5 Solutions for Bannerlord 2 Economy Pain Points

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers a deep and engaging sandbox experience, but its economic complexities can often lead to frustration. Many players struggle with managing their finances, leading to crippling debt and hindering their progress. This article addresses common Bannerlord 2 economy pain points and provides actionable solutions to stabilize your income and thrive in Calradia. We will explore practical methods, share unique perspectives gleaned from extensive gameplay, and offer proven strategies to overcome these economic challenges.

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand the common reasons behind economic struggles in Bannerlord 2. These issues are often interconnected, compounding the player’s financial difficulties.

High Troop Wages

Maintaining a large and well-equipped army is expensive. Troop wages consume a significant portion of your income, especially with higher-tier units. A large standing army is often necessary for defense and conquest, but excessive troop numbers can quickly drain your coffers.

Inefficient Workshops

Workshops, intended as passive income sources, frequently underperform or even lose money. Factors such as town prosperity, competition from other workshops, and resource availability can significantly impact their profitability.

Caravan Vulnerability

Caravans are another source of passive income, but they are vulnerable to bandits and enemy lords. The cost of equipping and maintaining a caravan can be easily negated by a single successful raid.

Poor Town Management

Owning towns can be lucrative, but they also require careful management. Neglecting town prosperity, security, and loyalty can lead to economic downturns and even rebellions. Town management is a critical aspect of late-game economics.

War and Raiding

While war can offer opportunities for loot and ransoms, it also carries significant financial risks. Raided villages and lost battles can severely damage your economy. Constant warfare is a drain on resources.

Addressing these pain points requires a multi-faceted approach. The following solutions offer practical strategies for improving your financial situation in Bannerlord 2.

Optimizing Troop Composition and Wages

One of the most immediate ways to improve your economy is to carefully manage your troop composition.

1. Diversify your army with a mix of unit tiers. High-tier units are powerful but expensive. Balancing them with lower-tier troops can reduce your overall wage bill without significantly sacrificing combat effectiveness. Consider using cheaper units like recruits as fodder in sieges, reserving your elite troops for more decisive engagements.
2. Focus on units with high cost-effectiveness. Experiment with different troop types to identify those that offer the best value for their cost. For example, some mid-tier units may be surprisingly effective in certain situations.
3. Utilize garrison troops to defend your fiefs. Garrisons are cheaper to maintain than a large standing army. They can effectively deter bandits and small raiding parties, allowing you to reduce your personal troop numbers.
4. Consider raising militia to supplement garrisons. Militia units are free to maintain and can provide additional defensive strength, particularly in sieges. Investing in town improvements that boost militia training is a worthwhile long-term strategy.

Maximizing Workshop Profitability

Workshops can be a reliable source of income if managed properly.

1. Choose workshop locations strategically. Research the local resources and competition in each town. Workshops that produce goods using locally abundant resources and face limited competition are more likely to be profitable. For example, a brewery in a grain-producing town or a smithy in an iron-rich region are good choices.
2. Monitor workshop performance regularly. Check your workshop income frequently and be prepared to relocate or change production if necessary. If a workshop is consistently losing money, it’s likely due to competition or resource shortages.
3. Consider investing in town prosperity. A prosperous town provides a larger market for workshop goods, increasing demand and profitability. Supporting town projects and ensuring security can indirectly benefit your workshops.
4. Exploit war to maximize income. If at war, find the city that is farthest away from the front lines and set up workshops there for a reliable income.

Minimizing Caravan Losses

Caravans are risky investments, but their profitability can be improved with careful management.

1. Provide adequate escorts for your caravans. Hiring more guards reduces the risk of bandit attacks. While this increases the initial cost, it can significantly improve the caravan’s long-term survival rate.
2. Choose caravan routes carefully. Avoid routes that are known to be heavily infested with bandits. Stick to well-traveled roads and consider hiring companions with high scouting skills to identify potential threats.
3. Diversify your caravan investments. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your capital across multiple caravans to reduce the impact of a single loss.
4. Trade yourself. Starting out as a trader to make money fast by buying low and selling high with mules and pack horses.
   • Consider these tips:
     • Know your price range for each item.
     • Keep an eye out for supply and demand in each city.
     • Travel between cities that are not at war.
     • Pay attention to what bandits are nearby.

