Hussar
Hussars are a basic light cavalry unit. They are fast and when upgraded very powerful, but they are very weak against infantry and especially Pikemen. They excel at attacking artillery. I don’t recommend using Hussars as your only cavalry but for some civilizations the Hussar is the only cavalry unit that they have. Hussars are just too weak against infantry to use effectively in combat.

Cuirassier
This cavalry unit is unique to the French civilization.. They are much more durable than Hussars and they have an area of effect damage toward any unit that they attack. This means that enemy units who are close but not right next to the Cuirassier will receive damage. They have a high damage, good speed and a lot of life. The only drawback is that they are rather expensive, but they are worth it if you can afford them.

Cossack
This cavalry unit is unique to the Russian civilization. This unit is much like a Hussar, just more powerful and not as weak against infantry. It is the basic light cavalry unit for the Russians. I only recommend using these if they are fully upgraded, since the Russian infantry is fairly weak, it is better for the main part of the army to be made up of cavalry.

Uhlan
This cavalry unit is unique to the German civilization. Although this unit is listed as light cavalry there is nothing light about it. Even with only a few upgrades this is a heavy damaging light cavalry unit. I strongly recommend that nearly half of your total army be composed of Uhlans. This is the only cavalry unit for the Germans, with the exception of mercenary cavalry. Invest a lot of money into this unit.

Lancer
This is a cavalry unit unique to the Spanish. It excels at killing infantry; it is much more heavily armored than the Hussar is. The only two cavalry units for the Spanish civilization are Hussars and Lancer, don’t bother to even make Hussars, only make Lancers. Lancers are bit slower moving than the Hussars but the extra damage and armor still make it a far better unit than the Hussar despite the differences in speed.

Oprichnik
This cavalry unit is unique to the Russian civilization. This is Russia’s only heavy cavalry unit, invest highly in this unit. They excel at killing villagers and destroying buildings. Aside from siege weapons and ships the Oprichnik does the most damage to buildings than any other unit in the game. They are decent against other cavalry and infantry but stick to just using them to destroy buildings, that is what they are best used for.

Spahi
This cavalry unit is unique to the Ottoman civilization. You can only receive them from the home city, while they are powerful do not rely entirely on them. Even with all the upgrades for them, it is not possible to field more than twenty of these heavy horseman. They do well against light infantry and artillery, but lose to infantry and counter cavalry. Overall they are very good cavalry but you are limited to how many you can have.

Cavalry Archer
Cavalry Archers really only serve one purpose; they serve as counter cavalry units. They are fast with decent attack, but they are relatively weak themselves, get up close and surround them and kiss your Cavalry Archers goodbye. They are a lot like other archers, keep your distance and don’t let the enemy get too close. Cavalry Archers are excellent at hit and run attacks.

Dragoon
This is another counter cavalry unit armed with pistols. They are weak against infantry, especially Musketeers. Use them mainly as counter cavalry, they do pretty well against villagers. When Dragoons are available always use them against cavalry if not use Pikemen or Halberdiers. Dragoons are faster, more powerful and have the speed to chase down enemy cavalry.

Ruyter
This cavalry unit is unique to the Dutch civilization. It is the same as the Dragoon. Since the Dutch lack a Musketeer, the Ruyter is one of the main cavalry units. Group Ruyter and Halberdiers together for an effective anti cavalry combination.

War Wagon
This cavalry unit is unique to the German civilization. It is a horse drawn wagon with a cannon. It is mainly used against heavy cavalry. The War Wagon much like other ranged units is vulnerable to close up attacks, if you do decide to use the War Wagon even though I don’t recommend using it, keep it away from infantry and keep it closely guarded.