Hold Your King Unit Types: All Characters Explained

Overview of Unit Types

In Hold Your King, every character you encounter or control falls into a distinct unit type. Understanding these categories is essential for mastering the game's chaotic co-op physics. Each unit has unique movement patterns, hitboxes, and interactions with traps. The core dynamic revolves around managing the King's temperament while coordinating with your partner. This guide breaks down all unit types you'll meet in the medieval mayhem.

The King: Your Volatile Cargo

The central unit in every level is the King. He is not just a passive object; he has his own AI and mood system. If you drop him, bump him too hard, or take too long, his fury meter fills. An angry King thrashes, making him harder to carry. His unit type is classified as "Royalty" with a heavy weight and unpredictable balance. You must always keep him stable. Use both hands and coordinate lifts with your partner. Avoid sudden movements near edges or spike traps. The King's collision box is large, so he can accidentally trigger floor switches.

Player Carriers: The Movers

Your character is a Carrier. This unit type is agile but weak. Carriers have two main states: holding and free. When holding the King, your movement speed drops, and your jump height decreases. You can also grab ledges, but doing so while holding the King is risky. Carriers can perform a quick "toss" to pass the King to your partner. This is vital for crossing gaps or dodging fast traps. Carriers have low health; one direct hit from a crusher or saw blade will knock you down, dropping the King. Always communicate before releasing your grip.

Enemy Units: Traps and Hazards

The game features several enemy unit types that actively try to disrupt your run. Guards patrol fixed paths and will shove the King if they touch him. Archers fire arrows at set intervals, forcing you to time your movement. Jesters are chaotic units that run in random directions, often tripping you. Each enemy type has a specific "threat level." Guards are Medium threat, Archers are High, and Jesters are Low but annoying. You cannot fight enemies directly; you must avoid them. Use the environment to block arrows or bait guards into traps.

Environmental Units: Static Obstacles

Not all units are alive. Environmental units include moving platforms, seesaws, and pendulums. These objects have physics properties. A seesaw unit requires both players to stand on opposite ends to lift the King. Pendulums swing in arcs and can knock the King off your shoulders. Crushers are vertical units that squash anything below. Understanding the timing and weight distribution of these units is key. For example, a heavy King on a light platform will tip it instantly. You must counterbalance with your own weight.

Special Units: Power-ups and Helpers

Rare Special units appear in later levels. A Shield Bearer is a stationary unit that blocks arrows for a short time. A Fan unit creates a strong wind that can lift the King, helping you reach higher platforms. There is also a Teleport Pad unit that instantly moves the King to a linked pad. These units are single-use or have cooldowns. Use them wisely. If you activate a Fan while the King is angry, he might get blown into a pit. Always assess the unit's effect before interacting. For more on advanced mechanics, check our mechanics guide.

Tips for Managing All Unit Types

Success in Hold Your King comes from adapting to each unit type's behavior. Here is a quick checklist for your runs:

• Always identify the King's mood before moving.
• Communicate which Carrier will lead when crossing enemy patrols.
• Use the environment to block enemy unit projectiles.
• Never stand directly under a crusher unit.
• Coordinate weight distribution on seesaw units.
• Save special units for emergencies, not shortcuts.
• Practice tossing the King in safe areas to build trust with your partner.

Mastering these unit types will turn chaotic runs into smooth victories. For a complete beginner's guide, visit our beginner tips page. Good luck, and keep your King happy!