This article breaks down the process of becoming a mercenary in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, offering practical steps and insider tips to help you rise through the ranks. We’ll cover the core requirements, how to find suitable kingdoms, and strategies for maximizing your earnings and influence. Forget tedious grinding – we focus on efficient methods and clever tactics to get you wielding your sword for a powerful lord in no time. This guide offers 3 proven ways.
To become a mercenary, you first need to understand the basic requirements and mechanics. This isn’t a simple button click; it involves building relationships and making strategic choices.
Increasing Your Clan Tier
Your clan tier is crucial. It dictates your influence and the kind of contracts you can secure.
- Tier 1 is the minimum. Without it, no kingdom will take you seriously.
- Achieve this by increasing your renown. Tournaments are a great way to earn renown early on. Winning provides a significant boost, and even participating awards a small amount.
- Completing quests for notables is another excellent way. Look for quests in towns and villages that reward renown. These usually involve tasks like dealing with bandits or gathering resources.
Building Relationships
Positive relationships with lords matter greatly.
- Improving relations involves completing quests and aiding lords in battle. If you see a lord struggling against bandits, jump in and help them.
- Choose your targets wisely. Focus on lords whose kingdoms you might want to join.
- Releasing captured lords also provides a relationship boost. This is considered honorable and will improve your standing.
- Participate in feasts and celebrations. These events offer opportunities to interact with lords and improve your relationships.
Maintaining a Strong Warband
A well-equipped and disciplined warband is essential.
- Recruit high-tier troops. They are more effective in battle and less likely to desert.
- Equip your troops with good gear. Better equipment translates to higher combat effectiveness.
- Train your troops regularly. This will improve their skills and morale.
- Consider specializing your warband. Focus on a particular type of unit, such as cavalry or archers, to maximize their effectiveness.
Not all kingdoms are created equal. Some offer better pay, more frequent battles, and greater opportunities for advancement.
Assessing Kingdom Needs
Identify kingdoms that are actively at war.
- These kingdoms are more likely to hire mercenaries. War-torn kingdoms are desperate for experienced fighters.
- Check the kingdom’s strength. Avoid joining kingdoms that are on the verge of collapse.
- Look for kingdoms with stable leadership. A kingdom with internal conflicts is less likely to be a good employer.
A simple check of the world map can give you an idea of the balance of power.
Approaching Potential Employers
Approach the ruler or a high-ranking lord of the kingdom.
- Use the “Offer Mercenary Service” dialogue option. This option appears when your relationship is high enough and the kingdom is looking for mercenaries.
- Be prepared to negotiate your terms. You can ask for a higher daily wage or other benefits.
- Don’t be afraid to walk away if the offer is not good enough. There are always other kingdoms looking for mercenaries.
Remember, first impressions matter. Make sure you are well-equipped and present yourself as a capable warrior.
Understanding Contract Terms
Pay attention to the details of the contract.
- Know the duration of the contract. Some contracts are short-term, while others are long-term.
- Understand the payment schedule. Most kingdoms pay mercenaries daily.
- Be aware of the conditions for termination. Some contracts allow the kingdom to terminate the contract at any time, while others require a notice period.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you are unsure about any aspect of the contract, ask for clarification.
It is important to check the contract length to see if this is the best fit for you.
Becoming a mercenary is just the first step. To truly succeed, you need to maximize your earnings and influence.
Strategic Combat and Looting
Engage in battles that offer the best rewards.
- Focus on raiding profitable caravans and villages. This can be a lucrative way to earn money and loot.
- Participate in sieges. Sieges offer the opportunity to earn a large amount of loot and renown.
- Capture enemy lords and ransom them. This is a reliable source of income.
Focus on looting that gives you high-value items.
Political Maneuvering and Advancement
Build relationships with key figures within the kingdom.
- Attend court and participate in tournaments. These events offer opportunities to network with lords and ladies.
- Support the kingdom’s policies. This will increase your standing and make you more likely to be rewarded.
- Consider marrying into a noble family. This can significantly increase your influence and standing.
The more people you know, the better.
