How to use Draggoons?

[Plewbus]

so I have never used draggoons for more than cav but I want to dismount them and have them fire on the enemy but they would get over run. any tips on how to avoid this?

[BiggusD]

i just use them to support line infantry , or flank and when enemy is engaged attack from the rear , light dragoons are much better imo as they can fire while mounted . the strength of dragoon/light dragoon is mobility .

[Booty & Drinks]

If you decide to unmount them you will have to protect them like an artillery unit since they probably suck at Melee. Mabe use some square formations around them. Although I bet there are better units that can fit that role. Good luck.

[-Zimbi]

Dragoons are mainly a support unit.

keep them among the back the of the line, and if a section of your line falls, you can hastely use your dragoons to fill up any gaps that are formed from your reshuffle of the line.
You can also have them flank. When the enemy is engaged with your line get your dragoons to circle around the line, dismount them then start shooting at the enemy.

[Trooper #900129-H]

Originally posted by Zimbi:

Dragoons are mainly a support unit.

keep them among the back the of the line, and if a section of your line falls, you can hastely use your dragoons to fill up any gaps that are formed from your reshuffle of the line.
You can also have them flank. When the enemy is engaged with your line get your dragoons to circle around the line, dismount them then start shooting at the enemy.

Basicly this is the best use for them: Mobile reserves to quickly plug holes in your line.
As heavy cavalry they are mediocre at best. Better to go for Cuirassiers as they are similar, but give you a much bigger bang for your buck.

They are usefull in a melee on foot though, since they use their swords for close combat. Only drawback is their small numbers when used as infantry.


When flanking with dragoons, you need to think carefully about what you want to do:
Do you plan on keeping the enemy tied up for any amount of time?
- Then dismount them and have them fire as line infantry.
(Like voltigeurs, they seem really hard to kill with musketfire when on foot, they drop like flies when under fire on horseback. So you want to dismount them close to enemy lines)

Are you merely distracting the enemy and want to force them to peel off a few units from their main line?
- Keep them mounted en just run circles around their flank. (Do note that light cav is usually better suited for this role.)

[Hippo Kitten 97]

dragoons cant take on an army but they can exploit a gap pocket or flank have some skermishers behind them for support the draggoons watch the front the skirmishers watch the rear

[Twiggy]

I use Dragoons for their garrison bonus in cities for the most part. The only time in battle I find them useful is when I am defending a position and I can rush them outside or forward of my main line on a flank to occupy a building and act as a strongpoint. I much prefer using any kind of light sword cavalry in battle though usually, like Hussars, to protect my flanks and take out enemy artillery.

Edit:
I would just like to add the fact that dragoons cannot hide in woods, which is also a detriment. Like I said, just use them for the garrison bonus.

[Ragnarok]

here's a tip for dragoons. never take them in multiplayer unless youre playing as britain, because they are so cost inefficient, and never dismount them, theyre much better mounted and can do much more damage.

[Joseph Evans [111th SYF]]

don't bother even buying dragoons unless u have to (britain only has dragoons + over priced horse guards.) use lancers if u can. they are better

[Daddy ♥♥♥ Cannon]

Dis-Mounted Dragoons should be used for two things.
A) Flanking.
B) Support.

The ladder being the most oftenlly used. The're best used in heated firefights when a bit of extra firepower is required. Also, when you can, you can do a Run-Around on horse back and fire on there flanks. Although this is alot more suited for a Skirmishing unit.

[Zapp Brannigan]

I like using dragoons in siege assaults against the AI. You can often preoccupy the defenders inside with your main force while looping 2-3 units of Dragoons to the other side of the fort. Then dismount them and have them scale the back wall. They may not be able to take the fort by themselves, but they can open gates and even occupy buildings inside the compound, which causes all kinds of problems for the defenders inside the fort.

[Twiggy]

I would just like to add the fact that dragoons cannot hide in woods, which is also a detriment. Like I said, just use them for the garrison bonus.

[Bog Laurel]

Use them as a fast mobile infantry unit, do not think of them as cavalry. Think of them as light infantry.