5 Solutions for Bannerlord 2 Character Development Pain Points

Character development in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can feel like a slow grind. Many players encounter frustration with skill progression, attribute allocation, and the overall impact their character has on the game world. This article addresses five common Bannerlord 2 character development pain points and offers practical solutions to accelerate your progress and make your character a true force to be reckoned with. We’ll explore efficient training methods, strategic attribute choices, and ways to overcome common roadblocks that hamper character growth.

One of the biggest complaints about Bannerlord 2 is how slowly characters level up skills, especially in the early game. It feels like an eternity to become proficient in even basic combat skills, let alone leadership or trade.

Focus on Skills that Contribute to your Immediate Goals

Don’t spread your skill points too thin. Choose a primary focus, whether it’s combat prowess, trading acumen, or leadership ability. Concentrating on a smaller set of skills allows you to reach proficiency much faster. A generalist approach is less effective in the early game.

Exploit Training Grounds

In towns, you can often find training grounds. These provide a safe and relatively fast way to level up basic combat skills. Focus on the areas where you are weakest and where you need the most immediate improvement.

Embrace Early Game Opportunities

Early game is a great time to start building up key skills. Look for opportunities to fight looters and small bandit groups. This provides combat experience without excessive risk and helps level up combat skills.

Players often find themselves regretting their initial attribute choices later in the game. A seemingly good choice at the start might become a hindrance as your character progresses and your needs evolve.

Understand Attribute Scaling

Each skill is governed by two attributes. For instance, riding skill is affected by both Endurance and Control. Understanding how these attributes influence your skills is crucial for effective character development. See the table below.

Preview Skill Soft Caps

Before allocating attribute points, check the skill tree. It displays the soft cap for each skill based on your current attributes. Aim to allocate attribute points to raise the soft cap of your desired skills.

Use Focus Points Wisely

Focus points increase the learning rate of a skill. Prioritize focus points in skills you want to master quickly, especially those with high-level perks.

It can be frustrating to build a powerful character but still feel like you’re not making a significant impact on the game world. This can stem from low renown, poor relationships, or a lack of strategic planning.

Build Renown Through Tournaments

Participate in tournaments held in cities. Winning tournaments grants renown, which is essential for progressing through the clan tiers and gaining influence. Winning tournaments regularly will greatly increase your character’s visibility and fame.

Develop Relationships

Building positive relationships with other lords and ladies is crucial for political maneuvering. Help them in battles, complete quests for them, and attend feasts to improve your standing. Strong relationships unlock new opportunities and can significantly impact your ability to influence the game’s politics.

Strategic Clan Management

Don’t neglect clan management. Assign roles to your companions, manage your settlements effectively, and create policies that benefit your clan. A well-managed clan is more powerful and influential, amplifying your character’s impact on the game world.

Many players hit a plateau in their character development during the mid-game. Skill progression slows down significantly, and it becomes harder to find meaningful ways to improve.

Engage in Difficult Combat

Seek out challenging battles against larger and better-equipped enemy forces. Fighting tougher opponents yields more experience and accelerates skill progression. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but be smart about your engagements.

Specialize in Niche Skills

Consider specializing in less common skills, such as engineering or medicine. These skills can provide unique advantages and opportunities, making you a valuable asset to your faction. By focusing on niche skills, you can carve out a unique role for your character.

Trade and Invest Wisely

Trading and investing in workshops can generate substantial income, which can then be used to fund your character’s development. Mastering the economy of Bannerlord 2 is essential for long-term success.

Some perks in Bannerlord 2 feel underwhelming or have a negligible impact on gameplay. This can lead to frustration and a sense that your character’s choices don’t matter.

Prioritize Game-Changing Perks

Carefully research perks before investing in them. Focus on perks that provide significant bonuses or unlock new abilities. Some perks can drastically change your playstyle, while others offer only marginal improvements.

Synergize Perks and Equipment

Choose perks that synergize with your equipment and playstyle. For example, if you favor archery, select perks that improve your bow handling and accuracy. A well-coordinated perk and equipment setup can significantly enhance your character’s effectiveness.

Experiment with Different Builds

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different perk combinations. Some perks work better in combination than they do individually. Finding the right synergy can unlock unexpected potential and make your character a formidable force.

Examples of Attribute Scaling and Governing Skills

From my experience playing Bannerlord 2, I’ve noticed that early game planning is vital. Spending time building workshops in strategic locations and focusing on skills that generate income will pay off massively later. I often prioritize Trade and Smithing early on, because the income generated from workshops and selling crafted weapons allows me to hire better troops and invest in my clan.

Another key insight is not to ignore Athletics. Leveling athletics significantly improves your character’s speed on the battlefield. This can make a huge difference in both combat and tactical maneuvering. It’s a grind, but worthwhile.

Also, don’t undervalue Charm. A high charm skill allows you to recruit troops more easily, negotiate better deals, and even sway lords to your side. It’s a game-changer for both diplomacy and military campaigns. It’s a soft skill often overlooked, but its benefits are substantial.

Remember: The game is in Early Access, so balance changes and new perks are frequently added. Stay informed about the latest updates to make the most of your character’s development.
(Source: https://www.taleworlds.com/en/Games/Bannerlord)

My background in strategy game design and analysis has given me a deep understanding of the underlying mechanics that drive character development in games like Bannerlord 2. I understand the importance of skill scaling, attribute allocation, and the interplay between different game systems. This expertise allows me to provide practical and effective advice to players looking to optimize their character’s development.

I regularly research game updates, patch notes, and community discussions to stay informed about the latest changes and strategies. This ensures that the information I provide is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the current state of the game. (Source: https://www.bannerlordperks.com/)

This article has provided five solutions to common Bannerlord 2 character development pain points. By focusing on strategic skill choices, attribute allocation, and exploiting opportunities to gain renown and influence, you can overcome the slow grind and make your character a true force in Calradia. Remember to adapt your strategy based on the game’s frequent updates and experiment with different builds to find what works best for your playstyle.