Transitioning from Mercenary to Vassal
Use your mercenary contract as a stepping stone to becoming a vassal.
- Prove your loyalty and competence. This will make the king more likely to offer you a fief.
- Accumulate wealth and influence. This will make you a more attractive candidate for vassalage.
- Express your desire to become a vassal. Let the king know that you are interested in joining his kingdom permanently.
Vassalage gives you land and more power.
First-Hand Experience: Kingdom Dynamics
From my own experience, each kingdom has a unique culture and approach to warfare. The Vlandians, for example, often favor heavy cavalry tactics, making them strong on open battlefields but vulnerable in sieges against skilled archers. On the other hand, the Battanians excel in forest warfare, utilizing their Fian Champions to devastating effect. Understanding these nuances can significantly impact your success as a mercenary and your ability to choose the right kingdom. I’ve personally found that the Khuzaits, with their horse archers, are excellent for hit-and-run tactics and disrupting enemy supply lines, offering a different style of gameplay that can be quite rewarding. Choosing a kingdom that aligns with your preferred combat style is crucial for long-term success.
Moreover, keep an eye on the kingdom’s internal politics. A kingdom rife with infighting might be tempting due to the high demand for mercenaries, but the instability can lead to frequent leadership changes and broken contracts. A stable kingdom, even with less frequent wars, provides a more secure environment for building your reputation and wealth.
Innovative Views: Shifting the Mercenary Mindset
Many players view mercenary work as a temporary means to an end – a way to gather resources before forming their own kingdom. However, I believe that embracing the role of a long-term mercenary can be a rewarding and unique playstyle. Instead of constantly striving for independence, focus on becoming the most influential mercenary captain in Calradia. Build a reputation for unwavering loyalty, exceptional combat skills, and shrewd political maneuvering.
You can become a kingmaker, influencing the outcomes of wars and shaping the political landscape without ever holding a title yourself. Imagine being the go-to commander for any kingdom facing a crisis, commanding armies and earning immense wealth through strategic contracts. This approach offers a different kind of power – the power of influence and reputation, rather than direct rule.
Table: Comparing Kingdom Traits for Mercenaries
| Kingdom | Strengths | Weaknesses | Ideal Mercenary Type | Strategic Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vlandia | Heavy Cavalry, Strong on Open Fields | Vulnerable in Sieges, Slow Movement | Melee-focused, Cavalry Expert | Excellent for open field battles, less so for sieges |
| Battania | Forest Warfare, Skilled Archers | Weak against Heavy Cavalry, Poor Economy | Archer-focused, Skirmisher | Best suited for guerrilla warfare, ambushes |
| Khuzait | Horse Archers, Fast Movement | Weak in Sieges, Poor Infantry | Horse Archer, Hit-and-Run Tactics | Effective for harassing enemies, disrupting supply lines |
| Sturgia | Strong Infantry, Defensive Warfare | Slow Movement, Vulnerable to Archers | Infantry-focused, Shield Wall | Strong for defensive battles, holding key locations |
| Empire | Balanced Army, Good Infrastructure | Prone to Internal Conflict, Spread Out | Versatile, Adaptable | Requires adapting to different terrains and enemies |
| Aserai | Desert Warfare, Light Cavalry | Weak against Heavy Armor, Poor Economy | Light Cavalry, Skirmisher | Suited for desert campaigns, raiding caravans |
As a long-time player of the Mount & Blade series, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the intricacies of Calradia, experimenting with different strategies, and learning the nuances of kingdom politics. My insights are based on practical experience and a deep understanding of the game mechanics.
To ensure accuracy, I’ve also consulted the official Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord wiki (https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord) for factual information and game details. This combination of personal experience and reliable sources allows me to provide a comprehensive and accurate guide to becoming a successful mercenary in Bannerlord 2.
By following these steps and embracing a strategic mindset, you can transform your mercenary career into a path of wealth, influence, and ultimately, lasting power in the world of Calradia. Remember to adapt your strategies to the ever-changing political landscape and never underestimate the importance of building strong relationships.