This article tackles the common problem players face in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord: locating smithing hammers and tools. We’ll explore three reliable methods, offering practical steps and insights to efficiently equip your smithing endeavors. This includes understanding the best places to look, the factors affecting availability, and even some alternative strategies to get your hands on these essential tools.
Many players struggle to find smithing hammers and tools consistently in Bannerlord 2. This scarcity can significantly hinder your progress, as smithing is a lucrative profession and a key component in crafting powerful weapons and armor. The challenge lies in the game’s randomized item availability and the lack of clear, defined locations for these items.
The most straightforward approach is to consistently visit the markets of various cities across Calradia. Larger, wealthier cities generally have a better chance of stocking smithing tools.
Key Cities to Prioritize
- Imperial Cities (like Praven, Epicrotea, and Lycaron): These cities tend to have a higher economic output, increasing the likelihood of finding rare goods.
- Battanian Cities (like Marunath): Battanians have a tradition of craftsmanship, making their cities potential hotspots.
- Askar, Quyaz, and Sanala: These Aserai cities are known for their trade and craftsmanship.
Refreshing the City Inventory
City inventories are not static. They refresh periodically, often every in-game day or two. Therefore, it’s crucial to revisit cities regularly to check for new stock. A good strategy is to cycle through a few key cities, checking their markets each time you pass.
Increasing Your Chances
- Improve your trading skill: A higher trading skill can sometimes influence the quality and availability of goods in the market.
- Check multiple times a day: Even though inventories refresh daily, some players report seeing subtle changes throughout the day.
Another viable strategy is to acquire smithing tools through trade. This can involve purchasing them from caravans or even directly from lords and notables.
Interacting with Caravans
Caravans travel between cities, buying and selling goods. Keep an eye out for caravans, especially those heading to or from cities known for their craftsmanship. Inspect their inventory to see if they’re carrying any smithing hammers or tools.
Direct Trade with Lords and Notables
Lords and notables (influential characters within a city) often possess unique items. While they may not always have smithing tools readily available, it’s worth checking. Increasing your relationship with them through quests and good deeds can improve your chances of them being willing to trade valuable items.
The Value of High Relation
A high relationship leads to better prices, which effectively makes purchasing smithing hammers and tools from them more accessible. Personal experience suggests that lords aligned with industrious cultures, such as the Battanians, are more likely to possess these tools.
This method is a bit unconventional, but it can be surprisingly effective. It involves building strong relationships with blacksmiths and artisans within cities.
Locating Artisans
Many cities have identifiable artisans, often located in specific districts. Look for characters with titles like “Smith,” “Armorer,” or “Weaponsmith.”
Building Rapport
Complete quests for these artisans, offer them assistance, and generally try to improve your relationship with them.
The “Gifting” Phenomenon
As your relationship grows, these artisans may occasionally offer you gifts as a sign of gratitude. These gifts can sometimes include smithing hammers and tools, especially if the artisan is a blacksmith. This method relies on patience and persistence, but it can be a rewarding way to acquire tools without directly purchasing them.
While the above methods are effective, it’s important to understand the underlying factors influencing the availability of smithing tools.
Understanding Economic Fluctuations
Bannerlord 2‘s economy is dynamic and affected by warfare, banditry, and resource availability. A city that is frequently raided or besieged is less likely to have a thriving market, impacting the availability of smithing tools.
Capitalizing on Wars
Conversely, wars can create opportunities. After a siege or battle, looted smithing tools may become available in the market as lords try to liquidate their spoils.
Fostering Economic Growth
Investing in city improvements, such as workshops and infrastructure, can indirectly increase the availability of goods, including smithing tools. As the governor of a city, I’ve noticed a correlation between economic prosperity and the presence of specialized tools in the market.
Table: Summary of Methods
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Markets | Regularly visit city markets, focusing on wealthier and craftsman-oriented cities. | Relatively straightforward, can find other valuable items simultaneously. | Availability is random, requires frequent travel. |
| Trading & Caravans | Purchase tools from caravans and lords/notables. | Can acquire tools quickly, can improve relations. | Requires significant capital, availability depends on caravan inventories. |
| “Gifting” Strategy | Build relationships with artisans to receive tools as gifts. | Sustainable source, improves relations, can be personally rewarding. | Requires time and effort, unreliable in the short term. |
As an avid Bannerlord 2 player with hundreds of hours invested, I’ve extensively explored the game’s mechanics, including smithing and trade. These methods are based on my personal experience and observations, corroborated by community discussions and online resources.
While specific drop rates and economic algorithms are not explicitly documented by TaleWorlds Entertainment, player observations and community analyses provide valuable insights.
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki: This wiki serves as a comprehensive resource for game information, including item locations and economic mechanics. While not an official source, it’s maintained by a dedicated community and generally reliable. (https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord)
- Community Forums (e.g., Steam Forums, Reddit): Discussions on these platforms often reveal player experiences and strategies, providing valuable context for understanding the game’s systems.
Finding smithing hammers and tools in Bannerlord 2 can be challenging, but by employing these three methods – exploring city markets, engaging in trade, and cultivating relationships with artisans – you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to consider economic factors, capitalize on opportunities, and be patient. With persistence, you’ll be well-equipped to master the art of smithing and forge your path to victory in Calradia.