Figuring out where to reliably acquire top-tier horses in Bannerlord 2 is crucial for building a powerful and mobile army. Speed is king on the Calradian battlefield, and having the right steeds for your cavalry, companions, and even yourself can make all the difference between victory and a crushing defeat. This article dives into the best locations and methods to secure those coveted horses, offering insights beyond the typical tips and tricks.
Finding the best horses isn’t just about going to a specific town; it’s about understanding which cultures prioritize horse breeding and trade. Some factions inherently have better access to superior breeds. Let’s explore the key areas.
The Aserai Lands: A Horse Trader’s Paradise
The Aserai, located in the southern desert regions, are renowned for their excellent horses. Their cultural focus on cavalry means you’ll consistently find a good selection of horses in their towns and villages. Look for Aserai Horse, Desert Horse, and even the occasional higher-tier breed.
Khuzait Territory: Steppe Horse Masters
Venture east to the Khuzait lands, and you’ll encounter another horse-centric culture. These steppe nomads are skilled riders and breeders, offering access to swift and hardy horses adapted to the harsh plains. Expect to find Steppe Horses and, potentially, some War Horses, known for their combat prowess.
Beyond the Obvious: Hidden Gems and Trade Routes
Don’t solely rely on the Aserai and Khuzait. Certain towns, regardless of the controlling faction, can become surprisingly good horse markets due to trade routes and random events. Keep an eye on towns near borders or those known for hosting frequent tournaments. Also, check villages connected to horse-producing towns; they often have hidden deals.
Knowing where to look is only half the battle. You need a strategy for efficiently finding and acquiring the horses you need.
Regular Market Checks: Patience is Key
Visiting markets frequently is paramount. The available stock in Bannerlord 2 changes regularly. Make a circuit of horse-producing towns, checking each market every few days. Use the “Tab” key to quickly browse the market without entering the town, saving time and resources.
Prioritize Towns with High Prosperity
Town prosperity directly impacts the availability of goods, including horses. A prosperous town will attract more traders and thus, a greater variety of horses for sale. Focus your market searches on thriving settlements.
Understanding Horse Stats: What to Look For
Don’t just buy any horse. Pay attention to the stats. Speed, maneuverability, and charge damage are crucial for cavalry. Carrying capacity is essential for pack animals. Consider the horse’s health as well; a healthier horse will last longer in combat.
Tournaments: A Chance to Win Elite Horses
Participate in tournaments, especially in Aserai and Khuzait territories. Winning tournaments can reward you with valuable prizes, including top-tier horses. Even if you don’t win, you might spot some high-quality horses being used by other participants, giving you a lead on where to find them.
Having spent countless hours traversing Calradia, I’ve learned that the “best” horse depends heavily on your playstyle. For instance, many players overlook the Courser for its seemingly low armor. However, its exceptional speed makes it perfect for flanking maneuvers and hit-and-run tactics.
The Value of Scouting and Horse Breeding
One aspect often neglected is scouting enemy armies. Identifying enemy cavalry types can inform your horse-buying decisions. If you’re consistently facing heavily armored cavalry, prioritize horses with high charge damage to break through their lines.
Beyond Buying: Horse Breeding and Improving Stock
While not explicitly implemented in the game as a direct player action, horse breeding is implicitly present through stock variations and upgrades. Purchasing a large number of lower-tier horses and keeping them in your party can, over time, lead to the emergence of slightly better breeds within your party’s herd. This is a subtle but noticeable benefit of maintaining a diverse range of horses.
The Illusion of “Guaranteed” Spawns
Many guides point to specific towns as guaranteed sources for certain horse breeds. While these towns are likely to have those breeds, the game’s dynamic economy means there are no guarantees. Relying solely on these guides can lead to frustration. Adapt your strategy based on what’s actually available.
The information presented here is based on hundreds of hours of gameplay experience and observations within the Bannerlord 2 environment. While the game is constantly updated, the core mechanics of horse availability and cultural influences have remained consistent. Further information about factions and their specializations can be found on the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Wiki.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord
| Horse Type | Primary Location(s) | Key Stats | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aserai Horse | Aserai Territory | Speed, Maneuverability | Light Cavalry, Scouting |
| Desert Horse | Aserai Territory | Endurance, Speed | Trade, Travel |
| Steppe Horse | Khuzait Territory | Speed, Charge Damage | Medium Cavalry |
| War Horse | Khuzait Territory | Armor, Health | Heavy Cavalry, Shock Troops |
| Courser | Vlandia, Battania | Speed, Maneuverability | Flanking, Harassment |
| Battanian Charger | Battania | Health, Armor | Infantry Support, Melee |
Mastering the art of finding valuable horses in Bannerlord 2 is an ongoing process. This article provides actionable insights, discussing the core areas for valuable horse acquisition, practical methods for efficient searching, and unique perspectives based on extensive experience. By combining this knowledge with your own exploration, you’ll build a stable of exceptional steeds and dominate the battlefields of Calradia.