The Longbow Archer is the ranged unit of the Late Middle Ages. It is trained in the Longbow Archer Range. Compared to the Crossbowman, it improves by 4 points of attack and 2 points of defense (which is not a lot) , but it has a range of 6, which is 1 more than the Crossbowman and has a slightly higher attack and defense than the crossbowman. Longbow Archers gain an Attack and Defense bonus against all Heavy Units (7 and 7), as well as when standing in Rocks (4). Overall, Longbow Archers benefit from an attack bonus so they can effectively damage or kill enemy units before they attack back on the next turn.
Usage[]
The Longbow Archer is best used against Heavy Infantry and the Imperial Guard, as their increased range of 1 can make it more difficult for them to counter attack once they've attacked. However, the Imperial Guard can two hit kill Longbow Archers, even when injured, so make sure to stay well out of the way from them.
It is also moderately effective against the Great Sword Warrior as their moderate attack and range can two hit kill them. However, the Longbow Archer may have difficulties if Great Sword Warriors are protected in Forests and bushes, or if they are in range of the Great Sword Warrior, as their weak defense is exposed.
Longbow Archers are very commonly used and should be immediately recruited after researching the tech Longbows.
Countering[]
As Longbow Archers have a moderate attack strength and good range, it can be hard to effectively counter them. Heavy Knights are their theoretical counter unit, and they have fast movement and combat bonuses against them. However, even with a defense bonus, Heavy Knights should aim to avoid being in their range as they can still damage them effectively. The Cannon can also be effective against Longbow Archers, as they have superior range against them, and they have a Dug-In ability to minimize damage from their ranged attack (it protects them a bit but is not very effective however).
History
The Longbow was mainly used in the Hundred Years War and was most famous at the Battle of Crecy, Poitiers, and most of all, Agincourt, defeating the French knights with powerful bolts of arrows and they are capable of firing 3-6 arrows in a minute, earning the name " The machine gun of the Middle ages."
Updates[]
The Attack Range of the Longbow Archer was reduced from 7 to 6 in the 1.0 update of the game.
Gallery[]
Formation of Longbow Archers
Other Military Units[]
Legend: = Light Unit Class
= Ranged Unit Class
= Artillery Unit Class
= Heavy Unit Class
= Fast Unit Class