Ranged
Crossbowman
3 star cost - Two independent sources
What it is
A three-star ranged unit with a good matchup against high-value melee, which melts the instant cavalry or Flaming Archers reach it.
How to use it
Worth bringing only when something else can stop the dive. With cover or a shield wall it handles Samurai and Berserker comfortably.
Matchups
Strong against high-value melee, but only if something else stops the dive. Once anything reaches it, it is gone.
What creators say
Effective against Samurai, Berserker and Lancer as long as they cannot close the gap; let Flaming Archers or archers get near it and it is cooked.
Source: Tuki - Why Your Spartans Keep Losing (Counters Guide) (2026-09-21)