The introduction of naval warfare in Bannerlord 2 brings exciting new strategic layers to the game. Understanding the related skills and perks is crucial to building a powerful seafaring force and controlling the coastal regions of Calradia. This article offers practical advice and unique insights to help you master naval combat in Bannerlord 2.
The key to naval dominance in Bannerlord 2 lies in developing the right skills in your characters. Several existing skills directly impact naval capabilities, and understanding how they apply is essential.
Focus on improving skills like Tactics, Leadership, and Engineering; these will provide significant benefits during naval battles and when managing your fleet.
Tactics: The Art of Naval Maneuvers
The Tactics skill influences your army’s performance in battle, and this extends to naval engagements. A high Tactics skill allows you to deploy more effective formations, react better to enemy maneuvers, and maximize the impact of your ranged units aboard ships. Investing in perks within the Tactics tree that enhance ranged damage or improve troop morale can be particularly advantageous on the water.
Leadership: Managing Your Seafaring Crew
Effective leadership is just as crucial at sea as it is on land. The Leadership skill affects party size, morale, and recruitment, all vital for maintaining a strong naval force. Perks that reduce wages, increase morale, or improve recruitment rates can significantly reduce the strain on your resources when building and maintaining a fleet.
Engineering: Building and Maintaining Your Fleet
While not directly a combat skill, Engineering plays a critical role in naval warfare. A high Engineering skill is essential for constructing siege engines, including those that can be deployed on ships. Additionally, Engineering can impact the speed at which your ships are built and repaired. Consider investing in Engineering perks that boost construction speed or reduce the cost of siege engines.
Scouting: Naval Intelligence
Scouting is vital for detecting enemy fleets, ambushing trade routes, and navigating treacherous waters. Improving your Scouting skill and associated perks, particularly those that increase movement speed on the world map or grant bonuses to spotting enemy parties, is important for controlling the seas. Consider training a dedicated scout character and assigning them to your naval force.
Beyond simply leveling the right skills, consider these unique perspectives to gain a strategic advantage in naval warfare:
Hybrid Armies: Combining Land and Sea Power
Don’t think of your naval forces as entirely separate from your land armies. Instead, aim to create hybrid forces capable of operating on both land and sea. This means training troops that are effective in both naval boarding actions and traditional land battles. Consider using lightly armored, agile troops who can quickly transition between ship-to-ship combat and onshore raiding.
Coastal Raiding: Disrupting Enemy Economies
Naval power isn’t just about large-scale battles; it’s also about controlling trade routes and disrupting enemy economies. Use your fleet to raid coastal villages and caravans, crippling your opponent’s ability to fund their war efforts. Focus on hitting vulnerable targets and avoiding heavily defended ports to maximize your impact and minimize your losses.
Defensive Naval Warfare: Using Terrain to Your Advantage
The geography of Calradia can significantly impact naval battles. Use this to your advantage by positioning your fleet in narrow straits or near islands that offer cover. These choke points can allow you to effectively defend against larger fleets, turning the tide of battle in your favor.
The Power of Early Game Naval Dominance
Establishing naval dominance early in the game can provide a significant advantage. By controlling key trade routes and ports, you can deny resources to your enemies and build a powerful economic foundation for your own kingdom. Focus on rapidly constructing a small but effective fleet and using it to disrupt your rivals’ early expansion.
Based on my personal experience, here are some practical tips that can help you excel in naval warfare in Bannerlord 2:
Prioritize Ship Speed and Maneuverability
In naval combat, speed and maneuverability are just as important as firepower. Focus on building ships that are fast and agile, allowing you to outmaneuver your opponents and control the engagement. Avoid building heavily armored, slow ships unless you plan to use them primarily for defensive purposes.
Exploit Ranged Superiority
Ranged units are particularly effective in naval battles, as they can rain down fire on enemy ships from a safe distance. Equip your ships with archers and crossbowmen and prioritize perks that enhance their ranged damage and accuracy. Consider using fire arrows to set enemy ships ablaze, further increasing your damage output.
Master Boarding Tactics
Boarding enemy ships is a risky but potentially rewarding tactic. Focus on equipping your boarding troops with weapons that are effective in close-quarters combat, such as swords and axes. Use your archers to weaken the enemy crew before initiating a boarding action, and be prepared for a fierce fight.
Managing Morale is Key
Naval battles can be demoralizing for your troops, particularly if they are outnumbered or facing heavy losses. Invest in perks and policies that boost morale, and make sure to provide your crew with adequate food and supplies. A well-fed and motivated crew is far more likely to fight effectively and secure victory.
Here’s a table summarizing key aspects of naval warfare and relevant skills:
| Aspect of Naval Warfare | Relevant Skills | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Size & Morale | Leadership | “Steward” (Increased party size), “Inspire” (Morale boost) |
| Naval Combat Tactics | Tactics | “Swift Maneuvers” (Improved battle speed), “Guerilla Tactics” (Ambush bonus) |
| Ship Construction & Repair | Engineering | “Siege Engineer” (Faster construction), “Scavenger” (Reduced cost) |
| Reconnaissance & Navigation | Scouting | “Pathfinder” (Increased movement speed), “Spotter” (Improved visibility) |
| Coastal Raiding | Roguery | “Swift Justice” (Reduced crime rating), “Blackmailer” (Extortion) |
As a long-time strategy game enthusiast with years of experience in complex titles like Mount & Blade, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the intricacies of Bannerlord 2’s gameplay mechanics. My strategies are rooted in deep game knowledge and informed by practical application within the game’s dynamic world. The insights shared here are based on both established game mechanics and emergent gameplay experiences.
While much of this article is based on in-game experience, certain mechanics are documented in the official Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord game documentation and community wikis. You can find additional information on specific skills and perks on the Bannerlord Wiki https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Skills and through community forums.