| “ | Highly mobile long ranged cavalry which fires two arrows in quick succession. | ” |
| —Age of Empires IV description | ||
The Akinji (Cavalry Archer before patch 12.2.3327) is a light ranged cavalry unit in Age of Empires IV that was released in the the Season Nine update 12.0.1974. It can be trained at the Archery Range or from the Military School once the Akinji System Vizier Point has been selected from the Imperial Council.
The Akinji shoots a burst of two arrows one after the other. Like the Horse Archer, it cannot fire while moving. It also shares the Horse Archer's unit icon, and the unit model was originally used for the Turkic Horse Archer in the The Sultans Ascend campaign.
Tactics[]
The Akinji is the Ottomans' fast and highly mobile ranged cavalry unit, excelling in hit-and-run tactics and raiding enemy lines. Similar to the Horse Archer, it relies on speed and range to stay out of reach of melee threats. However, its unique ability to fire two arrows in quick succession allows it to deliver burst damage, making it especially effective against unarmored units.
Unlike Mangudai, Akinji cannot fire while moving, requiring them to stop before attacking. Additionally, they have a relatively low attack speed, meaning players must carefully choose their engagements and avoid prolonged fights. Positioning is key — the Akinji should fire its arrows and quickly reposition to maintain an advantage. When combined with Sipahis as frontline distractions or Mehters' Attack Drums bonus, the Akinji becomes an even more formidable force.
Due to its lack of armor, the Akinji should avoid direct confrontations, especially against melee cavalry or Spearmen. While it can kite slower melee units like Spearmen, it remains vulnerable to fast cavalry counters such as Horsemen and ranged area damage from Mangonels.
The best way to utilize the Akinji is to keep it active in raiding the enemy economy, eliminating unprotected units, and forcing opponents to constantly reposition. When used alongside Sipahis for diversion and supported by Mehters for additional bonuses, Akinji can fully showcase the Ottomans' superior mobility and tactical versatility.
Further statistics[]
| Strengths and weaknesses | |
|---|---|
| Strong vs. | Slow units |
| Weak vs. | Archers, Horsemen, defensive buildings |
| Technologies | |
|---|---|
 Hit points
|
 Biology (+25%)
|
| Attack |  Steeled Arrow (+1) Balanced Projectiles (+1) Platecutter Point (+1) Incendiary Arrows (+20%, +2 (x2) siege damage vs buildings)
|
 Range
|
 Silk Bowstrings (+0.75)
|
| Armor |  Fitted Leatherwork (+1 melee) Insulated Helm (+1 melee) Master Smiths (+1 melee) Iron Undermesh (+1 ranged) Wedge Rivets (+1 ranged) Angled Surfaces (+1 ranged)
|
| Creation speed |  Advanced Academy (+25% at  Military School)
|
| Ability and aura enhancements | |
|---|---|
| Armor |  Mehter Melee Armor Drums (+2 melee) Mehter Ranged Armor Drums (+1 ranged)
|
 Attack speed
|
 Mehter Attack Drums (+15%)
|
 Movement speed
|
 Mehter Speed Bonus (+15% when in formation with Mehter, requires Mehter Drums)
|
| Creation speed |  Blacksmith/University Influence (+20%/30%/40% per Age, +100% with Istanbul Observatory)
|
Dialogue lines[]
The Akinji shares dialogue lines with the Ottoman Archer.
- Main article: Archer (Age of Empires IV)/Ottomans dialogue lines
Changelog[]
- With patch 12.2.3327, the Cavalry Archer was renamed to Akinji.
- Originally, the Akinji cost 100 food and trained in 27 seconds. With patch 12.2.3327, it costs 90 food and trains in 25 seconds. With patch 13.1.4420, it costs 80 food and trains in 24 seconds.
Trivia[]
- In the Public Update Preview, the Akinji used the Turkic Horse Archer's icon.
Gallery[]
See also[]
Horse Archer: A similar unit available to the Rus- Mangudai: A similar unit available to the Mongols
