Spearman
The steadfast shield against the thundering hooves, holding the line with spear and will.
The Spearman is the quintessential anti-cavalry infantry unit found across nearly every civilization in the Age of Empires universe. From the dusty fields of ancient Egypt to the misty forests of Celtic Britain, these warriors serve as the primary defensive shield against mounted charges. While they lack the heavy armor or ranged capabilities of other units, their long reach and disciplined formation make them indispensable for protecting economic centers and flanking enemy lines.
- Role
- Anti-Cavalry Infantry
- Affiliation
- All Civilizations (with variations)
- First Appears
- Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome (as a variant) / Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
- Primary Counter
- Cavalry Units
- Weakness
- Archers and Pikemen (in some eras)
- Status
- Active Standard Unit
Lore & Background
As civilizations advanced from the Dark Age into the Imperial Age, the Spearman evolved alongside military technology. In some eras, they were simply footmen with long shafts; in others, they became specialized Pikemen or Halberdiers, wielding even longer weapons designed specifically to break heavy armor and impale horses before they could close the distance. Despite these variations, their core purpose remains unchanged: to be the anchor of an army. Without a line of Spearmen, a civilization's infantry is vulnerable to being trampled by knights or raiders, making them the silent guardians of every camp and city in the known world.
In Their Own Story
The dust kicked up by the galloping hooves choked the air as the enemy cavalry surged forward, a wall of steel and screaming horses. The young recruit tightened his grip on the ash-wood shaft, his knuckles white against the rough leather wrap. Beside him, veterans held their ground, breathing in unison, their spears leveled like a jagged fence. 'Hold!' the captain roared, his voice cutting through the thunder of impact. As the first horse struck the line, it met not flesh, but a spear tip driven deep into its flank. The beast reared and fell, crushing the rider behind it. For a moment, the charge faltered, broken by the simple, terrifying geometry of the Spearman's formation.
Reader's Guide
The Spearman is typically trained at the Barracks during the Feudal or Castle Age, depending on the specific civilization and game iteration. Their base cost usually involves a modest amount of food and wood, reflecting their reliance on basic resources rather than expensive metal. In terms of combat statistics, they possess moderate hit points but deal significantly increased damage against cavalry units compared to standard infantry. To maximize their effectiveness, players must research upgrades such as 'Husbandry' or specific spear improvements that increase their range or damage output. Some civilizations offer unique technologies that allow Spearmen to be trained faster or with reduced costs. While they move at an average speed, their true strength lies in static defense; moving them too quickly can break formation and reduce their anti-cavalry efficiency. Strategically, players should always pair Spearmen with archers or siege units, as they are highly vulnerable to ranged attacks from a distance. They excel in holding choke points, protecting villagers, and countering enemy knights that attempt to raid the economy. Mastering the timing of their deployment is essential for any victory.
Did You Know?
- In Age of Empires II, many civilizations have unique upgrades that allow Spearmen to gain extra range or damage against specific cavalry types.
- The Spearman is one of the few units whose role remains consistent across almost every expansion and sequel in the franchise.
- Some historical factions replace the standard Spearman with specialized variants like the Hoplite, which have different upgrade trees.
- In multiplayer strategies, a 'Spear Rush' involves mass-producing these units early to destroy an opponent's economic cavalry before they can expand.