5 Smart Ways to Gear Up: Bannerlord 2 Best Armor for Companions

Choosing the right armor for your companions in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can significantly impact their survivability and effectiveness on the battlefield. This isn’t just about finding the highest armor rating; it’s about balancing protection, weight, and cost to create a well-rounded fighting force.

The key to equipping your companions effectively lies in understanding the core armor stats: head armor, body armor, arm armor, and leg armor. These values directly reduce the damage taken in those respective areas. Weight is another crucial factor. Heavier armor tires out your companions faster, reducing their combat effectiveness over long engagements. Finding that sweet spot between protection and stamina is essential. Finally, consider the cost. High-tier armor can be incredibly expensive, especially when outfitting multiple companions.

Prioritizing Protection for Different Companion Roles

The “best” armor truly depends on the role you’ve assigned to each companion. A heavily armored infantry companion meant to hold the line needs significantly different gear than a lightly armored scout or archer.

• Infantry/Melee Companions: These companions are your front-line fighters. Prioritize high body and head armor to maximize their survivability. Don’t neglect arm and leg armor, but focus on mitigating torso damage first.
• Archers/Ranged Companions: Archers should prioritize maneuverability and ranged skills. While armor is still important for survival, excessive weight can hinder their ability to reposition and maintain a safe distance. Lighter, high-quality body armor is ideal.
• Cavalry Companions: Similar to infantry, cavalry companions benefit from high overall armor, but mobility is also critical. Consider a balanced approach to ensure they can effectively engage and disengage from combat.
• Scouts/Support Companions: These companions, often used for scouting or as surgeons, should prioritize mobility and agility. Light armor or even no armor is acceptable if it allows them to move quickly and efficiently.

Where to Find the Best Armor

Finding the best armor requires exploring different avenues within the game.

• Tournaments: Participating in tournaments is a great way to earn high-quality armor as prizes. The gear you can win is often top-tier.
• Smithing: Once you develop your smithing skill, you can craft incredibly powerful armor. This allows you to customize the exact stats and weight of the pieces you create. Smithing is an investment but provides long-term benefits.
• Trading: Check the inventories of merchants in wealthy cities. They often stock rare and valuable armor pieces. Keep an eye out for items with exceptionally high armor values or unique properties.
• Looting: Defeating enemy lords and raiding settlements can yield valuable armor. While the loot is random, you may occasionally find powerful pieces.

From my experience, many players fall into the trap of simply equipping the highest armor rating available. However, I’ve learned that this can be detrimental to companion performance. I remember one campaign where I outfitted all my companions in the heaviest possible armor, thinking I was making them invincible. However, their stamina drained so quickly that they were practically useless after a few minutes of combat. I would suggest that understanding the trade-off between protection and stamina is something many new players don’t grasp.

The Stamina Drain Trap

Heavy armor significantly reduces stamina, impacting attack speed, movement, and overall combat effectiveness. A companion who is constantly exhausted is far more vulnerable than one with slightly less armor but more stamina. Lightweight options with decent protection are superior for ranged units and scouts, as they rely on maneuverability.

The Costly Mistake of Over-Investing

Spending all your denars on top-tier armor for every companion early in the game can leave you cash-strapped for other essential needs, such as recruiting troops or investing in workshops. Prioritize key companions and gradually upgrade their armor as your wealth increases.

The Neglect of Skill-Based Armor Choices

Certain armor types are better suited for companions with specific skills. For example, a companion with high riding skill can effectively use heavier armor without suffering significant stamina penalties while mounted. Take each companion’s skill set into account when choosing their gear.

Here are some practical tips to maximize your companion’s effectiveness based on my in-game learnings.

Customizing Loadouts for Specific Battles

Before a major battle, take the time to adjust your companion’s gear based on the expected enemy composition. If you’re facing a heavily armored enemy, consider equipping your companions with weapons that deal high armor penetration damage.

Regularly Checking and Upgrading Gear

As you progress through the game and your companions level up, their needs and capabilities will change. Regularly check their armor and weapons to ensure they are still optimized for their current role and skill level.

Managing Inventory and Equipment

Keeping your inventory organized is crucial. Designate a specific container or area for storing spare armor and weapons. This makes it easier to quickly equip companions when needed.

Here are a few unconventional ideas that can give you an edge:

The “Glass Cannon” Archer

While counterintuitive, consider equipping some archer companions with minimal armor and focusing entirely on maximizing their damage output. This requires careful positioning and micro-management, but a well-placed volley from these glass cannons can devastate enemy ranks.

The “Distraction Tank”

Equip one or two companions with incredibly durable but visually distinctive armor. This attracts enemy attention, drawing fire away from your other companions and troops. Use this “distraction tank” strategically to create openings for your more vulnerable units.

The “Budget Warrior”

Instead of chasing the most expensive armor, focus on finding well-rounded, mid-tier pieces that offer a good balance of protection, weight, and cost. This allows you to equip a larger number of companions without breaking the bank.

I’ve spent hundreds of hours playing Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, experimenting with different builds and strategies. This extensive experience has given me a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and the nuances of companion management. My insights are based on countless battles, strategic decisions, and lessons learned through trial and error. I’m not just repeating information you can find on a wiki; I’m sharing practical knowledge gained from real gameplay.

Table of Armor Examples for Companions

(Note: Armor values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific item.)

Ultimately, finding the bannerlord 2 best armor for companions is a matter of experimentation and adaptation. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches and adjust your strategies based on your playstyle and the challenges you face.

html