Archers



Archers are the only type of ranged unit available to the player. They are extremely weak in melee and excel when shooting in greater numbers from elevated positions or into the back or side of enemies. They can be helpful against shielded enemies when supported by Infantry. They are also able to knockback shielded enemies into the water, this works best when the enemies are still on their boats. However, they are very vulnerable to melee attacks and other ranged attacks of any kind. They choose their targets automatically, usually the closest units.

They can be upgraded to the levels 2 (12 coins) and 3 (20 coins) which greatly affects the archers' range, fire-rate and accuracy. It is important to note that archers are more accurate against groups of enemies as opposed to individual units, and are best used to weaken enemy waves instead of completely stopping them.

Archers' unique ability is Volley.

Strengths

 * Ranged, making them suitable for supporting Infantry and Pikes from distance.
 * Capable of attacking from elevated positions.
 * Capable of unleashing a rain of arrows from any position when upgraded.
 * Can weaken or destroy hordes of unshielded enemies before they even land on the island reducing the casualties of your melee units.
 * Can move and attack, but individual archers pause briefly to fire.
 * Can knock shielded enemies off their ship. This is most effective when firing at enemies from the side and least effective when firing from a higher elevation.
 * Being on elevated position increases their range

Weaknesses

 * Shields block arrow attacks from the front or above, so shielded enemy soldiers can be highly invulnerable to them.
 * Extremely vulnerable in melee.
 * Vulnerable to ranged attacks.
 * Accuracy is inconsistent and results can vary wildly.
 * Individual archers pause to fire when moving.

Recommended traits

 * Heavy Weapons - Can knockback enemies on boats before they can land, works well with Ring of Command as additional men can increase arrows per barrage.
 * Skillful - Volley is a versatile skill that can be often used.
 * Energetic - Volley is a versatile skill that can be often used.
 * Sharp Weapons - Increases damage per second which is useful against brutes in exchange for low knockback.
 * Popular - The additional manpower increases arrows fired per barrage.

Recommended items

 * Ring of Command - Highly recommended as the additional manpower makes up for their inconsistent accuracy. Also helps with knocking back shielded enemies.
 * Mines - Can be used to cover areas where they can't guard simultaneously.
 * Bomb - Can be used in addition to the volley skill safely as archers are usually far from the blast radius.

Jotunn Edition
Archers are slightly more likely to target non-shielded troops and are more likely to target stunned troops. Most enemies (including those with shields) can be knocked off of ships, which is a buff to Archers.

Link
*Source: http://badnorth.wikidot.com/archers