Cataphract
The Byzantine unique heavy cavalry. Bonus damage against infantry and reduced bonus damage from anti-cavalry units make it a versatile frontline fighter.
Tactical Briefing
The Cataphract is cavalry that doesn't fear spears. With +12 armor vs anti-cavalry attacks thanks to your special armor class, Halberdiers deal only +10 damage to you instead of +32. Combined with +9 bonus damage vs Infantry, you delete the units meant to counter you. You're the ultimate generalist cavalry - good against infantry, decent against other cavalry, and resistant to pikes.
Statistics
- HP
- 110
- Attack
- 9
- Melee Armor
- 2
- Pierce Armor
- 1
- Speed
- 1.35
Cost
- Food: 70
- Gold: 75
Strong Against
Weak Against
Strategic Analysis
The Cataphract is **pike-resistant cavalry**. While other cavalry fear Halberdiers, you hunt them. This unique advantage makes you incredibly flexible in army compositions.
- Anti-Pike Cavalry: Your +12 vs anti-cavalry armor means Halberdiers deal 20 damage instead of 33. You win fights that other cavalry lose.
- Infantry Slayer: +9 vs Infantry makes you devastating against Champions, Halberdiers, and Eagles alike. You're a melee infantry's nightmare.
- Trample Damage: Cataphracts deal small splash damage in melee. Against clumped infantry, this adds up significantly.
Warning: **Archers remain dangerous**. With only 1 pierce armor, massed Crossbowmen or Cavalry Archers will tear through you. Bring Skirmishers or siege support.
Attack Bonuses
- +9 vs Infantry