Hussar (Age of Empires II)

For the related Age of Empires III unit, see Hussar (Age of Empires III). The Hussar is an upgrade of the the Light Cavalry. The upgrade is relatively inexpensive for an Imperial Age unit, but Hussars only have 15 more hit points than Light Cavalry; additionally, by the time players get to the Imperial Age they will have many more offensive options available and the need to scout for relics and resources will have diminished. Thus, upgrading to Hussars is rarely necessary. It is unavailable to the following civilizations: Aztecs, Britons, Chinese, Franks, Japanese, Mayans, Teutons and Vikings.

Strategy
The Hussar and Light Cavalry have a little combat difference not displayed in game: the attacks against monks (12 for hussar and 10 for the LC) and the attack cool down time 1.900 (Hussar) vs. 2.000 (LC). This can be seen in data viewer programs.They can also be used to skirmish small towns and small armies before they can become a real threat, they can defend from small attacks from siege weapons and are adept at destroying small armies of archers since they can move even faster than the scout cavalry.

Combat
At first glance, it is easy to dismiss the Scout Cavalry line's usefulness as combat units. But the Hussar's main advantages are its speed and cheapness. The most popular pairing involving Hussars is with Cavalry Archers, which is the a preferred combination for the Mongols, Huns, Saracens and Turks. While a few other cavalry and / or archer based civilizations can utilize this as well, it is not as effective for them. Arguably, it is also the signature attack technique of the Mongols since in addition to faster attacking Cavalry Archers, their Hussars have 30% more HP. Likewise, the Huns have cheaper Cavalry Archers and their Hussars are created quicker. Since Hussars cost only food, precious gold can be invested in Cavalry Archers and Siege Weapons to create a mobile yet devastating force in the Castle Age itself. The Hussar's contribution here mainly consists of neutralizing Skirmishers, Siege and Monks. They can also act as cheap cannon fodder to engage Infantry, Heavy Cavalry and Camelry, while the Cavalry Archers pick them off safely, using the cover.

Hussars are also the mainstays of Cavalry civilizations when gold is scarce (or runs out). They form a classic tactical Rock-Paper-Scissor with other gold free units by countering Skirmishers and being countered by Pikemen.