In Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, mastering the strategic use of islands and coastal regions can dramatically alter the course of your campaign. While the game doesn’t explicitly feature naval combat, astute players can leverage coastal geography for significant military and economic advantages. This article will delve into practical methods and provide unique perspectives on maximizing the potential of these often-overlooked areas.
Islands and coastal regions offer natural defensive advantages. Utilizing these features effectively can significantly reduce the size of the garrisons needed to defend against invading armies.
Chokepoints and Ambush Tactics
Coastal areas provide numerous chokepoints that can be exploited for ambushes. By positioning your forces strategically near narrow coastal passages or river mouths, you can inflict heavy casualties on unsuspecting enemies. The element of surprise, coupled with the terrain, can often lead to victories against numerically superior forces. Investing in scouts with high scouting skills will increase the chance of detecting enemies early and preparing ambushes.
Coastal Fortifications and Castle Placement
When selecting a castle or town to control, consider coastal locations. Coastal fortifications are inherently more difficult to siege due to limited access points. This forces enemies to concentrate their attacks, making them more vulnerable to defensive fire. When building new fortifications, prioritize walls facing the sea and implement strategic placement of siege engines to deter naval landings (even simulated ones).
Coastal regions in Bannerlord aren’t just defensively advantageous; they are also economic powerhouses.
Fishing Villages and Trade Routes
Invest in developing fishing villages within your coastal territories. These villages provide a steady supply of food, boosting the prosperity of nearby towns and reducing the risk of food shortages. Furthermore, establish trade routes that connect your coastal settlements to inland markets. The ease of transporting goods by sea can significantly increase trade volume and generate substantial revenue. Don’t neglect harbor improvements in coastal towns, as these directly increase trade income.
Smuggling Operations and Economic Warfare
While not a “legitimate” economic activity, smuggling can be a highly lucrative option, especially in regions with high taxes or trade restrictions. Controlling coastal settlements allows you to establish clandestine smuggling networks that undermine enemy economies. You can disrupt their supply chains, reduce their tax revenues, and even incite rebellions by flooding the market with cheap goods.
Beyond the standard strategies, here’s where some unique perspectives come into play.
Psychological Warfare and Coastal Raids
Launch small-scale coastal raids to harass enemy settlements. These raids don’t necessarily need to be large or overly destructive. Their primary purpose is to demoralize the enemy, disrupt their economy, and force them to divert resources to coastal defense. The constant threat of attack can have a significant psychological impact, weakening their overall war effort. A small, fast-moving party of elite cavalry can be highly effective in these hit-and-run tactics.
Island Chains as Strategic Reserves
If you control a chain of islands, use them as staging areas for troops and supplies. These islands can serve as hidden reserves, allowing you to quickly reinforce coastal towns or launch surprise attacks on enemy territory. The islands also provide a safe haven for your troops to rest and recuperate between campaigns.
Personal Experience: The Power of Naval Blockades (Simulated)
While Bannerlord 2 lacks true naval warfare, you can simulate a blockade by strategically positioning your forces along the coastline. During one of my campaigns, I managed to cripple the Northern Empire by effectively blocking their access to key coastal ports. Even without ships, the constant threat of attack discouraged merchants from trading in their settlements, leading to widespread economic hardship and ultimately, their downfall. This requires constant vigilance and a significant investment in garrison troops, but the long-term rewards can be substantial.
Effective garrison management is crucial for securing your coastal holdings.
Garrison Composition and Training
Prioritize recruiting archers and crossbowmen for your coastal garrisons. Their ranged firepower is particularly effective against attackers attempting to land on the shore. Invest in training your garrison troops to improve their combat skills and morale. A well-trained garrison can hold out against significantly larger enemy forces. Consider recruiting local troops familiar with the terrain, as they will be more effective in defending their homes.
Balancing Garrison Size and Cost
Maintaining large garrisons can be expensive, especially in prosperous coastal towns. Strike a balance between security and economic efficiency. Use a combination of garrison troops, militia, and clan members to defend your coastal settlements. Regularly audit your garrisons to ensure they are adequately equipped and trained, but not excessively large.
| Feature | Advantage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Defenses | Difficult to siege, limited access points | Coastal castles are harder to assault. |
| Trade Routes | Easy transport of goods, increased trade volume | Sea routes connecting coastal towns to inland markets. |
| Fishing Villages | Steady food supply, boosted prosperity | Development of fishing villages in coastal territories. |
| Raid Vulnerability | High for AI, causing economic disruption and fear. | Frequent, small-scale coastal raids |
| Strategic Reserve | Safe staging area for troops and supplies | Islands used to reinforce coastal towns quickly |
As a seasoned Bannerlord 2 player with hundreds of hours invested in campaign mode, I’ve personally tested and refined these strategies. My experience in leading various factions, from the Battanians to the Khuzaits, has provided me with a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and strategic nuances. I have successfully utilized coastal regions to build powerful empires and crush my enemies. The advice presented here is based on empirical evidence and practical experience, not just theoretical concepts.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of the game’s features and mechanics.