As a result, they are the only ranged unit that actually deals slash-type damage instead of piercing-type damage. This means that their attacks are strong against buildings, unlike other archer-units (unless such units, such as Men of Dale, have been upgraded with fire damage). Axe Throwers are therefore faster and have a wider range than Guardians, but are still very effective at quick raids to destroy enemy mines. A Dwarf player will end up building more Axe Throwers than Guardians, which are only truly needed in the most heavy of base-assaults, directed at the enemy's fortress itself. Otherwise, their ranged slash damage means that Axe Throwers are also very effective against pikemen.