Cavalier unit icon - Age of Empires 2

Cavalier

Cavalry
Food60
Gold75
Hit Points120
Attack12
Melee Armor2
Pierce Armor2
Train Time30s
Speed1.35

Evolution

Knight

Castle

Cavalier

Imperial
Food 300 Gold 300

Paladin

Imperial
Food 1300 Gold 750

STRONG AGAINST

You win these trades cost-effectively.

Archer
Archer
?
Infantry
?
Siege
Villager
Villager

WEAK AGAINST

Avoid these fights or bring support.

Halberdier
Halberdier
?
Heavy Camel
Monk
Monk

Strategic Analysis

Tactical Identity

The Cavalier is the **Imperial Age cavalry standard**. It provides a meaningful power spike over the Knight while being more accessible than the Paladin. For many civilizations, this is the final upgrade in the Knight line.

Tactical Playbook

Power Spike

The Cavalier upgrade costs 300F/300G and gives +20 HP and +2 Attack. This is one of the most cost-effective military upgrades in the game.

Archer Counter

With 120 HP and 2 pierce armor, Cavaliers can tank more arrow fire while closing distance. Dive archer masses with confidence.

Late Game Backbone

Pair Cavaliers with Halberdiers or Siege. They provide the punch while your Halbs protect against enemy cavalry.

Critical Point

**Halberdiers** deal 38 damage per hit to you now. Heavy Camels are also very dangerous. You need support units to deal with these counters.

Understanding The Stats

The Cavalier is a straight upgrade to the Knight. Every stat improvement matters in the large-scale battles of Imperial Age.

Improved HP

120 HP

+20 HP over Knight. With Bloodlines, you reach 140 HP - enough to survive multiple Halberdier hits.

Stronger Attack

12 Dmg

+2 damage over Knight. Against most units, this means faster kills and better trades.

Same Armor

2/2 Armor

Armor stays the same, but Blacksmith upgrades stack. With full upgrades, you reach 6/6 armor.

Upgrade Cost

300/300

One of the best upgrade values in the game. Get this immediately upon reaching Imperial Age.

Coach's Tip

Your 120 HP is a significant jump. With full upgrades and Bloodlines, you have 140 HP and 6/6 armor. You're now a true heavy cavalry unit that can take substantial punishment.

Mechanics & Bonuses

Attack Bonuses

TargetBonus Dmg

Armor Classes

Cavalry

Takes heavy bonus damage from Pikemen/Halberdiers and Camels.