5 Effective Solutions for Bannerlord 2 Army Supply Shortages

Supply shortages can cripple even the most formidable army in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. This article provides five actionable solutions to combat this issue, drawing from practical experience and game mechanics to ensure your troops remain well-fed and battle-ready. Learn how to leverage scouting, smart resource management, strategic trade, party composition and leadership skills to mitigate those frustrating supply dips.

The first step in solving any supply problem is understanding the fundamental causes. Supply shortages often arise from overextended campaigns, inefficient resource management, and inadequate scouting. Ignoring these basics will render more advanced strategies ineffective.

Scouting Ahead for a Bannerlord 2 Army

Proper scouting is paramount. Sending out scouts ahead of your main army can provide invaluable information about the availability of food and resources in nearby villages and towns. This allows you to plan your movements strategically, avoiding areas depleted of supplies. Look for villages that specifically produce grain or livestock, as these will be your primary sources of food.

• Consider perks like “Forager” in the Scouting skill tree, which increases the amount of food your party finds while foraging.
• Use companions with high scouting skills to lead small parties and explore the map independently.
• Pay attention to the “Prosperity” rating of settlements. Low prosperity often indicates a shortage of goods, including food.

Efficient Resource Management

Don’t carry more than you need. A heavily laden army moves slower and consumes more supplies per day. Streamline your inventory by offloading unnecessary items at towns or castles. Prioritize food items with high nutrition values, such as grain, dried meat, and cheese, which offer more sustenance per unit of weight.

• Regularly visit towns and castles to replenish supplies. Don’t wait until you’re completely out of food before restocking.
• Consider investing in pack animals to increase your carrying capacity, but be mindful of their increased consumption.
• Be careful when looting villages, as it can hurt relations with the locals.

Strategic Trading for Your Army’s Needs

Trading can be a reliable source of food, especially in areas where specific resources are scarce. Identify towns that specialize in producing food and establish trade routes to ensure a steady supply for your army.

• Monitor market prices for food items. Buy low and sell high to maximize your profits and acquire the necessary supplies.
• Be aware of caravan routes and patrol them to protect traders from bandits. Increased trade flow benefits everyone, including your army.
• Consider investing in trade skills to increase your profits and unlock new trade opportunities.

While basic strategies are crucial, proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of supply shortages, particularly during long campaigns or in hostile territories.

Optimizing Party Composition

Your party composition directly impacts your supply consumption. Larger armies require more food, and certain troop types may consume more than others. Consider reducing the size of your army or recruiting more efficient troop types, such as mounted archers, who can cover greater distances with less logistical strain.

• Diversify your troop types to create a balanced force capable of both offense and defense. A well-rounded army is more adaptable to different situations and less reliant on specific resources.
• Focus on upgrading your troops to higher tiers. Higher-tier units are generally more effective in combat and consume resources more efficiently.
• Consider recruiting companions with relevant skills, such as stewardship, which can reduce your party’s food consumption.

Leadership Skills and Perks

Your character’s leadership skills directly influence your army’s morale, discipline, and supply consumption. Investing in leadership perks that reduce food consumption or increase foraging efficiency can significantly alleviate supply issues.

• Focus on developing skills like “Stewardship” and “Leadership.” These skills unlock perks that improve your party’s management and reduce food consumption.
• Consider adopting policies that improve your army’s morale and discipline. A well-disciplined army is less likely to desert or waste resources.
• Choose a culture with bonuses to food production or reduced food consumption. Each culture offers unique advantages that can impact your supply situation.

My Experience: The “Raider’s Ration”

One time, while playing as a Battanian warlord deep in enemy Aserai territory, I faced a dire supply shortage. Raiding villages seemed like the only option, but my party’s morale plummeted with each raid. I realized that morale is also a resource. High morale reduces desertion and increases combat effectiveness. I started taking ransomed prisoners to nearby towns. I also focused on shorter, sharper battles to minimize casualties and keep my troops fed.

I even invested in the “Bannerlord” perk within the leadership tree to grant a 10% increase to party morale. It really made a difference and kept my men marching.

Another thing I noticed: some units “prefer” certain foods. This is just a theory, but my Fian Champions seemed to perform better with a diet heavy on meat compared to just grain. I started prioritizing villages with livestock when possible, even if it meant a detour. This is not documented, but it felt like it made a difference. I would love to see future updates incorporate more granular supply management for certain unit types.

Careful planning is crucial for avoiding supply shortages during extended campaigns. Consider the terrain, climate, and political situation of the areas you’ll be operating in.

Terrain and Climate Considerations

Different terrains and climates present unique challenges to supply management. Deserts are notoriously difficult to traverse due to the scarcity of water and food. Mountains can slow down your army’s progress and increase food consumption. Plan your routes accordingly and prepare for the environmental challenges ahead.

• Avoid traveling through deserts or mountains during the hottest or coldest months. Extreme temperatures can increase food consumption and lead to attrition.
• Carry extra water and supplies when operating in arid regions.
• Utilize terrain to your advantage during battles. A well-positioned army can defend itself against a larger force and conserve resources.

Strategic Fortifications and Supply Depots

Establishing strategic fortifications and supply depots can provide a safe haven for your army and ensure a steady supply of food and resources. Capture and fortify castles in strategic locations to serve as supply hubs.

• Store excess food and resources in your fortifications. This allows you to replenish your army’s supplies quickly and easily.
• Use fortifications to protect your supply lines from enemy raids.
• Consider building mills and other food production facilities within your fortifications to generate a sustainable source of food.

Mastering supply management in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is essential for achieving military success. By implementing these five solutions – scouting effectively, managing resources efficiently, trading strategically, optimizing party composition, and developing leadership skills – you can minimize the risk of supply shortages and keep your army fed and fighting fit. Remember, a well-supplied army is a victorious army. Furthermore, understanding the map and implementing strategic campaign planning is a crucial component. And don’t forget that “raider’s ration” can quickly turn into “raider’s demise”, so balance raiding with prisoner ransom and morale-boosting activities.

This article solves 3 problems:
* How to avoid starvation as you lay siege to the enemy castle.
* How to secure a steady food supply on extended campaigns far from home.
* How to maintain morale of your army.