According to dictionary.cambridge.org:


micromanage - to control every part of a situation, even small details.



Such a great yet simple explanation, isn't it?

In the context of Total War games, micro(management) refers to managing units during a battle.
For example - deploying, moving, attacking etc - all of these are parts of micro. Simple as that.


Why it is important to have a fast micro? In multiplayer battle smooth micro gives you HUGE advantage over enemy. You can respond to enemy's moves faster. Every second matters a lot.
Regardless of skill level, faster player will usually surpass slower one. Also,i f you have reasonably fast micro and good timing, there are more risky tactics and strategies you can play with.

Medieval 2 rewards fast micro - not as RTW tho -but it's still worth it!

So, how to speed up micro? It's not hard at all:


a) keyboard>mouse. Use more keyboard than mice.


c) camera speed in game - max it out.


b) shortcuts> on-screen buttons. Forget about using default controls if you want to become seriously fast&dangerous player.


d) use formations that will save your precious time.


It's pretty rough to apply these steps, but it's usually matter of adaptation. An example, I spent couple of weeks on polishing my micro and hotkeys, then couple of more to practice them. They're not perfect yet but hey, I've got a good micro and I'm doing fine with it.

My current config is a basically custom mix of FPS and TW style setup:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WSAD - moving camera

Toggle skirmish - Z
Toggle guard mode - X
Toggle unit formation (tight/loose) - C
Toggle run - R
Toggle special unit ability - F

Groups: single line: N or Shift+1

Select all cavalry units - Ctrl + C
Select all infantry units - Ctrl + I
Select all missile units - Ctrl+ M

Switch between unit cards - TAB
Show unit destination/targets - Space/Shift
Halt order - Backspace
Chat - T

Select all same unit cards: hold Ctrl and left click twice on unit/it's card
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These keys are most common and useful ones. I don't say my setup is perfect for all people - if this won't fit your needs, just customize these controls on your own.

Here's a live-battle guide as example:


..................................................................................................................................

Why people keeps doing same mistakes?

a) lack of experience, knowledge about game
b) slow micro(!)

In a nutshell: to become good at certain game, first you have to do is learn mechanics of it. Next, optimize your controls.


Check out these guides if you need some theory:

https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=429991970

https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=752793738

https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=662878613

Hope I helped.

I am looking forward to hear your opinion about my work! Feel free to comment it or PM me trough YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/CyrusTheGreatTW

Cheers!