Tactics for Fighting Horse Archers

Fighting the Khuzait Khanate or Aserai can be a nightmare. The constant stream of arrows from mobile horse archers (like the Khan's Guard) can whittle down even the toughest infantry before they ever swing a weapon. Here is how to counter them.

Overview of horse archer behavior and formations.

Understanding the AI

Horse archers typically use a "Cantabrian Circle" or a skirmish mode where they approach your left flank (your shield side), shoot, and circle away. However, in Bannerlord, they often circle counter-clockwise to shoot across their bodies. If you just charge them, they will kite you endlessly, leading your cavalry on a wild goose chase while shooting backwards (Parthian Shot).

Visualizing the overwhelming power of massed horse archers.

Terrain Selection

Never fight Khuzaits in the open steppe if you can help it. Look for:

• Forests: Trees block arrows and stop horses from charging or circling effectively.

• Rivers/Water: Slows horses significantly, allowing your infantry and archers to land hits.

• Villages: Buildings create choke points and indestructible cover.

Formations

The Circle Formation

If you are caught in the open, the Circle Formation (accessible via the tactics menu) is your best friend for infantry. It covers your rear and flanks from circling horses. Put your archers inside the circle for protection.

Using the Circle Formation to counter cavalry charges and skirmishers.

The Shield Wall

A thick Shield Wall can absorb a lot of arrows. If you have high-tier shield troops (like Sturgian Heavy Spearmen), you can weather the storm until they run out of ammo.

Counter-Units

• Foot Archers: Believe it or not, massed foot archers (like Battanian Fians) often beat horse archers. Foot archers are more accurate, have longer range, and represent a smaller target.

• Javelin Cavalry: Units like Aserai Faris can one-shot horse archers if they get close.

• Glaive Cavalry: Khan's Guards themselves (ironically) or Elite Cataphracts can catch them if managed well, but chasing is risky.

The "Corner Camp" (Cheesing)

If you are desperate, retreat your army to the very edge of the battlefield map (the red line). This prevents horse archers from circling you. They are forced to approach frontally or get stuck on the invisible wall, making them easy targets for your archers.

For more on army management, check out Army Command & Formations or the Khuzait Khanate Guide.