3 Key Strategies to Master Naval Warfare in Bannerlord 2: How Would Naval Formations and Tactics Work in Bannerlord 2?

This article provides three essential strategies for understanding and implementing naval warfare in Bannerlord 2, even though the game currently lacks dedicated naval combat. We’ll explore how to leverage existing mechanics to simulate naval tactics and prepare for potential future updates.

Currently, Bannerlord 2 doesn’t offer true naval combat. However, creative players can use existing game mechanics to simulate aspects of naval warfare and gain a strategic advantage. This primarily involves utilizing terrain and troop positioning to mimic the effects of naval formations.

River Crossings as Chokepoints

Rivers and coastlines can act as natural chokepoints. By strategically positioning your troops, you can create defensive lines that force the enemy to funnel through these narrow passages.

• Utilize ranged units: Position archers and crossbowmen on elevated terrain overlooking the river crossing. This provides them with a clear line of sight and allows them to rain down fire on the enemy as they attempt to cross.
• Deploy heavy infantry: Place heavily armored infantry units at the crossing point to absorb the initial impact of the enemy charge. This will buy time for your ranged units to inflict casualties.
• Flanking maneuvers: Use cavalry to flank the enemy as they are engaged at the crossing point. This can disrupt their formations and create opportunities for a breakthrough.

Simulating Boarding Actions on Bridges

Bridges offer another opportunity to simulate naval engagements, specifically boarding actions. By focusing your attack on a narrow bridge, you can create a chaotic melee that mirrors the close-quarters combat of ship-to-ship battles.

• Prioritize melee troops: Equip your troops with axes and swords to maximize their effectiveness in close-quarters combat. Avoid using polearms, as they are less effective in confined spaces.
• Create a shield wall: Form a shield wall at the bridge entrance to protect your troops from enemy projectiles and create a strong defensive line.
• Use flanking maneuvers: Send small groups of cavalry or fast-moving infantry to flank the enemy on the bridge. This will disrupt their formations and create opportunities for your melee troops to break through.

Troop Composition for “Naval” Engagements

Even without ships, your troop composition plays a crucial role in these simulated naval battles.

• Archers/Crossbowmen: Essential for raining down fire on enemies attempting to cross water or navigate bridges.
• Heavy Infantry: Acts as the anchor of your line, holding the ground and absorbing the brunt of the enemy assault.
• Cavalry (Limited Use): Can be used for flanking maneuvers and exploiting openings in the enemy line, though their effectiveness is limited by the terrain.
• Consider throwing units: Javelin or axe-throwing units can be surprisingly effective at disrupting enemy formations, especially on bridges.

While Bannerlord 2 lacks true naval combat, reflecting on historical naval tactics can inform your strategic thinking even in land battles. Understanding principles of naval warfare – maneuverability, firepower, and positioning – can offer insights that translate to the game.

Exploiting Mobility Mismatches

Naval warfare often revolves around exploiting the mobility differences between ships. In Bannerlord 2, this translates to understanding the speed and maneuverability of your different troop types.

• Cavalry as “Light Ships”: Think of your cavalry as light, fast ships. Use them to harass the enemy flanks, disrupt their formations, and exploit any weaknesses in their lines.
• Infantry as “Capital Ships”: Your infantry should be seen as the heavy battleships, forming the core of your line and delivering the main punch of your attack.
• Ranged Units as “Artillery”: Position your archers and crossbowmen to maximize their firepower, mimicking the artillery barrages of naval warfare.

The Importance of “Crossing the T”

A key naval tactic is “crossing the T,” where you position your ship perpendicular to the enemy’s line, allowing you to bring all your guns to bear while limiting the enemy’s firepower.

• Flanking Maneuvers: In Bannerlord 2, this translates to effectively flanking the enemy. By positioning your troops to attack the enemy’s flank, you can maximize your firepower while minimizing your own exposure.
• Encirclement: Try to encircle the enemy force, bringing your troops to bear from multiple directions. This will overwhelm them and disrupt their formations.
• ** Terrain Advantage :**Use the elevation to your advantage, creating ‘artillery posts’ like the ships.

Lessons Learned from Mount & Blade: Warband

Having played previous Mount & Blade titles, like Warband, provides valuable experience in understanding Bannerlord 2’s combat mechanics. The tactical principles of troop positioning, flanking maneuvers, and exploiting terrain remain consistent across the series. Knowing how to effectively use these tactics in Warband will give you a significant advantage in Bannerlord 2. I remember spending countless hours perfecting my shield wall formations in Warband, a skill that directly translates to holding chokepoints in Bannerlord 2. I also recall the frustration of being caught in a bad position, underscoring the importance of careful planning and reconnaissance – lessons equally valuable in Bannerlord 2. These “old school” tactics are even better implemented in Bannerlord 2!

While naval combat isn’t currently implemented, TaleWorlds Entertainment could introduce it in future updates or expansions. By thinking strategically about how naval combat could work, you can prepare yourself for these potential additions.

Understanding Historical Naval Warfare

Studying historical naval warfare can provide valuable insights into potential game mechanics.

• Ship types: Research different types of ships used throughout history, such as galleys, caravels, and frigates. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can help you anticipate the types of ships that might be included in a Bannerlord 2 naval update. (Source: Wikipedia – Naval Warfare)
• Naval tactics: Learn about common naval tactics, such as line of battle, boarding actions, and raking fire. This will help you understand how to effectively command your ships in battle. (Source: Wikipedia – Naval Tactics)
• Naval formations : Square, line-ahead, column, and wedge formations.

Strategic Implications of Naval Warfare

Consider how naval warfare would impact the strategic landscape of Bannerlord 2.

• Coastal control: Naval power would allow you to control coastal regions, disrupt trade routes, and project power across the map.
• Island sieges: Naval transport would enable you to launch sieges against island settlements, opening up new strategic options.
• Trade and raiding: Ships could be used to transport goods and raid enemy coastal settlements, impacting the economy and warfare.

Here is a table summarizing the strategic impact: