Building Trenches
Dig lines that defend, not betray.
Trench networks are cheap, powerful defences — when built well. Built badly, they channel your own troops poorly and hand the enemy ready-made cover.
What this page teaches
- What trench networks do
- Where to dig and where not to
- Connecting trenches sensibly
- Why bad trenches help the enemy
What trench networks do
Trenches let infantry fight under cover, move along a line protected, and reinforce threatened sections without crossing open ground.
A well-built trench network multiplies the defensive value of every soldier in it.
Where to dig
Dig trenches where defenders need to hold, with fields of fire over the ground the enemy must cross, supported by friendly bases and fire positions.
The position should make the attacker's approach costly.
Connecting trenches
Trenches should connect into a network so troops can move and reinforce under cover, with depth — a second line behind the first — so the position can be defended in layers.
Disconnected trench stubs are far weaker than a coherent network.
Why bad trenches help the enemy
A trench is terrain that anyone can use. Dug too far forward or facing the wrong way, it becomes the enemy's staging position and cover once they reach it.
- Avoid trenches the enemy can capture and turn around
- Do not block friendly movement or counterattack routes
- Do not dig isolated trenches with no support
- Plan the network; do not dig reflexively
When to dig
Dig when a line needs holding and someone has planned the layout. If you are new, dig where experienced builders direct rather than improvising.
Thoughtless digging can be worse than no trench at all.
Related systems
This pairs with Trenches and Cover on the combat side, and with Field Bases and Common Building Mistakes.
Digging a long trench forward of your line. When the enemy reaches it, they get free cover aimed at your own positions.
Plan the whole network before digging: where it holds, how it connects, and the second line behind it. Then dig.