Hand Cannoneer

Archer

Food45

Gold50

Hit Points40

Attack17

Melee Armor1

Pierce Armor0

Train Time34s

Speed0.96

Evolution

Hand Cannoneer

Imperial

STRONG AGAINST

You win these trades cost-effectively.

Infantry

Halberdier

Champion

Huskarl

WEAK AGAINST

Avoid these fights or bring support.

Skirmisher

Hussar

Siege Onager

Condottiero

Strategic Analysis

Tactical Identity

The Hand Cannoneer is the **infantry nightmare**. When your opponent goes heavy into Champions or Halberdiers, Hand Cannoneers are the hard counter that melts them from range before they can close the gap.

Tactical Playbook

Anti-Infantry Specialist

Position them behind your front line. Their 17 attack + 10 bonus = 27 damage per shot against infantry. Champions die in 3 volleys.

Gunpowder Timing

Available only after researching Chemistry (Imperial Age). Plan your transition - they're expensive at 45F/50G but worth it against infantry-heavy opponents.

Mass & Volley

Their 65% accuracy means missing shots. Counter this by massing them - 20 Hand Cannoneers hitting 65% of shots is still devastating against clumped infantry.

Critical Point

Extremely vulnerable to **Skirmishers** (bonus damage vs Archer class), **Hussars** (fast, cheap, can close the gap), and especially **Condottiero** who take no bonus damage from you.

Understanding The Stats

The Hand Cannoneer trades accuracy for raw power. At 17 base attack with massive infantry bonuses, even missed shots are offset by the sheer damage when you hit.

Massive Base Attack

17 Dmg

Highest base ranged attack in the game for a non-siege unit. Against 0-armor targets, this is devastating.

Infantry Melter

+10 vs Infantry

17 + 10 = 27 damage per shot to infantry. A Champion (70 HP) dies in 3 shots. Halberdiers (60 HP) in 3 as well.

Accuracy Problem

65% Hit Rate

You miss 1 in 3 shots. This is why you need mass - individual Hand Cannoneers are unreliable.

Glass Cannon

40 HP

Very low HP for an Imperial Age unit. One Hussar charge can delete several. Position them carefully.

Coach's Tip

17 attack at range 7 is incredible, but 65% accuracy is a real problem. Never send lone Hand Cannoneers - they'll miss and die. Mass 15-20 minimum. Against clumped infantry, the damage is obscene.