Cavalry reigns supreme on the battlefields of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Knowing which units excel can drastically improve your campaign success. While some favorites remain consistently powerful, the game’s frequent updates and balance changes mean that relying solely on old information can lead to suboptimal choices. This article unveils five somewhat surprising, yet highly effective, cavalry units in the current version, moving beyond the typical recommendations to offer fresh perspectives and tactical advantages. We’ll explore their strengths, weaknesses, and practical applications, helping you dominate the Calradic landscape.
Many players default to the obvious choices – the elite Cataphracts or the heavily armored Banner Knights. However, several less-heralded cavalry units offer unique tactical advantages and cost-effectiveness that make them surprisingly powerful in the current game version. These units often shine in specific scenarios or when used in conjunction with other troop types.
Vlandian Banner Knight Alternatives: The Surprise Powerhouses
Vlandian Banner Knights are a well-known powerhouse. But their cost and recruitment restrictions can be prohibitive, especially early in the game. Let’s consider alternatives that offer comparable effectiveness without breaking the bank.
The Mameluke Heavy Cavalry: A Cost-Effective Anti-Cavalry Option
The Mameluke Heavy Cavalry, recruitable in Aserai territory, are excellent shock cavalry and anti-cavalry units. While perhaps not as heavily armored as the Banner Knights, they are significantly cheaper to recruit and maintain. This makes them a fantastic option for smaller, more agile armies.
- Weaponry: They wield a mix of swords and lances, giving them flexibility in combat.
- Armor: While not the heaviest, it’s sufficient to withstand a decent amount of punishment.
- Cost-Effectiveness: This is where they truly shine. You can field a significant number of Mameluke Heavy Cavalry for the cost of a smaller force of Banner Knights.
- Tactical Use: Use them to flank enemy cavalry, or charge directly into infantry lines to break their formation.
I’ve personally found that a core of Mameluke Heavy Cavalry, supported by Aserai infantry and archers, can be a formidable force, capable of taking on much larger armies, especially in open field battles. The key is to use their maneuverability to your advantage, constantly flanking and harassing the enemy.
Battanian Fian Champions on Horseback? The Archer Cavalry Option
Okay, hear me out. Fian Champions are widely considered the best archers in the game. But what if you could combine their deadly accuracy with the mobility of cavalry? While not a conventional cavalry unit in the traditional sense, Fian Champions mounted on horses (achieved through player customization and equipment choices) can be incredibly effective.
- Unmatched Ranged Damage: Their bows deal insane damage, especially against lightly armored targets.
- Mobility: Being on horseback allows them to kite enemies, maintain optimal range, and reposition quickly.
- Vulnerability: Their main weakness is their relatively light armor. They are vulnerable to melee attacks and enemy archers.
- Tactical Use: Keep them at a distance, constantly moving and firing. They excel at picking off enemy archers and harassing infantry formations before a melee engagement.
This strategy requires some micromanagement and careful positioning, but the results can be devastating. I once faced an army that vastly outnumbered me, but by using my mounted Fian Champions to focus fire on their archers and then harass their infantry, I was able to secure a surprising victory.
Kuzait Darkhan: Underrated Heavy Horse Archers
The Kuzait Darkhan are another cavalry unit that is often overlooked. They are armored horse archers with decent melee skills, making them versatile and adaptable to different combat situations. While not as specialized as the Fian Champions or the Mameluke Heavy Cavalry, their versatility makes them a valuable asset to any army.
- Horse Archery: They are proficient horse archers, capable of dealing significant damage at range.
- Melee Prowess: They are also competent in melee combat, allowing them to hold their own in close-quarters engagements.
- Armor: Their armor is decent, providing them with some protection against ranged and melee attacks.
- Tactical Use: Use them to harass the enemy at range, then charge into melee when the opportunity arises. They are particularly effective against lightly armored infantry and archers.
I’ve found them to be especially useful in sieges, where they can rain down arrows on the defenders from a safe distance. Their ability to switch to melee combat when necessary also makes them valuable in close-quarters engagements within the siege walls.
