Pikeman/Stronghold Crusader

Pikemen are heavily armored units with high health. Their armor affords them good protection from arrows and crossbow bolts, and also high survivability in melee combat. Pikemen have relatively poor attack strength against troops, but deal significantly more damage to walls and buildings, and can match other troops in combat when used in groups. They can also dig or fill in a moat.
A pikeman requires a free peasant from the campfire, 1 pike and 1 metal armor stored in the armory with a sum of 20 gold to recruit.
== Tactics ==
These units are best used for tying up large formations of enemy soldiers and blocking access to important parts of your castle and keep. They also perform well in the initial stages of a siege, filling in moats and pushing the enemy from the walls and gatehouses. Moreover, they move considerably faster than swordsmen despite wearing armour. 
Pikemen are also fairly resistant against traps, such as pitch ditches and killing pits.
Pikemen synergize very well with Crossbowmen, as despite their lower attacking power than swordsmen their defense is the highest in the game for ground units (aside from the lord). Even outnumbered they can delay advancements of much higher numbers of ground enemies and allow for crossbowmen to more accurately hit and eliminate ground targets. They also work similarly with Fire Ballistas.
== Weaknesses ==
Although pikemen are pretty durable, their combat efficiency is severely limited in open battles. Their inability to dish out considerable damage relegates their role to a frontline unit, and not even armor can protect them from catapulted stones and rocks.
==Gallery==
Pikeman4.png|Nothing scares us!
Pikemancelebration.gif|A Pikeman celebrating his recent victory.
Pikemantaunt.gif|A Pikeman taunting his enemies.
Pikeintroduction.png|A sentry in the Stronghold introduction.
Vs200803-005.JPG|A pikeman undigging a moat.
SH C Pikeman.png
Category:Units
Category:Stronghold Units
Category:Stronghold Crusader Units