Archers



"The bow remained an important military weapon after the fall of Rome, although less so in areas of Europe covered by dense forests." - Excerpt from Archer description

Archers and all other non-siege weapon ballistic units fall under this category. A deadly class to be sure, these units are the most cost-efficient ranged units in the game. Their ranged attacks easily massacre Infantry, though their low armor and HP make them vulnerable to fast Infantry, such as Eagle Warriors and Woad Raiders, as well as all Cavalry.

Age of Empires II Archery Units

 * Archer
 * Crossbowman
 * Arbalest
 * Skirmisher
 * Elite Skirmisher
 * Cavalry Archer
 * Heavy Cavalry Archer
 * Hand Cannoneer
 * Chu-Ko-Nu: Chinese unique unit
 * Janissary: Turks unique unit
 * Longbowman: Britons unique unit
 * Mangudai: Mongols unique unit
 * Plumed Archer: Mayans unique unit
 * War Wagon: Koreans unique unit
 * Conquistador: Spanish unique unit

Tactics


The Archers have several uses, though their primary one is to demolish all slow units that are not Siege Weapons. Being cheap and quick, these units can easily decimate an enemy's economy, slay villagers, and kill other infantry. However, cavalry can easily defeat these units, as well as their own archery banes, Skirmishers and War Wagons. The Goths unique unit, Huskarls, can also slay archers. They should not be used against siege weapons, and only a large quantity should try to stand against cavalry, though a useful bane against cavalry is a combination of archery units and spear, pikes, or halberd users. Keep in mind that the gunpowder units have a longer range and attack, though are more inaccurate with growing distance, and their range is rivaled by longbowmen assisted by Yeoman.