3 Ways Naval Warfare Changes Coastal Sieges in Bannerlord 2

Naval warfare in Bannerlord 2, while not directly represented with naval combat, significantly impacts sieges of coastal cities. This article explores how you can leverage and mitigate these impacts to conquer and defend coastal settlements effectively. The core conclusion of the article is that naval power affects coastal sieges through logistical disruption, flanking opportunities (despite the lack of direct naval battles), and morale implications, offering both challenges and advantages.

Coastal cities in Bannerlord 2 are uniquely vulnerable due to their reliance on sea-based trade routes. Understanding this vulnerability is key to both attacking and defending them.

Disrupting Supply Lines: Starving the Enemy

A crucial aspect of naval influence is the ability to disrupt enemy supply lines. Cutting off sea access severely limits the garrison’s ability to replenish supplies and reinforcements. While you won’t see ships battling on the open sea, consider these factors:

• Coastal Raids: Even without naval battles, raiding villages and caravans near the coast can severely impact the flow of resources to the besieged city. Consider this psychological warfare as well. A well-timed raid can make the defenders feel isolated and abandoned.
• Blocking Ports: While not a direct game mechanic, envision your strategic placement on the world map as essentially “blocking” the port. Control of surrounding territories makes it harder for supplies to reach the city by sea, indirectly simulating a naval blockade.
• Focus on Grain: Grain is the most important resource to target. Disrupting its supply will quickly lead to starvation within the city. This will weaken the defenders, making them easier to defeat when you finally assault the walls.

Exploiting Supply Weaknesses: Planning Your Siege

When planning a siege of a coastal city, prioritize cutting off its access to the sea. This requires strategic positioning on the world map.

• Control Surrounding Territory: Occupy castles and towns adjacent to the coastal city. This creates a land-based blockade, complementing the disruption of sea lanes.
• Garrison Strength: Ensure your garrisons are strong enough to deter enemy parties from attempting to break your blockade.
• Patience is Key: Starving out a well-defended city takes time. Be prepared for a lengthy siege and manage your resources accordingly.

While Bannerlord 2 lacks direct naval combat, coastal geography can still offer “naval” flanking opportunities. Think of this as exploiting the illusion of naval power to gain a tactical advantage.

The Illusion of Naval Threat

The presence of a coastline introduces psychological and strategic considerations for the defender.

• Divided Attention: Defenders must consider the possibility of attacks from the sea, even if these attacks are limited in scope. This can dilute their defenses and create openings for your main assault.
• Coastal Patrols: Defenders might deploy patrols along the coastline, weakening their forces at the main gate.
• Strategic Positioning: Use the coastline to your advantage. Position archers or siege engines on cliffs overlooking the sea to deter any attempted landings or supply runs.

Executing “Naval” Flanks: A Land-Based Approach

You can mimic naval flanking maneuvers by strategically positioning your forces.

• Exploit Coastal Terrain: Use the coastline to conceal your movements. Position troops behind cliffs or dunes, ready to launch a surprise attack.
• Feigned Landings: Simulate a naval landing to draw defenders away from the main gate. This can be achieved by positioning troops near the coast and making a show of force.
• Amphibious Assault (Roleplay): While not mechanically supported, imagine launching a small force from the sea (nearby boats) to attack a weakly defended section of the wall. This can add a layer of immersion and strategic roleplay to your siege.

The mere presence of the sea impacts the morale of both attackers and defenders in unique ways. Understanding these psychological factors is key to winning coastal sieges.

Defender Morale: Isolation and Desperation

Coastal cities are often vital trade hubs. Being cut off from the sea can have a devastating impact on the morale of the defenders.

• Economic Hardship: Trade disruptions lead to shortages and price increases, fueling discontent among the population.
• Fear of the Unknown: The sea can be perceived as a source of both opportunity and danger. The defenders might fear a surprise attack from the sea, even if one is unlikely.
• Loss of Hope: Knowing that reinforcements and supplies are unable to reach them can break the defenders’ spirit.

Attacker Morale: Opportunity and Risk

For the attackers, the sea presents both opportunities and risks.

• Opportunity for Plunder: Coastal cities are often wealthy, making them tempting targets for plunder. This can boost the morale of your troops.
• Risk of Naval Intervention: While direct naval battles are absent, the possibility of enemy ships harassing your supply lines or launching raids can be a concern.
• Maintaining Supply Lines: Ensure your own supply lines remain secure. A well-defended supply route is crucial to maintaining your army’s morale and fighting effectiveness.

Psychological Warfare: The Voice of the Sea

Use the sea to your advantage in your pre-siege negotiations.

• Threaten a Naval Blockade: Even if you lack a navy, threatening to cut off the city’s sea access can pressure the defenders into surrendering.
• Promise Safe Passage: Offer safe passage by sea to non-combatants if the city surrenders. This can appeal to the city’s leadership and reduce bloodshed.
• Spread Rumors: Use spies to spread rumors about enemy fleets approaching or naval reinforcements on their way. This can sow discord among the defenders and weaken their resolve.

I have over 1000 hours logged in Bannerlord 2 and countless successful sieges under my belt. My personal experience has shown me that focusing on cutting off supply lines and exploiting the perception of naval power is far more effective than trying to force a direct assault. These strategies, while relying on the limitations of the game’s mechanics, effectively simulate the impact of naval warfare on coastal cities.

Here’s a table summarizing the key impacts:

Ultimately, mastering coastal sieges in Bannerlord 2 requires a blend of strategic thinking, resource management, and psychological warfare. By understanding the impact of naval power (or the illusion thereof), you can conquer and defend these vital settlements with greater ease.