GUIDE · BATTLE STRATEGY
Spearman screen against cavalry
A Spearman screen protects Archers, Monks, and siege from cavalry dives.
Overview
A Spearman screen protects Archers, Monks, and siege from cavalry dives.
Plan and execution
Keep Spearmen between cavalry and the back line; let ranged units focus targets and replace losses before moving siege forward. Watch both flanks.
Risks and adaptation
Cavalry can feint and attack elsewhere. Maintain vision and broaden the army if cavalry is no longer the main threat. Keep the screen close enough to intercept a dive without blocking the ranged army’s retreat. If ranged units focus the Spearmen, pull back behind cover and add a unit that can contest the attackers.
Decision example
Position Spearmen on the side from which cavalry can reach the Archers, siege, or Villagers they protect. Do not chase a faster mounted army across open ground; hold the approach and force the opponent to fight into the bonus damage. If Archers or siege accompany the cavalry, add another unit or defensive position to handle them. Replace losses in groups and keep the screen close enough to react before a dive reaches the valuable back line.
- Focus
- Anti-cavalry support
- Signature / category
- Plan and execution
- Release / context
- Age of Empires II system
- Region
- Battle strategy
- Classification
- Battle strategies