Sturgian Horse Raiders: Early Game Cavalry Dominance
Sturgian Horse Raiders, often available early in a campaign, provide surprising power. They are fast, relatively cheap, and surprisingly effective in skirmishes and flanking maneuvers. Don’t underestimate their potential.
- Speed and Maneuverability: Their key strength is their speed. They can quickly move around the battlefield, flanking enemies and disrupting their formations.
- Cost-Effectiveness: They are relatively cheap to recruit and maintain, making them a good option for early-game armies.
- Vulnerability: Their main weakness is their light armor. They are vulnerable to heavy cavalry and heavily armored infantry.
- Tactical Use: Use them for scouting, raiding, and harassing enemy forces. They are particularly effective against slower, less mobile armies.
In my early campaigns, I’ve relied heavily on Sturgian Horse Raiders to quickly build up my power and influence. Their speed and maneuverability allowed me to outmaneuver larger armies and secure key victories.
Imperial Elite Cataphract: Still a Top-Tier Choice
While this article focuses on surprising picks, it would be remiss not to mention the Imperial Elite Cataphract. They remain one of the best heavy cavalry units in the game due to their exceptional armor, powerful charge, and decent melee skills. They are the gold standard for heavy cavalry, and a reliable choice for any army.
- Exceptional Armor: Their armor is among the best in the game, providing them with excellent protection against all types of attacks.
- Powerful Charge: Their charge is devastating, capable of breaking through enemy lines and scattering formations.
- Decent Melee Skills: They are also competent in melee combat, allowing them to hold their own in prolonged engagements.
- Tactical Use: Use them to spearhead attacks, break through enemy lines, and protect your flanks.
While expensive, the Imperial Elite Cataphract is worth the investment if you can afford it. They are a game-changer on the battlefield, capable of turning the tide of any battle.
Choosing the right cavalry units is only half the battle. Effective tactics and strategies are crucial for maximizing their impact on the battlefield.
Terrain Awareness is Crucial
Cavalry thrives in open terrain. Avoid engaging in forests or other areas that restrict their movement. Use the terrain to your advantage, positioning your cavalry for optimal charges and flanking maneuvers.
Combining Unit Types Synergistically
Cavalry is most effective when used in conjunction with other unit types. Combine them with infantry to hold the line and archers to provide ranged support. This creates a well-rounded army that can adapt to different combat situations.
Micro-Management for Optimal Performance
Don’t just blindly charge your cavalry into the enemy. Use micro-management to target specific units, flank enemy formations, and exploit weaknesses. This requires practice, but the results are well worth the effort.
Training and Upgrading Your Cavalry
Investing in training and upgrades is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of your cavalry. Focus on improving their riding skill, weapon skills, and armor. This will make them more durable and deadly on the battlefield.
Here’s a quick comparison table of the cavalry units discussed:
| Unit | Faction | Strengths | Weaknesses | Cost-Effectiveness | Tactical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mameluke Heavy Cavalry | Aserai | Cost-effective, anti-cavalry, good shock cavalry | Not as heavily armored as some other heavy cavalry units | High | Flanking enemy cavalry, breaking infantry lines |
| Mounted Fian Champions | Battania | Unmatched ranged damage, high mobility | Lightly armored, vulnerable to melee attacks | Medium | Kiting enemies, picking off enemy archers, harassing infantry formations |
| Kuzait Darkhan | Kuzait | Versatile, good horse archers, decent melee skills | Not as specialized as other units | Medium | Harassing enemies at range, charging into melee, sieges |
| Sturgian Horse Raiders | Sturgia | Fast, cheap, good skirmishers | Lightly armored, vulnerable to heavy cavalry | High | Scouting, raiding, harassing enemy forces |
| Imperial Elite Cataphract | Empire | Exceptional armor, powerful charge, decent melee skills | Expensive | Low | Spearheading attacks, breaking through enemy lines, protecting flanks |
While Imperial Elite Cataphracts remain a top-tier choice, exploring the less conventional cavalry units discussed here can add depth and strategic flexibility to your Bannerlord 2 campaigns. By understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal uses, you can create armies that are both powerful and adaptable, ensuring your dominance on the battlefields of Calradia. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your playstyle and strategic goals.