Wikia

"The bow remained an important military weapon after the fall of Rome, although less so in areas of Europe covered by dense forests." - Excerpt from Archer description

Archers and all other non-siege weapon or Artillery ballistic units fall under this category. These units are the most cost-efficient ranged units throughout the Age of Empires series games. Their ranged attacks easily massacre Infantry, though their low armor and Hit Points make them vulnerable to fast Infantry, such as Eagle Warriors and Woad Raiders. Another major weakness of archers are cavalry units, which can take out multiple archers, due to their fast speed and high average attack. Archers are also ineffective against siege engines due to their short range, low amount of hit points and the decent pierce armor present on said siege engines.

Age of Empires Edit

Bowman
Improved Bowman
Composite Bowman
Slinger (Rise of Rome expansion only)
Chariot Archer
Elephant Archer
Horse Archer
Heavy Horse Archer

Skimisher — The Skirmisher, the most basic anti-archer unit in Age of Empires II.
Added by Moray594

Age of Empires II Edit

Archer
Crossbowman
Arbalest
Skirmisher
Elite Skirmisher
Cavalry Archer
Heavy Cavalry Archer
Hand Cannoneer
Chu Ko Nu: Chinese unique unit
Janissary: Turks unique unit
Longbowman: Britons unique unit
Mangudai: Mongols unique unit
Plumed Archer: Mayan unique unit
War Wagon: Koreans unique unit
Conquistador: Spanish unique unit

Tactics Edit

JanissaryAOE2 — Janissaries, a deadly unique unit with a killer range and even more powerful attack.
Added by BoazMoerman

The Archers have several uses, though their primary one is to demolish all slow units that are not Siege Weapons. Being cheap and quick, these units can easily decimate an enemy's economy, slay villagers, and kill Infantry. However, cavalry can easily defeat these units, as well as their own archery banes, Skirmishers and War Wagons. Archers are not to be used to destroy buildings their main purpose is to supplement Infantry. The Goths unique unit, the Huskarl, can also slay archers. They should not be used against siege weapons, and only a large quantity should try to stand against cavalry, though a useful bane against cavalry is a combination of archery units and Spearmen, Pikemen, or Halberdiers. Keep in mind that the gunpowder units have a longer range and attack, though are more inaccurate with growing distance, and their range is rivaled by Longbowmen assisted by Yeomen.

Age of Empires III Edit

In Age of Empires III, Archers are not used by European civilizations after the Colonial Age is reached. Few archer-type units exist, and are primarily Native American. They function as light infantry and are effective against heavy infantry. The remaining units available from the Barracks are either firearm-wielding infantry or melee infantry.