>>213978075
The Empire dropped the AT-ATs far away from the Rebel base on Hoth because the base was protected by a powerful energy shield capable of deflecting orbital bombardment, making a direct fleet attack impossible.
The shield was strong enough to stop high-velocity projectiles and energy weapons, but it did not prevent large, slow-moving ground vehicles like the AT-ATs from passing through its perimeter.
The Imperial strategy was to deploy the heavily armored AT-ATs from a distance outside the shield's range, allowing them to approach the shield generator on the ground and destroy it, thereby enabling the Imperial fleet to conduct orbital bombardment.
This approach was necessary because the AT-ATs were the only viable option for a ground assault, as repulsorlift vehicles and starfighters could not penetrate the shield, and a direct infantry assault would have resulted in heavy casualties against the Rebels' entrenched defenses.
The decision to land the AT-ATs at a distance was also influenced by the need to avoid detection by the Rebel sensors, although Admiral Ozzel's premature jump into the system from too close a distance actually gave the Rebels ample warning to raise the shield.
