Quick overview
| Type | Offensive, Melee |
|---|---|
| Source | Special |
| Game stage | Special |
| Cost | 150 |
| Recommendation | Rather yes |
rating
The Raider is a purely offensive melee unit with an attack of 113, which is a great number for just 150 resources and 4 food. You take it when you need to break through the enemy's defense cheaply and don't have enough expensive elite attackers. It's important to know that its poor defense (18 against melee, 4 against ranged) only applies when it is attacked or deployed in defense. When attacking, its defensive stats are not used at all, so don't worry about them when attacking.
How to use it
In practice, you send it exclusively into attack and to the front line of melee combat. An attack of 113 at such a low cost is an excellent ratio, so you'll be happy to stack it in an offensive wave against enemy infantry. However, don't send it to the front against archers; that's where you need offensive units focused on ranged combat. If you're a new player and get it from a special offer or event, consider it a cheap numerical filler for your offensive wave, which you can supplement until you have enough elite attackers. Its speed is 30, which is rather average to slow for a melee attacker, so be careful: the speed of the entire army is determined by the slowest unit, and the Raider can slow down your faster soldiers.
What to combine it with
Combine it with offensive units focused on ranged combat on the second front, as the Raider cannot guard against ranged defense on its own. Place offensive units against the type of defense the enemy is building on the flanks, and let the Raiders work on the main melee line. It also works well as a cheap supplement alongside more expensive elite attackers, allowing you to keep your forces where you really need them. If you want to use it long-term, prioritize upgrading its attack: each star adds attack (+3) at the cost of a higher unit price (+4), making it an even tougher front-line fighter.
Weaknesses and what to avoid
Do not place it in castle defense or as a defender in an army that someone is attacking you with, as its defense of 18 and 4 is pitiful and the enemy will wipe it out without significant losses. It is also not suitable against heavily fortified targets with high wall bonuses, where you need quality and walls will overpower numbers. And don't send it to the front against archers; its ranged defense of 4 means unnecessary casualties. If you have a purely defensive campaign, do not take it at all.
Related units
Back to Units.