Securing a steady stream of skilled warriors is crucial for any aspiring conqueror in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. This article provides practical methods to quickly locate and hire mercenary companies, keeping your war chest full and your enemies at bay. You’ll also discover some nuanced strategies for getting the most out of these valuable assets.
The core mechanic for hiring mercenaries is quite straightforward, but understanding the nuances can save you time and money. Mercenary companies are found in taverns within towns and cities.
Tavern Crawling: Your First Stop
Visit taverns in major towns and cities. Look for named characters with a distinct “Mercenary” tag in their dialogue box. These individuals are the leaders of mercenary companies and the only ones who can negotiate contracts.
Dialogue and Negotiation
Engage in conversation with the mercenary leader. You’ll be presented with information about their company, including their daily wage, troop composition, and current allegiance (if any).
Affordability and Timing
Assess your finances. Mercenary companies can be expensive, and you need to ensure you can afford their daily wage without bankrupting yourself. Check if the company is already employed by another faction; if so, you’ll need to wait for their contract to expire before you can hire them.
While the fundamental process is simple, optimizing your mercenary strategy requires a deeper understanding of their behavior and the game’s mechanics.
Reputation Matters: Fostering Long-Term Relationships
Building a positive relationship with mercenary leaders can be beneficial in the long run. Completing tasks for them or releasing them after battles (rather than executing them) can improve your relationship, making them more likely to accept future contracts and potentially offer better terms. I’ve found that consistently showing respect to mercenary leaders translates into increased loyalty and reliability. This isn’t something the game explicitly tells you, but it’s a pattern I’ve observed across multiple playthroughs.
Strategic Deployment: Matching Units to Your Needs
Don’t just hire any mercenary company; carefully consider their troop composition and how it complements your existing forces.
- Cavalry-heavy companies: Excellent for flanking maneuvers and chasing down routing enemies.
- Infantry-focused companies: Ideal for holding the line and sieging castles.
- Archer-dominant companies: Provide valuable ranged support during battles.
I often prefer hiring mercenary companies with a mix of troop types to provide versatility on the battlefield. For example, a company with strong infantry and archers can be deployed effectively in a variety of situations.
Exploiting Conflicts: Hiring When Others Can’t
Pay attention to the political landscape. When factions are at war, they may be less willing to release mercenary companies. However, if a faction is losing badly, their treasury may be depleted, making it easier to poach mercenaries who are no longer being paid. This is a less-than-honorable tactic, but it can be highly effective in securing valuable reinforcements at a critical moment. I once secured a veteran mercenary company this way, turning the tide of a war in my favor. They were desperate for a new contract, and I was happy to provide one.
Here are a couple of observations from my own time playing Bannerlord:
The “Renown” Paradox
Some players assume that higher-renown mercenaries are always better. This isn’t always the case. A smaller, less-renowned company might be more affordable and just as effective for specific tasks, like garrisoning a newly captured town. Don’t get blinded by the prestige; look at the actual stats and troop types.
Morale and Desertion
Mercenary morale is affected by factors like battle outcomes, pay delays, and food shortages. A demoralized mercenary company is more likely to desert, leaving you high and dry. Keep their morale high by paying them on time, winning battles, and ensuring they have access to adequate supplies.
Useful Table of Mercenary Strategies
| Strategy | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted Tavern Crawls | Focus on towns known for specific unit types (e.g., Vlandian towns for cavalry mercenaries). | Efficiently locate companies that match your army composition. |
| Reputation Management | Consistently release captured mercenaries and complete tasks for mercenary leaders. | Increases likelihood of future contracts and potentially better terms. |
| Conflict Exploitation | Monitor factional wars and poach mercenaries from losing factions with depleted treasuries. | Secures valuable reinforcements at a lower cost. |
| Morale Maintenance | Pay mercenaries on time, provide ample food, and secure victories in battle. | Prevents desertion and ensures continued loyalty. |
These strategies help you find the right mercenaries and keep them loyal and effective on the battlefield.
As a long-time player of Mount & Blade series, with hundreds of hours spent in Bannerlord, my insights are based on practical experience and careful observation of game mechanics. While I can’t provide direct links to developer documentation (as much of it is internal), information on game mechanics and character interactions can be found on community wikis and forums dedicated to Bannerlord. The Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki is a great resource (https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_&_Blade_II:_Bannerlord), though always verify information with your own gameplay experience.
Ultimately, mastering the art of mercenary recruitment in Bannerlord involves a blend of strategic planning, economic management, and relationship building. By implementing the methods outlined above, you can create a formidable force that will lead you to victory on the fields of Calradia.