Capturing a castle in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can feel like an insurmountable challenge. But with the right strategy and execution, you can significantly increase your chances of success. This article breaks down proven tactics, going beyond the standard siege advice, to give you a real edge in your conquest. We’ll explore unconventional strategies, delve into practical tips based on my own in-game experiences, and help you understand how to leverage game mechanics to your advantage.
This article solves 3 problems: understanding optimal army composition, exploiting AI behavior during sieges, and efficiently managing castle garrisons after capture.
The most direct way to capture a castle is, of course, a siege. However, blindly throwing troops at the walls is a recipe for disaster. Before even approaching the castle, you need to lay the groundwork.
Scouting and Intelligence Gathering
Knowledge is power in Bannerlord. Before committing to a siege, thoroughly scout the castle and its surrounding area. Assess the size of the garrison, the types of troops defending it, and the terrain around the castle. High ground overlooking the walls is ideal for archer placement. Watch for patrols that might reinforce the castle during your siege. Knowing the enemy’s strength is the first step in conquering their fortress.
Building a Siege Army: Composition Matters
Your army composition is paramount. A balanced force is key to success. Here’s a breakdown of what you should aim for:
- Infantry (40%): Your frontline, responsible for absorbing enemy fire and engaging in melee combat. High-tier infantry like the Battanian Fian Champions or Imperial Legionaries are ideal.
- Archers (40%): Provide ranged support, weakening enemy troops on the walls and harassing defenders. Recruit the best archers available, like the Battanian Fian Champions or Khuzaits.
- Cavalry (20%): Used for flanking maneuvers and disrupting enemy formations, ideally after a breach in the walls. Cataphracts and Mamelukes are excellent choices.
Siege Equipment: Investing Wisely
Don’t underestimate the importance of siege engines. Constructing siege equipment before initiating the assault can drastically reduce your casualties. Build at least two ballistae to eliminate enemy siege engines and clear the walls. One trebuchet or catapult can then breach the walls. Prioritize destroying enemy siege equipment first, then target the walls. Consider saving some building for final assault preparations.
The AI in Bannerlord 2 is not infallible. By understanding its limitations, you can exploit its weaknesses to gain a significant advantage.
Luring the Garrison Out
A risky but potentially rewarding tactic involves luring the garrison out of the castle. This can be achieved by feigning a retreat or positioning a small force within sight of the castle. If the garrison is significantly smaller than your army, they may sally forth, giving you an opportunity to engage them in an open battle, where your cavalry can shine. Just be prepared for a tough fight!
The Bottleneck Strategy
AI pathfinding during sieges isn’t always perfect. Create a breach in the walls, but don’t immediately rush in. Let the AI funnel its troops through the breach, creating a bottleneck. Concentrate your archer fire on this bottleneck, and your infantry can easily hold the line.
Wall Climbing Prioritization
AI defenders often prioritize the destruction of your siege ladders over attacking your climbing troops. This is an issue especially when you make sure to build as many ladders as possible. If you spread out your attacks across multiple ladders and siege towers, the defenders will have to split their forces to defend the walls. This creates more opportunities for your troops to get on the walls and secure a foothold.
While traditional siege warfare is effective, sometimes you need to think outside the box to capture a castle quickly and efficiently.
Starvation Tactics and The Long Game
A patient approach can be surprisingly effective. Instead of directly assaulting the castle, besiege it and wait for the garrison to run out of food. This can take a while, but it minimizes your casualties. This works best against castles with large garrisons and limited food supplies. While besieging, remember to defend yourself against opposing parties who may try to come and defend the besieged castle.
Diplomacy and Betrayal
In Bannerlord, alliances are fragile. If you’re part of a kingdom, use your influence to convince your ruler to declare war on a faction that holds a castle you desire. Then, capture the castle for yourself and either request it as a fief or rebel and form your own kingdom. This is a risky strategy, but it can be very rewarding.
The Speed Rush
An alternative strategy is to build only one siege engine and immediately focus on assaulting the walls. Use the distraction caused by the single siege engine to send waves of infantry with ladders to the castle walls. If you can get enough troops on the walls before the defenders destroy the ladders, then you can quickly overwhelm the defenders and capture the castle.
Capturing the castle is only half the battle. You now need to secure and defend your new acquisition.
Garrison Management: Protecting Your Prize
Appoint a governor with high stewardship skill to manage the castle and its economy. Recruit a strong garrison of loyal troops to deter enemy attacks. Prioritize recruiting local troops to improve relations with the surrounding population. A well-maintained garrison is essential for preventing rebellions and defending against counterattacks.
Improving Loyalty and Infrastructure
Implement policies to improve the castle’s loyalty and prosperity. Construct buildings that increase food production, security, and prosperity. Lower taxes to improve relations with the local population. A happy and prosperous castle is less likely to rebel.
The Importance of Righteous Governors
Choosing the right governor can significantly impact the castle’s stability and profitability. Look for governors with high stewardship skills, which increase tax revenue and reduce construction costs. Some governors have special skills that provide additional bonuses, such as increased militia size or reduced garrison wages. Take the time to find the perfect governor for each of your castles.
It is also important to note that a governor who has a culture similar to the local populace will improve loyalty, but a governor who has a conflicting culture to the local populace will lower loyalty.
From my time spent conquering Calradia, I’ve learned that flexibility is key. You must adapt your strategy to the specific circumstances of each siege.
- Don’t be afraid to retreat and regroup if your initial assault fails. Sometimes, it’s better to cut your losses and come back stronger later.
- Use your companions effectively. Assign them roles that play to their strengths, such as scouting, medicine, or engineering.
- Pay attention to morale. A well-fed and well-paid army is more likely to fight effectively.
One particularly memorable siege involved a castle with a small but elite garrison. Rather than launching a direct assault, I opted for a long-term siege, cutting off their supplies and waiting for them to weaken. It took several weeks, but eventually, they surrendered without a fight. This taught me the value of patience and strategic thinking.
Another time, I underestimated the strength of a castle’s walls. My trebuchets were ineffective, and my troops suffered heavy casualties trying to scale the walls. I learned the hard way that it’s always better to overprepare than to be caught off guard.
Understanding the game’s mechanics is crucial for success. Here’s a quick rundown of some essential siege tips:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Scout First | Assess garrison size, troop types, and terrain. |
| Balanced Army | Aim for 40% infantry, 40% archers, and 20% cavalry. |
| Siege Equipment | Ballistae to eliminate enemy siege engines; trebuchets/catapults to breach walls. |
| Exploit Bottlenecks | Create breaches and funnel enemies through them for easy kills. |
| Garrison Management | Appoint a capable governor and recruit a strong garrison. |
Capturing a castle in Bannerlord 2 requires a combination of strategic planning, tactical execution, and a bit of luck. By understanding the game’s mechanics, exploiting AI weaknesses, and adapting your strategy to the specific circumstances of each siege, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to manage your garrison effectively and improve loyalty to maintain control of your new conquest.
These tactics will make you a formidable force in Calradia, turning you into a true conqueror.