Arbalester
ArcherEvolution
STRONG AGAINST
You win these trades cost-effectively.
WEAK AGAINST
Avoid these fights or bring support.
Strategic Analysis
Tactical Identity
The Arbalester is the **Imperial Age ranged backbone**. In mass, they shred infantry and villagers. Combined with Halberdiers and Siege, they form the classic 'Arb/Halb/Siege' death ball that dominates many late-game scenarios.
Tactical Playbook
Arb/Halb/Siege
The holy trinity: Halbs block cavalry, Arbs kill infantry and siege operators, Siege breaks buildings. This composition beats most armies in straight fights.
Micro Dodging
Against Onagers, split your Arbalesters into small groups. A single blob dies to one shot - spread formations survive multiple volleys.
Trade Push
In late game, push with mass Arbs toward enemy trade. Delete trade carts to starve their gold while your trash units sustain.
Critical Point
Siege Onager and Huskarls are **instant army deletions**. Huskarls have 10 pierce armor - your arrows deal 1 damage each. Never engage Goths without infantry support.
Understanding The Stats
The Arbalester maximizes the Archer line's potential. Higher HP and damage let you trade more efficiently, but the core vulnerabilities to siege and pierce-armored units remain.
Max HP
40 HP is the most in the Archer line. With Ring Archer Armor (+2/+2), you become surprisingly tanky against other archers.
Peak Damage
6 base attack + Bracer (+1) + Blacksmith (+2) = 9 damage per arrow. In mass, that's devastating DPS.
Still Slow
Your speed never improves. Hussars (1.5) will always catch you. Keep Halbs between you and cavalry at all times.
Upgrade Cost
Expensive upgrade. Only research when you have 20+ Crossbows and plan to fight in Imperial Age. Otherwise, save the resources.
Coach's Tip
40 HP is good but not great. Your real power is in numbers - 30 Arbs firing together deal 180 damage per volley. Mass up, stay together, and melt anything that isn't armored.
Mechanics & Bonuses
Attack Bonuses
| Target | Bonus Dmg |
|---|---|
| Spearman | +3 |
Armor Classes
Archer
Vulnerable to Skirmishers and Huskarls.