Effective Town Management Strategies

Owning towns can be a game-changer, but it requires active management.

1. Prioritize town security and loyalty. High security deters bandits and reduces the risk of rebellions. High loyalty ensures that the town population supports your rule. Invest in town projects that improve security and loyalty, such as building walls and hosting games.
2. Manage town prosperity to increase tax revenue. Prosperity is a key indicator of a town’s economic health. Focus on projects that boost prosperity, such as building granaries and improving infrastructure. A prosperous town generates more tax revenue and attracts more traders, benefiting your overall economy.
3. Balance tax rates to maximize income without harming loyalty. Experiment with different tax rates to find the sweet spot. High tax rates can generate more immediate revenue, but they can also negatively impact loyalty and prosperity.
4. Appoint governors with relevant skills. A governor with high stewardship and engineering skills can significantly improve town management. Choose governors who are well-suited to the specific needs of the town.

War Economy Tactics

War is inevitable in Bannerlord 2, but it doesn’t have to be a financial disaster.

1. Focus on capturing valuable loot and prisoners. Loot from battles and sieges can be sold for a significant profit. Capturing enemy lords and ransoming them is another lucrative source of income.
2. Raid enemy villages strategically. Raiding can disrupt the enemy’s economy and provide you with valuable resources. However, avoid raiding villages that are close to your own territories, as this can provoke retaliation.
3. Participate in tournaments for prizes and renown. Tournaments offer a relatively safe and reliable way to earn money and increase your renown. Practice your combat skills and aim to win as many tournaments as possible.
4. Become a Mercenary. As a mercenary, it is the easiest way to make income and can also get your renown up by supporting a kingdom.

Having spent countless hours immersed in the world of Calradia, I’ve developed some unique perspectives on managing the Bannerlord 2 economy. These insights go beyond the basic strategies and offer a deeper understanding of the game’s economic mechanics.

The Power of Relationships

One aspect that often goes overlooked is the importance of relationships. Building strong relationships with influential nobles can open up opportunities for trade, alliances, and even marriage. These relationships can provide you with access to valuable resources and political support, significantly boosting your economic prospects.

Specialization is Key

Instead of trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, focus on specializing in a particular economic activity. Whether it’s trading, crafting, or managing towns, mastering a specific area can give you a competitive edge and maximize your profits.

The Importance of Patience

The Bannerlord 2 economy is a long-term investment. Don’t expect to become wealthy overnight. It takes time and effort to build a stable and prosperous economy. Be patient, persistent, and willing to adapt to changing circumstances.

I’ve found success in focusing on crafting high-quality weapons and selling them to wealthy lords. This requires investing in smithing skills and building relationships with nobles, but the rewards can be substantial. I’ve also learned that raiding enemy caravans can be a surprisingly effective way to disrupt their economy and gain a competitive advantage.

As a long-time player of the Mount & Blade series, I have a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and strategies. My experience is based on countless hours of gameplay, experimentation, and research.

While in-game mechanics can change with updates, the core economic principles in Bannerlord 2 remain consistent. The strategies outlined in this article are based on proven methods and are designed to be adaptable to different playstyles and situations.

For more information on specific game mechanics and strategies, you can consult the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord

Overcoming Bannerlord 2 economy pain points requires a combination of strategic planning, careful resource management, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. By optimizing your troop composition, maximizing workshop profitability, minimizing caravan losses, and effectively managing your towns, you can build a stable and prosperous economy that will support your ambitions in Calradia. Remember to leverage relationships, specialize in specific economic activities, and be patient as you build your wealth and power.