack the archer and Deianeira attack the barrier. Start moving allies to the right if Archelaus attacks from the right, but bring everyone back behind the middle cover if he attacks from the left.

Use your catapults to cover areas around Archelaus and force him to come closer. Catapults are primarily used to keep enemies away from Archelaus. Whenever he's about six hexes away, swarm him and use Knock Down if you have the ability.

Even if Bestia and Deianeira haven't finished fighting the archers, move them to attack Archelaus. Bestia or Deianeira will be close enough to cause the most damage, regardless of where Archelaus goes. Keep pelting him with special moves, and let the friendly allies and catapults handle the other enemies.

Once Archelaus is dead, the entire fight is over, and there will be one last round with everyone together.

It's not too late to change the difficulty if it's too hard. Read What difficulty should I choose? Difficulty Levels in Expeditions: Rome for more on difficulty levels! For more info, guides, and news on Expedition: Rome, stay here on Pro Game Guides!