Finding the right horse in Bannerlord 2 can dramatically impact your battlefield effectiveness and campaign speed. This article provides actionable strategies to acquire steeds that excel in both speed and maneuverability, setting you up for success whether you’re dominating tournaments, leading cavalry charges, or escaping overwhelming odds.
Understanding how horse stats translate into gameplay is crucial. Speed dictates your map movement and charging velocity. Maneuverability determines turning radius and how quickly you can respond in combat. Charge damage is a bonus but less crucial than speed and maneuverability for many playstyles. Horse tier also plays a role, with higher-tier horses generally having better stats. A good horse should allow you to outpace enemies and react quickly to changing combat situations.
Key Horse Stats Explained
| Stat | Description | Impact on Gameplay |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | The maximum movement speed of the horse. | Faster map travel, quicker charges, and improved ability to outrun enemies. |
| Maneuverability | How quickly the horse can turn and change direction. | Tighter turns in combat, better dodging, and improved responsiveness. |
| Charge Damage | The amount of damage dealt when the horse hits an enemy at full speed. | Increased effectiveness of cavalry charges. |
| Hit Points | The horse’s health; how much damage it can sustain before being disabled or killed. | Determines the horse’s survivability in combat. |
| Tier | A general indicator of the horse’s overall quality. | Higher tiers usually mean better stats across the board. |
Tournaments are a consistent and relatively safe way to acquire exceptional horses early on. Winning tournaments often rewards you with valuable horses, sometimes even warhorses known for their speed and maneuverability.
Targeting Tournament Rewards
Before entering a tournament, check the potential rewards. Look for horses like the Aserai Horse, Steppe Charger, or even rarer breeds. Save your game before entering the tournament. If the reward isn’t what you want, reload and try again – tournament rewards are often randomized. Focus on improving your melee combat skills, as winning tournaments consistently is key to this method. I’ve personally found that practicing in the arena with different weapon types helps prepare you for the varied combatants you’ll face.
Different regions in Calradia specialize in breeding different types of horses. The Aserai lands are known for their swift Aserai Horses, while the Steppes are home to fast Steppe Horses.
Exploiting Regional Horse Markets
Travel to these regions and browse the horse markets in towns and villages. Compare the stats of different horses carefully. Don’t just look at the price; consider the speed, maneuverability, and hit points. Sometimes, seemingly cheaper horses from specific regions can be a better deal than more expensive ones from other areas. I once found a relatively inexpensive Aserai Horse that outperformed a much pricier warhorse in terms of speed and agility.
While not immediately accessible, breeding can eventually create the best horses. To start, you’ll need to improve your clan tier and acquire a settlement with pastures.
The Long-Term Investment
Once you have pastures, you can begin breeding horses. Breed horses with desirable traits (high speed, good maneuverability) to increase the chances of offspring inheriting those qualities. This is a long-term project but can result in a stable of exceptional horses tailored to your needs. In my current campaign, I’m focusing on selectively breeding Aserai Horses with improved maneuverability stats.
Several horse types stand out for their combination of speed and maneuverability. These aren’t always the most expensive or obvious choices.
Specific Breeds to Watch For
- Aserai Horse: Found in the Aserai region, known for its excellent speed and decent maneuverability.
- Steppe Charger: Available in the Steppes, offering a good balance of speed and charge damage.
- Desert Horse: Another Aserai breed, lighter and faster than some warhorses, making it ideal for skirmishing.
- Battanian Pony: Surprisingly nimble and quick, a good option for lighter cavalry roles.
I’ve often overlooked the Battanian Pony, but its surprising agility has saved me in several tight situations. Don’t underestimate the value of testing different horse types to find what suits your playstyle.
Don’t forget your companions! Equipping them with fast, maneuverable horses significantly improves their combat effectiveness and party speed on the map.
Optimizing Your Party’s Mobility
Prioritize giving your key companions horses with good speed and maneuverability. This allows them to keep up with you on the battlefield and during campaign movement. Consider their combat roles when selecting horses; archer companions might benefit from faster horses to maintain distance, while melee companions need horses that can turn quickly in close combat. I personally prioritize speed for my scout companion to maximize their scouting range and avoid ambushes.
As a long-time player of the Mount & Blade series, including countless hours in Bannerlord 2, I’ve extensively tested different horse types and acquisition methods. My experience comes from practical application within the game, experimenting with various strategies to optimize my cavalry and party mobility. The advice provided is based on my direct observations and successful tactics employed throughout numerous campaigns. While Bannerlord 2 is constantly updated, the core principles of horse stats and regional availability remain consistent. For additional information on game mechanics, you can refer to the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wikipedia page.
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