Gandhara/Strategic Overview

As one of the four "Indian" factions of Alexander (the others being Magadha, the Saka and the Kushans) Gandhara is specialised in guerilla warfare and light cavalry combat.
 * Strengths: Good cavalry army, as well as bonuses that make them nearly invincible.
 * Weaknesses: Mediocre economic bonuses, must recruit elephants are mercenaries not basic units. Poor navy.

Whereas the larger and more prosperous Magadha kingdom often relies on brute force (siege weapons, elephants, chariots), Gandhara however prefers a more flexible weapon: cavalry. This is in addition to the Medium Chariot, which is shared with Magadha, but does not include the Varu (Gandhara can recruit their elephants only in the same way as Macedon and Persia - from the Outpost). Adding to the balance Gandhara's ability to wage guerilla war, using her light cavalry, it can be argued that Gandhara is a powerful faction on the defence, being capable of using the speed of her cavalry units to great effect, even against heavier foes such as Magadha and even the Greek factions, whose near-lack of cavalry make them very vulnerable. Learning to use these strengths — light cavalry with savage guerilla tactics — can help turn the tide against opponents who would otherwise be more powerful compared to you. Gandhara always performs best on small overland maps with plenty of room for her fabled cavalry to operate — any other type of terrain such as water or island maps, or huge maps with resources, could well spell doom for the Gandhara player.

If you are playing against Gandhara, it pays to remember how Alexander fought and conquered their lands, and that is to simply drive forward and take their cities, one by one, beginning with the ones nearest to you. Equally, train as many Priests and Forts as possible — the Priests can help your Patriot on the march, while the Forts, alongside Outposts, will help to police your borders and keep Gandharan forces from continuously harassing your armies.