Skirmisher (Age of Empires III)

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The Skirmisher is a rifle-wielding light Infantry unit that is similar to the Crossbowman trainable at the Barracks. Skirmishers are rather easy to kill due to their low hit points, but their long-range attack makes up for this. They are excellent units at countering and defeating enemy infantry, but they are weak against Cavalry and Artillery. Some Civilizations do not have Skirmishers but have other units that fulfills its role instead. Examples include the Abus Gun which act as skirmishers for the Ottomans but are much stronger and costs more resources and population even though they are light artillery. Cassadors is a Portuguese version of the Skirmisher. They have a higher attack but sacrifices it for its lower hit points.

Royal Guard Skirmishers
The French and Germans are the only Civilizations can upgrade skirmishers to Royal Guard level, making them the strongest out of all the civilizations. French Royal Guard Skirmishers are Voltigeurs which are available in the Industrial Age while German Royal Guard Skirmishers are Prussian Needle Gunners which are also available at the same age.

Home City Cards

 * The French have a Card, "TEAM Early Skirmishers", making Skirmishers available in the Colonial Age. This Card can be sent in Discovery Age.


 * The Dutch have Skirmishers available in the Colonial Age, granting them a good, but expensive, early anti-infantry unit. This problem is mitigated with Dutch Banks.


 * The British can't train Skirmishers but can send an army of 26 Roger's Rangers (Skirmishers) from their Church when the Royal Decree shipment has arrived.