Lancero de Estepa Élite

thumb|left The upgrade to Elite Steppe Lancers gives the units +20 hit points, +2 attack, +1 pierce armor, and -4 seconds of training time. This makes the upgrade generally worthwhile if a lot of Steppe Lancers are being used, though the upgrade has a steep cost, and the Steppe Lancer is much better in the Castle Age than Imperial Age. Elite Steppe Lancers are most effective in large groups, as their range enables larger masses to attack from behind the frontline similar to the Inca Kamayuk. Their speed and range allow them to hit-and-run like Cavalry Archers. Masses of Elite Steppe Lancers work especially well in choke points and can work well in combination with other, more durable units, such as Cavaliers, as they can attack over their backs while remaining safe. Despite being a light cavalry unit, their attack and cost sit on the middle ground between the Knight and Scout Cavalry lines. On an individual level, an Elite Steppe Lancer will lose against heavily armored units like the Cavalier or Paladin, but functions well against less armored units, or when used in tandem with cheaper units which function as a buffer. They can work especially well together with the various trash units (Halberdier, Elite Skirmisher, and Hussar), as their inherent range will allow the trash to automatically form a buffer between the Steppe Lancers and any dangerous opponents. Micromanagement is important when the player decides to go for Elite Steppe Lancers. Elite Steppe Lancers are also effective for quick raids and hit-and-runs. Their range allows multiple Lancers to attack a single villager or siege units more easily, quickly eliminating the target while other cavalry would still be attempting to get close enough to attack. Elite Steppe Lancers are also useful in defensive strategies, as they have a short creation time. Elite Steppe Lancers should therefore be utilized as raiders both offensively and defensively due to their penchant for hit-and-run attacks. The best ways to counter an army of Elite Steppe Lancers are with camel units (especially Mamelukes and Imperial Camel Riders), Genoese Crossbowmen, and Kamayuks. Due to being cavalry units, masses of Halberdiers and Viking infantry (with Chieftains) are a strong threat to Elite Steppe Lancers.