Piquero

leftThe Pikeman performs outstandingly against cavalry, doing +22 bonus damage to Knights, +18 to Camel Riders, and +47 to War Elephants. This is more than a 45% increase in attack (Spearman deal +15/+12/+30, respectively), which, when combined with a solid +10 hit points, makes their upgrade from Spearmen extremely important to get. However, they still retain the Spearman's inability to force engagements against enemy cavalry (apart from elephants). Because of this, Camel Riders are preferable for the civilizations who have access to them against Knights. Pikemen are useful when attacking players who are basing their army on cavalry units or when defending against cavalry raids. Due to their frailty, however, they should operate in groups. They make an excellent complement for siege weapons, as they can protect them against enemy melee cavalry. Though they might lack offensive power to defeat enemy units outside of the cavalry sector, they can serve as cannon fodder since they are as cheap as a military unit can be.