Slinger (Age of Empires II)

"Inca unique unit. Ranged unit with attack bonus vs. infantry."

- Age of Empires II description

The Slinger is the second unique unit of the Incas in Age of Empires II HD: The Forgotten. It is an anti-infantry ranged unit that can be trained at the Archery Range once the Castle Age is reached. In The Forgotten, a Castle was also required in order to train Slingers. That was changed in The African Kingdoms.

Tactics
Slingers have an attack bonus of +10 against infantry. That makes them powerfull early anti-infantry units, as they can defeat most infantry that comes close enough, except for Huskarls. The Condottiero can nullify the Slinger's bonus with its bonus defense of +10. Another potential risk is the Samurai, provided they can close in, as they have a huge attack bonus against unique units combined with an already quick and massive attack.

In some ways they behave similarly to the Hand Cannoneer, but they are cheaper and fire more accurately since they are affected by Ballistics. Like Skirmishers, they have a minimum range, but that does not present a real problem since it can be removed by researching Andean Sling.

They are one of the three core units of any well-organized Inca army, along with Kamayuks and Eagle Warriors. Every one of the three units fulfills an important role: the Kamayuk counters cavalry, the Eagle Warrior takes on enemy archers, Monks, and siege weapons, and the Slinger counters the Eagle-threatening infantry. Together, they have an answer to any threat.

Further Statistics
Team Bonuses=
 * A team containing Britons: Slingers are created 20% faster.
 * A team containing Magyars: Slingers have +2 LOS.
 * A team containing Malians: Researching Chemistry and Ballistics is 80% faster.
 * A team containing Saracens: Slingers have +1 attack against buildings.
 * A team containing Teutons: Slingers are more resistant to conversion.
 * -|The African Kingdoms Changes=
 * Couriers now gives +1/+2 armor instead of +10% movement speed.
 * Slingers no longer require a Castle.