Battlefield role: Hybrid bow infantry.
Unit type: Missile infantry.
Content pack: Total War: Warhammer III (base game). Immortal Empires ownership
Availability
- Part of the Total War: Warhammer III base-game Kislev roster. Recruitment depends on faction access and the relevant settlement or military buildings.
- Included in the Total War: WARHAMMER III base-game roster. In Immortal Empires, recruit this unit while playing a faction with access to its race and recruitment chain.
Official references
Weapon variants
Kossars
Bows and axes; use the bow while the enemy approaches, then fight at close quarters when needed.
Kossars (Spears)
Bows and spears; a separate weapon variant for a line facing mounted or large threats.
Give the bows time to work
Deploy Kossars with a clear line of fire and enough space to avoid every regiment entering melee at once. Let one part of the formation hold while others continue shooting. Their hybrid role makes them adaptable, but an axe or spear does not replace the arrows you lose when a regiment is tied down.
Turn or reposition an unengaged unit when an enemy reaches the line. Shooting into an exposed side is more useful than leaving several regiments blocked behind friendly soldiers. Keep some protection on the flanks so fast enemies cannot choose the engagement for you.
Where to recruit them
Kossars belong to Kislev's regular infantry roster and are supplied by its settlement recruitment. Inspect the local recruitment panel for the bow-and-axe or spear variant, then confirm the province has the corresponding unlock.
Armoured Kossars are a different infantry family with different equipment. The similar name is not a reason to treat them as the same bow unit, and their recruitment entries should be checked separately.
What complements Kossars?
Streltsi add a firearm role that needs a more direct shooting lane. War Bear Riders add a mounted threat. Together they can build on a Kossar line, provided each has room to do its own job.
Katarin and Frost Maidens support the army with magic, while Patriarchs support nearby troops. Choose the support around the sort of fight you expect the infantry to hold.
Kossars across Kislev campaigns
Katarin, Kostaltyn and Boris can all build around Kislev's bow-and-melee infantry. The lord changes how the force is supported: Ice magic, religious abilities or a melee commander. Keep the Kossars' shooting opportunities in the plan whichever leader you choose.
Mother Ostankya has a different recruitment progression. Check what her settlements can supply before relying on the same army plan. When Kossars are available, their role remains a bow line that can defend itself after contact.
Kossars are part of the shared Kislev roster used by Katarin, Kostaltyn and Boris Ursus. The bow-and-axe regiment and Kossars (Spears) are separate recruitment choices. Choose spears for a threatened flank or an approach where mounted attackers may reach the archers.
A hybrid line still needs a plan for contact. Keep an unengaged regiment behind or beside the first fight so it can continue shooting, then move it before the enemy closes the gap. Armoured Kossars use different equipment and should be chosen for a different job.
Race and roster
All profiled and notable units for this race · Compare all profiled units