This article is about the unit class. For the unit in Age of Empires II, see Light Cavalry (Age of Empires II). |
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:
Age of Empires II[]
In Age of Empires II, the following units can be considered light cavalry and 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 ranged units can also be considered light cavalry:
Cavalry Archer -
Heavy Cavalry Archer
Mangudai -
Elite Mangudai
Genitour -
Elite Genitour
Camel Archer -
Elite Camel Archer
Arambai -
Elite Arambai
Kipchak -
Elite Kipchak
The following scouting unit can also be considered light cavalry:
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.
In the early game builds they were another two light cavalry units, The Chariot and light cavalry.
Age of Empires III[]
In Age of Empires III, most ranged cavalry are light cavalry. It is not necessary that they will have low hit points or very fast speed. They are very good against other cavalry due to their multipliers, but often need protection to be effective due to their hit points. Units with bows or javelins fire twice as fast as their counterparts with firearms. Not all light cavalry are ranged cavalry: the Berber Camel Rider is the only light cavalry that is a melee cavalry and that does not have a ranged attack, while the Siege Elephant is the only light cavalry that is tagged as artillery and that not is tagged as ranged cavalry.
Apache Cavalry
Bedouin Horse Archer (bow)
Berber Camel Rider (melee)
Black Rider
Bow Rider (bow)
Californio
Carbine Cavalry
Cavalry Archer (bow)
Chevauleger
Comanche Horse Archer (bow)
Comanchero
Conquistador
Cowboy
Cuatrero
Cuerudo
Crabat
Dragoon
Emir
Gatling Camel (artillery)
Gaucho
Highwayman
Howdah
Jagunço
Javelin Rider (javelin)
Kanuri Guard
Keshik (bow)
Lipka Tatar (bow)
Mapuche Bolas Rider
Manchu (bow)
Mansabdar Howdah
Mansabdar Siege Elephant
Mansabdar Zamburak
Mounted Granadero
Musket Rider
Ras
Rifle Rider
Royal Dragoon
Ruyter
Siege Elephant (artillery)
War Wagon
Wokou Horseman (bow)
Yabusame (bow)
Yojimbo (bow)
Zamburak
Zenata Rider (javelin)
Despite posessing a ranged attack, the Hakkapelit, the Harquebusier mercenary and the Oromo Warrior are considered heavy cavalry. The Eagle Runner Knight performs the same role as light cavalry units.
Light cavalry units are hard countered by foot archers and Rifle Infantry at range, while being very weak against melee infantry. Altough Musket Infantry do not have multipliers, they are also good against them.
Age of Empires IV[]
![]() |