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Crossbowman

Castle Age upgrade of the Archer. Stronger and with greater range, the Crossbowman is the core of many powerful timing attacks.

Tactical Briefing

The Crossbowman is your Castle Age ranged backbone. At 5 range and 5 attack, you outrange and outdamage most units. Your power spike comes the moment you hit Castle Age - research the upgrade immediately and push before your opponent is ready. Protect yourself with Pikemen against Knights and always research Bodkin Arrow for that crucial +1 attack and range. You still die to Siege and Elite Skirmishers, so never fight what counters you.

Statistics

HP
35
Attack
5
Melee Armor
0
Pierce Armor
0
Range
5
Speed
0.96

Cost

  • Wood: 25
  • Gold: 45

Strong Against

Weak Against

Strategic Analysis

The Crossbowman is the **Castle Age timing attack champion**. The upgrade from Archer is cheap (125F/75G) and instant - hit Castle Age, research, and push with superior range and damage before opponents can mass Knights.

  • Fast Castle Xbow: The 24-pop Fast Castle into mass Crossbowmen is a devastating timing. Arrive with 15-20 Crossbows at minute 17-18 when enemies have 2-3 Knights.
  • Pike + Xbow Combo: Mix Pikemen with your Crossbowmen. Pike front-line absorbs Knight charges while you safely deal damage from behind.
  • Villager Sniping: 5 range lets you pick off villagers under Town Centers. Force them to garrison, killing their economy while yours booms.

Warning: Elite Skirmishers and Mangonels will end you. A single Mangonel shot kills 5+ Crossbows. Siege is your **death sentence** - always bring a few Knights or Pikemen to snipe it.

Attack Bonuses

  • +3 vs Spearman

Available Civilizations

Armenians, Aztecs, Bengalis, Berbers, Bohemians, Britons, Burgundians, Burmese, Byzantines, Celts, Chinese, Cumans, Dravidians, Ethiopians, Franks, Georgians, Goths, Gurjaras, Hindustanis, Huns, Incas, Italians, Japanese, Jurchens, Khitans, Khmer, Koreans, Lithuanians, Magyars, Malay, Malians, Mayans, Mongols, Persians, Poles, Portuguese, Romans, Saracens, Shu, Sicilians, Slavs, Tatars, Teutons, Turks, Vietnamese, Vikings, Wei, Wu