Infantry Hybrid

[Winter]

[quote author=CC_BlαcĸSɴιper link=topic=25209.msg174115#msg174115 date=1397506636]
You should just go for tier 4 infantry. that is the best

Of course it's the best, but OP seems set on having a 3-3 hybrid. The introduction of hero classes should already scratch any hybrid-itch that players might have.

Legionnaires are essentially commandos + t3 pikeman (without the polearm abilities of a pikeman).

There is even a shielding capable archer hero (it was probably the sentinel).
[/quote]
3-3 Hybrid is stupid, at least get a 3-3-1 Hybrid.  They can be just as effective as some heroes and allow for a very broad playstyle if made properly and the correct gear is available.  I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to build the stats and have the proper equipment, which can be VERY expensive.

The WPF is also lower on Legionnaire, so you have terrible accuracy.

The shielding archer is the Ranger (6 Shield, somewhat decent).

I did a lot of experimenting with Hybrids back in the day and did a lot of math on character stats.  Once good builds were identified, I built the characters and equipped them to their fullest to have some fun (I respecced them into some of my heroes ).  I posted the math somewhere (I think), but I don't recall where and I don't feel like hunting it down for you.  The following is generalizations and some of the exact numbers given might be a little bit off.

The best combination in my experience is 3 in Pikeman, 3 in Infantry, and 1 in Crossbowman.  Another option is 3 in Crossbowman, 3 in Infantry, and 1 in Pikeman.  Both of them have access to decent gear *and* at least one good legendary weapon.  The Crossbowman oriented one has little loss in WPF, fine Power Strike, decent all around stats, and can run into battle with Aurora Blade (Worm Bane), Swadian Kite Shield, Bolt Tosser (Powerful Crossbow), and Onyx Bolts (Heavy Bolts).  The armor set would be (Ornate) Hourglass Gauntlets, Banded Mail Armor, Highlander Boots, and Grinder Helmet for best effect.  Your slashing power is similar to a Royal Guard, I think you have a slightly lower 2h WPF (20 or less points) and the same Power Strike (it may even be higher, I don't recall).  Your Shielding Skill is a decent 7 (may be 8 now, stats have changed).  The Pikeman oriented one has the same armor set, but can use Dragon Halberd/Thunder Pike (or German Poleaxe), Swadian Kite Shield, and some form of throwing weapon, possibly Craftable Javelins for the accuracy.  I do remember, though, that you are actually more effective with polearms than Halberdier and Master Peltast with this hybrid as well as having far superior armor.  The loss in throwing capability isn't overly significant, the real detriment is the inability to bring in the very good throwables, but you can always pick those up off of other pikeys.  Your Shielding Skill is 7 or 8.

I'd still have my hybrids if the Fearsome Knight Helmet was still usable at Tier 3 Infantry.  Grinder + Banded Mail is fugly.

Edit: I should probably mention that the Heavy War Hammer is usable at Tier 3.