Talk:Mameluke (Age of Empires II)/@comment-27977344-20160419140341/@comment-27274076-20160420150208

Mamelukes, Throwing Axemen, and Gbetos have ranged melee attack. That means they have range, but the damage they deal is calculated as if they hadn't. So to defend against them, you need high armor, not pierce armor. And almost all units have more pierce armor. Blacksmith also gives 4 pierce armor, but only 3 armor.

Example: Hussar armor stat: armor ->0+3/2+4 <- pierce armor.

If an Elite Mangudai attacks with 12 (8+4) attack, it only deals 6 (12-6) damage.

If an Elite Throwing Axeman attacks with 12 (8+4) attack, it deals 9 (12-3) damage. 50% more.

That is a considerable advantage, because they can stand in mobs and do not have to move directly next to the target. Hence, they deal the high melee damage easier and faster.