abstract
| - The Hussar and Light Cavalry have a little combat difference not displayed in game. Hussars have an attack bonus of 12 against Monks, 2 more than Light Cavalry. Hussars also have a slightly higher attacking speed, attacking once every 1.93 seconds instead of every 2.03 seconds a Light Cavalry needs. Due to their faster attack, a Hussar without Bloodlines can defeat a Light Cavalry with Bloodlines researched, despite a 5 hit point disadvantage. They can be used to skirmish small towns and small armies before they can become a real threat, they can defend against small attacks from siege weapons and are adept at destroying small armies of archers since they move fast and have decent pierce armor. At first glance, it is easy to dismiss the Scout Cavalry line's usefulness as combat units. But the Hussar's main advantages are its speed and cheapness. The most popular pairing involving Hussars is with Cavalry Archers, which is the a preferred combination for the Huns, Magyars, Mongols, Saracens, and Turks. While a few other cavalry and/or archer based civilizations can utilize this as well, it is not as effective for them. Arguably, it is also the signature attacking technique of the Mongols since in addition to faster attacking Cavalry Archers, their Hussars have 30% more HP. Likewise, the Huns have cheaper Cavalry Archers and their Hussars are created quicker. Since Hussars only cost food, precious gold can be invested in Cavalry Archers and siege weapons to create a mobile yet devastating force. The Hussar's contribution here mainly consists of neutralizing Skirmishers, siege equipment, and Monks. They can also act as cheap cannon fodder to engage infantry, heavy cavalry, and Camels, while the Cavalry Archers pick them off safely, using the cover. Hussars are also the mainstays of cavalry civilizations when gold is scarce or runs out, because of their food cost they are considered "trash units" and as such they became especially important at the late game when the players must rely on their wood and food economy. They form a classic tactical rock-paper-scissors with other trash units by countering Skirmishers and being countered by Pikemen.
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