The continent of Calradia is a tough place. Everyone wants power, and everyone’s ready to fight for it. In Mount & Blade 2 Bannerlord, you’ll build armies, fight epic battles, and rise from nobody to ruler. Our Mount & Blade 2 Bannerlord tips will help you start strong, survive the chaos, and build your empire.
Table of Contents
Recruit Soldiers Fast
In the early hours of Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord, riding alone is a quick way to get crushed. Even simple quests can end with you outnumbered and bleeding on the ground. That’s why you should recruit soldiers as soon as possible. Visit nearby towns and villages to find recruits, and don’t forget to stop by taverns. They often hide stronger early companions who can help carry fights for you.
Once you have your first group assembled, take care of them. Keep your troops fed and mounted. Horses boost your party’s speed on the world map, and full stomachs keep morale high. A hungry army is slow and unhappy. Aim for about 20 troops early on. That’s enough to deal with small bandit groups without spending your gold too quickly.
Pro tip: Buy extra horses when you can. Mounted troops travel faster, and catching looters becomes a lot easier.
Bannerlord Tips: Avoid Early Dangers
In the beginning, don’t seek out trouble you can’t handle. Some quests seem easy but are actually tough, like clearing poacher camps. These missions are filled with archers and strong enemies that can wipe out a small army in seconds.
Before any fight, take time to scout the enemy. Watch their speed, army size, and troop types. If you see a mix of fast cavalry and ranged units, it’s better to avoid them for now. You can always come back stronger.
Many early quests also have strict time limits or long travel routes. Plan your moves carefully, and don’t be afraid to skip tasks that are too far away. It’s better to miss one quest than to lose your entire army trying to get there.
Build a Strong Economy
Gold is everything in Bannerlord. Without money, you can’t pay your troops, buy food, or upgrade your gear. That’s why building a strong economy early on is crucial for long-term success. Start by trading smartly. Each city has its own resources and price trends, so move between them to buy low and sell high. Focus on goods like grain, iron, or hides. They’re usually easy to transport and profitable.
When you have savings, invest in workshops. Pick the right ones for each town, like a brewery in a grain-rich area or a smithy near iron mines. Workshops provide a reliable income without extra work. You can also send companions to operate caravans for even more gold over time. And if peace occurs, make the most of it. Participate in tournaments in cities to earn money, fame, and rare gear. They’re enjoyable, risk-free, and excellent training for more challenging fights ahead.
Tip: Always keep at least a few thousand gold in reserve. Nothing’s worse than running out of funds right before a big battle.
💡 We have a dedicated article on how to make money in Bannerlord!
Combat Tips
The combat in Bannerlord may feel clunky at first, but once you find your groove, it becomes one of the most rewarding systems out there. Spend some time at the training grounds testing weapons and learning how blocking works.
If you’re new to melee combat, start with a one-handed weapon and shield for added safety. When on horseback, try the couched lance attack. The speed boost from your horse makes your strike more powerful. In one-on-one fights, stay calm. Let the enemy swing first, then block, sidestep, and counterattack. Move around them to attack from behind, where they react more slowly.
In bigger battles:
- Use archers to weaken enemies before your infantry charges
- Keep cavalry on the flanks for surprise hits
- Always fight on terrain that favors you
Siege Warfare
When you start attacking castles, the real challenge begins. Sieges seem epic, but a single mistake can wipe out your army. Before you attack, build your siege engines. Trebuchets are slow but powerful, perfect for breaking walls. If the defenders outnumber you, don’t rush in. Instead, stay nearby and starve them out. Time works in your favor.
Once the assault begins, position archers on high ground or along the flanks to target the walls. Use battering rams and siege towers to attack from multiple angles. Spreading out your troops helps reduce casualties. After capturing a castle, garrison troops immediately. Enemies often strike back right after a siege. A castle without defenders is just open land for someone else.
Manage Your Fief
Owning land feels great until you realize how much effort it requires. Once you’ve captured a town or castle, focus on maintaining its stability. Start with low taxes to encourage loyalty and growth. Build projects like Fairgrounds or Orchards to keep citizens happy. Then, assign a governor with strong Stewardship or Charm skills to manage it effectively.
Don’t forget your garrison. A strong defense stops rebellions and random raids. And if your town has workshops, build them to generate a steady stream of gold.
Politics and Diplomacy
Once you own land, diplomacy becomes your most effective tool. Influence is essential for shaping your kingdom. Build it by fighting alongside allied armies, winning battles, or defending your territory. Use influence to propose policies that align with your goals, such as reducing troop wages, speeding up experience gain, or enhancing army cohesion.
Marriage also matters. Marrying into noble families can bring you allies and improve relations across factions. If you’re thinking of creating your own kingdom, make sure you have at least two fiefs, a large treasury, and loyal vassals. Running a kingdom consumes resources faster than you expect, but it’s worth it when your banners fly across Calradia.
Late Game Army Composition
As the game advances, your army should develop. A balanced force can handle any situation.
- Heavy cavalry crushes enemy lines
- Archers provide ranged control and siege support
- Infantry holds the front and absorbs damage
- Mounted companions chase fleeing enemies
Train your units consistently, upgrade their equipment, and replace losses swiftly. A well-rounded army not only wins battles but also wins wars.
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Happy Gaming!
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