This article provides five essential tactics for effectively using cavalry in Bannerlord 2 battles. Master these strategies to dominate the battlefield with your mounted warriors. We’ll cover unit composition, battlefield positioning, effective charging techniques, target prioritization, and managing fatigue to ensure your cavalry remains a potent force throughout the engagement.
Cavalry in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can be an absolute game-changer, or an expensive waste of manpower. The difference lies in knowing how to use them correctly. Many players simply charge their cavalry headfirst into enemy lines, which often results in heavy losses. But with the right tactics and understanding of unit strengths and weaknesses, you can turn your cavalry into a devastating force that breaks enemy formations and secures victory.
Understand Your Cavalry Unit Composition
The first step to effectively using cavalry is understanding the different types available and how they function best. Bannerlord offers a range of cavalry, from lightly armored horse archers to heavily armored shock cavalry. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses is crucial for deployment.
- Light Cavalry (Horse Archers, Skirmishers): These units excel at harassing the enemy, flanking maneuvers, and picking off isolated targets. They have high mobility but low armor, making them vulnerable in prolonged melee combat. Use them to disrupt enemy formations and draw attention away from your main line.
- Medium Cavalry (Lancers, Chargers): These are your all-around units. They can deliver a decent charge and hold their own in melee. They are more durable than light cavalry but not as powerful as heavy cavalry. Use them for flanking, supporting infantry, and chasing down routing enemies.
- Heavy Cavalry (Cataphracts, Elite Lancers): These are your shock troops. They are heavily armored and deal massive damage on the charge. They are slower than other cavalry types but can break through enemy lines and create chaos. Employ them in concentrated charges against vulnerable points in the enemy formation.
A balanced army will often have a mix of cavalry types to handle different battlefield situations.
Battlefield Positioning and Pre-Battle Strategy
Before the battle even begins, you need to consider the terrain and the enemy’s composition. Cavalry thrives on open ground and suffers in forests, hills, or sieges. Choose your battles carefully.
- Scout the Battlefield: Before engaging, send out scouts to identify advantageous terrain. Look for open fields where your cavalry can maneuver freely.
- Consider the Enemy: If the enemy has a large number of spearmen or pikemen, a direct charge can be suicidal. In this case, consider using your cavalry to harass their flanks or target their archers.
- Initial Formation: Position your cavalry on the flanks, ready to exploit weaknesses in the enemy line. Avoid placing them directly in front of the enemy infantry, as they will be vulnerable to ranged attacks.
Executing the Perfect Charge: Timing and Angle
The charge is the cavalry’s most powerful weapon, but it must be executed correctly. A poorly timed or angled charge can result in heavy casualties.
- Timing is Key: Wait for the enemy to be engaged with your infantry before launching your charge. This will distract them and make them more vulnerable.
- Flanking Maneuvers: Always try to charge the enemy from the flanks or rear. This will maximize the impact of your charge and minimize your losses.
- “Follow Me” Command: Use the “Follow Me” command to keep your cavalry in a tight formation before the charge. This will ensure that they hit the enemy line with maximum force.
- Bracing: Be mindful of the bracing mechanic. Enemy troops bracing with spears will inflict significantly higher casualties on charging cavalry. Try to bait out bracing or target units already engaged in melee.
- First-Hand Experience: From my experience, the ‘F4’ command is crucial. It allows you to tell your cavalry to ‘Charge’ or ‘Advance to position’ while you position them strategically and then release the charge at the precise moment. Don’t just let the AI decide when to charge!
Target Prioritization: Identifying Vulnerable Units
Not all enemy units are created equal. Focus your cavalry charges on vulnerable targets, such as archers, skirmishers, or isolated infantry units.
- Archers and Skirmishers: These units are lightly armored and vulnerable to cavalry charges. Eliminating them will significantly reduce the enemy’s ranged firepower.
- Isolated Infantry: Look for gaps in the enemy line or isolated units that can be easily surrounded and destroyed.
