Composite Bowman unit icon - Age of Empires 2

Composite Bowman

Archer
Wood35
Gold45
Hit Points40
Attack4
Melee Armor0
Pierce Armor0
Train Time27s
Speed0.96

Evolution

Food 900 Gold 500

STRONG AGAINST

You win these trades cost-effectively.

?
Cavalry
Knights
Knights
?
Camels

WEAK AGAINST

Avoid these fights or bring support.

Skirmishers
Skirmishers
?
Siege Weapons
Onagers
Onagers

Strategic Analysis

Tactical Identity

Anti-cavalry archer specialist

Tactical Playbook

Knight Counter

Bonus damage to cavalry means Composite Bowmen melt knight rushes. Mass them early against cavalry civs.

Hit and Run

Standard archer speed allows kiting cavalry. Retreat while firing to maximize damage.

Cheap Massing

Low wood cost (35W) compared to other archers makes them easier to mass in Castle Age.

Critical Point

Only 40 HP with 0 armor. Skirmishers and siege destroy them quickly. Always have a meatshield.

Understanding The Stats

Composite Bowmen combine archer mobility with anti-cavalry specialization. They fill a unique niche as ranged cavalry counters.

Base Attack

4

Standard archer damage plus cavalry bonus

Range

4

Decent range for hit-and-run tactics

Standard Speed

0.96

Same as other archers for kiting

Cheap Cost

35W/45G

Lower wood cost than crossbowmen

Coach's Tip

40 HP is fragile. Your job is to kill cavalry before they reach you. Micro is essential.

Mechanics & Bonuses

Attack Bonuses

TargetBonus Dmg
Cavalry+2

Armor Classes

Archer

Vulnerable to Skirmishers and Huskarls.

Unique Unit

Vulnerable to units with bonus damage vs this class.