Zırhlı Sipahi

In game

Zırhlı Sipahi — Vital statistics
	Unique Ottoman heavy cavalry unit, best used for defending against melee light cavalry. Has a different cost structure compared to Cuirassier, and is tougher and faster, but hits more slowly. Strong versus heavy infantry, especially melee units Weak versus missile units and cavalry.
Prereq:	Build time	HP	LOS	Attack	Attack speed	Movement speed
[3]	16.3s (245t)	170	9	18	23.6s (35t)	35
Cost			Created from	Armour	Weapon range	Specialty
Base	Ramp	Pop
: 70 : 60	: 1 : 1	1		5	Melee	Bonus damage versus rabble units. Damage penalty versus heavy cavalry.

Overall strategy

In all cavalry forces, there is always one unit with better training, endurance, and a swanky kit of armour to boot in order to prove its "elite" status. Thus, in the Ottoman armies, Zırhlı Sipahi are cavalry units which serve a purpose similar to mediaeval knights or European cuirassiers — their main task is to function as shock cavalry and heavy escorts to watch the flanks of advancing armies.

Use these units as you will with any heavy cavalry unit, but keep note of the fact that they are still somewhat weaker than European Cuirassiers that emphasise speed and endurance over offensive strength. That is not to say that Zırhlı Sipahi are poor units — they are actually quite good at what they do, but it will not serve to launch them against elite infantry or Fusiliers, who can take advantage of their poorer attack speed to knock them down. All told the best use for the Zırhlı Sipahi is as guards for your prized artillery units, given their slow speed and vulnerability to attacks by light cavalry.