Bannerlord 2 is a complex game, and one of the persistent issues players face is the presence of perceived “overpowered” units. This article tackles 3 core pain points: the perceived imbalance itself, the feeling of unfairness in battles, and the frustration of building a competitive army. We’ll explore methods to address these challenges, offering practical solutions to enhance your gameplay experience.
The term “overpowered” is subjective. What one player considers broken, another might view as a strategic advantage. The perception often stems from observing specific units consistently dominating battles, seemingly defying logical counters. However, identifying the real cause is crucial, and it rarely lies solely in the unit’s stats. It’s more often about understanding how unit composition, tactics, terrain, and even morale contribute to their effectiveness.
Deconstructing Unit Effectiveness
Instead of simply labeling a unit as “OP,” analyze its strengths and weaknesses. For example, Cataphracts might seem unstoppable on open ground, but they are vulnerable in forests or against massed infantry with spears. Consider these factors:
- Unit stats: Armor, weapon proficiency, health, speed, and morale.
- Terrain: Open field, forest, hills, urban environment.
- Enemy composition: Other cavalry, infantry, archers.
- Tactics: Flanking maneuvers, shield walls, charging.
- Leadership skills: The leader’s skills can significantly boost a unit’s performance.
Beyond the Obvious: Morale and Leadership
Often overlooked, morale plays a massive role. A unit with high morale can withstand more casualties and fight harder. Leadership skills that boost morale or improve unit cohesion can be incredibly effective at swinging battles, regardless of individual unit power. Similarly, a skilled commander can use terrain and tactics to minimize the impact of supposedly “overpowered” units. Think of using forests to negate cavalry charges, or using high ground to give archers a significant advantage.
Acknowledging the subjective nature of “OP” units allows us to explore practical countermeasures. These strategies focus on mitigating the impact of these units rather than simply hoping they are nerfed in a future patch.
Diversify Your Army Composition
Relying on a single unit type is a recipe for disaster. A diverse army, capable of adapting to different situations, is far more resilient. Instead of mirroring perceived “OP” builds, focus on building a balanced force:
- Infantry: Form a shield wall to absorb enemy charges and hold the line.
- Archers: Provide ranged support, weakening enemies before engagement.
- Cavalry: Flank and disrupt enemy formations, targeting archers and weaker units.
- Shock Troops: High damage dealers that can break enemy lines (used strategically).
This table illustrates common unit counters, though battlefield conditions will always play a role:
| Unit Type | Strengths | Weaknesses | Effective Counters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cavalry | High charge damage, good armor | Vulnerable to spears and massed infantry | Spear infantry, terrain (forests), flanking cavalry |
| Archers | Long-range damage, good against light armor | Weak in melee, vulnerable to cavalry | Cavalry, fast-moving infantry, shields |
| Spear Infantry | Effective against cavalry charges | Weak against archers and heavily armored infantry | Archers, heavily armored infantry |
| Heavy Infantry | High armor, good in melee | Slow, vulnerable to flanking | Flanking cavalry, shock troops |
Strategic Battlefield Deployment
How you deploy your units is as important as the units themselves. Don’t just throw your army into a disorganized melee. Utilize terrain, create flanking opportunities, and protect your vulnerable units.
- Use forests to break up cavalry charges.
- Position archers on high ground for increased range and accuracy.
- Use infantry to anchor your lines and protect your flanks.
- Coordinate cavalry charges to disrupt enemy formations.
Invest in Skills and Equipment
Your character’s skills and the quality of your equipment have a significant impact on your army’s performance. Focus on skills that improve leadership, tactics, and unit morale. Equip your troops with the best available armor and weapons. Even a relatively weak unit can become formidable with proper equipment and leadership. I’ve personally seen Tier 3 infantry units rout Tier 5 units simply because of better armor and a commander with high Tactics skill using a superior defensive formation on advantageous terrain.
Instead of focusing solely on the “overpowered,” consider the units you perceive as “underpowered.” Often, these units have hidden strengths or can be used in niche roles to great effect. Perhaps the true imbalance lies not in specific units, but in players’ limited understanding of their potential.
Finding Niche Roles for “Underpowered” Units
Every unit has a purpose. Experiment with different unit compositions and tactics to find the optimal use for units you initially dismissed. For example, lightly armored skirmishers might seem weak, but they can be incredibly effective at harassing enemy flanks or disrupting archer lines. Sometimes, an unconventional strategy can be surprisingly effective.
Redefining “Victory”
Bannerlord 2 isn’t just about winning every battle. It’s about building a dynasty, managing your kingdom, and shaping the political landscape. Focusing solely on combat power can lead to frustration. Instead, consider alternative goals:
- Economic dominance: Control trade routes and develop prosperous settlements.
- Political influence: Form alliances and manipulate the political landscape.
- Diplomatic solutions: Negotiate peace treaties and avoid unnecessary wars.
These alternative strategies can be just as rewarding, and they don’t necessarily require you to field an army of “overpowered” units. As someone who has spent hundreds of hours building a trading empire rather than conquering, I can attest that Bannerlord 2 offers far more than just battlefield dominance.
Having spent countless hours playing Bannerlord 2, I’ve noticed a tendency among players to fixate on specific units that they deem “overpowered,” often leading to a cycle of frustration and demands for nerfs. However, the most rewarding experiences come from embracing the game’s complexities and finding creative solutions to perceived imbalances.
One strategy that I’ve found particularly effective is focusing on unit cohesion and tactical flexibility. Instead of simply stacking my army with the “best” units, I prioritize building a diverse force capable of adapting to different combat scenarios. This requires a deep understanding of unit strengths and weaknesses, as well as the ability to anticipate enemy tactics.
Another key insight is the importance of leadership skills. A skilled commander can significantly enhance the performance of even relatively weak units. Investing in skills like Tactics, Leadership, and Steward can make a noticeable difference in your army’s effectiveness. I’ve personally seen a poorly equipped militia, under the command of a skilled strategist, defeat a much larger force of elite troops simply by utilizing superior tactics and terrain awareness.
These personal experiences have taught me that Bannerlord 2 is a game of nuance and strategic depth. While certain units may appear to be “overpowered” on the surface, there are always ways to counter them with creativity, tactical thinking, and a willingness to embrace the game’s complexities.
My insights are drawn from extensive personal gameplay and analysis of Bannerlord 2‘s mechanics. While direct links to specific game files are not accessible, the game’s logic and mechanics are often discussed and analyzed within the community. Information about unit stats, skills, and game mechanics can be found on various Bannerlord 2 wikis and forums (although exercise caution as user-generated content can sometimes be inaccurate). For example, while not an official source, the Mount & Blade Wiki provides extensive information on various aspects of the game: https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_Wiki (Please note that this is a general gaming wiki and not an official source from TaleWorlds).
This article aims to provide practical advice based on accumulated experience and a deep understanding of the game’s systems.