3 Fixes for Bannerlord 2 Underpowered Units Pain Points

Bannerlord 2 is a fantastic game, but let’s be honest: some units just don’t feel like they pull their weight. This article addresses the common pain points of underpowered units in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, offering practical solutions you can implement immediately to improve your army’s effectiveness. We’ll explore strategic approaches, tactical adjustments, and even delve into character development to help you overcome these challenges. Ultimately, we’re aiming to turn those perceived weaklings into valuable assets on the battlefield.

So, what exactly makes a unit feel “underpowered” in Bannerlord 2? It’s usually a combination of factors, and understanding these factors is the first step to fixing the problem. Common complaints revolve around low damage output, poor survivability, and an inability to hold their own against similarly tiered units from other factions.

Insufficient Equipment and Skill Levels

One of the biggest culprits is simply insufficient equipment and skill levels. A Tier 3 unit with basic gear and no training will almost always underperform compared to a well-equipped, high-skill Tier 3 unit. The game’s skill system is deep, and unit stats are heavily impacted by it. A unit with low weapon proficiency will naturally deal less damage and have a harder time hitting targets.

Tactical Deployment and Composition Problems

Another frequent reason units seem weak is incorrect tactical deployment. Throwing lightly armored infantry against heavy cavalry is a recipe for disaster, regardless of their theoretical potential. Similarly, relying solely on a single unit type is a surefire way to be countered by a well-rounded enemy force.

Neglecting Unit Upgrades and Promotions

Finally, players often overlook the importance of upgrades and promotions. Many base-tier units have the potential to become formidable warriors with the right training and equipment. Neglecting these upgrades can leave your units lagging behind the enemy in terms of stats and capabilities.

The first method focuses on smart army composition, optimized unit roles, and effective training methods.

Diversify Your Troop Composition

Don’t rely on a single type of unit. A balanced army that includes infantry, archers, and cavalry will be more effective than an army of solely one unit type. This forces your opponent to divide their attention and resources, making it more difficult for them to exploit weaknesses. Think about the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen faction and adapt your troop choices accordingly. For instance, if you play as Vlandia, lean into your excellent heavy cavalry, but support them with solid infantry and archers.

Assign Appropriate Roles and Tactics

Each unit type excels in a specific role. Infantry should hold the line, archers should provide ranged support, and cavalry should flank and charge. Utilizing the in-battle command system (accessed with the number keys) is essential. Form your infantry into shield walls to absorb enemy charges, position your archers on high ground for increased range and accuracy, and use your cavalry to outmaneuver the enemy.

Implement Rigorous Training Regimens

Invest in trainers and regularly drill your troops. Combat experience is valuable, but intentional training can significantly accelerate their skill development. Designate companions with high trainer skills as governors to your castles and cities. Use the “Wait for Reinforcements” order during smaller encounters to allow your troops to gain experience without taking unnecessary risks. Regularly participate in tournaments, as these events provide a safe environment for your troops to hone their combat skills.

This section explores how character skills and perks influence your troops, directly affecting their combat prowess and survivability.

Prioritize Leadership and Stewardship Skills

Your character’s Leadership skill directly affects the size of your party and the morale of your troops. Higher morale translates to increased combat effectiveness. Stewardship affects party size and reduces wages, freeing up resources for better equipment and training. Invest heavily in these skills to maximize your army’s potential.

Utilize Companion Roles Effectively

Companions with high Steward skills should be assigned as quartermasters. Companions with high Tactics skills can be incredibly valuable as army commanders, especially when auto-resolving battles. They’ll make smarter tactical decisions, leading to fewer casualties and more victories. Similarly, companions with high Medicine skills will keep your troops alive longer on the battlefield and accelerate their recovery from injuries.

Select Perks that Boost Troop Stats

Many perks in the Leadership, Tactics, and Stewardship skill trees directly boost troop stats or provide other benefits. For example, the “Authority” perk in the Leadership tree increases the morale of your troops when fighting alongside you. Carefully choose perks that complement your preferred unit types and playstyle. Read the descriptions carefully and experiment to see which perks provide the most significant benefits.

This approach focuses on equipping your troops with the best possible gear and managing your resources to support a high-quality army.

Prioritize Equipment Upgrades

Don’t skimp on equipment! Even a modest upgrade in armor or weapons can significantly improve a unit’s survivability and damage output. Focus on acquiring the best available gear for your core units. Trading with different towns and cities is an excellent way to find specialized equipment. Regularly check blacksmiths and merchants for new stock. Winning tournaments is a great way to earn high-quality equipment as prizes.

Establish Profitable Enterprises

A strong economy is essential for maintaining a well-equipped army. Invest in enterprises in towns and cities that produce high-value goods. Smithies, breweries, and textile mills are typically good choices. Regularly check the profitability of your enterprises and adjust them as needed based on market conditions.

Optimize Trade Routes

Trade routes can be a lucrative source of income, especially if you take advantage of price differences between different regions. Look for goods that are cheap in one area and expensive in another, and establish trade routes to exploit these opportunities. Be mindful of bandit activity and protect your caravans with escorts. Investing in pack animals will increase the amount of goods your caravans can carry.

I’ve personally felt the frustration of watching seemingly strong units crumble against seemingly weaker foes. One experience sticks out: early in my Bannerlord 2 campaign, I was using a lot of Sturgian units, thinking their high armor would make them unstoppable. I quickly learned that while their armor was good, their two-handed weapons made them vulnerable to archer fire and fast-moving cavalry. I had to adapt by incorporating more shield infantry and missile troops to support them effectively.

I also discovered that some units truly shine when used in specific situations. For example, the Battanian Fian Champions are devastatingly effective in forested terrain, where their archery skills can be maximized. However, they struggle on open plains where they are easily targeted by cavalry. Experimenting with different unit compositions and tactics is key to finding what works best for you.

Furthermore, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference good equipment makes. Equipping my troops with high-quality weapons and armor transformed them from mediocre fighters into formidable warriors.

For more detailed information about unit stats, skills, and equipment, I recommend consulting the Bannerlord 2 wiki (https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_&_Blade_II:_Bannerlord_Wiki). This wiki is a comprehensive resource that contains a wealth of information about the game.

Additionally, you can find a lot of valuable information and discussions on the Bannerlord 2 subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Bannerlord/). The subreddit is a great place to ask questions, share tips, and learn from other players.

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, May 2). Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord

Here’s a table summarizing key factors influencing unit effectiveness:

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions: