The early game in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can be brutal. You’re weak, vulnerable, and constantly struggling to make ends meet. This article cuts through the noise and delivers five actionable solutions to common early-game problems, focusing on efficient strategies for building your power base. Forget grinding – we’re talking smart plays.
The first few hours are crucial for establishing a foundation for future success. Many players struggle with consistent income and early encounters.
Finding Reliable Early Game Income
One of the biggest hurdles is securing a reliable income source. Forget caravans right away – they’re death traps early on. Instead, focus on three key strategies:
- Tournament Hopping: Tournaments are the single best source of early-game income and experience. Each city holds tournaments, and winning them nets you a good chunk of denars and valuable equipment. Prioritize improving your combat skills (especially horseback archery and melee) before diving in. Look for tournaments offering horses as prizes; these are highly profitable when sold.
- Looting and Selling: Bandit hideouts are a decent source of income, but they can be risky. A safer approach is to target looters. They’re weak, plentiful, and their gear, while not amazing, can be sold for a consistent profit. Focus on areas with a high density of looters, like the outskirts of larger cities.
- Questing (Selectively): Many early-game quests are time-wasters or require you to fight much larger bandit groups. Stick to quests that involve delivering goods, hunting bandits (specifically those that target looters), or rescuing family members from small bandit groups. These are less risky and offer a guaranteed payout.
Smart Early Game Combat Tactics
Engaging in combat effectively is crucial for survival and profit.
- Exploit Terrain: Use the environment to your advantage. Fight on hills to gain a height advantage or use forests to break up enemy formations. Chokepoints are your best friend when facing larger groups.
- Horseback Archery: If you chose a character with high bow skills, horseback archery is incredibly effective. Kite enemies, staying out of melee range while raining down arrows. This is particularly effective against slower-moving enemies like looters and bandits.
- Focus Fire: In melee, prioritize taking down the most dangerous enemies first. Focus your attacks on archers and heavily armored units to quickly reduce the threat. Use the F1-F3 keys to command your troops to focus their attacks.
Table: Early Game Income Comparison
| Activity | Risk Level | Reward (Denars) | Time Investment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tournaments | Medium | 500-2000 | Short | Best source of income, requires combat skill. |
| Looting Looters | Low | 50-200 | Medium | Consistent, low-risk. |
| Delivery Quests | Very Low | 100-300 | Short | Safe and reliable. |
| Bandit Hideouts | High | 300-500 | Medium | Risky, requires a larger party. |
| Caravan Ownership | Very High | Variable | Long | Not recommended early game. |
A strong party is essential for both combat and completing quests. But building one takes smarts.
Recruiting the Right Troops
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 Troops are Your Friends: Don’t waste your money on expensive, high-tier troops early on. Focus on recruiting large numbers of Tier 1 and Tier 2 units. They’re cheap to recruit and maintain, and in large numbers, they can be surprisingly effective. Recruit recruits from villages, not cities, as they are cheaper.
- Prioritize Ranged Units: Ranged units are invaluable in early-game combat. They can inflict significant damage before the enemy even reaches your lines. Look for recruits with bow or crossbow skills.
- Companions are Essential: Recruiting companions early on is a huge boost. They can fill essential roles like scouts, surgeons, and quartermasters, and they’re also valuable in combat. Prioritize companions with high skills in scouting, medicine, and stewardship.
Training and Upgrading Your Troops
- Combat is the Best Teacher: The fastest way to level up your troops is to engage in combat. Fight looters, bandits, and participate in tournaments. Always lead the charge to maximize your experience gain.
- Training Grounds: Invest in building training grounds in your fiefs (once you have them). This will passively level up your troops over time.
- Choose Upgrade Paths Wisely: Research the upgrade paths for your troops and choose the ones that best suit your playstyle. Some upgrade paths focus on melee combat, while others prioritize ranged combat or support skills.
From my experience, the biggest mistake new players make is trying to do too much, too soon. They try to jump into caravan ownership or large-scale battles before they’re ready. Focus on building a solid foundation of income, a strong party, and developing your character’s skills.
Another key insight is the importance of scouting. A high scouting skill allows you to identify and avoid dangerous parties, as well as find lucrative opportunities like tournaments and bandit hideouts. Invest in scouting early on, either through your own character or a dedicated companion.
I’ve also found that befriending the right lords can be incredibly beneficial. Completing quests for lords can improve your relationship with them, which can lead to opportunities for employment and eventually, a fief of your own. Choose lords who are honorable and have a reputation for treating their vassals well.
Several common mistakes can cripple your progress in the early game:
- Taking on too much debt: Avoid taking out large loans early on. The interest payments can quickly eat into your profits and put you in a downward spiral.
- Ignoring troop morale: Keep your troops well-fed and paid to avoid morale penalties. Low morale can lead to desertions and decreased combat effectiveness.
- Underestimating the importance of trade: While not as lucrative as other activities, trading can be a steady source of income. Buy low in one city and sell high in another. Pay attention to supply and demand to maximize your profits.
As a long-time player of the Mount & Blade series, with hundreds of hours invested in Bannerlord, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and strategies. The advice provided in this article is based on my personal experience and observations, as well as information gathered from the Mount & Blade community.
While specific game mechanics can be subject to change with updates and patches, the core principles of efficient early-game management remain consistent. For more detailed information on specific game mechanics, I recommend consulting the official Bannerlord wiki and forums https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_&_Blade_II:_Bannerlord.
The early game in Bannerlord 2 can be challenging, but by focusing on efficient income generation, building a strong party, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can overcome these challenges and establish a solid foundation for future success. Remember to prioritize tournaments, recruit cheap but effective troops, and invest in scouting and trade. With a little planning and effort, you’ll be well on your way to conquering Calradia.