5 Proven Steps for Bannerlord 2 How to Start Your Own Kingdom Successfully

So, you’re ready to carve out your own empire in Calradia? It’s a daunting task, but with the right preparation and execution, you can absolutely establish a thriving kingdom in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. This article offers five concrete steps, going beyond the basics to provide insights you might not find elsewhere, based on countless hours spent conquering (and occasionally being conquered) in the game.

Starting a kingdom isn’t just about declaring independence. It’s about building a power base strong enough to withstand the inevitable wars and political maneuvering that will come your way. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, especially in Bannerlord.

Step 1: Accumulate Power and Resources

You can’t just waltz in and declare yourself king. You need significant financial resources and a loyal following. This is your pre-kingdom phase, and it’s crucial.

• Become a Vassal First: Join an existing kingdom. This is critical for several reasons. First, it gives you access to a fief. Second, it allows you to build relationships with other lords. Third, you get a taste of kingdom management without the immediate pressure of being the ruler.
• Acquire High-Tier Troops: Start training and gathering high-tier troops before you leave your current kingdom. Ideally, you want a sizable force of around 150-200 elite units like Banner Knights, Fians, or Legionaries.
• Build Renown: Participate in tournaments and battles. High renown attracts companions and potential vassals.
• Hoard Wealth: Focus on generating income through workshops, caravans, and fief taxes. Aim for at least 1,000,000 denars. This war chest will be vital for recruiting mercenaries and paying tribute.
• Increase Clan Tier: Work your way up to Clan Tier 4 or 5. This allows you to field larger parties and influence kingdom decisions.

Step 2: Choose Your Moment and Location Carefully

Timing is everything. Declaring independence at the wrong moment can lead to swift destruction. Location is also crucial; pick a defensible fief with good resources.

• Exploit Kingdom Weakness: Look for a kingdom that’s embroiled in multiple wars or has recently suffered a major defeat. Their weakened state makes them less likely to retaliate effectively.
• The Right Fief: Your ideal starting fief should be strategically located – perhaps near a border, but easily defended. Ideally, it should be a town or castle you already own and have heavily upgraded. Look for resources that can be used in town production, boosting your economy.
• Plan Your Secession: Once the kingdom is at war, request the fief you desire. If denied, rebel! This gives you a legitimate reason to break away and keeps your honor intact (somewhat).
• Garrison Your Fief: Immediately fill your chosen fief with high-tier troops. This will buy you valuable time in the initial period after declaring independence.

Once you’ve declared your kingdom, the real challenge begins. Here’s how to navigate the treacherous world of Calradia:

Step 3: Diplomacy is Key (Initially)

War is expensive. Focus on diplomacy in the early stages to consolidate your power.

• Non-Aggression Pacts: Offer non-aggression pacts to nearby kingdoms, especially those who are also at war. This buys you time to build up your defenses and recruit lords.
• Recruit Vassals: This is essential. Look for clan leaders who are honorable, have good relationships with you, and are currently clanless or dissatisfied with their current liege. Money talks, but offering fiefs is even more effective.
• Marriages: Arrange marriages between your family members and the families of powerful vassals. This strengthens your bonds and creates long-term alliances.
• Tribute: Sometimes, paying tribute is the smartest move. It might sting, but it’s better than being constantly at war with a superior force. Use this time to regroup and build your strength.

Step 4: Economic Stability is Paramount

A kingdom is only as strong as its economy. Focus on building a stable and prosperous economic base.

• Security: Protect your villages from bandits and raiders. This ensures a steady flow of resources and prevents unrest.
• Infrastructure: Invest in improving your towns and castles. Build workshops, upgrade walls, and construct siege engines.
• Trade Agreements: Establish trade routes with other kingdoms to boost your income.
• Taxation: Be careful with taxation. High taxes can lead to unrest and rebellion. Find a balance between revenue generation and public satisfaction.
• Develop Production: Focus on developing goods that are scarce. For example, if you control a lot of wool-producing villages, build weaving mills. This generates extra income that can also be invested back in your kingdom.

Step 5: Military Might and Strategic Alliances

Eventually, you will need to fight. Build a strong army and forge strategic alliances to defend your kingdom and expand your territory.

• Elite Troops: Continue to train and equip elite troops. A small, well-trained army is often more effective than a large, poorly equipped one.
• Strategic Alliances: Form alliances with kingdoms that share your goals and interests. This can provide valuable support in times of war.
• Defensive Strategy: Focus on defending your territory rather than aggressively expanding in the early stages. Let your enemies overextend themselves and then counterattack.
• Garrison Management: Don’t neglect your garrisons. A well-defended fief can withstand a long siege, buying you time to raise an army and come to its rescue.

Having played Bannerlord 2 extensively, I can offer some insights you won’t find in a typical guide.

• Companions as Governors: I’ve found that companions with high stewardship skills make excellent governors. They’ll efficiently manage your fiefs and boost your income. Also, give them troops that match their personality and specialty for extra bonuses.
• The Power of Charm: Investing in the Charm skill tree can significantly improve your ability to recruit vassals and negotiate peace treaties. A high charm stat is essential for any aspiring king.
• Don’t Underestimate Sieges: Sieges can be incredibly challenging, especially against well-defended castles. Invest in siege engines and be prepared for heavy casualties.
• Be Ruthless (Sometimes): Sometimes, you need to make difficult decisions. Executing rebellious lords might seem harsh, but it can send a strong message and prevent future uprisings.
• Experiment with Kingdom Policies: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different kingdom policies to see what works best for your play style and your kingdom’s needs.

The key to a successful Bannerlord 2 kingdom is adaptability. Be prepared to change your plans as the game unfolds and learn from your mistakes. Good luck, and may your reign be long and prosperous!

My insights come from hundreds of hours playing Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, experimenting with different strategies, and observing what works and what doesn’t.

While much of the specific gameplay knowledge comes from direct experience, the core game mechanics and lore are well-documented. You can find useful information on the Mount & Blade Wiki, including details on troop types, kingdom policies, and character skills:

• Mount & Blade Wiki: https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_and_Blade_Wiki
• Wikipedia Page on Mount & Blade: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade

These resources can provide a deeper understanding of the game’s systems and help you make more informed decisions as you build your kingdom.

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