Template:Infobox Unit
โ | Russian light cavalry. | โ |
—In-game description |
The Cossack is a Russian cavalry unit in Age of Empires III and first available at the Stable once the Colonial Age is reached.
Overview
The Cossack functions as the Russian version of the Hussar. Although they are somewhat weaker than Hussars, they are cheaper, train faster and only occupy one slot of population. This means that they can be produced in large numbers compared to most other cavalry, which take up two slots of population, and are good as raiding cavalry. With the proper cards and upgrades, an almost colossal army of Cossacks can be used to overwhelm opponents. An effective method of using them is to raid enemy Settlers and as a counter to enemy hand cavalry, as they can defeat even some of the best heavy cavalry when fully upgraded, due to their massive numbers. Only a mass of heavy infantry or ranged cavalry such as bow riders or cavalry archers can stand up against them. They are also very efficient if used against light infantry and artillery.
When training Cossacks, it is a good idea to train a complementary unit, preferably one with range, that can soften up enemy units before the Cossacks get close. Streltsy and/or Cavalry Archers can be used with Cossacks to counter heavy infantry and other cavalry, and to assist in the destruction of buildings, a Russian player can mix in some Oprichniki.
Upgrades
Age | Improvement | Cost | Effect |
---|---|---|---|
200 wood 200 coin |
Upgrades Cossacks to Veteran (+20% hit points and attack) | ||
600 wood 600 coin |
Upgrades Cossacks to Guard (+30% hit points and attack); requires Veteran Cossacks | ||
1500 wood 1500 coin |
Upgrades Cossacks to Imperial (+50% hit points and attack); requires Guard Cossacks |
Home City Cards
As the Cossack is exclusive to the Russians, only other civilizations' TEAM cards that affects them are listed here.
Click for a list of Home City Cards related to the Cossack | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Green: TEAM Shipment that is sent to each player in a team French
Germans
Russians
Spanish
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History
โ | The Cossacks fled a life of poverty and serfdom in Moscow to settle as a free people on the frontiers of Imperial Russia, where they became legendary and feared horsemen. Every man rode and fought; the Cossacks did not have an army, they were an army. The Russian government understood the value of having these very territorial, independent warriors as a buffer to invasion and established an alliance with them, giving the Cossacks land and property. The Cossacks wore furred caps, long overcoats, loose trousers, and tall boots. They carried lances, sabers, short pikes, and muskets. | โ |