Hand Cannoneer Counters and Strengths in Age of Empires 2

Hand Cannoneers deal massive bonus damage to the infantry armor class making them the ultimate counter to Jaguar Warriors and Huskarls.

The base accuracy of the Hand Cannoneer is notoriously low at maximum range but their projectiles deal devastating damage if they hit clumped targets.

Unlike archers Hand Cannoneers do not natively benefit from Ballistics though they rarely need it when firing into dense formations of slow melee units.

Because of their low hit points Hand Cannoneers must be deployed strictly as a backline damage unit shielded by a solid wall of Halberdiers or Hussars.

The Skirmisher line heavily counters the Hand Cannoneer due to its high base pierce armor and hidden bonus damage against all gunpowder units.

They deal high bonus damage to infantry making them perfect against Jaguar Warriors.

Skirmishers have high pierce armor and bonus damage that completely shreds Hand Cannoneers.

Cavalry archers outmaneuver them easily and take them down quickly.

They lack accuracy at maximum range so they perform best against clumped targets.[8]

Never send them out alone as they need a frontline of halberdiers or hussars for protection.[9]