Choosing the right culture in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can significantly impact your early game experience, especially for newcomers. While all cultures are viable, some offer distinct advantages that streamline progression and ease the learning curve. This article provides practical advice and actionable insights, steering clear of common pitfalls and focusing on cultures that offer the most forgiving start. We’ll explore these cultures and explain why they’re great choices for beginners.
Several cultures in Bannerlord 2 are more suited to new players because they simplify early-game challenges and provide tangible benefits. The Vlandians, Imperials, Battanians, Khuzait, and Sturgians offer unique advantages that can help players become powerful without being overwhelmed.
Vlandia is an excellent choice due to their superior heavy cavalry, the Vlandian Banner Knights.
Early Game Economic Advantages
Vlandian lands typically offer good economic opportunities, allowing players to quickly establish a financial base. This is crucial for funding your warband and purchasing essential equipment. Vlandian towns and villages usually have thriving markets, making trading a reliable source of income.
The Banner Knight Advantage
Banner Knights are among the best heavy cavalry in the game, capable of crushing enemy infantry and cavalry alike. This gives you a significant advantage in battles, allowing you to punch above your weight even with a smaller force.
Beginner-Friendly Tactics
Vlandian tactics are relatively straightforward. Form your infantry into a shield wall, position your archers behind them, and then use your Banner Knights to flank and charge the enemy. This simple yet effective strategy is easy to learn and execute, making it ideal for beginners.
https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Vlandia
The Empire offers a balanced roster and strong infrastructure.
Strong Legionary Infantry
Imperial Legionaries are highly effective against both infantry and cavalry, providing a solid backbone for your army. Their disciplined formation fighting and high-quality gear make them a reliable force on the battlefield.
Well-Developed Infrastructure
The Empire’s well-developed infrastructure means you’ll find more opportunities for trade and recruitment. This makes it easier to build and maintain a strong army.
Adaptable Playstyle
The Empire’s diverse unit roster allows for a more adaptable playstyle. You can field armies that excel in both offense and defense, making them suitable for various combat scenarios.
Battania is great if you like guerilla warfare.
Terrain Advantage
Battanian territory is often heavily forested, giving them a significant advantage in ambushes and skirmishes. Their familiarity with the terrain allows them to harass enemies and disrupt supply lines.
Fian Champions
Fian Champions are arguably the best archers in the game, capable of decimating enemy formations from afar. Their long-range accuracy and high damage output make them a formidable force on the battlefield.
Fast Movement
Battanian troops are generally faster than their counterparts, allowing you to outmaneuver enemies and dictate the pace of battle. This mobility is especially useful for hit-and-run tactics.
Kuzait focuses on fast-moving horse archer tactics.
Horse Archer Dominance
Kuzait horse archers are unmatched in their mobility and firepower. They can harass enemies, kite them into unfavorable positions, and inflict heavy casualties while remaining relatively safe.
Raiding and Looting
The Kuzait culture encourages raiding and looting, providing a quick and easy way to accumulate wealth and resources. This aggressive playstyle can be very rewarding, especially in the early game.
Fast Campaign Map Movement
The Kuzait’s emphasis on cavalry translates to faster movement on the campaign map. This allows you to respond quickly to threats, reinforce besieged settlements, and pursue fleeing enemies.
Sturgia is a very tough culture to play.
Strong Heavy Infantry
Sturgian heavy infantry are renowned for their resilience and fighting prowess in close combat. They can withstand heavy attacks and hold the line against superior numbers.
Cold Climate Advantage
Sturgia’s harsh climate gives them an advantage in winter warfare. Their troops are better equipped to handle the cold, allowing them to fight effectively even in the most challenging conditions.
Unique Troop Variety
Sturgia offers a unique blend of infantry, cavalry, and archers, providing a diverse range of tactical options. This allows you to adapt your army to different combat scenarios.
I found that starting with the Vlandians gave me a significant edge. The Banner Knights are truly game-changing in the early to mid-game, allowing you to win battles that would otherwise be impossible. However, I also noticed that relying too heavily on cavalry can make you vulnerable to certain enemy formations. Learning to effectively utilize your infantry and archers is crucial for long-term success.
Another piece of advice I’d offer is to focus on building relationships with notable characters early on. These relationships can open up opportunities for marriage, alliances, and lucrative trade deals. Don’t underestimate the power of diplomacy.
These cultures stand out due to their relatively straightforward playstyles and tangible early-game benefits. They offer a less punishing learning curve, allowing new players to grasp the mechanics of the game without being overwhelmed by complex strategies or resource management. They also have easier access to high tier troops in the early game which helps to snowball.
| Culture | Strengths | Weaknesses | Beginner Friendliness | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vlandia | Heavy Cavalry, Strong Economy | Vulnerable to Skirmishers | High | Cavalry Charge |
| Empire | Balanced Units, Good Infrastructure | Jack of All Trades, Master of None | Medium | Flexible |
| Battania | Elite Archers, Terrain Advantage | Weak Cavalry, Poor Economy | Medium | Skirmish/Ambush |
| Kuzait | Horse Archers, Raiding | Weak Infantry, Siege Defense | Medium | Horse Archer Kiting |
| Sturgia | Heavy Infantry, Winter Warfare | Slow Movement, Limited Archers | Low | Infantry Focus |
While these cultures offer a smoother start, remember that Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a complex game with many variables. Experiment with different strategies, adapt to changing circumstances, and most importantly, have fun. The “best” culture ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. Don’t be afraid to try them all!
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each culture, you can make an informed decision that sets you up for success in your Bannerlord 2 adventure. Now go forth and conquer Calradia!