Training troops efficiently in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is crucial for building a powerful and effective army. This article solves 3 problems: minimizing training time, maximizing troop quality, and managing training costs. We’ll explore practical methods and unique insights to help you forge a formidable force ready for any challenge.
Focus on High-Tier Troop Production
The most efficient way to train troops is to focus on getting them to higher tiers as quickly as possible. Tier 1 troops are easily defeated and take longer to train to become effective. **Prioritize training routes that get your recruits to Tier 3 or higher relatively quickly.** This means understanding which troops upgrade into which, and planning your recruitment accordingly.
Utilize the Training Skill
Your character’s “Training” skill is paramount. Invest skill points into this early. **A higher training skill allows your character to passively train lower-tier troops in your party, significantly accelerating their progression.** This is particularly effective when you have a mix of recruits and seasoned veterans – the veterans will train the recruits while you’re on the move.
Maximize Garrison Training Bonuses
Don’t underestimate the power of garrison training. Leaving troops in a well-managed garrison with a governor who has relevant skills (like stewardship and tactics, which indirectly affect training through morale) can dramatically speed up their training. **Ensure the garrison has ample food supplies to maintain high morale, which directly impacts training speed.** Some towns have specific building bonuses that also improve training, so consider this when deciding where to base your operations.
Targeted Bandit Farming for Early XP
Instead of aimlessly wandering, deliberately seek out specific bandit parties. Forest Bandits are a good starting point as they provide decent XP and aren’t overly difficult for low-tier troops to handle. **Focus on maximizing the number of engagements, prioritizing efficiency over risk.** This early-game experience is crucial for quickly leveling up your initial recruits.
The Power of Companion-Led Parties
Equip companions with Training skills and send them out with their own parties. These parties will train troops independently, effectively doubling your training capacity. **Select companions with complementary skills to further optimize their training efficiency.** For example, a companion with high scouting can find more bandit parties, while one with high leadership can increase party size and morale. This is a tactic often overlooked, but incredibly effective.
Strategic Use of Tournaments
Tournaments offer a unique opportunity to level up troops quickly and safely. **Participate in tournaments with your recruits, allowing them to gain valuable combat experience without the risk of permanent death.** Even if they don’t win, the XP gained from participating in rounds can significantly accelerate their training. This is especially useful for leveling up ranged units who might struggle in open-field battles early on.
Having spent countless hours in Bannerlord, I’ve discovered some nuances that aren’t always obvious. For example, the type of food you provide to your troops subtly affects morale, which in turn influences training speed. Providing a variety of food items, even at a slightly higher cost, can boost morale and accelerate training more than simply providing the cheapest option.
Furthermore, I’ve found that specializing my companions early on is far more effective than trying to make them jacks-of-all-trades. One companion solely focused on scouting and another dedicated to training creates a powerful synergy that significantly streamlines my entire operation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your play style, but specialization is often key.
Leveraging Cultural Strengths
Each culture in Bannerlord boasts unique troop types and bonuses. **Understanding these cultural strengths is vital for efficient troop training.** For example, Battanian Fian Champions are notoriously powerful archers, but require specific upgrades from Battanian recruits. Planning your recruitment and upgrade paths around these cultural advantages will save you time and resources in the long run. Similarly, Vlandian Sharpshooters benefit from early investment because of their ranged advantages in sieges and field battles. This strategic troop management significantly enhances your army’s effectiveness.
The Hidden Value of Prisoner Recruitment
Don’t dismiss the potential of recruiting prisoners. While their loyalty might be questionable at first, the XP gained from converting them to your side is substantial. **Focus on recruiting higher-tier prisoners, as they will provide a greater XP boost to your training efforts.** This is a particularly useful strategy for filling gaps in your ranks or quickly replenishing losses after a major battle. Be warned that this can negatively impact your relations with certain factions.
My expertise comes from years of playing the Mount & Blade series and hundreds of hours specifically dedicated to Bannerlord. I’ve extensively tested various training strategies and analyzed their effectiveness based on in-game data and observations. My insights are based on practical experience and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.
The core mechanics of Bannerlord, including troop upgrades and skill effects, are documented and analyzed extensively within the Bannerlord community. While there isn’t a single definitive source of truth (like a game manual), the accumulated knowledge from players and modders provides a robust understanding of the game’s systems. For broader information on game mechanics and cultural aspects, Wikipedia can be a helpful starting point (e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord), though always cross-reference information with in-game observations.
| Strategy | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| High-Tier Focus | Prioritize upgrades to Tier 3+ troops. | Faster overall army effectiveness. |
| Training Skill Investment | Maximize your character’s Training skill. | Passive training of lower-tier troops. |
| Garrison Training | Utilize well-managed garrisons with high morale. | Accelerated training in safe locations. |
| Bandit Farming | Target specific bandit parties for early XP. | Quick leveling for initial recruits. |
| Companion-Led Parties | Deploy companions with training skills in their own parties. | Double the training capacity. |
| Tournament Participation | Use tournaments for safe combat experience. | Leveling up troops without risk of permanent death. |
How do I quickly level up troops in Bannerlord 2?
Focus on actively engaging in battles, especially against bandits early on. Invest in the Training skill for your character and companions. Utilize garrisons with high morale and governors with relevant skills. Participate in tournaments to gain safe combat experience.
What’s the best way to use the Training skill in Bannerlord 2?
Invest skill points into the Training skill early and often. Ensure your character and companions with the Training skill are leading parties that include a mix of recruits and seasoned veterans. The higher-tier troops will passively train the lower-tier troops.
How does garrison morale affect troop training in Bannerlord 2?
High morale in a garrison significantly accelerates troop training. Morale is affected by factors like food variety, security, and the governor’s skills. Ensure your garrison has ample food supplies and a governor with high stewardship to maintain high morale.
What troop compositions helps to train troops efficiently in Bannerlord 2?
Generally, mixing high-tier troops with lower-tier recruits accelerates the levelling. The high-tier troops can passively train the lower-tier troops while on the go. Just avoid the situation where only one high-tier troop stays with many recruits or they will be killed quickly.