Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers a complex and engaging medieval combat experience. However, sieges, a crucial part of the game, often present frustrating pain points for players. This article aims to address these common issues and provide practical solutions based on experience and analysis of the game mechanics. We’ll explore ways to improve your siege offense and defense, making them less of a slog and more of a strategic triumph. The core conclusion is, with the strategies outlined below, you can mitigate the ‘Bannerlord 2 siege pain points’, making sieges more manageable and even enjoyable.
Many players experience similar frustrations during sieges in Bannerlord 2. Common complaints include lengthy siege preparations, ineffective AI, and the tedious nature of breaching walls. Let’s break down these pain points and understand their root causes.
The Tortoise vs. the Hare: Dealing with Siege Preparation Times
One of the biggest complaints is the excessive time it takes to build siege engines. Waiting for siege equipment to finish can feel like an eternity, especially in the early game when resources are scarce. This waiting period can stall your campaign momentum.
The AI Dilemma: Commanding Troops Effectively
The AI in Bannerlord 2, both allied and enemy, can be unpredictable during sieges. Troops may not follow orders effectively, get stuck on terrain, or make questionable tactical decisions. This often leads to unnecessary casualties and frustration.
Breaching the Walls: The Tedium of Siege Assaults
Assaulting a well-defended castle can feel like a repetitive and tedious grind. Navigating narrow siege ladders, dealing with constant arrow fire, and fighting in confined spaces can be exhausting. This is especially true when facing superior enemy numbers or fortifications.
Now that we’ve identified the main pain points, let’s explore actionable solutions to overcome these challenges.
Shortening Siege Preparation Time: Prioritize Workshops and Clever Tactics
Waiting for siege engines can be mitigated, not eliminated, through careful planning.
- Invest in Workshops: Focus on setting up workshops in towns that produce wood or stone. This significantly increases the availability of these resources, speeding up siege engine construction. Focus on workshops that produce tools as this will significantly speed up your siege engine construction.
- Utilize Ballistae and Trebuchets Strategically: Instead of building all types of siege engines, prioritize ballistae and trebuchets. Ballistae are effective at destroying enemy siege engines and thinning out defenders on walls. Trebuchets can breach walls quickly, creating multiple entry points and disrupting enemy formations. Focus on destroying wall sections with trebuchets before initiating the assault, reducing the number of ladders needed.
- Exploit Weaknesses: Before launching a full-scale assault, scout the castle and identify weak points in the defenses. Focus your initial attacks on these areas to gain an advantage. Look for undefended walls or sections with fewer defenders. Sometimes, these can be exploited even without dedicated siege engines.
- Garrison Size: Understand that garrison size will affect preparation time. The more people defending, the more time it will take for your siege to have an impact.
Improving AI Troop Management: Formations and Direct Orders
While the AI has its limitations, you can improve their performance by using formations and giving direct orders.
- Utilize Formations Effectively: Use the formation commands (F1-F4) to group your troops into distinct units (infantry, archers, cavalry). Position archers on elevated ground to maximize their range and effectiveness. Keep infantry in tight formations to absorb enemy attacks. Formations are crucial for maintaining control and preventing your troops from scattering.
- Give Direct Orders: Don’t rely solely on the AI to make decisions. Use the tactical map (TAB key) to give direct orders to specific units. Tell them where to move, who to attack, and what formations to adopt. This allows you to control key areas and ensure that your troops focus on the most important objectives.
- Micromanage Key Units: During the assault, pay close attention to your elite troops. Issue specific orders to shield bearers or high-tier infantry, directing them to key chokepoints or vulnerable areas. This can significantly improve your chances of success.
- Understand Troop Types: Recognize the strengths and weaknesses of your different troop types. Use shield-bearing infantry to lead the assault, absorbing arrow fire and protecting other units. Deploy archers to provide covering fire and suppress enemy defenders. Use cavalry to flank and disrupt enemy formations once a breach has been created.
Minimizing Tedium in Siege Assaults: Diverse Tactics and Exploiting Terrain
Breaking through walls and winning a siege shouldn’t feel like a chore. Variety and adaptation are key.
- Utilize Multiple Entry Points: Instead of relying solely on siege ladders, create multiple entry points using trebuchets or siege towers. This forces the defenders to spread out their forces, making them more vulnerable.
- Flank the Enemy: Once you’ve breached the walls, send a small group of troops (preferably cavalry) to flank the enemy and attack them from behind. This can disrupt their formations and create chaos.
- Breach and Hold: Focus on creating a breach and then securing a foothold. Establish a defensive line inside the walls to prevent the enemy from pushing you back. Gradually expand your control over the castle, room by room.
- Terrain Awareness: Use the terrain to your advantage. Identify elevated positions that provide cover from arrow fire or choke points that can be easily defended. Use these features to your advantage to minimize casualties and maximize your effectiveness.
- Consider a Naval Landing: If the castle is accessible by sea, consider landing troops directly on the walls or inside the castle. This can bypass the main defenses and catch the enemy by surprise.
As someone who has spent countless hours conquering (and defending) castles in Bannerlord 2, I’ve developed a few personal strategies that have proven effective.
The Art of Patience and Resource Management
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of patience and resource management. Don’t rush into an assault without proper preparation. Take the time to build the right siege engines, gather sufficient supplies, and scout the enemy defenses.
The Power of the Right Troops
Another key factor is having the right troops for the job. Elite infantry with strong shields and heavy armor are essential for leading the assault. Archers with high accuracy and range can provide invaluable support. A small contingent of cavalry can be used to exploit breaches and disrupt enemy formations.
The Element of Surprise
Finally, don’t underestimate the element of surprise. Try to find unconventional ways to approach the castle. Launch an attack at night, exploit a weak point in the defenses, or use a diversion to draw the enemy’s attention away from your main assault.
These strategies are effective because they address the underlying causes of the pain points associated with sieges in Bannerlord 2. By shortening siege preparation time, improving AI troop management, and minimizing tedium in siege assaults, you can create a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
| Strategy | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Workshop Investment | Faster resource gathering for siege engine construction. |
| Ballistae & Trebuchet Prioritization | Rapid wall breaching and suppression of enemy defenses. |
| Formation Control | Improved troop coordination and reduced casualties. |
| Direct Orders | Precise control over troop movements and tactical objectives. |
| Multiple Entry Points | Forced enemy to spread forces and made them more vulnerable. |
| Terrain Awareness | Minimized losses and maximized effectiveness, especially for archers. |
Sieges in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can be challenging, but they don’t have to be frustrating. By understanding the core pain points and implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you can turn sieges from a tedious chore into a strategic triumph. Remember to be patient, adapt to the situation, and utilize all the tools at your disposal. With practice and perseverance, you’ll become a master of siege warfare and conquer the lands of Calradia.
Here are some frequently asked questions about sieges in Bannerlord 2, addressing common player concerns.