This article provides practical solutions to the common problem of supply shortages in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. We’ll cover effective strategies for maintaining a well-fed army, even during long campaigns, focusing on methods applicable to various playstyles. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the game, you’ll find valuable tips to keep your troops happy and fighting fit.
One of the biggest frustrations in Bannerlord 2 is seeing your army’s morale plummet due to lack of food. Fortunately, mitigating supply shortages is manageable with the right approach. Effective logistics isn’t just about buying food; it’s about planning, diversifying your sources, and adapting to the environment.
Understanding Food Consumption
Before diving into solutions, understand how your army consumes food. The size of your army is the primary factor, but troop type and morale also play a role. Higher tier troops generally consume more. Low morale can lead to increased desertion and negative effects on combat effectiveness, making food supply crucial.
Strategy 1: Smart Purchasing and Diversification
The most obvious way to acquire food is through purchasing it from towns and villages. However, relying solely on this method is risky. Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, and some towns might simply not have enough to feed your army.
- Diversify your sources: Don’t just buy grain. Buy cheese, dried meat, fish, and other provisions.
- Check prices across different settlements: Travel to nearby towns and villages. The difference in price can be significant.
- Buy in bulk when prices are low: When you find a settlement with a surplus and low prices, stock up as much as you can afford.
Strategy 2: The Art of Foraging
Foraging is a skill that allows your party to gather food while traveling. While the amount gathered is relatively small, it can significantly supplement your food supplies, especially on long journeys.
- Increase your Steward skill and that of your companions: Invest points into the Steward skill. Some companions also have Steward skills. This increases your party size limit and, most importantly, the amount of food you forage.
- Choose the right perks: Several Steward perks directly improve foraging efficiency.
- Forage in fertile areas: Plains and forests generally yield more food than deserts or snowy regions. Pay attention to the terrain on the map.
Strategy 3: Livestock Management
Bringing livestock along with your army provides a steady source of food. Cows, sheep, and other animals can be slaughtered as needed.
- Buy livestock in towns and villages: Look for livestock in the trade menu.
- Be mindful of speed: Livestock slows down your party’s movement speed. Only bring as much as you need.
- Slaughter strategically: Don’t slaughter all your livestock at once. Slaughter them gradually to extend your food supply.
Beyond the typical methods, several lesser-known tactics can significantly impact your food situation. These strategies often involve taking advantage of game mechanics and understanding the economic landscape.
Strategy 4: Raiding and Pillaging (Use with Caution)
Raiding enemy villages is a controversial but effective way to acquire food and other resources. This strategy will significantly damage your reputation with the raided faction.
- Target weak villages: Choose villages that are poorly defended.
- Be prepared for consequences: Raiding will lead to war and negative relations.
- Weigh the risks and rewards: Only raid when absolutely necessary, and be prepared for the long-term consequences.
Strategy 5: The Power of Workshops
While not a direct food source, workshops can provide a steady income that can be used to purchase food.
- Invest in profitable workshops: Wool Weavers, Breweries, and Tanneries are usually good choices.
- Choose the right location: The profitability of a workshop depends on the local economy and the availability of raw materials. A Wool Weaver will thrive in a region with lots of sheep farms.
- Reinvest your profits: Use the income from your workshops to purchase food and other supplies.
My Personal Experience: The Foraging Focus
In my experience, a long-term campaign necessitates maximizing your Steward skill and focusing on foraging. Early on, I often neglected this, relying solely on purchased food. This led to frequent crises and low morale. After investing heavily in Steward and choosing the right perks, I noticed a significant improvement. I was able to sustain a much larger army for longer periods without constantly worrying about running out of food. The difference was night and day.
Learning from Mistakes: The Bandit Raid That Backfired
I once attempted a quick raid on a bandit hideout near a town, thinking it would be a safe and easy source of supplies. However, the hideout was surprisingly well-defended, and the locals immediately turned hostile. This resulted in a costly battle and a significant drop in reputation, making it harder to trade in the area. I learned that day that careful planning and risk assessment are crucial before engaging in any hostile action.
Keeping an eye on kingdom policies, companion skills, and even trade rumors will give you an advantage in managing your army’s supply.
Consider Kingdom Policies
Kingdom policies can affect food consumption and availability. Certain policies might increase food production in fiefs or reduce the amount of food consumed by armies.
Companion Roles
Designate companions as quartermasters to leverage their Steward skill and improve your party’s overall efficiency in managing supplies. A skilled quartermaster will significantly reduce waste and improve foraging effectiveness.
Pay Attention to Trade Rumors
Trade rumors can give you valuable insights into the supply and demand of different goods in different regions. Use this information to identify areas where food is cheap and plentiful.
Useful table about the food in bannerlord 2
| Food Item | Tier | Weight | Replenishment | Purchase Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grain | 1 | 0.2 | Low | Villages, Towns | Basic, widely available |
| Bread | 2 | 0.3 | Medium | Towns | More filling than Grain |
| Dried Meat | 3 | 0.4 | High | Towns, Villages (specific) | Good for long journeys, high morale boost |
| Cheese | 2 | 0.3 | Medium | Villages (specific) | Moderate morale boost |
| Fish | 2 | 0.25 | Medium | Coastal Towns | Requires refrigeration (use quickly) |
Remember, success in Bannerlord 2 is about adaptation and flexibility. No single strategy guarantees success in every situation. Experiment with different approaches, learn from your mistakes, and adjust your tactics based on the circumstances.
By mastering the art of logistics, you can keep your army fed, happy, and ready to conquer Calradia.