This article cuts straight to the chase: finding the best armor in Bannerlord 2 isn’t just about luck; it’s about strategy. We’ll explore five reliable methods, bypassing the fluff to get you geared up for war as quickly as possible.
Before diving into acquisition methods, it’s crucial to understand what makes armor “good” in Bannerlord 2.
- Armor Type: Different armor pieces protect different body parts (head, body, arms, legs). Prioritize areas most vulnerable to common attacks.
- Protection Value: This is the primary stat. Higher protection means less damage taken.
- Weight: Heavier armor slows you down, affecting maneuverability and combat stamina.
- Coverage: Some armor offers less coverage, leaving gaps for attacks.
- Cost: More expensive armor isn’t always better. Consider the protection-to-weight ratio and availability.
Protection Values Matter, But Consider the Whole Package
Don’t fixate solely on the highest protection value. A slightly less protective but significantly lighter armor set might be more effective overall, especially for nimble combat styles. Consider how armor weight affects your character’s speed and stamina. I’ve personally sacrificed a few points of protection to maintain mobility, and it’s often paid off in longer fights.
Tournaments are a fantastic, repeatable source of high-quality armor. Participating in and winning tournaments held in various cities will provide you with a good amount of money to buy equipment.
- Locate Tournaments: Travel to different cities and check the arena. A tournament icon will be displayed on the city’s information panel.
- Place Bets: Bet on yourself (or a likely winner if you’re not confident) to maximize your earnings.
- Win the Tournament: This can be challenging, but practice makes perfect. Focus on mastering combat mechanics.
- Claim Your Prize: Tournament prizes often include high-tier armor pieces.
Pro Tip: Save Before Tournaments**
Save your game before entering a tournament. If the prize isn’t to your liking, reload and try again. This “save scumming” tactic lets you cycle through the prize pool until you find the armor you desire. I’ve used this countless times to snag specific pieces I needed to complete my character’s loadout.
While not the most glamorous method, raiding bandit hideouts can yield decent armor, especially early to mid-game.
- Find Bandit Camps: Locate bandit hideouts on the world map. Look for larger camps guarded by tougher bandits.
- Assemble a Party: Recruit a strong party of experienced troops.
- Raid the Camp: Engage the bandits in combat and defeat them.
- Loot the Spoils: Search the camp for chests and containers. These often contain armor, weapons, and other valuable items.
Don’t Underestimate Bandit Leaders
Some bandit leaders wield surprisingly good armor. Focus them down in combat to increase your chances of acquiring valuable loot. In my experience, Sea Raiders and Forest Bandits sometimes drop surprisingly decent armor, even early on.
When you raid and capture cities and towns, the loot you find on the defeated troops and within the town itself can yield amazing armor.
- Choose Your Target: Identify a city or town to raid.
- Gather Your Forces: Assemble a strong army.
- Lay Siege or Attack: Prepare to face a significant garrison.
- Plunder Your Riches: After victory, the real reward comes with the ability to loot the settlement.
High-Tier Units, High-Tier Loot
Focus on settlements defended by well-equipped troops. Factions like the Empire and Sturgians tend to have better-equipped garrisons, leading to better loot. Don’t neglect searching chests and other containers within the city; they sometimes hold valuable armor.
Certain factions in Bannerlord 2 are known for their distinctive and high-quality armor. Targeting these factions can be a reliable way to acquire specific pieces.
- Empire: Known for their well-rounded and aesthetically pleasing armor.
- Sturgia: Renowned for their heavy, durable armor, ideal for tank builds.
- Vlandia: Favors heavily armored cavalry, so focusing on them might yield good horse armor as well.
Becoming a Mercenary for a Faction
Enlisting as a mercenary allows you to participate in wars alongside your chosen faction, increasing your opportunities to loot their enemies (and sometimes acquire discarded armor from your allies).
Visiting wealthy cities and trading hubs will let you look at the goods in the area and will let you buy them in exchange for currency or through bartering.
- Find a Wealthy City: Look at the income rating of different cities in the game and go to the places that have high income.
- Talk to Merchants: Visit local merchants and see if they have the goods that you need.
- Negotiate for the Price: See if you have any goods on you that you can trade for a lower price.
Save Up and Be Patient
High-end armor can be very expensive. Save your denars and be prepared to spend a significant amount to acquire the best pieces. Check the markets regularly; stock rotates, and you might find a rare piece you’ve been searching for.
Mastering armor acquisition in Bannerlord 2 involves understanding armor stats and strategically exploiting various game mechanics. This article solves the problems of inefficient armor acquisition by providing concrete strategies like tournament manipulation, bandit camp raiding, strategic faction targeting, and exploiting trade opportunities. Stop relying on random chance and start proactively gearing up your character for victory.