This article addresses the economic challenges in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, focusing on practical strategies to overcome financial struggles. We’ll explore revenue generation, expense reduction, and smart investments, drawing from experienced player insights to provide actionable advice for a stable and prosperous campaign. This solves the problems of running out of money too quickly, struggling to maintain an army, and making poor economic decisions.
Maintaining a healthy economy is crucial for success in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Without sufficient income, you’ll struggle to recruit and maintain troops, upgrade your settlements, and ultimately, conquer Calradia.
The early game is often the most challenging financially. You start with limited resources and face numerous expenses. Here’s how to navigate this crucial period:
Focus on Profitable Activities in Early Game
Tournaments are your best friend. Bet on yourself to win and use decent armour and weapon. Early on, focus on participating in tournaments. Winning a tournament can net you a significant amount of denars and valuable equipment that can be sold for even more profit. These denars will help you buy better armour and a war horse.
Trading Smart For Beginners
Buy low, sell high. Sounds simple, right? Focus on buying goods in towns where they’re cheap (due to surplus) and selling them in towns where they’re expensive (due to demand or scarcity). Common early-game trade routes include:
- Aserai Territory to Empire: Trade dates, pottery, and other Aserai goods to Imperial cities for a profit.
- Northern Factions to Southern Factions: Trade furs and timber from the colder regions southwards.
Minimizing Troop Expenses in Early Game
Bandits are cheaper to feed than veteran soldiers. Recruit a small band of relatively inexpensive troops, focusing on tiers 1-3. These are sufficient for dealing with looters and bandits, which are your primary early-game threats.
Workshop Wonders: Early Investment Ideas
Workshops can provide a steady stream of income. Consider setting up workshops in towns with a high prosperity and a good supply of raw materials. Good early-game workshop choices include:
- Wood Workshops: Towns with a good supply of hardwood.
- Breweries: Towns with a good supply of grain.
- Potteries: Towns with a good supply of clay.
Avoiding Early Game Pitfalls
Avoid starting wars too early. Wars are expensive, both in terms of troop wages and potential ransoms. Focus on building your strength and economy before committing to large-scale conflicts. I have seen several players declare wars too early only to be forced to buy their way out.
As you progress, your economic opportunities expand. Here’s how to build a sustainable and profitable mid-game economy:
Caravans: Secure Trade Routes for the Long Haul
Once you have some capital, establish caravans. These trading parties automatically travel between towns, buying and selling goods. Choose a companion with high trading skills to lead the caravan for maximum profit and reduced risk of bandit attacks.
Managing Workshops for Maximum Profit
Check your workshops periodically. If a workshop is underperforming (making very little or no profit), consider changing its production or relocating it to another town. Competition and changing economic conditions can affect workshop profitability.
Smart Investments in Bannerlord 2
Investing in enterprises within your fiefs is the only way to increase your wealth. Upgrading town buildings, such as walls and militia training fields, improves prosperity and security, leading to increased tax revenue and trade income.
Managing Your Clan Tier and Party Size
Your clan tier directly affects your party size limit. While a larger party can be advantageous in battle, it also increases your wage expenses. Carefully balance your party size with your financial resources. Avoid having more troops than you can comfortably afford.
Tackling Mid-Game Challenges
Be prepared for economic downturns. Wars, sieges, and bandit raids can disrupt trade and reduce income. Maintain a financial buffer to weather these storms.
In the late game, you’ll likely be leading a large faction and managing multiple settlements. Here’s how to ensure your kingdom thrives economically:
Exploiting Vassal Taxes
Set tax policies that balance revenue generation with vassal loyalty. High taxes can generate significant income, but they can also lead to resentment and rebellion. Finding the right balance is crucial for long-term stability.
Developing Profitable Fiefs
Focus on developing your most profitable fiefs. Invest in infrastructure and projects that boost prosperity, trade, and tax revenue. Prioritize fiefs with good location, resources, and security.
Maximizing Trade Income
Establish trade agreements with other factions. This will boost trade income and improve relations. Consider establishing a “free trade zone” in your territory to attract merchants and increase trade revenue.
Strategic Warfare and Economic Considerations
Plan your wars strategically, considering the economic impact. Avoid prolonged wars that drain your resources. Focus on capturing key economic centers, such as towns with high prosperity and valuable resources.
Key factors in Late Game Economic Management
Efficiently manage your vassals, balancing loyalty with economic contribution. A disloyal vassal is not only a political liability but also a financial drain. Ensure they are contributing to your kingdom’s economy through taxes and trade.
| Strategy | Early Game | Mid Game | Late Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Generation | Tournaments, Trade, Early Workshops | Caravans, Optimized Workshops | Vassal Taxes, Trade Agreements, Developed Fiefs |
| Expense Management | Small Party, Cheap Troops | Balanced Party, Strategic Investments | Efficient Army Management, Peace Negotiations |
| Investment Priorities | Workshops, Basic Equipment | Enterprises, Companion Skills | Infrastructure, Vassal Relations, Strategic Warfare |
| Risk Mitigation | Avoiding Wars, Maintaining a Buffer | Diversifying Income, Preparing for Downturns | Strategic Warfare, Maintaining Stability |
I remember my first Bannerlord campaign. I was constantly broke, relying on raiding villages just to pay my troops. It wasn’t until I started focusing on trade and workshops that my economy truly took off. One key lesson I learned was the importance of diversifying my income streams. Relying solely on raiding or war is a recipe for financial disaster.
Another important tip: don’t be afraid to experiment with different workshop locations and production types. What works in one town might not work in another. Pay attention to the local economy and adapt accordingly.
I will note that the marketplace and trade is a volatile aspect of the game, you need to keep your eyes on it if you want to maintain the highest profit.
One personal preference: I always prioritize upgrading my personal fiefs. A well-developed town not only provides a steady income stream but also serves as a base of operations and a source of manpower.
Achieving financial stability in Bannerlord 2 requires a multifaceted approach. By focusing on profitable activities, managing expenses wisely, and making strategic investments, you can build a thriving economy that supports your ambitions of conquest.