What are the best Missile Cavalry Units?
First, let me say that I think the mechanics of missile damage are modeled well in this compared to the first Rome. I have some issues with the absurd flaming projectiles on every unit including ones on horseback but... we can't expect too much.
Missile damage in the game is extremely directional dependent, which we all can see, but it is also "attrition based".
We often feel that missile units aren't doing much damage cause men don't fall on the first volley. But if you look at the stats, it's easy to see why. Even the best archers in the game only have 30 missile damage. And all units have more health than that. Which means that a single arrow can never kill anyone. However, extended exposure to missile fire will start dropping people very fast.
Overall, I don't think missile units are underpowered, but they do require a lot more micromanagement than any other unit type.
So, which are the best?
First up are of course the Sarmatian and Scythian Horse archers. Very high missile damage and very fast. But they do suffer from extremely poor melee, morale, and armor stats, they simply can't take a hit of any kind.
Parthian Armored Horse Archers are better, but they're expensive and are too slow.
My personal favorite are the Tarantines, believe or not.
I find this unit to be almost as good as heavy melee cavalry in melee attacks, but maintain great speed, endurance and the crazy flaming javelins. They will handily destroy other missile cavalry, missile infantry and can rout heavy melee infantry from the rear.
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