Bandit parties in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can be a major nuisance, especially in the early game. They harass villagers, disrupt trade, and can even take you down if you’re not careful. This article provides practical solutions to effectively deal with these threats, focusing on tactics, strategy, and long-term planning.
Bandits aren’t just an annoyance; they actively harm the game world’s economy and your potential income. Unchecked bandit activity leads to villages being raided, caravans being looted, and overall unrest in the region. Ignoring them allows them to grow in numbers and power, eventually posing a significant threat to your enterprises and even your clan’s security.
Identifying Bandit Types and Their Strengths
Bannerlord features various bandit types, each with different strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your enemy is crucial.
- Looter: The weakest, usually equipped with basic weapons and armor. Easy prey for even small parties.
- Forest Bandit: More skilled archers and melee fighters than looters. They often use terrain to their advantage.
- Mountain Bandit: Tougher melee combatants, often equipped with shields and better armor.
- Sea Raider: Heavily armed and armored, posing a significant threat, especially in coastal regions.
- Desert Bandit: Fast-moving and skilled skirmishers, using hit-and-run tactics.
Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Bandit Activity
Paying attention to the game world can provide early warnings of increased bandit activity. Look for:
- Villages with low prosperity: This often indicates recent raids.
- Caravans being attacked: Check trade routes for signs of caravan battles.
- Increased crime rating in towns: High crime often correlates with bandit presence.
Direct confrontation is sometimes unavoidable, but using the right tactics can significantly improve your chances of success.
Choosing the Right Troops for Bandit Hunting
Your party composition matters. Don’t bring heavily armored infantry to chase down looters. Instead, focus on speed and ranged firepower.
- Cavalry: Excellent for chasing down fleeing bandits and flanking maneuvers.
- Archers/Crossbowmen: Provide ranged support and can thin out enemy ranks before melee engagement.
- Fast-moving infantry: Lightly armored troops with decent melee skills can quickly engage and finish off weakened bandits.
Mastering Combat Maneuvers Against Bandits
Bannerlord’s combat system rewards skillful maneuvering. Consider these tactics:
- Kiting: Use cavalry or fast-moving infantry to draw bandits into unfavorable positions, like narrow chokepoints.
- Flanking: Send a small force to flank the enemy while your main force engages from the front.
- Using terrain: Fight on hills or in forests to gain a tactical advantage.
Essential Equipment and Skills for Bandit Hunting
Having the right equipment and developing essential skills will greatly improve your efficiency.
- Riding Skill: Crucial for cavalry-based tactics and chasing down bandits.
- Tactics Skill: Increases your chances of winning auto-resolved battles.
- Scouting Skill: Allows you to spot bandit parties from a greater distance and assess their strength.
- Good Horse: A fast and maneuverable horse is essential for chasing down bandits.
- Bow and Arrows/Crossbow and Bolts: Ranged weapons are vital for weakening enemies before melee.
Beyond direct combat, implementing proactive strategies can significantly reduce bandit activity in the long run.
Patrolling Trade Routes and Village Vicinities
Regular patrols can deter bandits and protect your interests. Assign a small, fast-moving party to patrol key trade routes and areas around your villages. This presence can discourage bandit activity and increase security.
Clearing Bandit Hideouts
Bandit hideouts are a source of constant bandit spawning. Clearing them out can significantly reduce bandit activity in the surrounding area. However, these missions can be challenging, so be prepared for a tough fight.
Supporting Local Garrisons and Militia
Investing in local garrisons and militia can help them defend against bandit attacks and maintain order. Donate troops and supplies to towns and castles to strengthen their defenses. This will indirectly reduce bandit activity by making it harder for them to operate.
I’ve spent countless hours traversing Calradia, and I’ve learned a few things about dealing with bandits that you won’t find in the official guides. One key lesson is: don’t underestimate the power of prisoner management. Capturing bandit leaders and selling them into slavery (if your moral compass allows) is a surprisingly lucrative way to fund your early game. It’s also a satisfying way to strike back at those who would prey on the weak.
Another less obvious tip: pay attention to the cultural makeup of bandit parties. Forest bandits tend to be more common in areas with strong Battanian influence, while desert bandits are prevalent in Aserai territories. This knowledge can inform your patrol routes and help you anticipate where you’re most likely to encounter trouble.
Furthermore, I found that developing relationships with local notables can be a game-changer. Happy villagers are less likely to turn to banditry, and influential landowners can provide valuable information about bandit movements. Completing quests for these individuals not only improves your relations but also helps stabilize the region, indirectly reducing bandit activity.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different troop compositions. While heavily armored infantry might seem like a safe bet, they can be surprisingly ineffective against fast-moving bandit parties. I’ve had great success with a mix of horse archers and light cavalry, allowing me to harass and whittle down enemy numbers before engaging in melee combat.
Bandits do more than just harass. They actively damage the in-game economy. Villages raided by bandits produce less goods, reducing trade income. Caravans ambushed by bandits lose their goods, disrupting trade routes. This leads to lower prosperity across the map, directly impacting your potential income from workshops, caravans, and fief taxes.
Table: Bandit Types and Countermeasures
| Bandit Type | Strengths | Weaknesses | Effective Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Looter | Numbers | Poor equipment, low morale | Small parties of cavalry or fast-moving infantry |
| Forest Bandit | Skilled archers, terrain advantage | Vulnerable in open terrain | Cavalry flanking maneuvers, archer support |
| Mountain Bandit | Tough melee combatants, good armor | Slow movement speed | Kiting tactics, ranged attacks |
| Sea Raider | Heavily armed and armored, strong melee | Limited mobility on land | Concentrated ranged fire, coordinated melee attacks |
| Desert Bandit | Fast-moving skirmishers, hit-and-run tactics | Lightly armored, vulnerable in prolonged fights | Cavalry pursuit, ambushes, cutting off their retreat |
Long-term solutions involve influencing the political landscape and supporting the overall stability of the realm.
Investing in Town Development
A prosperous town is less likely to attract bandits. Invest in town improvements that increase prosperity, such as building workshops and improving infrastructure. This will create a more stable economy and reduce the incentive for banditry.
Supporting Law and Order
Enforce laws and punish criminal activity in your fiefs. This will deter bandits and create a safer environment for merchants and villagers. Consider appointing a constable or implementing policies that prioritize law and order.
Fostering Positive Relations with Local Factions
Building strong relationships with local factions can lead to alliances and support in combating bandits. Offer assistance to villages and towns, complete quests, and participate in local events to improve your standing.
This article provides several proven strategies for tackling the bandit problem in Bannerlord 2. By combining tactical combat, proactive patrols, and long-term planning, you can effectively minimize bandit activity and protect your interests in Calradia. Remember that banditry is a persistent threat, but with diligence and strategic thinking, you can overcome this challenge and thrive in the game world.