Hussar (Age of Empires II)

"Stronger than Light Cavalry. Fast with extensive line of sight."

- Age of Empires II description

The Hussar is a light cavalry unit in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors that can be trained at the Stable once the Imperial Age is reached. They are quick, have decent pierce armor and high Line of Sight as well as an innate resistance to conversion, and an attack bonus against Monks.

Tactics
The Hussar and Light Cavalry have a little combat difference not displayed in game. Hussars have an attack bonus of 12 against Monks, 2 more than Light Cavalry. Hussars also have a slightly higher attacking speed, attacking once every 1.93 seconds instead of every 2.03 seconds a Light Cavalry needs. Due to their faster attack, a Hussar without Bloodlines can defeat a Light Cavalry with Bloodlines researched, despite a 5 hit point disadvantage. They can be used to skirmish small towns and small armies before they can become a real threat, they can defend against small attacks from siege weapons and are adept at destroying small armies of archers since they move fast and have decent pierce armor.

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 Huns, Magyars, Mongols, 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 attacking 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 only cost food, precious gold can be invested in Cavalry Archers and siege weapons to create a mobile yet devastating force. The Hussar's contribution here mainly consists of neutralizing Skirmishers, siege equipment, and Monks. They can also act as cheap cannon fodder to engage infantry, heavy cavalry, and Camels, 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, because of their food cost they are considered "trash units" and as such they became especially important at the late game when the players must rely on their wood and food economy. They form a classic tactical rock-paper-scissors with other trash units by countering Skirmishers and being countered by Pikemen.

Civilization bonuses

 * Berbers Hussars are 20% cheaper.
 * Burmese: Researching Faith is 50% cheaper.
 * Celts: Hussars can convert herdables even if enemy units are next to them.
 * Magyars: Forging, Iron Casting, and Blast Furnace are free. Hussars are cheaper.
 * Mongols: Hussars have +30% HP.
 * Spanish: Blacksmith upgrades that benefit Hussars don't cost gold.

Team bonuses

 * A team containing Berbers: With Kasbah researched, researching Conscription is 25% faster.
 * A team containing Huns: Hussars are created 20% faster. Researching Bloodlines and Husbandry is 20% faster.
 * A team containing Mongols: Hussars have +2 LOS.
 * A team containing Teutons: Hussars are more resistant to conversion.

The Forgotten

 * Italians: Cannot train Hussars.
 * Magyars: Hussars are 10% cheaper.

The African Kingdoms

 * Italians: Hussars added to the technology tree.

Rise of the Rajas

 * Magyars: With patch 5.5, Hussars are now 15% cheaper.

History
''In the 15th century the Hungarians deployed a corps of light cavalry soldiers that came to be known as Hussars. They were excellent horsemen, trained to ride from their youth on the grasslands of the Hungarian plain. They wore brightly colored uniforms that gave them added dash and distinction. On the march they scouted and raided as needed. In an emergency they could charge in battle, but were usually too lightly armed and armored to engage heavy cavalry or infantry. They were especially useful after an enemy routed and had become disorganized because the fast Hussar could easily run over and cut down the undisciplined troops. The bright uniforms and dashing demeanor were very attractive to other nations and Hussars were prominent in later armies, especially during the Napoleonic era. A British Hussar unit was deployed in the Korean War, although it was fighting in tanks by that time.''

Trivia

 * The appearance of the Hussars, while not entirely anachronistic, is incorrect, as they resemble Polish Winged Hussars, a soldier unique to the Neo-Medieval Polish Army. The term 'Hussar' is also entirely unique to Slavic/Eastern European countries, and is not suitable for Byzantine, Middle Eastern, or Asian civilizations. A more correct term would be Hobelar, or simply Elite Light Cavalry.