5 Solutions for Bannerlord 2 Troop Upgrade Path Pain Points

Bannerlord 2 offers a deep and rewarding experience, but the troop upgrade system can be a source of frustration. This article addresses 5 common pain points players face when navigating the troop upgrade paths, offering practical solutions and unique insights to streamline your journey to building a powerful army.

One of the primary frustrations stems from the sheer complexity of the troop trees. It’s often difficult to know which units are best for your playstyle and how to efficiently upgrade them. This can lead to wasted time and resources investing in units that ultimately underperform. Another common issue is the experience grind required to level up troops. The process can feel tedious and slow, especially when starting with low-tier recruits.

Optimizing Your Troop Choices

The first step to alleviating upgrade path pain is to research troop trees before committing. Websites like the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki provide detailed information on each unit’s stats, skills, and upgrade paths.[https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord_Wiki] Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different units will help you make informed decisions about which ones to prioritize.

Instead of blindly upgrading troops, consider what you want them to do on the battlefield. Do you need heavily armored infantry to hold the line, fast-moving cavalry to flank enemies, or skilled archers to rain down fire? Matching your troop composition to your tactical needs is crucial.

Accelerating the Troop Experience Grind

Leveling up troops can be a slog, but there are several strategies to speed up the process. Focus on engaging in battles that provide ample experience, such as fighting bandits or smaller enemy parties. The more enemies you defeat, the more experience your troops will gain.

Designate a companion as your Quartermaster. A Quartermaster with high Steward skill reduces the wages of your troops, allowing you to maintain a larger, more diverse force. This larger force will naturally gain experience faster. Furthermore, choose battles wisely. Sieges, while potentially lucrative, often result in higher casualties and slower experience gain compared to field battles.

Addressing the Cost of Upgrades

Upgrading troops can be expensive, especially when dealing with higher-tier units. Managing your finances effectively is essential to avoid running out of money and halting your progress. Prioritize trade routes and workshops to generate a steady income.

Also, consider focusing on a smaller, elite force rather than a large army of low-tier troops. While a large army might seem intimidating, a smaller group of well-equipped and highly trained soldiers can be more effective in battle. Regularly selling loot gathered from battles can also significantly boost your income.

Beyond the conventional advice, I’ve found some unconventional strategies particularly effective. One is to strategically use prisoners. Instead of always selling them for ransom, I often recruit prisoners from factions I am not planning on fighting. This provides a diverse pool of troops, often with unique upgrade paths not readily available within my own culture’s recruitment options.

Another personal tactic is to focus on training specific “seed” units. I identify a handful of low-tier units with exceptional potential in their upgrade paths and dedicate extra effort to leveling them up. These units then become the backbone of my army, providing a strong foundation for further expansion. This prevents the need to level up every single recruit individually.

Dealing with Troop Type Limitations

Each region in Calradia favors specific troop types. While you can recruit troops from any region, their cultural loyalty and upgrade paths can be limiting. Instead of sticking solely to your own culture’s troops, diversify your recruitment. Consider marrying a noble from a different culture to gain access to their unique troop options and loyalty benefits.

This is a detail you won’t find explicitly stated in many guides: focusing solely on your own culture’s troops can lead to a homogenous and predictable army. Embracing diverse units adds tactical flexibility and can surprise your opponents. For example, Vlandian Sharpshooters are powerful but vulnerable in melee. Having some Sturgian linebreakers to protect them makes a huge difference.

The Importance of Early Specialization

Many players spread their focus too thin, trying to recruit and upgrade every type of unit. Early specialization is key to overcoming the troop upgrade grind. Focus on developing a core group of specialized units that excel in specific roles.

For example, early in the game, I focus on developing a strong core of Fian Champions (if playing as Battania) or Imperial Legionaries. This allows me to quickly establish a powerful force capable of handling most early game threats, while I slowly develop other specialized units like cavalry and archers. This targeted approach significantly reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed by the vast number of upgrade options.

My experience with Bannerlord 2 spans hundreds of hours, during which I’ve experimented with numerous strategies and tactics. My insights are based on both practical gameplay and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. Understanding troop compositions and upgrade paths is paramount to success, especially on higher difficulties.

While the Bannerlord 2 troop upgrade system can be daunting, it’s also a crucial element of the game’s depth and replayability. By understanding the core pain points, implementing effective strategies, and experimenting with different approaches, you can overcome the challenges and build a powerful army that conquers Calradia. Consider subscribing to dedicated Bannerlord 2 YouTube channels for visual guides and up-to-date information on troop builds and strategies. [Example: Look for channels focusing on “Bannerlord 2 troop guides”].

Note: The actual costs and training times can vary depending on your skills, location, and the specific troop type.