Turn-Based Combat
Ikariam uses a turn-based combat system. As soon as an army reaches an enemy town, the battle begins automatically. Units are placed in three rows: front, flank and ranged. Each round, all units attack simultaneously — there is no initiative order as in other games.
Damage Calculation
Damage is based on the attack value of the attacking unit minus the defence value of the target. Different unit types have bonuses against certain other types — archers are effective against lightly armoured targets, phalanx absorbs melee damage better than others. The town wall adds a fixed defence bonus to all defending units.
Reading Battle Reports
After every battle you receive a detailed report: formation, round-by-round progression, losses on both sides and any loot. Use these reports to improve your strategy. Too many front-line losses means more phalanx is needed. Too little damage means deploy more archers. Experienced players collect reports and analyse patterns.
Battle Simulator
Experienced players use external battle simulators to predict outcomes before sending troops. Enter the army composition of both sides and the simulator calculates the likely outcome. This way you avoid unnecessary losses and optimise your army composition. The Ikariam Battle Simulator is one of the most widely used community tools.
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Start for freeFormation and Rows
The formation is automatic: heavy units like phalanx and steam giants stand in the front row. Medium units on the flank. Ranged units at the back, protected as long as the front holds. Support units stand at the very back and do not attack. The town wall is an additional defensive line — attackers must overcome it before they can reach the garrison.