Spanish Lancers vs. other Heavy Cav

[jones21]

Hey about lancers on mp. they arent used much on vi since there only available in late era. but when i played mtw i saw lancers used alot.But most people considered them noob units since they were so overpowered almost like byz in early.

[lancer63]

I have used lancers for only a few battles in my only complete spanish campaing. But every time they were the center of gravity for my army. Best heavies of the game imho.
It was a pity to destroy them in Algeria with my MHAs as the Egyptians. And I say it was a pity 'cause they moved so slow under the noon sun that I almost.....almost spared them. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Kongamato]

Statistically, Lancers are the strongest unit in the game. I've not played the campaign, so I am unsure about how valour gains and buildings affect them in comparision with other units. However, when comparing them unupgraded, the Lancers will come out on top as far as cavalry is concerned(but you fight Gothic Knights at your own risk). I'm guessing that if you want the Cadillac of cavalry units, go for the Lancers. Expensive and high-tech, but if you maintain them well and use them properly, they wont disappoint, and you'll have an honor guard that you can feel very proud of.

In MP they were the strongest cav out there, the problem with them was that if your anticav took a direct charge, they would take serious damage and often rout. Spears would have negated this charge, but spears were just not worth buying due to low morale and fighting ability. Some work with double-teaming and flanking often stopped Lancers though.

As far as the light cavalry comment, they might have meant the Byzantine Lancers, which could be considered light cavalry.

[Balamir]

Lancers are good cav, very good indeed but there is a few things that may stop em:

1.heat
2.anti cav
3.pavise arbalester shots before charging with knights
4. or simply doubling as mentioned above.

if you make sure your lancers can avoid these (which in case of a desert map you cant) then they can take you to victory. I myself used the lancers for some time but got bored of em later on.

[Urban Legend]

Actually the Gothic Knights will chew through Lancers. Don't believe me? Try it in a custom battle. It is because Gothic Knights have armor piercing attacks.

[Kongamato]

Thats what I said...

[Balamir]

Correct me if im wrong but lancers are faster than gothic knights right?

[Kongamato]

Yes, Lancers run at normal heavy cav speed while Gothic Knights run as fast as Camels, Kataphraktoi, and Fast infantry.

[Mithrandir]

Quote[/b] (Balamir @ Sep. 20 2003,00:49)]Lancers are good cav, very good indeed but there is a few things that may stop em:

1.heat
2.anti cav
3.pavise arbalester shots before charging with knights
4. or simply doubling as mentioned above.

if you make sure your lancers can avoid these (which in case of a desert map you cant) then they can take you to victory. I myself used the lancers for some time but got bored of em later on.
You've forgotten the main one, my favorite... CAmels,
even in Lush/Temp terrain they still kick lancers without any probs. Increasing their valour will help.

[ichi]

Really not much to add to this, except that I love Lancers. In SP I work very hard to get the infrastructure to build them ASAP. Lancer, Jinetes, and mines make Spain an enjoyable faction. Hopped up Lancers are ideal, except for the few counters mentioned already.

In MP my Late army contains a Knights of Santiago unit as my Gen - less likely to be impetious. 4 Lancers, two on each flank, and a Jinete.

Lancers get a great charge shcok bonus, so I work them in pairs. One unit hits, then a second later the other hits. Now I pull my first unit out, reform, and charge again. No pull the second and repeat.

Camels are problem due to the fear they cause in all horses. Gothic Knights are THE anticav cav, their little maces are armor piercing. Don't put Lancers up against Gothics.

ichi

[MILITARYMAN]

Hello Jones 21 http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif
I think Lancers are lethal also,but in 2 max unit rule no unit can inflict as many casualties.Its in 3s 4s 5s etc when it spoils the game