- Routing Units: Once the enemy begins to break, use your cavalry to chase down and eliminate routing units. This will prevent them from regrouping and prolonging the battle.
Managing Fatigue and Sustaining Momentum
Cavalry charges are exhausting for both the riders and the horses. Managing fatigue is crucial for maintaining your cavalry’s effectiveness throughout the battle.
- Rotate Units: Avoid using the same cavalry units for repeated charges. Rotate them in and out of combat to allow them to rest and recover.
- Conserve Energy: Avoid unnecessary movement or charges. Only engage when you have a clear advantage.
- Consider Skill and Perks: Invest in skills and perks that reduce fatigue and increase cavalry effectiveness.
- Personal Opinion: I find that keeping a reserve force of cavalry is invaluable. When your initial charge loses momentum, having fresh units ready to exploit openings can completely turn the tide. It’s like a second wind for your army.
Beyond the basics, consider these advanced tactics to maximize your cavalry’s impact:
The Hammer and Anvil: Combining Cavalry and Infantry
This classic tactic involves using your infantry to pin the enemy down while your cavalry flanks and crushes them.
- Engage with Infantry: Position your infantry to engage the enemy frontally.
- Flank with Cavalry: Send your cavalry around the flanks to attack the enemy from the rear.
- Crush the Enemy: As the enemy is engaged with your infantry, launch your cavalry charge into their flanks or rear, shattering their formation.
Decoy and Ambush: Luring the Enemy into a Trap
This tactic involves using your cavalry to lure the enemy into a prepared ambush.
- Position the Ambush: Hide a group of infantry in a forest or behind a hill.
- Lure the Enemy: Use your cavalry to harass the enemy and draw them towards the ambush.
- Spring the Trap: As the enemy pursues your cavalry, lead them into the ambush and unleash your hidden infantry.
Disrupted Charge: Breaking Formations and Causing Chaos
Instead of a single, powerful charge, send waves of smaller groups to disrupt the enemy lines, softening them up for your infantry.
Let’s look at some practical examples:
Scenario 1: Facing a Spear-Heavy Army: Don’t charge head-on! Instead, use horse archers to harass them, forcing them to break formation. Then, hit them with your heavier cavalry when they’re disorganized.
Scenario 2: Sieges: Cavalry are less effective in sieges. Instead, dismount them and use them as heavy infantry, taking advantage of their armor and weapons.
Scenario 3: Open Field Battle: Position your cavalry on the flanks, hidden if possible. Wait for your infantry to engage, then unleash a devastating flanking charge.
| Cavalry Type | Primary Role | Strengths | Weaknesses | Ideal Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Cavalry | Harassment, Skirmishing | Speed, Maneuverability | Low Armor, Melee Weakness | Flanking, Rear Attacks |
| Medium Cavalry | Support, Flanking | Balanced Stats | Jack-of-all-trades | Support Infantry |
| Heavy Cavalry | Shock Troops | High Armor, Charge Damage | Slow Speed, High Cost | Frontal Assaults |
As a long-time player of the Mount & Blade series, including hundreds of hours in Bannerlord, I’ve experimented with countless strategies. The most successful tactics are those that combine knowledge of unit stats with careful battlefield management. The strategies I’ve outlined above are based on my own experiences and observations in the game.
While much of this advice comes from in-game experience, understanding the underlying mechanics can be aided by consulting resources like the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki:
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki: https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord
This wiki provides detailed information on units, stats, and mechanics, helping you make informed decisions about your army composition and tactics.
Effectively using cavalry in Bannerlord 2 is a skill that requires understanding unit types, battlefield positioning, charging techniques, target prioritization, and fatigue management. By mastering these tactics, you can transform your cavalry into a dominant force on the battlefield and secure victory for your banner. Remember to adapt your strategies to the specific circumstances of each battle and learn from your mistakes. With practice and dedication, you can become a master of cavalry warfare in Bannerlord 2.