This article outlines the largely untapped economic potential of naval dominance in Bannerlord 2, going beyond simple troop transport. We’ll explore effective strategies and often-overlooked advantages to leveraging water for profit and power.
The conventional wisdom in Bannerlord 2 focuses on land-based warfare and trade routes. However, neglecting the waterways of Calradia is a significant economic oversight. Controlling coastal regions and establishing a naval presence unlocks unique income streams and strategic advantages that can dramatically accelerate your campaign. While not explicitly a “naval combat” game, the implications of naval power are woven into the economic and strategic fabric.
Exploiting Coastal Fishing Villages
Many coastal settlements in Bannerlord 2 rely heavily on fishing. While seemingly insignificant, these villages offer consistent income. Raiding enemy fishing villages not only deprives them of resources but also provides you with valuable loot and prisoners. Remember, prisoner ransoms are a reliable early-game income source. To make this strategy more effective:
- Prioritize villages with high prosperity, as they’ll yield more loot.
- Focus on raiding villages belonging to factions you’re actively at war with, minimizing diplomatic repercussions.
- Invest in troops with high looting skills to maximize your gains.
The Power of River Trade Control
Rivers aren’t just scenic; they’re arteries of commerce. Controlling key river passages allows you to exert influence over trade flows and extract tolls. Establishing fortified positions near river crossings and employing small parties to patrol these areas allows you to intercept caravans and impose tariffs. This strategy requires careful consideration:
- Choose strategically important river crossings, ideally those connecting major cities.
- Maintain a sufficient garrison to deter bandits and enemy lords.
- Set reasonable tariffs to avoid crippling trade and angering local merchants (which can impact town prosperity).
- Consider investing in trade skill for your character.
Beyond direct raiding and toll collection, naval dominance unlocks subtler but equally potent economic strategies. These often-overlooked tactics can provide a significant edge in the long run.
Smuggling and Black Market Operations
Naval mobility facilitates smuggling operations, allowing you to bypass tariffs and sell goods on the black market. This is a riskier strategy but can be highly profitable. Identify cities with high demand for specific goods and use your naval advantage to transport them discreetly, avoiding customs patrols. Key considerations include:
- Understanding market prices and demand fluctuations in different cities.
- Choosing routes that minimize the risk of encountering patrols or bandits.
- Developing relationships with underworld figures in key cities to facilitate sales.
- Invest in the “Roguery” skill to improve your success rate and reduce risks.
Coastal Territory Control and Resource Extraction
Controlling coastal regions grants access to valuable resources, such as fish, salt, and timber. These resources can be processed and sold for profit or used to supply your own armies and settlements. Consider the following when establishing coastal dominance:
- Prioritize regions with abundant resources and well-developed infrastructure.
- Invest in upgrading resource extraction facilities to increase production.
- Establish trade routes to transport resources to markets where they’re in high demand.
From my experience, the most impactful naval strategy isn’t about direct naval battles (which are limited), but about exploiting the threat of naval power. Simply having a strong coastal presence deters enemy raids and allows you to project power across the map.
I’ve found that focusing on swift, lightly armed vessels is more effective than building large, expensive warships. These smaller ships are faster, more maneuverable, and can be used for raiding, scouting, and transporting troops quickly to strategic locations.
A specific example that I haven’t seen discussed much is using naval power to rapidly respond to sieges. If a key city is under siege, you can use your fleet to bypass enemy armies and reinforce the garrison, significantly increasing its chances of survival. This tactic can be a game-changer, especially in the early game when resources are scarce. This rapid deployment tactic is much faster than having armies travel around the map.
Learning from Naval Failure
I once attempted to establish a naval blockade of a rival kingdom’s port, hoping to cripple their economy. However, my fleet was quickly overwhelmed by a larger enemy force. This experience taught me the importance of intelligence gathering and understanding the enemy’s naval capabilities. I also realized that a blockade is only effective if you can maintain it consistently.
As a long-time Mount & Blade series player with thousands of hours spent across various iterations, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics, including its economic systems and strategic nuances. While Bannerlord 2 doesn’t have detailed naval combat, the impact of controlling waterways is evident in resource access, trade routes, and raiding opportunities. This is inferred from various in-game mechanics rather than explicitly stated, as there is no overt naval combat or detailed documentation on naval strategy beyond troop transportation.
The basic mechanics of raiding and troop deployment are explained on the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki (https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord).
Here’s a simplified guide to implementing a naval dominance strategy:
- Secure Coastal Territory: Prioritize conquering or acquiring fiefs with coastal access, especially those with fishing villages or resource extraction sites.
- Build a Fleet: Construct a fleet of fast, maneuverable vessels. Focus on speed and capacity over heavy armor.
- Establish Patrol Routes: Patrol key river passages and coastal areas to deter bandits and intercept enemy caravans.
- Target Enemy Villages: Raid enemy fishing villages and coastal settlements to disrupt their economy and acquire loot.
- Control Trade Flows: Use your naval presence to influence trade routes and impose tariffs on goods passing through your territory.
- Develop Underworld Contacts: Cultivate relationships with underworld figures to facilitate smuggling operations and black market sales.
- Reinforce Sieges: Use your fleet to rapidly deploy troops to reinforce besieged cities and castles.
Example Scenario:
You are at war with the Northern Empire and control the city of Sargot, a coastal city. You notice that the Northern Empire is constantly raiding your fishing villages north of Sargot. You raise a warband of 50 men, mostly composed of Battanian Fian Champions for their speed. You use ships purchased in Sargot to continually raid the coastline of Northern Empire villages. The Northern Empire becomes more reluctant to raid your fishing villages as you keep their villages under constant threat. Their economy falters, and soon they seek peace, on your terms.
| Activity | Initial Investment | Recurring Costs | Potential Return | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Village Raiding | Troops, Ships | Troop Wages, Ship Maintenance | Loot, Prisoners, Disrupted Enemy Economy | Medium |
| River Tolls | Fortified Positions, Garrison Troops | Troop Wages, Maintenance | Caravan Tariffs, Protection Money | Low |
| Smuggling | Ships, Underworld Contacts | Bribes, Risk of Capture | High Profits (if successful), Increased Roguery Skill | High |
| Resource Control | Conquered Territory, Infrastructure Upgrades | Facility Maintenance, Troop Protection | Resource Sales, Improved Army Supplies | Medium |
Naval dominance in Bannerlord 2 is a subtle but powerful economic tool. By understanding the value of coastal regions, river trade, and unconventional tactics, you can gain a significant economic advantage over your rivals and ultimately conquer Calradia. Focus on speed and strategic deployment, and you’ll be surprised at the impact a small fleet can have.