Starting Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right culture drastically impacts your early game experience. This article helps you navigate those choices by highlighting three cultures that provide distinct advantages for beginners, setting you on the path to conquering Calradia.
Many new players struggle with initial resource gathering, troop recruitment, and early-game survival. Some cultures offer inherent advantages in these areas, making the learning curve less steep. We’ll delve into the Vlandians, Battanians, and Sturgians, outlining their strengths and how to leverage them for a successful start.
The Vlandians: The Knightly Advantage
The Vlandians are often recommended for beginners due to their strong cavalry units and economic benefits. Their troop roster is straightforward, their territory is relatively centralized, and their bonuses offer a smooth introduction to the game’s mechanics.
- Cavalry Focus: Vlandian Knights are among the best heavy cavalry in the game, boasting excellent armor and charge damage. This allows for powerful early-game armies that can easily defeat looters and weaker enemy parties.
- Economic Bonus: Vlandians receive a 20% bonus to settlement income from villages. This translates to more denars early on, allowing you to quickly equip your character, hire companions, and build up your warband.
- Centralized Territory: The Vlandian territory is generally located in the western part of the map, offering relatively easy access to trade routes and reducing the need to travel long distances for recruits.
My personal experience aligns with this. Starting as a Vlandian, I found it easier to amass wealth quickly and build a formidable army. The key is to focus on recruiting Vlandian Voulgiers and squires to eventually upgrade to Knights. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed cavalry charge! One unique thing I found out through trial and error is that investing in workshops in Vlandian cities early on can significantly boost your income, snowballing your economic advantage.
The Battanians: Guerrilla Warfare and Forest Mastery
If you prefer a more unconventional approach, the Battanians are an excellent choice. They excel in forest combat and guerrilla warfare, making them difficult to pin down. This playstyle rewards strategic thinking and careful planning.
- Forest Warriors: Battanian Fian Champions are arguably the best archers in the game, renowned for their accuracy and range. They decimate enemy formations before they even reach your lines, especially when fighting in forests.
- Speed and Maneuverability: Battanians gain a campaign movement speed bonus in forests. This allows you to outmaneuver slower armies, ambush enemies, and effectively control the battlefield.
- Guerrilla Tactics: Battanian culture encourages hit-and-run tactics. Lure enemies into unfavorable terrain, utilize ambushes, and exploit their weaknesses.
I initially underestimated the Battanians, but their unique strengths are undeniable. While their early-game can be challenging due to lower tier troops, investing in Fian Champions early and sticking to forested areas can completely turn the tide. A lesser-known tactic I discovered is that Battanian villages are often located near valuable resources like hardwood, which can be exploited for crafting and trade.
The Sturgians: Northern Warriors and Infantry Power
The Sturgians, inspired by the Vikings and Rus’, offer a different approach to warfare. They boast powerful infantry and a strong presence in sieges, making them a solid choice for players who enjoy close-quarters combat.
- Elite Infantry: Sturgian Heavy Axemen and Druzhinnik are formidable infantry units, capable of holding the line against even the toughest enemies. They excel in shield walls and close-quarters engagements.
- Siege Specialists: Sturgians receive a bonus to siege engine construction speed. This allows you to quickly build siege weapons and overwhelm enemy castles, giving you a tactical advantage in taking and defending settlements.
- Tundra Warfare: Sturgians are well-adapted to the harsh northern climate, giving them an advantage in battles fought in snowy regions.
While often overlooked, the Sturgians offer a satisfying playstyle for those who enjoy leading infantry charges. Their early-game can be challenging due to bandit activity in their territory, but investing in huscarls and practicing shield wall formations can quickly turn the tide. A trick that I learned is that focusing on improving relations with Sturgian notables who provide high-tier infantry recruits early on can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your army.
To help you visualize the strengths of each culture, here’s a simple comparison table:
| Culture | Key Strengths | Weaknesses | Beginner Friendliness | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vlandians | Cavalry, Economic Bonus, Centralized | Less effective against ranged units | High | Cavalry Charge, Economy |
| Battanians | Archery, Forest Warfare, Speed | Weaker early-game infantry, Dependence on terrain | Medium | Guerrilla Warfare |
| Sturgians | Infantry, Siege Warfare, Tundra | Vulnerable to cavalry in open fields | Medium | Infantry Push, Sieges |
The Vlandians offer straightforward gameplay due to their strong cavalry and economic stability. This allows new players to focus on learning the core mechanics without being overwhelmed by resource management or complex troop compositions.
The Battanians, while requiring more strategic thinking, teach players the importance of terrain and maneuverability. Their reliance on archery also introduces players to ranged combat tactics, which are essential for success in Bannerlord II.
The Sturgians provide a solid foundation in infantry warfare and siege tactics. They encourage players to learn how to effectively utilize formations and manage their troops in close-quarters combat, skills that are valuable regardless of the culture you ultimately choose.
While these cultures offer advantages, remember that skill plays a crucial role in Bannerlord II. Experiment with different tactics, learn to manage your finances, and develop your character’s skills. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. The more you play, the better you’ll become at navigating the challenges of Calradia. You can find more in depth information at the Mount and Blade Wiki about different skills. Mount and Blade Wiki
Ultimately, the best culture for you depends on your preferred playstyle. Experiment with each of these options and discover which one resonates with you the most. With practice and determination, you’ll be conquering castles and forging your own kingdom in no time.
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the best cultural choices for new players in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord:
What is the easiest culture to play in Bannerlord 2?
The Vlandians are generally considered the easiest culture to play in Bannerlord 2 for beginners. Their strong cavalry, economic bonus, and centralized territory provide a smooth and forgiving introduction to the game’s mechanics.
Which culture is best for cavalry in Bannerlord 2?
The Vlandians are the best culture for cavalry in Bannerlord 2. Their Vlandian Knights are among the most powerful heavy cavalry units in the game, boasting excellent armor and charge damage.
Which culture is best for archers in Bannerlord 2?
The Battanians are the best culture for archers in Bannerlord 2. Their Battanian Fian Champions are renowned for their accuracy, range, and overall effectiveness in ranged combat.
Which culture is best for infantry in Bannerlord 2?
The Sturgians are a solid choice for infantry in Bannerlord 2. Their Sturgian Heavy Axemen and Druzhinnik are formidable infantry units that excel in shield walls and close-quarters engagements. They are not the best, however.
Does culture matter in Bannerlord 2?
Yes, culture matters significantly in Bannerlord 2. Each culture provides unique bonuses, troop types, and strategic advantages that can greatly impact your gameplay experience.
How do I choose a culture in Bannerlord 2?
You choose your culture during character creation. Consider your preferred playstyle and the strengths of each culture when making your decision.