# Evony Reinforcements: How to Send Troops Effectively
Reinforcing isn't just about clicking a button to "send as many troops as possible." A successful reinforcement march must address three key questions: **What layer of defense is the city missing? Do your general's buffs apply to reinforcement conditions? And is the recipient able to coordinate effectively?**
## How do reinforcements differ from attack marches?
Buffs specifying "leading the army to attack" do not automatically apply to reinforcements. Conversely, a general specialized in reinforcing might be powerful when supporting allies but not the optimal choice for launching a rally or a solo attack.
Evony LiveOps describes Matsunaga Hisahide as the first ranged general focused on reinforcement, emphasizing that usage and pairing must align with specific skill conditions. [View official guide](https://liveops.evony.com/ranged-general-matsunaga-hisahide/). The Holy Palace Officer Set also distinguishes between buffs for "troops reinforcing allies" and those for "attacking troops" or "joining the rally." [Official source](https://liveops.evony.com/spiritual-beast-holly-palace-set/).
## Step 1: Consult the recipient before sending
Before sending reinforcements, confirm the following:
- Which troop type do they need?
- Is the player in the receiving city online or offline? - What is the general's role and the defensive formation's orientation?
- Is there a limit on reinforcement capacity?
- When should troops be withdrawn?
Sending a "strong" march with the wrong troop type can make the defensive formation harder to manage.
## Step 2: Choose a mission for the march
### Supplementing ranged damage
Use this when the defensive structure needs extra ranged damage and the general has suitable reinforcement buffs.
### Increasing durability
Ground units or HP/Defense configurations may suit certain defensive setups, but they must align with the recipient's plan.
### Adding layers
"Layering" is not a fixed formula. Quantities and tiers should be based on the overall formation, previous reports, and capacity limits.
## Step 3: Check general conditions
Read the fine print:
- Does "Leading the army" apply?
- Is "When reinforcing allies" explicitly stated?
- Is the "When attacking" effect disabled during reinforcement?
- Is the assistant compatible with the main general?
- Do skill books conflict with the special skill?
Do not rely on Power ratings; the specific wording of conditions determines the build.
## Step 4: Synchronize equipment and beasts
Equipment refines, Dragons, and Spiritual Beasts must all support the march's troop type. If a general is set for ranged reinforcement but refines are split between mounted and siege units, the total Power might look impressive, but actual effectiveness is diluted.
## Step 5: Deploy troops with a withdrawal plan
Agree on withdrawal triggers before deploying:
- The recipient changes their shield strategy.
- The opponent switches march types.
- Your hospital is nearing capacity.
- The event is ending.
- The city receiving reinforcements requests capacity to be freed up.
A reinforcement without a withdrawal plan is an asset locked in place during rapidly changing situations.
## 90-second coordination process
1. The recipient announces the required troop type. 2. The sender confirms the general and reinforcement conditions.
3. Both parties verify capacity and arrival time.
4. Dispatch a march based on the agreed-upon preset.
5. Share the battle report after the engagement.
6. Change only one variable before the next round.
Evony defines an alliance as a place for real-time communication and tactical coordination. Effective reinforcement is a direct application of this mechanic, not an isolated individual action. [Official Evony Website](https://pc.evony.com/).
## Common Mistakes
### Sending troops without asking
You might occupy capacity needed for another march or use the wrong troop composition.
### Using an attack general just because of high Power
If a buff only activates during an attack, that march will not perform as expected when reinforcing.
### Not monitoring Hospital capacity
Reinforcement troops are still your troops. Manage capacity and risks before supporting a major battle.
### Copying someone else's troop ratio
Ratios depend on wall setup, technology, buffs, generals, and the opponent. Use battle reports from your own group.
You can save this alliance checklist in the guide library at [EVONY RSS](https://evonyrss.com/) so all members follow the same procedure before sending troops; do not treat this article as a guarantee of victory.
## FAQ
### Can PvP attack generals be used for reinforcement?
They can be sent, but effectiveness depends on the skill wording. Buffs labeled "to attack" may not apply when reinforcing.
### Should I always send my largest possible march?
Not necessarily. Capacity, troop composition, and the recipient's plan are more important than maximum size.
### Do the main and assistant generals need to use the same troop type?
...them?
They should serve a clear, shared purpose without skill conflicts. Check compatibility directly within the game.
### How do you determine if a reinforcement is good or bad?
Read the battle report; examine damage contribution, losses by tier, and buffs/debuffs; then compare the results with your previous configuration.
## Verification Sources
- [Evony LiveOps — Matsunaga Hisahide Reinforcement Guide](https://liveops.evony.com/ranged-general-matsunaga-hisahide/)
- [Evony LiveOps — Holy Palace Officer Set](https://liveops.evony.com/spiritual-beast-holly-palace-set/)
- [Evony: The King's Return — Official Website](https://pc.evony.com/)