How to Make Money Early in Bannerlord 2: Proven Strategies

This article provides actionable strategies to accumulate wealth quickly in the early game of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. We’ll explore trading routes, profitable combat tactics, and smart workshop investments to help you establish a strong financial foundation. This guide focuses on readily available methods, minimizing risk while maximizing profit.

The first few hours in Bannerlord 2 can be challenging financially. You start with limited resources, making it crucial to prioritize income generation. Focus on small, consistent gains before venturing into larger investments. This ensures a steady cash flow and avoids crippling debt.

Trading for Beginners

Trading is a reliable early-game money-maker, though it requires patience and understanding of market dynamics. Different towns have varying demands and supplies, creating opportunities for profit.

• Identify Profitable Routes: Look for towns selling goods at low prices and selling those same goods in towns where they are highly valued. Grain is often a good starting point. As an example, buy grain in Asgea and sell it in Pravend. Check the prices of goods in each town’s market by visiting the town and speaking to the trader there.
• Utilize Pack Animals: Donkeys and mules increase your carrying capacity, allowing you to transport more goods per trip. You can purchase these animals at most towns.
• Pay Attention to Security: Travel with a decent-sized party to deter bandits, who can quickly deplete your hard-earned profits.
• Invest in Trade Skill: Leveling the Trade skill will unlock perks that provide benefits to trading, such as increased caravan size and lower trade penalty.

Trading might seem slow, but it’s a safe and consistent source of income, especially early on. It also passively levels your Trade skill.

Smashing Bandits and Looting for Profit

Combat provides a faster, albeit riskier, path to wealth. Targeting bandits is a reliable early-game option.

• Hunt Looters and Sea Raiders: These are the weakest bandit types and pose minimal threat to even a small, well-equipped party. Looters are most commonly found around towns and villages, while Sea Raiders are typically along the coast.
• Sell Looted Gear: Bandit gear is often of low quality, but it can still be sold to merchants for a decent profit. Look for valuable items like horses or weapons.
• Capture and Sell Prisoners: Capturing bandits after a battle is a great source of income. Prisoner brokers can be found in most towns.
• Improve Your Combat Skills: Focus on skills like Riding, Weapon Skills, and Tactics to improve your combat effectiveness and reduce casualties.

I personally favor hunting looters near Ortysia. They’re plentiful, and the terrain is relatively flat, allowing for easy maneuvering. Don’t be afraid to retreat if you’re outnumbered or outmatched. Preservation of your troops is key early on.

The Workshop Wonder: Passive Income Streams

Investing in workshops can generate passive income, but it’s crucial to choose the right workshop in the right location.

• Research Town Needs: Before investing, visit a town and observe its economy. What goods are being produced? What resources are readily available?
• Focus on Resource Proximity: Workshops that process locally produced resources tend to be more profitable. For example, a brewery in a grain-producing town, or a wood workshop in a lumber-producing town.
• Avoid Oversaturation: If a town already has multiple workshops of the same type, consider investing in something different.
• Start Small: Begin with one or two workshops and reinvest the profits to expand your operations.
• Consider a Smithy: With the 1.2 patch, smithies are now a very viable choice. Smithies are consistent in generating profits compared to other workshops.

I made the mistake of opening a velvet weaving workshop in Zeonica early on, only to realize that the town was constantly raided and the price of velvet plummeted. Learn from my mistake: stability matters!

Tournaments offer a quick burst of income and valuable experience.

Entering and Winning Tournaments

Tournaments are held in arenas within towns. You can check which towns are hosting tournaments by visiting them and inquiring about local events.

• Bet on Yourself: Before each round, you can bet on yourself to win. The odds are usually favorable, especially if you’re skilled in combat.
• Master Weapon Types: Tournaments often feature different weapon types, so be proficient in a variety of weapons. Practice in the training arena.
• Recruit Companions: Companions can participate in tournaments alongside you, increasing your chances of success.
• Claim the Prize: The winner of the tournament receives a valuable prize, such as a weapon, armor, or horse. These items can be sold for a substantial profit.

I found that focusing on tournaments that offer horses as prizes was particularly lucrative. Good horses fetch a high price on the market.

Completing quests and contracts for nobles and town notables provides a steady stream of income and improves your reputation.

Accepting and Completing Quests

Nobles and town notables will offer various quests, ranging from escorting caravans to hunting bandits.

• Check for Profitable Quests: Some quests offer significantly higher rewards than others. Prioritize quests that offer a good balance of risk and reward.
• Manage Your Reputation: Completing quests improves your relationship with the quest giver, which can unlock further opportunities and benefits.
• Understand Quest Requirements: Carefully read the quest description and make sure you have the necessary skills and resources to complete it.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Decline: If a quest is too risky or time-consuming, don’t be afraid to decline it.

One crucial tip: Before accepting a quest, especially one involving combat, check the troop strength of the enemy. An “easy” quest can quickly turn sour if you’re facing a heavily armored force.

These strategies provide a solid foundation for early-game wealth, but long-term financial success requires more strategic planning.

Investing in Enterprises

Once you’ve accumulated enough capital, consider investing in enterprises, such as workshops or caravans. These provide passive income and allow you to scale your operations.

• Diversify Your Investments: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across different enterprises and locations.
• Manage Your Expenses: Keep track of your expenses and avoid unnecessary spending.
• Reinvest Your Profits: Reinvest your profits to expand your operations and generate even more income.

Becoming a Mercenary or Vassal

Joining a kingdom as a mercenary or vassal can provide a steady source of income and access to valuable resources.

• Mercenary Contracts: As a mercenary, you’ll receive a daily wage for your service.
• Vassalage: As a vassal, you’ll receive fiefs, such as towns and castles, which generate income through taxes and trade.
• Political Intrigue: Be prepared to navigate the complex world of politics and diplomacy.

Here’s a quick rundown of the discussed methods:

Here are some common questions players have about making money early in the game:

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By following these strategies and adapting them to your own playstyle, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving empire in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Good luck, and may your coffers overflow!