Egyptian Spearmen are fast and cheap, and are good against cavalry. They are weak against archers or counter-infantry. In the Classical Age, the Spearman is reasonably effective at defeating counter-archers, such as the Slinger. It is often beneficial for Egyptians to switch over to Migdol units in the Heroic Age.

The spear had several advantages as a weapon. Its length could keep enemies at a distance. The point narrowly focused the thrusting power and could penetrate most armor. It was relatively light and inexpensive, being made mostly of wood. Its disadvantage was that once the enemy was past the point, the spearman had little defense. Spears were especially good against horses when used by many men in formation holding the spear points out. Horses rarely charged into a bank of pointed spears, protecting all in the formation.