Light cavalry

This article is about the unit class. For the unit in Age of Empires II, see Light Cavalry (Age of Empires II).

Magyar Huszar, a highly efficient light cavalry

Light cavalry refers to a class of cavalry featured in all games of the Age of Empires series. Light cavalry in general possess quick speed and decent attack, but lack hit points and armor required for sustained combat. Most light cavalry units are used for exploring, hit-and-run-tactics, Villager disruptions, and scouting. Most ranged cavalry are light cavalry.

Age of Empires

In Age of Empires, these units can count as light cavalry, concerning their stats and roles:

• Chariot
• Chariot Archer
• Heavy Horse Archer
• Horse Archer
• Scout

Age of Empires II

In Age of Empires II, the following units can be considered melee light cavalry and as such benefit from the Hindustani team bonus:

• Scout Cavalry - Light Cavalry - Hussar / Winged Hussar
• Magyar Huszar - Elite Magyar Huszar
• Steppe Lancer - Elite Steppe Lancer
• Shrivamsha Rider - Elite Shrivamsha Rider

The following mounted archer units can be considered (ranged) light cavalry:

• Cavalry Archer - Heavy Cavalry Archer
• Mangudai - Elite Mangudai
• Genitour - Elite Genitour
• Camel Archer - Elite Camel Archer
• Kipchak - Elite Kipchak/ Mercenary Kipchak

Unless mentioned otherwise, light cavalry units are melee units. Despite being a camel unit, the Camel Archer can be considered a light cavalry on the basis of its statistics.

Age of Mythology

In Age of Mythology, light cavalry are used as mounted anti-cavalry units, however the Katascopos is good at exploring instead of anti-cavalry combat units. Light cavalry also includes mounted archers.

• Kataskopos
• Prodromos
• Chariot Archer
• Camel Rider
• Mounted Archer

In the early game builds they were another two light cavalry units, the Chariot (for the Egyptians) and Light Cavalry (for the Norse).

Age of Empires III

Main article: Light ranged cavalry (Age of Empires III)

Age of Empires IV

Since in Age of Empires IV unit types are clearly shown, there is no ambiguity. The following units are considered melee light cavalry:

• Scout
• Horseman
• Fire Lancer
• Warrior Scout
• Mehter (non-combat)
• Sipahi

The following units can be considered ranged light cavalry:

• Horse Archer
• Khan
• Mangudai
• Camel Archer

Despite being a camel unit, the Camel Archer can be considered a light cavalry on the basis of its statistics.