Cavalry can decide battles in Total War: Warhammer 3—but only if you control them properly. These units are fast, powerful on the charge, and perfect for breaking an enemy line. At the same time, they are fragile when misused and will melt if you leave them stuck in the wrong fight.
This guide explains the different cavalry roles and shows you how to use them in a simple, practical way.
Understanding the Main Cavalry Roles in Total War: Warhammer 3
1. Shock Cavalry
The shock cavalry’s main purpose is to perform a stampede to destroy the enemy and cause immediate damage. Their combat consists of very short-duration battles, but they can hit the enemy’s flank or rear at full speed, and then they can retreat before being surrounded by the enemy.
2. Heavy Cavalry
Heavy cavalry can last in combat much longer. They still take advantage of their powerful charges, but their tough armor and good melee stats make it possible for them to endure the fight when needed.
3. Light Cavalry
The main role of the light cavalry is to be very quick and annoying units. Their task is to get to the archers, the artillery, or the isolated troops before those units can exert their influence in the battle.
Moreover, they support you in the cavalry combat by outnumbering the enemy’s flanking forces.
4. Missile Cavalry
Missile cavalry work best when circling around enemies and firing from safe angles. They wear down units so your frontline and heavier cavalry have an easier job later. They should avoid direct melee unless they are fighting something light.
5. Monstrous Cavalry
Monstrous cavalry fight more like a battering ram. They hit hard, survive longer than normal heavy cavalry, and can smash elite infantry if supported. Because the unit has fewer models, you must keep them away from spears and mass fire.
6. Flying Cavalry
Flying cavalry ignore terrain and fly directly to high-value targets. They are ideal for diving backline casters, artillery, or enemy missile units. However, you must pull them out quickly or they will get pinned and die.
How to Use Cavalry Effectively in Total War: Warhammer 3?
1. Learning the Charge
A good cavalry charge requires space. Double-click the target so the unit commits at full speed. If they slow down, you lose most of the damage. Always give them a straight line and avoid charging uphill.
2. The Hammer and Anvil
This is the most reliable cavalry tactic in the game. Your infantry hold the enemy in place while your cavalry circle around and hit the rear. A clean rear charge will damage Health and Leadership, often breaking entire units instantly. After impact, pull your cavalry out and charge again.
3. The Direct Breakthrough
When the enemy frontline is weak—such as basic swordsmen or unarmoured infantry—heavy or monstrous cavalry can punch straight through. This allows your infantry to wrap around and collapse the enemy from both sides.
4. Controlling the Battlefield
Cavalry allow you to dictate the fight. Use them to remove enemy archers, silence artillery, and chase away skirmishers. Once the enemy loses their support units, their main line becomes much easier to break.
Using Cavalry Formations in Total War: Warhammer 3
1. Deep Line Formation
A narrow, deep formation helps your cavalry hit harder and reduces the chance of them getting surrounded. Use this shape when charging enemy infantry.
2. Wedge Formation
A wedge is useful when you must break through a tight enemy line. It focuses your charge into one point, making the impact stronger. It works especially well with factions like Bretonnia.
3. Echelon Formation
Missile cavalry benefits from a staggered echelon shape. It keeps units from blocking one another while they circle or strafe around the enemy.
Charge Bonus temporarily increases your Melee Attack and Weapon Strength right after impact. This boost lasts only a few seconds. Because of that, your cavalry should never remain idle during a fight. Pull out, reset, and charge again to keep refreshing the bonus.
