Chariot Archer

Swift horse-drawn archers that rain arrows from a distance before vanishing into the wind.

The Chariot Archer is a swift and deadly ranged unit that defines early-game skirmishes across the Age of Empires universe. Mounted on lightweight, two-wheeled vehicles pulled by horses or oxen depending on the civilization, these warriors combine mobility with archery to harass enemy formations before retreating out of range. They are particularly iconic in the campaigns of ancient Egypt and Babylon, where they serve as the primary shock cavalry for light skirmishing.

Quick Facts

Civilization examples

Egyptians
Babylonians
Phoenicians

Lore & Background

The design and deployment of Chariot Archers varied by culture. In Egypt, they were often associated with the pharaohs' personal guards, utilizing light, fast horses that could outmaneuver heavier enemy forces. Conversely, Babylonian variants sometimes utilized oxen for greater stability in rough ground, sacrificing some speed for the ability to hold a line longer during sustained firefights. Their presence on the battlefield signaled a civilization's mastery of animal husbandry and chariot engineering.

Reader's Guide

Chariot Archers are typically trained at stables or specific military buildings in the Dark Age or Feudal Age. They cost a moderate amount of food and wood, making them accessible early on but requiring resource management. In terms of combat stats, they possess low to medium hit points, meaning they cannot survive direct hits from heavy infantry or spearmen. Their damage is decent against unarmored targets but falls off against armored units. Their true power lies in their speed and range. They move significantly faster than standard archers, allowing them to kite enemies effectively by attacking and retreating continuously. To unlock them, players usually need to advance to the Feudal Age and construct a Stable or Barracks depending on the specific civilization's mechanics. Some civilizations gain unique upgrades that increase their hand speed or range, making them even more lethal in prolonged skirmishes.

Did You Know?

Twelve civilizations are available in the game, including Egyptians, Babylonians, and Phoenicians.
Some units were historically inaccurate; for instance, Japanese Yamato can build triremes despite never having them historically.
The game features four ages: Stone, Tool, Bronze, and Iron.