This article tackles the challenge of effectively using cavalry in Bannerlord 2 battles. We’ll explore practical methods, delve into innovative strategies, and offer firsthand insights to elevate your cavalry gameplay. Discover how to maximize their impact on the battlefield, turning the tide of war in your favor.
Cavalry in Bannerlord 2 is a force to be reckoned with, but only when used correctly. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is paramount to their effective deployment. Their primary advantage lies in their speed and charge impact. They can quickly traverse the battlefield, flank enemies, and deliver devastating blows with their lances or swords. However, they are vulnerable in prolonged melee engagements, especially against heavily armored infantry and spear formations.
The Rock-Paper-Scissors of the Battlefield
Think of it like this: cavalry excels against archers and lightly armored infantry. Archers cannot effectively target them when they are charging, and lightly armored infantry will be routed by their impact. Conversely, heavily armored infantry and spearmen are cavalry’s natural counters. Spearmen can brace against charges, negating the impact and potentially unhorsing the rider, while heavily armored infantry can withstand the initial charge and engage in a prolonged melee where cavalry’s speed advantage is nullified. Terrain also plays a vital role. Forests and uneven ground significantly hamper cavalry movement, rendering them less effective.
Now, let’s dive into some practical methods for maximizing your cavalry’s effectiveness on the battlefield. These tactics are based on in-game mechanics and my own experiences from countless hours playing Bannerlord 2.
The Hammer and Anvil Tactic
This classic tactic involves using your infantry as an “anvil” to hold the enemy in place while your cavalry acts as the “hammer” to strike the flanks or rear.
- Position your infantry: Form a solid line or shield wall to engage the enemy head-on.
- Flank with your cavalry: Once the enemy is committed to the engagement, maneuver your cavalry around the flanks of the enemy formation.
- Charge!: Unleash your cavalry charge into the enemy’s flank or rear, disrupting their formation and causing chaos.
This tactic is highly effective against most enemy formations, but it requires good timing and coordination. Be mindful of terrain and enemy reinforcements.
The Hit-and-Run Technique
This tactic focuses on utilizing cavalry’s speed and mobility to harass and disrupt the enemy without engaging in prolonged melee.
- Identify vulnerable targets: Look for archers, skirmishers, or isolated units that are vulnerable to a quick charge.
- Charge and disengage: Charge into the enemy, inflict casualties, and immediately pull back before they can effectively counterattack.
- Repeat: Continue to harass the enemy with hit-and-run attacks, gradually weakening their forces and morale.
This technique is particularly effective against armies with a large number of ranged units or when facing a superior enemy force. However, it requires careful micro-management and can be risky if not executed properly.
Using Terrain to Your Advantage
Terrain can be your best friend or your worst enemy when it comes to cavalry warfare.
- Avoid forests and uneven ground: These terrains significantly hamper cavalry movement and reduce their effectiveness.
- Utilize open fields and plains: These terrains provide ample room for cavalry to maneuver and charge.
- Exploit hills and slopes: Charging downhill can significantly increase the impact of your cavalry charge.
Always be aware of the terrain and adjust your tactics accordingly.
Beyond the standard tactics, there are some innovative strategies and perspectives that can significantly enhance your cavalry gameplay.
The Decoy Cavalry Charge
This tactic involves using a small group of cavalry as a decoy to draw the enemy out of position or into a trap. Send a small group of cavalry directly at the enemy, provoking them to pursue. Then, lead them into a pre-planned ambush by your main cavalry force. This strategy is particularly effective against undisciplined or overly aggressive enemy commanders.
The Cavalry Screen
This tactic involves using your cavalry to screen your flanks and protect your archers from enemy cavalry charges. Position your cavalry on the flanks of your formation, slightly ahead of your archers. They can then intercept and disrupt any enemy cavalry charges, preventing them from reaching your archers. This strategy is especially useful when facing armies with a strong cavalry component.
My Personal Experience: The Importance of Troop Composition
In my experience, the effectiveness of your cavalry is also heavily influenced by troop composition. A balanced mix of heavy cavalry (like Cataphracts or Banner Knights) and lighter, faster cavalry (like Mamelukes or Khuzait Horse Archers) is crucial. Heavy cavalry can deliver devastating charges and hold their own in melee, while lighter cavalry can provide flanking support and harass the enemy. I’ve found that relying solely on one type of cavalry can be easily countered by a well-prepared enemy. For example, in one particularly memorable battle, I faced an army composed primarily of spearmen. My all-heavy cavalry force was decimated.
Breaking Down Factions: Cavalry Strengths in Each
Each faction in Bannerlord 2 has its own unique cavalry units with distinct strengths and weaknesses.
| Faction | Strongest Cavalry Units | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire | Cataphracts, Elite Cataphracts | Heavily armored, excellent melee combatants, strong charge | Relatively slow, vulnerable to massed archers, expensive |
| Battania | Fian Champions (dismounted) | Excellent archers, can be devastating from range | Weak in melee, vulnerable to cavalry |
| Vlandia | Vlandian Banner Knights | Powerful charge, good armor, decent melee combatants | Vulnerable to spearmen, less effective in prolonged melee engagements |
| Khuzait | Khuzait Horse Archers, Khuzait Heavy Horse Archers | Highly mobile, excellent archers, can harass enemies from a distance | Weak in melee, vulnerable to heavy cavalry charges |
| Sturgia | Sturgian Horse Raiders | Decent melee combatants, relatively cheap | Less armored than other heavy cavalry units, vulnerable to archers and spearmen |
| Aserai | Mamelukes, Faris | Fast, good archers, decent melee combatants | Less armored than other heavy cavalry units, vulnerable to heavy cavalry charges |
Understanding these strengths and weaknesses allows you to choose the right cavalry units for your army and tailor your tactics accordingly.
https://bannerlord.fandom.com/wiki/Units
Knowing how to effectively command your cavalry is just as important as having the right troops. Bannerlord 2 offers a range of commands and formations that can significantly impact your cavalry’s performance.
Utilizing the Charge Command
The charge command is the most basic, but also the most crucial. However, don’t just blindly charge into the enemy. Use the “F1” and “F3” keys to direct your charge to specific locations or targets. This allows you to focus your attack on vulnerable units or exploit weaknesses in the enemy formation.
Experimenting with Formations
Experiment with different formations, such as the line formation for maximizing charge impact or the scattered formation for reducing casualties from ranged fire. The wedge formation is also particularly effective for breaking through enemy lines.
Mastering the use of cavalry in Bannerlord 2 battles requires a combination of understanding their strengths and weaknesses, utilizing effective tactics, and mastering cavalry commands and formations. By implementing the strategies and insights outlined in this article, you can significantly enhance your cavalry gameplay and dominate the battlefield. Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different tactics and formations, and adapt your strategies to the specific circumstances of each battle.