For the Napoleon: Total War version, see Hussars (Napoleon: Total War).
Hussars are a type of light cavalry in Empire: Total War.
Description[]
Hussars are light cavalry, used as skirmishers and for scouting ahead of an army.
These superb horsemen are a force that can be used as a screen by the main army, or for strategic scouting to locate the enemy. They are armed with curved sabres and smoothbore carbine muskets. Their gaudy, almost popinjay uniforms should not lead enemies to underestimate them as mere dandies – these are trained, disciplined and dangerous soldiers.
Hussars have a certain swashbuckling attitude towards the business of warfare, and the bandit origins of the Hungarian “huszárok” are certainly evident. Even non-Hungarian hussars cultivate a slightly barbarous air, and little private or enemy property is safe when they are around! Oddly, they are also unusually democratic, and troopers expect to be consulted by their officers before attacking the enemy, again probably a legacy of their brigand heritage.
Historically, many nations adopted hussars after the Austrian type proved successful, and military fashions were also influenced by the hussars’ splendid and elaborate uniforms. Hussar uniforms became slight caricatures, but remained very fashionable and popular, particularly with ladies – perhaps it was the very tight breeches that were so appealing.
General Information[]
Hussars are light cavalry that can be recruited by most European powers. They can outrun nearly any other unit due to their superb stamina and speed, but their poor defense means that they are at a heavy disadvantage if bogged down in a pitched melee.
Notes[]
Like some other hussar units, the description for Hussars (Empire: Total War) claims that they use muskets in addition to their sabers. This is untrue, and they are purely melee units.